Need a sun-soaked escape steeped in ancient history and coastal beauty? Head to Greece! From whitewashed island villages to towering mountain ruins, Greece offers a breathtaking blend of mythology, Mediterranean flavor, and picture-perfect landscapes. Whether you're island-hopping the Aegean, exploring Athens' Acropolis, or relaxing in a seaside taverna, Greece is timeless, warm, and unforgettable.
Greece Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete – Trek through one of Europe’s longest gorges, surrounded by cliffs, goats, and wildflowers.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Acropolis of Athens – Walk among ancient temples like the Parthenon and soak in sweeping city views.
- For Shoppers: Browse artisan markets in Plaka – Find handcrafted leather sandals, ceramics, jewelry, and olive oil in Athens’ oldest neighborhood.
- For Couples: Watch the sunset in Oia, Santorini – Share a magical moment overlooking caldera cliffs, domed churches, and the Aegean Sea.
- For Families: Discover Greek mythology at the Palace of Knossos – Visit Crete’s Minoan ruins and bring legends like the Minotaur to life for kids.
Best Time to Visit Greece
The best time to visit Greece is from May through October. Late spring and early fall offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. July and August are hot and lively, especially on the islands. Winter is mild and uncrowded—great for history and culture-focused trips.
How to Get to Greece
- By Plane: Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main international gateway, with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Popular island airports include Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), and Heraklion (HER).
- By Ferry: Regular ferries and high-speed boats connect mainland ports like Piraeus to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Ionian Islands.
- By Car or Train (within Europe): You can drive from nearby Balkan countries or take trains and buses to northern Greece.
Where to Stay in Greece
- Athens: Electra Palace Athens – Upscale hotel with rooftop pool and Acropolis views in Plaka.
- Santorini: Canaves Oia Hotel – Luxurious cliffside suites with private pools and panoramic sunsets.
- Crete: Blue Palace Elounda – Beach resort with a private beach, spa, and easy access to ancient ruins.
Best Things to Do in Greece
⮕ Bask in the Breeze at Elia Beach, Mykonos
A stunning stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation or upscale beach club vibes.
© Courtesy of sognolucido - Fotolia.com
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What is Elia Beach?
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Elia Beach
is one of the biggest sandy beaches on Mykonos Island; it is well managed and known for being gay-friendly.
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Where is the gay-friendly area of Elia Beach?
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You will notice the rainbow flag at the right side of the beach as you face the sea. Especially popular is the area between the flag and water sports rental shops.
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Which part of the beach has the best sand?
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That is also the part of the beach with the best sand, both outside and inside the water.
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Is there a more secluded gay beach at Elia?
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Towards the end of the beach, beyond the rainbow flag and beyond the rocky outcrop, is an almost entirely gay beach.
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Is there another smaller beach nearby?
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Farther behind is a smaller sandy cove, offering a more private atmosphere.
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Are there facilities at Elia Beach?
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The beach is well equipped with umbrellas, beach chairs, and fairly good food and drinks service.
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Is there a restaurant on the beach?
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Arte and Mare Resort has a restaurant where you can order a hot meal and drinks – a runner will deliver right to your lounge chair.
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When is Elia Beach most crowded?
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Elia Beach is generally quiet in the morning, with people arriving around lunchtime and leaving in the evening.
⮕ Step into Greek Heritage at the Benaki Museum
One of Athens’ premier museums, offering everything from Byzantine art to modern Greek culture in an elegant neoclassical mansion.
© Benaki Museum
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Who established the Benaki Museum?
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Antonis Benakis established the
Benaki Museum
of Greek Civilization in 1930 to honor his father, Emmanuel Benakis.
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What is the main focus of the Benaki Museum?
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The main collection focuses on Greek civilization and culture, spanning the entire history of the country.
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Where is the main collection located?
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The main collection is housed in the Benakis family mansion in Athens.
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Are there other collections within the museum?
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Yes, collections such as a large collection of Asian art, Islamic art, and Chinese porcelain and toys now have their own exhibit spaces.
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How many pieces are in the permanent collections?
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The permanent collections contain more than 40,000 pieces of art from various historical periods.
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What time periods do the museum's collections cover?
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The collections span from antiquity, including the times of Roman domination and the medieval Byzantine period, to the establishment of the modern Greek state.
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Has the museum collaborated internationally?
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Yes, parts of the museum's collections have traveled all over the world thanks to a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.
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What is the address and contact information for the Benaki Museum?
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Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece, Phone: +30-21-0367-1000
⮕ Escape to the Emerald Isle of Corfu
Lush landscapes, Venetian charm, and Ionian coastline make this island a dream blend of history and natural beauty.
© Courtesy of lukaszimilena - Fotolia.com
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What makes Corfu Island special?
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With rugged mountains, ancient olive groves, sparkling white sandy beaches, and an incredibly clear blue sea,
Corfu Island is one of the most beautiful and most popular Greek islands.
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Why was Corfu historically significant?
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Coveted for centuries for its strategic location in the Ionian Sea, Corfu was at times under British, Venetian, and French control, influencing its architecture and art.
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What kind of cultural influences can be seen in Corfu?
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Corfu's mixed heritage is reflected in its architecture and art, with influences from Venetian, British, and French rule.
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Is Corfu a cosmopolitan destination?
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Yes, Corfu is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and has some of the most lavish resorts in the area.
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Which towns in Corfu are worth visiting?
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You will find plenty of vibrant towns such as Paleokastritsa, Kassiopi, Sidari, and Acharavi.
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What is special about Old Town Corfu?
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Old Town Corfu is a UNESCO Heritage Site, featuring two enormous Venetian fortresses, lovely narrow medieval lanes, an ornate French-style arcade, and the spectacular Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
⮕ Marvel at Ancient Simplicity at the Museum of Cycladic Art
Explore minimalistic elegance through marble figurines and Cycladic artifacts that inspired modern artists like Picasso.
© Courtesy of imagIN photography - Fotolia.com
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What is the Museum of Cycladic Art?
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The Athens's
Museum of Cycladic Art
promotes and studies ancient cultures of the Aegean region and Cyprus, focusing especially on Cycladic Art of the 3rd millennium BC.
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When was the museum founded?
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The museum was founded in 1986 with the collection of Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris.
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Has the museum expanded over time?
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Yes, the museum has grown significantly with additional donations and acquisitions.
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What was the Cycladic civilization?
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The Cycladic civilization thrived throughout the central Aegean in the Early Bronze Age, around the 3rd millennium BC.
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What kind of artifacts are in the museum's collection?
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The museum has one of the world's most comprehensive and largest collections of Cycladic antiquities, featuring marble vases and figurines, bronze tools and weapons, and pottery.
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Where is the Museum of Cycladic Art located?
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Neofitou Douka 4, Athina 106 74, Greece, Phone: +30-21-0722-8321
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Travel Back in Time at the Delphi Theatre
Set on a dramatic mountainside, this ancient amphitheater offers history, myth, and one of Greece’s most legendary views.
© Courtesy of Nedelia - Fotolia.com
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What is special about the Delphi Theatre?
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If you are lucky to visit Delphi in the summer and attend a concert or play at the theatre, it will thrill you to think that people have been sitting in the same seats since the 4th century B.C..
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What material is the theatre made of?
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The theatre is made of beautiful Mount Parnassus limestone and has been wonderfully preserved over time.
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What view does the theatre offer?
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It offers a spectacular view of the entire Delphi sanctuary, where the ancient Oracle once advised the Greeks.
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What natural surroundings make Delphi special?
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The surrounding olive groves add to the breathtaking beauty of Delphi.
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How many people could the Delphi Theatre seat?
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Restored and added to many times, the
Delphi Theatre
could seat more than 5,000 people in its time.
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What other important archaeological site is near the theatre?
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On the same hill, a little lower, is another significant Greek archaeological treasure, the Temple of Apollo.
⮕ If You Want to Taste Greece Beyond the Gyro, Book an Athens Food Tour
Explore bustling markets, hidden eateries, and traditional flavors with local guides who bring the city’s cuisine to life.
© Athens Food Tours
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What makes Greek food special?
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Greece is famous for its fantastic food, and visiting Athens offers a great opportunity to taste authentic Greek delicacies.
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What is Athens Food Tours?
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Athens Food Tours
takes visitors away from large, noisy, and touristy restaurants to places where local Greeks eat.
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Who leads the Athens Food Tours?
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The tours are led by food experts who are passionate about what they do.
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What places will the tour visit?
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The tour takes participants to hidden little eateries, the Varvakeios Food Market, spice shops, and specialty stores like butchers, bakers, sweet shops, pie shops, and olive merchants.
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What will you learn during the tour?
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You will learn about the history, spices, and ingredients of famous Greek dishes and the origin of the Mediterranean Diet.
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How long is the Athens Food Tour?
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It is a leisurely three-hour walking tour that allows visitors to see Athens from a different perspective.
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Where does the tour start and end?
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The tour starts and ends near Monastiraki Square and the famous Athens Flea Market.
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What is the contact information for Athens Food Tours?
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Korai, Athina 105 64, Greece, Phone: +30-21-0884-6184
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Discover Earth’s Wonders at the Goulandris Natural History Museum
From fossils to flora, this family-friendly stop near Athens offers a deep dive into Greece’s rich natural environment.
© Goulandris Natural History Museum
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What is the Goulandris Natural History Museum?
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Located in Kifisia, a northeastern suburb of Athens, the
Goulandris Natural History Museum
was founded in 1965 by Angelos and Niki Goulandris to promote interest in the natural sciences and raise awareness about protecting Greece's natural habitats and species.
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What kind of collections does the museum have?
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The museum has significant collections of Greek mammals, insects, birds, shells, reptiles, minerals, rocks, and fossils.
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How extensive are the botanical collections?
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The botanical collections feature more than 200,000 species of plants, including 145 newly discovered species.
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What exhibits make the museum fun for kids?
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The museum has a 7.16-meter replica of Triceratops, life-sized replicas of a zebra, giraffe, and white rhino, and a fascinating collection of ancient fossils.
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What is the Gaia Centre exhibit?
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One of the most popular exhibits, the Gaia Centre, demonstrates how modern human activity has influenced the development and "behavior" of planet Earth.
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Where is the Goulandris Natural History Museum located?
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Levidou 13, Kifisia 145 62, Greece, Phone: +30-21-0801-5870
⮕ Fall for the Charm of Kefalonia
Turquoise beaches, subterranean lakes, and quaint villages make this Ionian island a relaxed yet magical destination.
© Courtesy of adisa - Fotolia.com
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What is special about Kefalonia?
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The largest island of the Greek Ionian Sea,
Kefalonia
is known for its lush greenery and stunning landscapes.
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What kind of vegetation covers Kefalonia?
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The island is covered with pine, cypress, and ancient olive trees, especially on the slopes of Mt. Ainos.
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What is Kefalonia known for in terms of wine production?
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At the base of Mt. Ainos, lush vineyards grow plump grapes, producing the popular Robola wine.
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What makes Kefalonia's beaches special?
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The island has wonderful beaches with soft bright white sand and clear blue-green waters, perfect for snorkeling or diving.
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What marine life can be found around Kefalonia?
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Visitors can spot rare sea turtles that take refuge in Kefalonia’s waters or playful monk seals.
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What cultural and historical sites can be explored?
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The island offers medieval villages, castles, and monasteries to explore, along with small village taverns serving traditional Kefalonia delicacies.
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What is the must-see natural attraction in Kefalonia?
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A visit to the cave lake of Melissani is highly recommended, as it is a spectacular and almost unearthly site.
⮕ Soak in Sculpted Serenity at Kolymbithres Beach, Paros
Granite rock formations and shallow azure coves offer a natural masterpiece on one of the Cyclades’ most beloved beaches.
© Courtesy of jsk12 - Fotolia.com
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What is Kolymbithres Beach?
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Located in the vast Naoussa Bay,
Kolymbithres Beach
is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches on Paros Island.
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What makes Kolymbithres Beach unique?
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The beach is known for its huge granite blocks that have been sculpted into smooth shapes by centuries of sea and wind erosion.
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How is Kolymbithres Beach structured?
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The beach consists of many small sandy coves that lay one after another, creating the illusion of having your own private beach.
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Are there facilities available at the beach?
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Some of the beaches offer water sports, umbrellas, and sunbed rental facilities.
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Are there places to eat near Kolymbithres Beach?
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Yes, along the road to the beach, visitors can find several taverns and beach bars.
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How can you reach Kolymbithres Beach?
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The beach can be accessed by car, bus, or small fishing boats from Naoussa Port.
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Is there a historical site near Kolymbithres Beach?
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Yes, on the hill overlooking the beach, there is an archaeological site with the remains of the Mycenaean Acropolis from the 13th century BC.
Where to Eat in Greece
- Kuzina (Athens) – Modern taverna with rooftop Acropolis views and inventive Greek cuisine.
- To Psaraki (Santorini) – Fresh seafood with caldera views in a laid-back, chic setting near the beach.
- Ergon Agora (Thessaloniki & Athens) – Gourmet market and restaurant offering regional cheeses, olives, and traditional dishes with flair.
If you are interested in local events:
- Greek Orthodox Easter (Spring) – Experience fireworks, lamb feasts, and spiritual celebrations throughout the country.
- Epidaurus Festival (June–August) – Watch ancient Greek dramas performed under the stars at a 2,000-year-old theater.
- Navarinia Festival (October, Kalamata) – Cultural celebration marking a historic naval battle with dancing, fireworks, and parades.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Major Greek Hubs:
- Athens to Cape Sounion – Visit the Temple of Poseidon perched above the Aegean Sea at sunset.
- Thessaloniki to Mount Olympus – Hike or tour the mythic home of the gods in northern Greece.
- Heraklion (Crete) to Elafonissi Beach – Relax on pink-hued sand and shallow blue waters in Crete’s stunning southwest.
- Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa – Enjoy beaches, boat rides, and monastery views on this lush Ionian island.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why should everyone experience traveling through Greece?
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Traveling through Greece is an experience that
everyone should have, offering breathtaking landscapes,
rich history, and cultural treasures.
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What makes Greece's natural beauty so spectacular?
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The entire country is spectacularly beautiful, from the
massive cliffs of Meteora in the north, with
ancient Orthodox churches perched on high, to the
Peloponnesus peninsula covered in lush orange groves.
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Additionally, the stunning islands scattered throughout the
Aegean Sea resemble colorful pearls,
creating an unparalleled coastal paradise.
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What historical and cultural sites can visitors explore in Greece?
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If nature is not enough, Greece offers
thousands of years of history and civilization,
with entire ancient cities and magnificent
temples such as the iconic Acropolis.
Plan Your Trip