Greece is the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games. Greek is one of the oldest European languages which has been spoken for over 3000 years.
The highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus stands at 9,573 feet high and according to Greek mythology, was the home of the almighty Gods. Since 1938 it has been a National Park and includes spectacular gorges and 52 peaks, along with incredible flora and fauna. The highest peak of the Mountain is Mytikas. Mytikas is the highest peak in Europe and impressively reaches to 2,919 metres. Mount Olympus is a well-known climbing route and mountaineers flock here in their thousands.
Athens, the capital of Greece, should be your first port of call. With its mixture of history and modern times, it truly is a city to explore and enjoy. If you love the historical romance of the ancients the Acropolis is a must-do experience. The citadel looms above the city housing the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, including the famous Parthenon. Other famous monuments include the Ancient Agora, the Theatre of Dionysos and the National Archaeological Museum. And along the way exploring the colourful streets of Plaka and Monastiraki as well as the hilly district of Kolonaki opens up a world of new opportunities for adventure.
Greece is known for the production of olives and olive oil, feta cheese, honey, and red saffron. Some of the olive trees have been around since ancient times and the Koroneiki olive is one of the most prized olives for oil. A tour that offers olive oil tasting and visiting a variety of olive museums and orchards should definitely be added to your to-do list!
Of course the food and wine scene in Greece is truly to die for. Whether it is seafood, mediterranean seasonal produce, informal snacks or hearty meals, Greece has something for everyone. Local Food and Wine Tours are on offer throughout the entire country. The local cuisine is steeped in the heritage of thousands of generations. The unmistakable aromatic flavours of Greek food play with your tastebuds. Each dish is enriched with a carefully balanced blend of herbs, spices and oils. With wine tasting available in 7 regions throughout Greece, pairing the experience of food, wine and travel is a memorable adventure for all who love to indulge in the fun things in life.
The Athens Daily Food Tour includes a visit to the food markets, and eating at delicatessens and local favourite spots before exploring the Athens Cathedral. A Wine Tasting Tour in Athens enables you to learn about the subtle differences between Greek wine and varieties. The tasting is accompanied by traditional Greek cheese and appetizers.
Coffee breaks in Greece are serious business and a key part of their culture. There are two types of cafes - Kafeteria which are trendy locations for the under 35s and become bars in the evenings; and Kafeneio that are more traditional cafes and are meeting points for the more elderly demographic - but everyone is welcome. Ordering a coffee, people watching and gossiping are favourite pastimes for the locals here - and a lot of fun for visitors too!
One of the most popular islands in Greece is Santorini. Arguably the most visited and picturesque island, it is famous for luxury, phenomenal sunsets, traditional whitewashed architecture, and the red, black and white sand beaches the island’s volcanic coastline has on offer. Santorini is a place to relax, dine, explore and enjoy the sights. Book a Boat Tour to the volcanic island, Nee Kameni, and a guided hike. Or take a cable car from Fira down to the port where ships depart. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Minoan Bronze Age ruins at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. Enjoy the views from Skaros Rock, sunsets at Amoudi Bay, exhibits at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, or perhaps a sailing experience. There truly is so much to see and do on this beautiful island.
Coming a close second to Santorini of the islands to visit is Mykonos. But be prepared to party! This island is known for its nightlife and 24-hour parties. A highly recommended place to let your hair down, the beach clubs Paradise and Super Paradise and the club with no roof Cavo Paradiso are where all the after-dark action happens. Not only does Mykonos have awesome places to throw their parties it’s also known for being the birthplace of Greek Gods Apollo and Artemis. By day, you can head to the Ancient Delos where you can dip into some of the history and culture of the region while you’re working up to the night ahead.
Crete is located south of the rest of the country and is the largest of the Greek islands. Renowned for its ancient culture, secluded coves and mountainous terrain, the island is a hiker’s heaven. Tourist accommodation ranges from campsites to boutique hotels with the best tavernas available to sit back and enjoy the local cuisine. It is a popular destination for fine sand beaches at Elafonisi, Balls Lagoon’s breathtaking blue water, and the White Mountains home to Mt Ida - the birthplace of Zeus. In the capital of Heraklion, you will find the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing Minoan artefacts, and Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement.
For naturalists and families, Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is highly recommended. Previously under Venetian, French and British rule, it is rich in history and exquisitely picturesque. The Grand Palace of St Michael and St George is a spectacular tourist attraction. Other must-sees include Gorge at Agni Bay, Cape Drastis, and Vlacherna Monastery. If you have the energy after taking in all the sites or you have time to do some poolside relaxation before heading out for the night, Sidari is a place to party-on.
Greece has everything. It is a mix of the ancient and modern - of home simple pleasures and complex ideas. Sparsely vegetated hillsides give boundless harvests. Its turquoise coloured sea and bright yellow sunshine are in contrast to the whitewashed houses that claim the terraces along the foreshore. Greece is picturesque. Its ancient history, food and wine permeate every aspect of life. It is a destination worthy of a top spot on your travel to-do list.
