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Top Things To See
Athens
Begin with the Acropolis rock, home to the fifth-century BC Parthenon, then stroll down to the Ancient Agora, once Athens' civic, political and commercial centre. Don't miss the world-class National Archaeological Museum, packed with ancient marble statues, jewellery and ceramics. Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge. Marvel at the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge. Crossing the Gulf Corinth and linking mainland Greece to the Peloponnese. Nearly 3,000 metres long, this miracle of engineering shows Greece can boast of modern wonders as well as old. Delphi Discover Delphi, believed by the ancients to be the centre of the world. This fascinating pagan religious complex, set on a stunning hillside site, comprises classical temples, a theatre and a stadium. Numerous finds are displayed in the excellent Delphi Archaeological Museum. Knossos Explore the extensive ruins of Knossos, a 3,000-year-old frescoed Minoan Palace, home to Europe's earliest civilisation. Finds from the site are displayed in the Archaeological Museum in the nearby Venetian-style port town of Iralkio, on Crete. Lake Plastira See the work of man of nature combined at Lake Plastira in Kardista. Surrounded by hills covered in oak and chestnut trees, a wander round the glistening waters and awe inspiring views are sure to leave your senses soothed. Monemvasia Slow down on Monemvasia. The town can only be reached by a single causeway after an earthquake in 375 AD caused Monemvasia to split from the mainland. Car are not allowed in the old twon, but starry nights and fine food most certainly are. Mount Athos Stand tall on Mount Athos, also known as ‘Holy Mountain’, in the east of the Chalcidice peninsula. Situated at the heart of Macedonia geographically and culture, it boasts of over a 1000 years of history. Mount Olympos Climb Mount Olympos (2,917m/ 9,570ft), believed by the ancients to be home of Zeus, or scale Mount Pasnassos (2,457m/8,061ft) near Delphi. Mycenae Visit the treasure trove that is Mycenae. This hilltop citadel, surrounded by Cyclopean Walls, was the powerful Mycenaeans' capital. Golden treasure, including the ‘Mask of Agamemnon', was found here. Olympia Run the race track in Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics, which were staged here between the eighth and fourth centuries BC. Explore the site then see the Archaeological Museum and the nearby Museum of the Olympic Games. Samaria Gorge See the flowers bloom at Samaria Gorge on Crete. A visual treat at any time of year, but a veritable explosion of colour during spring whether hiking through it or admiring from afar. |
