4 reasons why you need to visit Greece
Greece has been mesmerising travellers for centuries. Its allure is as potent as ever for visitors. A dazzling history, spectacular ancient ruins and monuments, and sun-kissed islands lapped by the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Greece boats simple yet delicious food and drink, and the warm welcome extended by the native population.
Athens may serve as the introduction to the country with the iconic Parthenon looking over the city, rich collections of art and sculpture in its museums and scenic areas to ramble such as the Plaka district as the base of the Acropolis. From the port of Piraeus, ferries depart to take travellers to such astoundingly beautiful islands as Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes with their hilltop villages and medieval old towns. Then there are the restored ruins at Knossos on Crete and the gorgeous beaches and windmills of Mykonos.
Yet there is so much more! From the natural beauty of the Samaria Gorge to the stunning rock towers of Meteora with their monasteries in the sky. The history rich Peloponnesian peninsula with its ruins of Mycenae, and the original site of the Olympic Games at Olympia. Head north of Athens to visit the site of ancient Delphi, home to the famed oracle.
Here are just 4 reasons why you need to begin planning a visit to the spectacular land of Greece!
Greece’s Ancient History
Greece has such a rich history, boasting 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is considered the cradle of democracy, the land where the epic odes of the Iliad and Odyssey were sung. It’s the source of theatre’s origins, with works penned by the greatest playwrights in history. Euripides and Aeschylus and still performed in such stunning settings such as the theatre of Epidaurus. Greece held the first ancient Olympic games in 776 BC and the first modern games in 1896.
Sunset over the Plaka, the old town of Athens, Greece, with the Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis
In Athens the greatest of history’s philosophers like Plato, Socrates and Aristotle taught students at local academies. The Acropolis stands majestically over the city of Athens. It recalls the epic mythology of the gods and goddesses populating Greek lore. Crete’s Palace of Knossos is famous for its association with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
The Epidaurus Ancient Theatre is built on the Cynortion Mountain, near Lygourio
Read our blog on the best historical sites in Greece here.
Abundant Natural Beauty
From its islands to its mountains and coastlines, Greece offers some of the most amazing natural landscapes in the world. The island of Santorini was born from a cataclysmic volcanic explosion. It’s black sand beaches are a testament to its origins. The local towns cling to the rim of the ancient caldera, from which the views are stunning. Ancient temples like the one at Cape Sounion, south of Athens, offer beautiful vistas over land and sea.
Read our Ultimate Guide to the Greek Islands here.
Beautiful beach and boat in Paleokastritsa, Corfu island, Greece
The beaches and nightlife of Mykonos are renowned. Only a short boat ride away are the ruins of the isle of Delos, famed in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Apollo. The Knights Templars spent part of their history on the beautiful island of Rhodes. Crete offers hikers the dazzling Samaria Gorge, and charming villages like Rethymnon and Chania. While the recreation of the ruins of the Palace of Knossos intrigue travellers with their dolphin frescoes and legends of the Minotaur.
The country’s natural settings also house religious marvels. These include the monasteries that perch atop the stone towers of Meteora, the mountain setting of Delphi with its temples where the ancient oracle gave forth mysterious utterances. And, Olympia’s lovely, wooded setting still houses the original racetrack where the first Olympic games were held.
Ancient Oympia, Greece
Fascinating Culture
Greeks are inherently social people, and they embrace the spirit of philoxenia, the caring for strangers. This is demonstrated in the hospitality extended to guests in their country. Greeks spend time with family and friends, with social time spilling into the streets and squares of cities, towns, and villages. Whether over coffee or a meal, they relish time spent catching up with one another, and offer a heartfelt welcome to their visitors. Dinner times start late, often after 9 or 10 pm, and can continue until well after midnight.
Traditional Cretan music being played
Greek dance and music can be an entertaining part of your cultural immersion. Folkloric dance troups put on shows in Athens near the Acropolis. Popular dances like the sirtaki were made famous in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek. You can hear typically Greek rebetika music (like a Greek version of the blues) in nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes.
Delicious Food and Wine
Whether it’s the freshest of fish from the waters of the Aegean or the simple pleasures of a Greek salad, Greece will leave your tastebuds happy and your belly full. Think lamb souvlaki, tender moussaka, pita bread with hummus or tempting desserts such as baklava. Greece offers a wonderful array of savory foods and fine wines to enjoy during your stay. Greeks take pride in their home-grown products like its olive oil and feta cheese made from goat or sheep’s milk.
Delicious Greek foods include Meze, gyros, souvlaki, fish, pita, greek salad, tzatziki, feta, olives and more
Sample the local Greek wine. Try the Assyrtiko whites from volcanic Santorini or retsina with its pine resin taste and drinks such as liquorice flavoured ouzo. Pair your drink with delicious Greek appetizers called mezedes, served on small plates. These may consist of octopus bites, potatoes, olives, tzatziki (yogurt with cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil), spanakopita (spinach pie), saganaki (fried cheese), fried meatballs or grape leaves stuffed with rice. Settle into a local taverna and enjoy the local food and ambience whichever part of Greece you visit.
