Places to visit in Greece do not fit in the pages of a beautiful mind. Can you wash away the secrets of a world in the water of oblivion?
Greece. The country that was bathed in the light of the intellect and walked in the footsteps of democratic reconstruction, the country that proudly and gracefully displayed its Mediterranean beauty, captivates the senses of its visitors at all times of the year.
Blessed by gods and men, daughter as well as mother, child of the glorious past and the modern world, embraces the diversity of its landscapes, lives and breathes with a view of bright blue sky, taking delight in the nectar of its fruits.
Greece is a looking glass of emotions, a journey to places you regard seeing for the very first time. Joy, curiosity, awe, passion, nostalgia, inspiration and a profound sentiment that transforms you in its wholeness realizing how lucky you are to still prosper in a world of indescribable beauty, with customs and traditions, memories and not mere representations of yet another, bygone era.
Capturing the beauty of Greece in words and pictures, these are the 11 places you must visit before the end of our (as we know it) world:
Sounio
Driven by their love for the city of Athens, the gods of Ancient Greece, Poseidon and Athena, claimed the protection of the city with the bright-eyed Pallas offering the precious and victorious gift of the olive tree. Sounio is home to the archaeological site that houses the Temple of Poseidon, a masterpiece of architecture built in 444 BC from the marble of Agrileza Lavrio during the period of the political Pericles. Included in this area are the remains of the small temple of Athena Souniada, the fortress with the walls and the small settlement inside it, as well as the ancient port cited in the shadow of Poseidon.
The beauty of Sounio was praised by the English poet Williams Falconer shipwrecked in 1762. In one of his famous poetic trilogy entitled ‘The shipwreck’ he refers being captivated by the shining, white ruins and the forceful sea breeze.
Mount Olympus
The famous abode of the gods of the ancient world and the goal of every aspirant, who wishes to conquer its peak by unraveling the myth of the unknown.
At the heart of Olympus, the most significant National Τimberland of Greece, you will come across with the “divine” natural heritage. The diversity, the mountain massifs and the charm of the forces of nature inspired awe and admiration for the prehistoric man, who resided at its foothills. Streams and ridges, gorges and plateaus, caves and imposing rocks generate an imposing atmosphere. This unique ecosystem is home to over 1,500 species of plants, dozens of species of wild animals, as well as rare birds.
Thousands of nature lovers from all over the world flock to Mount Olympus every year to discover its slopes and explore its guarded secrets. An ideal starting point for excursions, although not relatively known, is the town of Elassona, since it is located on the western side of the mountain, only 30 minutes from its foot, where visitors can reach it via a newly built paved road.
Mani
Arid landscape, haughty, unshakable in defiance of relentless time. Houses reminiscent of castle towns, Byzantine churches and enchanting caves. Laconian Mani: A closed society, with a Spartan soul, under arms, being for centuries on the front line. The images etched in the memory of the visitors are images of a Greece where authenticity is utterly way of life. In this specific nook of the Peloponnese, at the southernmost tip of Europe, a hodgepodge of sensations overwhelms.
You will find this side of the history of Greece, mother οf fine fellows in Mani, here, it is present – cradle of the Byzantine world and religious life. Monuments of beauty and faith. Churches made of cremains and pink stone, with tiled domes, marble reliefs and similar sculptural decoration.
Zakynthos is a verdant island endowed with fertile valleys and a temperate climate. The natural scenery of the island extends to a variety of coasts: sandy beaches in isolated caves with deep blue waters in the south-eastern part of the island, rugged coastlines and an impressive underwater world in the west of Zakynthos.
The Venetians, who dominated the island from 1484 to 1797, called Zakynthos “Fior di Levante” (flower of the East), since there are over 7,000 types of flowers. The third largest island of the Ionian Sea, after Corfu and Kefalonia, is widely known as “Tzante”. The hero Zakynthos, son of the king of Phrygia Dardanos, was the first inhabitant of the island and the resident of the ancient acropolis. The Venetian castle was built right on top of the ruins of the island’s acropolis.
On the boats that make the rounds of Zakynthos, you will find and admire the most breathtaking beaches. Navagio, Laganas, Gerakas, Vasilikos, Marathonisi, the Blue Caves are among the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and not without reason.
Lesvos
The charming Lesvos, the third largest island of Greece, acquires an affluent flora as well as fauna, olive groves, a Mediterranean climate, thermal springs, while the unique Petrified forest, which has been designated a preserved natural monument (UNESCO World Heritage Site) makes it globally reputed . Charming traditional settlements attract travelers from all over the world. Lesvos, as early as the 19th century, developed industrially with its popular products such as ouzo and oil, occupying the first place in the preferences of connoisseurs.
The welcoming island of the North-East Aegean was home to great figures of antiquity such as Sappho, Alcaeus, Arion, Terpandros, Theophrastus, Pittacus of Mytilene but also of modern times such as Theophilos, Ilias Venezis, Stratis Muribilis, Argyris Eftaliotis (Kleanthis Michaelidis), Georgios Iakovides, the artist Stratis Eleftheriadis (Teriade) and the Nobel laureate poet Odysseas Elytis.
Metsovo
Built amphitheatrically under the rugged stone volume of Pindos, Metsovo is intertwined with the simplicity of tradition. It is a well-organized mountain settlement, which is full of life at all times of the year, generously offering its visitors all the offerings of nature.
The famous village, birthplace of great national benefactors (Tositsas, Stournaras, Averof etc.), is a constant value for the touristic and cultural development of Epirus (art, wine knowledge).
Metsovo is a favorite destination for nature lovers due to its hiking trails and two small ski resorts. Nestled in Pindos National Forest, next to the fascinating Valia Kalda, acquires an enviable position in the tourist preferences of both Greek and international travelers alike.
Chania
The city of Chania, seat of the prefecture of the same name, an amalgam of different cultures over the centuries has left its indelible mark. Wandering through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town with its impressive Venetian houses, fountains and graceful temples… is a trip back in time.
Topanas, the most impressive region of the city, the Jewish quarter and the Turkish neighborhood, the historic suburb of Halepa with its neoclassical mansions and gardens, the old port with its picturesque beach and the lighthouse, are among the most imposing attractions of Chania. For those who wish to explore the turbulent history and tradition of the place, they only have to visit the museums of Chania such as the Archaeological, Historical and Naval Museums.
Delos
Adelos that became Delos, the hidden that became visible to give birth to the child of Light, Apollo and the goddess of hunt and forests, Artemis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a ship of history that sails peacefully in the Aegean waters, a few miles from the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos.
Apart from the importance of the island as a religious and economic center, Delos also maintained an exclusivity: even in the period of the great prosperity of the Delian League, women who were about to give birth, as well as those who were at the end of their lives, were sent to the neighboring island of Rhenia. The entire world at that time respected the sanctity of the island and recognized its uniqueness.
Oracle of Delphi
The Oracle of Delphi, the navel of the Earth, the ultimate embodiment of the spirit of religiosity, the mystical union of the divine and the human element in the shadow of Mount Parnassus, above the northern shore of the Corinthian Gulf, in the valley of Fokida, records stories of divination for the futures of people and cities for more than 1000 years. Although a sacred site as early as 1400 BC, during the Homeric era (end of the 8th century BC) the oracle of Delphi is mentioned as a famous sanctuary for its oracles with numerous visitors. It reached the peak of popularity mainly from the 6th to the 4th century BC.
Loutra Pozar Thermal Baths
At the foot of Mount Voras (Kaimaktsalan), 13 kilometers west of Aridaia, 40 kilometers from Edessa and 100 kilometers from Thessaloniki, are the thermal baths Loutra Pozar of Loutraki or Loutra Pozar Almopia – one of Europe’s most remarkable springs “under the fire ” (according to their etymology). Known from legends as well as various finds, these thermal waters have flowed since the time of Alexander the Great, with their use attested during the Roman and Byzantine periods and their declaration as a spa in 1920.
The modern spa town, with organized facilities in absolute balance with the natural environment, gathers every year a large number of visitors, who wish to indulge in relaxation, stimulation and recreation.
Lush vegetation, a cluster of towering centuries-old trees, steep slopes and visible rocks compose a marvelous work of incomparable beauty.
Iron Throne, Pavliani
At the very heart of Roumeli, in the ‘fairy village’ of Pavliani, naturally gifted with architecture and an incomparable style of hospitality fascinating young and old alike, the Iron Throne is located at an altitude of 1,260 meters. A concept of the youth of the village inspired by the epic series Game of Thrones and built by the Educational and Cultural Association of the village in April 2019.
About 300 kg of iron, 30 kg of wood, 250 kg of iron slats, several kg of paint and cement and about 800 hours of labour were used to complete the construction of this very special 700 kg on-screen attraction!
And there striding forth of the Iron Throne, be thou victorious, utterly triumphant. You were hurt, but you did not bend the curves of life for a moment. Your name rings in the white sheets of the ethers. Do you hear it redeemer of men?
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