Greece

Major Cities

Athens
Athens, the capital city of Greece, was named after Athena the goddess of wisdom. This centre of ancient Grecian culture is filled with beautiful archeological treasures and classical mythology. From the Acropolis hill, with it’s crown jewel the 2500 year old Parthenon, to the city’s most ancient cemetery, Kerameikos. But next to all the wonders of the ancient world you will also find Athens to be a hip, stylish and buzzing city.

Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second city of Greece and is also known as Salonica. This special city has countless Byzantine churches, Roman ruins and interesting museums. It rivals Athens on all fronts: the shopping is great, the atmosphere is just as vibrant and the cultural heritage is everywhere as Thessaloniki was also the second city of the Byzantine empire. The 15th century White Tower is, though it is not white, the city’s most recognizable landmark.

Regions

The Peloponnese
Many of the most famous ancient sites of Greece are located in the Peloponnese. From the classical temples at Corinth, Nemea and Olympia to the theatres of Argos and Epidaurus (which are still used today). And one of the country’s most beautiful towns graces it’s shores: Napflio, with graceful Venetian villa’s, flowing bougainvillea and a lively waterfront scene. The landscape of the Peloponnese is ruggedly beautiful, blanketed by colorful wildflowers in the spring and dotted with tiny settlements.

Northern Greece
Magnificent mountains, dense forests, sparkling lakes and archeological sites: the north
of Greece is stunning. It’s very different to the Greece of the famous islands. Like the Zagoria region for instance, where deep gorges, raging rivers and dark forests characterize the landscape. The town of Meteora, with it’s 14th-century monasteries perched on rocky pinnacles, is one of the country’s most extraordinary sights. Also visit the gods atop Mount Olympus, the highest mountain of Greece.

The Greek Islands
When you think of Greece, you probably first think of it’s beautiful islands. There are about 1400 of them and most have breathtaking beaches and picturesque white villages. Most have ferry services, thought these are reduced in the winter. The largest island is Crete, which has a dramatic landscape and unique cultural identity which is protected fiercely from mass tourism. Mykonos is also one of the better known islands because of it’s idyllic beaches and white-walled streets.

More information:

• Tourist information: www.gnto.gr
• Wikitravel: Greece
• Yahoo! Weather: Greece

Top ten attractions in Greece

• Acropolis, Athens
  The most important monument of the ancient world, the Acropolis, is magnificent. Of the temples that adorn it, the Parthenon, a temple for the goddess Athena, is probably the most famous and impressive.
• Santorini
  Santorini is one of the most, if not the most, spectacular of the Greek Islands. The views of the volcanic caldera from the top of the massive lava-layered cliffs are stunning and every sunset looks like it should be on a postcard.
• Island-hopping
  There are 1400 islands to choose from and all of them are unique and beautiful. So don’t limit your stay to just one, explore as many as you can! Man islands have good ferry services, although they are reduced in the winter.
• Mycenae
  This place had the most influence in the country between 1600 and 1200 B.C and the poet Homer describes it as being ‘rich in gold’. Many treasures have indeed be found, like the Mask of Agamemnon.
• Delphi
  In ancient times people used to flock here to ‘the Navel of the Earth’, to consult the oracle. From the entrance the Sacred Way leads up to the Temple of Apollo where the oracle is said to have sat.
• Samaria Gorge
  This gorge is one of Europe’s most spectacular. It is located in western Crete and is 18 kilometers long. Wear sturdy footwear and lots of sunscreen and you can hike through the whole thing in about 6 hours.
• Knossos Royal Palace, Crete
  Knossos was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife gave birth to the Minotaur (half bull, half man) and kept him in a labyrinth. See the beautiful Royal Quarters, Throne Room and exquisite Queen’s Quarters.
• Olympia
  This town was the site of the first Olympic Games. From 776 B.C. every four years these games were held here in honor of Zeus. The most important monuments of the site include the temple of Zeus, the Stadium and the Prytaneion (site of the eternal flame).
• Meteora
  One of the most striking sites in the world, the monasteries perched on top of rocky pinnacles were set up during the late Byzantine period when persecuted monks settled here. At its peak, there were 24 inhabited monasteries on top of these rocks.
• Athens Festival
  From June to September the Athens Festival features productions of ancient drama, opera, ballet, orchestra performances and popular entertainers in the Heridion Atticus Theater at the foot of the Acropolis. Bring a picnic and you’ll probably enjoy the show just as much as the breathtaking backdrop.