1. Plaka
Situated below the Acropolis, Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens. This colorful district captures the city’s exuberance with its many restaurants and shops. It is also in close proximity to other top attractions in Athens which makes it an excellent place to stay.
Each street offers something unique. Platia Filomenon Eterias, Platia for short, is a small square in Plake that has charming cafes and delicious restaurants.
Brettos Liquor store is the oldest distillery in Athens. Its bar is known for its large collection of spirits on display. It is also a great place to try ouzo, an anise liqueur that is enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean. Wandering through the streets of Plaka, you will not find a dull moment.
2. Navagio Beach
Plain and simple: Navagio is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is located on the Greek Ionian island of Zakynthos and can be accessed by boat. Within this white sandy beach, an abandoned and dilapidated ship lies.
Stories about this ship’s demise describe how it was used to smuggle illegal goods at the time like alcohol. After the ship was beached, it was deserted due to its the contraband on board.
It was this anecdote that lead the beach to be nicknamed Shipwreck Cove or Smugglers Cove. With its clear, turquoise waters and surrounding sea cliffs, this picturesque cove is definitely a treat for the eyes.
The Acropolis of Athens was a sacred citadel in ancient Greece. Today, this UNESCO heritage site has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Perhaps, our perplexity with Classical Greece has lead to this ongoing fascination with these ruins.
Numerous monuments, temples, statues, sanctuaries and theatres reside within this site. The Parthenonis the most recognized temple in the complex. Created in honor of goddess Athena, the temple’s archeological significance lies in its precision and elegance.
The Acropolis is one of the best examples of the Doric order. Some argue that many of its monuments have near perfect portions and exhibit qualities of the golden ratio. It is without a doubt that our fascination with the Acropolis of Athens is largely due to its makers. It provides a lens into a society that has significantly influenced Western civilization.
Delphi is an ancient archaeological site located on Greece’s mainland. The ancient Greeks regarded this religious site as sacred, believing that it was the centre of the world.
The Sanctuary of Apollo was where the Oracle of Delphi resided. In ancient Greece, the oracle was the pinnacle of many important decisions regarding the state. They are often mentioned in Greek texts by notable individuals like Aristotle and Plato.
Today, within the site, lies the ruins of sanctuaries, treasuries, temples, and statues. It also has a theatre, gymnasium, and stadium for entertainment purposes. The Delphi Archaeological Museum lies below the site, as well. The ruins of Delphi is one of the few places where mythology and history coexist.
Oia is a village on the beautiful island of Santorini. Oia is famous for its picturesque scenery of white clay houses overlooking the Aegean Sea. The sunset in Oia is beyond words. The orange, pink, yellow and red hue of the sunset contrasting with the blue-domed roofs of the villas create a serene stillness within the town that remains until the last of the sun disappears into the sea.
Other activities in Oia include visiting the Byzantine Castle Ruins, wine tasting at Domaine Sigalas Winery, and hiking along the Caldera Trail. There are also several delicious restaurants within Oia that offer local Mediterranean foods. Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, Melitini, and Pitogyros are universally favored by locals and tourists alike.
It should be noted that if you are planning on having dinner during sunset, to make sure that you call the restaurant ahead of time. Most restaurants in Oia take reservations which is crucial during dinnertime.
The Acropolis Museum is located in Athens on Acropolis hill. This archaeological museum is a relatively new building. It was opened in 2009 and has become quite popular among travelers. Its success is largely due to its priceless display of artifacts founds in the Acropolis of Athens.
When visiting this attraction, it is highly suggested that you acquire a guide. The museum houses over 300 exhibits and over 4,000 artifacts. Its permanent collection includes the Gallery of the Slopes, Archaic Acropolis Gallery, Parthenon Gallery, 5th century BC to the 5th century AD Gallery, and the Classical Acropolis Gallery.
Within each gallery, there are several subcollections. In order to get a well-rounded visit of the museum, there is an exhibition route which flows through each display. With its many ancient Greek findings, the museum completes the puzzle of the Acropolis by contextualizing this historical site.
7. Sarakiniko
Sarakiniko is one of the most unique beaches you will ever come across. Located on the Greek Island of Milos, this site is known for its volcanic rock formations. The configuration of these rocks comprise of arches, slopes, and rounded points.
Through years of erosion, its surface looks as if it was molded into these odd shapes by white clay. And with its ivory coloring and barren terrain, the landscape looks truly otherworldly. If it was not for the surrounding crystal, blue waters of the
Aegean Sea, one could easily mistake it for the moon’s surface.
The Meteora consists of six monasteries that date back to the 14th and 16th century. Built by Christian monks atop the cliffs of Meteora, these Eastern Orthodox monasteries are an amazing site to see. The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro is the largest and oldest of these complexes.
The Holy Monastery of Roussanou was named after one of the first hermits who established these monasteries. It is also known for its 16th century cathedral, created in honor of Santa Barbara. The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery in Meteora.
The Monastery of Holy Trinity is known for its stunning views overlooking the Meteora Valley. The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is closest to the neighboring village of Kastraki. St. Stephen's Monastery is the only monastery that you can access without having to walk up steps. Instead, it has a bridge to its entrance.
Delos is a Greek Island that is known for its extensive archaeological excavations that are still ongoing. In greek mythology, Delos was supposedly where Apollo and Artemis were born. The Greeks considered this island very sacred and created numerous temples, sanctuaries, and other religious buildings throughout the island.
The island also had a flourishing cosmopolitan Hellenistic port town during its height. With many of the island’s discoveries still being excavated, Delos is a proven to be significant for its historical, culture, and mythological artifacts and sites.
Rethymno Old Town is located on the island of Crete. This part of Rethymno is where the past and present coexist, creating a truly unique cultural experience. With its numerous historical Venetian, Roman and Ottoman sites, this main centre captures Crete’s diverse past. Mixed into these historical sites, there are bustling cafes, restaurants, and shops. Old Town Rethymno is truly a charming place to visit.