Visiting Greece involves discovering a country with a rich history and magnificent landscapes. Greece is not only a place of ancient ruins and relics, but it is also known for its fantastic local cuisine, stunning
Visiting Greece involves discovering a country with a rich history and magnificent landscapes. Greece is not only a place of ancient ruins and relics, but it is also known for its fantastic local cuisine, stunning sights and warm hospitality. Here are some of the many places you can explore during your stay in this beautiful country.
1) Athens
You cannot visit Greece without exploring the legendary Athens, famous for being one of the most emblematic ancient cities of the country and now it’s capital! Many of the vestiges and monuments of Athens’ splendid past are still here and made the city a popular place to explore. Starting at the basics, the Acropolis and the Parthenon are must-see places that receive a large number of tourists every year. Perched on a hill and visible from the four corners of the capital, this ancient citadel reigns as the city’s emblem and takes visitors back to the history of ancient Greece.
2) Sanctuary of Asclepios
The sanctuary of Asclepios is a sacred place where ceremonial medical practices were performed. During archaic times, people from all over the country came to the sanctuary to seek renowned doctors’ care. Although there are several Asclepius in Greece, the most well-known and well-preserved one is situated in the Epidaurus town in the Peloponnese and is among the sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There, you can discover the historical places where patients were sent for treatment, such as thermal baths and gymnasium.
3) Olympia
Home to some of the most magnificent ancient sites, Olympia is the city where the Olympic Games were born. The site takes its name after Mount Olympus, the residence of the Greek gods. Nowadays, the archaeological site holds the artifacts of this era, including the temples of Zeus and Hera. Lastly, Olympia is also worth visiting for its sports facilities that you can still see, such as the Olympic stadium, the gymnasium, and the palestra, the field where athletes came to train.
4) Mycenae
A hill-top site, the Mycenae remains one of the greatest relics of the Mycenaean civilization. It is surrounded by mountains and was depicted as the city of gold. In Greek mythology, this city is said to be found by Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae. The ruins of the ancient fortress and its majestic Lioness Gate, are located on the ancient Acropolis of Mycenae. The interior is also worth a visit, especially circle A, where there is a series of royal domed tombs discovered in the 19th century by the German archaeologist Schliemann.
5) Corfu
Next comes the exploration of the picturesque island, Corfu, and especially the discovery of its lovely historical quarters. They are real gems, not just for the island, but for Greece, since they represent an epitome of the union of Byzantine and Venetian architecture and art. For instance, the cobbled streets in Corfu form a mesmerizing labyrinth full of unique shops and historical buildings.
6) Crete Island
Out of many Greek islands, the beautiful island of Crete undoubtedly deserves to be included in your sightseeing list if you wish to visit Greece. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece and offers the perfect blend of ancient history, pristine nature, breathtaking beaches, and entertainment. It is the ultimate place for history lovers who want to learn about the roots of civilization and those who enjoy sunbathing on paradisiac beaches while reading about their captivating ancient myths.
We hope that you enjoy your visit to these magical places in Greece and feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below!