We all have dreams of visiting exceptional postcard perfect places around the world. However, there are some places that have the ability to capture our hearts and make us feel as though we couldn’t possibly leave. Greece is one of those places for me. Offering countless archaeological sites, warm crystal-clear waters, and an exciting culture, there really is no reason why Greece wouldn’t be on your bucket list. Here are my top 5 destinations to visit in Greece:
1. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos Island
Navagio Beach, originally called Agios Gerogios, is one of those places you’re almost sure has drifted out of a fairytale; for nothing on earth could surely be this beautiful. Located in an isolated cove on Zakynthos Island, the beach is one of the most famous and photographed in Greece. The azure blue waters contrast with the sheer limestone cliffs that encircle the cove and its white sandy beach.
Navagio Beach is better known as “Shipwreck Beach” due to the wreck of the Panagiotis that lies buried in the dunes. This nickname derived in 1981 when the Greek authorities were informed about a ship smuggling contraband (including cigarettes and alcohol) in the area. A disastrous combination of stormy weather and bad visibility led to the ship running aground on the beach where it has stood ever since. This little utopia is accessible by boat only, however there is a viewing platform on the tall cliffs above the beach for those who can handle a little vertigo. Taxi boats depart from ports around the island on the hour and the overall trip lasts around 30 minutes. Visit in the morning to avoid the crowds and be sure to bring along whatever you need as there are no facilities.
2. Santorini
Santorini, classically Thera, is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, around 200km from mainland Greece. This island is a blue and white paradise with sparkling crystal-clear waters and charming Greek houses. Not only is Santorini a beautiful island on its own, it’s also an activity hotspot offering endless things to do.
Visit the archaeological sites such as Ancient Thira (terraced ruins dating back to the 3rd century BC and the Ptolemies) and the Byzantine Castle Ruins, or spend a day relaxing on the enchanted beaches of Kamari and Perissa which offer restaurants, bars, and Cafés on their bustling beachfronts. Other exciting adventures include sailing trips, an open air cinema, hikes from Fira to Oia, Santorini Waterpark, numerous museums, scuba diving, and tours to the Santorini Volcano or Thermal Springs. Make sure you allow enough time to explore the entire island as you’ll be hard pressed to leave.
3. Parthenon, Athens
If there is one attraction you simply have to visit during your time in Greece, it’s the Parthenon in Athens. This historical temple, located on the Acropolis (meaning “high city”), is the most famous tourist attraction in Greece. Construction started in 447BC to replace an older temple destroyed by the Persians and was completed in 432BC. Built of glistening Pentelic white marble, the Parthenon is famous for its classical Doric columns and decorative murals which depict battle scenes and Greek history. The Parthenon served as a temple, fortress, church, and a mosque during its lifetime.
The New Acropolis Museum is located beside the rock of the Acropolis and holds many items that are worth a look. Don’t forget to capture a picture of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus; an ancient stone theatre on the southwest slope that was built in 161AD by the Athenian mogul, Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. You can explore the Parthenon on your own or join a guided tour. The Acropolis is open from 08h00 – 18h30 daily. Make sure you wear good shoes as the pathways can be rather slippery.
4. Delphi Theater, Delphi
Delphi is one of the most important historical sites in Greece, located around 180km from Athens. In ancient times, it was considered the place where heaven met earth, housing the Oracle of Delphi and providing a sanctuary for the god Apollo. Delphi had a theatre, various temples, the Oracle, and a well preserved stadium which once held chariot races. These buildings were excavated during the mid-1800s and today the ruins stand in striking contrast to the surrounding mountainous landscape.
The ancient theatre of Delphi was built on a hill, allowing a spectacular view of the entire sanctuary and landscape below. Constructed in the 4th century BC out of local Parnassus limestone, its 35 rows can seat 5,000 spectators who were believed to enjoy plays, poetry readings, and musical events here. Delphi is said to have a magical feel to it, with many visitors feeling “spiritually moved” during their time here. Regular guided tours to Delphi are offered. Many people combine a visit with a trip to Meteroa, below.
5. Meteora, Kalabaka
Meteora is a Greek word that means “suspended in the air” and once you see it, you’ll realise why. This historical icon is a collection of 6 monasteries situated precariously atop 360m high cliffs, overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland Greece. While there were originally 26 monasteries, only 6 remain today.
The monasteries were built by monks in the 14th century who lived in nearby caves and sought spiritual isolation. It took the monks years to transport all of their religious materials up the cliffs with ropes, baskets, and ladders. Access was made deliberately difficult, requiring long ladders or nets to haul up people on ropes that were replaced “only when the Lord let them break”. Today, the monasteries are accessible by a staircase carved into the cliffs and contain some of the world’s best religious manuscripts and artwork. It is also home to several rare bird and flower species.
What Greek destinations do you yearn to visit one day?
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Main image attributed to Brucehh (Flickr)
