It hasn’t been the best few years for Greece when it comes to its popularity as a destination for vacations. The economic turmoil in the area a few years back damaged the country’s abroad, and led to a few years of instability in the country. Last year, though, it officially exited from its financial bailout program, and is now entering fully fledged recovery. That means it’s time to put it back on the list of vacation possibilities.
Greece is a country with a rich and fascinating history. The myths and legends of Ancient Greece have been brought to the big and small screen several times, with movies like ‘300,’ ‘Hercules,’ and ‘Wrath of the Titans.’ It’s also a popular source of inspiration for modern online casino games, with its Gods being given the online casino treatment in games such as ‘Ancient Fortunes: Zeus,’ and ‘Magic of Pandora.’ If the imagery of the old world can persuade people to hand over their money at an online casino or casino’s sister site, it should be good enough for you to part with your holiday cash!
There’s more to Greece than just its history, though. Check out our short guide to things to see and do in Greece as a tourist!
Visit The Acropolis
OK, we know we said there’s more to see and do here than just soak yourself in the history, but you’d be doing yourself a major disservice if you didn’t at least take a trip to the most famous sights, and that means you have to stop off at the Acropolis! Some people consider this to be the cradle of all Western civilization, and one of the great wonders of the ancient world. UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Center.
Much like with the Pyramids in Egypt, modern Greece has grown up around the Acropolis. It sits at the heart of Athens, and features three temples which date back over 1500 years. One of those temples is the mystical Parthenon, which still takes your breath away despite being a ruin. At the base of the Acropolis, you’ll find the Archaeological Promenade, which is a two-mile walk taking you through the Temple of Zeus and many more historical sites.
Spend Time In Santorini
Santorini is one of those picture-postcard locations that you expect to be a disappointment if you were ever to see it with your own eyes. It isn’t. This is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, containing the tiny town of Oia and Fira, positioned right on the edge of the dramatic cliffs. The water off the coast of Santorini is a perfect shade of blue, contrasting against the white of the buildings.
Santorini is where people come to relax. The beaches of volcanic sand are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, but if you’d prefer to enjoy some privacy, you’ll find that most of the modernized hotels here contain infinity pools, along with other luxury fittings. You could even take a day trip here by ferry from Athens.
Ditch The Car And Head To Nafplio
If you ask anyone who lives in Greece which part of their country is the most beautiful, they’ll probably tell you it’s Nafplio. This is where the richer residents live, and it’s a little expensive to visit, but if you can justify spending the money, you’ll simultaneously feel like you’re living a life of luxury while also traveling back in time.
Nafplio used to be Greece’s capital city until Athens claimed the crown in 1834. It sometimes feels like time stopped here at that precise moment. There are no cars allowed in the old town at all; they would ruin the atmosphere created by the giant, looming mansions and the Palamidi Fortress. You won’t find a better view of the mountains anywhere else.
Go Hiking To The Meteora Monasteries
If you like to do some physical adventuring when you’re away, then the perfect climbing route to take is the one which will lead you to the Meteora Monasteries. When you reach them, you’ll marvel at how they can ever have been built, and why they cling on to the rocks instead of plunging down them. The intricate buildings look almost as if they’ve been carved directly into the stone.
There are six monasteries here in total, all with their own sights to see, and their own inimitable atmosphere. If you want to get around all of them, you’ll probably need to allow yourself an overnight stay in the nearby town of Kalambaka. The monasteries date back to the time of the Byzantine Empire, and have remained largely unchanged ever since.
Heal Your Spirit At Delphi
Delphi is another one of the sites within Greece which have attracted the attention of those who curate the UNESCO World Heritage list. You’ll find Delphi on the lower reaches of Mount Parnassus, and the moment you catch sight of it, you’ll understand why this location was so sacred and precious to the Ancient Greeks. The myths and legends of the olden days say that the Apollo, God of Healing, would visit pilgrims here to heal both spiritual and physical pain.
Much of the site is in ruins, but you can still make out the old stadium, theater, and temples which once stood here. If you’re struggling to paint the whole picture inside your head, there’s a specialized museum close to the site which can tell you everything you want to know.
Eat At Mykonos
Where to find the best seafood in the world is a subjective question, but leaving Mykonos off the list of possible answers should be a criminal offense. This is another of Greece’s islands, and is known for being the best place to go after dark for entertainment. It’s packed with live music clubs, bars, and theaters, but it’s just as well known for its stylish and scenic restaurants.
You don’t just have to arrive, eat, and leave, either. The sandy beaches are the ideal place to pass a lazy afternoon, and you might even spot a celebrity or two here enjoying their own vacation. As is the case with most of Greece’s top attractions, you can get here via a ferry from Athens.
Swimming, climbing, sunbathing, historical wonders, great food, and great entertainment. Greece has everything you could ever hope to find in a vacation destination, and best of all, the prices are still comparatively low as the country seeks to attract tourists back to its shores. There may never be a better time to visit!