Greece Travel Guide

Introduction

Home to one of the world’s most revered civilizations, Greece has left an indelible mark on the world in many areas that include philosophy, political science, mathematics and sports to only name a few. Because of this, and its outstanding natural environment and remarkably healthy cuisine, Greece has been one of the most popular travel destinations in the world for many years.

Whether it’s the many crumbling columns of a former giant in the world 2,000 years ago, the countless islands that fan out across the Aegean towards Turkey that contain timeless experiences just waiting to be lived, or late night meals that turn into all-night parties, Greece has a peak travel moment that has your name on it.

Greece has been struggling in the wake of a devastating recession brought on by the global financial crisis.  If we wish to help them, one can start by discovering this timeless nation in the coming months, as every travel dollar will go a long way to help get this classic destination back on its feet!

Currency: Euro

Languages: Greek

What To Do

After getting settled into your accommodation in Athens, the icon of a nation likely lies within visual range, calling out to you to visit its ancient bones.  The Parthenon, which served as the temple to the goddess that watched over Athens in the olden times, was once the shiniest gem in the crown of the Acropolis, the site of the ancient city of Athens that is seated on a high plateau that cowers over where the present day city resides. Other monuments to various Greek gods are also present, such as the Erectheion, which worships Attica and Poseidon, as well as Athena.

Located near the modern day settlement of the same name, Delphi used to be the temple that housed the oracle of the god Apollo.  Considered by Greeks to be the centre of the universe, the scenery of the surrounding mountains will help you to understand why they thought this way about this site.  Hiking and cycling opportunities abound in this area, so don’t be in a big rush to move on from here when you get to Delphi.

Birthing the movement that gave rise to the best known athletic event in the history of sports, Olympia was the site of a set of athletic competition that took place every four years from about the 8^th century BCE to the 4^th century AD. Even though the original site today is mostly ruins from the days of yore, the Olympic flame in the modern games is always lit for the first time at the original Olympia stadium using a parabolic mirror near the Temple of Hera, making this place a must for those who eat, breathe and live sports.

After the Roman period of Greece has passed into the annals of history, the Byzantine Empire assumed cultural and imperial control over the land here.  As such, magnificent monasteries were built atop sheer plateaus in Meteora, soaring above the landscape in a scene that may make you gasp upon first sighting it on your travels.

These pillars of stone, broken apart by earthquakes in the ancient past, and shaped by the elements in the eons that followed, were originally only accessible and rope and ladder … today, getting there is much easier, but do respect the sanctity of the monks and nuns that still reside here by covering up, keeping your voice down and acting like you would to be considered an ideal house guest.

While Greece is definitely heavy on cultural highlights, we would be remiss if we ignored the hedonistic, beautiful and sanguine islands that are scattered across the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas like pearls off a broken necklace.

Playing hopscotch between these gems is highly advised for those that have the time, as Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, and Zakynthos, among countless others will stick with you throughout the remainder of your traveling days as one of the best trips to make anywhere in the world.

Corfu is where the young, fabulous and beautiful should head for sleepless nights and cheap free flowing Greek wine.  White sand beaches, crystalline waters, and old but character-filled provincial towns will keep you occupied during the day, while the thumping nightlife after the sun goes down will keep you moving as long as you can hold out.

Santorini should be the photographer’s choice, as the whitewashed houses and the deep blue doors, window shutters and domes will cause the visually stimulated to cry out in excitement upon arrival.  Built on the remnants of a giant volcanic explosion that occurred 3,500 years ago, the visages here will make for an excellent romantic getaway.

Mykonos will appeal to those seeking out a cosmopolitan experience that caters to the needs of just about anybody, as this island is by far the most developed and touristed locale of the major Greek islands. Those that prefer the same sex will especially enjoy their holiday here, as the scene here ranks alongside Ibiza and Gran Canaria as having one of the best gay scenes in Europe.

Finally, those seeking a pleasant holiday in the Aegean that includes a visit to one of the most famous “hidden” beaches in the world will want to set sail for Zakynthos. Shipwreck Beach has been plastered on computer backgrounds around the world, and while most have no clue where it could be, more and more people are finding it here on this formerly low-key Greek isle.

Those who are also seeking to do good will want to look into volunteering with a sea turtle charity. There are a number that do excellent work on this island protecting and nurturing loggerhead sea turtles, helping them get the best possible leg up on a tough life in the ocean that lies beyond.

What To Eat

A treat that is well-loved in the mornings in Greece is Spanakopita, which is a spinach pie that is also filled with feta cheese, onions, and bits of egg. Also enjoyed as a snack during much of the day, it satisfies with its savoury blend of flavours.

Those seeking grilled meats should opt for a Souvlaki, which commonly uses pork as the main protein, though chicken are lamb are commonly featured. While humble in nature, it has been enjoyed in Greece stretching back into prehistoric periods, making it a must try when in the country.

Those seeking something more vegetable based should try Moussaka, a layered dish that consists of eggplant on the bottom, minced lamb in the middle, and a custardy top that will delight most that consume it.  Given the low meat input, this dish is easy to customize to suit vegetarians.

Finally, end your multi-course Greek feast with a sweet and light Baklava.  This dessert is a pastry that is imbued with chopped nuts and is often drizzled with honey, giving it a flavour that is just sweet enough, while providing a texture that truly satisfies!