Experience the Allure of Greece

Travelers to Greece have always been spoiled for choice. This is a land where ancient sites, old medieval towns, and religious treasures blend gloriously with contemporary city life. World-class beaches, stylishly relaxing hidden gems, and unique leisure opportunities all make anyone’s journey unforgettable…

History at Every Turn

Athens, Greece’s capital, is home to some of the world’s finest museums, showcasing the city’s rich and eventful past from prehistoric to modern times. Outside the museums, history is omnipresent, from the Acropolis rock and its surrounding area to ancient ruins emerging in every neighborhood, even in metro stations.

The whole country’s rich heritage ensures that a visitor is never far from palpable history. Whether it’s sun-bleached antiquities, awe-inspiring ancient theatres, excavation sites, or remains of beautiful, centuries-old churches, the feeling of walking on the very soil where events that shaped humanity took place is intense and all-encompassing.

Learn about King Agamemnon in Mycenae, feel the history of the Olympic Games in Olympia, marvel at the center of Minoan civilization in Knossos, stand at the core of the Ancient Greek world in Delphi, explore the cradle of the Macedonian empire in Vergina, or journey to the sacred island of Delos. These are all unforgettable experiences that create incredible memories.

Stylish Strolls and Unwinding in Syros, Hydra, and Spetses

Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros, is a charming town built on two hills, topped with a Catholic and an Orthodox church. A fusion of beautiful neoclassical and Cycladic architecture highlights the town’s thriving past. The magnificent central square features an impressive neoclassical town hall, the graceful Apollon Theatre, and elegant mansions, creating a cosmopolitan air perfect for an exceptional stay.

Hydra is a gorgeous car-free island just an hour and a half from Piraeus in the Argosaronic Gulf. It’s notable for its unique architecture, thanks to strict building restrictions. Admire the stone mansions that once belonged to historic naval families, some of which have been turned into museums. Climb the labyrinthine cobblestone paths leading up the hills to enjoy breathtaking views over the harbor. Hydra’s picturesque settings provide perfect spots to relax and rejuvenate.

Spetses is also located in the Argosaronic Gulf and is covered in shady pine trees, with many beautiful beaches accessible by boat. The charming town features houses with red-tile roofs and colorful flowers. Bicycles and carriages are the primary means of transportation, enhancing the island’s allure. Dapia Square, the center of the social life on Spetses, extends along the seafront, with numerous boutiques and inviting oceanside restaurants offering a fantastic dining experience.

Urban Fun in Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, provides a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere in northern Greece. While compact enough to feel welcoming, it is large enough to offer entertainment, leisure, and the pleasures of a lively metropolis.

Visitors can enjoy refreshing walks along the coastline, endless hours at outdoor cafes, and delicious mezedes with tipsy tsipouro or local wine in the vibrant restaurants. These quintessential pastimes are irresistible to many travelers.

After relaxing at a café, explore the bustling city surrounded by students and stylish crowds. The nightlife, whether outdoors or in lively bars, entices even the most modest party-goers to enjoy late hours of fun.

Key landmarks in Thessaloniki include the bustling Modiano market, the majestic Aristotelous Square, the city’s iconic White Tower, and various districts that exude character. The shopping is plentiful, history lies around every corner, and the stunning beaches of Halkidiki are just a short drive away.

Romantic Time-Travel in the Old Towns of Corfu and Rhodes

Greek old towns blend medieval grandiosity with neoclassical allure, Venetian grace, and Ottoman influences, preserving the patina of time and cultural diversity.

Corfu’s old town, with its imposing fortresses and winding alleys, exhibits a distinctive Venetian flavor. Spianada Park and Liston Square, lined with romantic cafes, often resonate with music from the island’s esteemed philharmonic orchestras.

On the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes boasts an old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by a wall with seven gates. The maze of narrow streets takes visitors back to Medieval and Byzantine eras. Although the famed Colossus of Rhodes no longer stands, the island’s magnificent Palace of the Grandmaster remains one of the Mediterranean’s top sights.

Spiritual Retreats in Mount Athos and Patmos

The Greek Orthodox church is intricately woven into the traditions and existence of Greece. Although its influence can be felt throughout the country, a few places showcase overwhelming spirituality.

Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic community located on a serene peninsula, is considered the second most important site for the Christian Orthodox community after Jerusalem. Its twenty monasteries offer an unforgettable experience for all visitors, regardless of personal beliefs.

In the Dodecanese islands, Patmos, where St. John wrote the book of Revelations, features hundreds of little churches and a monastery set in the stunning Hora. The island’s low-key atmosphere and absence of mass tourism make it an ideal choice for a peaceful retreat.

Sponsored by Greek National Tourism Organisation

This story was crafted collaboratively between Greek National Tourism Organisation and iBestTravel. Both parties provided research and curated content to produce this informative piece.