Greece plays a central role in the foundation of modern thought and the development of world civilization. It also has the monuments to prove it. It’s a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and amazing cuisine. If you are considering a trip to see the wonders of Greece, there will be a lot of items on your must-see list. Let’s explore a few of them here and find out the best things Greece has to offer. The Acropolis
When you think of Greece, perhaps the first thing you think of is the Acropolis. It’s the massive stone mound that rises above the city of Athens. Built on top of it are a complex of temples, sculptures, and other ancient structures, the most well-known of which is the Parthenon. Dating back to the 5th Century B.C., it is constructed out of interlocking stone blocks and took nine years to complete. The Acropolis is truly a wonder to behold in person.At the base of the Acropolis sits the Acropolis Museum, which any visit to the Acropolis should include. It contains archeological finds from the Parthenon and Acropolis, as well as works of Grecian art and an exploration of the history and culture of the region. Many excited travelers don’t even wait to arrive at their hotel to visit the Acropolis. They get off the plane, find luggage storage in Athens, drop their bags, and get right to sightseeing. It will not disappoint.
Delphi
Located near Mr. Parnassus in central Greece, a little over a two-hour drive from Athens, is the archeological site of Delphi. It is the home of the temple of Apollo, where the high priestess, Pythia, would relate the prophecies of the Greek God Apollo to travelers who would come from great distances to hear the oracle speak.In addition to the sanctuary of Apollo, there are many other monuments for tourists to explore, including temples, a theater, and a stadium. The ancient Greeks considered Delphi to be the center of the world and it should still figure prominently today in your travel plans if you are coming to Greece.
The Monasteries of Meteora
Built on top of the sandstone pillars of the area, the monasteries of Meteora are an absolute wonder. Monks first settled in the area in the 9th or 10th century to find isolation in the cliffs to practice their religious devotion. It wasn’t until the 14th century that construction first began on the monasteries, which are perched atop cliffs.The seemingly impossible structures will leave you fascinated as to how they were created and are a breathtaking sight for any traveler. There were 24 monasteries at one time, but now only six remain. Tourists can explore the grounds of the monasteries and take in the beautiful surroundings. It’s a place of quiet, isolation, and harmony. A trip to Meteora is absolutely worth it.
Santorini
Santorini is an archipelago of five islands in the Aegean Sea. It was created in the 17th Century B.C., when a volcanic eruption occurred and the center of a single large island sunk into the sea. The surrounding islands have remained, creating a caldera. Santorini is famous for its beauty, including its red and black volcanic beaches.The architecture of Santorini is unique as well. On the island of Thira, whitewashed shops, hotels, and restaurants are built right into the side of the cliffs, making it a spectacular sight and an unforgettable experience. Visitors flock to the end of the island each evening to get a view of the sunset across the water as the sky is filled with vibrant colors. Santorini is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to watch the setting sun.
Mykonos
One of the most famous of the Greek Islands, Mykonos is known for its nightlife. There are luxury hotels, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and clubs that will entertain any traveler. Mykonos also has a variety of beaches, from smaller, secluded spots to beaches that have bars and DJs, pumping out the music so partygoers can dance.There are certainly quieter areas of the island as well. Quaint shops, churches, windmills, lighthouses, even ancient ruins. On Mykonos, you can relax and rest up during the day and experience the never-ending nightlife when the sun goes down.
