A Greek vacation can be quite rewarding if you are able to combine some of the most beautiful locations and historical landmarks. For instance, you can visit the city of Athens and then head to the islands of Paros and Halkidiki to explore the stunning landscape. These places are definitely not to be missed! After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of which places to visit and what to expect.
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Athens
The city is full of contrasts, from ancient to modern, civilization to nature, and from tradition to trends. The higgledy-piggledy streets conceal cobbled alleys adorned with bougainvillea, while cutting-edge art galleries thrive inside the neoclassical buildings. In the evening, a stroll through the city will reveal a thriving nightlife.
The city center is lined with cafes and restaurants, and the famous Syntagma Square is a top tourist spot. Nearby are many five-star hotels. The area is also a great place to eat, though beware of tourist prices. You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating. For those looking for more culture, there are several museums and exhibitions located within walking distance of Syntagma Square.
The Acropolis museum is home to six ancient caryatids that support the roof. Five of the six originals are on display at the museum, and the sixth can be found in the British Museum. In addition, the National Archaeological Museum, the largest in the world, is packed with star exhibits. Visitors can admire the ancient wreck of the Antikythera, which was discovered in 1900. The wreck yielded two important artifacts: the Antikythera Mechanism and the Philosopher’s Head.
Halkidiki
The beautiful beaches of the Halkidiki peninsula are the most attractive attractions. You can spend an afternoon at the beach or spend the night partying in a club. The pristine waters and azure sand are a perfect mix for a day on the beach. There is also plenty of history to explore. The most important historical site of the Halkidiki peninsula is the town of Arnea, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sea in Halkidiki is calm and is a great place to do kayaking.
The first small peninsula of Halkidiki is the Kassandra. It’s the easiest to reach from Thessaloniki. It is more developed than Sithonia but still boasts some beautiful, isolated beaches. Depending on the time of year, you can choose between secluded beaches or the more popular resorts. If you prefer a more laidback atmosphere, you’ll find a large number of tavernas, bars, and restaurants in Kassandra.
If you are traveling by plane to the Halkidiki peninsula, the easiest way to get there is from the airport of Thessaloniki. From there, you can rent a car or use the services of a hotel transfer. The journey will take about 45 minutes, depending on how you choose to get there. I took a car and drove to my hotel, Antigoni Beach Resort. The scenic route of the Halkidiki peninsula will take you through the untouched countryside, turquoise waters, and traditional villages. You can also enjoy the rich culinary fare and the lively nightlife of the town.
Chania
There are plenty of stunning views to be had in the town of Chania. Located in Crete Greece, the town is famous for its blue waters and picturesque vistas. Whether you prefer hiking or just relaxing by the sea, you are sure to enjoy the many attractions of this coastal town. During your stay in Chania, you can also enjoy a tour with the locals known as Vasilis. This tour will highlight the different flavors of the island.
If you are a history buff, you may be interested in the old monasteries in the city. Akrotiri is an island just 10 kilometers from Chania. There are three old monasteries on the peninsula. The oldest of these, Agia Triada Tzagaroli, dates back to the 17th century. The beautiful monastery is located in an idyllic setting surrounded by olive and citrus orchards. It is also home to the historic Kypos Cafe, which was established in the 16th century.
When it comes to accommodation, Chania is an excellent choice. Besides being a great place to relax, it also has excellent restaurants and cafes. The Old Town is just a short walk away from these attractions. Most landmarks in the town are within walking distance of each other. If you’re looking for some nightlife in the town, you might want to visit Chatzimichali Ntaliani, where you can get a glimpse of the city’s thriving nightlife.
Paros
If you’re looking for a quieter island vacation, then you should visit Paros. This picturesque Greek island is surrounded by shimmering beaches, and its underwater landscapes are gorgeous. During your vacation, you should take a boat excursion around the island. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery while also getting some great exercise. You can also go shopping or visit a museum.
You can get to Paros from Athens or any other Greek Island by ferry. You can reach Paros by ferry from Athens or other Greek Islands within three to five hours. Ferry companies serving this island include Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Sea Jets. Alternatively, you can take a plane from Athens Greece to Paros. Astra Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express all have frequent service to Paros.
Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, Naoussa is a delightful place to spend a day. The town is full of charming, colorful caiques docked at its harbor. You can also visit the Paros Moraitis Wine Museum, which has underground wine aging cellars and a wine tasting hall. The museum preserves the authenticity of the island’s local vineyards, dating back to the ancient Cycladic era.
Mykonos
If you are in search of unique views, a trip to Mykonos Greece is a must. The narrow, winding streets are lined with picturesque whitewashed buildings. If you have time to spare, spend an early morning stroll through the town. Don’t worry about crowds. You can snap a few great shots as the streets are completely pedestrian only. While walking through the town, keep in mind that many houses look similar to each other, so it may be hard to distinguish between them.
You’ll need a Greek visa to visit Mykonos. It costs about 20 euros compared to most other Greek islands, but you can easily find inexpensive restaurants on the island for about 10 Euros. The island has excellent seafood and a great party scene. Celebrities flock to the island during the summer months, so you’re sure to spot a Hollywood star or two. However, you should note that the island’s population is mostly young Europeans looking for a good time. Although Greece’s climate is the Mediterranean, the island is often overcrowded, so expect crowds to be full of tourists.
The Greek cuisine is relatively mild, so if you’re allergic to spicy food, you won’t have to worry about the heat. Instead, you’ll find delicious seafood dishes and fresh salads that are sure to satisfy any appetite. You’ll also be able to indulge in Greek cuisine, which is typically infused with olive oil and fresh tomato sauce. The island’s nightlife revolves around Paradise beach. You’ll find bars offering drinks specials and countless beach parties.
Zakynthos
For the perfect family vacation in Greece, you should include Zakynthos on your itinerary. The island’s small town is charming and features many interesting historical sites. You can stroll through the small streets and admire the harbor view. The architecture is characteristic of the Venetian style, and you’ll enjoy seeing how the locals live. You can even rent a boat to explore the island on your own.
Another beautiful place to visit is the Askos Stone Park, a man-made reservoir between the sea and mountains. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and wildflowers. Visitors can also feed the animals and learn about their history. While you’re there, you’ll also get to see the park’s animals, including deer, raccoons, peacocks, goats, chickens, and tortoises.
You’ll also find some museums in town. The Byzantine Museum is one of the must-sees. Here, you’ll see artifacts from the Byzantine period and gain a thorough understanding of the island’s history. And if you’re interested in art history, there’s the Agios Dionysios Church in the town.
Hydra
There are numerous activities to keep you occupied on your trip to Hydra Greece. From hiking in the mountains to swimming in crystal clear waters, this island has a wide range of attractions to keep you busy. In addition to hiking and exploring, you can also take in the sights and sounds of shopping. Here are some of the most popular activities to do in Hydra:
Artists and writers have long found inspiration on the island. In the sixties, Leonard Cohen bought a house on Hydra and created an idea that writers would write on the island. Many visitors turned out to be alcoholics. You’ll be able to see the works of many of these artists at small galleries and shops located throughout the island. No matter what your artistic tastes are, you’ll find something to satisfy your artistic side.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of Hydra, head to the Historical Archives Museum. This museum contains an assortment of donated artifacts and documents of cultural importance. The entrance costs just EUR5.
