The Acropolis
Regal on its hilltop, the elegant Acropolis remains the
quintessential landmark of Western civilization. Explore it early in the
morning or soak up the view from a dinnertime terrace; no matter how you
experience the Acropolis, you will be mesmerized by its beauty, history and
sheer size. Beyond the Parthenon, you can find quieter spots such as the
exquisite Temple of Athena Nike and the Theatre of Dionysos. Nearby, the
Acropolis Museum showcases the surviving treasures of the Acropolis.
Meteora
Magnificent Meteora will leave you speechless. Soaring
pillars of rock jut heavenward, a handful complete with monasteries perched on
their summits. Built as early as the 14th century, these were home to hermit
monks fleeing persecution. The rope ladders that when enabled the monks to
achieve the highest have long been replaced by steps etched into the rock, and
six of the 24 monasteries remain open to resident monks and visitors alike.
Today this spectacular stone forest beckons pilgrims and rock climbers from around
the world.↚
Ancient Delphi
Early morning may be a wizardly time at Delphi, as the
sun's rays pour over the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea. As you gaze out over the
Bay of Corinth, it is easy to understand why the ancient Greeks chose this as
the center of their world. Today, only three columns remain of the magnificent
sanctuary, but that's enough to let your imagination soar. Nearby, the Sacred
Way meanders past the Temple of Apollo where prophecies were uttered that sent
armies to battle and made lovers swoon.
Cutting-Edge Capital
Life in Athens is a magnificent mash-up of both the
ancient and the contemporary. Beneath the majestic facades of the many
venerable landmarks, the city is teeming with life and creativity. Galleries
and clubs hold the exhibitions, performances, and installations of the city’s
booming arts scene. Fashionable restaurants and humble tavernas rustle up plate
after plate of satisfying fare. Soulful rembetika (blues songs) serenade the
cobbled streets, while discos and bars abound and swing deep into the night.↚
Santorini Sunsets
There’s more to Santorini than sunsets, but this
remarkable island, shaped by the fire of prehistoric eruptions, has made the
celebratory sunset it's own. On summer evenings, the clifftop towns of Fira and
Oia are packed with visitors awed by the vast blood-red canvas of the cliff
face as the sun struts its stuff. You can catch the sunset while not the crowds
from virtually anyplace on the drop edge. And if you miss an hour, you can
always face east at first light for some fairly stunning sunrises.
Rhodes' Old Town
Getting lost in Rhodes' previous city may be a should.
Away from the crowds, you'll find yourself meandering down twisting, cobbled
alleyways with soaring archways and lively squares. In these hidden corners
your imagination will take off with flights of medieval fancy. Explore the
traditional Knights’ Quarter, the old Jewish Quarter or the Hora (Turkish
Quarter). Hear ancient live music in small tavernas or dine on recent food at
part outside restaurants. Wander along the top of the city’s walls, with the
sea on one side and a bird’s-eye view into this living museum.↚
Cretan Cuisine
Waistlines are damned: Crete is the perfect place to
indulge. The island’s Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits but
the farm-fresh produce, aromatic herbs, straight-from-the-ocean seafood, soft,
tangy cheese and some of the world’s best virgin olive oil make it legendary.
Whether it’s a bowl of snails, fresh artichokes, mussels or figs, the essence
of this rustic cuisine is a balance of flavors. It’s hard to beat traditional
hand-spun filo, a salad of Horta (wild greens) picked from a backyard garden
and red mullet just hauled in.
Island Hopping in the Cyclades
From the spirited nightlife and celebrity hideaways of
Mykonos and Ios, to the isolated sandy coasts of tiny, far-flung specks such as
Anafi, hopping through the Cyclades is a Greek experience not to be missed.
Speed over the Aegean on catamarans and sway on old-fashioned ferry boats. You
won’t regret a single saltwater-splashed second of it.↚
Easter Festivities on Patmos
The Greek calendar is chock-full of festivals and
holidays, but the biggest event of the Greek Orthodox Church is Easter. And the
best place to experience it is on Patmos in the Dodecanese. The island comes to
life with fireworks, dancing in the streets, huge outdoor lamb roasts and
plenty of ouzo shots. Begin by witnessing the moving, candlelit processions of
flower-filled biers through the capital, marking the start of the celebration on
Good Friday. By Saturday night you’ll be shouting Hristos Anesti (Christ is
Risen) and cracking vibrant red-dyed eggs.
Samaria Gorge
The dramatic gorge of
Samaria is the most-trodden canyon in Crete – and with good reason. Starting at
Omalos and running down through an ancient riverbed to the Libyan Sea, it's
home to varied wildlife, soaring birds of prey and a dazzling array of
wildflowers in spring. It’s a full day's walk (about six hours down) but the
jaw-dropping views make it worth every step. To get more solitude, try
lesser-known gorges such as Imbros Gorge, which runs roughly parallel to
Samaria.
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