Greece

Athens may just be considered to be among most enchanting and magical cities in the world. It is for this reason why many people from various parts of the globe put the city on their bucket list as a must-visit place.

Greece’s capital and largest city, Athens has been known to be where civilization was born; the birthplace of democracy and of the wise men in ancient times. Because the capital is where the most important civilization of ancient times flourished, Athens therefore holds some of the world’s marvelous and significant structures.

One of the famous faces of the city is the Acropolis of Athens. Europe’s most famous archaeological monument, the edifice, which is also referred to as the “Sacred Rock” is ancient Greek culture’s most significant reference point. The history and magnificence of the place have gotten itself a nomination to the 7 Wonders of the Modern World – and many have taken it as a favorite.

Athens, Greece offers tourists with many different interesting sights and experiences. Its old neighborhood’s present a coexistence of the city’s different eras. Its famous historic triangle which comprises Psyri, Thission, and Plaka, will put any visitor in awe with the wonderful and picturesque setting. Its old mansions, whether those that were well-preserved or those that have already worn out in time, will not fail to impress and interest everyone.

Athens Architecture

Athens is filled with neoclassical buildings that will impress even those who do not have knowledge in the field. Among the favorite architectural sights in the city include the National Library, the Archaeological Museum, and the Athens Academy. The streets of Patission, Athinas, Stadiou, and Panepistimiou are also surrounded with many interesting historical structures.

Beaches in Athens

Athens is not just about history and structures. The city is also home to a number of beaches that will delight the beach buffs. Outside the city limits are the coasts of Attaca peninsula where you can bask in the sun and the beaches of Athens. You can choose from private beaches but there are free and public beaches where you can spend some time getting some sunshine and way from the hectic life in urban Athens.

Some of the frequented beaches in the city and around Attica Peninsula are Varkiza, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, and Glyfada. These beaches are located in the south suburbs of the city which makes them very accessible with public transportation.

Transportation in Athens

Speaking of public transportation, this Greek capital boasts of a very good transport services. Tourists can take on trolley tram, metro, bus, and taxi at reasonable prices. What makes exploring the city better is that because most sights are not far from each other, travelling on foot is very much recommended. With the many sights and attractions in the city, one should make it a point to visit Athens longer.

City Guide to Athens

If you are a fan of Greek mythology, you might have noticed the city’s name’s resemblance to that of the goddess of wisdom, Athena. An etiological myth explains that the city got its name the Athenians chose the goddess over the god of the sea, Poseidon. The two were said to have competed with each other to become the patron of the city.

Poseidon produced salt water spring for the people, while Athena made the olive tree to symbolize peace and prosperity. Because it was the olive tree that the Athenians accepted, Athena became their patron and had the city’s name in her honor.

Athens is basically surrounded with mountains. On its east is Mount Hmettus, Mount Penteli on its northeast, Mount Aegaleo to the west, and Mount Parnitha to the north. Of this four, the last is the tallest and is also recognized as a national park.

Athens is known to have a subtropical Mediterranean climate. It receives annual precipitation just enough to avoid being classified under the semi-arid climate. A dominant feature of the city’s climate though is the alternation of its warm and dry summers and wet yet mild winters (perfect for a vacation getaway!).

Travelling to Athens may sound to be very, very exciting. It is. But it isn’t that easy, especially for first timers. For one, English is not the main language in the city. Second, Greece has a pretty different culture as compared to other European cities. Thus, before packing your suitcase and booking that flight to the capital of Greece, reading some city guide will come very handy.

Getting a good map and informative pamphlets is important when visiting Athens, particularly for those who intend to travel the city without getting the service of tour guides. Independent travelers can make their way to Athens by first dropping by the information desk of the Greek National Tourist Organization. There, tourists will not only get pamphlets and maps, they will also be provided with accommodation list, ferry boat schedules, and useful numbers among others. The best thing about all these is that these services are all provided to tourists for FREE!

Cash is of utmost importance when travelling to Athens. But if you run out of it while exploring the city, the banks and ATM’s in the city will be at your disposal. Spread all over the city and available 24 hours, getting cash from ATM’s in the city will not be a problem so long as your bank account is all right. If you prefer to use credit cards than cash though, then it’s still fine as most of the shops, hotels and restaurants in the city do accept credit card.

A point noteworthy to remember is the city’s currency: Euro. If you are a European, this won’t be much of a hassle; however, if you are travelling with dollars, you would have to go exchange your money at any banks in the city as well as in Post Office, travel bureaus, and foreign exchange offices.

If you want to stay connected with your friends while you are away from home but has not activated your roaming number, you can easily purchase a new sim card in the city which costs around 40-50 Euros (a relatively cheap price considering the high cost of living in Athens). If you need your pals to call you while in Athens, you just have to inform them of the city’s area code, which is 210 followed by your number in the city.

In case of emergency, these numbers will be very helpful: 100 for police, 176 for emergency medical assistance, 199 for the fire department, and 171 for the tourist police.

Athens may just be everything you need for a tourist destination, but doing some research before you head to the city will just increase the fun and enjoyment you will have in the Greece capital.

Athens, Greece Top Attractions

Mysterious. Magnificent. Mystical. Marvelous. These could be the 4M’s (and probably more) to describe the top attractions in Athens – reasons that make thousands, if not millions, of people from all over the world visit it year after year. Below is a list of just a few of the many attractions you should not miss when in the Greek capital.

Acropolis

From the words Acro which means edge and polis meaning city, the Acropolis, also called Athens’ “Sacred Rock” is considered to be the city’s most important site and constitutes to be the one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. This site also manifests Greek’s flourishing civilization in the ancient times.

The entrance to this area is called the Propylaea which is dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens, Athena. This futuristic designed structure was built through the ingenuity of architect Mnesicles using Pentelic marble.

The Pnyx

Often referred to as the rendezvous of the Athenians for their meetings, The Pnyx is a large theater-like area located on a hill on the west of the Acropolis. Here you will get a glimpse of the city’s past and re-live the moment where the important males in the city convene to discuss important issues. This is also the spot where great political struggles in the city’s Golden Age had been fought out.

Herodeion

Built in 160AD, the Herodeion, which is a theater surrounded by monuments, serve as a venue for many performances and concerts in the city. It goes past the pedestrian of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. It is also referred to as Odeon of Herodus Atticus.

Kerameikos

Stretching along Ermou Street, the Kerameikos is Athens’ most important and biggest necropolis. If you think it somehow sounds like the English word “ceramic”, well that is because the word has been derived from the place’s name as it once been the quarter of the potters in the city. Here, numerous funerary sculptures and an important cemetery are also situated.

Ancient Agora

The heart of the city’s politics, administration, and commerce, the Ancient Agora, also known as the Roman Agora, has also once placed as the core of the ancient city’s religion and culture. Measuring 111×98 meters, the Agora was once the location of the city’s court of justice. When exploring the area, you will notice the traces of a civilized community which can be traced in the Late Neolithic period. In 6th Century BC, under the rule of Solon, the area has been declared a public area.

Olympieion

Lying on the south-east part of the ancient city, the Olympieion’s establishment goes back from the mythical Deucalion time. It has been inhabited in the prehistoric period where the cult of Zeus is said to be attested. The monumental temple was erected thru the order of Peisistratos the Younger in ca. 515 B.C., however, it was not finished because its tyranny in the city fell. Its construction was finished under the order of Roman emperor Hadrian. Inside the temple one will be in awe with the colossal statue of Zeus which is made of gold and ivory.

Traveling to Athens will surely make you out of positive adjectives to say. So be prepared to be impressed in this wonderful city.

Athens, Greece History

One of the world’s oldest cities, Athens has already been inhabited for 7000 years. It was built in the Attika Plains between Hymettos Mountains and Parnitha, Penteli. It is the leading city of Ancient Greece and the home of one of the world’s flourishing civilization in the ancient times.

The city’s name was taken after Athena, the goddess o f knowledge after the Athenian people chose her as the city’s patron over the god of the sea, Poseidon. According to tradition, Athens was founded when then King Theseus has united several Attica settlements. The city’s last king, Kodros was said to have sacrificed himself to save the homeland.

After the kings in the ancient Athens, came the nobles who ruled the city through the consul called the Arios Pagos (Supreme Court). From this consul, 9 rulers were elected. This was also the time when the assembly of the Athenian citizens, the Eccelia of Demos, was established.

When the period of colonization ended and trades in the city expanded, many Athenians became wealthy in the fields of shipping and trade. However, the lower classes still faced poverty that it resulted to a riot after the latter demanded lands for themselves and more social justice.

After years under tyrants, democracy was born in Athens, a constitution that gives all the Athenians the right as well as the duty to participate in the state’s governance – a significant achievement of the ancient Greeks that has been practiced in many countries even until now.

Under the reign of Pericles in the 5th century BC, Athens lived its most glorious period. During this time, the city’s Golden Age of Athens Parthenon was erected. The fields of drama, arts, and philosophy have flourished during this time too. Unfortunately, the war between the Sparta and the Athenians in the Peloponnesian War ended these days of glory. But even then, the city still remained to be the heart of culture and intelligence in the Roman times.

Athens became the capital of the country in 1833 after the Greek War of Independence. And the rest, as they all say, is history.

Museums to Visit in Athens

Athens, Greece will be a paradise for history buffs! Being one of the world’s oldest cities, with one of the longest histories, Athens is definitely loaded with museums – old and new. Here are a few of the interesting museums in the city.

The Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum is considered by many to be among the best museums in Athens as it features both ancient and modern Greece, particularly in arts and culture. Its bottom floor starts with a display of pieces from the ancient times then goes up with a showcase of various memorabilia from the different periods of the country’s history. Its third floor presents the many heroes of the Greek Revolution. The National Gardens is located here to give you more interesting views.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the world’s most important archaeological museums being home to the historical past of the greatest civilizations in the world. One can find here rare and breathtaking collections from ancient Greece, which include religious items from Neolithic times, vases, jewellery, statues, sculpture, and weapons.

Agamemnon’s golden mask and other treasures from the Mycenae period is also found here which make every visit very worthwhile. Be in awe with the statues of gods and goddesses which include that of Poseidon of Artemision, Zeus holding a thunder from Dodona, Demeter and Persephone, and that of Aphrodite and Pan among others.

Athens City Museum

If you think you’ve toured enough from the ancient times, then try to stop by the Museum of the City of Athens. This modern museum features the modern history of the city (from the time it became the capital of the country). Among the collections displayed here are paintings, artifacts, and individual artworks from local artists. The museum has an admission fee of 3 euros per person.

War Museum of Athens

Inaugurated in 1975, the War Museum showcases collections from the Greek Army, including materials from the Greece’s war history since the prehistoric times up to the modern days. Aside from war mementoes, the museum also documents studies from war history. With its interesting displays, it’s more interesting to note that the museum does not charge any admission fees.

The Acropolis Museum

This new Acropolis Museum contains breathtaking pieces, such as pediment sculptures and statues found on Acropolis Rock and were part of the buildings’ decoration as part of the dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron and goddess of wisdom. You will also be in awe with the statues of female figures from the archaic era referred to as “Korai”.

Athens will not run out interesting and fascinating museums, so get ready to be in magnificence exploring these breathtaking museums.

Architecture in Athens

Arguably, Athens, Greece has one of the world’s most magnificent architecture. As the city’s life has mainly dominated by religion, it is not surprising that the city’s temples are one of the biggest and most beautiful in the world. Additionally, these temples celebrate pride and civic power, which made them really stand out.

If you have any background in architecture, you would’ve probably known that it was the Greek who came up with three architectural systems known as orders – Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian. The first is elegant with its thin posts and decorated with scroll-like designs; the second is sturdy at its top with design more plain than the first; the last order has designs more elaborate, with acanthus leaves decorations.

Among the architecture in Athens with Ionic order are the Erechtheum, Temple of Apollo in Didyma, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Erechtheum is a middle classic period temple built on the Acropolis between 421 and 405 BC. Sanctuaries to the gods like Posideon, Athena Polias, and Erechtheus are found here. The Temple of Apollo at Didyma on the other hand features a design known as dipteral – two sets of columns which surround the interior section. The Temple of Athena Nike is part of the Acropolis. The ruins of this temple suggest its former grandeur.

The Parthenon is an example of architecture in the Doric Order. Dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and patron of the city, this temple has stood still despite much damage from the time of its construction in the 5th century BC.

For the Corinthian Order, the temples of Apollo at Bassae and Zeus at Athens are the best example. Being the most ornate among architecture’s classic orders, the Greeks did not seem to really make use of this particular order.

Other interesting architecture in Athens are the Syntagma Square which is also referred to as the Constitution Square, the Theatre of Dionysos which was built of dates and timber, and the Hadrian’s Arch which first served as the entry point in Athens.

The architecture in Athens should be on top of your list as you visit Athens. You may just be for a weekend in Athens, but these structures should never be missed no matter what as it shows not just the beauty and magnificence of the city, it also tell a lot of stories to its visitors – something that will make anybody want to visit them again and again.

Theatres in Athens

Theatres in Athens come in two forms: as places to go for alternative entertainment, such as ballet, plays, and classical concerts, and as places to head to for movies.

For the first, the Lyric Theatre and the National Theatre are top of the list when it comes to theatre performances and the like. The Lyric Theatre is known in the country as the Lyriki Skini. It is the only lyric theatre in the country where many operas perform, which often includes foreign artists. The National Theatre on the other hand was the Hadrian’s Library’s inspiration for its façade. Built between 1895 and 1901, the theatre served as the King’s guests’ official Royal Theatre.

Movies in Athens are enjoyable as the city has a number of air-conditioned theatres. There are also open-air cinemas that are just pleasant to be in to let the evening pass. Although a few of these cinemas have already closed, there are still plenty left, mostly family-owned and run, that offer a great venue to watch Athenian films (cross your fingers that you catch one with English subtitles).

If you are travelling with your family, this is the perfect place to bond with them – the kids included. You can drop off the area and enjoy munching snacks and sipping cold drinks while watching a good movie. Among these open theatres are Dexameni in Dexameni Square, Kolonaki, Cine Paris in Plaka (which is also the oldest in town) and Thission in Apostolou Pavlou.

Plays and movies are the perfect bonding means. When in Athens, do not just enjoy the top attractions of Athens or just be in awe with the architecture in Athens, take time to also enjoy the time you have with your family and/or friends in these theatres in Athens.

Athens Festivals

If you are in the city, whether for a short or long vacation, do not just stop by top Athens attractions, do take part too in its many festivities to truly experience what it is to be in the capital of Greece.

Among the major festivals in the city are the Hellenic Festival, the International Jazz and Blues Festival, the International Dancing Festival, and August Moon Festival.

The Hellenic Festival would probably be one of the city’s biggest and most celebrated festivals. It is celebrated in Herodes Atticus theatre and highlights several interesting performances, like ancient and modern theatre, opera, jazz, ballet, dances, and symphonic music. It is celebrated from the 2nd of July to the 28th of September (yes, that long!).

The International Jazz & Blues Festival on the other hand is held in the city every June with a kick off activity at the Lycabettus theatre. Several music, dance, and theatrical performances come with the event.

For dance enthusiasts, the International Dancing Festival would be a great event to take part in. opened for the first time in 2003, the event has soon become one of the most famous international events, not just in the city, but throughout Greece as well. It is headed by the Cultural Organization of Athens and usually takes place in the first two weeks of July.

Annually, the city Athens also celebrates the August Moon Festival. On the night of the full moon of the month, when the Athenians believe the moon is at its brightest and most beautiful for the year, the August Moon Festival marks many opera performances, classical music, and Greek dances. It is also during this time when many of Athens architecture and other top attractions are offered for free; among these are the Roman Agora, the Acropolis, and the Odeion of Herodes.

The Epidaurus Festival is also one of the city’s well-known festivals. It is an annual arts festival held from May to October. Among the activities in the festival are the theatrical and dance performances happening in several top venues in the city.

You may not have come to the city for it, but Athens festivals are surely worth experiencing.

Restaurants in Athens

Curious about tasting Greek delicacies in a Greek city? Let these restaurants treat you for a great Greek dining!

Alatsi

Alatsi, which is owned by journalist Stavros Theodorakis, is a favourite among top journalists and politicians in the – the so-called crème-de-la-crème in Athens. It serves Cretan delicacies, including kaltsounia which are small pies with beef and wild greens slowly stewed in Cretan pasta and wine. This Syntagma Square-located restaurant is expectedly for those are willing to splurge for their meals. It is open daily, except on Sundays and mid-August.

The Butcher Shop

This upscale restaurant is like a paradise for the carnivore as it serves meats in the most superb way. Among their customer favorites are their gigantic hamburgers, sausages, and steaks. The crispy home fries and cold cuts are worth the try as well. You will also get a wide wine selection in the restaurant which is just perfect for your meaty meal.

Fatsio

Despite the Italian-sounding name, Fatsio is an old-fashioned restaurant which boasts of its home-style Greek delicacies. Don’t miss to try their soufflé which is a variation of baked macarani and piece made more interesting with beef slices, ham pieces, and eggplant and tomato sauce topping. Although meals are a bit expensive, Fatsio assures the dining experience is worth every cent you spend.

O Skoufias

While the first three restaurants cater for the upper class, O Skoufias does for the middle class. With dishes served for affordable prices, this restaurant is considered by many to have some of the best food in town. It’s a pretty taverna with menus looking like those of Greek school children – royal blue lined notebooks.

To Kainari

To Kainari is another mid-range restaurant in Athens. Aside from its good-tasting Greek dishes, you will also be fascinated with the restaurant’s odd collection of mementos and photographs adorning its walls. Bouyiourdi, which is spicy sausage with peppers, tomato sauce, and peta cheese, is among the many favourites in the restaurant.

Bairaktaris

Perfect for those looking for an economical yet great-tasting meal, Bairaktaris will thrill diners with its painted wine barrels, still photos of Greek film stars, and pictures of politicians who dined in the restaurant. Try their magirefta (dish cooked on top of the stove) and beef kokkinisto (beef stewn with red sauce) for something interesting.

To Steki tou Ilia

To Steki tou Ilia is ideal for those who are into thick-cut fried potatoes and fresh-grilled lamb chops! This classic taverna, aside from serving sumptuous meat dishes, is budget-friendly as well making them a favourite among those who are travelling in a budget.

Whether you are in Athens for the first time, or are just coming back, these restaurants and the rest not listed here will be a great way to enjoy the gastronomy of the city.

Shopping in Athens

The impressive architecture in Athens, the great delicacies served in Athens restaurants, and even the warm people of Athens are not the only reasons to visit this Greek capital. Shopping in Athens, too make one’s tour extra special with the city’s wide of shopping options.

Cooking? Most of those who visit Athens for at least a week make it a point to drop by the Central Market which is located in Odos Athinas. Open from Mondays through Saturdays from 8am to 6pm, the market is where many locals head to to buy meat, vegetables, and fish among others.

You can also take advantage here all of the great bargain prices, such as two sheep’s heads for the price of one. Also, if you are thinking about cooking a Greek cuisine, this is the place to get hold of Greek herbs and spices.

Looking for antiques? Then Athens’ Antiqua is the place to be. Situated just off the Syntagma Square, this shop holds a wide collection of first edition prints of 19th century Athens as well as amber worry beads, silver sword, and ancient coins. It is open from Mondays through Saturdays from 10am through 3pm; they stay open until 6:30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays though.

Fashion forward? Drop by Kolonaki. As one of the most posh clothing stores in the city, this is where you’ll easily find the latest and hottest trends in both American and European fashion. Boutiques of famous Greek designers can also be found here.

If you are looking for a cute pair of shoes, you can go stop by Tsakalof which many Athenians find hard to resist with their many shoe displays. Just a note for those travelling in a budget, most apparels here are sold at very expensive prices, so if you are not ready to splurge, stick to just doing window shopping.

Feeling cold? Grab heavy-knit sweaters at Nick’s Corner which are sold at bargain price. There are plenty of these cheap yet warm sweaters too in stores along Odos Adrianou in Plaka.

Bookworm? Eleftheroudakis and Rombos are your best options. Eleftheroudakis has one of the city’s widest selection of books written in the English language and a good CD selection, including that of Greek music. If you are thinking about reading the books right away, you can take a seat in the bookstore’s café for your convenience. Rombos on the other hand which is located in Kolonaki specializes in selling English-language books too.

Shopping in Athens will not be boring, thanks to this wide array of choices that will sure suit your needs and taste.

Athens for Kids

Despite being known for its “ancient” history, Athens will not only interest those who have fetish for the old and the past; it too will entertain even the kids and kids at heart. The top Athens attractions are not just breathtaking in the eye of the expert; they are also mesmerizing and enjoyable even to the little ones.

The National Gardens for one, which is located off the Syntagma Square, features a playground, a small zoo, and several duck ponds that are ideal for the kids to play in. You can also drop the kids in the Children’s Library for a fun learning experience with them – don’t worry, there are many books and learning materials in English!

If the small zoo in the National Gardens is not enough for you and your kids, you can head off to Attica Zoological Park. This privately-owned zoo is home to over 2000 birds from 320 species and a butterfly garden. The zoo is open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm, with admission of 8€ for adults and 4€ for the kids. You can also bring your kids at the Dexamini Square for them to run and play around. The square’s small playground and cafés will make it easy for both you and the kids.

To give your kids a sense of thrill and adventure (of course in a child-friendly way), you can take them on a cable-car ride up Mount Likavitos. During summer, rides happen every 20 minutes for a roundtrip fare of 6€. From the ride, you and the little ones can have a good ice cream at the café located in the area.

Children who are interested in the arts can have a great time at the Museum of Greek Children’s Art. Here, several workshops and special activities are being held for the kids, however, most of these are in Greek so it would not be that fun for kids who only speak English. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday with an admission fee of 2€. Athens’ Children’s Museum will also interest the kids with their workshops, which include chocolate-making; the Karaghiozis Puppet Shows, with their shadow theatre, will entertain the kids as well.

Travelling with the kids has never been this fun, exciting and interesting! Athens for kids will prove that the city is not just for the history buffs. So whether you are in the city for only a weekend, or are for a week in Athens, there’s just a lot that you and the little ones can experience.

Weather in Athens

If you are planning on spending a vacation in Athens, Greece, one of the things to research on is the city’s weather. Not only will the information help you plan your activities in your stay in the city, it will also serve as a guide on what and what not to bring, in terms of clothing, in the capital of Greece.

The good thing with Athens weather is that it does not come unpredictable. Temperature that goes over 20degrees is actually not uncommon in the city, especially during the months of January and February.

Between June and October, the weather can become scorching hot that if you intend to visit the city during this time, you will need to book in a hotel with air-conditioning. The temperature may be fine in the early morning and in the evening, but during the day, it can get very warm you need to don on very comfortable clothes.

In fact, you can enjoy wearing a simple t-shirt while dining in some of the cool restaurants in the city at night. This warm weather in the city stays so until the end of November and winter comes. But unlike in other cities, winter in Athens is actually pretty mild.

In both autumn and spring, the weather get wet and chilly yet there isn’t much that you would need to have other than an umbrella and a warm sweater. Every year, the city experiences an average of 55 days of rain.

Snow? Well it does happen once or twice in the city’s winter season but it does not stay for long so skis are not famous to do in the city – which could be either a good news or bad news to some.

Athens weather is not complicated at all, so just check your calendar and see what season it is in the city to guide you with your itinerary.

Athens for Free

Traveling in Athens promises a fun and learning-filled experience; however, it does not come cheap. For people who are intending to visit the city with budgetary consideration, it would be a pleasure to know that not all top attractions of Athens require admission fees, in fact, there are a number of places in the city that’s free for everyone to explore. Here are some of these places:

Plaka

A village within the city, walking around Plaka would not cost you anything – unless you decide to drop by the shops and buy some souvenirs. There are a number of museums, shops, and restaurants around Plaka, but if you are in a budget, you must resist the temptation to spend. There are several museums though that’s free for everyone to visit. One of these museums is the Museum of Popular Musical Instruments.

Located near the ancient Agora, the museum is a three-floor building with four sections of collections that back in the 1700s until the present day. Here, you will enjoy seeing more than 200 musical instruments that, up to now, are still popular in the country – and you can do this for free!

The streets may be quite chaotic, but somehow shows another side of Greek life.

Monastiraki

Like Plaka, this vibrant shopping district is worth exploring even if you are flat broke already. Its swirling streets are nice to take a break in, including watching the people on the streets. However, try to visit the district on weekdays instead of weekends, especially on Sundays as they get very crowded.

Beaches

Soaking under the sun in the beaches of Athens would be another great (free) way to do in the city. Alimos Beach for instance, despite being quite far from the major attraction in the city, is an attraction in itself with its picturesque setting. The beach is also large enough for you to find your own spot and enjoy the crystal-clear water without being distracted by crowds of people.

Piraeus Port

The Piraeus Port is the largest of all ports in Europe. If you arrive in the city by boat, do not head to your hotel right away. Instead, spend some time walking around this beautiful port. Take a snap of the ships or enjoy the live music in the restaurants located in the port. The Piraeus Port is chaotic in nature, but it’s something you will appreciate.

Mars Hill

Climbing Athens’ Acropolis Hill and visiting the world-famous Parthenon temple will cost you money. Thus if you are in a budget, you might have to consider an alternative ‘hill’. The Mars Hill, which is located just next to the Acropolis will be an interesting place to visit in lieu of the Acropolis. If you are a Bible fanatic, this hill is the place where Paul the Apostle gave his speech on the “Identity of the Unknown God”. If your legs can still take more hike, try to also climb Mt. Lycabettus which is Athens’ highest peak.

Traveling to Athens may be quite expensive, but with a little resourcefulness, you’ll find that there are still a lot of places in the city that are free to explore.

Athens’s Public Transportation

The public transportation of Athens provides tourists with a wide variety of routes, which features a combination of different means, which include buses, trolleybuses, trams, railway, and the metro. For a ticket worth 1,40€, you can already move from one public transportation to another in an hour or less.

Transport tickets in the city can be availed in all train and metro stations. Street kiosks also sell tickets to make getting in and around the city easier and more convenient. If you intend to stay long in the city, there are weekly passes that you can avail in public transport offices at discounted rates. Buying weekly passes, aside from saving you a few Euros, is a convenient and quick way to get around the city as it eliminates the need to buy tickets every now and then.

Just a quick reminder for those exploring the city via public transport: validate your tickets after you’ve purchased them and before you board on the city metro, bus, tram, or railway. This is something you should not really forget because the city fines non-validated tickets up to 40 times its value!

If you want to avoid the hassle and the sky-high fine, make sure to go to the validation machine in trolleybuses and buses (they’re those that come in ORANGE boxes). If you are taking the metro, validation machine is located on the station lobby, while those taking trams can locate the machine which is in beige on the platform and some inside the car. Enjoy exploring Athens by getting yourself familiar with its transport system.

A trip to Athens is both an excursion into history and a place where you can relax. There are a lot of things to do in the city that were not mentioned in this article. You can ask the locals about other things to do when you get there. Make most of the time you spend in this ancient city that is lined with flavors of modernity.

One of the most well-known Greek islands and frequently referred to as “the jewel” of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos receives thousands of visitors each year. Mykonos is regarded as the ideal vacation spot because of its “cosmopolitan vibe,” exciting nightlife, distinctive Cycladic architecture, wonderful Mediterranean climate, and lovely beaches!

Beaches on Mykonos

The beaches on Mykonos are well-known throughout Europe and are regarded as some of the best in the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is known all over the world for the large number of sandy beaches, characterized by the green blue color. At Mykonos the visitor can find from lonely peaceful beaches (like Ftelia) to organized crowded beaches with beach bars (better lets call them beach clubs) which play all kinds of dance music, and many times with world famous DJ’s (like Super Paradise).

Even from the main port of Mykonos, the traveler is impressed from the small beach and gets a feeling of the types of Mykonos beaches. The golden and very light sand is the main characteristic of a big number of Mykonos beaches.

If you are interested to find peaceful lonely beaches in Mykonos for sure you will need a vehicle. Even if the majority of Mykonos beaches are ideal, for special places the road conditions are not so ideal but the final destinations deserve the effort.

For the more crowded beaches like (Super Paradise, Ornos, Elia) public transportation it’s nice, you can select to go either by bus or by small boats. Additionally Mykonos has a lot of Taxi’s which can take you 24hours per day all over Mykonos (but be prepared for high prices).

Agios Ioannis Beach

Best known as Shirley Valentine beach, because of the 1980’s English movie filmed on Mykonos, it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, especially in September and October as the sun moves closer to the southern sky.

You can view the island of Delos from this pebble and sand beach or while floating in the blue sea. Let your imagination take you to mythical times and the birth of Apollo, the god of light and his twin, Artemis. This magical event is said to have taken place on Delos.

From the dock of Agios Ioannis you can view a point of light on a clear summer day. This is one of three places in the world where the sun is brighter than anywhere else. The sun shines on the water and you can view a current running across the sea, thus being a special part of the birthplace of Apollo (God of light).

Another legend associated with this beach, is the story of the mermaids. The story was created, during war times, as a scare tactic to try to keep people from coming to the beach at night, so that men arriving in boats carrying black market goods could unload their cargo at the dock. The story told was that these half female – half fish creatures would lure you to them and take you to their world at the bottom of the sea.

This is a small, rather tranquil Mykonos beach where you can relax under the sun or enjoy a meal at one of the tavernas just a few footsteps away from the sea. Agios Ioannis Beach is divided into two sections separated by a large, rocky area.

On the right side is the dock, a beach, a bus stop and a large parking area. On the left side of the rocks is the longest section of the beach with a limited parking area and a bus stop.

On the longer section of the beach there are some umbrellas and sun beds available for rent or there is enough open space to lay a towel on the sand. It is a child-friendly beach with shallow water at the shore line to play in. Not extremely protected from the north winds, but is fairly calm on most days.

Surrounded by hill sides where you can find hotels, villas, rooms for rent, apartments and houses. This beach can be reached by public transportation or by rental car – motorbike.

Ornos Beach

This is a convenient, family-friendly beach where you can find a relaxing atmosphere, though sometimes it can be very crowded. Ornos is a large beach with many sun beds and umbrellas available for rent and also space to lay a towel. Shallow water along the shore line that is perfect for children to play in.

This beachside community has many tavernas, cafes and restaurants right on the beach for easy access. At least one beach bar on the far left even has beach service. This beach community provides services for almost all your needs.

Either on the beach or within easy walking distance there are mini markets, super market, bakery, pharmacy, butcher and more. You can reach this beach by public transportation and there is some parking for rental cars – motorbikes.

The Ornos Beach area is surrounded by hotels, apartments, rooms for rent and villas. There are even a few luxury hotels and private villas that attract celebrities and kings from around the world as guests. In this protected cove you can always find a wide array of private yachts, leisure boats and fishing boats anchored.

As there is rarely a south wind in the summertime, Ornos bay provides a safe haven from the ‘meltemi” (northwest wind that can be strong, blowing during the day and dying down in the evening).

Ornos Beach is one of the two starting points for the boats/caique taking you to or returning you from other southern beaches.

A unique experience not to be missed! Discover more natural, serene beaches on the island of Rhenia (known to the locals as big Delos). This island is located just to the west of Delos. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches of this special place.

Arriving at this uninhabited location you nearly feel transported back in time to the ancient civilization. You are able to take a boat from Ornos Beach, leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon.

On the left side of the beach is a dock with a boat launch where you can try your luck at fishing or watch the local fishermen repairing their nets. In early morning you can see the fishermen arriving back to shore with their catch of the day before loading on to transport for delivery to local restaurants, tavernas or the harbor fish market.

At the mouth of Ornos bay there is a large, slightly submerged rock to be navigated by boats, on which during quiet, less crowded periods you can view seals swimming or sunning themselves on top of the rock.

Psarou Beach

This attractive little beach offers protected, clear, tranquil waters at the bottom of dramatic rocky hill sides, located a short walking distance to the right of Platys Gialos Beach.

You can always find some fishing boats and private yachts anchored in the bay. Take in the view of fantastic colors in the early morning as the sun rises over the hilltops or late afternoon as it sinks behind the rocks. Stunning!

You can get there by public transportation (though by bus, you must walk from Platys Gialos or down the mountain path located approximately one hundred fifty meters from the end of the road).

You can also rent a car or motorbike and drive down the steep slope, parking in the lot near to the beach. There is a boat/caique originating from Ornos Beach to take you to Psarou Beach.

This is not a party beach, so come here to relax or socialize. There are sun beds and umbrellas available for rent and limited areas to lay your towel. You can find a restaurant, sushi bar, cafe and even a traditional Greek taverna on the far left. The restaurant does provide beach service.

An extensive scuba diving center is located behind the restaurant on the beach. Whether an experienced diver or a beginner you have the opportunity to discover the sea life or the mystery of a sunken ship.

Platis Gialos Beach

This is an extensive beach side community with places to lay a towel or sun beds and umbrellas available for rent. Protection from the wind is provided by the surrounding hill sides and the fact that most of the restaurants and some of the hotels are located right on the beach.

You will find plenty of hotels, rooms for rent, apartments, villas (private and rental), mini markets, tavernas, restaurants, souvenir shops and beach bars.

This is a convenient, family-friendly beach including several playgrounds. A sandy beach, equipped with a life guard on duty, offering a perfect shallow shoreline for children to play in. While lounging on the beach or around one of the swimming pools watch the sun glistening on the sea like diamonds. A wide ranging water sports area with water skiing, jet skis, all kinds of towable tubes, banana boat water sleds and parasailing is offered here.

Platis Gialos Beach stays alive well into the evening. Watch the sun sink over the hill side and then take the opportunity to stroll along the beach or sit to enjoy a glass of wine or a meal under the stars watching the lights reflecting on the sea. If you are looking for traditional Greek dancing you might catch Greek Night offered by at least one of the tavernas or one of the hotels.

To arrive at Platis Gialos Beach you can take frequent public transportation, rental car or motorbike (though parking is somewhat limited). You can easily access most southern beaches via boat/caique that originate from or return to the cement dock on the right side of the beach.

Local fishermen bring in their catch of the day to this dock and if your timing is right you can see them unloading the fish from their nets before delivering their catch to the tavernas and restaurants on the beach. Plati Gialos Beach is an easy walk to the beaches of Agia Anna and Paraga, just follow the gentle footpath to the left. Next to the footpath is an outcropping of rocks to climb on or discover sealife.

Try your luck fishing at a beach bar or the water, if you are unable to catch anything… maybe there is something wrong with the bait.

Agia Anna Beach

This little beach has a traditional fish taverna and a restaurant, both offering their own parking. Because of its location and a bamboo fence this beach is protected from both the north and the south winds. It has sun beds and umbrellas available for rent on the right side of the beach.

On the right there is a small public parking area with a boat launch and a gentle footpath connecting it with Platys Gialos Beach. To the left you can continue walking on a footpath to Paraga Beach.

Agia Anna offers a few sun beds, umbrellas and rooms for rent. You can see the beaches of Platys Gialos and Psarou from here. This is the only beach on the southern side of Mykonos that is protected from the rare south winds.

The traditional, tiny church across from the boat launch is always open, where you are welcome to enter and light a candle.

Agia Anna is a somewhat hidden little beach but is just a few minutes walk from Kalafatis Beach.

In the area surrounding the beach there are restaurants, tarvernas, rooms to rent and a hotel. It may seem like it is a private beach because it is mostly occupied by guests of the hotel, but it is a public beach.

This area of the island is a change of pace from the cosmopolitan bustle of Mykonos Town. Very traditionally Greek, this grouping of fish tavernas, local fishermen’s houses and fishing boats to the left side of the beach, gives you a feeling of a village. Watch the locals bring in their catch of the day or sitting in the sun repairing their fishing nets.

Enjoy a meal in one of the tavernas and listen to the locals swapping stories of the sea over ouzo. Facing the north side of this small peninsula, watch the wind surfers of Kalifatis Beach. There is also a taverna and a pizza restaurant on the corner before you arrive at Agia Anna Beach.

On both ends of the beach there are lots of rocky areas to climb around on where you can discover shells and sea life. There are two craggy rock hills jutting out of the sea between Agia Anna and Kalafatis beaches known as Divounia (these mounds are also known as ‘Aphrodite’s tits’?).

Best reached by rental car, motorbike, taxi or public bus. The bus originates at the intersection near the old port behind the museum, getting off at the bus stop just before you arrive at Kalafatis Beach.

Paraga Beach

This is a popular beach with the locals as well as the tourists. Paraga Beach is one of the beaches originally made famous by the hippie generation, being one of the first clothing-optional beaches of Mykonos.

You can still find a laid back attitude mixed in with a party atmosphere. The music can get loud in front of the restaurant – beach bar, especially in August, when the Italian crowd flocks to Paraga Beach.

You can find sun beds and umbrellas for rent or a place to lay your towel on this sandy beach. Swim in the clear waters out to the rock, just a few meters from the shore and take a dive into the sea. This is one of the few beaches where you can find trees providing some shade.

The shore line has shallow waters safe enough for a child to play in. Part of the beach has a bamboo fence to offer some wind protection. There are nice, large, smooth rocks on the left side to lie on or discover small tidal-like pools.

If you find yourself needing a break from the beach, take a hike to the right and follow the footpaths up the rocky hill or out to the point of the rocky headland. It will give you a completely new view of the sea. You can also find a bit more privacy if you choose to spend some time away from the beach.

An alternative hike is on a footpath following the headland to the left of the beach, this is one of the ways you can reach Paradise Beach (ten minute walk) or just take in the view.

Paraga Beach offers lifeguard services, a restaurant – bar with beach service, a taverna with some tables on the beach and cafe beach bar also with beach service. A little to the left of the beach is a pool bar. Mykonos camping is just beyond this pool bar and extends out to the point of the headland. You can find rooms to rent, hotels and apartments around the perimeter of Paraga Beach.

You can get to Paraga Beach by public transportation, rental car – motorbike or boat/caique originating from or returning to Ornos or Platys Gialos beaches. Bus service directly to the beach is only offered during peak season, otherwise you have to walk from Paradise Beach bus stop. There is a footpath over the hill, just a short ten minute walk.

You can also walk from Platys Gialos Beach on a gentle footpath crossing over Agia Anna Beach (a small beach separating the two.) If driving, there is a small, free parking lot for the customers of the taverna or cafe beach bar on the left side of the beach and a large parking lot that charges a fee on the right side of the beach.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is one of the ten most well known beaches of the world. This party beach was originally made famous by the hippie generation dating back as far as 1969. This is still the place to go if you are looking for a beach where ‘anything goes”.

Known for special events, such as Full Moon Parties and Bubble Parties, this can be a beach to relax on or die partying. Don’t miss the closing party if you’re on Mykonos in early September.

It’s mostly multicultural, young twenty something’s, but you can find a mix of all ages. Paradise Beach is a good place to sleep off a hangover in early afternoon with the throbbing music from several beach bars picking up at around 16:00 where you can start the party all over again. Bodies everywhere, dancing on the bars or on the sand, it’s amazing that after a few minutes you don’t even notice if people are dressed or undressed.

One of the most easily accessible beaches as it has the most frequent bus service from Mykonos Town, including special event shuttle buses. You can also reach the beach by catching a boat/caique originating from or returning to Platys Gialos or Ornos beaches, taxi or a rental car – motorbike.

There is a footpath over the hill to the right leading to Paraga Beach, approximately a ten minute walk. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent, there is also an area that offers wind protection behind a bamboo fence. Uni – sex toilets, so be prepared to share.

In general you will find a pool dance club, beach bar, self service restaurant, snack bar, croissanterie, mini market and boutique. Equipped with a lifeguard, this is one of the big water sport beaches offering a scuba diving center, jet skis, water skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, banana boats, tubes, canoes and pedal boats.

Paradise Beach also features beach volley, horseback riding and bungee catapult. Similar to bungee jumping except that you start on the ground. Catapult is also known as “Reverse Bungee” and “Bungee Rocket”. You shoot up into the air at approximately gazillion miles per hour, eventually stopping and continuing like you would any normal jump.

A big attraction for young, bohemian party people is Paradise Camping. This complex offers apartments, rooms, beach cabins, camping tents and community toilets / showers just a few meters behind the party scene and beneath the shade of the trees. There is a Paradise Camping shuttle service that can pick you up from the port or airport.

Last but not least grab a bottle and toast “to your health”. Be aware of the sea life (urchins, jelly fish) and the natural setting. Watch where you step!

Elia Beach

Elia is a busy beach and a favorite of many, especially the gay crowd, to spend the day chilling out or socializing. It has become quite the meeting place and many plans for the evening or holiday romances are formed here.

This beach offers some of the softer sand on Mykonos and is also one of the longest. The location provides a bit of protection, one of the best on a very windy day when the north wind is blowing.

There are several places to eat, drink or relax out of the summer sun with beach service also available. Umbrellas and sun beds for rent, bathrooms – showers, and water sports, including parasailing can be found on Elia Beach.

Though predominately gay, everyone can feel comfortable here. The left side of the beach is more of a mix of people, whereas the right side is mostly clothing-optional and preferred by a lot of gays. Continue to the right, over the rocks toward Agrari Beach, to find two little beaches tucked away that are popular meeting places for the gay crowd.

Elia is the last stop for the boats/caique leaving from or returning to Platys Gialos or Ornos beaches. You can also get there by public transportation, the bus originating at the intersection near the old port behind the museum or rental car – motorbike.

Kalo Livadi Beach

You won’t find the music pumping here, what you will find are people relaxing in the sun or playing an impromptu game of paddleball in the shallow waters along the shoreline and yachts anchored in the bay.

Even though this is a southern beach, it is not extremely protected from the north wind. There is some bamboo fencing and a few bushes on part of the beach providing a bit of wind protection.

Kalo Livadi Beach is a quiet, long stretch of sandy beach that is popular with a mix of families and Greek tourists. You can find many sun beds and umbrellas for rent and possibly a bit of space to lay your towel. Enjoy water sports, paddle boats, kayaks where there is a lifeguard on duty.

Hillsides surrounding the beach provide hotels, apartments and rooms for rent. Across the road you will find a few beach bars providing beach service, a restaurant – lounge and tavernas where you can enjoy a meal, taking a break from the summer sun.

When coming down the hill to the beach or while lying on the beach, look out to the middle of the bay and see a rock formation known as Kalafakiona. This is a popular place with the local fishermen for trapping different types of lobsters as it has small sandy caves where they like to hide.

Best reached by taxi or rental car – motorbike, but you can also take the bus originating from the intersection near the old port behind the museum. Get off the bus at the top of the hill where it turns to go to Elia Beach and walk about ten minutes downhill to your left. If driving, you will find plenty of parking available along the whole stretch of the beach.

Houlakia Beach

The rounded stones that make up this natural phenomenon, unique to Mykonos, are known as Houlakia. You will not find this anywhere else.

You might find rounded stones elsewhere, but not with the composite, color or size of the stones forming this beach. These incredible, rounded stones have been formed, while tumbling around in the sea for thousands of years, some being reclaimed to create this beach. This is a natural, protected area where it is now prohibited to remove any of these special stones.

The shoreline of Houlakia Beach, divided into two parts, is made up only of stones. The left side does have a cove with a small sandy area just a few meters behind the rocky shoreline. On this sandy area you can find some umbrellas and sun beds near a family owned restaurant and hotel.

This isolated beach is never crowded, even during high season. If you choose to take a swim here, you can even feel the smoothness under your feet, as the stones also extend into the sea.

The right side has no place to lay a towel, but if you would like to view these stones, there is a footpath along the top side of the beach. There is only space for a car or two to park, right next to the main road, on this side of the beach.

Houlakia Beach is ideal to view the sun sinking into the sea behind Delos Island. The day lasts a little longer here. There are a few hotels, villas (private and for rent), apartments and a restaurant in this area. Because of the view many people have chosen to build houses and villas on this previously uninhabited part of Mykonos, even though it is not protected from the north wind.

The best way to reach this beach is by rental car – motorbike. Access to the left side is via a dirt path, off the main road leading to a parking area for Houlakia Beach. There is no bus service directly to this beach, but you can walk approximately one kilometer (0.7miles) from the Agios Stefanos Beach bus stop. If you take a taxi, the only way to return would be to call one from the restaurant.

Lia Beach

Lia is a small, peaceful beach made up of sand, pebbles and stones.

There is no bus service, but you can reach it by taxi or rental car – motorbike on a trip through the tranquil country side after passing by the village of Ano Mera. In recent years the road has been paved for easier access.

Being one of the furthest beaches from Mykonos Town makes this a place to escape to. This gem of a beach is very popular with the Greeks. You will find several tavernas, sun beds and umbrellas for rent and wind protection behind a bamboo fence. A beach bar provides beach service if you want to just relax on your sun bed or towel.

On the far right side of the beach there are nice, smooth rock outcroppings where you can lay and enjoy the sun or the view. As with most of the southern beaches, you are able to see the islands of Naxos and Paros.

Agios Stefanos Beach

Agios Stefanos Beach is located just around the corner from the new port of Tourlos. It is a sandy, family – friendly beach with shallow waters along the shoreline for children to play in. The water is so clean and clear, it creates a perfect swimming environment including a wonderful, sandy sea floor. When the north wind blows it can be somewhat windy on this beach.

You can find sun beds and umbrellas for rent, but there is also the luxury of a lot of open areas to lay your towel. There is a beach volley court, lots of space to play paddle ball or let your children run free. The Nautical Association of Mykonos provides morning swimming, small craft sailing and windsurfing lessons on this beach, for the local children.

Agios Stefanos Beach caters to many tastes. This beach is surrounded by many places to eat and drink, including a snack bar, tavernas and restaurants, some even provide beach service. Around the beach area and hillside behind, you will find many hotels, apartments, villas, rooms to rent and mini markets.

The wide, open view from this part of the island takes in Mykonos Town, the islands of Delos and Rhenia, a clear view of the sunset and boats/ships passing in the distance.

There is bus service, originating from the old port next to the dock where the ferries arrive. Alternatively you can take a taxi or a rental car – motorbike.

A Greek island belonging to the Cyclades, Mykonos lies between Naxos, Paros, Syros, and Tinos.

Mykonos is famed not only for its beautiful white sandy beaches and landscapes but also for its history. It is famed for being part of the Greek mythology as the place where Hercules fought the Giants; it is also said to be where Zeus had a battle with the Titans. It was named after Mykons who was the son of Anios, son of Apollo to nymph Rio.

Chora and Ano Mera make up the two main communities of the city.

Chora

Chora is the main town of Mykonos, thus, it is also called Mykonos Town. A stunningly picturesque town, Chora features a maze of tiny streets with churches and houses. In the Aegian region, it is one of the most crowded and most cosmopolitan towns. It is lined with little art galleries, boutiques, shops, cafes, and stylish restaurants and bars.

Despite the rapid growth and development of the island, Chora has still not lost its traditional Cycladic architectural character and style.

The Our Lady Paraportiani Church is one of the favorite sights in the area. Lying on the Old Venetian Kastro hill, this complex church is also considered a national cultural museum. Among the many churches in the island, it is the oldest and most famous.

The shore in Chora leads to a place called “Little Venice” because of the high Venetian houses that come with porches in various colors and wooden balconies.

During summer, many tourist come to the island for its exciting nightlife.

Ano Mera

This small village is located on the middle of the island, 7km east of Chora. Ano Mera is the only on land settlement in Mykonos. It is here where the 1542- built monastery of Panagia Tourliani is situated.

Other communities in Mykonos are Agios Ioannis which is famous for being the setting of the “Shirley Valentine” movie, Agios Stefanos which is known for its many hotels, taverns, restaurants, and cafes; Platys Gialos which is popular for its beaches; Ornos famous for its markets and shops, and Tourlos which is known for its private yachts and fishing boats.

The geology of Mykonos is primarily composed of granite. It has very little natural fresh water – despite being surrounded by it – and thus relies heavily on the sea water’s desalination to meet its inhabitants’ need for fresh water.

Mykonos History

Among the many islands in Greece, Mykonos would probably be one of those with a very interesting history as along it is a myth.

Named after Anios, the son of King Delos, descendant of god Apollo and nymph, Rio, myth has it that Mykonos was formed after Hercules defeated the Giants – which was one of his twelve tasks. The hero then threw the creatures in the sea which later formed as an island.

The first inhabitants of the island were the Carians. After them, the Egyptians and the Minoan Cretans followed. The coins in the island depict Dionyssos as their patron god.

Ancient Times

Mykonos, during Antiquity, was part of Athenian Alliance along with the other islands in the Aegean Sea. During the Hellenestic Era, Mykonos took a neutral stand. It had its own set of currencies and lived prosperous. When the Romans conquered the island in 146 B.C., Mykonos experienced another period of prosperity. However, this was stopped when Mithridatis conquered it and Delos.

Medieval Period

In 1207, Mykonos was conquered by the Venetians. It was governed by the Gyzi brothers until 1390. In 1537, Barbarossa, a pirate, occupied and looted the island. On that same year, the Turks conquered it. During the latter’s occupation, Mykonos became a “great navy force”.

Independence

Between 1821 and 1828, Mykonos took part in the War of Independence. In that period, the island had a good number of ships maneuvered by experienced seamen. Despite this though, many of their brave soldiers died in battle.

World War 2

Mykonos’ tourism industry started to emerge between the First and Second World War. During World War II, the people in Mykonos played a role in the Greek Resistance against the conquests of the Germans.

Mykonos Architecture

The architecture in Mykonos is mainly influenced by the Cyclades region. Known for having a Mediterranean climate, the island’s architecture were made to adapt with the intense and extended sun exposure, strong winds, high humidity levels, and long period without rain.

Thus, the traditional Cycladic houses mostly have cubic shapes and flat roofs for protection from the strong winds of the Cycladic region. The northern sides of the houses all have small openings to eliminate humidity and thermal loads. Its stone walls help achieve cooling, while its white-washed walls reduce the absorption of heat from its walls.

If you are explore the alleys and streets in Mykonos, you will also notice how the number of houses are distributed according to the direction and exposure of the winds – and this isn’t coincidental at all! The houses’ different heights, ledges, interior yards, recesses, and the various types of semi-open spaces and entrances are not for mere aesthetics only.

Mykonos architecture possesses the typical characteristics of Cycladic architecture. Its houses stand like “a cluster of white grapes” with tiny strokes of color. These cube-like houses feature smooth asymmetrical shape on the corners of the structure.

Aside from the houses, Mykonos’ votive chapels also make up the island’s interesting architecture. Some of these chapels are even declared historical monuments. On the other hand, the wind mills, which once were a strong component of the island’s economic prosperity, have also become an important landmark of Mykonos.

The Paraportiani, which was also declared an important monument in the island, is also a distinctive architectural structure in Mykonos. Its name comes from its location – next to the small northwest gate called the ‘paraporti‘.

As you go and travel to Mykonos, you will learn that these structures are all better in sight than in words.

Everyone Can Look Forward to an Unforgettable Experience in Mykonos!

Small but incredible. This is the best way to describe Greece’s “little Venice’, Mykonos or simply Chora for the locals. It is a small island known for its nightlife, beaches and enchanting sunset. Although the island is small, its beauty is exceptional. The island’s landscape is a beautiful sight to look at, with five windmills, churches, shops, whitewashed houses with flat roofs, colorful shutters on the doors and windows, flowered balconies and endless small streets that form a remarkable labyrinth.

The Allure of Mykonos

Aside from its nightlife, beaches and enchanting sunset, Mykonos Greece has a lot more to offer. Like the complicated design of their narrow paved streets that was intended to confuse the pirates in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries; the Agricultural Museum housed in a sixteenth century windmill; museums like the Archaeological and Aegean Maritime Museums that housed various ancient artifacts related to the history of Mykonos and other nearby islands; Paraportiani, one o the most architectural structure in Greece; Petros the Pelican, an old celebrity of the city’s harbor; a lot of churches and chapels like Panagia Paraportiani; waves splashing windows, creating a little Venice scenery and the famous street of souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, and bars; Matogianni.

Why visit Mykonos?

Mykonos is the most famous island in Greece and certainly one if not the most beautiful city in the Greek islands. As what many people say, “You have not seen Greece, until you have seen Mykonos.” A city that can be traveled all on foot while marveling at its one of a kind beauty, traditional architecture, endless parties and complicated labyrinth like streets.

When is the best time to come?

Mykonos, the island of winds, as the locals call it has the perfect sunny weather. Its climate is characterized by hot, dry summers, mild winters and low rainfall. You can expect rain showers between October and April but it hardly ever rains during summer. This period is usually warm and sunny, best for swimming in the beach, relaxing at cozy cafes while eating or / and drinking something, wandering or to lose your way in the labyrinth of narrow streets.

Who should visit Mykonos? Mykonos is good place to travel for anyone who wants to work on their tan, to take pleasure in the breathtaking white beaches, to marvel at the amusing architectures and enchanting sunset and to those looking for long and great cosmopolitan nightlife.

Top Mykonos Greece Attractions

Mykonos is home to many breathtaking sights you will never find elsewhere in the world. Topping this list of attractions in the island though are the following:

Delos

This small island is one of the country’s most well-known archaeological sites. Situated 2 kilometers from Mykonos town, the whole island of Delos has been declared a national museum.

The Armenistis Lighthouse

Lying on the northwestern tip of Mykonos, this lighthouse was built in 1891. It provides visitors an overlooking view of the straight separating Tinos Island from Mykonos. Armenistis Lighthouse was designed with an “octagonal cylindrical stone tower”. It stands 62 ft tall with a focal plane of 604 ft.

Windmills

Located in Chora or the Mykonos Town, the Windmills have been a recognized landmark in the island since the 16th Century. This landmark is a remembrance of the once-great wheat and bread production in Mykonos.

Petros the Pelican

“Petros” has been the island’s official mascot for many years. The pelican became a local ‘resident’ in Mykonos when it gave up migrating after a storm in 1954. Thirty years later, Petros eventually died. The animal’s loss was deeply felt not just by the locals but by the tourists as well that when a replacement was found, the residents in the island established a tradition to care for pelicans in the waterfront in memory of Petros.

Little Venice

The Little Venice was given to the most western part of Mykonos where the “town meets the sea”. Because of it has been attracting a lot of visitors, businesses were established here and buildings were constructed on the edge of the sea. It has been said that during the 16th and 17th centuries, when pirating was rampant in the island, the Little Venice served as a loading and unloading point for goods.

Paraportiani

This church is one of Greece’s most popular architectural structures. It lies near the main entrance of the harbor and is the central feature of the castle area, the oldest section in Mykonos. Paraportiani is a name which means, inner or secondary door. The church was constructed in 1475 and was originally a part of the five smaller churches built in the area during that time.

Of course, this list of the top attractions in Mykonos is not complete without its beautiful beaches. Among the famous beaches in the island are Psarou, Platys Gialos, and Paranga. These beaches boast of its clear cool waters and white sands.

Museums on Mykonos

Mykonos is known for its rich history and culture. If you are interested about understanding the island’s past better, visiting the museums in Mykonos will be a good thing to do. Below are some of the museums in Mykonos with their unique collections:

Archaeological Museum Mykonos

Hafenpromenade, Hora, Mykonos, Greece

One of the most popular cultural attractions in Mykonos, this museum was built in 1902 primarily to preserve the vestiges that were recovered from “Purification Pit”; these vestiges were said to date back from 426-425 BC.

This museum is also notable for its elegant architecture – thanks to its designer, Alexandros Lykakis. The museums also houses vases from the Hellenistic period.

Aegean Maritime Museum of Mykonos

Tria Pigadia, Mykonos, Greece

This museum opened in 1985 mainly to “present and study” the Greek nautical tradition’s history. It is headquartered in a traditional Cycladic building at the island’s capital. Among its exhibits are the ship models that date from the early Minoan period until the start of the 20th century. It also showcases rare engravings, maps, and historic shipping documents. There is also a library in the museum which houses about 5000 rare books.

Lena’s Museum

Tria Pigadia, Mykonos, Greece

A 19th century, middle class, Mykonian house, this museum is named after its last owner, Lena Skrivanou. It stands in Tria Pigadia in Mykonos Town. The house is complete with furnishings along with a spacious drawing room, two courtyards, two bedrooms, and a dovecote. This house will give you a glimpse of the middle-class life in the island a hundred years ago.

Agricultural Museum

Agiou Ioannou, Mykonos, Greece

This museum showcases an open-air setting. It allows visitors to explore the Windmills that are all in perfect working order. Its miller’s house has a vast collection of agricultural tools, which include a wine press and a threshing floor. During mid-September, visitors are allowed to take part in the celebration of its grape harvest.

Folk Art Museum

Kastro, Mykonos, Greece

This charming cultural museum is headquartered within the house of a sea captain in the 18th century. It has large collection of eclectic artifacts, which include old musical instruments, historical furnishings, photographs, and ceramics. It also has an exhibit of etchings, paintings, and vessels from the past. The admission in this museum is free, which makes it even more enjoyable to visit.

These are just a few of the museums in Mykonos. Do drop by on them and get to experience the unique offerings of the island.

Mykonos Festivals

All year round, various feasts and religious festivals take place in Mykonos, Greece, most of which in celebration of the feast day of the island’s many churches. During these great festivities, bountiful sumptuous food and wine are served, while dances and music events take place all night long.

One of the best times to come to the city is during summer. Aside from the warm and sunny weather (that allows you to do a lot of stroll in the beach), summer in Mykonos also offer a wide variety of art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances. Organized by the island’s municipality, these events often bring together many artists coming from all over the world, which would make a visit in the island during these days truly enjoyable.

Two of the main celebrations often looked forward to by locals and tourists alike are the Greek Orthodox Easter during April and the Feast of the Assumption in August. In September, the feast of the grape harvest also takes place. During this time, tourists in the island can get a taste of the delicious grapes in Mykonos – which include wine-tasting too!

Taking part in Mykonos festivals is surely one thing to add in your things to do list in Mykonos. Most of these events can be enjoyed for free, thus, given Mykonos pricey lifestyle; these events will significantly cut off your expenses while experiencing the best of the island.

So whether you have a short stay or long weekend in Mykonos, participating in the island’s festivities will already give you better understanding of this Greek island’s culture and way of life.

Mykonos Cuisine

The top attractions in Mykonos aren’t the only things you would be looking forward to when visiting this beautiful Greek island; its Greek cuisines, too!

Based around colorful and flavorful foods with high nutrients and low animal fats, the Greek diet is a perfect manifestation of a healthy traditional Medeterranian eating. Below are some of the common compositions of Greek cuisines:

Grain-based foods

For thousands of years now, wheat has been a staple in Greece. Many bread varieties in the country use wheat, including, peasant and pita breads. Bulgur and pasta are other wheat-based foods famous among Greeks. The first is made from cracked whole wheat and is often eaten to accompany hearty stews, salads, or soups; the latter was introduced by the Italians.

Nuts and legumes

Lentils, split peas, lima beans, and chickpeas are just some of the favorite legumes used in traditional Greek dishes. The people in Mykonos eat them either whole in soups, salads, pilafs, and stews, or pureed to be used as dip and spread.

Olive oil and olives

Olives has been part of the Greek cooking since the ancient times. The virgin olive oil, which is often used in most Greek dishes, came from the first col pressing of olives. This golden green oil is also used to as dip for crusty bread. Aside from oil, olives are also eaten as whole by the people in Mykonos. The plump kalamata olive is usually added in salads and stews to be eaten as whole.

Vegetables, fruits, and seasonings

Because Greek is famous for its warm climate, growing fruits and vegetables in the country is ideal. For vegetarians and health buffs, Greek cuisines will be a haven for you as the fruits and vegetables in the country come in abundant amounts.

In fact, the myriad of flavorful and colorful vegetables is already a fundamental part of the Greek cuisine. Garlic, zucchini, eggplant, onions, fennel, cabbage, wild greens called horta, and lettuce are just a few vegetables and flavorings often seen in Greek delicacies.

Fruits in the Greece are eaten fresh or preserved thru drying. Some of the favorite preserved fruits in Greece are grapes, apricots, cherries, dates, figs, plums, and pears.

For seasonings, the Greeks often use cilantro, mint, sea salt, cinnamon, oregano, dill, and flat-leaf parsley to add flavor to their dishes.

Desserts and beverages

For dessert, the Greeks love fresh and dried fruits. Pastries and other rich desserts are usually preserved for special occasions (during birthdays or anniversaries).

Unlike other countries, where wine is reserved for special occasions, this beverage is consumed regularly in the country. Beer and ouzo (ani seed flavored spirit) are two of the favorite alcoholic beverages in Greece as well; while strong black coffee for non-alcoholic drink.

The food in Mykonos will surely keep you full and satisfied as you explore the island.

Nightlife in Mykonos

Mykonos nightlife is another reason why the island is one of the most frequented places in Greece. Often put in comparison to Ibiza, the nightlife in Mykonos has a wide range of offerings, entertainment wise. Whether you are a male or female; straight or gay, the fun and excitement in Mykonos’ nightlife will make your vacation more unforgettable.

The party options in Mykonos nightlife is as plenty as the choices in daytime activities. Although drinks in Mykonos clubs and Mykonos bars are expensive (nothing less than 9€), this does not mean for you not to have a good drink in the island at night. In fact, if you are a little more resourceful, you’ll find a way to lessen you drink expenses in Mykonos – say, buying your drink earlier in supermarkets!

Aside from the party venues, there are also fashion shops, small supermarkets, boutiques, and jewelers in the island that closes until 1AM to give you more time to enjoy your shopping experience. And for the oldies – or even those who are just not a fan of late night parties, there are countless of restaurants in Mykonos that serves sumptuous delicacies for dinner you can forget about your diet!

To find out the best place to party in Mykonos, check out our list of the clubs and bars in the island from the link above.

Party animal or not, there is always something that everyone can enjoy in Mykonos at night. So after an exhaustive day exploring the top attractions in Mykonos, have time to let loose and be yourself in Mykonos nightlife.

Mykonos Shopping

Shopping in Mykonos will be a pleasure to those with enough money to spend as there are simply a lot of places to shop in the Greek island! Whether you are a jewelry lover or a wine enthusiast, an art collector, or simply one looking for souvenirs to bring home, there are a lot of shopping options in Mykonos.

Jewelry

For those who fancy glittering and shimmering pieces, Mykonos has got a number of shops to serve you with your interest. Among these are Gofas, Ilias Lalaounis, Marquise, and Naomi F in Mykonos Town.

Gofas is one of the most popular names among jeweler’s in Mykonos. It has been in the island for five decades already, and has thus been a trusted name for premium and exclusive jewelry brands. Ilias Lalaounis on the other hand is known for its classic Greek jewelry designs, including 3000 pieces designed by Lalounis who was an ace jeweler in Mykonos.

Marquise is a family-run business established in the 1930s. It is one of the island’s high-end jewelry shops Its jewelry pieces stand out for its archaic designs, which include handcrafted bracelets and necklaces set in 18 and 22 karat gold.

A Mykonian local, Naomi F is one of the island’s pride jewelers. She has a degree in fashion design from Veloudakis, Athens. Her jewelry pieces are distinct for its unique feminine tones.

Wine

Wine lovers should head to Cava Stamboulis. This family-run liquor store established in 1980 is located in Ano Mera in Mykonos Town. This shop is known to be among the top distributors of wine and other liquor beverages in many hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and bars in Mykonos. Aside from local wine, Cava Stamboulis also has a collection of many popular Greek and international wine labels.

Art Galleries

Mykonos will not disappoint art lovers either with its various shops catering to this specific market. Elizas, Minima, Pinelies, and Rarity are four of the many art galleries in the island.

Elizas is located in Mykonos Town’s Mavrogeni Street. Aside from art work, it also sells a variety of hand crafted items as well as jewelry. Minima on the other hand is a two-floor building in Goumenio Square. It was founded in 1997 to showcase the contemporary Greek’s art pieces.

As it welcomes foreign artists too, this gallery serves as a platform for budding artists to showcase their works too. Rarity Gallery in Kalogera Street also showcases the work of contemporary artists from Greece and other parts of the world. Its main objects are sculptures and paintings, which make it great for those looking for something to hang on their walls.

For those who want to furnish their homes with creative decors, Pinelies should be the shop for you. For almost decades, the shop has already decorated many of the houses, restaurants, stores, and villas in the island. It has a good range of interesting art work pieces, metal creations, and crafty furniture pieces. The imported art pieces from China are just a few of the popular items offered in this shop.

Shopping in Mykonos will surely be a worthwhile experience!

Mykonos for Kids

Mykonos may be known for its lively night spots and wild nightlife, but with creativity, research, and resourcefulness, you’ll find that there are a number of things that the family – with kids – can enjoy in this Greek island.

In the morning, you can take your kids to explore the island‘s capital, Chora. They will be delighted to see the town’s picturesque Windmills which served as remembrance of the island’s wheat and bread production many years ago.

The Little Venice will also provide a breathtaking sight for the kids with its relaxing view of the sea. You can also enjoy a walk to the small alleys in the island, while taking a snapshot of its unique and colorful houses.

If your kids are up for some educational trips, you can also tour them around the various museums in Mykonos. Bring them for a visit at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and let them see interesting collections of jewelry, figurines, funerary statues, and pottery which date thousands of years ago.

If your kids are interested in ships, you can also take them to the Aegean Maritime Museum, where they can take a look at a wide range of nautical instruments and ancient vessels.

Of course, kids love the beach! And if it’s beach they want, Mykonos will not be a disappointment. Blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean weather, Mykonos beaches will a great place for the kids to dip in the cool waters or bathe under the sun.

Some of the favorite beaches in Mykonos are Plati Gialos, Psarou Beach, Agios Ioannis, and Megali Ammos. Aside from taking a bath, you and your family can also enjoy beach sports and activities like doing sand castles, playing beach volleyball, and many more!

For families with kids who love Greek mythology and have a longer time to stay in the island, you can go have a day tour in Delos. Located not far from Mykonos (just a few minutes away via ferry), Delos features ruins from Ancient Greek. It is said to be the birthplace of twin gods, Artemis and Apollo. The sights in this island are ideal for those who want to do some educational adventure.

Although the nightlife of Mykonos is not for kids, you can always treat them to a good Mykonos restaurant and have them taste some of the island’s hearty and healthy Greek cuisines for dinner.

There surely are a lot of things that you and your kids can enjoy in Mykonos. So bring them to the island and let them experience the beauty and offerings of Mykonos.

Mykonos Weather

The weather in Mykonos is well-known for wind and sunshine – but mostly sunshine. Because Mykonos is part of the island group, Cyclades, its climate is almost identical as the other islands – dry and hot summers with mild winters; very true for a Mediterranean climate.

Rain in Mykonos falls between the months of February and March. However, this is not too frequent. In the summer months, the temperature in the island can go high, but thanks to its cooler winds, the summer activities in Mykonos are not interrupted.

The temperature in Mykonos during winter season can go about 15 degrees. Unlike the other islands from the Aegean Sea, the temperature in Mykonos is 2 degrees cooler. This is because of the city’s geographical location. With a cooler summer and warmer winter, the vegetation in Mykonos is positively affected.

There are generally two kinds of winds in Mykonos that affect it. The first is the one during winter that blow from the south. This wind often bring along electrical storms in the island. The other is known as “Sirocco” which blows during spring and sends ‘red’ rain as the sand from the Mediterranean Sea is blown.

With a generally good weather all year-round, Mykonos offers itself to be a good tourist destination.

When to Visit Mykonos?

Mykonos is generally a seasonal destination. That said; expect your experience in the city to vary from one season to another. Many tourists though opt to explore the wonders and attractions of the island during July thru August because of summer.

If you are thinking about meeting people from different parts of the world, this could be the best time to visit Mykonos. However, you would need to book your trips months earlier because these months are considered the peak season in the island.

If you are not so enthusiastic about bumping into strangers in the little streets of Mykonos though, you may choose to schedule your trip on months other than this. The months of May thru June offer a relaxed and pleasant Mykonos; the weather is equally sublime and is also perfect to stroll around its beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking landmarks.

The months from December thru March are the coldest times in island. Many would consider these months to be the least-likable months in terms of strolling around the island. But of course, because it is off-season, there are fewer tourists visiting the top attractions in Mykonos, thus, you’ll get a chance to experience its amazing longer.

The best time to visit Mykonos is relative. With proper planning, right information, and fun companion, you’ll see Mykonos is easy to enjoy regardless of the time and season.

One thing you need to know about Greece is that while it is a great vacation spot, it is also one that encompasses many different cultures. That being the case, you are going to find that there are number of different factors that will ultimately play into your visit and determine just how it turns out. First of all, let’s talk a bit about the Greek culture in general.

Greece Culture

Greeks are extremely proud of their culture, and with that being the case they will generally speak of their country with passion. They have a sense of what you would call ethnic belonging, and with that being the case, you will want to tread carefully. Greek tradition includes, their music, customs, and even food.

There are many Greeks who might be considered superstitious, and they go so far as to believe in the supernatural. It’s hard to tell what type of culture you might run into when you visit Greece, but you can be sure that it will be quite interesting.

Greece Religion

Believe it or not, 97% of Greeks are Orthodox Christians. The rest of them will be either Roman Catholic, Jewish, or even Muslim.

Greece Music

The Greek culture consists of a number of different influences, mostly assimilated from other cultures. That being the case, the music found in Greece can be traced back to the ancient world quite easily, and many of the modern influences are also quite prevalent throughout the country.

Greece Tipping

As with any culture, tipping is most definitely appreciated by those who work in service oriented jobs. Something to note is that when sitting down at a table in a restaurant, you will be charged a cover fee for the table which will include bread and non-bottled water. It would be unwise to argue this bill as it is standard across the country.

As far as actual tipping goes, a waiter should be tipped 10 to 20 percent of the total. In addition to that, you can tip taxi drivers if you wish, but they do not expect tips. There is however a charge for a taxi driver handling your luggage. Keep this in mind! The final tipping procedure we will address here is that of toilet attendants. These are found in public bathrooms and they will ensure that there is both toilet paper and soap present in the bathroom.

Greece Internet

As far as internet goes, you will find that there are a few broadband providers, among them Otnet, Forthnet, Vivodi Telecom, Hellas On Line, and Tellas. Vodaphone Greece offers mobile broadband for those who would much rather spend their time on the go.

These are just a few of the things you will need to know before taking a vacation in Greece, and soon enough you will have all of the information you need to make your vacation a memorable one. That being said, it’s time for you to continue your information gathering quest and prepare for a vacation you will never forget. After all, anytime is a great time for a Greek vacation!

Greece History

Greece is an amazing place to visit, and as you can imagine, it actually has quite the history. That being said, let’s talk a bit about that history so that you will have some background information before you start out on your journey. After all, a little knowledge goes a long way!

First of all, the original settlements in Greece too place during the Paleolithic era which happens to be 11,000 – 3,000 BC. For those who don’t know the dates actually moved in reverse at that time in contrast to the dates recorded after AD.

On another note, BC stands for “Before Christ”, and AD stands for “Anno Domini” as opposed to “After Death” like so many tend to believe. Anno Domini is translated as “In the year of our Lord”. This of course has nothing to do with Greek culture, but it is important to know nonetheless.

During the second millennium BC the Minoans, the Mycenaeans, and the Cycladic civilizations settled in Greece, paving the way for the next generation. Moving into the sixth century BC, the Classical period was in full swing, and this is where Greece finally began to assimilate different cultures.

As you know, Greece today consists of a number of different cultures which makes it difficult to differentiate. In any case, the 6th and 4th centuries saw something rather amazing from Greece, which was of course a new government structure: democracy. This would begin to form the roots of the western world long before America was even an idea.

Though Greece did form the first democracy, it wasn’t all development and fun. The history of Greece is dotted with a plethora of invasions, regime changes, and domination. For instance, Alexander the Great invaded Persia and continue to conquer through to India in 334 BC. Like so many other great armies however, his was destroyed the moment he died.

In 1453, as was to be expected, the Ottoman empire managed to conquer Greece, taking it from the Venetians. During the Ottoman occupation rebel groups were formed and the people did attempt to fight back, but the majority of these groups were quashed, and finally, the Greek War of Independence started in 1821. In 1829, nine years after the start of the war, the country of Greece won it’s freedom.

Some freedoms are short lived however, as Hitler and his Nazi regime conquered the eastern world and implemented their own government. Greece resisted during this time, but like many other countries of that era, they did fall, and they would have to endure until the Allies finally made their way through, destroying the Nazi war machine once and for all.

As you can plainly see, Greece is an amazing country, and one that has endured much throughout the years. That being the case, this is an amazing staple o the ancient world that you will most definitely want to visit and experience the next time you choose to take a vacation to the other side of the world.

Best of Greece

There are many different vacation spots that one might take advantage of in the world, but one of the most popular happens to be Greece. As one of the hotspots of the ancient world, it is no surprise that so many people want to have a look at it, and even see these great landmarks for themselves:

The Acropolis and the Parthenon

The Acropolis is without a doubt one of the most famous monuments in the ancient world, and each year thousands of visitors from across the globe gather to bask in it’s magnificence. There are quite a few monuments upon the Acropolis, many of them having been built during the age of Pericles, which took place in the 5th century BC.

Parthenon is one of the most famous and beautiful monuments of the Acropolis, and this temple was dedicated to the Goddess Athena who guarded the city of Athens. Believe it or not, the design of the Parthenon has actually inspired a number of different western world universities and continues to have an incredible effect on the world in general.

Temple of Zeus

Zeus, the king of the Gods was obviously very important in Greek mythology, and as a result, he did indeed have his own temple in Olympia. This was a beautiful, fully developed Greek temple that was built sometime between 472 and 456 BC. The temple housed the status of Zeus, and it is in fact one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. This statue was one of the most famous artistic works in all of Greece, and the temple of Zeus complimented it well.

There are many speculations as to what the Temple of Zeus might have looked like in the ancient world, but in 426 AD, Theodosius II ordered the temple burnt to the ground. Though the fire did not completely destroy it, earthquakes in 551 AD did finish the job. This was not a complete loss as pieces of the sculpture and temple have been excavated to be put on public display.

Olympia

Olympia is yet another amazing place in Greece, and it’s name likely gives it away. Yes, the Olympic games were held here, and the first set of games were held in honor of Zeus. The most famous area, Altis, consisted of a number of different buildings such as the Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion, and of course the stadium. In the ancient times, Olympia was considered to be sacred ground. Today, it is one of the most important historical sites in the world.

Greek Islands

Greece has a number of different islands, more than six thousand actually, though only two hundred and twenty seven of the six thousand are actually inhabited. In addition to that, only seventy-eight of the two hundred and twenty seven have more than one hundred inhabitants which makes for a very sparse, very spread out population. Many of these islands can be seen from various parts of the mainland, though some of them are simply too far out to sea.

Meteora

In ancient Greek, Meteora mans “suspended rocks”, perhaps suggesting something a bit supernatural at one point in time. These are six monasteries constructed on natural sandstone rock pillars near the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly. Having been featured in many different movies and song, the Meteora is without a doubt one of the most popular tourist sites in the world.

Delphi

Being both a modern city, and an archaeological dig site in Greece, Delphi was actually the site of the Delphi oracle, and a site of worship for the god Apollo. Not only is this an important place in Greek mythology, it is also the site of the Pythian games, which were the precursor to the Olympic games. Everything has to start somewhere, right?

Mycenae

Mycenae is yet another archaeological site in Greece, and it is located just south-west of Athens. It is estimated that in the second millennium, Mycenae was among some of the largest centers for Greek Civilizations. This is of course comparable to capital cities of today, though we doubt that ours are quite as fun.

Santorini Architecture

Santorini architecture is unique from most other Greek architecture, and as with anything else, these alterations were inspired by necessity. During thee era of the Venetian and Turkish occupation, there was a severe pirate problem, and for this reason it was found necessary to create winding roads leading from the castles that masked the departure of horse and rider.

In addition to that, there were frequent earthquakes and volcanoes which called for higher buildings. This also led to a common use of arches throughout the city. While Santorini architecture might be used creatively today, it was a necessity in those days.

Beaches of Crete

Crete is the largest island off the coast of Greece, and as a result it is one of the biggest tourist destinations. That being the case there are a number of different beaches that you might visit. From modern beaches, to the more primitive, all the way to nude beaches if you so desire. There is something for everyone on the beaches of Crete.

Things to Do in Greece

You know that Greece is an incredible country to visit, and you are probably well aware of the historical impact the country has had on the world, but the question still remains as to whether or not there is anything to do in Greece.

The answer of course is a resounding YES! There are plenty of things to do in Greece, things that will not only broaden your horizons, but also serve to provide you with a high level of entertainment. That being said, let’s talk a bit about the different attractions within Greece that will undoubtedly leave you with pleasant memories.

First of all, you might try visiting the Acropolis Museum. Unlike many museums around the world, the Acropolis museum actually features exhibits with a museum archaeologist on site to answer any questions you might have.

From the second floor balcony you will be able to see the Archaic Gallery, and the Parthenon Gallery is located on the third floor for those who are interested. Another interesting thing about the museum is the fact that visitors can watch conservators clean the Caryatids using highly sophisticated laser technology.

The Acropolis Museum is a family venture and you can actually check out a family backpack by leaving an ID at the counter. In addition to that you will find that the museum actually features various refreshments and meals on the second floor, and that floor provides some amazing views of the Acropolis.

Greek Island cruises are yet another way that you can pass the time effectively while you are staying in this incredible country. There are a number of islands surrounding Greece, some of which can be easily seen form the shoreline. A decent cruise ship will carry you to each island, giving you the chance to explore Greece like never before. Ask your travel agent, or check online for different cruise options. You might just be surprised at what you can find out there!

For those interested in the landscape that Greece has to offer, there is always Mount Athos, and it will undoubtedly provide you with a beautiful view of the country. Atop the mountain you will find that it is home to twenty Eastern Orthodox monasteries, which creates a self-governed monastic state.

Interested in caves? Why not have a look at Melissani cave? This is a beautiful cave northwest of Sami, and you can find a number of parking lots near the cave interest. In other words, access is available to virtually anyone that has the desire to visit.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Greece if you know where to look, and with that being said, you will undoubtedly find just what you’re looking for in this ancient cradle of civilization. Look around, see what else you can find, and enjoy your stay in Greece!

Food in Greece

Before you make your exodus to Greece, you will undoubtedly want to know just what type of food is available. Believe it or not the food in Greece is quite diverse, and the available cuisines are generally based on those from Italy, the Balkans, the Levant, and even Turkey.

Today, quite a bit of Greek cookery that uses olive oil, vegetables, herbs, bread, wine, and of course fish. In addition to that you will find that there are a number of different meats that utilized, and what any people are interested in when they visit Greece are the various meat dishes available.

To visitors, one of the more exotic dishes is actually the Chtapodi sti schara which consists of grilled octopus in vinegar oil and oregano. This is definitely not a common western combination though it is served in some Greek restaurants stateside.

For a more familiar dish (to a point), Giouvesti is available, it it happens to be lamb or veal baked in a clay pot with Kritharaki and tomatoes. It’s still far from home, but what better reason to go to Greece than to experience the unique cuisine?

The last meat dish we will discuss is Kleftiko. This word can be literally translated into: “In the style of the Klephts”. In order to understand this, you will need to remember that at one point there were gangs of bandits roaming the hills in Greece, and one of them happened to be the Klephts. This band did not have their own herds, so they would simply steal sheep from different farmers.

When they were cooking their loot, they would cook it in a sealed pit so that the smoke would not alert nearby farmers or even law enforcement to their presence. This sealed in cooking method created a unique taste, and a number of different foods can be cooked in this manner.

There are also quite a few vegetarian dishes to speak of in Greece, one of which happens to be Domatokeftedes. These are tomato fritters fried in olive oil, usually served with split pea paste, otherwise known as fava. If you’re more of a bean fan, then you’ll be glad to know that the Gigantes dish consists of baked beans in tomato sauce along with different herbs. This is definitely a favorite among some of the locals!

These are just a few of the dishes that you might experience in Greece. Remember that there are plenty more dishes available, and each of them will have an interesting story behind them! This primer will help you to prepare for your trip to Greece, and soon enough you will be knee deep in their culture, enjoying the spoils and looking for more.

Weather in Greece

When one is planning a trip to Greece they will undoubtedly want to know a few things regarding the weather, particularly how it will affect them. Like any other country it is affected by the changing of the seasons, but there are quite a few differences between Greece and North America. That being said, let’s explore a few of those differences.

Winter: Mediterranean winters, unlike winters in the western world are typically cool and damp. It does snow quite a bit in Northern Greece, but you will find that the south of Greece is generally devoid of snow save for a few days out of the year.

Fall: At the right elevation during the fall, you will discover an unusual amount of snow, but for the most part there is an excess of rain.

Summer: You will find that hot and dry conditions prevail in the summer, and the temperature will in fact be somewhere around twenty-seven degrees Celsius in July.

Spring: This season which usually falls in April and May will be warm, comfortable, and you will witness a number of beautiful sights as the flowers bloom, the sky presents some wonderful scenes, and various festivities take place throughout the country. It is important to note that boat travel during the spring can be significantly interrupted by the harsh winds, though this is not always a sure thing.

As you can see, the weather changes significantly throughout the year, and you can expect various celebrations to occur in the majority of those months. For instance, the Carnival season begins in February during some years, and in March, the celebrations will actually start.

No matter which month you decide to visit in, you will more than likely find that the countryside is beautiful, the locals are friendly, and that there are plenty of sights to see. After all, Greece is an amazing country that is the seat of many historic events including harsh battles, technological advances, and even incredible romances that have stood the test of time.

The only question remaining is what you’re waiting for! International travel isn’t terribly expensive, and if you look closely you will surely find plenty of inexpensive activities within Greece. No matter which month you choose to visit Greece in, you can be assured that it will be tourist friendly, though the low season will undoubtedly be a great time to visit if you want to experience the country of Greece without the massive tourist rush.

Either way, you’re certain to have a great time experiencing an incredible country that has existed since the founding of the ancient world and has surpassed expectations for it’s very existence. That being said, it’s time for you to start planning.

Getting Around in Greece

If you’re thinking of visiting Greece then you may be wondering just how you would get around. Luckily there are quite a few ways to navigate this amazing destination, and to begin we will discuss the option of car rentals. There are plenty of other options of course, and we will get to those in due time.

Renting a Car in Greece

Let’s just say that a car rental in Greece is not going to break the bank. If you can afford to fly to Greece then you can most likely afford to pay the $150-$200 for an economy car. While gas an insurance will cost extra, the low base price on the vehicle will allow you to travel virtually anywhere in the country, and if you want to pay even less, then you might take a look at the available ‘Mini’ cars that can be rented for about $100 per week. If you’re unsure about rental locations you can always check online and see which car rental agencies are available in the area you will be visiting.

Traveling in Style

If you’re not interested in public transportation then you certainly have plenty of other options, even if a car does not appeal to you. Believe it or not, you can rent a moped for about ten Euros per day, and you can use it to tour the city for as long as you want so long as you pay the fee and leave a passport behind to ensure that you will eventually return the motorbike.

Taking the Bus

The intercity bus system in Greece is fairly efficient, at least on the mainland. These busses are part of the city of course, and they were not intended for tourists, and as such the bus drivers will speak Greek in most cases. That being the case, you will want to learn at least a little bit of Greek so that you can find your way around the city. The Greek Interstate Bus System is dubbed (KTEL) and routes can be obtained from the AUTO.

You do of course have the option of using taxis, though this will be considerably more expensive than some of the self transportation you could avail of. Keep in mind that there are a number of inhabited islands around the country of Greece and you will need to take advantage of boats and ferries in order to get to them.

The country of Greece is one full of mystery and excitement, and before you know it you’ll find yourself engrossed in the culture, food, and the incredible vistas. Just remember that you’ll need a good transportation system to get you from here to there.