Mythology may only come to life in books, movies, and TV shows, but the lands of Greece would have you think otherwise. The brightest of blue waters makes laps up to some of Europe’s cleanest and most pristine beaches. The mountainous country thunders in unusual rock formation and countryside. The ancient sites practically take over the country. Thriving cities like Athens and Thessaloniki bring things back to earth, but only for a moment. The islands of Greece shine in slow motion. Yes, the descriptions are those of mythology, except Greece is no myth.
The country possesses a long history, spanning thousands of years and hosting various civilizations throughout time. From ruins to red beaches, Greece is not afraid to show a bit of skin in regards to its past and present beauty. So much of the world’s character stems from Greece, being the beginning of the Olympic games, democracy, drama, western science and medicine.
Athens steeps in history, life, and metropolitan sprawl. While some find the city to be gritty, it is still undeniable for just what it contains. Being the capital city of Greece, Athens was the capital of Greek civilization. A visit to the city is not complete without a peak at the Acropolis and Parthenon. Even just northwest of the city, more history abounds. Delphi contains the famous oracle in the Temple of Apollo. Delphi was considered to be the center of the mythological world and now is one of Greece’s greatest cultural treasures.
If you tune in to the Olympic games religiously, you can thank Greece for your viewing pleasure. The country is the birthplace of the first Olympic games. Travelers can view this site in Olympia, set along the West Peloponnesus. The games first began back in 776 B.C. Visitors can discover the temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Stadium and a rich Archaeological Museum while in Olympia.
The Greek Islands exude a romance, mystery, and beauty. Exploring the many islands proves rewarding not just for a tan, but also for the mind. Santorini serves at that quintessential image of Greece with white buildings and sapphire blue domed roofs. The island in the southern Aegean Sea may be touristy, but its beauty can’t be spoiled. Santorini is speculated to be the site of where the lost city of Atlantis could have been. With sunsets, wine, restaurants, beach goers and seekers of beauty flock to this Greek island more than all the others it seems.
For more tastes of nightlife and an all around scene, Mykonos is a popular option on the Greek chain of islands. It too contains the whitewashed buildings, but with more of a roar than Santorini. Holding a more local vibe, the island of Hydra lends this feeling for a visit. Hydra also hydrates those thirsty for history and shopping. Head even further south and you hit Crete. The large island of Crete contains the Samaria Gorge. The name may not sound familiar, but the gorge remains the longest, debatably, in Europe at 18 kilometers. Hiking is permitted through the gorge, but the trails are not for the inexperienced. Others flock to Crete’s historical remains. The Minoan site at Knossos is one of the most revered historical sites in the entire world. The Royal Palace showcases the grandeur of the legendary Minoan Kings.
What was once a refuge for monks in the 13th century is now one of Greece’s most esteemed natural residents. Meteora contains a collection of natural rocks at the edge of the Pindus Mountains. These are no pebbles. The pillars of rock reach for the sky in inspiring and unusual formations. Many monasteries were placed at the tops of these famous Greek rocks. Only six remain today.
As the Aegean sun beats down, you can’t help but think the gods must not be crazy. It would seem Greece was created for the gods and goddess of mythology, but mere mortals get the better end of the deal. They enjoy the fruits of divine labor daily, with the occasional lighting bolt strike down from Zeus just to make sure you’re awake to appreciate the history, scenery, and thought that went into creating Greece.
