Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have enjoyed a history and art fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.
Pastel-hued houses clamour up the hillside of the idyllic island of Poros, south of the Saronic Gulf and an hour away from Athens, Greece. Overlooking the vast Aegean sea at the island’s peak is the capital of Poros Town, a picturesque village that boasts grand traditional mansions and charming cobbled streets that bustle with smart hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants, and tavernas. The island is famous for its pristine beaches, Love Bay and Askeli being the most favoured for a swim in the crystalline waters. Stroll through the verdant Lemon Forests and enjoy the cool shade of over 30 000 lemon and orange trees. Other points of interest include the Temple of Poseidon, the Archaeological Museum of Poros, the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi and the old Clock Tower.
Cocooned in a blanket of pine-covered hills, the affluent island of Spetses is an idyllic hideaway set on the Saronic Gulf just off the coast of the Greek mainland. Beautiful whitewashed mansions stretch across the seafront at the Old Harbour while thriving bougainvillaea, hibiscus, plumbago, jasmine and trumpet vines adorn the terraces of this cosmopolitan town. Upon descending on the island, the rich and famous moor their yachts on the Old Port and indulge in gourmet dishes and fine wine at the luxury restaurants and sunbathe on the picturesque beaches. A visit to the island is incomplete without a visit to iconic landmarks, namely the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the Bouboulina Museum, the Spetses Museum and the breathtaking Bekiri’s Cave.
Set on the northeastern coast of the magnificent Greek island of Crete, in the Lasithi area, the village of Plaka overlooks the stunning blue waters of the Korfos Lagoon. This laidback fishing village keeps a relatively low profile, providing some peace and relaxation. The town is home to two charming pebble beaches: Agia Marina Beach, in front of a luxury hotel, and the beautiful Plaka Beach, known for its wonderfully calm waters. The village offers exceptional views of magnificent Kalydon Island, where the famous fortress of Spinalonga stands. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride to the island, and discover several traditional taverns and picturesque old houses in the centuries-old village centre.
Monemvasia is a captivating castle town set on a tiny Peloponnese island, carved into a massive rock. The town is named for its singular entry, which was initially by boat (now via a short causeway). These days, a modern town named Gefyra on the mainland is incorporated into the town’s jurisdiction too. The medieval town’s sublime architecture, pretty cobbled streets, and spectacular castle-top views are the primary drawcard for most visitors, allowing an atmospheric peek into ancient times. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the beautiful Byzantine Agia Sofia, which takes in jaw-dropping vistas, and the fascinating artefacts of the Monemvasia Archaeological Collection, housed in a former temple. Gorgeous beaches, exquisite hiking trails, some wonderful boutiques, and plenty of top-of-the-range restaurants add appeal.
Sandwiched between the Myrtoan Sea and the Argolic Gulf is the island of Hydra, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Bereft of flashy cars and noisy motorcycles, this picturesque paradise favours bygone means of travel where donkeys and water taxis are the primary means of transportation. The crescent-shaped harbour boasts an exciting array of quaint restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that overlook the sea. Adding to the romantic landscape are the whitewashed grand mansions and over 300 churches and six monasteries that line the narrow cobblestone streets. Points of interest include the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Historical Archives Museum, Koundouriotis Art Museum, Ecclesiastical Museum, and Rafalia’s Pharmacy - the oldest pharmacy in Greece.
Known as one of the most picturesque villages on the spectacular Greek island of Santorini, Oia, also known as Megalohori, is a quiet village scattered over a hillside on the island’s westernmost point. It features traditional white-washed Greek buildings and a labyrinth of steep alleys and narrow streets and is encircled by countless vineyards, providing it with its fame for top-quality wines. Visitors can sample an array of delicious varietals from the famous Boutari Winery, enjoy a mouth-watering traditional meal at one of the many village square tavernas, and immerse themselves in the local culture in a variety of ways. The town provides the opportunity to take cooking classes, learn the language, and participate in a Greek singing lesson. Don’t miss the local Greek music evenings at the Geromanolis tavern every Saturday night.
Taormina enjoys an idyllic location, favourably perched on a steep mountainside with panoramic views of Mount Etna, two grand sweeping bays and a picturesque Graeco-Roman amphitheatre. Drenched in sunshine year-round, this chic resort town attracts a steady stream of celebrities and holidaying high-rollers. Despite its unashamedly touristy atmosphere, its natural beauty is undeniable. The town’s chaotic network of winding streets is strewn with luxury designer boutiques, ancient churches and flower-filled balconies adorning beautifully restored medieval buildings and intimate piazzas. Taormina is especially magnificent on clear days when you can view the exquisite flora and flora against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes spewing puffs of white smoke into a mesmerizingly blue sky. Make sure to spend an afternoon picnicking in the gorgeous Giovanni Colonna Park.
Dotting the Mediterranean, Salina is one of the gorgeous Aeolian Islands set just to the north of Sicily in southern Italy. The island features a remarkably scenic landscape blanketed in lush woodlands, enchanting wildflowers, fruit trees, wild capers, olive groves, and sun-drenched vineyards meeting high coastal cliffs which plunge into the breaking waters below. It is home to two extinct volcanoes: the Monte Fossa delle Felci and the Monte dei Porri, the island’s highest peaks. Visitors can look forward to exploring the main port of Santa Marina Salina, the village of Malfa and Leni, as well as the collection of sleepy villages, tucked amidst verdant mountains. Sample the local Malvasia, a locally produced sweet wine; view the picturesque pebble beaches dotted with colourful fishing boats and visit the Lingua saltwater lake.
Fringing the northern coast of Sicily, Cefalù is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This Sicilian beach town features a charming port, pristine beaches and postcard-perfect scenes. Cefalu radiates out from the Duomo, a gigantic cathedral that dominates the main square in the heart of the village. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities and attractions. Hike up to the Temple of Diana, an ancient Roman temple built in the 4th Century BC. Climb the La Rocca to soak up the stunning view over the village and glittering sea and take an evening stroll along the seafront promenade while savouring the beautiful sunset.
Agrigento is a major tourist hub, primarily owing to the archaeological legacy of the Valley of the Temples, three kilometres below this Sicilian city. This is a misnomer, as it is not really a valley at all but a hill which is divided into two zones: the Eastern zone, containing the bulk of the impressive ruins, and the Western zone, playing host to the splendid gardens of Kolymbetra. Tourists with little time tend to focus on this area, but those on a more leisurely schedule should explore the town itself. Tucked away behind the modern city’s outer ring, a pocket of medieval areas offer bustling night-life as well as the Via Atenea at the centre - a charming suburb packed with modern boutiques, quaint cafes, and vibrant bars.
Set along the Ionian coast of Sicily, the Italian city of Syracuse is known for its timeless beauty, citrus orchards, and ancient ruins fringed by the glittering blue ocean. History enthusiasts can visit one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites, the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, home to the 16000-capacity Roman Theatre, the 5th-century Teatro Greco and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a fascinating limestone cave. Once the largest city in the ancient world, and dating back to 734 BC, today the remnants of this spectacular time and the remaining ancient historical sites can still be enjoyed by visitors. Sip on espresso at a local cafe, stroll through the Baroque piazzas, and explore the winding medieval alleyways that traverse this beautiful city. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, which displays local artefacts and art.
