The beauty of Greece

Greece is one the most beautiful places you can visit. This country bursts with tradition from its rich Greek heritage and typical white-washed and blue trademark buildings. Wherever you go in Greece you will always be reminded of its history and capture a different story in each part you visit. Whether you’re island hopping or want a relaxing break, you will be astonished by the variety of places to visit in Greece.

First up, Athens, the capital and very heart of Greece. This busy city keeps its natural tranquility and history central to its core. Athens is perhaps most known by its Acropolis, which can be viewed from all over Athens and is the main focal point of the city. It acts as a daily reminder to Greeks of their heritage and of the city’s many transformations. Rooftops and balconies all face towards the marble landmark placed on the steep-sided hill. One of the many other famous landmarks in Athens is The Panathenaic Stadium (the old Olympic Stadium), where the Olympic flame begins its journey to the cities of the Olympic Games. This beautiful stadium, also known as the Kallimarmaro, literally translating to, ‘made of beautiful marble,’ was built around 330 BC by Athenian orator, Lykourgos. For many centuries, the stadium hosted games where nude male athletes competed, and was profound for being the greatest festivities in Athens. The stadium has been renovated since and is a much loved tourist attraction which still features major events for the Olympic Games. A beautiful garden lingers around the corner from the stadium, which is perfect for a picnic in the park.

You will find many restaurants with musicians and dances, where you can admire the spirit of the locals. This city-and-beach break is especially good for travellers who visit in November and crave a challenge. The Athens Marathon is held at this time, along the same route Pheidippides ran in 490 BC from Marathonas to Athens to announce the Greek army’s victory over the Persians before he died.

Mykonos has recently become trendy amongst younger travellers with its Ibiza-style parties and beaches. However, Mykonos has so much more to offer. The stunning island offers a maze of quaint streets full of designer and small local shops. This luxury island, features Greek designers and art galleries. In the July and August peak, this party island doesn’t sleep and has a variety of boutique ‘hip’ hotels to chose from. Mykonos has access to beautiful seafood which you can eat at one of the many high quality restaurants which line up along the beach. Champagne and cocktail bars with cabaret and live music are perfectly placed looking out to see, for the ultimate sophisticated setting. The crystalline waters are also perfect for diving and water sports.

If you fancy trecking to the inland parts of the island, you can mountain bike on top of the hills. Take a walk to the different beaches, the windmills which stand tall overlooking the coast or visit the pretty Tourliani Monastry. You can also take a boat trip to the birthplace of Apollo and Aphrodite, the sacred island of Delos, which depart from the pier in Hora.

Ancient ruins and sand-stone buildings make Rhodes a walk through a relic of a different age. The city of Rhodes’ Old Town features the medieval statue of the Knights and the castle-like Palace of Grandmasters. As you walk through the atmospheric Old Town, the cobbled streets will take you to the days of the Zantine Empire and beyond. Weaved in through out the village-like streets are beguiling tavernas at every hidden corner of the island. You will also find many art shops and cafes. You should visit the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun God, Helios. This statue was constructed to celebrate the islands victory over the ruler of Cyprus. The statue once stood at the same height as the modern Statue of Liberty, making it the tallest ancient statue in the world, but it collapsed during an earthquake in 226 BC, although, parts of it were preserved. A walk along the promenade next to Rhode’s harbour will offer you scenic views and offers of boat trips. Rhodes also features windmills on its island and are also great to visit and take some pics!

Crete, Greece’s largest island, has been known to include a varied topography of scenery. From its many fine-sanded beaches at Elafonisi to the White Mountains of Mount Ida, home to Deom cave, the birthplace of Zeus (according to Greek mythology).In Crete, you will find a mosaic of beaches, coupled with ancient treasures and stunning landscapes. Crete also has vibrant cities as well as peaceful tranquil beaches where locals share their cuisine and generous spirit. The natural scenic beauty here is breathtaking, whether you’re staring at the sunset or snorkelling in Crete’s fine waters.

The last of my top 5 Greek treasures is the island of Kos. Kos is renowned much more as a package holiday than the other hotspots, nonetheless you will still find numerous Greek and Roman landmarks in and around Kos town. Catch a boat trip to smaller, neighbouring islands where you can find adventures such as the Stefanos Crater, a volcano on the island of Nisiros. If you look through out the town of Kos you will find Greek ruins scattered all over the town. A medieval castle watches over the harbour. If you fancy a trip away from the resorts, the 850m high mountains at rugged Dikos are worth a visit, just a few kilometres west of Kos town.

Greece is a beautiful place to visit and only three and a half hours away by plane from London. With such a rich history, Greece truly is worth a visit. The Greek culture is full of happiness, which is what you will experience in your trip away to any part of Greece.