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Land of ancient myths and shimmering sunshine, awe-inspiring monuments and mountains, gentle seas and sumptuous cuisine, Greece is a holidaymaker's dream destination. Indeed, with its incomparably beautiful islands and famous hospitality, no other destination can offer as much as the cradle of Western civilisation. Given the vast wealth of experiences available, it can be difficult to know where to begin when planning a holiday on these Hellenic isles.
That's why Villanovo is on hand with our selection of what’s not to be missed during your holiday in Greece.
Where else to begin but Athens? Not a specific experience per se, but rather an endless string of experiences, each woven into a rich tapestry that offers something unlike any other city in the world. You will gawp in wonder at the Acropolis, its glorious Parthenon perched resplendent aside the Erechtheion and Temple of Athena. But do not be fooled - this is no tourist traps nor an open-air museum. It is a living, breathing metropolis brimming with life, culture, wonderful food and wonderful people.
The white city extends you an open invitation to discover and participate in its Hellenic culture, both past and present. From Syntagma Square where you can admire the rotating spectacle of the presidential palace guard, to the Plaka district where you can enjoy a good cup of tea on a shaded terrace, surrounded by charming stalls, or the bustling marketplaces and lively tavernas serving the finest mediterranean cuisine, Athens is a city of endless discovery.
The Oia village church, famous for its white walls and blue domes, set against the idyllic azure water of the Aegean Sea, is perhaps the site to be photographed on any trip to Greece. But Santorini is so much more than just a photo op, of course. With its volcanic landscape, beautiful beaches and rich local traditions, this stunning island captures everything you could hope for from your Greek island getaway.
Stretching across the region of Arcadia, in the Peloponnese, the vineyards of Mantinia enjoy the conditions necessary to produce white wine of the highest quality. Plenty of sun, rich soil and a millenary tradition all combine to bring forth an authentic flavour. And the surrounding landscapes offer the perfect scenery in which to enjoy a late afternoon glass.
Set in the midst of nature, in the mountainous setting of Mount Parnassus, yet only two hours from Athens, the ancient sanctuary of Delphi is a place of unique magic. Follow in the footsteps of the kings and mortals who came from across the ancient world to hear from the oracle of god Apollo, and delight in its famous theatre, the temple of Apollo and the stadium, where you can witness the Golden Age splendour of this majestic spectacle.
Alongside Santorini, Mykonos is the other famous island of the Cycladic archipelago, but it is, above all, known for its nightlife, which attracts some of the world’s best DJs each year, and almost parallels Ibiza as the clubbers’ choice.
However, by day this stunning isle offers so much more: from its smattering of museums, heavenly beaches, and picturesque streets to its charming white and blue towns, such as Chora, fields of ancient windmills and selection of scuba excursions, it’s a wonder anyone has time to sleep at all.
Greece boasts over 16000 kilometres of coastline, along most of which you can rent scuba diving equipment and find instructors with whom to enter the crystalline waters of its five seas. There you will discover a colourful underwater kingdom of corals, shipwrecks, and multicoloured fish just a short distance below the surface.
Another emblematic destination in Greece, Crete is known as the cradle of the Minoan civilisation, and the former home of the Minotaur! Indeed, the island boasts the Palace of Knossos built by the founding king of one of the most powerful cities of the Aegean basin. From Heraklion to Hania there are a multitude of historical sites where you can indulge your passion for history, but what attracts the most travellers here is the famous Samaria Gorge, a true invitation for hiking through trails which reward you with views of its splendidly coloured canyons. At the tip of the island, stop at Elafonissi, a wild lagoon with the air of the end of the world.
Nestled between the sea and the mountains on the island of Kefalonia, Assos is a charming fishing village. Stroll through the streets of its typical Ionian houses and admire the splendid views of the sea and the surrounding nature. After a good meal in one of the local restaurants, you can relax on the fine sand of one of the two beaches of Assos.
At the top of the hill stands the fortress of Assos, accessible after a short hike, which was one of the largest castles in Greece. Today only its ruins are visible, but the joy in picturing it in all of its splendour remains.
At the Western end of the Thessaly Plain, Meteora is a unique natural phenomenon in the world. These gigantic rock formations rising to the sky are home to improbable monasteries. At the top of this forest of rocky peaks, an eerie silence descends and you find yourself wrapped in a truly mysterious atmosphere. Continue along the rocky steps, scaling these these unusual wonders of nature and admire the city of Kalambaka between the mountains of Pinde and Antichasia.
If the idea of a holiday is to truly be somewhere different, then this majestic voyage in nature offers you just that.
Taking place in early September just as the summer season draws to a close, the Nikolaos Tselementes festival of Greek gastronomy is a foodie dream. Every year chefs representing over 15 of the Cyclades’ islands, as well as international invitees, come together to cook, share and celebrate the culinary riches of their respective isles.
All of this is set against a backdrop of local dances and music that continue well into the early hours, and what’s more… you can sample the food for free!
