Greece: all the faces of the country of history and myth

GreeceIn the Greek capital, past and present intertwine in a blend of ancient ruins, modern neighborhoods, and a vibrant culture that make it unique. The Acropolis, the undisputed symbol of Athens, rises majestically above the city, offering a panoramic view that captivates all visitors. This archaeological complex houses the Parthenon, an icon of classical art and architecture, whose majesty transcends the centuries. Strolling through its ruins is like immersing yourself in the history of Ancient Greece and understanding the legacy that has shaped Western civilization as we know it today. Just a few steps away is the Roman Agora, an ancient political and social center where the ideas and decisions prevailing at the time were discussed. Today, its columns and archaeological remains offer a window into Athens' imperial past, perfectly complementing the cultural experience.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the local, more bohemian atmosphere, Monastiraki Square is a must. With its bustling market, traditional cafes, and stunning views of the Acropolis illuminated at night, this square perfectly blends modernity with antiquity. It's the ideal place to sample authentic Greek flavors, shop for handicrafts, or simply enjoy the vibrant rhythm of the city. There are several rooftops in the area, all with great views of the square. They're the perfect place to have a pre-dinner drink while the sun sets over the Acropolis in the background, and the first lights of the city begin to come on.

Poros and Metana, the essence of the Greek summer

The first step of our island-hopping journey takes us to Megalo Neorio Beach on the picturesque island of Poros, a place that captures the essence of the Greek summer with its serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The spot is notable for its crystal-clear waters. The soft, golden sand and rugged rocks surrounding the bay create an idyllic spot for sunbathing, light swimming, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves. We drop anchor and head off to cross the strait that separates Poros from mainland Greece. Our destination is Methana, where we arrive at dusk. What makes this Peloponnese town special is its authentic, uncrowded character. Here you won't find large resorts or crowds; instead, you'll find small, family-run cafes and traditional tavernas offering homemade dishes using local ingredients, ranging from fresh fish to locally grown vegetables. Greek hospitality is felt in every corner.

Ermioni, an oasis in the Peloponnese

Our next destination is Ermioni, a town on the southeastern tip of the Argolis coast, surrounded by whitewashed houses and cobblestone alleys. The soul of the place is its harbor. On the coast, traditional boats bob in the crystal-clear waters of the golf course, while on dry land, the peaceful setting invites you to stroll, take photographs, or enjoy a coffee in one of its cozy seaside cafes. The tranquil atmosphere encourages us to unwind and immerse ourselves in the daily life of this coastal community, whose cuisine, also based on fresh fish and seafood, is passed down from generation to generation.

Delos, archaeology in its purest form

The next stop is Delos, one of Greece's most impressive and enigmatic archaeological sites. Considered by mythology to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, this small island, uninhabited for centuries—it's one of the smallest in the entire country—reveals a glorious past that still fascinates travelers and scholars alike. The remains of ancient temples, theaters, houses, and statues scattered throughout its territory offer a fascinating glimpse into its former grandeur. Strolling among the remains of columns and mosaics is like walking through an open-air museum, where each motif tells a story of power, devotion, and culture.

Mykonos and Santorini, beauty and touristification

We've reached arguably the most well-known destination on our trip, and not always for the better, as overcrowding has become a problem on these two islands. Mykonos is world-renowned for its beaches and nightlife, attracting hundreds of young and old to enjoy the parties. However, the island wants to establish itself as much more than a party destination. Here you'll find landscapes of natural beauty, culture, narrow cobblestone streets, white houses with blue doors, and the windmills, the island's icon, that dominate the horizon. Santorini, with its iconic white houses, blue domes, and cliffs that unfold over the Aegean Sea, is also world-renowned and suffers from the same problems of overcrowding. Sunset in Fira, one of the island's main towns, is a magical moment that attracts travelers from all over the world. However, it's sometimes difficult to enjoy the scenery, especially when several super-cruise ships are converging. In fact, last summer the Greek government decided to impose a 20 euro fee for cruise passengers visiting either of the two islands, where the population is around 40,000 and the number of tourists exceeds 7 million.

Rethimno, Kythera, Monemvasia and Nafplio, the lesser-known

If we want to enjoy a Greek island with more peace and quiet, and with far fewer people, we can head to Rethimno, nestled on the southern coast of Crete. It's one of those regions that still retains the air of mystery and authenticity that many travelers seek. Although it doesn't always appear on lists of popular destinations, it has a special charm. As you walk through its streets, you can hear history breathing in every corner. Its Venetian fortress, surrounded by walls that seem to have withstood centuries of history, offers stunning views of the sea and the old port. From there, the aroma of local food and the sound of the waves create an atmosphere that invites you to linger a while longer, enjoying a coffee or a plate of moussaka in a traditional bar.

Further north, we find Kythera, located between the Peloponnese Peninsula and the Cyclades Islands, another little-known island in the Greek limelight. Here, life goes on at a leisurely pace, and the friendly and hospitable locals proudly share the island's traditions and flavors. It's worth climbing up to its Venetian-era fortress, known as the Panagia Myrtidiotissa Castle. Located on a hill overlooking the sea, this castle was built to protect the island from invasions and pirate attacks, and from there, you can enjoy incredible views of the bay. As the sun sets, we sail to Monembasia, on the Peloponnese Peninsula, a medieval village perched on a promontory on the east coast that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. One of the area's highlights is the Orthodox Church of Hagia Sophia. Situated on a cliff with stunning views of the sea, it is a symbol of devotion.

Further north, Nafplio, a coastal city unknown to many, also has many attractions. It was one of the first capitals of modern Greece, preserving vestiges of its past, such as the Palamedes fortress, which dominates the city from above and offers spectacular views. Strolling through its cobblestone streets is like stepping back in time, with its houses still painted in bright colors, small squares full of cafes and traditional shops. It even has a beach, Paralia Arvanitia, with turquoise waters, ideal for a last dip.

Parga, one of the most beautiful coastal villages

Peninsular Greece also has other attractions that aren't too crowded in summer and are ideal for exploring. One of them is Parga, located in the picturesque region of Epirus, on the Peloponnese peninsula. Its crystal-clear waters and beaches, such as Valtos, with its golden sand and calm waters, invite you to relax and enjoy the sun. For adventure lovers, the hidden coves and small bays offer a perfect setting for light diving or simply for those venturing out to discover hidden treasures. From the fortress, you can enjoy a panoramic view that encompasses the sea, the nearby islands, and the town, creating an idyllic setting. Yet even more sublime is the hermitage of Panagia, located on a tiny island off the coast, which is easily reached by swimming or boat.

The Meteors, nestled in the sky

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Meteors represent one of Greece's most impressive and enigmatic landscapes. Located in the region of Thessaly, in the center of the country, this rock formation of slate and sandstone rises abruptly from the landscape, reaching heights of over 600 meters.

Some monks in the 11th century built Orthodox monasteries. The reason for choosing such an impregnable site was none other than to protect them from looting and war. To make them even more inaccessible, they had to climb up rope ladders or use rudimentary pulley hoists. Today, Kalambaka, Hagios Nikolaos, Varlaam, and the Great Meteora (Monastery of the Transfiguration) are much more accessible, thanks to the construction of roads and highways, and a visit to them represents the perfect culmination of this trip.