Reasons to Visit Greece
Posted by Isabella Olsen | Filed under Travel
Greece is a country with numerous contributions to modern civilization, perhaps more than any country. It is the cradle of democracy, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and home to many of the most brilliant philosophers, scientists, writers and artists that the world has ever produced, such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, Archimedes, Euclid, Euripedes and Praxiteles. True, most of these contributions may not be tangible. However, those that are can only be seen or best experienced when you visit Greece.
1. Archaeological Sites
Many people visit Greece just for its ancient monuments, which, for the civilization they represent, is reason enough. Indeed, though in ruins, each monument holds a charm of its own, transporting visitors back to a glorious age of gods and heroes. The most impressive and important monument of ancient Greece, the Parthenon, can be found in the Athens Acropolis, where you can also find the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheion, while the largest Greek temple, the Olympeion or Temple of Olympian Zeus can be found just outside. You will also find the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion in southern Athens.
If you are truly interested in archaeology, you shouldn’t stop at Athens, though, since there are many impressive sites and monuments in other cities, as well. In fact, some cities like Delphi, Delos and Olympia are archaeological sites in themselves. Some of the most remarkable monuments outside Athens include the Temple of Demeter at Naxos, the Temple of Epicurian Apollo at Vassae and the ruins of the Knossos Palace in Crete.
There are many excellent archaeological museums all over Greece, too, to help you learn more about its ancient history and culture, like the Athens National Archaeological Museum, which is the largest museum in Greece, the Delphi Museum, the Thera Prehistoric Museum and the Heraklion Museum, which contain artifacts, particularly sculptures and statues, from its archaeological sites.
2. Idyllic Beaches
Warm, turquoise waters, white sand, a dramatic backdrop and excellent facilities - you will find these in most Greek beaches, which is why they are considered among the best in the world. Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Trahili Beach in Chios and Navagio Beach in Zakynthos top the list, although there are dozens of other Blue Flag beaches. If you want to take your clothes off, there are nudist beaches in Greece, too, like Banana Beach in Skiathos and if you brought your snorkelling equipment, you will find many sea caves to explore. In fact, no matter what kind of beach you have in mind, you’re sure to find it in Greece.
3. Greek Cuisine
If you’ve eaten at a Greek restaurant before, you probably have an idea of what you will eat when you visit Greece, although the dishes you will find here are of course, tastier and more authentic. Many dishes are made with olives or olive oil, like the traditional Greek Salad, cabbage salad and spinach stew, while some are served with feta cheese - both of which are popular Greek products. Meat lovers won’t be disappointed, either, since Gyros, Souvlaki and oven-baked lamb can be found almost anywhere and the same goes for Greek wine and beer.
4. Nightlife
While Greece is a country steeped in history, it definitely does not live in the past, as you will see for yourself when you visit Greece. In contrast to the quiet of its ancient monuments, Greece has a large number of clubs and bars where you can dance, drink or simply listen to all types of great music all night, even until seven in the morning if you want, especially in Athens, Mykonos, Skiathos, Rhodes and Samos.
5. The Greek Movie Experience
Are you a movie buff? If so, you should definitely visit Greece, where several great movies were filmed. These include the James Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’ which featured the spectacular Aghia Triatha monastery at Meteora, ‘Shirley Valentine’ which was filmed mostly on Mykonos, ‘Zorba the Greek’ which has scenes filmed in Crete and recently, ‘Mamma Mia!’ with some scenes shot on Skopelos and the Pelion coast of mainland Greece.
Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to world wide tourist destinations like Greece. To book your car hire Greece or learn more about airport car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
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