The best way to discover Greece is to start your tour where the history of Greece also did it: in Crete, the land on which the Minoan culture flourished. It is the largest Greek island and the fifth one in the Mediterranean, as well as one of the main poles of attraction of the Hellenic country. In addition, it was the city where Domenikos Theotokopoulos – better known as El Greco, one of the most important non-Italian Renaissance painters – was born.
Since it is widely used as a transport hub, Crete is an easily accessible place. In fact, it has got the international airports of Heraklion, Kania and Sitia, and harbours in Heraklion, Hani, Ágios Nikolaos and Rethymnon, where the hotels in Crete of Iberostar are located.
Among the tourist attractions of the island you will find the archaeological sites of Knossos – where the mythical palace of Knossos is located –, Phestos, Gortina and many others, the National Park of Samaria and the Venetian castle in Rethymnon.
Nonetheless, if there is symbolic image of Greece, it is without doubt the vibrant capital city of Athens. Among the array of things to do in Athens, whose treasures have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the National Archaeological Museum, the recently built Acropolis Museum and the districts of Plaka and Psiri.
But the wonders of the Greek peninsular don't end here. Other places in Greece include a route around the region of Argolis, where you will find the majestic ancient theatre of Epidaurus, known worldwide for its extraordinary acoustics. The beautiful seaside town of Nauplia has magnificent coastal landscapes, and you should visit the archaeological site of Mycenae. It houses a prehistoric Acropolis that shows the door of the Lions and the tomb of Agamemnon and a museum full of ancient treasures.
In Olympia you will see the old Olympic stadium, where the most famous athletic event in the world originated. The site includes the museum of Olympia and the largest suspension bridge in the world. Another place to visit is Delphi, where you will be able to contemplate the famous Charioteer of Delphi sculpted in bronze. We can't end things without mentioning other places in Greece such as Kalambaka where the Meteora monasteries are located or Thermopylae where the statue of the King of Sparta, King Leonidas, stands in memory of the battle between the cities of Sparta and Athens.
Concerning the islands that deserve a visit, include in your bucket list Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu, where the Sisi’s Achilleion is placed.
Could you imagine a best plan for your next summer holidays, for Eastern or for Christmas?