In recent years, Greece’s appeal as a holiday hotspot has reached new heights, thanks in no small part to the unprecedented accessibility that modern travellers now enjoy. The average holiday duration in Greece is 8 nights, with 35% of all bookings being for all-inclusive properties. Thanks to the proliferation of affordable flights through low-cost airlines, booking holidays in Greece has never been easier, and you can book an enticing assortment of packages to favourite spots like Athens, Crete, and Corfu. In this article, we’ll introduce you to four famous regions that are a must-visit, each with its own unique charm and allure.
4 famous regions to explore on your holiday in Greece
Wine tasting in Santorini
Because it’s one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, a tour that combines food, wine, and sunset views in Santorini should be at the top of your list for unmissable experiences in Greece. The Cyclades 8-Day Food and Wine tour is quite comprehensive and will take you from Athens to Mykonos, Santorini, and then back to Athens. However, the highlight is the cooking and tasting tour in Santorini, which includes a visit to three wine estates. So, you can expect to see many glorious sights and be plied with delicious Mediterranean food like fresh mussels and sea urchin salad, all while enjoying sips of Grecian wine.
Parthenon in the Acropolis of Athens
We’d be remiss not to mention the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered to be the most complete ancient Greek monumental complex still in existence. A trip to Athens alone will satisfy foodies, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts alike. One of the most visited attractions within the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Because the Acropolis is situated in the middle of the city and rests on a 156-metre hill, the view of it from further away is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re planning on seeing several archaeological areas, it’s best to purchase an Athens City Pass in advance, and if your schedule permits, the nighttime view of the Acropolis is a must!
Delphi sanctuary in Delphi
Located on the Greek mainland, about 180 kilometres northwest of Athens, is Delphi, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. Constructed on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was a sanctuary in ancient times, with people going there on pilgrimages to venerate Apollo, the god of light. It’s now made up of crumbling ruins of a collection of temples, a theatre, and a stadium.
To get there, you can hire a cab, take the Hellenic Train, or rent a private car. You may also opt to turn it into an overnight stay to explore the nearby towns. Just be sure to pay a visit to the Delphi Archaeological Museum so you can see their extensive trove of ancient artefacts dug from the site.
Meteora monasteries in Kalabaka
For an otherworldly adventure, make it a point to see the monasteries of Meteora that are oddly perched on steep, rocky outcrops. Originally, there were 24 monasteries, but now there are only 6, and they are all protected by UNESCO. The monasteries were built by ancient monks who lived in the area sometime around the 14th and 16th centuries and took years as everything had to be built by hand using ropes, nets, baskets, and ladders.
To see all six monasteries presents a bit of a challenge as each only accepts visitors within a given time and is closed during certain days of the week. Additionally, their summer hours differ from their winter hours. It’s best to consult their website for better planning.
With so much to discover, your adventure awaits. So, pack your bags, savour the flavours of Greek cuisine, and immerse yourself in the ancient and contemporary wonders of this magnificent land. Your tour through these four famous regions is just the beginning of what Greece has to offer.