Overview for Greece
Athens is a city which for years did little to attract visitors; however, hosting the 2004 Olympic Games resulted in a facelift and a better environment for viewing its ancient sites. Its transformation has created a bustling and boisterous city with its tousled charm intact. The city’s most significant feature is the Acropolis, standing boldly on the skyline. Crowned by the Parthenon, built of Pendelic marble, this is probably one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. Central Syntagma Square is dominated by the Greek Parliament, which is closely guarded by the famous evzones, the elite Greek infantry unit. South of Syntagma, at the base of the Acropolis, lie the winding,
narrow streets of the Plaka district. Tucked beneath Lykavitos Hill
is the exclusive district of Kolonaki, filled with trendy boutiques
and up-market cafes.
Mainland Greece is overflowing with archeological and World Heritage listed sights, secluded beaches and rugged mountains. Take the Classical and Meteora tour to see the highlights of Delphi, built precipitously on a cliff edge, the famous Byzantine monasteries of the Meteora, and Olympia, site of the ancient Olympic Games. In the south explore the Peloponnese area, home to the famous Kalamata olives and the once dominant Sparta.
The Greek Islands are as varied as they are numerous. Santorini is arguably the most spectacular and a photographer’s paradise. Mykonos is the quintessential Greek island, a landscape of shuttered white cubed houses, and blessed with some of the best beaches in Greece. Crete was once the centre of Minoan civilisation with ancient and modern treasures, mountain ranges, gorges and sandy beaches.
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When to go
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Greece. The middle of summer can be overcrowded with tourists, whilst during the winter months the tourist infrastructure goes into hibernation.