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| Greek Tourist Places |
| Greece has an abundance of resources that tourists with ecological and cultural interests will find attractive. The wealth of cultural as well as ecological resources, both biotic and abiotic, constitute a special comparative advantage of the country for those interested in the conservation of cultural diversity, bio-diversity and eco-systems. These resources are marked by their wide variety, rareness and distinctiveness and are found in areas many of which have already been placed under special protection |
Santorini
One of the premier luxury destinations in the world, Santorini is arguably the most popular Greek island vacation spot for a romantic vacation. The Santorini Caldera, a site of fascinating beauty that developed after a volcanic explosion in the 2 nd millennium BC, will certainly enchant you with its white-washed houses literally hanging from the multi-colored cliffs. The villages of Oia, Fira, Imerovigli and Pirgos provide the ideal setting for an unforgettable Greek islands vacation or honeymoon. |
Mykonos
In recent years Mykonos has become internationally famed for its beaches and nightlife, and there is no denying that in high season Mykonos "jumps". Mykonos Town rewards the curious with a captivating network of lanes and squares, houses and balconies, churches and museums, and is also the starting point for excursions to the uninhabited islet of Delos. Reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Delos was the religious center of the Aegean world between at least 800 BC-AD100. Contemplating the extraordinary remains of ancient Delos rewards a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that complements the more contemporary attractions of Mykonos. |
Crete
"Great Island" is the name by which the Greeks have long known Crete, and despite all the other islands of the world that have grabbed the headlines in recent times, Crete continues to deserve this epithet. Crete is in fact one of the world’s premier destinations and that is because Crete is something more that an island: It is a world unto itself. Both its natural history and its human history have produced a distinctive land that has drawing millions of visitors over the years. The spectacular mountain passes and panoramas that stand tall above the summery coastal cities and the beach resorts that rank amongst the best in the world are only some of the unexpected treats that await the visitor to Crete. |
Patmos
For some years now, sophisticated travelers have been coming to Patmos to enjoy its fine hotels, restaurants, beaches, and quiet beauty. Its main village, Hora, is one of the most picturesque villages of the Aegean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while its neighboring tiny islands offer magical spots for a day cruise that will enchant even the most demanding visitor. The Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse are only part of the reason that the island is arguably one of the most spiritual locales in all of Greece. Whether because of its location off the main routes or its preservation of traditional ways of life, Patmos exudes a special serenity that will appeal to people no matter what their spiritual leanings. |
Paros
Paros combines many of the attributes that travelers seek in the Greek islands. Its multi-faceted appeal is evident from the moment you are greeted by the white cubic buildings typical of the Cycladic natural islands, to the time you settle on one of the lovely beaches or into a fine restaurant, or when you explore the island with its archaeological and historical remains that testify to Greece’s age old culture. Paros’ arguably most impressive site and one of the most famous churches all over the Greek Orthodox world is the beautiful Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, a cruciform-domed basilica that unites three pre-existing paleochristian churches. |
Rhodes
”The Island of the Sun” is one of the earliest and still favored destinations, offering visitors a wide spectrum of pleasure from fine beaches and fertile countryside, elegant restaurants and traditional tavernas, grand resorts and atmospheric hotels to shops with every possible kind of goods. There can be no denying that the main attraction of the island is the Old Town of Rhodes, the medieval quarter of the capital city, but from the village of the inherently beautiful traditional settlement of Lindos to the forest of the Valley of the Butterflies and the natural beauty of the southern part of the island, Rhodes presents an ideal environment for numerous pleasant days of discovery. |
Spetses
If vacation destinations had to be divided between those that offer exotic excitements and those that promise indigenous pleasures, Spetses would be one of the latter. One of the main attractions of Spetses stems from the absence of cars on the island-a rare treat that sets up the stage for a truly relaxing vacation. The island’s genuinely tranquil nature has been attracting sophisticated crowds for decades, so it is hardly a surprise that Spetses has been called “the aristocrat of the Greek islands”. And of course, as it is true so often throughout Greece, much of the appeal comes from the setting: a spectacular view over the water, a busy square, a balcony for the sunset, a front-row seat for the passing scene. These can be enjoyed in many places on Spetses and you are sure to find one to your liking. |
Syros
Just when you think you know what awaits you on a Greek island - there’s Syros. Although there was a day when it was one of the best known Greek islands, there is no denying that in more recent times it has not starred in the spotlight of international tourism. But the best evidence that Syros deserves to be better known, that it holds pleasures - and surprises - that reward a visit, is that Greeks themselves have long chosen to spend their holidays here. They know of the many attractions of its main city, Ermoupolis, they know of the tasty meals to be sampled here, they know of the fine beaches, they know of the unusual archaeological sites and buildings of architectural interest; they know of the musical and cultural activities, and they certainly know of its casino. Syros, then, may not be a “typical” Greek island but it is one that rewards travelers open to new experiences. |
Athens
The capital of Greece has recently undergone a major facelift thanks to the 2004 Olympics and has become more visitor-friendly than ever. Not only does it offer several of the world's most significant archaeological sites, structures and museums, it now has a wide selection of restaurants, ranging from basic indigenous food to fine gourmet dining, and a similarly wide selection of shops and goods. Whether visiting the incomparable Acropolis or the new subway system, you will find that Athens rewards your time before setting off for the islands, each of which has been chosen by TrueGreece for offering something distinctive. |
Arachova
Arachova is a lively mountain town visitors reach after a two-hour ride north of Athens. In dramatic contrast to the Greek islands’ seaside location, the mountainous setting of Arachova will immediately attract your attention. The intense beauty of Arachova mainly stems from the terraced slopes supporting gray-stoned houses with their red-tiled roofs, the streams of water often running along the village, or the narrow streets that may remind you of times past. And, of course, your eyes will be caught by the colourful rugs and embroideries that the local people make. Arguably the best part of an Arachova experience comes when you try the various tavernas and restaurants in or around Arachova. It is then that you will be inevitably impressed by the local wines, cheese, meat delicacies or honey that typically accompany the local cuisine. |
Nafplion
Strolling through the narrow streets of Nafplion may be one of the most engaging walks a visitor can experience in Greece, and certainly one of the most famous ones among Greeks. So relax, forget about time, and lose yourself among the wonderful neoclassical houses, painted with the beautiful warm, earthy colours, all reflected in the mirror of the deep blue waters of the Argolic Gulf. |
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