European civilization, Greece travel offers a fascinating assortment of intact archeological ruins from the ancient world. Today, its literature, art and philosophies continue to resonate across the globe.
Located in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean, Greece is comprised of a mainland and 1,400 islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Its physical characteristics and beauty, indented coasts and gorgeous black sand beaches, coastal caves and rocky outcroppings pale in comparison to its historical wealth, protected by UNESCO. Greece’s remarkable history dates back to 700 BC, when Athens, Corinth and Sparta rose to power. Today, the capital of Athens is lorded over by the flat-topped hill of the Acropolis, site of the classical, 2,400-year-old Parthenon. Plaka, the city’s quaint old quarter, spreads around the Acropolis, with its flea market and cafe’s.
Other important Grecian sites are Delphi, home of the famous Oracle, and the 4th century BC Temple of Apollo, a palace complex that was recently uncovered at the ancient fortified city of Mycenae and Olympia, the original site of the Olympic Games, which began in 776 BC.
The other face of Greece is its islands. They typically feature white-washed Cycladic cottages and churches, thatched windmills, fruit orchards and rustic tavernas serving grilled octopus and squid, stuffed vine leaves, moussaka, souvlaki and Greek salad. Some provide tranquil getaways, while others, like Mykonos, offer a vibrant nightlife and dance clubs. Dramatic, mountaintop Santorini, with its restaurants and shops, was formed by a volcano and is accessible by donkey. The medieval fortified islands of Rhodes and Corfu both offer upscale hotels, shopping and urban atmospheres. Crete, the largest island, has most of the country’s karstic cave formations and is where the ancient Minoan culture developed. Near town are three famous Minoan sites, Knossos, Malia and Phaestos.