Did Anyone Say Opa?
If you're looking for a country with a lot of history, Greece is
as ancient as it gets. Home to some of the most famous sites in the
world, Greece's history alone could fill your entire trip! Its
cities are lush and cultured, adding their own unique spice to the
country. Greece is also the cradle to some of the best food Europe
has to offer. It is a very intriguing and goregous country to
behold.There are countless attractions that you'll need to witness
for yourself when you visit Greece. The Parthenon in Athens is one
of the most famous landmarks in the world. It's construction began
in 447 B.C and was completed in 432 B.C, replacing the older temple
that had been destroyed by the Persians. During its long life, it
has served as a temple, fortress, church, mosque, and even a powder
shop.Another very famous landmark is the Delphi Theatre. In ancient
times it was the most important religious site in Greece as it was
home to the Oracle of Apollo (the god of the sun, light, truth,
healing, music and poetry). It was built on a hill in the 4th
century and could sit 5000 spectators. It is in amazing condition
and is a real dissapointment to miss.Mystras, another histroic site
near the ancient city of Sparta, was built in the 14th century as a
fortress against invasion and was abandoned in 1832.If you're
looking for strictly religious landmarks, then you'll need to visit
Mount Athos and Meteora; two very wonderous locations. Mount Athos
is in northern Greece and is home to 1,400 Monks that live in 20
Eastern Orthodox Monasteries. It is a tiny village suspended
quaintly in the mountains. Meteora however, means suspended in the
air and is the perfect name for this collection of Monasteries that
are supported on several rock pillars in central Greece. It was
founded in the 14th century and is still standing today.As for the
must-see cities that compliment Greece's fascinating history;
Lindos, Mykonos and Santorini are your best options. Lindos is a
complete medieval village on the island of Rhodes, made entirely of
cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Mykonos is a cosmopolitan
destination with a stunningly picturesque cycladic town; a maze of
tiny streets and whitewashed step lanes. Santorini is an island in
the Cyclades that is famous for its dramatic views, stunning
sunsets, whitewashed houses and active volcano. Fira, the capital,
is a marriage of Venetian and Cycladic architecture whose white
cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes,
while clinging on the edge of a 400 meter cliff.
If you're searching for a place of complete relaxation;
experience the magic colours of the water at Myrtos Beach in
Kefalonia. The blue and turquoise of the sea contrast sharply to
the bright white of the smooth marble pebbles of the beach. It is
one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.When it comes to a
landmark of nature, the Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete is the
place to visit. It's a 16km long canyon passing through forests of
ancient cypress trees and mountains. It takes 4-7 hours to walk the
entirety, but is a very vibrant location.Now if we're talking about
food, I'm not too sure where to begin. Let's just say, if you've
ever tried a kebab on naan in the Middle East, then you'll know the
satisfying taste of souvlaki on a pita in Greece. Aside from pork,
chicken and lamb souvlakis, there are also Gyros, a very popular
sandwhich made with slices of spiced meat served with salad in a
pita. Greeks love their meat, there's no question about it. Greek
salad served with tomatoes, olives and feta (goat) cheese, is a
traditionally trademarketed appetizer to every meal. Saganaki,
otherwise known as flaming cheese is something you must try. There
are a variety of other dishes mostly including meat, potatoes and
rice which which all be a gift to a hungry stomach.Greece is alive
with culture, history, and artistic landscapes, all of which are
appealing to the senses. Greece is one of those countries you have
to visit before you croak. So go write visit Greece on your bucket
list right now! Once you experience it, you'll never want to
leave.
By: Amanda Iliadis
