Meteora offers breathtaking views of monasteries atop towering rocks dating back to 14th-century construction.
On the east coast of Peloponnese, Ancient Epidaurus ruins are famous for its open theatre with exquisite acoustics – used as an essential healing tool here.
Mycenae
Mycenae, one of Greece’s premier historical sites, was an ancient royal citadel that is said to have been home to Zeus himself.
As to what triggered Mycenae and other Bronze Age societies to collapse suddenly is still unclear, several theories include natural disaster, overpopulation, wars with neighboring tribes and climate change being potential triggers.
Archaeologists began excavating Mycenae in the 1800s, led by Heinrich Schliemann. Mycenae’s massive walls, corbelled tholos tombs and Lion Gate are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and its mythical associations and stories such as Clytemnestra have inspired artists, poets and writers for centuries.
The Royal Tombs of Vergina
At the heart of this northern Greek port city lie preserved relics from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times – from recreated furniture to ancient toilets – providing an incredible glimpse of life during these eras.
Underneath Vergina lies an immense necropolis that includes palaces, theatres, sanctuaries, private homes and tombs of Philip II – father of Alexander the Great – where Andronikos discovered wall paintings, silver hydrias, weapons and other treasures that had never been looted from.
The Agora of Athens
An agora is an open space of assembly that first made its debut in Ancient Greek history as an urban gathering place where free-born citizens could meet to hear civic announcements, muster for military campaigns, discuss politics and gather for open air markets.
The Painted (or Poikile) Stoa was one of the stoas found throughout Rome, and featured Doric columns on its exterior and Ionic ones on its interior. It was filled with shops and merchants as well as roaming entertainers such as firebreathers.
The Fountain of Hermes takes its name from a statue depicting Hermes, Greek god of travel and commerce that stood here during antiquity; today it serves as home for a museum.
The Palace of Knossos
Knossos (pronounced ko-no-so), located on the northern coast of Crete, was one of the largest palaces in ancient Greece during its Protopalatial period – an indication of its power during Minoan civilization. With throne room, workshops, shrines and long thin storage rooms suggestive of its central position within Minoan society, it served as one of its power bases during that era.
Bronze age civilisations collapsed around them, yet this site remained an important trading centre. A more contemporary settlement flourished here and its rooms feature stunning murals.
Epidaurus Theatre, famed for its exquisite acoustics, provides the ideal spot for sharing songs with travel companions.
The Temple of Apollo at Delos
Delos was an important religious site dedicated to Apollo and his oracle during the third millennium BC, as well as being home to an active trading port.
Delos was chosen in 478 BCE to serve as the seat of treasury of the Delian League, later moving its power to Athens. Delos’ sanctuary brought pilgrims from all across Greece while its architecture showcased contemporary trends of its day.
Epidaurus Theatre is an iconic monument renowned for its astounding acoustics and is worth experiencing with friends to experience its unparalleled sound quality first-hand. You could swap seats to take a listen.
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounio
One of the most iconic sights in Greece is the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounio. Offering views over the sparkling aquamarine blues and greens of Saronic Gulf, this monument to Poseidon can only be appreciated from an aerial perspective.
Ruins include a temple with slim Doric columns, a propylaeum and the remains of a 6th-century tower. Lord Byron was so taken by this architectural beauty that he inscribed his name onto one of its columns!
Legend tells of King Aegeus praying at this temple before sending his son Theseus on an expedition to Crete to slay the Minotaur. Additionally, sailors would often moor their ships here to pray for safe travels.
The Fortress of Nafplio
The Palamidi Fortress appears to be floating above Nafplio town center. Constructed between 1711-1715 by Venetians as their last significant castle outside their own country, its construction spanned 1711-1715. Boasting several bastions named after notable historical figures from Greek history, it offers truly impressive sights for visitors of Nafplio.
Epidaurus, an archaeological site located in northern Greece, boasts an incredible collection of ancient structures. These include an incredible theater as well as the magnificent Temple of Asklepios where legendary healer Asklepios was worshipped.
