Greece is a country that has always loomed large in the American imagination. With beautiful Mediterranean landscapes, towering mountains and over 6,000 islands, it’s a country where magical memories are made.
It is also a country filled with rich history. One of the world’s great ancient civilizations, it made vital contributions to government, philosophy, literature, and art, and formed the world’s first democracy in Athens in 508 BC.
Because of the large and vibrant Greek-American population, Greek cuisine has spread far and wide. From the rich lamb dishes moussaka, spanakopita and souvlaki to the famous Greek sauce gyro and yogurt-based tzatziki, Greek cuisine has many classic dishes that are internationally acclaimed.
Baklava, a rich pastry blended with honey, nuts and spices, is as associated with Greece as the national spirit, ouzo, the anise-flavored aperitif essential to any meal.
Explore Greek cuisine: diverse flavors, rich history and fresh ingredients
greece flag (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Modern Greece was occupied by Italian and German forces during World War II, but emerged as a democratic, market-based economy during postwar European reconstruction.
The Soviet Iron Curtain descended on Eastern Europe, but Greece escaped the scourge of communism, thanks in part to strong diplomatic intervention from the United States and Britain to keep it from falling into the Soviet sphere of influence. .
Although Greece has since endured a somewhat turbulent social, political and economic history, including a civil war and a series of economic crises, it remains a hugely popular tourist destination, offering a diverse range of attractions for everyone. have.
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Athens is the country’s capital and will probably be the beginning and end of your trip to Greece. As well as being home to the country’s main international airport, nearby Piraeus is also home to the country’s main port, with huge ferry ships connecting the mainland and the islands daily.
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Athens has history and great beaches. (St. Petersburg)
Athens is a city rich in history, culture and architecture, best explored on foot. Popular destinations include the Acropolis, home to the iconic Parthenon. ancient agora. Monastirki and its associated market. and the National Archaeological Museum. The Parthenon is Greece’s most famous tourist attraction.
This is a temple commissioned by Pericles in 447 BC and dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the city, it still offers spectacular views.
thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city and an attractive tourist destination in its own right. Its most famous symbol is his 15th-century White Tower on the downtown waterfront. Inside, it contains interesting and thorough exhibits documenting the city’s history and role as a crossroads of civilization.
The Arch of Galerius, built by the Romans to commemorate their epic victory over the Persians, stands next to the rotunda and historians believe it may have been built as a mausoleum for Galerius.
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Just south of Thessaloniki is the laid-back seaside town of Kalamaria. With affordable seaside hotels and dozens of excellent restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine, sushi, pizza, and more, it has long been a popular choice for budget-minded travelers, both domestic and international. Easy access, just 10 minutes from the airport.
Mykonos
Mykonos has established a reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive holiday destinations. It features fine dining, raucous nightclubs, an entertainment scene, and long stretches of pristine beaches such as Kalafatis and Platis Gialos. Featuring live music, theater, dance, and art galleries, it has long attracted an artistic and intellectually minded clientele.
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An added bonus is its proximity to Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. It was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo in Greek mythology and served as an important site of religious pilgrimage throughout Greek history. Today, visitors can enjoy the mosaics, the ruins of the temple and his three 7th century BC structures: the Lion Terrace, the Theater and the Theater District.
Santorini
Boasting world-famous sunsets, the sparkling white island of Santorini is perhaps Greece’s most famous island. This volcanic island is home to black sand beaches, towering cliffs, and quaint villages, and is regularly visited by major cruise ships.
Sunset at dawn over the village of Oia, Greece (St. Petersburg)
The capital, Fira, is perched on a towering cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands. Oia, on the northern tip of the island and facing west, is famous for having some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Mediterranean. Every day, thousands of tourists gather at the end of the day to watch the last rays of sunlight shine on the picturesque whitewashed buildings.
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For those seeking a laid-back beachfront experience, Kamari, on the east side of the island, is a great choice. Don’t miss the ruins of Thera towering over the island. Best reached by ATV. ATVs can be rented at affordable prices throughout the island.
