Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization for its many contributions. In politics, it is the birthplace of democracy and even political science. In sports, it is where the Olympic Games originated. In science and philosophy, it produced unparalleled minds like Euclid, Hippocrates, Archimedes, Pythagoras, Thales, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, among others. Even in art and literature, Greece has much to show for. And if these are not enough to convince you to visit Greece, here are five reasons that surely will.
1. Greek Archaeology
Greece is synonymous with archaeology, with many ancient temples and other monuments, which is one of the main reasons to visit Greece. Many of these monuments can be found in the Acropolis of Athens, like the world-famous Parthenon, the largest Doric temple in the world and the most important monument of classical Greece still remaining, as well as the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheion, although you can find some in other parts of the city, too, like the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in ancient Greece. The archaeological sites of Kerameikos and Ancient Agora are worth visiting, too.
If you are truly interested in archaeology, you shouldn't stop at Athens, though, since there are many impressive sites and monuments in other cities, as well. In fact, some cities like Delphi, Delos and Olympia are archaeological sites in themselves. Some of the most remarkable monuments outside Athens include the Temple of Demeter at Naxos, the Temple of Epicurian Apollo at Vassae and the ruins of the Knossos Palace in Crete.
If you'd rather just see ancient Greek sculptures, though, or the artifacts that were excavated from these sites, you should visit the archaeological museums in Greece, starting with the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, which has the finest collection, including the Mask of Agamemnon and Praxiteles' statue of Aphrodite.
2. Idyllic Beaches
One of the reasons why Greece is considered to be such a romantic destination is because it has a long coastline dotted with idyllic beaches, most of which offer white sand and warm, crystal waters, while some are backed by dramatic cliffs and villas. Many of these are Blue Flag beaches, too, with the best ones found in Kefalonia and Zakynthos, while nudism is acceptable almost everywhere, but most particularly on Banana Beach in Skiathos and Eresos Beach in Lesvos. There are many great diving spots, too, and several sea caves to explore.
3. Greek Cuisine
Greek food is often described as healthy, so make sure you get your fill when you visit Greece. This is because olives and olive oil are widely used, most of which are grown and produced in Kalamata and Crete. There are many vegetable dishes, too, such as Greek Salad, baked beans and cabbage rolls, although meat dishes like oven-baked lamb, Gyros (roasted meat) and Souvlaki (skewered meat) are also popular. As for desserts, many are made with nuts and honey, the most popular one being Baklava, while wine is the most common drink. In fact, there are some that say wine originated in Greece.
4. Greece by Night
Greece is a country that comes to life at night, as you will see when you visit Greece. This is especially true in Athens, Corfu, Skiathos and Mykonos, which have a large concentration of night clubs and bars that play all types of music - whether pop, rock, jazz, trance or the traditional music of the bouzouki - up until dawn or even seven in the morning. In the summer, you will find many seaside parties, too, which start right after sunset and go on until sunrise.
5. Reliving the Movies in Greece
Are you a movie buff? If so, you should definitely visit Greece, where several great movies were filmed. These include the James Bond movie 'For Your Eyes Only' which featured the spectacular Aghia Triatha monastery at Meteora, 'Shirley Valentine' which was filmed mostly on Mykonos, 'Zorba the Greek' which has scenes filmed in Crete and recently, 'Mamma Mia!' with some scenes shot on Skopelos and the Pelion coast of mainland Greece.
1. Greek Archaeology
Greece is synonymous with archaeology, with many ancient temples and other monuments, which is one of the main reasons to visit Greece. Many of these monuments can be found in the Acropolis of Athens, like the world-famous Parthenon, the largest Doric temple in the world and the most important monument of classical Greece still remaining, as well as the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheion, although you can find some in other parts of the city, too, like the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in ancient Greece. The archaeological sites of Kerameikos and Ancient Agora are worth visiting, too.
If you are truly interested in archaeology, you shouldn't stop at Athens, though, since there are many impressive sites and monuments in other cities, as well. In fact, some cities like Delphi, Delos and Olympia are archaeological sites in themselves. Some of the most remarkable monuments outside Athens include the Temple of Demeter at Naxos, the Temple of Epicurian Apollo at Vassae and the ruins of the Knossos Palace in Crete.
If you'd rather just see ancient Greek sculptures, though, or the artifacts that were excavated from these sites, you should visit the archaeological museums in Greece, starting with the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, which has the finest collection, including the Mask of Agamemnon and Praxiteles' statue of Aphrodite.
2. Idyllic Beaches
One of the reasons why Greece is considered to be such a romantic destination is because it has a long coastline dotted with idyllic beaches, most of which offer white sand and warm, crystal waters, while some are backed by dramatic cliffs and villas. Many of these are Blue Flag beaches, too, with the best ones found in Kefalonia and Zakynthos, while nudism is acceptable almost everywhere, but most particularly on Banana Beach in Skiathos and Eresos Beach in Lesvos. There are many great diving spots, too, and several sea caves to explore.
3. Greek Cuisine
Greek food is often described as healthy, so make sure you get your fill when you visit Greece. This is because olives and olive oil are widely used, most of which are grown and produced in Kalamata and Crete. There are many vegetable dishes, too, such as Greek Salad, baked beans and cabbage rolls, although meat dishes like oven-baked lamb, Gyros (roasted meat) and Souvlaki (skewered meat) are also popular. As for desserts, many are made with nuts and honey, the most popular one being Baklava, while wine is the most common drink. In fact, there are some that say wine originated in Greece.
4. Greece by Night
Greece is a country that comes to life at night, as you will see when you visit Greece. This is especially true in Athens, Corfu, Skiathos and Mykonos, which have a large concentration of night clubs and bars that play all types of music - whether pop, rock, jazz, trance or the traditional music of the bouzouki - up until dawn or even seven in the morning. In the summer, you will find many seaside parties, too, which start right after sunset and go on until sunrise.
5. Reliving the Movies in Greece
Are you a movie buff? If so, you should definitely visit Greece, where several great movies were filmed. These include the James Bond movie 'For Your Eyes Only' which featured the spectacular Aghia Triatha monastery at Meteora, 'Shirley Valentine' which was filmed mostly on Mykonos, 'Zorba the Greek' which has scenes filmed in Crete and recently, 'Mamma Mia!' with some scenes shot on Skopelos and the Pelion coast of mainland Greece.
About the Author:
Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Greece. To book your Greece car hire or learn more about discount car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
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