Greek Islands : Athens,
Corfu,
Crete,
Rhodes,
Mykonos,
Kos,
Santorini
Athens Attractions:
Acropolis
– Always the top tourist attraction in Athens, The Acropolis
stands majestic on a hill overlooking the entire city. Dating
back to 510 BC, this was an area of many temples, the best preserved
being The Parthenon with it’s ancient columns rising high,
the Parthenon stands as an awesome sight. There is an adjacent
museum as well. It’s a well-trodden path, but worth the
effort.
Theatre of Dionysos
– In the same area you’ll find this huge monument
to the ancient Athenians entertainment, named after the god
Dionysia. Constructed in about 330 BC to house 17,000, this
was a massive building project for it’s day. Well preserved
and worth taking a guide here.
National Archaeological
Museum – Built in 1889, this splendid building
is home to one of the worlds best collections of Greek ancient
artifacts, look out for the 3,600 year old mask of Agamemnon,
and the Cycladic idols.
Ancient Agora
– Agora meaning marketplace, dating from the 6th century
BC this area was used as a market until 600 AD. Fascinating
to stroll through this area with many statues and ruins to discover.
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Corfu Attractions:
Old Fortress
– Dating from the 14Th century and built as a solid protection
for the island, blown up by the British forces in 1864, which
in turn left the island to the Greeks. Recently restored and
encompassing a gallery, museum and still operating bell tower.
Byzantine Museum
– Located in a 15Th century church. Many painters of the
time stopped in Corfu en – route to Venice, this museum
houses a fascinating collection of their sculpture and art.
Palace of Saint
Michael and Saint George – Commissioned by Sir
Thomas Maitland the former Lord High Commisioner for the headquarters
of the Ionian Parliament and himself. Strolling through the
lovely gardens one will find The Museum of Asian Art and a contemporary
art gallery featuring works by local artists.
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Crete Attractions:
Iraklion Archaeological
Museum – One of the favourite destinations for
the tourist in the islands capital, this museum has a comprehensive
collection of exhibits portraying life from earliest times till
the 20th century. Take at least half a day to do this gem justice.
Knossos
– Take the No2 bus from Iraklion for this huge palace,
known as the mythological home of King Minos. A labyrinth of
rooms surround a large central courtyard. To get the most out
of the experience you night need a guide (just check that your
guide is official.
Venetian Harbour
– In Hania, the second town of Crete you’ll find
this fascinating old harbour, with its stunning architecture,
Venetian Ship house, museum and waterfront alleys one will soon
discover the violent history of this once important gateway
to Venice.
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Rhodes Attractions:
Palace of the
Grand Master – Overlooking the town on the top
of a hill stands this very ornate fort. It survived a long siege
by the Ottoman army in 1522, but was destroyed in an accident
in 1856 involving lightning and gunpowder (a wicked combination).
Restoration started about 1900 and now boasts 300 rooms and
many towers. Take a walk along the old city walls while you
are here.
Archaeological
Museum – The former Hospital of the Knights is
now an outstanding museum telling the history of the island
from the earliest times, just outside the museum is The Avenue
of the Knights which was the main road about 500 years ago.
Turkish Baths
(Haman) – Bring your towel here and enjoy your
bath surrounded by 250 years of history. The sexes are separate
and the men get the better area with its lofty dome and star
shaped skylights.
Jewish Quarter
– The Shalom Synagogue still holds a Friday night service
and there is a remnant of the once vibrant Jewish community
of Rhodes. Originally made up from Spanish Jews fleeing the
inquisition, then they had to flee the Nazis from here. Interesting
architecture in the vicinity.
Valley of the
Butterflies – 7 kms inland from the village of
Theologos you’ll find this beautiful area even out of
butterfly season. They are attracted to the resin in the trees
in the area and flock here to spend their last days.
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Mykonos Attractions:
Archaeological
Museum of Delos – Arguably the worlds best collection
of artefacts from the area. Built in 1904 and extended a couple
of times, depicting the life and times of Delos through the
centuries. Worth seeing!.
Little Venice
– Stroll to the Castros area of town and find this picture
postcard place, with its whitewashed buildings crowded close
together interspersed with alleys, tavernas, cafes and bars.
Watch the small sailing boats bob on the horizon and stunning
sunsets. You will be thinking Heaven is a place on earth.
Folklore Museum
– Located near Paraportiani in a 300 year old double storey
whitewashed house. Left as it was then so as to give the visitor
an idea of the island everyday life when gay meant happy.
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Kos Attractions:
Archaeological
Museum – In Kos Town, this museum has an extensive
collection found in the many sites around the island including
statues, mosaics and ceramics. The gods are well represented
here and you’ll find this a worthwhile excursion.
Roman Ruins
– A large area in various states of preservation encompassing
three temples, that of Aphrodite, Hercules and Dionysus, a theatre,
pool and gym (don’t worry they won’t make you join!).
Enjoy a lovely stroll back in time, and it’s free.
Castle
– An earthquake in 1495 destroyed the castle that was
built by the Knights of St John as a hospital. It was rebuilt
about 100 years later as an impenetrable fortress to withstand
Ottoman raids.
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Santorini Attractions:
Prehistoric Thera
– At the southern tip of the island this is undoubtedly
the best-preserved and most important sites on the island. You
will come away here with an insight into the culture of Santorini.
Nea Kameni and
Palea Kameni – Are the two small islands in the
middle of the bay of Quarter moon shaped Santorini born from
volcanic activity around 2000 years ago make these Greece’s
baby islands. Worth a trip over to view the solidified lava
flows.
Archaeological
Museum – Located in the island’s capital
of Fira is a fascinating collection of exhibits mainly from
the site in Thera. Many works of art as well as sculpture are
to be found here.
The Wine Museum
– Santorini is world famous for it’s wines, and
this museum is housed in a winery owned by the Koutsoyiannopoulos
(try saying that after a few glasses of retsina) family. The
history of the areas wine is very well explained.
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