A Journey from Golden
Greek Islands to Turkish
Treasures

Piraeus

Athens exudes a unique charm through its mix of street markets,
vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls, ancient monuments and
high-rise buildings. For tourists, a plus is that most of the
capital's attractions are accessible by foot.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
According to mythology, she won the city after duelling against
Poseidon, god of the sea. Indeed, Athens can chart its history back
thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western
civilisation. More specifically, it's democracy's birthplace, and
where philosophy, art and architecture were refined.

The city declined after the Classical Age, dwindling to nothing
but a town in the colourful area now known as the Plaka. It emerged
as independent Greece's capital in 1834.

Today, the city is bustling. And though the pollution, frantic
gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open
beauty of Greece's coast and islands, Athens is truly the country's
beating heart. Ancient wonders like the Acropolis, the Parthenon,
and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus ensure that the city will
always lure travellers.

Skíathos

Possibly the most popular of the Sporades islands, Skiathos
boasts more than 60 beautiful beaches and was the setting of the
popular film, Mamma Mia. The island is relatively undeveloped away
from the resort areas along the south and east coasts. Shady woods,
olive groves and quiet beaches offer many places to relax. Some are
only accessible by boat.

Skiathos Town's seafront has local tavernas, cafes and some
excellent seafood restaurants that look over the lively marina.
Tourists can take boat trips from the area and stop to swim in
sparkling, blue-green waters. The island's combination of modern
amenities, resort attractions and unspoiled natural wonders is
deeply satisfying.

Koukounaries is the island's most famous beach. Its fine golden
sand and crystal-clear waters lie before a thick pine forest. It
attracts many visitors, especially during July and August, and
offers all sorts of watersports facilities.

Aside from the stunning coastline, Skiathos' attractions include
the ruins of a 12th-century Venetian fortress, and the deserted,
medieval town of Kastro. It also has a number of monasteries,
including the 17th-century Moni Evangelistria (the Monastery of
Annunciation) and the Monastery of Agios Charalampos, where the
local writer of short stories, Alexander Moraitidis, spent the
remaining years of his life. Other interesting buildings include
Bourtzi Fortress, and churches like Ayios Nikolaos and Trion
Ierarchon.

Thessaloníki

Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedonia and one of the oldest
cities in Europe. General Kassandros named it after his wife, who
happened to be Alexander the Great's half-sister. With its wide
avenues, parks and squares, some travellers consider it far more
attractive than Athens.

The city's past under Ottoman rule shows in numerous Byzantine
churches, and museums housing Byzantine artefacts. Its rich Jewish
tradition reflects in its synagogues and the Jewish Museum, while
renowned monasteries display the influence of early Christian
communities.

Authorities have imposed regulations against skyscrapers going
up as the area is prone to earthquakes. This means that residents
and visitors can enjoy seaside views from the city's streets.

Visitors can try the Turkish Baths, wander the central market,
or relax at Aristotelous Square's cafes and restaurants.
Thessaloniki also has a vibrant nightlife, with a number of lively
bars and clubs.

Istanbul

The splendid city of Istanbul has many unique and fascinating
features. It is the only city in the world reaching across two
continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul
situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also
unique in having had capital status during two successive empires,
Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both
is visible in the modern city today.

Istanbul's location on the water made it a much coveted site as
a commercial shipping port and military lookout, and as capital of
the Roman Empire, Constantinople, as it was known, became extremely
desirable as a centre of world trade, until Mehmet the Conqueror
claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the
imperial seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the
capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul still remains the
commercial, historical, and cultural heart of Turkey today.

The charm and character of Istanbul lies in its endless variety
and jumble of contradictions. Its fascinating history has
bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins,
splendid palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams
(bath-houses), and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes trendy
bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant
suburbs.

Mytilene, Lesbos

Santorini

Besides being one of the most beautiful islands in the world,
Santorini is also one of the most geologically and archaeologically
dramatic. Often called Thira, the island is shaped like an enormous
pair of jaws encircling a lake filled with pure blue water. This is
the core of an ancient volcano, which according to legend,
destroyed the lost continent of Atlantis.

Santorini's capital, Fira, perches on a cliff top. Ferries
arrive and depart in the harbour below, while visitors walk or ride
donkeys up the steep winding path to the town. Fira has hotels,
good restaurants, bars and plenty of nightlife to keep tourists
happy.

History buffs should visit Ancient Thira's archaeological
remains. They date back to the 9th century BC, and they're on the
island's east side. Other attractions include the excavations at a
Minoan Bronze Age settlement called Akrotiri, an archaeological
museum, and an 18th-century monastery. Santorini has two swimming
beaches, Perissa and Kamari, both characterised by their volcanic
black sand.

Piraeus

Athens exudes a unique charm through its mix of street markets,
vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls, ancient monuments and
high-rise buildings. For tourists, a plus is that most of the
capital's attractions are accessible by foot.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
According to mythology, she won the city after duelling against
Poseidon, god of the sea. Indeed, Athens can chart its history back
thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western
civilisation. More specifically, it's democracy's birthplace, and
where philosophy, art and architecture were refined.

The city declined after the Classical Age, dwindling to nothing
but a town in the colourful area now known as the Plaka. It emerged
as independent Greece's capital in 1834.

Today, the city is bustling. And though the pollution, frantic
gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open
beauty of Greece's coast and islands, Athens is truly the country's
beating heart. Ancient wonders like the Acropolis, the Parthenon,
and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus ensure that the city will
always lure travellers.