An Extended Journey of
Greek Isles, Turkish Landmarks
& Classic Legends

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.

Náfplion

Nafplion's streets pass by bright flowers and look up at wooden
balconies, and its lively cafes invite travellers to take a break
from wandering. The romantic seaport town's relaxed atmosphere,
fascinating mosques and gorgeous churches more the make up for its
lack of classical ruins.

Páros

Paros is a truly remarkable Greek island located in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and delicious food. The island is full of incredible sites to explore and activities to experience, making it a perfect holiday destination for just about anyone.

The crystal clear waters of Paros are inviting and make for great swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Tourists visiting the island can also enjoy a variety of water sports including kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, so everyone can find the perfect spot for their activities. Kolymbithres beach is a must-see spot for its unique rock formations. For those looking for a quiet getaway, there is also the fishing village of Naousa which offers some stunning views of the Cyclades. 

If it’s nightlife you are looking for, Paros has some great options. The area around Parikia has some lively bars and clubs which stay open until late. There is also an open-air theater in Parikia, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy live performances of traditional Greek music and dance shows. 

Paros is also a paradise for food lovers. Local restaurants around the island serve an array of seafood dishes and homemade Greek specialties like moussaka, souvlaki and stuffed tomatoes. For those looking to try something different, there are lots of options like Greek taverns which serve up delicious Greek meze. Paros is home to many fantastic wineries, so don’t forget to sample some of the world-famous Greek wines!

No trip to Paros would be complete without visiting its picturesque villages and small towns. Naousa is one of the most popular spots on the island and offers guests a glimpse into local life. Here visitors can explore narrow alleyways full of shops, bars and restaurants or take a stroll down one of the cobbled streets and appreciate the beautiful Venetian architecture. 

Paros is a stunning holiday destination offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on the beach or looking to explore the island’s history, culture and cuisine, Paros is the perfect place to do it. There is a reason why people keep coming back here year after year, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience all that Paros has to offer!

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.

Vólos

Located on the eastern coast of Greece, Volos is a bustling and vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Situated at the foothills of Mount Pelion, this coastal city is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach vacation or an exploration of historical landmarks, Volos has something to offer for everyone.

One of the main highlights of Volos is its beautiful coastline, with numerous sandy beaches stretching along the Aegean Sea. The most popular beach is Alikos, which boasts crystal clear waters and a well-organized beachfront. Just a short drive away from the city, visitors can find tranquil and picturesque beaches like Agios Ioannis and Mylopotamos, where they can unwind and soak up the sun.

Volos is also steeped in history, with archaeological sites that showcase its rich past. The Archaeological Museum of Volos is a must-visit attraction, housing an impressive collection of artifacts from various periods, including the Neolithic, Mycenaean, and Roman eras. The nearby ancient city of Dimini offers a glimpse into the Bronze Age, with its well-preserved ruins and the impressive tomb of Sesklo. History enthusiasts can also explore the ruins of the ancient city of Iolkos, which played a significant role in Greek mythology as the homeland of the legendary hero Jason and his crew, the Argonauts.

For a taste of local culture and tradition, a visit to the Tsipouradika is highly recommended. These small taverns, scattered throughout the city, are known for serving tsipouro, a traditional Greek spirit. Visitors can enjoy a variety of meze (appetizers) while sipping on this strong and flavorful spirit. The lively atmosphere, combined with the authentic Greek cuisine, creates a memorable dining experience.

Volos is also an excellent base for exploring the enchanting region of Mount Pelion. With its lush forests, picturesque villages, and stunning landscapes, Mount Pelion offers a perfect escape from the city. Visitors can hike through the trails, which lead to hidden waterfalls, charming monasteries, and breathtaking viewpoints. The traditional mountain villages, such as Makrinitsa and Portaria, are worth a visit, with their cobblestone streets, stone houses, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

If you are a fan of outdoor activities, Volos has plenty to offer. Apart from swimming and sunbathing at the beaches, visitors can also indulge in various water sports such as windsurfing or kayaking. The clear waters of the Pagasitic Gulf are ideal for sailing, and boat trips can be arranged to explore the nearby uninhabited islands, such as Trikeri or Alatas.

Volos is also well-known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The city comes alive in the evenings, with numerous bars, clubs, and music venues offering entertainment for all tastes. From trendy cocktail bars with stunning views of the sea to traditional taverns featuring live Greek music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere, Volos is a hidden gem in Greece that offers a unique and authentic travel experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking to relax and unwind, Volos has it all.

Kusadasi

Kusadası is a large resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast, and the centre of the seaside district of the same name within Aydın Province. Kusadası is 95 km (59 mi) south of İzmir, and about 60 km (37 mi) from Aydın. The municipality's primary industry is tourism. Kusadası is a hugely popular tourist destination due to its perfect combination of culture, amazing beaches and fantastic things to eat and do. The area features several well-known local beaches, including Ladies Beach, the beach at the centrum, the beaches between the Batıhan Hotel and the Nazilli Site, the beach at Güzelçamlı, and the Dilek Peninsula National Park beach, referred to by locals as simply Milli Park.

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.

Bodrum

The popular holiday resort of Bodrum, called
Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean's most
attractive resort, described by Homer as the 'Land of Eternal
Blue'. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with
bougainvillea, narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and
the peaceful setting of its twin harbours offer shelter for
yachts.

Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering
tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and
seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline. From its
position between the two harbours, the 15th century crusader Castle
of St Peter dominates every part of the town, now home to the
fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The other Bodrum
holiday attraction is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling
remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

As Turkey's leading seaside holiday destination,
Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer. Yet it remains
unspoilt and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting the
balance between authenticity and tourist comforts. Here, exotic
bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin, and ancient history
seamlessly blend with popular water sports, sunbathing, and a
nightlife that is notorious throughout Turkey.

Rhodes

Knights once used Rhodes to protect the Christian west from the
east. Today, the island remains subject to invasion, though from
tourists rather than intruders.

Said to be Greece's sunniest island, Rhodes has a well-preserved
and picturesque old city. The legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of
the Seven Wonders of the World, guarded its harbour in antiquity.
Present-day visitors will find statues of deer. Nevertheless, the
old city has plenty of wonders to offer.

The rest of the relatively large island offers miles of beaches,
interesting archaeological sites and natural beauty spots. The best
beaches are on the east coast. Lindos is especially attractive.
Faliraki, on the other hand, is a developed resort area, bustling
with young visitors.

Pátmos

Located in the Dodecanese Archipelago's north, Patmos is off the
beaten path for most people holidaying in Greece. Its lovely
landscapes and peaceful atmosphere make it worth visiting.

Patmos is home to around 300 churches, scattered in villages and
on hillsides. Greek Orthodox icons occupy nearly every wall, which
may account for them being the island's most popular souvenirs.

Patmos' devout aura is partly due to its biggest attraction: the
Cave of the Apocalypse. The location is reputedly where John the
Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations. He was exiled on Patmos for
several years and supposedly founded the Monastery of St John.

The island's main towns are Skala and Hora. Both are charming
villages with rows of whitewashed houses and 17th to 18th-century
mansions. Visitors should be respectful of the traditions and
beliefs of the local population and dress modestly. That is, women
are required to wear long skirts and cover their shoulders, while
men must wear long pants. Patmos lacks any sort of nightlife or
rowdy attractions, but offers tourists a glimpse of a simpler way
of life.

Agios Nikólaos, Kríti

Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful, historic and bustling town built around the picturesque Mirabello Bay, on the northeastern coast of the Greek island of Crete. It is a popular and cosmopolitan destination, offering visitors a wide range of attractions, activities and facilities, as well as a charming and friendly atmosphere.

Agios Nikolaos is best known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches. The town’s waterfront is lined with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, providing the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a coffee break or a romantic dinner. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports and activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

One of the most popular attractions in Agios Nikolaos is the Voulismeni Lake, a beautiful natural lagoon situated in the heart of the town. According to legend, the lake is bottomless and was once believed to be the entrance to the underworld, making it a popular site for spiritual rituals and festivities. Today, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, sit in one of the cafes or bars in the area and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding hills and the sea.

Another must-see site in Agios Nikolaos is the Kitroplateia Beach, a golden sand beach on the east side of the town. It is a vibrant and busy beach, offering plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas and water sports facilities. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy the sun and the sea, and also provides easy access to the town’s restaurants and cafes.

For those interested in history and culture, an afternoon at the Archeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos is a must. The museum is home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts and relics, dating back to the Minoan civilization that inhabited Crete more than 3,500 years ago. Visitors can also take a stroll through the picturesque old town of Agios Nikolaos, admire the Venetian architecture and explore the many charming shops, cafes and restaurants that line the narrow streets.

Agios Nikolaos is also a popular destination for foodies, offering visitors a wide range of delicious and authentic dishes, including fresh fish and seafood, grilled meats and vegetables, and traditional Cretan specialties such as Dakos, Cretan salad and dolmades.

Overall, Agios Nikolaos is a wonderful and diverse destination, perfect for those seeking beautiful beaches, rich history, charming culture and gastronomic delights. With its stunning scenery, friendly people and relaxed atmosphere, it is a place of great cultural and natural beauty, and a perfect getaway destination for anyone looking for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Mykonos

Mykonos is upmarket, fashionable and a favourite among gay
travellers. It's quite possibly Greece's most expensive island.
Designer shops, perfect beaches, colourful tavernas and throbbing
dance clubs are all on offer. That said, trendy crowds and nude
beaches have not erased the destination's enchanting traditional
flavour.

Sightseers can visit the island's archaeological museum, which
displays finds from the necropolis (cemetery) on nearby Rhenia. Day
trips to the uninhabited island of Delos are also highly
recommended. The UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site was the
Aegean's religious centre during ancient times, and features in
some captivating myths. Its history is almost as interesting.
Visitors can explore the temples and the Avenue of the Lions, and
see stunning archaic sculptures in the museum.

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.