A voyage from Greece
to Cyprus

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.

Delos

Delos, located in Greece, is an enchanting island that holds great historical and mythological significance. Known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, this small rocky island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Despite its size, Delos attracts numerous visitors who come to explore its fascinating history and experience its unique charm.

One of the main highlights of Delos is the ancient ruins that dot the island. Dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, these ruins provide a glimpse into the rich past of the island. The archaeological site is home to impressive structures such as the Terrace of the Lions, the House of Dionysus, the Temple of Isis, and the Theatre. Walking through these ruins is like stepping back in time and immersing oneself in the ancient Greek civilization.

The Terrace of the Lions, a row of imposing marble lions guarding the sacred entrance to the Sanctuary of Apollo, is an iconic symbol of Delos. These statues were originally created in the 7th century BC and were believed to have been a gift from the people of Naxos. Although the originals have been moved to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Delos for preservation, replicas now stand in their place, adding to the allure of the site.

Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Delos is a must for anyone interested in the island's history. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including statues, mosaics, pottery, and jewelry, all of which have been unearthed during the excavations. Here, visitors can gain further insights into the daily life, religious practices, and artistic achievements of the ancient inhabitants of Delos.

Aside from its historical significance, Delos is also known for its natural beauty. The island offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscapes. It provides a peaceful and serene environment, perfect for relaxation and contemplation. The small coves and secluded beaches are ideal for sunbathing and swimming, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling mainland.

Despite being a popular tourist destination, Delos does not have any permanent residents or accommodations. This makes it a unique and magical place to visit, as it remains free from modern development. However, there are regular boat services from neighboring islands such as Mykonos, which is just a short distance away. Visitors can opt to take guided tours or explore the island at their own pace, making it a flexible destination for all types of travelers.

In conclusion, Delos is a captivating destination that combines rich history, mythology, and natural beauty. Its ancient ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and the Archaeological Museum, provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. The island's serene atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes make it an ideal getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Delos is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

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.

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.

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.

Kos

Kos is a favourite holiday destination for families. Its
highlights include beautiful beaches, enchanting ruins and quick
ferry crossings to Rhodes or Bodrum (Turkey).

In antiquity, Kos may have had some claim to being a healing
retreat. The famous Classical Age physician, Hippocrates, reputedly
taught his students on the island, and visitors can still see the
remains of temples dedicated to healing deities. Kos is also home
to what some claim is Europe's oldest tree, plus several
archaeological remains of Persian, Turkish, Roman and Byzantine
conquerors.

Otherwise, visitors can expect busy bars, pleasant towns and
crowded beaches outside the capital.

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.

Antalya

Antalya is a beautiful city located on the south-western Turkish coast, boasting a stunning natural landscape that is home to a rich culture and history. From its beautiful beaches, to its awe-inspiring mountains, to its historic ruins, Antalya has something for everyone.

The climate in Antalya is mild and sunny, making it a great place to visit throughout the year. Even during the winter months, temperatures remain mild, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll in the city and a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

Antalya’s tourist attractions are varied and plentiful. Its stunning beaches are a great place to relax and take in the stunning views of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from, such as scuba diving, parasailing and even whitewater rafting. And, of course, there are plenty of shopping options for those who want to explore Antalya's traditional markets.

History buffs will be drawn to Antalya for its rich history and ancient ruins. The city is home to the ruins of Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations, which visitors can explore. There are also several archaeological sites scattered throughout Antalya, allowing visitors to explore the history of the area in greater detail. 

Antalya’s culture is vibrant and colorful, offering visitors a unique experience as they explore the city’s various attractions, be it its vibrant nightlife or its traditional markets. The city’s cuisine is also a highlight and visitors can find a variety of restaurants serving up traditional Turkish dishes such as mezes, lokma and kebabs. Antalya’s culture also extends to its art and music scene and many art galleries in the city showcase works from local artists.

Antalya is an idyllic holiday destination for those who want to experience all that Turkey has to offer. With its stunning beaches, majestic mountains, colourful culture, and wealth of attractions, Antalya offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an immersive cultural experience, Antalya has it all!

Paphos

Situated on the southwest coast of Cyprus,
Paphos was the capital of the island in Roman times. Legend has it
that the city is built on the spot where the Greek Goddess of love,
Aphrodite, was born.

The city also has many connections to and
relics from early Christianity. Over the centuries, it has survived
numerous foreign incursions and raids, and even a devastating
earthquake in the 4th century. It lost out to Larnaca as a major
port in the Middle Ages and experienced a decline during the
British colonial period, when development of this part of the
island came to a standstill.

Today, Paphos is a popular seaside resort
with a large population. The Ktima section of the city is the main
residential area, while Kato Paphos is the playground of
holidaymakers, built around the medieval port with its numerous
luxury hotels, tavernas, and entertainment venues.

Most visitors to Paphos stay in one of the
many hotels that dot the sandy coastline. The beach around the Rock
of Aphrodite offers some of the best snorkelling in Cyprus, while
Pissouri Beach and Kourion Beach are popular with water skiers and
windsurfers. Paphos Municipal Beach is conveniently located close
to the centre of town, and has a long promenade with plenty of
restaurants and bars nearby. Paphos also makes a great base for
exploring the unspoilt beauty of the Akamas Peninsula, the Diarizos
River Valley, and the Ezouza Valley.

Larnaca

Larnaca is the international gateway to
Cyprus; it has a busy international airport and is also an
important port of call for cruises in the East Mediterranean. The
town is one of the most popular holiday spots in Cyprus, with
stunning beaches and a lovely palm tree-lined promenade, which is
lined with bars, shops, and restaurants.

Larnaca was known as Kition in the days of
the Old Testament and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited
settlements in the world. The ruins of the ancient city can still
be seen and much of its rich archaeological heritage has been
preserved and is showcased in the local museums.

The lively package holiday resorts of Ayia
Napa, Protaras, and Paralimni sit on a peninsula to the east of
Larnaca, and are heaving with holidaymakers over the summer months.
With a reputation as the party capital of Cyprus, the beach resort
of Ayia Napa is popular with the young looking to make the most of
their holiday in the sun.

Away from the action along the coast, the
Larnaca region offers miles of unspoiled wilderness to explore. The
Cape Greco peninsula is a government-protected conservation area
with dramatic cliffs and abundant indigenous flora and fauna,
proving popular with walkers and cyclists.

Larnaca

Larnaca is the international gateway to
Cyprus; it has a busy international airport and is also an
important port of call for cruises in the East Mediterranean. The
town is one of the most popular holiday spots in Cyprus, with
stunning beaches and a lovely palm tree-lined promenade, which is
lined with bars, shops, and restaurants.

Larnaca was known as Kition in the days of
the Old Testament and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited
settlements in the world. The ruins of the ancient city can still
be seen and much of its rich archaeological heritage has been
preserved and is showcased in the local museums.

The lively package holiday resorts of Ayia
Napa, Protaras, and Paralimni sit on a peninsula to the east of
Larnaca, and are heaving with holidaymakers over the summer months.
With a reputation as the party capital of Cyprus, the beach resort
of Ayia Napa is popular with the young looking to make the most of
their holiday in the sun.

Away from the action along the coast, the
Larnaca region offers miles of unspoiled wilderness to explore. The
Cape Greco peninsula is a government-protected conservation area
with dramatic cliffs and abundant indigenous flora and fauna,
proving popular with walkers and cyclists.