Greek Islands & Turkish
Coastlines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.