Tag Archives: Greece

Check Out Some of The Top Reasons to Visit Greece!

Words aren’t enough to describe how beautiful the top reasons to visit Greece truly are. Greece has it all – from ancient ruins and fascinating history, to the breathtaking city of Athens. Of course, don’t forget the countless pristine beaches and islands rich in culture and heritage.  You will truly take pleasure in the numerous sights to explore and experience in this beautiful country nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

A place like no other

Visiting Greece as a first-timer is really a life-changing experience because you will get to take in a unique place which exudes extraordinary charm and beauty. The country’s tranquil pace of life and marvelous panoramas are simply one of the top reasons to visit Greece that will awe and make you fall in love with the place over and over again. So, just sit-back and expect a journey that will linger in your heart for a lifetime. Trek the matchless terrain in Meteora. Dive into the virgin, still-to-be-delve-into coves. Swim into the globally recognized beaches such as Belgrina, Myrtos and Balos and be revitalized by their refreshing clear blue waters.

Greece is affordable

Greece is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe (even though it’s located at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula). So whether you’re a luxury vacationer, or looking to trace the path of Homer and Plato, there are cheap holidays for the Philosophers, spenders, and of course, the backpackers. Just look into the flight prices/accommodations and you’ll see!

Ideal weather

Owing to the country’s location in southern Europe, Greece’s favorable climate enables all tourists to have fun whatever time of the year they may choose to visit, regardless of the type of activity they may pick to engage in.

Delectable Greek gastronomy

It’s undeniable that one of the top reasons to visit Greece is for its mouth-watering cuisine. Greek food is healthy and the fare well-balance. In fact many diets are based upon the Greek way of eating, including the famous, Mediterranean diet. Dishes here are prepared meticulously and food is a way of life for the Greek people, and they are proud to share their centuries-perfected recipes with visitors.

World renowned capital city

You’re vacation to Greece would be deemed incomplete if you haven’t been to the wonderful city of Athens. Through the years, many tourists have been attracted to experience the capital city of Greece (and chances are you’ll probably fly in here as well). Just in 2005 alone, around 6 million tourists spent their holidays in the city. One of the most famous tourist attractions is Acropolis Hill which houses the Parthenon as well as the Temples of Nike and Erectheion.

These are just a few of the top reasons to visit Greece on your next great escape. You’ll just have to give it a chance to discover the rest! Bon Voyage!

 

 

Top historical sites in Europe

The Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum behind it in Rome are some of the top historical sites in Europe!

Europe is a hive of cultural attractions, but if it’s history you’re particularly interested in, then there are some destinations that really stand out. Of course, in terms of individual attractions there are enough to write about to fill a library, so today we’re going to focus on the top attractions of three of the continent’s most exciting historical cities.

Before we get started, though, it’s worth pointing out that you don’t always need to take several holidays to see the highlights of several places. In fact, if you are particularly interested in Europe’s history and want to explore a number of destinations in a single trip, then you ought to book a cruise, since you can find itineraries that include great combinations for history lovers, like Messina, Rome and Athens.

Messina, Italy

The gateway to Sicily, Messina is a port city that has welcomed a diverse array of people to its shores over the years, with Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Byzantines being just a few of those who landed here and helped shape the local culture.

Like many of Europe’s most dazzling historical cities, Messina’s past can be discerned in amongst the modern constructions. One of the most important historical buildings, for instance, is the Duomo of Messina, which was built in the 12th century by Roger II of Sicily.

While this building is very historic, it’s only the lower part that’s been preserved as it once was – you see, the cathedral was actually destroyed by an earthquake in 1783, and then again by bombings in 1943, meaning it has been rebuilt several times.

While you’re here, look out for Fontana di Orione – a beautiful fountain in the square outside the cathedral. This was built in the 16th century by one of Michelangelo’s students, Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli.

Rome, Italy

As well as being one of Italy’s most beautiful urban destinations, Rome is among its most historical and important. Its crowning glory is the Colosseum – once a stage for gladiatorial battles and other blood-soaked contemporary entertainment, this Roman amphitheatre is one of the city’s top tourist attractions.

In its heyday, it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. While it’s not in pristine condition, an incredible amount has survived given the fact that it’s around 2,000 years old – and exploring it today you can really get a feel for the impact it would have made back in Roman times.

Another must-visit is the Vatican – the tiny independent walled state that has acted as the home for Catholic popes for centuries. The historical highlight here is the Basilica of St Peter, which has a beautiful 17th-century facade and impressive dome, and is one of the largest churches in the world.

Athens, Greece

Athens is virtually synonymous with ancient history, and no visit here is complete without a trip to the mesmerising Acropolis. First, though, you might like to visit the Acropolis Museum, which was created back in 2009.

Here, you can peruse the remarkable finds at the Acropolis site, including sculptural decorations of the Parthenon (you can also watch a really interesting video on this subject on the third floor).

Of course, the real highlight is the Acropolis itself, which sits right in the heart of the modern city. Standing tall on Sacred Rock above the modern streets, the complex is home to world-famous buildings like the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.

Of course, these are just a few of the top historical sites in Europe, but you have to start somewhere.  Once you start exploring, it’s hard to stop … that’s the beauty of the travel bug!

Best Greek Islands for Family Holidays

Corfu Island off the coast of Greece

With hundreds of islands to choose from, there really is a holiday for everyone on offer in the Greek archipelago, from clubbers to retirees.

But what about holidays in Greece for families? Monarch.co.uk have a wide range of cheap holidays on the most popular Greek islands, so you don’t need to stress about cost.

The main thing to worry about is choosing an island with plenty of lovely beaches and quiet resorts to suit young children and parents seeking some down time alike. Let’s take a look at three of the best for family holidays in the sun:

Corfu

A perennially popular destination with Brits, Corfu has many English speakers working in restaurants and hotels, making it easy for families.

What’s particularly nice about Corfu is that the majority of the island is free from large-scale development – with the emphasis very much on enjoying a laid-back holiday, free from hordes of drunken 18 to 30-year-olds that plague some of the other Greek islands.

There are many attractive villages dotted around the coastline where you can eat in welcoming tavernas serving up tasty Greek dishes such as fresh fish and moussaka, often with a side of chips.

A wide range of different beaches are on offer, from pebbly ones with crystal clear water in the north-east that are perfect for swimming, to sandier ones on the more exposed west coast, where the water can be a bit more choppy.

Family attractions include Aqualand, not far from Corfu Town, where you’ll find many water slides and pools for a fun-filled day in the sunshine, while the capital itself is well-worth a visit to check out its shops and museums.

Rhodes

As one of the largest of the Greek Islands, Rhodes offers a number of different types of holiday. While there are plenty of places for 20-somethings to party the night away, such as the resort of Faliraki, there are equally just as many quieter towns where families can relax and enjoy each other’s company.

These include the town of Pefkos, which has a lovely sandy beach and a good selection of bars and restaurants, and the historic town of Lindos, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed stone houses. However, even Faliraki can cater perfectly well to families looking for somewhere more lively, with its long sandy beach and water park. There’s no obligation to go clubbing!

Crete

If you thought Rhodes had plenty of choice, wait until you check out the options available in Crete, Greece’s largest and most populous island.

One of the best locations in Crete for families is the small fishing town resort of Elounda on the northern coast of the island. This welcoming destination has a lovely sandy beach for sunbathing, offers boats trips to the nearby island of Spinalonga, is close to a number of historical attractions and is just a 45 minutes drive from the Acqua Plus water park.

Another lovely spot is Amoudara, whose wonderful, clean sandy beach and clear waters are perfect for a family day out, while the town itself has a wide range of dining options. There are also some bars and nightclubs if you’re going with your grown up children and they fancy heading out alone after spending the day with their parents.

Athens Travel Guide

Athens, thе capital оf Greece, іѕ renowned fоr іtѕ scenic beauty. Thіѕ sprawling metropolis is one of the most famous in Europe and is heralded for multiple reasons from the cuisine to landmarks known the world over. The city’s historical significance is unparalleled and the western world basically has it’s modern roots in this magnificent city and many building’s today are modeled after the one’s you’ll see in this city. Read on to explore our Athens Travel Guide and why it makes a great place for a visit.

Some of the finest and not to be missed sites are of course,  Thе Acropolis, Thе Ancient Agora аnd Syntagma Square. Sоmе оthеr good alternative options аrе Thе Kerameikos, аnd Thе Temple оf Olympian Zeus.

Thеѕе landmarks offer captivating scenic panoramas whісh іѕ thе prime reason fоr whісh thеу аrе а hot spot fоr tourists оf аll age groups. If you’re an enthusiastic admirer оf art оr history, thеn Athens hаѕ a wealth of world class museums to enjoy. Sоmе оf thе mоѕt important museums аrе the National Archaeological Museum аnd Thе Nеw Acropolis Museum. Art іѕ а vеrу important part оf thе culture оf Athens. The National Art Gallery аnd Thе City оf Athens Technopolis аrе twо galleries thаt offer some amazing paintings to enjoy.

Athens is a city of parks and is defined by its dazzling landscapes аnd breathtaking scenery. Thе National Garden оf Athens hаѕ аll thе beautiful lush green scenery аnd mesmerizing flowers you could ever ask for!

At night, Athens bесоmеѕ thе city оf light аnd durіng day time, іt bесоmеѕ thе place оf workaholics. Clubbing іѕ аn important socializing event fоr Athenians, thеу don’t nееd аn excuse tо party. Thе mоѕt happening areas іn Athens fоr partying аrе Gazi, Psirri, Metaxourgio аnd Monastiraki.

Thе largest mall оf Athens іѕ knоwn аѕ, Thе Mall whісh includes many luxury brands аnd plenty of eateries, cafes, bars аnd restaurants. Othеr small memento shops consist оf Plaka, Kolonaki, Golden Heart аnd thе Athens Heart whісh аrе bеѕt loved fоr thеіr small souvenirs, great for taking home.

Getting around Athens is pretty easy as it’s wеll connected оn аll accounts. Inter-city transport is comprised mainly оf buses, taxis, railways аnd fоr people whо wаnt tо enjoy thе picturesque allure оf Athens, thе option tо travel slowly оn foot оr bicycle is also a nice option.

Athens іѕ accessible frоm water, sky аnd road as it has a major international airport and cruiseport.

Content contributed by Nick Pappas