Places to visit in Greece

Thanks to the 2004 Olympic Games being held in Athens, birthplace of the competition, the city has been given a much needed spring clean. The main pull to Athens is a visit to the staggering Acropolis, which supported a Neolithic community at around 5000 B.C. and has since withstood various wars and natural erosion. Make the ascent up the steps of the ancient structure for splendid views across the modern city, whilst pondering over the transformation of civilisation. More things to do in Athens

If you know anyone who has ventured to at least one of the Greek islands, then you will already have heard that they are blisteringly beautiful. Santoríni is especially so. This volcanic island beams brighter than all the other islands within the Cyclades archipelago (and they all beam pretty bright!) proudly offering sumptuous sunsets, gorgeous beaches and cliff-hanging villages adorned in white. Another beauty is Kefaloniá, the largest Ionian island. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven, when you see the island’s Myrtos Beach.

Thessaloníki has a throbbing night scene, that is particularly lively around the warehouse area of Ladhádhika, near the port. A cool little hangout is Arthouse, which throws out a mix of everything from deep techno to cheery reggae. In Athens, a trendy evening spot is Bios, which has a good schedule of art and theatre performances and cinema viewings, along with live gigs and DJs playing in the basement club. This place attracts young alternative Athenians.

Home to the Greek mythological gods, Mount Olympus is the largest mountain in Greece and Mytikas is its highest peak at 2,917 metres. Between mid-June and October this magical peak is yours to climb – though make sure you buy a decent map otherwise the Greek gods might have you running around in circles. The Samariá Gorge, in Crete is another favourite with outdoorsy types. Europe’s longest gorge is a stunning World Biosphere Reserve that can be hiked within a day (between May and October) and has some beautiful beaches and lagoons waiting to be discovered.

Olympia is the site of the very first Olympic Games, held in 776 B.C. in honour of Zeus. It’s a top tourist attraction so try and arrive just as the park opens to avoid uncomfortable viewing. Within the site there is a mish-mash of interesting temple remains, including the Temple of Zeus, which once protected Phidias’s famous gold Statue of Zeus. Continue your ancient tour to Delphi, which the Greeks once believed to be the centre of the world and see other fascinating archaeological wonders, including the Temple of Apollo.