A trip to Greece has always been a most fulfilling experience for every traveller as they discover an unparalleled natural beauty, cultural treasures and the legendary Greek hospitality, known as “philoxenia”-φιλοξενία.
The economic crisis caused a slight drop in tourism in 2012. However, a strong revival occurred over the summer of 2013, a record-breaking year, resulting from increased competitiveness against other popular holiday destinations. There was an almost 11-percent increase in the number of international visitors, which contributed to the rebound of the Greek economy.
In 2013, there were approximately 17.5 million tourists in a country with a population of 11 million. In particular, we saw a 45-percent increase between May and August of tourists from Canada, highlighting the popularity of Greece as a tourism destination for Canadians, who can enjoy direct flights to Greece from Toronto and Montreal.
Greece would like to expand its tourist season throughout the year, something that is starting to happen. Last October, the number of international visitors increased by 22 percent and almost all resorts remained open.
Greece fascinates its visitors year round because of its many activities and its mild climate. You can spend a day at the beach, explore the streets of Athens, taste Greek delicacies, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, discover the country’s historical sites, hike through the countryside and sail the Aegean or Ionian Sea.
Athens: the oldest capital of Europe
Athens, named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena, is the capital and largest city in Greece and one of the world’s oldest cities, having been continuously inhabited for at least 7,000 years. Referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, today it successfully combines its rich ancient heritage with a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
The greatest and finest temple of ancient Athens, the Parthenon, dedicated to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the city from the Acropolis. The Acropolis reflects the power and wealth of Athens during the Golden Age of Pericles. Wake up early in the morning to avoid the hot mid-afternoon hours, and climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, where you can enjoy not only the Parthenon, but also Propylaea, Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike.
The Acropolis Museum, a short walk from the entrance of the Acropolis, is internationally recognized. Recently, The Times of London rated the museum third amongst the 50 best museums in the world. During your visit to the museum, you can view marvellous sculptures, such as the Caryatids or Kores from the Erechtheion, which are exhibited in a way that offers close viewing from all sides.
On the foothills of the Acropolis, the neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, with their indisputable charm, are two of the most popular with visitors to Athens. Walk along the winding pathways featuring neoclassical architecture and you can find small taverns serving traditional food and endless souvenir shops selling Greek leather sandals, cosmetics made with Greek herbs and olive oil, as well as charming handicrafts. Elegant jewelry inspired by Greek antiquity can be found in shops in Athens.
Also located nearby is Psyrri, a neighbourhood that has evolved into one of the most hip in the city’s nightlife, with many bars, tavernas, ouzeris (taverns that serve ouzo, Greece’s anise-flavoured liqueur, and finger foods) and clubs as well as open-air cinemas, a Greek summer tradition.
Another aspect of Athens that I have always greatly enjoyed is the proximity of many beaches from the downtown area. You can swim for many months of the year, as the weather is sunny and quite warm, even during winter. These nearby, organized beaches (such as Voula and Vouliagmeni) are also accessible by public transportation in less than an hour and offer water sports. My favourite beach near Athens, Schinias, is located near the site of the famous Battle of Marathon. It is perfect for those seeking a more natural and wild getaway from the city.
A drive along the coastal highway will take you to the southernmost tip of Attica, where you’ll find the Temple of Poseidon, God of the Sea, at Sounion. The views are wonderful as it is situated on a plateau on the top of a vertical cliff and it is an ideal place to watch the sun set.
Culture: Historical Sites
There are currently 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece, all of which will illustrate to visitors the enormous contribution of Greece to modern Western civilization and the millennia of Greek history. Other than the Acropolis, these sites also include Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Delphi and Vergina. Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, held there every four years beginning in 776 BC. Walking through the impressive ruins, one might even try running in the ancient stadium much like the Greek athletes of 3,000 years ago, competing for the winner’s prized olive wreath.
For tourists interested in theatre and ancient Greek playwrights, the merger of modernity with antiquity can be seen at the theatre of Epidaurus, a gem of genial Greek architecture from the 4th Century BC. Its exceptional acoustics can be enjoyed by up to 15,000 spectators, no matter where in the theatre they are seated. A summer night’s performance of a play by one of the three great tragedians, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, as well as comedies by Aristophanes, is truly a unique experience.
Mycenae and the Mycenaean civilization is one of the greatest periods of Greek prehistory. Enter the kingdom of Agamemnon through the monumental Lion Gate. Remember that Nafplio, one of the most beautiful Greek towns and the first capital of the modern Greek state, is only 24 kilometres from Mycenae and will captivate you with its charm.
Vergina, a site of exceptional universal value, was the first capital of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia, called Aigai. At the site of the Royal Tombs, brought to light by Manolis Andronikos in 1977, one can see the impressive, intact underground tomb of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Its discovery is considered one of the most important archeological events of the 20th Century. Vergina is located 80 kilometres from Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, known for its rich cultural heritage, museums, Byzantine monuments and cosmopolitan character.
The Greek Islands
Greece has the most extensive coastline among all Mediterranean countries, totalling approximately 16,000 kilometres. These endless coastlines and islands have beaches that are world famous for their crystal clean waters as well as for their diversity.
A total of 393 Greek beaches and nine marinas were awarded the Blue Flag in 2013, a distinction indicating the superior water quality of the beach as well as its sustainable and eco-friendly practices. A tourist has the opportunity to enjoy beaches stretching over many kilometres, sheltered bays and coves, golden sand dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark sand typical of volcanic soil.
The Cyclades are the most famous island group in the Aegean Sea and comprise some of the most beautiful islands in the world. The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle around the sacred island of Delos, in which, according to Greek mythology, Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto, was born.
Gorgeous sandy beaches, Cycladic architecture in white and blue, warm, hospitable people and barren landscapes, transform a trip to the Cyclades into an experience of a lifetime.
Near Delos, and undoubtedly the best known Greek island and one of the most famous destinations worldwide, is Mykonos, a cosmopolitan island. Santorini is one of the most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations known for its romantic sunset over the caldera (crater), left behind after the volcanic eruption.
The island complex of the Dodecanese consists of 12 large islands and numerous smaller ones with crystal clear waters, sand or pebble beaches, important archeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and unique traditional settlements waiting to be discovered.
Rhodes is a medieval treasure beautifully preserved throughout the centuries. Wander around its magnificent Old City, surrounded by medieval walls with seven gates, and admire the Palace of the Grand Master, the most awe-inspiring building on the island. Take a romantic stroll around the famous Street of the Knights and peer into the historic past of the city with a visit to the archeological museum.
The Ionian Islands are known for their lush vegetation and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A tourist to these islands will be impressed by the spectacular colours of the water and the beauty of the landscape. Photographs like the one of Navagio beach (Shipwreck beach) in Zakynthos, Porto Katsiki in Lefkada and Myrtos in Kefallonia appear almost unrealistic because of their sheer beauty. A visit to Corfu should include exploration of the picturesque Old Town, yet another one of Greece’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Crete, the largest island in Greece, is dotted with numerous coves, bays and peninsulas that established it as one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Crete is the home of the Minoan civilization, with important archeological finds at Knossos, Phaistos and Gortys, which is evidenced by the tens of thousands of visitors to these sites each year.
The Cretan diet is globally known for its many health benefits as it consists mostly of olive oil, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Try the Cretan agricultural products such as extra virgin olive oils, which are distinguished for their excellent quality.
One of my favourite summer experiences is eating at a restaurant near the sea and enjoying a glass of ouzo with my favourite appetizer, fried calamari. No Greek table is complete without a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, sharp feta cheese, fragrant oregano and world-renowned Kalamata olives. Order the catch of the day for the main course. My choice would be charcoal-grilled seabream, drizzled with olive oil and lemon. My favourite white wine is Assyrtico from Santorini.
In Greece, you will discover that the mainland also has many important destinations and hidden gems for every traveller. One of my favourite family trips was to the impressive World Heritage site of Meteora.
Meteora is the biggest group of Orthodox monasteries after those in Mount Athos, built on the summits of very tall rock pillars, averaging 300 metres in height. In the past, the only means of reaching the top was by climbing a long ladder or with a basket that the monks who lived there could draw up when they felt threatened.
Ioannina, another of my favourite destinations is the capital of Epirus. It is a lively university city mirrored in the clear blue waters of its lake. Its many museums and old fortified town carry memories of centuries past under breathtaking mountain scenery.
Looking ahead
Greek tourism is promising for 2014. There has already been an increase in bookings from major markets. Further growth of tourism, which accounts for more than 15 percent of Greece’s GDP, will boost the country’s economy and generate more jobs.
I have presented only some of my favourite destinations, however there remain many more to be explored. You can discover them at visitgreece.gr. You can visit one or more of the many archeological sites, monuments and museums throughout the country, from Thrace to Crete, and all the islands in the Ionian and Aegean Sea. Let us know if we can assist you in planning your visit to Greece. We look forward to welcoming you.
Eleftherios Anghelopoulos is Greece’s ambassador to Canada. Reach him at gremb.otv@mfa.gr.
