Greece Travel Guide

The Magic of Travel in Greece

This Greece travel guide gives useful information for Travel to Greece:

Greece is a travel paradise. The weather in Greece is temperate. The people of Greece are very friendly and outgoing. Greek food is very different than you find in other countries, but easy to adapt to and enjoy. The roots of western civilization are deep here and one can spend hours in museums and historic centers. There is an endless variety of natural beauty. All of this makes Greece travel delightful.

Greece travel is not without its challenges however. While this should not put you off, Greece travel can require patience and perseverance. You may not find what you are looking for right off. But if you keep looking, you will often find that perfect hotel, or the outdoor, candlelit restuarant you are seeking. Further, Greece travel can be unpredictable. Greeks learn to live with this and develop a 'Ti Na Kaneme' (what can you do?) attitude. While this may seem strange to many non-Greeks, it does help to deal with the stress of living in a culture where you do not always get what you want or even what you need. (Mick Jagger was obviously not writing about Greece travel).

Review the Greece Travel Guide from Travel Europe the online Europe Travel Guide.

Destinations in Greece

Athens Information: Athens is not the prettiest city in the world, but it is getting better and it is a must see. This introduction to what you must should see and do when you go to Athens.
Hydra Information: Hydra is a cute little islands not far from Athens, so a day trip is possible. This is a brief description of Hydra.
Mykonos Information: Mykonos is a lively and internationally known island in the Agean sea. This link describes more about Mykonos.
Santorini Information: Santorini is a romantic, lovely island with some of the best views in Europe. This link goes into more detail about the island.
Rhodes Information: Rhodes is full of history and charm. Read more about Rhodes here.
Crete Information: Crete is the largest island of Crete, bigger than some European countries! Read more about Crete here.

Crete (AA Spiral Guide) by Donna Dailey

0 points

Share this list
- Stumbleupon
- Facebook
- MySpace
- Twitter
- Digg
- Delicious
- Email

"The Greek islands are like a lovely golden necklace in the sea and Santorini is the sparkling jewel"

Sunset on Santorini

Buy a Camera For The Trip

Greece is beautiful and you will need a good digital camera to capture the wonderful scenery and historic sites you will enjoy. If you are buying a digital camera, I recommend to go with a Canon Digital. I have tried others, but have always been impressed with the quality of Canon. The photo above was taken with a Canon Powershot.

If you are on a Budget, go with an inexpensive Canon Powershot. If you have the resources go with a quality 'Prosumer' camera such as The Canon Rebel. I have both. I travel with the Powershot and use the Rebel when I am closer to home. A few quality Canon Cameras are listed below.

Canon Rebel XTi 10.1 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 17-85mm Zoom Lens

This is an excellent camera! Worth every penny you pay for it. The quality of photos are amazing. With this camera, you can either point and shoot, or take control to make amazing photos.

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009)

Canon EOS 30D 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

A slight step up in both quality and cost from the Canon Rebel. If you can afford this, it will not disappoint.

Amazon Price: $1,796.02 (as of 11/22/2009)

Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Possibly the least expensive Canon camera, but still alot of muscle for the money. It is small and lightweight so it will travel easily and yet still take excellent pics. Not as much versatility as the two cameras above, but for the price it can not be beat.

Amazon Price: $399.99 (as of 11/22/2009)

Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

This camera falls "in between". It is a bit better than the basic powershot, but does not reach the levels of the Canon Rebel. Another great camera by Canon.

Amazon Price: $815.44 (as of 11/22/2009)

General Information about Greece

Greece Map: So you can see where you are going.
Europe Map: So, you can see where Greece fits into Europe
Greek Phrases: So you can enchant your honey, or find a Greek one.
Best Time of Year to Go: So you can decide when to go and when NOT to go.

Greek Gifts from Cafepress

Tell the world your feelings about Greece, with a T-shirt, sweater, coffee cup or hat from CafePress, one of the largest online gift retailers.

Greece Baseball Jersey

From: I Love T-shirts

I Love Greece

Price: 22.99

Kiss Me, I'm Greek Classic Thong

From: The Funny Quotes T-Shirts and Gifts Store

Kiss Me I'm Greek

Price: 15.99

Greek God Boxer Shorts

From: CASHGEAR Clothing and Gifts

GREEK GOD

Price: 19.49

Mykonos White T-Shirt 2 sided!

From: Destination Mykonos thsirts, T-shirts, caps, hats,

Mykonos Where the PARTY NEVER stops!!!

Price: 20.99

Top 10 Historic Sites of Greece

Click on the headings below for more details

This list admittedly does not do justice to a country that is literally overflowing with cultural and historical sites. However, as Squidoo is all about recommendations, these are our recommended places to visit on a cultural tour of Greece. At the bottom of this list is a link to the list of Greek historic sites in the Unesco Cultural Heritage list. Excluded from both lists are many, many sites that others might select, such as Akrotiri in Santorini, temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, etc. The list could go on and on.

1. Acropolis / Parthenon / Caryatids
Acropolis, in Greek, literally means 'High City'. The Acropolis is a hill that rises dramatically 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level in the center of the city of Athens. On top of the Acropolis is the ancient Parthenon or Temple to the goddess Athena. (Parthena is Greek for 'virgin' and Athena was a virgin goddess). Four of the original Caryatids, the six female statues of the Erectheion of the Acropolis, can be seen in the acropolis museum currently located on the Acropolis. A new acropolis museum is being built and will be located nearby in the city.

2. Delphi
The Oracle at Delphi was, in ancient times, considered the center of the Universe and the place to go to learn your fate. A sacred temple of Apollo, his priestess Pythia would prophesize the future here. Kings, politicians, warriors and heros consulted Pythia before any important decision was made. Delphi featured in many important Greek myths and plays from Oedipus to the Trojan War. Delphi, located on Mount Parnassus, has a beautiful view of the landscape below, and a mystical and magical feeling about it. It is easily reached on a day excursion from Athens.

Combine your excursion with a visit to the pretty nearby ski resort village of Arachova.

3. Olympia
Olympia, located in the Peloponnese was the site of the ancient Olympic Games. Originally a sanctury to the God Zeus, it was the home of the original Olympic games for over 1000 years. While much is in ruins, many interesting sites remain, such as the start and finish lines of the 120 meter sprint as well as judges seats. The Palaestra where wrestling, boxing and other athletic events is still recognizable as is the olympic stadium which has since been restored and was the site of the 2004 Olympic shotput competition. The Olympic flame originates here. Weeks before the events, it is lit using a parabolic mirror and taken to the altar at the Temple of Hera, where runners begin the relay to wherever the Olympics are being held. Read the legend of Pelops and Hippodamia.

4. Meteora
Words can not describe Meteora, it has to be seen to be appreciated. These magnificent rock pillars, some reaching over 600 meters (2000 ft) can be best compared to those of Arches or Monument National Parks in the US. 11th and 12th century monks somehow constructed monastery fortresses on top of many of the towering rock formations to protect their religious icons and holy treasures from Turkish invaders. At the time, the only way to get to the top was to ask a monk to lower a basket, climb in and be raised up. Today stairways carved into the rock provide easier access.

5. Mt Athos
Sorry ladies, Mt Athos is for men only. In Greek called Agion Oros, or Holy Mountain, this mountain and a peninsula is home to 20 ancient orthodox monasteries. The monks of Mt Athos permanently live here secluded from temptations of the world. In order to allow them to focus on their prayers, all females, including female domestic animals are prohibited. A limited number of male pilgrims are allowed to visit and even stay at the monasteries for a short time. Many of the monasteries are over 1000 years old, and when you enter, you feel like you have taken a trip back in time. Modern conveniences are forbidden, and even a different time is used: at sunrise the clocks are at one o'clock and at sunset, twelve o'clock. A visit is highly recommended but special permission is required. Read the legend of Gigantes (giant) Athos.

6. Medival City of Rhodes
Rhodes has seen many civilizations over its long history and each left its mark. Romans, Arabs, Turks, Knights and Italian World War II soldiers have occupied it and modified it. The Medieval Town is a product of the architectural design of these various occupiers, though the greatest impact of all came from the Knights of St. John. The Medieval Town is not only an interesting historical site it is also a lively, vibrant city within an enormous walled fortification.

7. Cave of the Apocalypse
Exiled to the Greek island of Patmos in 95 AD by Roman Emperor Domitian, St. John is said to have heard the voice of God in this cave, which commanded him to write the Book of Apocalypse otherwise known as Revelations which he dictated his vision to his disciple Prohoros. A monastery was founded here in the 10th century and still receives pilgrims.

8. Knossos
Thought to be the site of the mythological Labyrinth which was built by the great architect Daedalus to house the half-man / half-bull Minotaur. Read the legend of Theseus before coming here.

9. Mystras
Originally, Knights built watch towers here but later it became a large Byzantine city. Early fresco work is found in the painted decorations. This lovely hill, with its ancient fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries ruins is very impressive and inspiring.

10. Epidavros
The theater of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus is considered one of the ultimate achievements of ancient Greek architects. Well known for its exceptional acoustics it allows perfect comprehension of unamplified words from the stage to its 15,000 spectators. In the early 1990s, I saw a Sir Peter Hall's production of Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Kolonos at Epidavros. Watching this ancient Greek play in this ancient Greek Theater on a moonlit summer night is still a high-point of my travel experiences.

Unesco World Heritage List
A list of Unesco Culural Heritage sites in Greece

Greek Food: YUM!

The delicious Greek Food is one of the things we enjoy most about Greece. It is much more than Greek Salad, Moussaka and Gyros. Before you go to Greece, learn about the food so you know what to order...

Click to read more about Greek Food: Our favorite is Orektika, which means "Appetizers" in Greek. One usually orders several different types of Orektika to share. For example:
* Tzatziki, a dip made of yoghurt, cucumbers and garlic,
* Kolokithakia Tighanita: Fried Zucchini
* Dolmades: Grape leaves (or vine leaves) stuffed with rice, pine nuts and sometimes meat.
* Saganaki Tiri: Fried Cheese with a bit of lemon sqeezed on top...mmmm...
* Choriatiki: A.K.A Greek Salad. They say a picture is worth a 1000 words...

Greek CookBooks from Amazon.com

The Glorious Foods of Greece: Traditional Recipes from the Islands, Cities, and Villages

by: Diane Kochilas

Diane Kochilas an American of Greek descent, has lived in Greece since the early 1990s. She runs a restaurant and cooking school on a Greek island.

Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2009)

The Complete Book of Greek Cooking

by: St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church

A classic cookbook, well-loved collection of recipes put together by a goup of women from a Greek Orthodox Church who called themselves 'the Recipe Club'.

Amazon Price: $15.80 (as of 11/22/2009)

Zorba The Greek

The 1964 film, Zorba the Greek, was based on the novel Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film starred Anthony Quinn, not a Greek but actually Mexican. This movie is loved internationally and also in Greece.

Zorba, nominated for 7 Oscars and winner of three was filmed in Crete, and featured the beautiful town of Chania. The theme song which is also known as Sirtaki dance or Syrtaki dance was written by the famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. The famous Sirtaki dance was shot on the beach of Stavros Village in Crete.

Favorite Movies about Greece

Other than Zorba of course

Watching a movie that takes place in Greece is one way to learn about the country and the culture before you travel there. These are some of my favorites. Click on the Icon to buy from Amazon.com

Summer Lovers (Full Screen Edition)

While my summers in Greece were never this wild, this movie takes me back to some great times in Greece. Including wondeful days on the beach, magical evenings eating outdoors and late night partying. Features Darryl Hannah and Peter Gallagher in their youth plus the hit song "I'm So Excited"

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 11/22/2009)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

If you or someone you know are involved in a relationship where one person is Greek and the other is not, this movie is a MUST. It brings home the message that when you marry a Greek, you marry the entire family. Toula a Greek-American is in love with Non-Greek Ian. The movie's tagline is "Love is here to stay... so is her family."

Amazon Price: $5.98 (as of 11/22/2009)

Shirley Valentine

Shirley is a bored English housewife who decides to fulfill her life long dream to vacation in Greece. The romance and adventure she experiences on her Greek vacation change her life forever.

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 11/22/2009)

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

A love affair on the Greek Island of Cephalonia during world-war II starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz.

Amazon Price: $8.49 (as of 11/22/2009)

For Your Eyes Only

If you are a fan of James Bond and Greece, and you have not seen this movie, then buy it. You will see one of the most famous 007 movies ever made and an exciting hang-gliding scene around the famous monasteries of Meteora. The monastaries are built on top of spectacular towering rock pillars. Once you see the movie, you will want to go.

Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 11/22/2009)

Fira, Santorini in the early hours of the evening

Wall Calendars of Greece

A Wall calendar featuring Greece is a perfect gift for you or a friend who loves Greece. The photos will take you back to this beautiful country and everytime you look you will remember the beauty of the landscape.

There was an error connecting to the Amazon web service. Please try again. Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Favorite Greek Myths

A basic understand of Greek history and culture, will enrich a trip to Greece. Below are some of my favorite Greek myths. Click on the heading to read about the myth. Below the link list is my favorite mythology book.

Theseus
Theseus, the much loved hero of Athens who slayed the half-man, half-bull minotaur and freed Athens. Beautiful Ariadne helps him to escape the famous labyrinth. What did she give him?

Icarus and Daedalus
Icarus was the boy who wore wings made of wax. Against his fathers advice, he flew too high. What happened next?

Trojan War
The Trojan War was not a battle between two condom manufacturers. The beautiful Helen is wisked off to Troy by the handsome Paris. A great battle ensues. What is the gift that the Greeks give the Trojans? Why do they regret it?

Hercules
Hercules did some terrible things. As his punishment he had to do twelve great tasks. The nastiest of which is to clean up cow manure?

Perseus
Medusa lost her head when Perseus rescued the lovely Andromeda. What made her do it?

Jason and the Argonauts
Jason led the Argonauts on the search for the golden fleece. Why does Medea disobey her father to help him?

Oedipus
Oedipus does the unimaginable. He 'accidently' killed his father and married his mother. Would Freud agree?

Prometheus
Prometheus gives fire to man. Why is he is chained to a rock and tortured? What does his brother's beautiful lover do to cause sorrow to all of mankind?

My Favorite Mythology Book

I could list a dozen mythology books. But Edith Hamilton's classic book is the best. Her writing style is to the point and easy to read. Many of the stories are so entertaining that they can be read like Fairy Tales to your children. But best of all, it is fun to read while traveling in Greece. Though this book includes Greek and Roman myths, it is by far the best I have read.

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes

by: Edith Hamilton

I highly recommend Edith Hamilton. Her myths, though not exclusively Greek, are very entertaining to read. Pick up a copy and read it in Greece.

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/23/2009)

Photos of Greece that you can BUY!

Mykonos Sunset 2 Framed Panel Print

From: StarStudded Apparel

The Greek sunset is so special

Price: 40.00

Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)

From: Wish I Was There

The view from this restaurant near Mykonos' little Venice is delightful.

Price: 19.99

Santorini Villa Art Cards

From: Photos and Art (Gifts of Art)

Typical cycladic architecture, on a card!

Price: 20.00

From:

Santorini has more than 250 churches. And most of them have this similar look, white with blue dome and cross on top.

Price: 0.00

Delphi Framed Panel Print

From: Athinaeos - Original artwork for every day

If you have been to Delphi, you know the feeling of the place. You can almost feel the presence of the ancient Pythia giving her prophecies at the oracle.

Price: 35.99

Great Stuff on eBay about Greece

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

Do you know someone traveling to Greece? Do you know someone from Greece?

Send your friend a link to this Greece Travel Guide click here to email this Greece Travel Guide to them.

Also, try consulting:

Travel Europe Guide

OR

Europe Travel Search Engine

Been To Greece? Going to Greece?

Let us know if there is something we should include in this lens.

submit

Reply

diwakat diwakat Apr 15, 2009 @ 7:16 am

Your lens is just amazing. Nice job keep it up.

Reply

vagabondista vagabondista Apr 11, 2009 @ 6:16 pm

Wow, this is some comprehensive lens. I'll think of it next time I'm going to Greece :)

Reply

Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Nov 6, 2008 @ 4:46 am

Any lens that teaches me more about traveling Greece is aces and you have a lot of information here. Great job! My Greek Odyssey Thanks!

Reply

Trifter Trifter Oct 26, 2008 @ 5:45 am

Thank you very much for this highly great content.

I added your lens into my favourites as I am impressed much.

I am waiting for your other submissions.

Heaven on the Earth : Five fantastic beaches

Reply

Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Aug 12, 2008 @ 6:17 am

I just want to jump into that picture of Santorini! Greece is truly magical and I can't wait to get back.

http://www.squidoo.com/Greekodyssey
Load More