Home Is Where Your Passport Is: Travel Back In Time In Greece

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered.

Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime.

As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next?

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They do say Greece is the word…

We’re off exploring the wonderful Greece this week and from history to culture to absolutely mouth-watering food there is so much to discover.

Find out about the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and the Olympic Games, discover the legends of the Gods and Helen of Troy and take in the stunning white-washed villages and amazing islands.

Explore the stunning Mount Olympus and Mount Parnassus and relax and unwind on one of dozens of stunning beaches.

Prepare yourself

Because you are about to eat and eat and eat and eat. The Greek certainly know how to do food and no matter where you go, there will be something to tempt and entice you. From salads to feta, moussaka to halva – try them all.

Athens

The Greek capital has so much to see and do, you will need a few days to get it all in. Drop into Monastiraki one of the main shopping districts, take in the sites of Syntagma Square and visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Handy hint: Be sure to visit the famous Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens, the ancient citadel located on a high rocky outcrop above the city and the Theatre of Dionysus.

Corfu

A firm favourite with holidaymakers, there’s also a lot to see and do in Corfu. Visit the Achilleion, head to Sidari for some stunning views, and if you feel up to it, head to Mount Pantokrator where the whole of Corfu can be seen from the summit as well as nearby Albania.

Handy hint: Visit Paleokastritsa to see one of the most beautiful spots in Corfu.

Crete

Another popular destination, one of the main stops in Crete will be the Samariá Gorge, which is a 10-mile long canyon in the southwest that millions of tourists walk every year. Another favourite is the Aquaworld Aquarium.

Handy hint: Visit Knossos which is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is also considered Europe’s oldest city.

Rhodes

Head to Rhodes for even more stunning scenery. Visit the medieval village of Lindos and be sure to stop off at the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek titan-god of the sun Helios and is said to be one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.

Handy hint: Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.

Beach life

While there are stunning beaches throughout Greece and its islands, the main one that you need to see is Myrtos Beach located in Kefalonia. It is famous the world over for its stunning water and has previously bagged the title of Best Beach in Greece on numerous occasions.

Handy hint: Bring a camera and a picnic as you’ll want to make a full day out of this trip.

Delphi

One of the top tourist stops in Greece, take in the stunning surrounds of Delphi ruins. In ancient times, it was the most important site and the ancient theatre has to be seen to be believed.

Handy hint: Wear good walking shoes and check out the Sanctuary of Apollo the site of the ancient Oracle.

Metéora

A trip to Greece would not be complete without a stop off at Metéora. Literally meaning ‘suspended in the air’ in English, Metéora sees six monasteries situated on top of several rock pillars in ancient Greece.

Handy hint: Take your time and learn about the history – it’s absolutely fascinating.

Mykonos

Another popular stop on the tourist trail, Mykonos is one of the main destinations in the Greek Islands. The town is beautiful with a maze of streets.

Handy hint: Take time at the beach and enjoy the nightlife.

Zakynthos

Head to the Greek island of Zakynthos for some down time and stunning beaches. Take in some water sports, head off exploring and basically just relax.

Handy hint: Another must-stop destination.

Santorini

Known for its gorgeous whitewashed walls and amazing sunsets, Santorini isn’t all about the beach, as there is in fact a lot to explore. Take a scooter around the ancient sites including Akrotíri, head to the wineries and check out the red and black sand beaches.

Handy hint: Book a room in the Perivolas hotel and reserve their Perivolas Suite for stunning views of the Aegean Sea and be sure to visit Imerovigli for the sunset in particular.