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Athens, Greece
The historic capital of Greece, home to ancient monuments and vibrant modern culture.
How to get there: Start here upon arrival in Greece, usually via Athens International Airport.
Activities: Explore the Acropolis and its new museum, stroll through Plaka and Anafiotika.
- Benaki Museum: Explore the extensive collection that spans Greek history from antiquity to modern times.
- Mount Lycabettus: Hike or take the funicular to the top for panoramic views of Athens, especially stunning at sunset.
- Central Market (Varvakios Agora): Dive into the bustling atmosphere of this food market, where you can sample Greek delicacies and fresh produce.
- Attend a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus: If your visit aligns with the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, don't miss a performance at this ancient theatre.
Stay:
- Low budget: City Circus Athens (around €30 per person/night) - a cozy and stylish hostel.
- Normal: Herodion Hotel (around €100 per person/night) - offers views of the Acropolis, centrally located.
Eat:
- Kostas: Known for its souvlaki (around €5-€10).
- Dionysos Zonar's: Offers stunning Acropolis views and Greek cuisine (around €30-€50).
- Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
- Acropolis of Athens (Ακρόπολη Αθηνών)
- Parthenon (Παρθενώνας)
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Delphi, Greece
Ancient site, home to the oracle of Apollo, set against a backdrop of mountains.
How to get there: By bus or car from Athens, approximately 2.5 hours.
Activities: Visit the Temple of Apollo, Delphi Archaeological Museum.
- Hike the Corycian Cave: For the adventurous, a hike to this ancient cave offers both history and natural beauty.
- Arachova: Visit this picturesque mountain town nearby, known for its architecture, local crafts, and as a winter sports hub.
- Temple of Athena Pronaia: Often overlooked, this temple is a serene spot away from the main archaeological site, with impressive ruins.
Stay:
- Low budget: Fedriades Delphi Hotel (around €40 per person/night) - centrally located with stunning views.
- Normal: Nidimos Hotel (around €60 per person/night) - offers comfort and excellent views of the valley.
Eat:
- Taverna To Patriko Mas: Traditional Greek dishes (around €15-€20).
- Epikouros Restaurant: Offers local cuisine with a view (around €20-€30).
- Delphi: Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour
- Delphi Archaeological Museum (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Δελφών)
- Ancient Theatre of Delphi (Αρχαίο Θέατρο Δελφών)
- The Tholos of Athena Pronaia (Θόλος της Αθηνάς Προναίας)
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Zagori, Greece
A region of great natural beauty, traditional villages, and the Vikos Gorge.
How to get there: From Meteora by car or bus, approximately 2-3 hours.
Activities: Hiking, visiting stone bridges, rafting in Voidomatis River.
- Beloi Viewpoint: For one of the best views of the Vikos Gorge, hike to this viewpoint.
- Dragon Lake (Drakolimni): A more challenging hike leads to this alpine lake, nestled atop the Pindus Mountains, offering serene beauty and tranquility.
- Papigo Rock Pools: Natural rock pools located near the village of Papigo, perfect for a refreshing dip in a stunning setting.
Stay:
- Low budget: Zagori Philoxenia Hotel (around €50 per person/night) - cozy and nestled in nature.
- Normal: Astra Inn (around €80 per person/night) - charming with great views.
Eat:
- Kanela & Garyfallo: Creative local cuisine (around €20-€30).
- Dikotylon: Traditional Greek dishes, especially meats and pies (around €15-€25).
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Meteoron, Greece
Famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations.
How to get there: From Delphi, drive or take a bus, around 3-4 hours.
Activities: Visit the monasteries, sunset tours, hiking.
- Sunrise Hike: For breathtaking views, join a guided sunrise hike around the Meteora rocks before the crowds arrive.
- Visit the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary: Located in Kalambaka, this church features exquisite frescoes.
- Rock Climbing: Meteora offers unique rock climbing experiences suitable for various skill levels, amidst its dramatic landscapes.
Stay:
- Low budget: Meteora Central Hostel (around €25 per person/night) - modern and convenient.
- Normal: Doupiani House Hotel (around €70 per person/night) - offers beautiful views of the Meteora rocks.
Eat:
- Meteoron Panorama: Known for its views and traditional pies (around €15-€20).
- Taverna Gardenia: Offers a home-cooked meal experience (around €10-€15).
- Άγιος Νικόλαος Αναπαυσάς
- Natural History Museum Of Meteora
- Meteora (Μετέωρα)
- Sunset Rock
- Monastery Of Rousanou Panoramic Viewpoint
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Lefkada, Greece
An island known for its stunning beaches and water sports, accessible by road.
How to get there: From Zagori to Preveza by bus or car, then cross to Lefkada by a short drive over the bridge.
Activities: Beach hopping, windsurfing, kitesurfing.
- Agiofili Beach: Accessible by boat or a hike, this secluded beach is known for its clear waters and peaceful ambiance.
- Kitesurfing in Vassiliki: The bay of Vassiliki is famous for its ideal kitesurfing conditions.
- Sailing around the Ionian: Rent a sailboat or join a sailing tour to explore the surrounding islands and coastlines.
Stay:
- Low budget: Santa Marina Hotel (around €35 per person/night) - simple, close to beaches.
- Normal: Ionian Blue Bungalows & Spa Resort (around €90 per person/night) - luxury with sea views.
Eat:
- Sivota Bakery Cafe: Famous for its pastries and light meals (around €5-€10).
- Rachi Restaurant: Exceptional views and local cuisine (around €25-€35).
- Lefkada: Parga and The Temple of the Dead Private Day Tour
- Lefkas marina (Μαρίνα Λευκάδας)
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Cephalonia, Greece
Known for its dramatic landscapes and the Melissani Cave.
How to get there: Ferry from Lefkada to Kefalonia.
Activities: Myrtos Beach, Assos Village, Melissani Cave tour.
- Assos Castle: Hike up to the ruins of this 16th-century Venetian fortress for stunning views of Assos village and the Ionian Sea.
- Drogarati Cave and Melissani Cave: Visit these natural wonders to see stunning stalactites and an underground lake you can explore by boat.
- Mount Ainos National Park: For nature lovers, a visit to this park offers hiking trails through Kefalonia’s unique fir forest and panoramic views.
Stay:
- Low budget: Sami Beach Hotel (around €45 per person/night) - beachfront, family-run.
- Normal: Fiscardo Bay Hotel (around €80 per person/night) - elegant with harbor views.
Eat:
- Tassia's Restaurant: Famous in Fiscardo for seafood (around €20-€30).
- Old Platanos Café: Traditional Greek meals in a relaxed setting (around €15-€20).
- Kefalonia: Half-Day Lake Melissani and Drogarati Cave Tour
- Kefalonia Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries With Tastings
- Spartia Beach
- Village of Mousata
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Ithaca, Greece
A tranquil island, legendary home of Odysseus.
Activities: Hiking, exploring serene beaches, visiting the Cave of the Nymphs.
- Homer's School: Explore the ruins associated with Homer, offering a beautiful view over the island and the Ionian Sea.
- Gidaki Beach: Reachable by boat or through a hiking trail, Gidaki Beach is one of Ithaca's most beautiful and secluded beaches.
- Kioni and Frikes: Visit these charming seaside villages for a taste of traditional Ionian architecture and relaxed seaside dining.
Eat:
- Libretto: Known for its pizzas and casual dining (around €10-€15).
- Yefuri Restaurant & Bar: International and Greek cuisine in a picturesque setting (around €20-€30).
- Port of Pisaetos (Λιμάνι Πισαετού)
- Kioni
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Zakinthos, Greece
Famous for Shipwreck Beach and turtle spotting.
How to get there: Ferry from Ithaca or direct flight from Athens.
Activities: Navagio Beach, Blue Caves, turtle spotting in Laganas Bay.
- Marathonisi (Turtle Island): Take a boat trip to this uninhabited island, known for its turtle-shaped silhouette and nesting beaches for Caretta-Caretta turtles.
- Visit the Venetian Castle: Located near Zakynthos Town, the ruins of this castle offer panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's Venetian past.
- Snorkeling in Blue Caves: Join a boat tour to snorkel in the mesmerizing waters of the Blue Caves, known for their vibrant blue color.
Stay:
- Low budget: Cactus Hotel (around €30 per person/night) - budget-friendly with a pool.
- Normal: Lesante Classic Luxury Hotel & Spa (around €100 per person/night) - upscale with top amenities.
Eat:
- Nobelos Bio Restaurant: Organic, seaside dining (around €25-€35).
- Votsalo Taverna: Seafood and Greek dishes by the sea (around €15-€25).