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Curator’s statement
While many tourists flock to Athens to see the Acropolis and other ancient Greek remains in the capital, many other remarkably important sites rest just outside of the capital. Whether it's is the mystical site of the Oracle of Delphi or the center of the Mycenean civilization from more than four thousand years ago, these locations highlight both the wide accomplishments of ancient Greek society as well as the complex political landscape, and the fluctuation of power from one city to another, that existed throughout the many centuries. For those seeking a deeper understanding and appreciation of ancient Greek civilizations, or those like me who just adore ancient history, these sites outside of Athens are a great place to visualize these long-lost societies.
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Insider knowledge
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Where to stay in Greece
Amanzoe
Amanzoe is a modern-day Acropolis from which 360-degree views encompass olive groves and the Aegean sea featuring an excellent beach club, tennis clinics and sophisticated Japanese cuisine.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Nikki Beach Hotel & Spa, Porto Heli
A luxurious beachfront retreat in Greece, offering a unique blend of high-end lifestyle and cutting-edge design, perfectly complemented by personalized service and gourmet dining.
Euphoria Retreat
A luxurious wellness resort and spa nestled in the stunning Greek countryside, offering transformative holistic experiences for rejuvenation and self-discovery.
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€90 hotel / resort credit.
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Welcome treat in room on arrival.
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Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
Escape to the serene beauty of the Greek mountains at Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort. Nestled in the picturesque village of Arachova, this charming retreat offers cozy accommodations, stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, and a range of outdoor activities, providing guests with a peaceful and rejuvenating mountain getaway.
LaLiBay Resort in Egina
Experience paradise on the island of Egina at LaLiBay Resort, where luxury meets tranquility on the shores of the Saronic Gulf. With its stylish accommodations, pristine beaches, and world-class amenities, this resort offers guests a luxurious and unforgettable escape in one of Greece's most beautiful destinations
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Things to do in Greece
Aegina or Egina
An easy ferry ride from the Athens port of Pireaus, Aegina is a small island in the Saronic Gulf. The temple of Athena Aphaea is on the hill top and is the oldest surviving temple in Greece - it is also one of the three holy temples, along with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion.
If one has the time back on the main Attica peninsula, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion is a remarkable spot, with the temple built on the hilltop overlooking the Saronic Gulf. Only 44 miles from Athens, it's well worth a visit to witness the sunset.
Delphi
Tucked within the valley created by the Parnassus mountain range, Delphi is the former site of the Oracle of Delphi. One of the most important spiritual sites in the ancient world, a decent portion of the temple complex still stands. The drive through the mountain range to reach the site is stunning while also serving as a fascinating reminder of how harrowing the journey to the Oracle would have been in ancient times.
While a day-trip from Athens is possible, I recommend a stopover in the mountains - just before reaching Delphi is the mountain town of Arachova, where hotels, restaurants and shops abound. In the winter, Arachova offers skiing and snowboarding, though there aren't archeological sites to be found in the snow.
On the way to Delphi, make a stop at Thebes; while not much remains of the ancient city itself, the town's museum is not only less crowded than those in Athens but also incredibly well-maintained and thorough in covering centuries of complex ancient history.
Delos
This Cycladic island was considered the birthplace of Apollo and was the site of civilized life for many centuries. An easy day trip from Mykonos, Delos is jam-packed with archeological goodies. My favorites were the double story buildings which remain intact and the incredible mosaics that can be spotted among the homes that have been excavated. We went in peak summer and it got HOT. Plus, there isn't much shade. The sites are worth the work, but be prepared!
The Peloponnese Peninsula
An important region during classical antiquity, the Peloponnese region sits west and south of Attica, the region where Athens is located. The site of many culturally significant areas for ancient Greek society, the Peloponnese offers the history nerd a wealth of destinations to check out.
Once a military stronghold for the Mycenean civilization from 1600 to 1100 BC, the site of the ancient city of Mycenae sits in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mycenae and the nearby Tiryns are a testament to the development of early classical Greek culture. The inspiration for Homer's epic poems, Mycenae and Tiryns are both must-see spots.
The site of the Sanctuary of Aesclepius, the god of healing, Epidaurus is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the remaining architecture of the Sanctuary and nearby ancient theater. The ancient theater seats up to 14,000 people, and is considered one of the best examples of ancient Greek theater designs aesthetically and acoustically.
Other sites worth visiting include Olympia (the site of the first Olympic Games and NOT actually near Mount Olympus, which is in northern Greece), Sparta (and nearby Mystras) and Corinth.
Places to eat & drink in Greece
Famous Grouse in Perdika on Aegina: A cute coffee shop and bar that turns into a bit of a late-night party spot on Aegina.
Mesogeiakon Greek Restaurant on Aegina: Off the beaten trail, but the drive up is stunning and the food is really good, homemade Greek.
SKALA in Arachova: Phenomenal food that's a bit tucked away from the main road. The atmosphere was lovely!
To Pithari: A family-run restaurant where you can literally see the men grilling in the grill room by the road! The food was excellent, though the service was slower, but that was because it's just the family running all of it!
Mike Restaurant in Epidaurus: Right on the water, though the options are a bit limited in town.
Alexandra in Porto Chelli: Grab a table outside if you can. Their signage is in Greek so it can be easy to miss!
Travel Advisor
Olivia Hipkins
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Greece. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Exploring Washington DC.