According to the British newspaper, the Telegraph, Greece offers travel experiences that might be considered clichés, but they are indeed dream trips everyone should have. The Telegraph presents the top 20 travel experiences of a lifetime in Greece.
- The Sunset of Santorini
Anyone who has seen the sunset in Santorini can attest that the sunsets depicted in advertisements are genuinely realistic. However, the Telegraph notes that the hordes of tourists flocking to Oia can mar this experience. To avoid the crowds and selfie sticks, consider visiting the Buddha-Bar Beach in Imerovigli, located at the highest point of the caldera. - Visit the Thermal Springs of Evia
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, famously said, "The doctor treats, but nature heals," and he was an advocate of Greece's hot springs. Greece boasts over 700 thermal springs rich in minerals with healing properties. Edipsos in Evia is one of the premier locations for spa tourism. - Samaria Gorge
Europe's longest gorge, extending 10 miles from Crete's White Mountains to Agia Roumeli on the coast, offers a challenging yet impressive hike. Starting at Xyloskalos, the primary entry point at an altitude of 1,230 meters, the rocky, pine-lined path descends past natural springs, providing distant sea views. - Explore the Mani Peninsula
Until the late 1970s, when a road was finally constructed through the mountainous Taygetus region, the secluded Mani Peninsula could only be accessed by boat. This modest peninsula in the southern Peloponnese is now accessible via a narrow road cutting through steep rocky hills inhabited by wild goats. You'll find unique tower houses here, many converted into taverns or hotels, stretching from Areopolis in the north to Cape Tainaro, the legendary entrance to Hades, in the south. - Visit the Acropolis
Since Pericles transformed this rock into the epicenter of Athens in the second half of the fifth century BC, the Acropolis has been a magnet for global visitors. To avoid cruise ship tourists, opt for a morning climb along the steep and slippery steps leading to the hilltop. Due to limited signage, consider taking a guided tour. - Island-Hopping in Karpathos
Greece's more than 6,000 islands, only 227 of which are inhabited, are best explored through island-hopping by ferry or yacht. On the remote Dodecanese island of Karpathos, women still wear traditional attire daily. Additionally, visit Alonissos, home to Greece's first underwater museum. - Ski Holidays
Metsovo, a mountain resort an hour's drive from Albania, attracts Greeks seeking snowy fun. It offers cozy taverns, fountains, and family hotels, most with fireplaces. Anilio, among the country's newest ski resorts, features nine slopes and rarely gets crowded, as Greeks typically ski on weekends. - Gourmet Flavors in Sifnos
Local chef Nikolaos Tselemendes put Sifnos on the gourmet map when he wrote Greece's first cookbook in 1910. Ironically, his recipes were heavily influenced by foreign cuisines. Tselemendes was the inventor of Greece's traditional moussaka with béchamel. However, Greeks flock to Sifnos for its traditional casserole dishes. - Meet the Gods of Olympus
The mythological limestone peak of Olympus, where Zeus and his companions were believed to dwell, is one hour from Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. It's among Europe's most popular hiking peaks. Olympus is Greece's highest mountain, home to narrow, densely forested gorges filled with waterfalls and caves. - Discover the Wild Side of Crete
Unesco-listed Siteia Geopark, one of Crete's wildest and least explored corners, offers a concentrated dose of the island's best features. The park spans from the 19th-century Akrotiri Sidero lighthouse to the Minoan palace of Zakros and includes high mountain villages, Europe's only palm forest at Vai, and ancient ruins. Sitia, a city retained in the 1970s, serves as the region's heart, ideal for raki and sunset views. - Visit the Site of the First Olympic Games
The excitement of a stop at the site of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC cannot be overlooked. Historical records indicate that a cook named Coroebus won the first-ever event, destined to become the world's premier sports event. In Olympia, admire the Temples of Zeus and Hera, jog on the palaestra, and visit the archaeological museum, which showcases statues and other cultural heritage artifacts. - Celebrate Easter in Corfu
From dynamites in Kalymnos to impressive fireworks in Tinos, Greek Easter celebrations are unique. Corfu, with its 17 philharmonic bands, hosts some of the most spectacular Easter festivities. Events begin on Good Friday with epitaph processions accompanied by orchestras from each church. On Holy Saturday, crowds gather at Spianada Square in Corfu's cobbled old town, where residents throw giant clay pots filled with water—known as "Botides"—from twelve balconies, shouting "Christos Anesti!" The celebration culminates on Easter Sunday with lamb feasts served on street tables. - Step Back in Time in Rhodes
Rhodes is home to the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Step back in time as you stroll along the Street of the Knights to the Palace of the Grand Master, the acropolis of the knights who ruled about 700 years ago. It's a living museum with ancient mosques, Byzantine churches, and medieval guilds where the Knights Templar once resided. - The Oracle of Delphi
Delphi, surrounded by pine-covered slopes and olive groves in Greece, was considered the world's center in antiquity. Admire the marble column said to have been placed there by Zeus, and visit the Temple of Apollo from the 8th century BC, where the priestess Pythia delivered her enigmatic prophecies. Also, explore the archaeological museum, featuring highlights like the famous sculpture of the Charioteer. - Spend Time in a Traditional Kafeneio
Historically, men gathered at kafeneia to discuss politics, play backgammon, and exchange stories; these coffee houses are the heart and soul of Greek village life. Visiting one should be on the list for those seeking a genuine taste of everyday Greek life. The best are found in mountain villages, away from coastal tourism, and it's useful to know a bit of Greek—or be ready to use sign language—to order raki, fava puree, Cretan dakos rusks, and other meze. - Party in Mykonos
Centered on the whitewashed streets of Chora, windmills, and the waterfront of Little Venice, glamorous Mykonos is known as Greece's entertainment hub. The most famous clubs are Paradise and Super Paradise, where international DJs reign, or Nammos at Psaros Beach, where celebrities dance on the sand on hot summer nights. - Discover the Country's Underrated Second Largest City
Thessaloniki recently became the first Unesco City of Gastronomy in Greece. Its unique specialties include famous cream-filled triangles, meatballs in walnut sauce, and bouyourdi baked with feta cheese. Sample these dishes in the historic 19th-century Ladadika district. - Follow the Wine Trail in Crete
Once, Cretan wine was a low-cost blend that tasted unpleasant. However, in the last decade, young winemakers have revitalized its image with great success. Sample some of the best wines along the 40-mile Wine Route, stretching from the outskirts of Heraklion to the archaeological site of Gortyna, home to many top regional wineries. - Traditional Festival
Traditional festivals, often religious celebrations honoring saints, are a part of Greek life. Despite their religious roots, these festivals are lively events featuring vibrant music, meats, and locally made wine, tsipouro, or raki. - Hydra
Dubbed the coolest place in Greece, Hydra's bohemian vibe traces back to the 1960s when Leonard Cohen bought a house there. The island's unique atmosphere continues to charm.
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