Discover Greece opus 4
Since Sunday we have been taking you through Greece, this mythical country, this welcoming country, and above all this country which has signed agreements with the State of Israel, which will allow YOU, an Israeli tourist already vaccinated, to be able to visit or revisit this wonderful country so close to our borders.
Today we will start our visit with The Cyclades
The sweet name of the Cyclades alone sounds like a call to escape and change of scenery. Located in the southern Aegean Sea, the Cyclades archipelago has more than 200 islands, but only 24 are inhabited. Dream destinations for many travelers, these paradisiacal islands concentrate idyllic beaches, charming Greek villages with white houses and azure blue roofs, exceptional natural sites, not to mention a gastronomy renowned throughout the world.
Among the must-sees, Santorini is to be placed at the top of the list because the island and its volcanic landscapes are unique: the road between the typical villages of Fira, the capital, and Oia offers a magnificent panorama of the Aegean Sea and the caldera, volcano drowned under the waves and whose still smoking crater is accessible during a boat trip. On the heights of Oia, the sunset is simply sumptuous.
Then head to Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, which we visit for its beaches but also for its cultural sites located in the capital Chora.
Then comes Paros, famous for its long white sand beaches, its fishing villages, but also its marble quarries, a material used in particular for the sculpture of the famous Venus de Milo.
To party, head to Mykonos, the gay friendly island whose trendy clubs attract revelers from all over the world.
But the Cyclades are also peaceful islands and some of them still preserved from mass tourism: Delos and its archaeological sites classified as UNESCO heritage, Amorgos, perfect for hiking, or Sifnos and its culinary specialties.
Let’s continue this discovery by going to Crete
The island of Crete deserves a trip in its own right. Located south of the Aegean Sea, Crete is a mosaic of rugged landscapes, mythological remains, alluring beaches and authentic villages.
Hike in the exceptional site of the Samaria Gorge, enjoy the hippie atmosphere of the village of Matala or relax by the sublime lagoons of Elafonissi and Balos… A Greek getaway quite apart! This is why we do not tell you more …. we will soon devote a whole week to Crete, believe us, it is worth the detour.
For lovers of mythology, let’s visit The Asclepieion of Epidaurus
The sanctuary of Asclepius, the healing god, is a Mecca of Greek medicine. During Antiquity, travelers flocked from all over the country to receive treatment from renowned doctors. While there are several milkweed plants in Greece, the best known and best preserved is located in the town of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese, and is one of the sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are the traditional places where the sick were sent for treatment, namely thermal baths or a gymnasium.
The sanctuary also consists of a large ancient theater with excellent acoustics, which at the time could accommodate up to 14,000 spectators. A unique setting in which it is still possible to attend performances during the “Athens Epidavros Festival”, which is held every summer.
To end the day opus, we take you to Olympia
Land of the most beautiful ancient sites, it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, at the time when it was the religious center of Greece. The site takes its name from Mount Olympus, residence of the Greek gods. Today, the archaeological site preserves the remains of this period, including the temples of Zeus and Hera. In the first, once enthroned the chryselephantine statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world which has now disappeared. Nearby is the studio of sculptor Phidias, the author of the statue. Finally, Olympia can also be visited for its sports facilities which are still very visible, such as the Olympic stadium, the gymnasium, or the palaestra, where the athletes came to train.
You liked Discover Greece opus 4, you will love the fifth episode
Stay connected, Greece still has plenty of surprises in store for you, Greece is full of treasures.
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