Things to do in Greece
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Acropolis
The magnificent Acropolis defines and dominates Athens. Unlike other cities where the main attractions are on the outskirts of town, the sacred rock on which the ancient Greek temples were built rises spectacularly above the centre of the city. The main entrance is from Dionysiou Areopagitou near the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, or from Theorias if you’re coming from Plaka (there’s another entrance near the Kanellopoulos Museum). Large bags must be left at the main entrance cloakroom.
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Hydra, Poros and Egina Day Cruise from Athens
11 hours (Departs Athens, Greece)
by Viator
Take a cruise from Athens to the fabulous Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Egina for a relaxing day on the sea. With all your transport, transfers and lunch or…Not LP reviewed
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Ancient Delphi
Of all the archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is the one with the most potent 'spirit of place'. Built on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth and extending into a valley of cypress and olive trees, this World Heritage-listed site's allure lies both in its stunning setting and its inspiring ruins. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world; according to mythology, Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and they met here.
In summer, try to visit the site early to avoid the crowds and the heat.
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Hatzis
In operation since 1908, when Thessaloniki was still an Ottoman city, this local legend brings the tastes of old Constantinople to you. After Hatzis, you'll never ask for a simple 'baklava' again.
The veritable symphony of sweets served at Hatzis includes vezir parmak (politika syrup cake with cream filling), hanoum bourek (hand-made pastry with raisins, peanuts and cream) and a dish of malempi mastiha (cream from milk and rice porridge, flavoured with mastiha from Chios and served with rose syrup).
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Kitchen Bar
Whether you're just coming for a cool waterside coffee or seek some inventive international fare, this lofty, sumptuously decorated café-restaurant on the port is fab. The salads and risotto are as bright as the flames in the open kitchen where the chefs, like the style-conscious clientele, are always on display.
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Paradosiako
For great traditional fare at very fair prices you can't beat this inconspicuous, no-frills taverna on the periphery of Plaka, with a few tables on the footpath. There's a basic menu but it's best to choose from the daily specials, which include fresh and delicious seafood. Get there early before the locals arrive.
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Harmony
Few places take chill-out to the honed level of this great bar. Hammocks, deckchairs and discerning sounds set the pace and kids are well looked after here. It's just along the northern arm of Mylopotas beach. There's live music too, and Tex-Mex food is the main attraction.
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Rhodes Town Beach
The town beach begins north of Mandraki and continues around the island's northernmost point and down the west side of the New Town. The best spots will depend on the prevailing winds but tend to be on the east side.
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Ancient Delos
The following is an outline of some significant archaeological remains on the site. For further details, a guidebook from the ticket office is advised, or take a guided tour.
The rock-encrusted Mt Kythnos (113m) rises elegantly to the southeast of the harbour. It's worth the steep climb, even in the heat. On clear days there are terrific views of the surrounding islands from its summit.
The path to Mt Kythnos is reached by walking through the Theatre Quarter, where Delos' wealthiest inhabitants once built their houses. These houses surrounded peristyle courtyards, with colourful mosaics (a status symbol) being the most striking feature of each house.
The most lavish dwellin…
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Knossos
The ruins of Knossos (k-nos-os) were uncovered in 1900 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. Heinrich Schliemann, the legendary discoverer of ancient Troy, had his eye on the spot, believing an ancient city was buried there, but he was unable to strike a deal with the local landowner in Turkish-controlled Crete.
Intrigued by Schliemann's discovery of engraved seals in Crete, and later pottery finds in Kamares, Evans sailed to Crete in 1894 and set in train the purchase of a share of the Knossos site, which gave him exclusive rights to the excavation. He returned five years later and began digging with a group of Cretan workmen. The first treasure to be unearthed…
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Church of Agios Dimitrios
Thessaloniki's enormous, 5th-century Church of Agios Dimitrios , is named in honour of the city's patron saint. A Roman soldier, Dimitrios was killed around 303 on the site (then a Roman bath), on the command of Galerius, infamous for persecuting Christians. The martyrdom site is now an eerie underground crypt, which you can visit during the day or during the special Friday-night service. In 1980, the saint's relics were returned from Italy, and now lie in an elaborate silver reliquary inside.
The Ottomans made Agios Dimitrios a mosque and plastered the walls. After they were kicked out, the plaster was removed, revealing Thessaloniki's finest church mosaics. While the 19…
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Meteora
The monasteries of Meteora are one of the most extraordinary sights in mainland Greece. Built into and on top of huge pinnacles of smooth rock, the earliest monasteries were reached by climbing articulated removable ladders. Later, windlasses were used so monks could be hauled up in nets, a method used until the 1920s.
The monasteries provided monks with peaceful havens from increasing bloodshed as the Byzantine Empire waned at the end of the 14th century.
Apprehensive visitors enquiring how often the ropes were replaced were told 'When the Lord lets them break'. These days access to the monasteries is by steps hewn into the rocks and the windlasses are used only for haul…
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Delphi Day Trip from Athens
10 hours (Departs Athens, Greece)
by Viator
Explore one of the most famous sites of classical Greece on a day trip from Athens to magical Delphi. Famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins…Not LP reviewed
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White Tower
The history of Thessaloniki's most famous landmark, the pacific White Tower , is actually bathed in blood. In 1826, Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II ordered here the massacre of janissaries (elite troops made up of forcibly Islamicised Christian boys) deemed disloyal. After Greeks captured the city in 1913, the 'bloody tower' was whitewashed to expunge the dark memories.
The whitewash has long been removed, though the name stuck. At time of writing, the tower's small Byzantine Museum was about to get a new permanent exhibit; it's up a wide circular stairway, where stands a small café offering impressive views of the city and sea.
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Waves on the Rock
The unassuming fishing hamlet of Ravdouha Beach, on the western side of the rugged Rodopou Peninsula, is one of the area's hidden gastronomic treats. Follow the signs to Ravdoucha until you reach a fork in the road. To the left, a rough dirt road leads 700m to the Waves on the Rock run by fisherman Theodoris Falelakis, who serves excellent fresh fish. If you really feel like getting away from it all there are also five rooms upstairs with kitchenette and air-con.
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Thalassino Ageri
It can be tricky to find, but this solitary fish taverna in a tiny port amongst the ruins of Hania's old tanneries is one of the most delightful eateries in Crete. Apart from the superb setting they have fresh fish and excellent mezedes such as tender octopus in wine vinegar and melt-in-your-mouth calamari as well as a delicious fisherman's salad. Take a taxi or follow Venizelou around the coast turning left at Noel St as soon as you veer away from the coast.
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Municipal Athletics Organisation
In recent years Kalymnos has become something of a mecca for rock climbers. Some spectacular limestone walls backing the resorts now attract legions of climbers looking for seriously challenging extreme sport. There are about 21 documented climbs awaiting the adventurous, pulling in visitors from as early as March onwards. The Municipal Athletics Organisation is a good place to start for the full low-down.
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Yiorgos Hatziparaskos
One of the last traditional filo masters in all of Greece, Yiorgos Hatziparaskos still makes super-fine pastry by hand in his traditional workshop. The highlight is when he throws the dough into a giant bubble before stretching it over a huge table. His wife Katerina encourages passers-by to watch the spectacle and try some of best baklava and kataifi they will ever eat.
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Kanellopoulos Museum
The imposing 1884 mansion on the northern slope of the Acropolis houses the Kanellopoulos family’s extensive collection, donated to the state in 1976. After a major refurbishment and expansion, it was due to open in late 2008. The collection includes jewellery, clay-and-stone vases and figurines, weapons, Byzantine icons, bronzes and objets d’art dating from every period of Greek history.
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Antica Gelateria di Roma
Antica Gelateria di Roma 'Bongiorno - this is an Italian gelati shop!' announces Italian gelati maestro and maestra Marcello and Claudio Raffo as you enter their premises. That's just in case you didn't see and smell (and we'll bet, soon taste) the smorgasbord of the best (yes, best) traditional gelati outside Italy. And don't say we didn't warn you!
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Halki
The picturesque village of Halki lies at the heart of the Tragaea, a vast plain of olive groves and unspoilt villages, dotted with Byzantine churches. Halki is a must for its handsome villas, kitron (citron liqueur) distillery and enthralling ceramics gallery-shop, L'Olivier. Refuel in the shady town square and pop into Era for locally made sweets and jams.
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Indigo
You wouldn't expect to find quality in among the fast-food joints of the New Market. But there is Indigo. Salads feature strongly: the Indigo salad with croutons, rocket, walnut, lettuce oil and garlic entices, as does a 'playful chicken' salad made up of chicken strips in vegetables and a hazelnut salad with blue cheese. Subtle and scrumptious at the same time.
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Koukouvagia
If you have wheels then take a 10-minute drive up to hill where the great statesman Eleftherios Venizelos is buried. This owl-themed café and bar (with an extraordinary owl décor collection) enjoys panoramic views of Hania. It's a cool place to hang on summer's nights. The pita creations are excellent, as are the large selection of cakes and desserts.
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Ali Baba's
- Ios, Greece
- Restaurants › Thai
In the same venue as the restaurant of that name there's another great Ios favourite, this is the place for tasty Thai dishes, including pad thai (thin rice noodles stir-fried with dried shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu and egg) cooked by authentic Thai chefs. The service is very upbeat and there's entertainment. It's on the same street as the Emporiki bank.
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Museum of Byzantine Culture
The Museum of Byzantine Culture is a well-presented modern museum that uses ambient lighting and a good running wall text to enliven the 3000 or so artefacts in its permanent collection. They include frescoes, mosaics, embroidery, ceramics, inscriptions and icons from the early Christian period to the Fall of Constantinople (1453) in Macedonia.
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