Greece is a magical place to me. Even though the Greek archaeologial sites aren't in the best of shape, the craggy island landscapes of Greece are compelling enough to keep me returning year after year. And don't think Greece is all Islands, the mainland holds many treasures as well, including my favorite place to walk in Greece, Meteora.
Ancient Delphi - The Archaeological Site (7 pictures)
Many of Greece's archaeological sites are such fragmentary ruins that it's hard to capture the charm of the place. Not with Delphi. It's situated in such a spectacular place there's no doubt as to its significance to the spiritual world of the Greeks. Plenty of cheap hotels in the modern town (although crowded in summer) and frequent bus service make this a good destination. Many of the photos were taken in early morning, which seemed to me to emphasize the allure of the location. Advice: stay in Delphi and visit the site as early as you can. You'll avoid crowds and get to wander about in peace and coolness.
Meteora - Monasteries (4 pictures)
My favorite place in Greece, Meteora refers to rock towers near the town of Kalambaka, upon which are built the most amazing monasteries. They are meant to be inaccessible during times of persecution, but today a ring road provides a great trail for hiking to most of them. This is one of our
Great Walks of Europe.
Corinth Canal (1 image)
The canal is an amazing feat of engineering--especially considering plans for it were drawn in 602 BC. In 67 AD Emporor Nero announced his intention to build such a canal to the spectators at the Isthmian Games. The canal was completed in 1893. In the modern town of Isthmia there is a submersible bridge. Rumor has it that occasionally, when a ship has just passed and the bridge is coming out of the water, enormous fish are brought up. I've watched this on dozens of occasions, and have yet to see a single fish. But there are quite a few restaurants on the canal at Isthmia, and it's fun watching big ships pass, seemingly taking up the whole canal with inches to spare.
Crete - Samaria Gorge (7 pictures)
The longest gorge in Europe. You can hike 18 km through it right down to the sea. This is one of our
Great Walks of Europe.
Crete - Lasithi Plateau (3 pictures)
Thousands of windmills designed by 13th century Venetians to pull water into the area can still be seen, although most are not in use. The ring road offers an interesting flat walk going through many small towns and allowing you to visit two important caves. This is one of our
Great Walks of Europe.
Hydra - (6 pictures)
The Saronic Gulf Island of Hydra is a short ferry ride from Athens' port of Pireus, but you might want to stay here overnight to see Hydra in its best light--when the tourists are gone or at least shaking off that hangover. See our Hydra Essential Travel Guide for more.
