Close your eyes. Now, imagine shores with endless beaches, the traces of history on every single stone touched by the sole of your shoe, golden-showered sunrise views and marvelous sunsets, all combined into unforgettable sceneries. Open your eyes. This is not a dream: your destination is Greece. “Kalimera” is the first word more and more people hear when they wake up into the Hellenic Republic.

The region of Attica was and continues to be a meeting point for different cultures, exposing its visitors to a plethora of civilizations existing side by side in the same city. The museums here are plenty, offering a glimpse into the history and heritage bequeathed by our ancestors to our land. Among these, the Archaeological Museum of Athens with its pre-historic to late-antiquity displays is certainly a do-not-miss. Enrich your cultural experience with culinary adventures. Greek gastronomy comprises a variety of dishes to suit all tastes, and the Mediterranean diet is its pillar.

Cultural tourism in the city of Athens can be combined with long, relaxing escapes to the infinite, impressive beaches of mainland Greece and the islands, both brimming with luxurious hotels and resorts developed to offer anything you need. The islands of Saronikos are ideal for a one-day trip: all you have to do is go to Piraeus and hop on a boat. But also do not miss the sunset in the promontory of Sounion.

And if you are longing for mind-blowing, out-of-this-world countryside views, do not miss the chance to get a car and leave the city for a few days. You can start from Peloponnese: The Isthmus of Corinth, the archaeological site of Mycenae, the remarkable and charming theater of Epidaurus, the town of Olympia with its athletic background and the city-port of Patras are top destinations. Cross the Rio-Antirrio Bridge and brace yourselves for the breathless beauty of Greek mountains in all their glory. Meteora and their immense boulders hosting a number of monasteries will leave you speechless.

The Greek islands are renowned for their unique beauty. These pages will help you learn more about the places and attractions that you should absolutely visit in the islands of the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands, Myconos, Delos and Santorini, amongst others. Finally, I can’t miss out Crete, my birthplace. Cretan history and beauty will make you want to explore it in and out, east to west. If you are planning to visit Crete, my advice is to stay there for at least five days.

Apart from the printed form in Spanish, you can also visit www.atenasbolsillo.com for the English and Greek editions. Dear reader, at last, I would like to say that since you chose this guide for your trip, you are now one of us. I hope you will enjoy your stay in Greece, just like I enjoyed writing these pages. Welcome!

 

The author, Maria Vasilaki