Lonely Planet Greece

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Experience endless miles of aquamarine coastline, sun-bleached ancient ruins, strong feta and stronger ouzo. The Greek landscape thrills, and Greek people are passionate about politics, coffee, art and gossiping.

Let the Greece youve been imagining fill your senses, whether its through the pulsing nightclubs of Mykonos or the solemnity of Meteora; the grandeur of Delphi or the earthiness of Metsovo; the rugged Cretan hillsides and the lush wildflowers of spring. Youll quickly become acquainted with the melancholic throb of rembetika (blues songs) and the ability of the ancient sights to unleash an imagination you might not have realised you had. Youll also encounter thought-provoking modern art and a vivacious contemporary music scene, stumbling across galleries, live music and impressively modern museums in the most unexpected places. Greece balances its past, present and future in a way managed by few other countries. The result is a country with endless cultural pursuits.

Greeks pride themselves on their cuisine and as some of the most hospitable people on the globe, they will go out of their way to ensure you are well fed. The tang of home-made tzatziki and the aroma of grilled souvlaki are just the beginning. The Greek menu is filled with scrumptious cuisine that offers an adventure at every mealtime. Basic ingredients like feta and olive oil are at home in kitchens across the country, but its the regional dishes and styles of cooking that make travelling around the country such a culinary joy. Turkish and Italian legacies are woven throughout many dishes and youll discover islands or towns known for distinct ingredients. Cheeses, herbs and mountain greens you might never have heard of compliment local seafood, meat and vegie dishes. The secret of Greek cooking is often found in the back garden where many of the ingredients are freshly gathered and produced. These days, a renaissance in traditional cooking means that chefs are increasingly taking time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights.

Its easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants originated in this vast and varied landscape, with wide open skies and a sea speckled with islands, where days melt from one to the next, while you relish the white-sand and palm-fringed beaches. But Greece offers endless activities and is a magnet for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Wander along cobbled, Byzantine footpaths, hike into volcanoes, watch for dolphins and sea turtles and cycle through lush forests. Greece also offers some of the worlds top kitesurfing, diving and rock-climbing locations. Be brave. Be passionate. Be Greek.

Oia (), Santorini (Thira)
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Visit some of Greeces quieter or slightly more remote shores and island life will urge you to slow right down. Join locals as they contemplate life from the coffee houses or unwind on sandy stretches of isolated beach. Its not the sights that draw you to these islands but the pace of life. Try Leros (). Time seems to stand still in these places or at least moves very, very slowly.

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Experiencing the Acropolis

Theres a reason the Acropolis () does the Acropolis superb artefacts justice with its sleek facade and clean sightlines that showcase the ethereal grace of the statues and metopes.

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Meteora

Youre not likely to forget the first moment the magnificent Meteora () comes into view soaring pillars of rock that jut heavenward, and a handful of monasteries at the summit (some dating from the 14th century). The rope ladders that once enabled the monks to reach the top have long been replaced by steps carved into the rock. Today, these spectacular stone towers beckon rock climbers from around the world.

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Ancient Amphitheatres

Few theatres in the world evoke the palpable sense of history and awe you feel sitting on the worn marble seats of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus () is acoustically perfect and, set amid pine-clad hills, another striking setting in which to soak up some theatre.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus ()
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Ancient Delphi

Arrive early to catch the magic of the suns rays pouring over the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea () where the Delphic Oracle uttered prophecies that sent armies to battle and lovers to swoon.

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Hiking the Mani

Although it can no longer be described as remote, the Mani () holds a magic unlike anywhere else in Greece. For centuries, the feuding families here were literally a law unto themselves, and this has contributed to the unique Mariot culture. The Manis footpaths and landscape beckon hikers from around the world. With everything from rugged rocky highlands and hidden lush green oases to small fishing tavernas and severe rock-solid tower houses, this pocket of the Peloponnese is well worth exploring at leisure.

Vathia
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Chic Capital

Life in Athens () is a magnificent mash-up of the ancient and the contemporary. Beneath the majestic facades of venerable landmarks, the city teems with life and creativity. And Athenians love to get out and enjoy it all. Galleries and clubs hold the exhibitions, performances and installations of the citys booming arts scene. Trendy restaurants and humble tavernas rustle up fine, fine fare. Ubiquitous cafes fill with stylin locals and moods run from punk rock to haute couture. Discos and bars abound... and swing deep into the night.