Korina Miller - Discover Greece

This Is Greece

Its easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants originated in this varied landscape. Wide-open skies; dramatic, plunging coastlines; and mysterious ancient ruins beckon with the promise of stories yet to be discovered. Walled medieval towns and hill-top villages transport you to long-ago eras, remote beaches tell epic tales of many-oared ships, and city life overflows with creativity as vibrant as Apollos and a passion as pure as Aphrodites.

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, its not difficult to find the Greece you were hoping for.

Greece embraces the past passionately while simultaneously welcoming the future. 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, impressively modern museums, and live-music acts in the most unexpected places.

Stretch your legs and your love of the outdoors. Greece offers endless activities and is a magnet for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Wander along cobbled Byzantine footpaths, hike 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.

Greece is essentially a laid-back place. Lounge endlessly at cafes over coffee, stroll along the seafront, park yourself on a beach, take your time over meals and youll fit right in. Greeks know how to enjoy life and are renowned as some of the most hospitable people on the globe. Their generosity and warmth is as genuine as the soft sand between your toes and the glow of the Aegean sun.

Hillside town of Oia ()
PHOTOGRAPHER: SHANIA SHEGEDYN/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Greeces Top Experiences

The Acropolis

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

RICK GERHARTER/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Meteora

Youre not likely to forget the first moment the magnificent Meteora ( ) comes into view soaring pillars of rock jut heavenward, and a handful of monasteries rest at the summit (some dating back to 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.

PAOLO CORDELLI/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Ascend to the realm of the gods. ( )

Explore the coastline of soaring cliffs, golden beaches and azure waters.

Join a tour on an 18th-century schooner to cruise across the breathtaking caldera. ( )

Zip downhill or cross-country across the stunning Pindos Mountains. ( )