The Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights of Greece
In ancient Greek religion and mythology, the Olympians are the most famous deities of the Greek pantheon. Zeus, the god of Thunder, Poseidon, the god of the Sea, and many others, including Hades, the god of the Underworld, had temples constructed in their honor all over the country. You can visit many of the remains to this day when you travel to Athens.
Greece is home to some of the most picturesque places in the Mediterranean. The county is surrounded by the brilliant blue waters of the sea, and strings of islands dot the coastline. From Athens, it is easy to cruise the coast and visit popular destinations like Santorini or Mykonos.
Spend a few days touring Athens before island hopping on a cruise through the med. You’ll be amazed by the various traditions and cuisines each island has adopted throughout time.
The Acropolis is one of the most important sites of the ancient world and was the most critical location in Greek mythology. On top of the hill sat a temple complex that included the temples to worship all major gods.
The Acropolis was chosen in ancient times for its prime location high above the city. From there, the temples were visible from anywhere in Athens. Today some temple ruins remain, including the most famous of them all, the Parthenon.
The Parthenon is perhaps one of the most famous ruins in all of Greece. Built almost 3,000 years ago, it’s incredible it still stands. The temple was constructed for Athena, the goddess of war, who was also considered the patron of Athens.
Each side of the Parthenon shares a story with hand-carved statues. One side shows the Greeks and centaurs. Other areas show Athena at birth, fighting Poseidon for Athens, and Greeks parading for Athena. The Parthenon has since suffered severe damage and decay, but the importance of the temple in ancient Greece is not lost!
Olive oil has been a staple in the Greek diet for centuries. Greece is the 3rd largest olive oil producer in the world and the biggest exporter of extra virgin olive oil. It is estimated that Greeks individually consume around 26 liters of olive oil a year.
Luckily, olive oil is considered a healthy fat, so it is packed with health benefits, including its ability to help reduce blood pressure and loads of antioxidants. Be sure to pick up a bottle or two for yourself and your friends back home!
Known for having one of the healthiest culinary cultures in the world, Greece has served as a model for the Mediterranean diet. A hot, dry climate sets the tone for the Greek menu, which relies heavily on fresh food.
Fishers provide an array of seafood from the Mediterranean, and farmers cultivate lemons, eggplant, artichokes, and other fresh fruits and vegetables. Ancient Greece was known for having one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, which could be traced back to the incredibly fresh and healthy diet.
Greece has evolved into a top-rated travel destination over the past couple of decades. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder people are flocking to this Mediterranean hot spot!
To avoid the crowds and still enjoy the warm weather and pristine beaches, try visiting in the late spring or early fall. Despite being considered off-peak, these are some of the best times to visit Greece and explore the islands without having to fight the crowds for a spot on the beach or a seat at a restaurant.
The Olympics is one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world. Dating back to 776 BCE, the first Olympic games were celebrated in Athens as a religious festival to honor the Greek god, Zeus.
The modern games that we know today were held in Athens on April 6, 1896, with 14 countries represented and 241 male athletes participating. Like in ancient times, the winners were awarded an olive wreath for symbolizing victory, which has since become a symbol of the games. Today's Olympic games include 206 nations and roughly 11,000 male and female athletes!
There is an old Greek saying, "ouzo makes the spirit,” and this is especially true in Greece. Ouzo is, by far, Greece's most famous alcoholic beverage. It's a sweet, strong alcoholic drink similar to a liqueur, which is made from the by-products of grapes after they've been used for wine.
Drinking Ouzo in Greece is a cultural ritual that has its own particular time and place, usually in the late afternoon or early evening, and always served cold with a small plate of food. In Greece, drinking Ouzo is just as much a part of the culture and the lifestyle as is Greek mythology and olive oil.
Built at the base of the Acropolis, the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheater is one of the best places to experience a live classical theater performance. This ancient theater was built in Roman times, in about 161 A.D. by the Roman philosopher, teacher, and politician, Herodes Atticus.
The seats and the stage have since been renovated, and today you can attend the Athens Art Festival, musical concerts, and classical tragedies under the night sky and enjoy a marvelous acoustic experience.
After a day of walking around Athens and exploring the ruins, it’s nice to sit back with a cold drink and enjoy a refreshing Greek Salad. This simple yet delicious salad has grown for a classic regional favorite into an international go-to.
A classic Greek salad is typically made of fresh sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. The simplicity of the recipe and fresh ingredients are the keys to making the perfect Greek salad!
Did you know that the country of Greece has more than 250 days of sun on average? It’s no wonder that the country has become a hot-spot for travelers from all over the world. Beautiful coastlines, exciting history, delicious food, and charming villages are just a few of the other reasons to visit Greece.
The country as a whole is well equipped to handle tourism, as one in five Greeks work in the tourism industry. With over 40% of the nation being natural-born Greeks, you can rest assured that you will always be getting the most authentic experience!
Sit by the sea in a picturesque Greek restaurant, enjoy a glass of wine or ouzo, and let locals guide you through an extensive list of traditional Greek seafood dishes, all made of good quality fresh ingredients, topped with herbs and drizzled with infamous Greek olive oil. Thanks to the country's proximity to the sea, seafood is a staple of the local diet.
Enjoy some classic dishes like mussels and fried calamari, or venture out and try local favorites like octopus or cuttlefish. Exploring a new city goes beyond walking the streets, so give the local cuisine a try and see what you think!
Greece is one of the best countries for people who love souvenir shops. Here it's easy to find unique, local, and even hand-made gifts to bring back home.
Olive oil and ouzo are some of the most popular souvenirs, but there is so much more. Leather sandals, evil eye jewelry, or ceramic dishes all make for fun memorabilia so you can remember your trip long after you've left!