What to do in Greece

Party in Little Venice

Greece has its own cosmopolitan haven with a renowned sizzling nightlife. Mykonos is a party island at its best, right in the heart of the Cyclades.

At the core of the Mykonos entertainment scene is Aleukantras, or Little Venice, a charming district along the harbor’s east side. This harborside area is dotted with two- or three-storey medieval houses, some of which are whitewashed while others are painted with eye-catching colors. A few of these structures have been converted into trendy bars and clubs.

Tourists can rent one of these houses on the shoreline and find themselves in the middle of the nightlife. The party crowds are typically young, stylish, and rich who heed the intoxicating call of the taverns and discos.

Climb Mount Olympus

Mountaineering and mythology come together for avid trekkers scaling the heights of Greece’s highest mountain, Mount Olympus. A fixture in Classical Greek literature, Mount Olympus was said to be the abode of all but one of the 12 major Greek gods.

Located on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, Mount Olympus has a diverse terrain of deep gorges, lush forests, craggy peaks, and resplendent alpine fields.

Mytikas, rising to a height of 9,573 feet or almost 3,000 meters, was believed to be where the deities came to assemble. The twelve gods were said to reside within the deep ravines. If the highest peak Mytikas poses quite a challenge, you can consider taking on any of the other 51 peaks.

Climbing the mountain also allows the travelers to see the abundant local flora and fauna. Base camp for treks is located in Litochoro, which is 92 kilometers (57 miles) from Thessaloniki. Allot four days for the expedition, with 4 to 6 hours of walking time each day.

Experience the mineral spas

Natural spas of different types abound in Greece. Did you know that mineral and thermal springs are found in 850 locations within the cities, towns, and islands? Such a number can only mean that a relaxing session is never far from where you’re staying.

The Greeks have mastered the system of hydrotherapy, or utilizing water to cure common aches and pains. The therapeutic elements of natural springs form the basis of most spas and hydrotherapeutic centers around the country. Treatments such as sea-mud packs, seaweed wraps, and seawater baths seek to wash away the daily stresses wreaking havoc on man’s quality of health.

Sophisticated spa facilities are typically offered in five-star hotels and resorts. You can also enjoy such services from excellent spas in the capital or in Thessaloniki.

Follow the wine route

The world has to thank Dionysius, the god of wine, for Greek wine culture. The Greeks have been producing wines for over 4,000 years and boasts a legacy of viticulture as old as Ancient Greece itself.

The different wine routes of Greece provide a chance for the traveler to visit the magnificent world of wine-making. Look forward to trying out local wines right from the wineries.

Owing to the fascinating geography and terrain of Greece, different grape varieties contribute to a wide array of tastes. And with traditions that involve gods and goddesses, expect to learn amazing anecdotes in Greek history as well.

One of the famous routes is in northern Greece, taking visitors to some fantastic sceneries around Mt. Olympus. Other areas known for their vineyards are Thessaloniki, Santorini, Corinth, Crete, and Attica.

Trace the path of Apostle Paul

Paul the Apostle is credited for spreading Christianity to various parts of Greece, Turkey, and Macedonia in Syria. Premier missionary and author of a significant portion of the Bible, he traveled extensively in Greece, leaving his legacy among its people.

Tracing the path of Paul the Apostle is one of the cultural sightseeing routes to take when visiting Greece. It will lead to such places as Samothrace, Neapoli, Philippi, Thessalonica, Veria, and Corinth. In most of these cities, people hold festivals in honor of the Apostle’s great influence in their spiritual traditions. There are churches erected in Paul’s name as well.

Taking on this religious route gives the traveler a worthy combination of pilgrimage and sightseeing rolled into one eventful spiritual journey around Greece.