What are the best destinations and sites in Greece in which to get high on Greek mythology and legend. I’ll start with number 1 as being the top destination and go down from there.
I’ve paired destinations together which can makes it a bit easier to see both places, since they’re often nearby to one another. If you visit one place, you might as well try and see the other.
The worst thing is finding out about a place after you’ve left the area, and later realising it was only a short distance away from where you were. The opportunity slipped away for that trip anyway. I’ve done it plenty of times myself. I want to kick myself thinking about those lost opportunities.
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1. The Parthenon on the Acropolis, Athens
Standing on the Acropolis in Athens is one of the greatest experiences of all time, even though I received an earbashing for sitting on an ancient piece of marble the last time I was up there.
Acropolis highlights include:
- The Temple of Athena Parthenos, more commonly known as the Parthenon. The Temple of Athena Parthenos means Temple of the Virgin Athena.
- The Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaia (entranceway).
- The Erechtheion, supported by the famous Karyatides (woman) statue columns.
- Herodes Atticus Theatre on the slopes of the Acropolis.
- Theatre of Dionysus
2. Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Athens
This shot was taken from the Athens Gate Hotel.
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3. Paradise and Super Paradise beaches, Mykonos
The Gods and Goddesses must have surely visited one of these beaches.
Now for Super Paradise beach.
See my post on Mykonos Live TV for further details.
4. Delos
The most sacred island in the Aegean. Boat trips can easily be arranged from Mykonos.
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5. Santorini (Thera)
One of the biggest volcanic explosions in history formed this beautiful island as it can be seen today with its spectacular caldera. The island is as close to heaven on earth as you can get, for a few days anyway, provided you can afford to stay in a nice place.
Who would’ve thought the massive destruction invoked on the island of Thera could have turned out so beautiful?
6. Palace of Knossos, Crete
Do you think the Minotaur was imprisoned on Crete? One thing’s for sure, there were bulls on this island.
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7. Delphi
- The Oracle of Delphi
- Delphi Museum
- Treasuries that lined the Sacred Way which stored gifts dedicated to Apollo.
- Theatre used in Pynthian Games situated on Mount Parnasus.
- Stadium
- Kastalian Spring
- The Tholos or Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
8. Ancient Olympia
- Temple of Zeus
- Temple of Hera
- Olympia Archeological Museum
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9. Olympos
Olympos (Mount Olympus) is the mythological home of the twelve Olympian deities. Surprisingly, Mount Olympos is a whole range of mountains. The highest peak is ‘Mytakis’ at 2917 m high.
Climbers normally head to the town of Litochoro when attempting to reach the top.
10. Ancient Dion
Dion, derived from the word Dios “of Zeus” is located 10 km north of Litochoro.
- Ancient Dion site
- Dion Museum
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11. Temple of Poseidon, Cape of Sounio
70 kilometres (43 mi) southeast of Athens
The site is thought to be where King Aegeus waited for his son Theseus to return from Crete, after Theseus went over to try and defeat the Minotaur. The king thought his son was dead when he saw a ship with black sails instead of white sails returning, so he tragically threw himself from the cliff into the sea, even though his son actually survived. The sea later became known as the Aegean in his honour.
It’s said that Lord Byron carved his name on one of the columns in 1810. Could this have caused his premature death? Did he anger Poseidon or another Greek God?
“If I am a poet it is the air of Greece which has made me one.”
~ Lord Byron ~
12. Ancient Eleusis
This ancient site was where the annual Eleusinian Mysteries took place. The rites centred on the myth of Demeter and her daughter Persephone who stayed with Hades, God of the Underworld, for part of the year.
Queen of fragrant Eleusis,
Giver of Earth’s good gifts,
Give me your grace, O Demeter.
You, too, Persephone, fairest,
Maiden all lovely, I offer
Song for your favour.~ Homer ~
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13. Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samothrace
14. Alexander the Great of Macedon remnants
- Royal Palace and mosaics at Pella (Capital of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander)
- Museum at Pella
- Palace of Palatitsia (Vergina)
- Archeological Museum at Thessaloniki
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15. Temple of Aphaia, Aegina
16. Epidaurus
The greatest ancient theatre in Greece.
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17. Corinth
- Temple of Apollo
- Lechaion Way
18. Mycenae
- Royal Palace
- The Cyclopean Wall
- The Lion Gate
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