Greece and Cyprus are beloved countries for international travelers that want to spend quality holidays, discover the local culture, gastronomy, experiences, and in general, return home relaxed and full of new memories. Greece is always a beloved country to spend holidays in throughout the year, but mostly during the summer period. Especially the last few years with the expansion of direct flights from major countries like US, UK and generally EU, makes Greece an ideal place for vacation.
Travelers that want to discover the start of democracy do need to spend at least two days in the capital of Greece – Athens! Athens is a vibrant city that combines culture, sightseeing, gastronomy, sea, and sun for more than 300 days a year. A must-see in Athens is the Acropolis, with the Temple of Parthenon at the top of it. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, and it contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The Acropolis has a history of more than 2500 years. Another famous and must-see location in Athens is the Lycabettus hill. The hill is a tourist destination and can be ascended by the Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway which climbs the hill from a lower terminus at Kolonaki (the railway station can be found at Aristippou Street). At its two peaks are the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant.
Mykonos is famous for the international jet set, the vibrant nightlife, the expensive shopping, amazing beaches, and there is always a chance to meet a Hollywood star or famous athletes. Visiting Mykonos should also be an opportunity to visit the nearby island of Delos, with its many archeological sites and amazing abandoned ancient city. Mykonos is a must-visit for all those that want to feel the international vibes. Mykonos can be accessed by boat from Piraeus, but it also has a newly renovated and expanded airport with numerous international flights!
Santorini, on the other hand, has a unique caldera with a stunning view of an old volcano and the most amazing sunset! The travelers in Santorini have the chance to walk among picturesque villages such as Fira, Oia, Imerovigli but also taste a unique food culture that comes from the volcano ground of the island. Not to miss, besides the sunset, is to taste the local fava, local wines such as Vincanto, arrange a visit to the lost city of Akrotiri, and, as many say to feel the vibes of the so-called Lost Atlantis. Santorini can be accessed either by boat or by plane and has many direct international flights from many cities, mainly from the EU but also from the Middle East.
Another famous island that is called the “lady” of the Cyclades is Andros. Andros is just two hours by boat from the port of Rafina and it is an island that many Greeks prefer for their holidays. The island has an amazing capital, Andros Chora, as it is called, with a distinctive architecture that you do not find anywhere else in the Cyclades. Also Batsi, the vibrant village of Andros is where the heart of food and bar culture can be found. Andros has more than 30 different beaches that can be accessed by car, and during the start of the season, you can visit the waterfalls of Sariza, the only waterfalls in Cyclades.
On the other side of Greece, towards Italy, travelers can find the amazing Eptanissa (the seven islands) with turquoise waters, trees up to the sea, a rich history, very special gastronomy, and every island offers a different scenery. The most famous of the islands there are Corfu, Kefallonia, Ithaca (the birthplace of kind Odysseus, who took part in the Trojan War and the creator of the famous Trojan Horse), Lefkada ,and of course, the amazing Zakynthos.
Zakynthos is a tourist destination with an international airport and the nickname of “Flower of the Levant” bestowed upon it by the Venetians, who were in possession of Zakynthos for over 100 years. Famous landmarks include the Navagio beach, a cove on the northwest shore isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat. Numerous beaches and natural caves that give a mystery to be discovered, but also famous resort villages like Laganas and Tsilivi that cover travelers’ needs during the summer period. Zakynthos the last few years is the rising pearl of the Ionian Sea and many travelers stream to discover this island every year!
Greece has more than 230 habitat islands that, during the summer period get more or less, the majority of international travelers. At the south of the Aegean Sea, we have the Dodecanese, which is a group of 15 larger and 150 smaller Greek Islands. 26 of the islands are inhabited, and the largest of the islands that dominate the complex is Rhodes. Rhodes is the island group’s historical capital, and it is famous from antiquity since it was the city of the Colossus statute, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Moreover, the Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers should also visit the amazing beaches around the island, the “butterfly” forest at the center of the island, the ancient temple of Lindos, and walk among the streets of the medieval town of Rhodes, which once was the capital of the Temple Knights.
Further south in the Mediterranean is the famous island of Cyprus. It is the third-largest and third-most populous island in the Mediterranean. The earliest known human activity on the island dates back around the 10th millennium BC. In that sense, travelers have the opportunity to visit numerous archaeological sites during their stay. The largest city and the capital of the island is Nicosia, but travelers should travel around and visit the other famous cities. Larnaca is one of them, and it is located on the southern coast of Cyprus. Larnaca is a vibrant city also known for its palm-tree seafront as well as for the numerous archeological sites that travelers can visit. Larnaca plays an important role in the economy of the island and many travelers, both business and leisure, prefer to visit the city for business and pleasure.
We need to mention that Cyprus also has more than 300 days of sunshine throughout the year and is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty, love, lust, passion and procreation! Visiting Cyprus gives you the opportunity to meet in one island, both the east and the west culture, taste the unique food culture from product grown at the island, and feel the rich history that start from back at the ancient times until modern times.
Visiting Greece and Cyprus give the opportunity to travelers to meet the locals, feel the history in the making, visit ancient and historical reach locations, taste the famous Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and get as much sun and relaxation as possible in a safe environment.
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