Best Places To See in Greece & Greek Islands

Greece has an ancient culture that exists on extensive coastlines and islands. The mainland of the country is mountainous; however, the country has lots of islands most of which lie in the Aegean Sea. The wealth and diversity of the Greek seas, the Greek coasts and the hundreds of Greek islands are charming. Not only the beauty of Greece's landscapes but also the ancient heritage of this country attracts attention. The countryside shifts from mountains to valleys and these form a list of things to do for the travellers.
Some major cities in Greece are Athens, Crete, Attica, Santorini, Mikonos, Corfu, Olympia, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Chania, Kos, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion.
Athens is the capital of Greece. It has a cultural, political and touristic importance. The city houses many must-see places. Among the top tourist attractions of Greece there are; The Acropolis and the Parthenon, The Agora, National Archaeological Museum, Syntagma Square, The Plaka, Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, Athens Olympic Stadium, Lycabettus Hill, The Byzantine Museum, The National Garden, the Triumphal Arch of Galerius at Thessaloniki, Vergina. The Acropolis is a historical site which has a world wide fame. The ancient periods of Greece can be seen in Athens' National Archeological Museum.
The monasteries of Meteora are among the most popular travel destinations in the world. Rhodes has always been an important port through the history. Crete presents visitors myths, legends and history with a beautiful landscape. Popular attractions of Crete are the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Gorge of Samaria. Acrocorinth in the city of Corinth is a place to see.
Greece is full of archaeological sites and monuments which reflect the history of itself. The visitors are mesmerized by this history. Greece is regarded as the place of the gods and goddesses once touched the earth. Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, Archaeological Site of Delphi, Mount Athos, Monasteries of Meteora, Mystras, Delos, Corfu, The Palace of Knossos, White Tower, Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Byzantine Museum, Ancient Thira, Ancient Akrotiri, The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Acropolis of Lindos are among places to see.
Endless kilometres of the Greek coasts and beautiful beaches are also charming. Beaches stretch over many kilometres. The clean and transparent waters are popular all over the world. In summer, the beaches of Greece are at the top of the list of attractions. Some of the names of these beaches are Crete, Corfu, Amorgos, Ios, Milos, Paros, Serifos, Kithnos.
Festivals, especially Hellenic Festival, of Greece are very popular. Festivals present world class music, theatre performances and more. Greece offer a wide variety of local wines. Birdwatching at the Nestos Delta and Prespa Lakes are popular.
Greece is also a mountainous country. Mt Olympus, known from Greek mythology as the abode of the gods, is the highest mountain in the country. Mount Pasnasso is also another popular one. Hiking and climbing are among available activities in Greece. Greece is known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Museum of the Olympic Games is a place to see by the travellers.
There are many places suitable for different activities to do in Greece. In order to have idea about Greece and its attractions, you can visit Travelovideo and watch the videos of the country.

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Gokhan Ozbal is the travel writer for Travelovideo.com - the place to watch travel videos online for free. Visit Travelovideo.com to view Greece & Greek Islands travel videos and places to visit in Greece.

The Beauty of the Cyclades Islands in Greece

In the middle of the Aegean sea spreads the complex of the Cyclades islands.
The special architecture that all the islands of the complex have is the most characteristic feature, a point of reference for everyone who has visited these islands which spread in a distance of hundreds of miles.

The special architecture of small white houses with blue or green windows and doors, and the picturesque villages with the narrow alleys is a tourist attraction today, but it was made for specific reasons and this is what makes it so special.

All the islands are poor in flora therefore they are exposed to the sun, so the white color helped the habitants to keep the houses cool, as for the narrow alleys this had a double role, first to protect from the strong wings that dominate the islands and to protect from the pirates' attacks by forming a natural wall creating a perimeter of protection.

The unique landscape of the Cyclades islands makes the most beautiful contradiction.

The rocks that mirrors on the blue crystal waters, the small white houses scattered all around, the sandy beaches, the bright blue sky above: It's a warm and hospitable place.

HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS

The complex of the Cyclades islands has a history of thousands of years.
Due to their position into the center of the known world of the prehistoric and ancient years, the Cyclades islands where a station for merchandisers and sailors. This gave a boost to the economic and cultural life of the islands.

According to the myth, Cyclades where named after the nymphs Cyclades who Poseidon, the god of the sea transformed into rocks because they caused his anger. A different version is that they where named like this because they form a natural circle around the island of Delos the sacred island of Apollo. (From the Greek word "cyclos", which means "cycle").

The Cycladic civilization is parted in three periods during prehistoric period, the first Cycladic period (3200-2000B.C.), the middle Cycladic period (2000-1550B.C.) and the late Cycladic period (1550-1100B.C.).

During the historic times (1100B.C. - 500B.C.) there was a great flourish in economy and culture with Delos playing the most important role.

During the times of Macedonian and Roman domination (500B.C. - 300B.C.) the islands passed to the domination of Fillip the 2nd, king of Macedonia and then to his son Alexander the great. After the fall of Macedonia the Romans dominated, bringing the decay to all of the islands with only exception Delos which kept flourishing.
During the Byzantine period and the middle ages (300B.C.-1537B.C.) the islands belonged to the Byzantine Empire until 1204 when Konstantinoupolis the capital of Byzantium fell to the Franks. After that and until 1537 the islands where ruled by the Franks. On 1538 the great Pirate Barbarosa, looted the islands and this caused the desolation of some of the islands.

Until 1617 Cyclades decayed and gradually fell under the domination of the Turks. On 1821 they participated on the rebellion of the Greeks against the Turks and contributed to the liberation of Greece.

The complex is consisted of 34 islands from which 23 are being habited.
Each island has a history of his own and apart from the common characteristics, differ in style and aura making each and every one of the islands worth visiting and finding out the unique characteristics and special feeling they have.

The islands have differences in the way they have evolved. The bigger islands, by being centers of commerce, navigation and more recently tourism centers, are cosmopolitan and crowded, especially during summer period.

Syros, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini can host even the most demanding and cosmopolitan visitors, having followed the needs of modern times in facilities and entertainment, keeping at the same time the unique features of the complex.
Islands like Amorgos, Sifnos, Andros and Milos are following the steps of evolution, having made great steps in tourist facilities the past years, being like this great tourist destinations as well.

For the ones that whish for something original and outstanding, islands like Anafi, Sikinos, Folegandros and the small Cyclades will fill with magic and reveal the authentic aura of the Cyclades, away from the modern civilization, beyond time.

The best way to enjoy the complex is a small tour to some of the islands according to the needs that everyone wants to fulfill. There is a fully organized navigation network with modern ships with hourly schedules from the ports of Athens to the islands and connecting the islands. Visitors just have to choose which destinations they want to visit. Start with a visit to the capital, Syros and a walk at Ermoupolis with the picturesque alleys, a village with a unique mix in Catholic and Orthodox culture spreading onto two hills. After that, a night at Mykonos letting the senses rule until the morning light. Continue on a cosmopolitan beach of Paros or Naxos. Start a quest on the Paths of Amorgos ending at the monastery of Santa Anna with the grand blue just under the cliff, enjoy the sun at the isolated beach of Roukounas at Anafi and finally take a walk at the castle of Sifnos during sunset where you can literally listen to the Aegean sea breathing!

Some things cannot be measured, cannot be described. If you want to understand the aura of the Cyclades complex, come and see for yourself, magic will overcome you once you enter the complex and from then on the Cyclades islands will be a synonym of joy of life, just let Poseidon, Apollo and Aphrodite take you into their arms.

Learn more about Myconos, Santorini, Delos, and discover the rest of the greek islands, by visiting George Nellas' Website about the greek islands.

Why Not Consider Greek Islands Holidays?

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Ever wonder where would be the best place to spend your holidays or maybe your vacation? If you want to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing getaway while being surrounded with beautiful beaches you may want to experience Greek islands Holidays! Greece is known to be the place for Greek Gods and Goddesses. But other than these beliefs, Greece has much more to offer tourists and visitors who want to know more about what it has to offer. Other than the cooling view of the beaches and breath taking landscape of Greece you should also look forward to the sumptuous meals served by Greeks! Enjoy gourmet food at its finest and appreciate lamb as well as veggies in a whole new different way.

Expect to have the freshest and healthiest foods on your Greek Islands Holidays. Greek people love to cook but they prefer to use only the freshest ingredients available. This is one the greatest things you would love about your stay in Greece! If you want to relax for a few days and then go clubbing afterwards, the best place to be in is at Skiathos. Skiathos has a lot of beaches and hotels that you can choose from. Have a good tan on the shore then dip your body in the deep blue beach anywhere in Skiathos; once the day is over you can go partying all night long in the same area.

If you are looking for the perfect vacation or getaway; whether it's with family, friends or your partner in life, Greek Islands Holidays will surely be perfect. If you want more information on different packages for a Greece vacation you can simply rely on the internet and a reliable search engine like Google. Check out the nice beaches and islands you can visit and see in Greece that will convince you to book a flight as soon as possible. Relax your way to an enchanting getaway on Greek islands holidays while enjoying the great view of the beach and ocean reflecting the stars. All your money spent will surely be worth it.

Other than the beach and food to look forward to in your Greek islands holidays, you can also look forward to a great tour. Visit ancient and pre-historic architecture that has been well preserved by the Greece government. Enjoy knowing and acquiring more knowledge of how Greeks lived their lives way back hundreds or even thousands of years ago. You will surely adore each and every museum that you'll be able to visit in Greece as each one offers a different history of the ancient times. Greece is a beautiful place, it's an island crafted by time into a great landscape. You will be amazed of how buildings were built in a Greece despite the irregular land it has.

You can choose to visit and enjoy a tour of two days or even a good two weeks in Greece but of course you have to consider the budget you're willing to pay. There are a lot of choices in booking Greek islands holidays but as the travel agent offers a more organize tour the more expensive it will be. As this is a fact you can always plan your vacation all by yourself to maximize your budget. You can look for quality hotel accommodations via internet and book for a flight with an airline company that offers a promo. All these may be quite a work but it's worth it if you want to save some cash.