80% of respondents said they need a vacation in 2023 more than ever before, according to a survey commissioned by Exodus Travels and conducted by OnePoll. For those looking for a history rich vacation in a picturesque setting, Greece is just one worthy candidate to consider. Whether you enjoy the idea of seeing ancient castles first hand or exploring the ruins of historic archeological sites, the European country has a variety of breathtaking places worth adding to any history buff’s travel itinerary.
The Mani Peninsula
For those who love history, the Mani Peninsula offers a breathtaking location with no shortage of things to see and do. In fact, there are several castles from Byzantine times located in Mani — including Passava, Kelefa, and Vathia, to name just a few. Made from austere stone, one article from the Greek Reporter points out that the castles “were built not for the charm we see in them today but to defend the land.” According to the Greek Reporter, Byzantium is everywhere in Mani, and can be seen in the many Byzantine churches and monasteries across the region.
Travelers who appreciate ancient Greek mythology will also enjoy exploring the Mani Peninsula, as Mani was “fabled to be the entrance to the underworld and the home of Hades,” notes one insider guide from sisters Kat and Yianna Velos. With several beaches accessible by car — including Skoutari Beach, Alipa and Limeni, it’s noted that you can visit the mythological entrance to the underworld and see ancient mosaics by traveling to Tenaron. Tenaron is a secluded part of Mani that offers crystal clear waters — perfect for lounging around in bright and stylish swimwear, such as a colorblocked bikini with a trendy printed sarong.
The monasteries of Meteora
Located in central Greece, Meteora features an unpredictable landscape that features Greek Orthodox monasteries on the cliffs of large pillars of rock. Roughly translated to “suspended in air,” these monasteries were built in the Middle Ages in such a location in order to avoid the invading Turks — while there were once two dozen monasteries across Meteora, only six are active today. Accessible by only bus, train, or car, as there are no airports nearby, exploring Meteora itself can be done in a few ways — including walking/hiking (which is the recommended way to go), or via a guided tour. In regard to the monasteries themselves, the Monastery of Great Meteoron is the oldest and largest, with Road Affair pointing out that the museum inside is a great place to start in order to learn more about the location before exploring the others.
The ancient city of Olympia
For travelers interested in history as well as sports, the ancient city of Olympia is the perfect place to explore on a Grecian vacation. According to History Hit, the first Olympic Games were held in the city in honor of the Greek deity, Zeus, and continued until 394 AD when Roman Emperor Theodosius I “put them to an end.” While it takes roughly four hours to reach the city from Athens, Olympia is “well signposted,” making it easy to tour. With must-see attractions including the ancient stadium, History Hit highlights the Olympia Archaeological Museum as well as the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games as ideal places to visit for those looking to learn more when on their trip.
With many ready to plan international trips in 2023, those looking for breathtaking locations that are rich in history should look no further than Greece. With a variety of history-packed locations worth seeing first hand — from castles to monasteries and more — there’s no question that there’s something to suit everyone’s interest.
