Greece is located in southern Europe. With its idyllic beaches and mountainous mainland, tourists throng to this destination in millions. While it is easy to get lost in this land’s sunny weather, nightlife, and natural beauty. With so much on offer, Greece tour packages are always in demand.
One cannot lose sight of the fact that the development of Greece has had an influential impact on the pages of history. Arts, Philosophy, Politics, and Sports are just some of the areas where this influence is evident. It is worth noting that development and culture are two sides of the same coin, and go hand in hand. Hence, it is no surprise then that Greece is a country full of cultural marvels which are not to be missed on your Greece tour packages. Keeping that in mind, we have compiled a list of the 10 best places to experience Greek culture in Greece:
- Peloponnese
- Thessaloniki
- Corfu
- Crete
- Chios
- Ioannina
- Athens
- Delphi
- Nafplio
- Rhodes
1. Peloponnese:
Peloponnese is located in the southern parts of Greece and is home to many ancient sites of culture. This is the go-to place to soak Greece history and culture at its finest. It is home to sites like – Epidaurus, Mycenae, Mistras, Pylos, and towns like – Gytheio, Monemvasia. From attractions like hidden villages in the mountains to Arcadia to the Byzantine churches, Peloponnese makes for one of the best places to experience Greek culture in Greece.
2. Thessaloniki:
Thessaloniki was the capital of Greece back in the day. The capital of the Macedonia region serves as the crossroad between the East and West. As a result of that, influences of Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Balkan culture is to be seen here. It is blessed with a deep, multicultural past and in the modern-day serves to be grounds for a booming art scene. In addition, it also serves as an edgy food destination. An amalgamation of cultures, delectable cuisine, and art make Thessaloniki one of the best places to experience Greek culture in Greece.
3. Corfu:
To the uninitiated, Corfu might be misunderstood as just a hot travel hub. But it is so much more than meets the eye at first. Corfu is arguably the most popular of the Ionian islands. Travellers will enjoy the beaches, the scenery, and the verdant interiors. However, it is the culture and traditions here which are not to be missed. Corfu has several traditions and customs owing to its multicultural past. It is highly recommended to visit this gem of a destination in the month of October to celebrate Easter.
4. Crete:
Crete is the birthplace of the Minoan civilization. Crete has something for everyone. It can be enjoyed by those seeking to enjoy Mediterranean life as much as by the history buffs. Crete is densely filled with archaeological landmarks. It is best enjoyed over a week in a lazy manner owing to how much there is to soak in.
5. Chios:
Chios is located in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is famous in particular for 2 things – Mastic resin and its flavourful liquor. Chios has an intriguing medieval past. Echoes of this history are still heard in modern times. It is home to “ Pyrgi “ – a medieval Mastic producing village or “ Mastihohoria “. In addition, Chios also has several Byzantine monasteries and medieval castles.
6. Ioannina:
The Epirus region is known for its rugged mountains and its villages which impart an old-school vibe. Ioannina is the capital of the Epirus Region. It has several historical landmarks dating from the Ottoman period. This town is best understood while taking a leisurely stroll. Do drop by in one of the several coffee shops and take a boat ride in the Pamvotida Lake.
7. Athens:
This list would be incomplete without mentioning Athens. The country’s capital is both busy and quaint in parts. This might leave one with the impression that it is stuck in limbo between its past and present. However, for the discerning eye, it is evident that this landmark is filled with culture. It is without doubt, one of the best places to experience Greek culture in Greece. It is home to numerous theaters, museums, and a signature irresistible charm. It is THE gateway into Greek culture.
8. Delphi:
Delphi is known as the – omphalos (navel) of the world, owing to Greek mythology. It has plenty of attractions to visit. Prime among those is the – “ Oracle of Apollo “. It is said that people of all statues have come here seeking answers to their burning questions. Their actions in the past have eventually influenced the world as we see it today. Other attractions here include – the Temple of Apollo, the Delphi museum, archeological site of Delphi. Lunch at one of the town’s traditional taverns will take you back in time. With such rich history all around, Delphi makes for one of the best places to experience Greek culture in Greece.
9. Nafplio:
Nafplio is said to be the playground of Athen’s elites. It has been shaped by many cultures over time. This fact is evident by the influences of the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Venetian marks on architecture and cuisine. This seaport town is both beautiful and romantic. Some of the key attractions here are the Palamidi and the Bourtzi fortresses.
10. Rhodes:
This landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here will take you to the ages of knights. With its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and beautiful squares Rhodes will surely leave you in awe. European architecture from the early 20th century can be found in the new city of Rhodes. A visit to the Valley of Butterflies is an absolute must.
Greece is an absolute treasure trove of a destination. Its attractions are figuratively endless. With so much to choose from, planning a trip can be a daunting task. Pickyourtrail helps you manage and plan your trip according to your needs. You can avail the best deals and offers so that you can make the most of your trip. Happy travels!
