Things to see in Greece

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Cruising the Greek islands

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Greece Attractions

For an all-in-one sightseeing, culture-rich, cosmopolitan, metropolitan and historic country destination, Greece is the word. Every facet of Greek society is an attraction in itself, from food to fashion to buildings; it's a big fat Greek tourism magnet. Most visitors head right for the capital of Athens, where ancient civilisations are preserved in the famous Parthenon and Acropolis structures. The more modern part of Athens is located in and around the Syntagma Square, where the Greek parliament is housed.

From Athens, most tourists will set about a cruise to the multitude of smaller Greek isles. Mountainous Crete is the most popular, hosting sparkling beaches, spectacular green outcroppings, ancient Minoan and other historic sites as well as the jaw-dropping (and back-breaking) Samaria Gorge Trail.

Other popular island destinations include: Corfu, for its mythic significance; Sanatori, for its volcanic history and vibrant nightlife and Rhodes Island which once held the Wonder of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes and is today a World Heritage Site. While the boat gets you between islands, the most effective way to travel on the islands themselves is by scooter, bus or taxi.

Acropolis

Those arriving in Athens for the first time generally head immediately for the Acropolis. There are very few visitors who are not already familiar with the image of this distinctive citadel of ancient Athens, perched on its steep flat-topped rock above the sprawling city.... see full details

Ancient Agora

Clustered below the Acropolis (enter from Odos Adrianou, east of Monastiraki Square) is the remains of the Agora, ancient Athens' commercial and civic centre, where once walked and talked the great philosophers Socrates and Plato. In fact the disgraced and despairing Socrates committed suicide... see full details

National Archaeological Museum

This is the largest and most popular of Athens' many museums, and is usually very crowded. Its vast collection includes treasures unearthed from Mycenae by Heinrich Schliemann; a staggering array of sculpture including the earliest known Greek figurines dating from around 2,000 BC; frescoes... see full details

Plaka

The old town section of Athens below the Acropolis has become the gathering place for travellers and tourists, particularly in the warm Athens evenings. Strolling the narrow streets of the Plaka flanked by ancient monuments, Byzantine churches and mosques, stately mansions, and inviting tavernas... see full details

Kolonaki/Lykavittos Hill

This hill juts a steep 984 feet (300m) right up from the centre of the city, and is a great vantage point from which to take in the scope of Athens. The St. George chapel and Lykavittos Theatre perch atop this hill, which... see full details

Syntagma Square

The square that forms the heart of modern Athens is home to the Parliament Building, built in 1840 as a royal palace. Tourists flock to photograph the unusually clad guards at the palace; the skirted and pom-pommed guard is changed ceremonially every hour. The... see full details

The White Tower

The city's most famous landmark, the White Tower was originally built as part of the city walls. It now stands, no longer white but still imposing, on the seaside promenade south of the Archaeological Museum, having been restored and offering panoramic views of the... see full details

Benaki Museum

Established in 1930, the museum houses prehistoric to modern Greek art and artifacts, occasionally hosting exhibitions, and restoration and conservation workshops. The collection features Paleolithic and Neolithic relics, and covers the late Roman Empire as it merged into the Byzantine Empire.

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