Thira

Much of the country consists of peninsulas and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It borders Albania, the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Ancient Greece was one of Europe's first urban civilizations, and the origin of much of the arts, language, philosophy, politics, and sports of western society. The cultural heritage and spectacular mountains and beaches draw tourists from far away. Eighty percent of Greece is mountainous, with Mount Olympus being the highest peak at 2,918 metres. The country consists of nine geographic regions: Macedonia, Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Thessaly, Epirus, the Aegean Islands, Thrace and Crete. Few countries can pride themselves on a heritage as important to Western civilization as Greece. A range of first class historic landmarks remind one of the days when the great Greek emperors and writers made their mark on the development of science, literature and democracy. No less than 17 of those monuments are listed as World Heritage Sites. However, the many charming little islands, sandy beaches and picturesque whitewashed coastal towns are at least as much a reason to come for the millions of tourists that this Mediterranean country receives each year.

Greece

The capital of the region is Ermoupoli of the Syros island. This island offers a nice architecture to discover and of course the beautiful beaches to relax at. If you are looking for some history make sure you stop by Rhodes. In this island you will come across many ruins, castles and chapel. There is also a really old town where you can see the walled fortress of the medieval Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best preserved medieval walled towns in Europe. Impressive on the outside, the Palace of the Grand Masters is not worth the entry fee, so head to the Archaeological Museum. However the most famous places of the region are the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, two beautiful and paradisiac islands.

South Aegean

Everytime I mention that I am from Greece everybody seems to have the same response “ ohhh Greece? so beautiful, you know I ‘ve been to Santorini and it was magic”. I know. 

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Santorini is actually breath-taking and as far as I know it’s a different kinda of island. Holidays in Santorini is the dream of a lifetime for many people. As this is the top tourist destination in Greece, the island is famous for the impressive caldera, the volcano and the romantic sunset. In fact, it is frequently included among the best destinations in the world. Over the last years, tourist season has extended in Santorini, from early April until early November due to the many cruise ships that dock there.

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 Due to the good ferry connection with other Greek islands, holidays in Santorini can easily be combined with holidays in other islands. There are also many charter flights to Santorini from abroad, making it easy to come to this small paradise on Earth. So this year you gotta be prepared; keep in mind that it’s Angelina’s Jolie favorite island, so do not freak out if you bump into her accidentally! If not you can still book your ticket and while preparing for this experience, watch “Lara Croft; Tomb Raider”, yeasss it’s set in Santorini! 

# Let’s explore some things and places that you shouldn’t miss out while in Santorini!



The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is located in Fira, on the island of Santorini in Greece. It was built on the site of the old Ypapanti Church which was destroyed in the 1956 Amorgos earthquake.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

### Discover the Majestic Skaros Rock in Santorini

Santorini, the jewel of the Aegean Sea, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages. One of the most impressive spots on this enchanting island is Skaros Rock. Located in front of the village of Imerovigli, Skaros Rock is a rocky headland that protrudes out to the azure-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

### A Glimpse into History

Skaros Rock holds great historical significance for Santorini. In the past, it was the capital of the island until the 18th century when Fira took over due to its proximity to the sea. Skaros was not only a political center but also the principal place of the Christian congregation in Santorini until the early 1800s. Unfortunately, an earthquake in the 19th century devastated the majestic castle that once stood on Skaros Rock, leaving behind only remnants of its former glory.

### Architectural Marvels

Despite the ruins, Skaros Rock still exudes an old-world charm and offers visitors a glimpse into its architectural past. The remnants of the castle showcase the impressive construction techniques of the time. The rock itself stands about 20 meters high, forming a conical peninsula that adds to the dramatic beauty of the landscape.

### Things to Do and See

Visiting Skaros Rock is a must for any traveler exploring Santorini. The scenic beauty of the surrounding areas, including the caldera, is simply breathtaking. Take a leisurely stroll along the rim of the caldera and immerse yourself in the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The walk from Fira to Oia is a popular route that allows you to explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira while enjoying some of the most beautiful views on the island.

For those looking for a more adventurous experience, consider making a detour to Skaros Rock during your hike. The additional 45 to 60 minutes it takes to reach the rock is well worth it. As you approach Skaros Rock, you'll be captivated by its rugged beauty and the sense of history that surrounds it.

### When to Visit

The best time to visit Skaros Rock is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be quite hot, so it's advisable to start your hike early in the day to avoid the heat. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your adventure.

### Conclusion

Skaros Rock in Santorini is a testament to the island's rich history and architectural marvels. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking stunning views, Skaros Rock is a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Santorini and discover the allure of this majestic rock that has stood the test of time.

Skaros Rock in Santorini

### Exploring the Charm of Donkey Rides and Traditional Weddings in Greece

![Donkey Ride](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560807707-8cc77767d783)

Are you ready for a unique and unforgettable experience? Look no further than the enchanting country of Greece, where you can embark on a donkey ride adventure and witness the beauty of traditional weddings. Let's dive into the captivating world of donkey rides and traditional weddings in Greece.

### Donkey Rides: A Quirky and Delightful Experience

One of the most charming and iconic experiences in Greece is taking a donkey ride. Santorini, a picturesque island in the Cyclades, offers visitors the rare opportunity to explore its stunning landscapes on the back of a donkey. While some may find the idea unusual, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in Santorini. The best place to catch these adorable creatures is at the old port in Fira, the capital of Santorini. You can also find donkey rides available in other villages, such as Oia to Ammoudi.

Did you know that donkeys were the primary mode of transportation to climb up or down the 600 steps of the harbor to reach Fira until 1979? Although cable cars have been installed since then, donkey owners have not lost out on much. They still receive a percentage of the earnings from the cable cars. Surprisingly, many tourists still prefer the charm and authenticity of a donkey ride over the convenience of a cable car.

### Traditional Weddings: A Timeless Celebration

In Greece, donkeys play a significant role in traditional weddings. These gentle creatures are entrusted with the task of carrying the bride to the church and back to her house. It adds a touch of romance and nostalgia to the wedding ceremony, creating unforgettable memories for the couple and their guests.

While it is true that nowadays churches are often located far away from the house, and cars are used for transportation, there are still instances where donkeys are incorporated into weddings. For example, on the island of Hydra, where no roads exist, donkeys are the only means of transportation. In such cases, the bride may choose to arrive at the church on a donkey, creating a unique and memorable entrance.

### When to Visit Greece for Donkey Rides and Traditional Weddings

Greece is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit for donkey rides and traditional weddings is during the spring and summer months. The weather is pleasant, and the islands are bustling with activity. Santorini, in particular, is known for its vibrant colors and breathtaking views, making it the perfect backdrop for a donkey ride or a traditional wedding ceremony.

To make the most of your visit, plan your trip around the traditional wedding season, which typically takes place from May to September. This way, you can witness the joyous celebrations and immerse yourself in the local culture.

### Conclusion

Greece offers a truly unique and captivating experience with its donkey rides and traditional weddings. Whether you choose to explore the islands on the back of a donkey or witness the beauty of a traditional wedding ceremony, you are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure in the charming country of Greece.

Donkey ride and traditional weddings

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Explore Santorini and its unique beauty

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As most of us here, I am also passionate with traveling! Nature lover, winter sports addict and Erasmus obsessed, I definitely love working on mobility projects that promote traveling and living abroad as a local! As a result, I do travel a lot and yes, I do have to move every time. Adapting myself into different environments has undoubtedly helped me grow to the multicultural soul I am today. As Parov Stellar says, “I am a traveller momma, I am gonna follow the sun.” Being a native Greek living in Spain, “following the sun” is definitely something I pursue. With a strong background in Communication, Media, and English studies, I am now officially one of itinari’s editors in chief, advising, supervising and editing articles daily before having them published in our platform.

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