Chrisa Lepida | Live the World
November 23, 2022
Continuing my “3-day itinerary” series, I am now back with this page to suggest a new route during which you’ll have the chance to admire some of the most historical places around Athens.
When booking a ticket to Greece, Athens is the first place that comes in mind; and that’s definitely understandable! Who wouldn’t want to see the mother city of democracy? Who wouldn’t want to admire Parthenon and Acropolis?! And who wouldn’t want to try the Greek delicious specialties served by typical greek restos?! But here’s some food for thought: as much as we love exploring our ever-surprising city, we know there’s just too much to see in this country to spend your holidays in Greece in just one place. And before you think you have no time or no money to consider too many places to visit in Greece, I’m here to tell you there are plenty of incredible things to do without spending much money or much time!
To cut the story short, here is a 3-day itinerary that I’ve prepared for you! If you’re travelling to Athens and you’re into history…then those places should definitely not be missing from your agenda! Enjoy!
If you’re looking for some great views and a way to escape from the capital-crowded Athens, then Sounio is the place to be! Sounio is about one hour away from the center of Athens. The drive to it is comfortable and there are signs leading you all the way there from the highway.
Cape Sounio has been recognised since prehistoric times as a special place of worship, and was an important sanctuary during the Greek Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. There are two sanctuaries present on the cape, the sanctuary of Poseidon and the sanctuary of Athena. Standing atop, the horizon is full of sea and you instantly get the feeling of freedom that you’ve been desperately looking for! Best time to visit, I’d say it is early in the morning, when this time the sun is low and the heat bearable!
Once you’re back to Athens and after having enjoyed a delightful day in Sounio, it’s now time you prepared for an historical-like experience, a visit to the ancient site of Delphi. Delphi is no doubt one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites; its history and the way it is has been preserved are unique and create an extraordinary experience for the visitors. For at least 12 centuries, the oracle at Delphi spoke on behalf of the gods, advising rulers, citizens and philosophers on everything from their sex lives to affairs of state. Nowadays, you can admire the temples, visit the museums and of course feel free to use your imagination to reconstruct the ancient history and the every day life at the oracle!
For your last day, I’ve prepared a visit that will definitely mark your memory.
Only a couple of hours away from Athens there is a lovely small town which will stay in your memory for quite a while after visiting it. Nafplio is ideal if you want to take a break from the intriguing yet chaotic Athens and enjoy a relaxing day. Many call it the “most romantic” town in Greece, while others emphasise its rich history and fascinating location.To get there, it’s actually quite easy, since there are daily buses from Athens.
Continuing your trip from Nafplio, since you’ve already arrived south enough, you shouldn’t miss on visiting Epidaurus. Also accessible by daily buses, the theater of Epidaurus passes for the most accomplished of all the ancient greek theaters. Probably built at the beginning of the third century BC. AD, it has reached us in an exceptional state. On the upper tier of the ancient theatre you’ll gaze, entranced, at the horizon. Peace, tranquility. You’ll understand immediately why the ancients chose this place to construct the most famous Asclepion, or holistic healing centre. Take a deep breath and look around at the grandstand, the seats, the place where the musicians play and the stage. Isn’t that exciting?
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