Rick Steves Warns Not To Skip These Stellar Greece Destinations
By Sanjay Surana
VACATIONS
Athens
As Rick Steves writes on his website, in Athens, "Romantics can't help but get goose bumps as they kick around the same pebbles that once stuck in Socrates' sandals."
At the Parthenon, which encloses the historic city core, you'll see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Acropolis — the columned highlight of it all.
Delos
This UNESCO World Heritage site has great ruins, and Steves stresses its role in Greek lore. The god Apollo was born here, and worshippers would come to the island to pray.
The archaeology shows the vestiges of life here from millennia earlier. Since the island is uninhabited, it only has its historical ruins and ancient infrastructure to see.
Delphi
This town was important to ancient Greeks, who saw it as the focal point of the planet. It was home to many places of prayer and the oracle of Delphi, who offered prophecies.
Steves calls the island "The most spectacular of Greece's ancient sites." There is more to enjoy there beyond history, from a ski center to the many hiking trails around town.
Epidavros
Steves notes that this area's highlight is the theater. Built more than 2,000 years ago, the theater was famed for its shows and known as a center of medicine and healing.
At the annual summer Athens & Epidaurus Festival, old plays are performed at the theater. Visitors can also find beaches and countryside or snorkel at a sunken city.
Hydra
This favorite island of Steves’ has unforgettable beaches. He calls it a "glamorous getaway that combines practical convenience [...] with idyllic Greek island ambience."
Hydra has hundreds of churches and even a handful of monasteries, which can all be visited. It's a car-free destination, and the views from Mount Eros are breathtaking.