Greece Athens is one of my favorite travel and vacation destinations. I spent almost a month walking around beautiful places.
A Trip to Athens
One of the oldest cities in the world and the cradle of Western civilization. It’s been my dream to be here for many years. In this quick trip, I was happy to visit the most popular places and hotspots in greek capital.
The first point of my trip to Athens is Syntagma Square the most popular square in Greece. I am impressed by its size and space as well as its large and impressive buildings. Some of them are Parliament, Presidential Palace, the King Georgios Hotel, the National Gardens, and many embassies. Every hour the guard in front of the parliament and the president’s palace changes. This ceremony is attractive to most tourists in Athens.
A few blocks from Syntagma Square I came across some of the most iconic buildings in Athens. The University of Athens, the Academy and the Archaeological Museum. Each of them has impressive ornaments from Greek mythology, beloved by me and many people. The front facades of the buildings had large marble columns typical of Greek culture.
Another important and I would say a major point in my tour is the Acropolis. This is the place I dream to visit and here it is. My impression is one of the most magnificent landmarks I have ever experienced. A place full of history, culture, romance, survived many wars and turmoil. The weather was great for a stroll through the ancient ruins. In the summer it is not recommended because of the heat and frequent fits of people there. The Panoramic view from the hill of the Parthenon will stop your breath. I could see Athens from an almost bird’s eye view.
It’s time for some of the most famous greek traditions – relaxing! (For the Greeks, the time from 2:00pm to 5:00pm is a time for rest, even on weekdays.)
The local people are kind and to my surprise very friendly. The older local Greeks hardly speak English, but they will try to help you as a friend. They quickly advised me where I can to eat delicious gyro and greek desserts. They guided me on the way back to the start of my journey. By 5:00 pm I returned to Syntagma Square again, and my trip to Athens ended.
My Santorini`s Vacation
A magical place with lots of sea, red beaches, and white villas. One of the most beautiful and famous places in the world. This is my first time visiting this place and I used a ferry from Piraeus to transport.
I arrived in the capital city of Oia. This place is a top destination and thousands of tourists have confirmed it that. There were hundreds of buses in the parking lot. The tourists I saw most often were Russians, Bulgarians, and Asians. A local guide took us through the main cobblestone streets. We went through several churches and many of them I saw newlyweds.
In Oia Fortress I could see the legendary panoramic view. World-famous white churches with blue domes. There were over 500 churches on the island. The place was full with many tourists with selfie sticks photographers with tripods and love couples. A little later it darkened and I saw a unique red glow appearing above the horizon.
The next day, I began my tour of the Kamari resort. It is famous for its black beaches located on the other side of the mountain. The walk from one of the beaches goes on with an ascent to the ancient Thira Archeological Complex.
After a short break on the beach, I headed to Imerovigli. Fira’s most luxurious suburb at the highest point of the island. Covered with unique white stone villas, many with pools and whirlpools. The view from there to the whole island stopped my breath.
Thousands of selfies and photos later got on the bus and within minutes I was in Fira. The tour began from the largest temple and reached the next archaeological museum.
There I enjoyed the view of the old harbor. The very path to it is a whole attraction. Possibilities for it are traveling by golf cart, lift and most interesting – a donkey.
We headed to one of the hundreds of cafes around (coffee is a tribute among the Greeks). We walked across the street with many clothing and souvenir shops. There were I find clothes typical of ancient Greek gods and tiaras with olive branches.
The day ended with a visit to Pyrgos at the foot of Prophet Elijah Mountain. Unfortunately, there is a military base near the monastery on the island. Which makes the island inaccessible. The evening ended in a typical Greek tavern with fish delicacies and sirtaki. (traditional greek dance).
Thessaloniki – I Love this place!
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Macedonia.
The White Tower is an iconic landmark in Thessaloniki. A favorite meeting place and stop for all tourists in the city. A frequent sight is the locals who like to rest on the grass, drink and watch the boats from the coastal promenade. To my great surprise, I learned that the White Tower keeps bloody stories and has been a prison in the past. It is on the seaside Nikis Boulevard meters from the bay. It is 34 meters high and has 7 floors. Today it is a museum and I was able to visit it with an entrance fee of 4 euros.
The view at the top of the tower towards the Salt and Aegean is incredible.
After the White Tower, I made my way to the gallery arch. Built of bricks in the 298th year. Attached to the arch are galleries leading to the St. George Rotunda, both of which are part of UNESCO. I learned from a local guide that the church was an Orthodox and then a mosque and again an Orthodox church to this day.
On the way to the next landmark, St. Demetrius Thessaloniki Church, I got lost. Thanks to a few locals who showed me the right way and found it. It is the largest Orthodox church in Thessaloniki. The relics of Saint Dimitar are kept there. Known as the Protector of Thessaloniki and his Father, he was mayor of Thessaloniki. St. Demetrius was killed by a spear in 306 by enemies of Christianity.
The street I walked to the church was full of shops, Greek pastries, and typical cafes. Electra Hotel, located 20 meters from the White Tower, was my place to stay in Thessaloniki. Care for my stomach and fun was taken over by Thessaloniki Tavern, located a few meters from the White Tower.
Lefkada…Part of the Eden!
Emerald Island with Turquoise Sea. I found this description of Lefkada Island on social networks. It aroused my curiosity and not long after I visited this incredible place.
After a long bus ride, we reached the entrance of the island. The descent bridge is a land link between the island and the mainland. This is the first time I see such a bridge that has withstood entire buses and trucks traveling to the island.
After leaving the island, we headed to the capital – Porto Lefkada. After a stroll through the harbor full of luxury yachts, I went to the studio I had rented for my vacation. Located in the vicinity of the city.
After I unpacked my luggage I got on a cruise ship. Then I went down to one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen – Porto Katsiki. World-famous with crystal clear water and white pebbles instead of sand. I learned from locals that it was a favorite spot for surfers. Small coves and rocks are a unique place to enjoy your vacation. There were dozens of tourist boats and many tourists from all over the world descended from them.
The next day I was able to visit the beaches of Katism and Vasiliki. The bays of these beaches are incredible. The photos I took were for the whole exhibition. On the way between the two beaches, we also visited a monastery (Metoh). There I also saw a true Greek baptism. Unfortunately for me, photos in the Metoh were not allowed.
Walk around Kavala
Kavala is a two-part city – New and Old. My visit to this city started from the port which is a meeting place and for buses with tourists. The first thing I saw was the massive fortress rising from a high hill above the city.
The port is one of the most important in Greece. It is the connection between the mainland of Greece and the islands of Thasos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria. Although a small town, many tourists can be seen. Thousands of shops, cafes, malls, attractions make it attractive to me.
After the port, I went to the fortress Kavala Castle, located in the Old Town on a high hill. The road to it passes through many narrow streets with the stone pavement. One of the towers of the fortress offers a unique panoramic view of the city and the sea.
After the fortress, I headed for the (It looks like the Colosseum in Rome).
Near the Old Town is Eleftherios Square / Freedom Square / Place for social activities. I was able to eat delicious local souvlaki there аnd visited the mall on the square to get shopping. I am happy that I have chosen a business day for this excursion. Because during the weekends and holidays most of the places didn’t work.