The Sunday Six: Greece

Every Sunday, we’ll be featuring six favourite places in a favourite country or region. Our first? Greece. A lot of people think of Greece as a destination for package holidays. It’s one of our favourite places – we’ve visited ten times between the two of us.

Here’s six great things to do in Greece:

1: See a Santorini Sunset
The island of Santorini exploded, dramatically, 3600 years ago, leaving behind it a series of fractured cliffs dropping vertiginously into the Mediterranean. With its multicoloured beaches and tiers of bright houses stepped down the cliffs, it’s well worth the ferry trip out there. The sunsets? Some of the best in Europe.

2: Eat at Balthazar
If you’d ever thought food in Athens was all about kebabs, a trip to Balthazar will make you think again. During summer, this long-running, still hip restaurant occupies the most beautiful courtyard, decorated with ancient trees, rippling mosaics and low cushions to drop onto. The deceptively simple food is astounding. Make sure to book.

3: Take the Back Way to the Acropolis
The cradle of democracy, the temples of the Acropolis still tower over Athens today, and a walk to the citadel is a must. Start from the Plaka side of the mount and a little-frequented path winds up through tiny, white and blue houses and narrow stepped alleyways with meditative cats. It’s a beautiful walk to an extraordinary place.

4: Visit Delphi
Set on a sheer spur of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was the sanctuary of the Greek god Apollo. It’s the place where his priestess made prophecies that changed the fate of nations, and home to one of the games that prefigured today’s Olympics. The beautiful theatre offers breathtaking views.

5: Cruise the Caves of Diros
In the Mani region of southern Greece, an underground river meanders through dazzling chambers with sculpted stalagmites and crystal clear waters. Lights illuminate the colours below the surface and above, in hues from red to white via blue.

6: Explore Mycenae
If you’ve come across the tale of Troy, you’ll know Mycenae, home of King Agamemnon (an enormous tomb, which some believe to be his, lies not far from the citadel). Around 3000 years old, this ancient town still towers over the surrounding landscape, its giant walls and carved lions a testimony to its power.

Do you know Greece? What would be your top picks? Drop me a line in the comments. I’d love to know.

Thanks to Thomas Cook Style for sponsoring this post. Thanks to Kaikanne for the Santorini image.