Vita List: 8 Things You Have to Do in Greece
Greece is a country grown on the back of Gods and giants — so entrenched is its history and culture, you’ll find yourself consuming it all just by being there. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some things that demand to be seen specifically while you’re in the sun-drenched paradise.
In part four of our Vita List series, we look at the top ten things you have to do in Greece.
Check it out!
Visit Acropolis in Athens
If you’re coming to Greece, missing the Ancient City of Athens would be a huge mistake. Sure, it’s a tourist hotspot, but it is so for very good reason — the majestic monuments of a bygone era sit atop a rocky outcrop surrounded by stunning scenery as far as the eye can see.
Acropolis isn’t just stunning, it’s also fascinating — so much of what we know about our predecessors comes from beautifully preserved sites like this, and it truly is captivating to stand in the middle of the ancient ruins.
Whether you’re there to see appease the history buff in you, or just see the sights, make sure you go with a game plan, arrive early, and consider booking a private tour to really learn everything there is to know.
Bungee jumping at Corinth Canal
You hear that? It’s the sound of your heartbeat racing. Sure, this one isn’t for the faint hearted, but what better way is there to witness the stunning aquamarine canal than hurtling towards it at many miles an hour? It’s a great spot for your first bungee jump — as it’s completely safe, the staff are friendly and professional, and the jump isn’t so high.
If bungee jumping does not sound like your idea of a good time, the Corinth Canal is still a must see destination. The canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea, and the 4 mile stretch has been over 2000 years in the making. You can either view the canal from land, or you can take a boat trip down it to really get up close and personal with this marvel of engineering.
Easter in Patmos
Regardless of where you sit on the religious spectrum, Easter anywhere in Greece is an incredible time filled with thousands of years of ritual, life-affirming celebration, and things to see and do wherever you look.
It depends how you want to do Easter, but we recommend Patmos because you will find yourself in the midst of an abundance of stunning scenery while you celebrate. Additionally, Patmos is supposedly where St John sojourned to write his gospel, so you know Easter is especially important on this Dodecanese island.
Check out the Delphi Ruins
Delphi is renowned for being the center of the Earth and Universe, so you know it’s historically significant and incredible to visit. It’s a must-see spot for any history buff especially, but even if ancient history isn’t your favorite thing, it’s hard not to be impressed by these stunning ruins.
The UNESCO World Heritage site was built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic ravine. This spot was historically sacred to the ancients who came to visit on pilgrimages to worship Apollo.
The area is composed of a number of temples, a theater, and a stadium. And while the eternal flame didn’t exactly burn eternally, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is still pretty much mandatory. Nearby, stands the Delphi Museum Archaeological Museum, displaying an impressive collection of finds from the site.
Melissani Cave
Not sure why this made the list? Look at literally just one photo, any photo, even a terrible quality one, and you’ll understand. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. Located not far from Karavomilo, this cave is home to a Greek legend surrounding Pan and Nymph Melissani, and during antiquity the lake was a place of worship to them.
Even if you’re not into tragic love stories, it’s hard not to fall deeply in love with this area yourself. The cave’s roof collapsed long ago leading to some of the most stunning natural lighting you’ll ever see, the water is a color that only really exists in the best places, and it’s structured by cave formations that make an intricate and captivating journey. Sure there may be a wait to get inside, but we think it’s worth it.
Meteora Monasteries
Greece is known for its stunning beaches, but a visit to the Meteora Monasteries is something a little more unusual that Greece has to offer. It’s the perfect combination of the grandeur of nature’s scenery and the spectacular innovation of man: Six monasteries sit perched on the top of a huge rock.
All six of the UNESCO protected monasteries are open to the public, and you have to climb up many flights of steps carved from the stone to reach each of them. Once inside you can take an intimate look at some of the most spiritually significant spots in Greece. We recommend allowing at least a day to explore the area — it’s a unique and cinematic experience that you won’t forget.
Spend a day on Ftelia Beach
While Paradise Beach in Mykonos truly lives up to its name, taking a chance on a more remote beach will offer you a quieter sunkissed experience away from partygoers. This beach, like most Greek beaches, looks like something out of an advert — with pure blue seas, golden sands, and water sports enthusiasts doing their thing.
This place is a windsurfers paradise, but that isn’t a prerequisite for going. Ftelia is more isolated and tranquil than many of its more southern counterparts, so it’s perfect for those looking to find serenity. Additionally, there are some incredible restaurants in the area to sample when all that sunbathing works up an appetite.
Sunset in Santorini
Bella Vita’s love for Santorini is well documented, and if you’ve ever seen a picture, it’s pretty obvious why. From perfect and unique architecture, to stunning weather, beautiful hidden beaches, and more culture and history than you can shake a stick at, Santorini is always a perfect destination for a vacation — regardless of who you are.
However, there is one thing that stands out above all else, and that’s a Santorini sunset — something about the blazing orange sky cascading down over the white and blue buildings makes for a truly cinematic and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re enjoying drinks on a terrace (we highly recommend booking a table at Ammoudi Bay just below Oia for an on-land experience) or even better, enjoying it from a sunset catamaran cruise.
Samariá Gorge
Ready to hike 10 miles? Then Samariá Gorge is perfect for you. Home to so much raw and natural beauty, Crete’s national park is a must-see spot if you want to take in all the flora and fauna you could ever hope for.
If you want to do the whole thing, you’ll need to allocate a full day to exploring the trails. However, it is possible to take a smaller excursion by just hiking part of the gorge — sure, you won’t get to see everything the hike has to offer, but you will get a solid introduction to just how beautiful nature can be.
And it’s not just nature you’ll find — Samariá Gorge is home to remains of old villages and churches which you can peer inside.
Wine Tasting
We know that France, Spain, and Italy rightly hold their reputation as titans of winemaking, but that doesn’t mean Greece doesn’t deserve some of the renown as well. Greece is being heralded as Europe’s newest wine country, so it’s important to find some of the local creations while you enjoy your time there.
Santorini is an extremely safe bet when it comes to finding the perfect winery, and we’d recommend somewhere like Domaine Sigalas. It is one of the finest wineries on the island, and it has a reputation internationally for producing world class wines. Whichever vineyard you head to, make sure you do — Greece may not be the ultimate wine country, but it sure is heading there.
When it comes to culture and civilization, there’s no place more brimming with it than Greece. The best thing about travelling in the Mediterranean is it’s so easy to engage with culture, party it up in the bigger cities, and get your sun tan on at the beach all in the same space, and Greece is the pinnacle of that.
Whatever you do there, you’ll have a blast, but these eight things are the ultimate experiences Greece has to offer. How many will you try?
