Your Wedding Planet

Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization for its many contributions. In politics, it is the birthplace of democracy and even political science. In sports, it is where the Olympic Games originated. In science and philosophy, it produced unparalleled minds like Euclid, Hippocrates, Archimedes, Pythagoras, Thales, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, among others. Even in art and literature, Greece has much to show for. And if these are not enough to convince you to visit Greece, here are five reasons that surely will.

1. Ancient Monuments

Many people visit Greece just for its ancient monuments, which, for the civilization they represent, is reason enough. Indeed, though in ruins, each monument holds a charm of its own, transporting visitors back to a glorious age of gods and heroes. The most impressive and important monument of ancient Greece, the Parthenon, can be found in the Athens Acropolis, where you can also find the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheion, while the largest Greek temple, the Olympeion or Temple of Olympian Zeus can be found just outside. You will also find the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion in southern Athens.

If you are truly interested in archaeology, you shouldn’t stop at Athens, though, since there are many impressive sites and monuments in other cities, as well. In fact, some cities like Delphi, Delos and Olympia are archaeological sites in themselves. Some of the most remarkable monuments outside Athens include the Temple of Demeter at Naxos, the Temple of Epicurian Apollo at Vassae and the ruins of the Knossos Palace in Crete.

If you’d rather just see ancient Greek sculptures, though, or the artifacts that were excavated from these sites, you should visit the archaeological museums in Greece, starting with the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, which has the finest collection, including the Mask of Agamemnon and Praxiteles’ statue of Aphrodite.

2. Beaches

Warm, turquoise waters, white sand, a dramatic backdrop and excellent facilities – you will find these in most Greek beaches, which is why they are considered among the best in the world. Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Trahili Beach in Chios and Navagio Beach in Zakynthos top the list, although there are dozens of other Blue Flag beaches. If you want to take your clothes off, there are nudist beaches in Greece, too, like Banana Beach in Skiathos and if you brought your snorkelling equipment, you will find many sea caves to explore. In fact, no matter what kind of beach you have in mind, you’re sure to find it in Greece.

3. Greek Cuisine

Greek food is often described as healthy, so make sure you get your fill when you visit Greece. This is because olives and olive oil are widely used, most of which are grown and produced in Kalamata and Crete. There are many vegetable dishes, too, such as Greek Salad, baked beans and cabbage rolls, although meat dishes like oven-baked lamb, Gyros (roasted meat) and Souvlaki (skewered meat) are also popular. As for desserts, many are made with nuts and honey, the most popular one being Baklava, while wine is the most common drink. In fact, there are some that say wine originated in Greece.

4. Greece by Night

While Greece is a country steeped in history, it definitely does not live in the past, as you will see for yourself when you visit Greece. In contrast to the quiet of its ancient monuments, Greece has a large number of clubs and bars where you can dance, drink or simply listen to all types of great music all night, even until seven in the morning if you want, especially in Athens, Mykonos, Skiathos, Rhodes and Samos.

5. Movie Locations in Greece

Are you a movie buff? If so, you should definitely visit Greece, where several great movies were filmed. These include the James Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’ which featured the spectacular Aghia Triatha monastery at Meteora, ‘Shirley Valentine’ which was filmed mostly on Mykonos, ‘Zorba the Greek’ which has scenes filmed in Crete and recently, ‘Mamma Mia!’ with some scenes shot on Skopelos and the Pelion coast of mainland Greece.

Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who has been to global tourist destinations like Greece. To book your Greece car hire or learn more about airport car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.