My Big Fat Greek Vacation: Go to Greece with JoyTravel

Whether you are looking to shop, party, explore ancient ruins or hang out on white sandy beaches next to crystal blue water, Greece is the country for you!

Located in the south east part of Europe, Greece is a traveler’s utopia with its two anchored peninsulas on land and more islands than there are plates to break at a Greek wedding. These islands are interspersed between the Ionian and Aegean seas and it’s quite literally the birthplace of Western civilization. Below are just a handful of places you won’t want to miss, including Olympic ruins, charming villages, sprawling beaches, cafes, nightlife and more.

Travel to Greece with Joy – JoyTravel.com style!

Like the mountains of Greece, planning a vacation like this can feel like a climb. Don’t get tired before you even lace up your shoes! JoyTravel.com is here to serve as your navigator. Let this article be your hiking stick and get ready for the adventure of your life! 10.82 million people call Greece home and we promise: you’ll join them in calling this country one of the most alluring and magical places you’ve had the priviledge of visiting.

Ten Locations to Visit in Greece:

1. Mykonos
If you love a party atmosphere, you’ll adore Mykonos. This modern island is part of the Cyclades group of islands and is considered a beach lover’s paradise.  Stroll along thin streets of marble and let your mind take in the multi-colored houses, wooden window frames and multicolored bougainvillea trees that engulf white washed homes and buildings. History lovers can stop in museums focused on folklore and maritime culture, while coffee buffs can enjoy a cappuccino at one of the hundreds of cafes. Pelicans flock to this Mykonos as do many fishermen who use this island for their living. Parts of this island reflect an 18^th century Italian village with its colorful villas and balconies overflowing with lush tropical plants. Water sports are popular here, too! Known as “The Island of the Winds,” it’s not uncommon to find surfers and sailors dotting the shores. Tourists can jet ski, deep sea dive and fish, sea parachute or just stay on shore and play volleyball or mini golf. There is something for everyone at Mykonos!

2. Athens
It would hardly be a trip to Greece without a visit to its capital, Athens. People have made Athens their home for over 3000 years, making it not only rich in tradition but also giving it the well-earned title as “The Cradle of Civilization.” All modern countries derived their sense of democracy from this city where its historic buildings can still be found today. From archaeological ruins to the Parthenon, ancient meets modern in this metropolis of three million people that contribute to a thriving business and nightlife community. It was also home to the 2004 Olympics – a lovely nod to its past life as the city of modern sports. You won’t want to miss a visit to the Acropolis or the National Archaeological Museum which houses the biggest collection of Greek remnants in the world. Neighborhoods like Psyri and Plaka pulse with clubs, bars, cafes and a wide assortment of food to choose from. Markets and shopping are easily accessible due to public transportation. Athens, to put it simply, is the closest you’ll get to a really big city in Greece.

3.Thessaloniki

Next to Athens and located in the north, Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in the country. Thessaloniki is known for its lively nightlife and vibrant festivals. But don’t be fooled by the razzle dazzle factor. Thessaloniki is a city rich in history that reflects its Byzantine past. Some attractions not to be missed are the Byzantine Walls, Aristotelous Square and White Tower. Plenty of museums and restaurants offer a quieter side to the city, too.

4.Halkidiki
Located near Thessaloniki, take a break from the bustling city and enjoy some relaxing beach time with just a wee bit of nightlife thrown in for good measure. Three unique peninsulas make up Halkidiki (Kasssandra, Sithonia and Athos). Kassandra is the most city like – being closest in proximity to Thessaloniki – and is popular for its partying and nightlife. Sithonia is a irresistible due to its beautiful beaches, clear water and coves hidden into the mountains. (It even has campgrounds for the tourist on a budget.) Athos is a quiet city populated by monks.

5.Zagori
If you’re looking for natural beauty, look no further than Zagori. Located in northwestern Greece, it features a rugged mountains and hills with lush forests, strong rivers and two national parks. Stroll through quaint villages peppered with stone houses that haven’t changed since the 18^th century. The sweet spot is the Vikos Gorge – a village that will take you back to slower time and era where food, family and beauty were as much an undercurrent to life as the modern night clubs of Athens are today. Hikers in particular love this region with its many trails and paths!

6.Cape Sounion
It’s located at the southern tip of the peninsula of Attica and popular for its view of the Aegean Sea on three sides. Go at sunset and re-live the marvel of ancient Greece in ruins that still evoke a time of mythology and rich tradition.

7.Peloponnese
This region is named after its Mulberry leaf shape. Traveling here will land you in the middle of Venetian fortresses , castle-like structures,  and Olympia – the site of the first Olympic games.

8.Meteora
Not unlike the word for meteor, this region is truly lifted into the air with its city formed on top of a giant cliff. It rises over twelve hundred feet and overlooks the towns of Kastraki and Kalambaka. Going back as far as the fourteenth century, this isolated city was built by folk wanting to hide from war and persecution. It’s truly a meteor of a city that skyrockets above everyday life in beauty, majesty and explosive history.

9.Crete
From a beautiful coastline to green countryside and rocky mountains, Crete is a busy city that quickly transforms to quiet villages made up of coffee shops and mellow market places. It’s a town deeply rooted in Greek history with structures and traditions dating back thousands of years. This is a great place to visit if one wants to see Greeks being Greek in the most ancient sense of the word – living, working and hanging out with family.

10.Delphi
You can’t go to Greece without visiting Delphi – a site that was once considered by the Greeks to be the center of the earth. Thousands of years ago, Greeks would pilgrim to Delphi to ask advice on everything from war to relationships, children and crops. Delphi is considered one of ancient Greece’s most significant political landmarks. Today it’s still possible to walk through its ruin. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Hippodrome that was once home to the Pythian Games.

Greece is the Word!
Despite economic uncertainty today, Greece is still considered one of the most incredible countries in the world. Let JoyTravel.com book you the trip of a lifetime!