GREECE
- karaeverett
- Jul 22
- 15 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Opa! When you think about Greece, what comes to mind first? The cradle of Western civilization? Democracy? Philosophy? The Olympic Games? Trojan horses? Or maybe a Big Fat Greek Wedding?
I think you can check all of the above, because Greece truly has it all: history, culture, wonderful people, and incredible food. I could easily write an entire article just listing the magnificent things about this country and fill up pages. What’s truly amazing about Greece is that you never have to choose just one thing to love. For me, I’m going to check every single box when I talk about Greece!
HISTORY
One thing I know, that I know nothing. This is the source of my wisdom. – Socrates/Plato
One of the earliest modern human settlements outside of Africa was found in southern Greece, with fossil evidence dating back roughly 210,000 years. While we mostly talk about the history that has unfolded over the last 10,000 years, the land of Greece has actually seen its way through the Stone Age (Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic), the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Middle Ages, and presently into the modern era. That’s a lot of history! Greece is so foundational that it serves as our ultimate reference point for Western civilization.
One of the region's first advanced cultures emerged over 4,500 years ago on the island of Crete. The Minoan civilization created extensive maritime commerce, vibrant art, and monumental architecture until it collapsed following a series of natural disasters and economic disruptions, completely fading by around 1100 BC. Next came the Mycenaeans from the Greek mainland. Developing around 1750 BC, Mycenaean culture lasted until its own collapse around 1100 BC.
These two unique cultures are the true bedrock of modern Western societies. Their early languages and written communications are deeply fascinating. Linear A was a writing system used by the Minoans in places like Crete and Santorini; however, it is a pre-Greek script that remains entirely undeciphered to this day. Linear B developed later as an adaptation of that script, and it stands as the earliest certified form of the Greek language we are familiar with today.
Likely, both civilizations perished during the regional cataclysm known as the Late Bronze Age Collapse. Greece subsequently entered a dark age but rose to magnificent prominence again in the 8th century BC with the recorded inception of the first ancient Olympic Games in 776 BC. Epic literature flourished around this same period, with legendary stories of the Trojan War preserved and passed down through the oral traditions of Homer.
From Greece, the world received early forms of scripted poetry, drama, comedy, and tragedy. But the arts are not the only things Greece can lay claim to. As the birthplace of the world's first democracy in Athens, the region exploded with revolutionary ideas, ushering in classical architecture, advanced mathematics, empirical science, and Western philosophy.
By the 5th century BC, powerful Greek city-states dominated the region. The Achaemenid Persian Empire launched an invasion of the Greek mainland, but their initial forces were famously defeated by the Athenians and their allies at the legendary Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. This looming threat led to a historic unification of the Greek city-states, forming an alliance known as the Hellenic League in 481 BC. The Persians were finally and decisively driven from the European mainland by 479 BC, bringing a brief era of golden peace.
Moving further through time, we meet Alexander the Great, King of Macedon. Prior to his death at the young age of 32 in 323 BC in Babylon, Alexander had conquered a vast empire stretching from Greece all the way to the edges of India. Greek culture spread rapidly during this Hellenistic period, especially as his top generals divided up the spoils of victory after his demise—the most famous instance being the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.
Eventually, Greece was absorbed by the expanding Roman Empire. It’s interesting to note that despite militarily conquering the region, the Romans were so deeply enamored by Greek society that they wholesale adopted many aspects of Greek art, architecture, and mythology. Later on, early Christians utilized Greek as a lingua franca, which is why the language completely dominates the original texts of the New Testament. As the Western Roman Empire waned, the Greek-speaking Byzantine Empire rose, dominating for a thousand years until the fall of Constantinople.
Then came centuries of rule under the Ottoman Empire, interspersed with structural clashes against the Venetians. While Western powers like France and Great Britain eventually gained strategic naval footholds in the Mediterranean, the Ottomans held fast to Greek territory for generations. By the 1820s, the fires of the Greek War of Independence were lit. Though early local revolts were brutally suppressed, the geopolitical tide turned when France, Russia, and the United Kingdom intervened, decisively defeating the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet at the Battle of Navarino in 1827.
This victory established the First Hellenic Republic. However, European powers soon intervened to establish a stable monarchy, initially installing a Bavarian prince as King Otto, who was later replaced by a prince from Denmark who reigned as King George I.
Greece entered a tragic period in the early 20th century following a military campaign in Asia Minor. The subsequent collapse led to the compulsory population exchange of 1923, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths among Greeks, Armenians, and Assyrians. Mass waves of Greek refugees fleeing Turkey immigrated back to their ancestral lands, abandoning their historic properties and completely assimilating into the fabric of the state.
Decades later, Greece was drawn into the horrors of World War II when it was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany. Hundreds of thousands died of starvation or execution as enemies of the regime, and thousands of towns were burned to the ground, leaving over a million Greeks entirely homeless.
After the war and a subsequent civil war, Greece slowly recovered. Today, the nation is officially known as the Third Hellenic Republic and is a proud, stable member of the European Union.
Let me note that these few paragraphs describing Greek history are woefully inadequate to capture the immense breadth and depth of how Greek culture continues to influence our daily lives. I could write an entire article just on the legacy of Alexander the Great or how Homer inspired modern storytelling. Please feel free to research these highlights yourself, because modern civilization truly stems from this humble, beautiful country.
GEOGRAPHY
The world is the expanding Greece and Greece is the expanding world. – Victor Hugo
Greece is situated along the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Mainland Greece lies directly south of Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, while sharing its eastern land border with Turkey. The nation also shares strategic maritime borders with Italy across the Ionian Sea, and with Turkey across the Aegean Sea. Athens, the historic capital, is located on the southern portion of the Greek mainland peninsula. While northern Greece is heavily dominated by rugged mountain ranges, the southern mainland gently slopes down into milder altitudes and coastal plains. Across the surrounding waters, it seems every individual island features a completely unique geographical composition, depending entirely on its location and volcanic or geological history.
WEATHER
Eternal summer gilds them yet, But all, except their sun, is set.
— Lord Byron, The Isles of Greece
Greece features a textbook definition of a Mediterranean climate along its coastal and island regions, which brings wet, mild-to-cool winters and hot, dry summers. In contrast, the higher elevations of northern Greece experience a more alpine climate, complete with heavy snowfalls during the winter months and much cooler, comfortable summers.
WHERE DO I GO?
The problem with Greece is that she’s just too beautiful. -- Unknown
The Greek mainland accounts for roughly 80% of the country's total landmass. On the mainland, you will find the historic metropolis of Athens. Athens is an entire trip unto itself, with the glorious Parthenon sitting high above the streets alongside numerous other ancient sites preserved right in the center of the city. Athens also serves as a perfect hub for incredible day trips.
DELPHI. Once considered the center of the ancient world, this mountainside site features the breathtaking remains of the Temple of Apollo and an exceptional archaeological museum. The journey is about 2.5 hours by car or three hours by bus from Athens.
MYCENAE. This is a day trip we personally took, alongside a stop in Corinth. Exploring the ancient, monumental ruins of the Bronze Age Mycenaean civilization was an unforgettable experience. It is deeply fascinating to see these foundational settlements preserved through time.
THE SARONIC ISLANDS: Greece relies heavily on a robust network of ferries to connect its landmasses. It is incredibly easy to schedule a day trip or a multi-day island-hopping excursion departing from the bustling Piraeus Port just south of Athens. Nearby islands perfect for a quick escape include Hydra, Aegina, and Poros.
METEORA. This sits at the absolute top of my bucket list for our next visit. Located in central mainland Greece, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features 24 massive, towering sandstone rock pillars. Perched precariously atop these pillars are Eastern Orthodox monasteries that look as if they are suspended in mid-air, reaching heights of up to 1,300 feet (400 meters).
EVERYWHERE ELSE. Beyond the mainland, there are approximately 6,000 islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas within the Mediterranean basin. I could collect these islands like jewels in a crown, as every single one boasts its own unique beauty, culture, and geography.
GREEK ISLANDS
It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.
-- Henry Miller
Of Greece's 6,000 islands and islets, only 227 are permanently inhabited. These are broken up into distinct subgroups based on their geographic location and formation:
SARONIC ISLANDS. Located in the Saronic Gulf just a short ferry ride from the capital, these islands are the closest to Athens. Popular destinations include Aegina, Hydra, and Poros, which are ideal for quick day trips.
SPORADES ISLANDS. Scattered off the eastern coast of mainland Greece, this island group requires a bit more planning to reach from Athens, as primary ferries depart from more northern port cities. However, you can opt for a quick 25-minute domestic flight from Athens to the regional airport on Skiathos.
NORTH AEGEAN ISLANDS. This group lies along the northeastern edge of the Aegean Sea and includes prominent islands like Lesbos, Samos, and Chios. Regular ferries connect these islands to the mainland and to other popular island hubs. There are also regional airports on Lesvos (Lesbos), Samos, Chios, Lemnos, and Ikaria, all hosting direct flights from Athens—with select routes also flying out of Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki.
DODECANESE ISLANDS. Tucked into the southeastern corner of the Aegean Sea right off the coast of Turkey, this group includes Rhodes, Kos, and Patmos. Rhodes is one of the largest and most populous islands in all of Greece. It is a massive international hub, with direct flights available from over a hundred cities across Europe and the Middle East—including London, Vienna, and Tel Aviv, as well as the island nation of Cyprus. Within Greece, you can catch direct flights to Rhodes from Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete (Heraklion), Santorini, and Karpathos.
IONIAN ISLANDS. Located off the western coast of mainland Greece, this group is famous for its lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and emerald waters. The key islands in this cluster are Corfu, Zakynthos, Ithaca, and the breathtaking Kefalonia. You can easily reach these destinations by ferry, and most feature their own major airports.
CYCLADES ISLANDS. This world-famous archipelago holds iconic bucket-list destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Globally recognized for their high tourist seasons, iconic whitewashed buildings, and brilliant blue-domed churches, these islands feature robust ferry networks and highly active airports.
TWO WEEKS, FIVE ISLANDS, AND ONE BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING: HOW WE DID IT
Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean Sea.
-- Nikos Kazantzakis
In 2025, we were fortunate enough to be invited to a Big Fat Greek Wedding in Kefalonia. We spent four unforgettable days there. From Kefalonia, we traveled to Rhodes, Patmos, Santorini, and ultimately Athens. Including our first stop in Naples, Italy, for three days, this entire whirlwind trip clocked in at just about two weeks. Here is exactly how we pulled it off.
We began our Greek adventure in Kefalonia (also spelled Cephalonia) after our brief stay in Naples and a quick layover in Athens. Landing at the Kefalonia airport just south of the main town of Argostoli, we were instantly met with lush green landscapes surrounded by the brilliant turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. This island completely blew us away with its sheer beauty and diverse geography.
We booked a tour bus to explore the island, which included stops at the magical underground lake of Melissani Cave and a stopover in the port town of Sami. While most of our time was dedicated to enjoying the wedding festivities, we were so glad we carved out time to explore. To top it all off, one of the most breathtaking weddings I’ve ever witnessed took place at the Orealios Gaea Winery. The Greeks truly know how to throw a wedding—let’s just leave it at that!
From Kefalonia, we migrated from the western side of Greece over to the east. Our flight from Kefalonia to Rhodes required another brief layover in Athens. Rhodes (Rodos) was an absolute delight. We could actually see the Turkish coastline right from our hotel window! We stayed in Rhodes Town on the northern tip of the island but hired a local guide to take us down the coast to the lovely ancient city of Lindos.
Rhodes hosts incredible history, including the Medieval City of Rhodes and the upper acropolis of Lindos. The historic harbor of Rhodes Town was also the ancient home of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While the massive bronze statue is long lost to history, standing at the harbor entrance makes it incredibly easy to imagine exactly where it once proudly stood.
From Rhodes, we boarded a high-speed ferry to the small, sacred island of Patmos. Patmos can be tricky to incorporate into an itinerary because it doesn't have an airport. Travelers must rely entirely on ferries from larger surrounding islands or Turkish ports of call. Was it worth the extra logistics? Absolutely.
Standing inside the Cave of the Apocalypse was a mind-altering experience; you can vividly envision the setting where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation. We stayed in a wonderful boutique hotel overlooking the scenic Skala Bay in the port town of Skala, watching the ferries glide in. The island is immensely picturesque and carries a profound, peaceful presence. Just a quick tip for future travelers: be mindful that a large portion of local shops and sites close completely on Sundays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
After an overnight stay on Patmos and a morning tour, we took the ferry back to Rhodes and caught a flight to Santorini. Here’s the reality of hopping around the Greek islands: you’re either going to be on a ferry for hours, or you’re going to be on a plane. And if you’re traveling by plane, understand that all roads lead to Athens. There is always a connection. I became intimately familiar with Athens International Airport, as we had a layover, arrival, or departure there no less than five times during this single trip! (Though I think I'm going to master the ferry schedules a bit better next time around.)
Now, let's talk about Santorini. Talk about a true bucket-list item! I’ve been dreaming of a Santorini sunset since I was barely a teenager—and let's just say that was a few years ago. In fact, it was so many years ago that any teenager who sat in a movie theater watching Arnold Schwarzenegger say, “Hasta la vista, baby,” in Terminator 2: Judgment Day is probably taking Motrin just to get through a heavy walking day now. It’s me. I am that teenager, and I am definitely taking the Motrin.
I mention the Motrin for a very practical reason: Santorini requires an immense amount of walking up steep inclines and navigating endless elevation changes. Vehicles cannot access the cliffside hotels, meaning you—and the much-appreciated hotel porters—will be manually hauling your luggage up and down massive stone steps to reach your room.
We went in mid-May, and I thought it was incredibly crowded. We kept hearing from locals how lucky we were to be there "before it got busy." However, we were standing shoulder to shoulder with other tourists, and their definition of "not busy" did not reconcile with mine. If it gets significantly more crowded than what we experienced, I can safely say I would never return during peak season. For me, over-tourism and massive crowds are the downside.
But the good completely outweighed the bad. Santorini is a fascinating volcanic island rich with dramatic geological formations, iconic whitewashed buildings, and charming cobblestone streets. (And stairs. So many stairs.) We stayed at a spectacular cliffside hotel in Fira, located along the western caldera at the midpoint of the island. After a morning boat tour swimming over the volcanic hot springs, we spent an entire afternoon and evening sitting in a hot tub overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea, the port, and the surrounding cliffs. It easily ranks as one of the top ten days of my life.
So, would I go back? Yes, in a heartbeat. It is highly touristy and expensive, but next time I would stick strictly to the shoulder seasons to reduce costs and avoid the crowds. I would pack significantly lighter, but I would stay at the exact same place in Fira because that day was perfection. During our visit, we took a day tour to see Oia, a local vineyard, and Akrotiri—the Bronze Age port city buried by a volcanic eruption. Often called the “Pompeii of Greece,” Akrotiri features extraordinarily well-preserved ancient structures. I would do all of it again, but next time I'd dedicate an entire day to just sitting cliffside, soaking in the Mediterranean Sea.
We ended our grand journey in Athens. While we had already passed through the airport several times for layovers, we finally checked out and got to enjoy the actual city for our final two days.
We spent one full day properly exploring the historic heart of the capital. We hiked up to the Parthenon and the Acropolis, taking in the ancient ruins peppered throughout the modern metropolis. We also booked a guided local food tour, which I highly recommend! We drove through the city to see the towering Temple of Olympian Zeus and the historic Panathenaic Stadium. We stayed right near the historic Plaka neighborhood, thoroughly enjoying the local shops and outdoor tavernas.
On our final stretch, we took an unforgettable mainland day trip out to the ancient ruins of Mycenae and the historic Canal of Corinth. I would go back to Greece in a heartbeat—though on our next trip, I am absolutely booking a day trip up to the floating monasteries of Meteora and exploring the car-free island of Hydra.
NEXT TIME I GO….
The light of Greece opened my eyes, penetrated my pores, expanded my whole being.
-- Henry Miller
We completely fell in love with Greece, and the moment we landed back home, we started planning our return. While I would happily revisit any of the magical places from our first itinerary, Kefalonia and Rhodes were the absolute standouts of our trip.
So, where are we heading next? Here is the blueprint for our ultimate Greek return:
CRETE. Everyone we talked to on our first trip asked us, “Where are you going?” or “Where have you been?” While locals were thrilled that we ventured beyond the standard tourist tracks to visit spots like Rhodes and Kefalonia, everyone—and I mean everyone—unanimously suggested Crete. And not just for a quick overnight stay, but for an extended period of time. They told us to immerse ourselves in Heraklion, explore the Venetian charm of Chania, and indulge in the island's legendary culinary scene, which is a food lover’s absolute dream. I’m completely sold, and we will absolutely be dedicating several days to Crete next time around.
KEFALONIA. We loved this Ionian gem so much that it demands a second look. As much as the world brags about a Santorini sunset, the sunsets in Kefalonia are easily just as majestic. On our next visit, I want to take a day trip to Zakynthos from the southern port town of Skala (not to be confused with the Skala port on Patmos!). I also want to spend more time in Sami and hop on a local ferry over to the historic island of Ithaca. Finally, a spectacular feature we missed out on last time was the Mount Ainos National Night Sky Park up in the mountains. This island has endless layers to uncover, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
CORFU. Located just north of Kefalonia, Corfu is another Ionian paradise high on my list. The Old Town of Corfu is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its beautifully preserved, interwoven history of Greek, Venetian, French, and British architectural influences.
METEORA. I’ve mentioned this site a couple of times already, so my history-loving heart must really want to go! Even though this central mainland location is a bit awkward to get to logistically, the imagery of those monasteries suspended in the clouds makes the extra travel effort more than worth it.
ISLAND HOPPING IN THE DODECANESE. I would board a flight back to Rhodes tomorrow if I could; it is a stunning island bursting with rich ancient and medieval history. On our next round, I want to use it as a base to ride the high-speed ferries to Symi, Kos, Patmos, and Samos. While I highly hope to use this route as a launching pad to cross over into Turkey to see Ephesus and Istanbul, I would be perfectly content just basking in the beauty of these individual islands.
GO IN MAY. I probably shouldn’t let the secret out, but May is the absolute best time to visit Greece. While the spring air and Mediterranean water temperatures are still on the cooler side, the massive upside is that you get clear, sunshine-filled days and a fraction of the summer cruise-ship crowds.
There is also the vibrant flora that blooms across the countryside in the spring. Every single destination we visited had wild flowers blooming, completely perfuming the air with a sweet fragrance. Paris in the spring is nothing compared to Greece in May—it is everything.
Greece has officially cemented itself as one of my top two favorite countries I have ever visited in Europe. Rest assured, there will be a next time, because I love this country far too much not to return. Go to Greece. Enjoy the islands. Stay for the world-class food. Most importantly, get to know the people—we were constantly surrounded by gracious, warm hosts who truly love showing off their beautiful homeland.
Comments