Acropolis City/Region: Athens Those arriving in Athens for the first time generally head immediately for the Acropolis. There are very few visitors who are not already familiar with the image of this distinctive citadel of ancient Athens, perched on its steep flat-topped rock above the sprawling city. It is the spot where Athens, and classical Greek civilization, began, and the site of a collection of beautiful temples, most dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, Athena. The ruins that remain visible today date from the 4th century
BC, most of them erected by Pericles after the Persians destroyed many of the original Acropolis buildings. Visitors toil up the slopes past the souvenir stands and enter the site through the monumental entrance way, the Propylaia, which in ancient times contained an art gallery. To the right of the entrance is the tiny temple of Athena Nike, reconstructed and restored. The Parthenon, the greatest surviving monument of Doric architecture, is the biggest drawcard on the Acropolis, built of Pentelic marble quarried from the distant mountains, which form the backdrop to the magnificent view of Athens from the Acropolis. Alongside the Parthenon is another temple, the Erechtheion, which bears holes on its northern porch where Poseidon's trident struck it during his contest with Athena to have the city named after him. There is a museum on the Acropolis, too, where some of the carving and friezes recovered from the temples are on show, although many of the archaeological finds from the Acropolis are now housed in the British Museum in London. Phone Number: (01) 321 0219 Hours: Daily 8am to 7.30pm (15 June to 31 October); 8.30am to 3pm (November to May) Admission: EUR7 for adults, under 18s are free. EUR3 for students from countries outside the EU. From November to March, Sundays are free
Ancient Agora City/Region: Athens Clustered below the Acropolis (enter from Odos Adrianou, east of Monastiraki Square) is the remains of the Agora, ancient Athens' commercial and civic center, where once walked and talked the great philosophers Socrates and Plato. In fact the disgraced and despairing Socrates committed suicide in a prison in the southwest corner of the Agora, by drinking poison. The area is littered with the ruins of numerous ancient buildings, including the Dionysos Theater (the world's oldest theater where great plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides were first performed). One building that has been restored is the 200 BC Stoa of Attalos (a stoa is a long, low roofed promenade which served as a combination law court, municipal office and shopping arcade in classical Greece). The reconstructed building now has a museum on its ground floor containing artifacts covering 5,000 years of Athenian history. Phone Number: (01) 321 0185 Hours: Daily 8am to 7.30pm Admission: A package valid for all Archaeological Sites of Athens including the Acropolis site and museum, Theater of Dionysos, Kerameikos, Olympieion and Roman Agora is EUR12 (adults), EUR6 (concessions)
National Archaeological Museum City/Region: Athens This is the largest and most popular of Athens' many museums, and is usually very crowded. Its vast collection includes treasures unearthed from Mycenae by Heinrich Schliemann; a staggering array of sculpture including the earliest known Greek figurines dating from around 2,000 BC; frescoes from the volcanic island of Santorini; and so much more that it is recommended visitors make several visits to absorb it all. Address: Patission 44 Street Phone Number: (01) 821 7724 Email Address: protocol@eam.culture.gr Hours: Monday 12.30pm to 5pm; Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm; weekends and public holidays 8.30am to 3pm Admission: EUR6 (adults); EUR3 (concessions). From November to March, Sundays are free
Piraeus City/Region: Athens Although not really attractive to tourists, the confusing, bustling port of Athens is the departure point for hundreds of island ferries and cruise ships, so most tourists pass through it while visiting Greece. Pireaus has been Athens' port since ancient times. It actually consists of three harbors, with most of the tourist boats using the Zea Limani section. There are several fish restaurants in the harbor precincts, and a sprawling street market. Visitors with time on their hands while waiting for ferries can also explore the Maritime Museum at Akti Themistokleous, alongside the pier used by the island hydrofoils, which features models of ancient and modern ships. Hours: The museum opens Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 2pm
Plaka City/Region: Athens The old town section of Athens below the Acropolis has become the gathering place for travelers and tourists, particularly in the warm Athens evenings. Strolling the narrow streets of the Plaka flanked by ancient monuments, Byzantine churches and mosques, stately mansions, and inviting tavernas with vine-covered courtyards, makes a pleasant diversion.
Kolonaki City/Region: Athens For a magnificent view of the Acropolis, particularly at sunset, it is possible to ride a funicular up the slopes of the Lykavittos hill from Kolonaki Square (in Athens' smart shopping district). The railway rises steeply to the summit 912ft (278m) above the city. There is a café at the top, as well as the chapel of Agios Giorgios (St George) to go with the spectacular view. Hours: The funicular runs Friday to Wednesday 8.45am to midnight, and Thursday 10.30am to midnight
Syntagma Square City/Region: Athens The square that forms the heart of modern Athens is home to the Parliament building, built in 1840 as a Royal Palace. Tourists flock to photograph the unusually clad guards at the palace; the skirted and pom-pommed guard is changed ceremonially every hour. The square is a central point to access all the major attractions of Athens, particularly 'museum mile' along Vassilissis Sophias Avenue which runs from Syntagma Square. Here most of Athens' museums are clustered, including the Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art and the Byzantine Museum.
Cape Sounion City/Region: Athens Cape Sounion, about 43 miles (69km) east of Athens, is a popular seaside resort used by locals and visitors alike. On the cliffs above the town is the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon, where, according to legend, King Aegeus waited for his son, Theseus, to return from Crete after slaying the Minotaur. Sounion is easily accessible by bus from the city.
Monastery of Daphni City/Region: Athens This great Byzantine architectural masterpiece dates from the 4th century AD, and is situated about five and a half miles (9km) west of Athens on the road to Corinth. The church is built on a site where shrines have existed since ancient times, often destroyed by invaders and earthquakes. During the Crusades Cistercian monks turned Daphni into a Catholic monastery, but today it has been reclaimed by the Greek Orthodox Church and its beautiful mosaic work depicting Biblical scenes has been restored. A wine festival is held at Daphni each year in August/September. Address: Athinon Avenue, Daphni Phone Number: (210) 581 1558 Hours: Daily 8.30am to 2.45pm Admission: EUR3. From November to March, Sundays is free
Marathon City/Region: Athens About 26 miles (42km) northeast of Athens, between the villages of Nea Makri and Marathona, is the site of the great battle between the small force of Athenians and the mighty Persian army in 490 BC. On the plain of Marathon today the burial mound of the 192 Athenians who fell in the fight can be seen, along with a small museum displaying archaeological relics from the battlefield. The battle is famed not only for the Athenian victory against huge odds, but also for the fleetness of the Athenian runner, Pheidippides, who was dispatched to Athens with news of the victory and fell dead from exhaustion after delivering the message to the city; thus the name 'Marathon' was given to long-distance running races. The Marathon race in the 2004 Olympics started here, and followed the same route as that run by Pheidippedes in the legend, ending at the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens which was built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Address: 114 Plataion Street Phone Number: (294) 055 155 Transport: The site is on the National highway towards Thessaloniki and can be reached by regular buses from Athens Hours: Museum open Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 3pm Admission: EUR3. Sundays are free from November to March
Delphi City/Region: Athens In ancient times pilgrims came from all over the Greek world to seek advice from the god Apollo, via his oracle at the scenically beautifully situated site on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, known as Delphi. Today tourists flock constantly in the wake of the pilgrims of old up the Sacred Way to marvel at the remains of the marble Sanctuary of Apollo, the Castalian Spring and the Sanctuary of Athena. There is an excellent museum, too, at the site, which is northwest of Athens in the prefecture of Fokida. Phone Number: (226) 508 2312 Hours: Daily 7.30am to 7pm Admission: Museum and site: EUR9 (concessions EUR5); museum only: EUR6 (concessions EUR3)
Saronic Islands City/Region: Athens The Saronic group of islands are all within an hour or two of Piraeus by boat, making them ideal destinations for day trips from the city for those who want to experience a taste of Greek island life. Alternatively, use the islands as tranquil bases on which to stay while commuting to Athens to see the sights. Aegina is the closest island, sporting a sandy beach called Agia Marina, and a quaint fishing village called Perdika. Hydra has no sandy beaches, but the town is picturesque and offers good seafood restaurants. Poros can be reached from Piraeus in little more than an hour and sports beautiful forests that descend to the beach. It offers water sports opportunities and a lively café scene, as well as being a ferry hub offering connections to all the popular Aegean islands. Spetsi has an attractive old harbor and one of the oldest wooden boat-building yards in Greece. It is also renowned for its beaches and pine forests.
Olympia City/Region: Peloponnese Peninsula Amongst shady pine, olive and oak trees, in a valley between Mount Kronos and the Alfios River on the Peloponnese Peninsula, lie the remains of two temples and the stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC. Since the modern Olympics were inaugurated in 1896 torchbearers have set out from Olympia to carry the Olympic flame in relays across the world to wherever the games are held every four years. The site also boasts one of the finest archaeological museums in Greece. The ruins themselves are fascinating, being the remnants of an ancient Olympic village including a gymnasium, baths, the Prytaneion where winners were honored, and a Doric Temple dedicated to Hera. In the nearby modern village of Olympia there is another museum that is often overlooked - the Museum of the Olympic Games, which contains some interesting memorabilia from games past. Hours: Daily 8am to 7.30pm Admission: EUR6 (adults), EUR3 concessions; EUR9 ticket for museum and site (concessions EUR5)
Ancient Corinth City/Region: Peloponnese Peninsula The ruins of ancient Corinth, a short drive from the modern city, are spread around the base of the rock of Acrocorinth, which forms a natural acropolis for the city. Most of the surviving buildings are Roman rather than Greek, dating from the city's prosperous age after Caesar rebuilt much of the original Greek city, Roman armies having sacked it. The ruin that stands out particularly is the beautiful 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, built on a hill overlooking the remains of the Roman marketplace (agora). Much of the city has been toppled by recurring earthquakes over the centuries. In the southwest corner of the site is an archaeological museum containing some worthwhile collections of mosaic floors, pottery and works of art. The top of Acrocorinth can be reached via a road up the mountainside where the remains of the ancient fortifications can be seen. Phone Number: 27410 31207 Hours: Arcocorinth open daily 8am to 7pm; the ruins of ancient Corinth open daily 8am to 8pm (summer), 8am to 3pm (winter) Admission: Full admission EUR6, concessions EUR3. Free on Sundays between November and March
Mycenae City/Region: Peloponnese Peninsula This ancient site, 31 miles (50km) south of Corinth, bears the remains of the ancient palace and citadel of Mycenae, a place of archaeological controversy but fascinating for the lay visitor. Homer's fabulous story has it that the kingdom of Mycenae was dripping in gold and revelling in riches before King Agamemnon decided to lead an assault on Troy, back in about 1,250BC. The king started a war that lasted a decade, battling to win the impossibly beautiful Helen of Troy back from Prince Paris. German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered Mycenae, which he believed gave credence to Homer's tale, in 1874 after he had excavated the remains of Troy itself. There is no doubt that Mycenae was a city of power and prosperity and the ruins, from the Lion Gate (oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe) to the palace complex, houses and beehive tomb of Agamemnon, are well worth exploring. Most of the more exceptional finds from the site are on exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. These include frescoes, gold jewelry, and the gold mask said to have belonged to Agamemnon, among other priceless pieces. Hours: Daily 7.45am to 6.45pm Admission: EUR3, concessions EUR1.50. Free on Sundays between November and March
Epidaurus City/Region: Peloponnese Peninsula A definite must on a tour of the Peloponnese is the famed ancient theater of Epidaurus, built in the 3rd century BC and so well preserved that with little or no restoration it is still in use today for regular summer dramatic performances, lent a mystical aura by the beautiful setting. The theater has perfect acoustics, allowing even a whisper on stage to be heard in the back row of the limestone amphitheater, which can seat 14,000. North of the theater are the ruins of the healing Sanctuary of Asklepios, which has a museum explaining how the original temple complex would have looked and functioned. Where the ancient town of Epidaurus once stood there is now the modern day village of Palia Epidaurus. This is a popular seaside resort with scenic beaches, a small harbor and several tavernas. Phone Number: (275) 302 2009 Hours: Daily 8am to 5pm (November to March). Summer hours are daily 7.45am to 6.45pm Admission: EUR6, concessions EUR3. Free on Sundays between November and March
Archaeological Museum City/Region: Thessaloniki Regarded as one of the finest museums in Europe, Thessaloniki's Archaeology Museum near the famous White Tower and opposite the city's international fairgrounds, houses a huge collection including the incredible treasures of the tomb of Alexander the Great's father, Phillip of Macedon, which was discovered at Vergina in 1977. Another treasured artifact is the 3rd century BC Derveni papyrus, the only intact ancient papyrus found in Greece, which was discovered in the tombs of Derveni. Other rooms in the museum contain exhibits depicting the history of the city from prehistoric days through to the Roman period, including spectacular mosaics and some exquisite, delicate Hellenistic glass. Address: Manoli Andronikou 6, Thessaloniki Phone Number: (031) 830 538 Hours: Monday 12pm to 7pm; Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7pm; Monday 10.30am to 10pm, Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 10pm (June to October) Admission: EUR4, concessions EUR2. Free on Sundays between November and March
Roman Forum City/Region: Thessaloniki Close to one of the city's main bus terminals in Dikasterion Square lies the archaeological site of the ancient Greek agora or marketplace, which was later expanded to become a Roman forum on two levels. The forum was the heart of the ancient city, and was discovered by workmen in the 1960s. The best-preserved component of the forum is the large theater, which is still used for occasional summer concerts.
The White Tower City/Region: Thessaloniki The city's most famous landmark, the White Tower was originally built as part of the city walls. It now stands, no longer white but still imposing, on the seaside promenade south of the Archaeological Museum, having been restored and offering panoramic views of the city and harbor from its rooftop café. The tower was once used as a prison, and on the way up the winding staircase visitors can peep into the dim rooms that were used as cells. The tower contains a museum housing some Byzantine art and historical artifacts from Thessaloniki's history between 300 and 1,500 AD. Phone Number: (031) 267 832 Hours: Tuesday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and weekends 8.30am to 3pm
Churches City/Region: Thessaloniki Thessaloniki has numerous beautiful churches, large and small, dating from various eras, most notably Byzantine. Most are sited in the Upper City area, which is a warren of quaint, narrow cobbled streets and has become a fashionable quarter favored by local city slickers. Some of the most important churches are the church of Saint George, a domed building dating from the 4th century AD, which was originally the mausoleum for Roman Emperor Galerius; Agia Sofia, the domed cruciform church built in the 8th century AD that is a copy of the Agia Sophia in Istanbul (Constantinople); Agfi Apostoli from the 14th century, with its rich Byzantine decorations; and the 14th-century Agios Nikolaos Orfanos with it's beautiful frescoes. Churches are wont to close in the afternoons and sightseers are expected to dress appropriately.
Mount Athos City/Region: Thessaloniki Only men are welcome to make a pilgrimage to Mount Athos, the secretive 'Shangri-La' on a rugged promontory about 80 miles (129km) south east of Thessaloniki, where it is possible to step back in time and mingle with hundreds of monks, from more than 20 monasteries, in one of the most scenic spots in Europe. This unique mountainous enclave on the coast is sprinkled with huge monasteries, most resembling castles, containing wonderful frescoes, mosaics and libraries. There are also smaller monasteries known as kelions attached to small churches, as well as caves on the mountain slopes where monks retreat as hermits. There are forests and a pristine seashore, and beautiful gardens cared for by the monks. Mount Athos is a self-governing area within Greece, and to visit it is necessary to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Athens, or from the Ministry of Northern Greece in Thessaloniki. Phone Number: (010) 362 6894 (Athens); or (031) 270 092 (Thessaloniki) Transport: Bus from Thessaloniki to Ierissos or Ouranoupoli and thence by Caique
Vergina City/Region: Thessaloniki Vergina, known in ancient times as Aigai, is about 38 miles (61km) west of Thessaloniki and is the most important of a cluster of three archaeological sites in the area connected with Philip, father of Alexander the Great. Vergina is where Philip built a massive palace and a theater, and where he was assassinated in 336 BC. The palace has been excavated, as has the theater, and the site also features hundreds of burial mounds, some dating from the Iron Age, across the plain. The tomb of Philip was found here undisturbed in 1977, full of treasures that are now on display in Thessaloniki's Archaeological Museum. Nearby is Pella, the remains of the former capital of Macedonia from the 5th century, where Alexander the Great was born; and Dion, an important religious sanctuary frequented by Philip and Alexander. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 3.30pm (7pm in summer)
Mount Olympus City/Region: Thessaloniki Towering above ancient Dion, about 48 miles (77km) south of Thessaloniki is Greece's highest mountain, Mount Olympus, home to the Gods of Greek mythology. The mountain is rich in tree and plant life, supporting more than 1,700 species, some very rare. The main village in the area is Litohoro, which is connected to Athens and Thessaloniki by bus and train. It is possible to climb the highest peak in about two days, without experience or special equipment, along numerous mountain trails.
Archaeological Museum City/Region: Corfu Like all good Greek towns, Corfu Town has its Archaeological Museum, on the boulevard along the waterfront. Although it is small, it is worth visiting particularly to see the pediment from the Temple of Artemis that is housed there. The temple dates from 590 BC and is south of Corfu Town. The pediment on display in the museum features a Medusa and is regarded as a fine example of archaic sculpture. The museum has some other interesting sculptures too. Phone Number: (0661) 30680 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 2.30pm Admission: EUR3 (adults), EUR2 for students from countries outside EU. Special ticketing package for the Archaeological Museum, the Old Fortress, the Church of Antivouniotissa and the Museum of Asian Art: EUR8 (reduced EUR4)
Museum of Asian Art City/Region: Corfu The building housing this collection of Chinese and Japanese works of art is a beautiful neoclassical structure built by the British in 1820 when the Ionian Islands were ruled by Britain. The museum is a peaceful oasis exhibiting Chinese porcelain and art through all the main dynasties, as well as some Japanese prints, ceramics and sculpture. The Museum is situated at the north end of the Esplanade in Corfu Town. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 2.30pm
Kanoni City/Region: Corfu South of Corfu Town is the clifftop terraced view site of Kanoni, overlooking an inlet that contains two tiny islands. One of the islets can be reached via a causeway and bears the Monastery of Vlakherna. The other islet is known as Mouse Island, and legend has it that it is actually a ship turned to stone. A small boat ferry will carry you to Mouse Island to visit the 13th-century chapel set among the trees.
Achilleion City/Region: Corfu The villa of Achilleion was built for Empress Elizabeth of Austria in 1890 as a memorial to her son, Rudolf, after his death by suicide. The villa, Neoclassical in style, features numerous statues and motifs associated with Achilles both inside and out. The gardens are also set with a number of statues commissioned by the Empress, including the famous 'Dying Achilles' by German sculptor Herter. Part of the villa is now a museum, with a casino housed on the second floor. Hours: The rooms are open daily 9am to 4pm
The Palace of Knossos City/Region: Crete Resort Name: Heraklion The Minoan palace at Knossos, covering an area of 215,278 square feet (20,000 sq meters), is one of the world's greatest sightseeing experiences. It consists of four wings, arranged around a rectangular central court. The palace originally had many storys, was built of ashlar blocks and had walls decorated with splendid frescoes. British archaeologist, Arthur Evans, who excavated most of the labyrinthine Knossos site, has painstakingly restored some sections of the palace. The remains now visible are actually not those of the original palace, which was built around 2,000 BC and destroyed by an earthquake about 1,700 BC. A subsequent more complex palace was then constructed. The palace was first unearthed in 1878 by a Cretan merchant and antiquarian, but was not systematically excavated until 1900. The Knossos site is about three miles (5km) south of Heraklion. Hours: Daily 8am to 8pm (April to mid-October); weekdays 8am to 5pm, and weekends 8.30am to 3pm (October to March)
Archaeological Museum City/Region: Crete Resort Name: Heraklion A visit to the Minoan palace at Knossos should be complemented with a visit to the wonderful Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Thousands of artifacts depicting the intriguing Minoan culture are on display, from magnificent bull-headed drinking vessels to the mysterious Phaistos disk inscribed with undeciphered symbols. Address: Xanthoudidou Street, just off Plateia Eleftherias Hours: 8am to 7pm (July to October); 8am to 5pm (November to March); closed Monday mornings
Historical Museum of Crete City/Region: Crete Resort Name: Heraklion This museum deals with Crete's more modern history and highlights the islanders' long battle for independence from the early Christian times to the present day. Exhibits include some Cretan folk art, and the Medieval and Renaissance collection contains the only painting on Crete by the island's famous painter El Greco, The Landscape of God-trodden Mount Sinai. Another world-renowned Cretan, Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek, is also remembered in the museum, which houses a recreation of his study. Address: Lysimahou Kalokerinou 7 Phone Number: (081) 283 219 Email Address: info@historical-museum.gr Website: www.historical-museum.gr Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm. Opening hours are shorter in winter Admission: EUR5
Monastery of Arkádhi City/Region: Crete Resort Name: Rethymnon Situated about 14 miles (23km) south of Rethymnon, the Monastery of Arkádhi is something of a national Cretan shrine. During the 1866 rebellion against the Turks the monastery became a refuge for Cretan insurgents and their families. They were surrounded by the Turks and after two days of fighting, ignited the gunpowder storeroom, which killed hundreds of both Turks and Cretans. The tragedy brought international recognition to the cause for Cretan independence. An ossuary displays the skulls of many of the victims and it is possible to see the roofless room where the explosion took place, as well as the surviving 16th-century church that is one of the loveliest Venetian buildings on the island. There is also a small museum. Transport: The monastery is easy to reach by public bus Hours: Daily 8am to 1.30pm, and 3.30pm to 8pm Admission: EUR1.45 (museum)
Gortyna City/Region: Crete Resort Name: Heraklion The remains of Gortyna to the south of Heraklion tell a later tale than that of the other archaeological sites in Crete, particularly the important inscribed stones, known as the Gortyn Law Code, dating back to the 5th century BC: a complete code of law based on Minoan tradition. The Code stones are still preserved and exhibited in the north round wall of the Roman Odeon at the Gortyna site (although of course the theater was built much later in the 1st century AD). Other highlights at Gortyna (which was capital of Roman Crete and Cyrene) include the Church of St Titus, where Christianity was first introduced to the island and the Temple of Apollo Pythios, dating from 700 BC. Address: Aghioi Deka Phone Number: 28920 31144 Hours: Daily 8.30am to 3pm Admission: EUR4, under 18's free. Reduced admission of EUR2 for students from outside the EU. Free on Sundays between November and March
Phaistos City/Region: Crete Resort Name: Heraklion About 38 miles (61km) south of Heraklion lies Crete's second most important Minoan archaeological site, the Palace complex of Phaistos, considered by many to be a finer example of Minoan architecture than Knossos. The west propylon, the monumental entranceway to the palace, is particularly impressive, and the ceremonial staircase and great court are breathtaking. Like Knossos the site has actually been built on twice, with the original palace, built about 2,000 BC, having been destroyed by fire and replaced with a new palace around 300 years later. Hours: 8am to 5pm; closed on Mondays
The Samaria Gorge City/Region: Crete Resort Name: Hania It is an arduous trip but well worth it to see one of the great natural wonders of Europe, the Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains in western Crete. From the top of the gorge it is a 10-mile (16km) hike through the dramatic geological formations and wildflower-strewn cliffsides of the National Park. From the village of Agia Roumeli at the end of the gorge hikers board boats to sail to Khora Sfakion or Paleohora where there are buses back to Haniá, Rethymnon or Heraklion. Transport: There are public buses to Omalos near the top of the gorge. Organized tours are also available Hours: The gorge is open 6am to 3pm, generally from May to October (depending on weather conditions) Admission: EUR5 to enter the park; free for children under 15; EUR2.50 for students
Acropolis of Rhodes City/Region: Rhodes Resort Name: Rhodes Town The ancient Hellenic acropolis of Rhodes sits on a hill in the western part of the city, and once consisted of a monumental zone full of sanctuaries, large temples, public buildings and underground vaults. The buildings were set on stepped terraces interspersed with gardens. The remains of the buildings on the Acropolis date back to the 2nd century BC, but all has not yet been excavated at the site. The Stadium, however, has been fully excavated and restored. Also still to be seen are the ruins of the Temple of Athena Polias on the northern edge of the site; the Nymphaia, which is made up of four cave-like constructions cut into the rock, used for recreation and worship; a small restored marble Odeon thought to have been used for musical events or lectures; the Temple of Pythian Apollo; and the remains of the Gymnasium. Phone Number: (22410) 75674 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 3pm (15 June to 31 October); hours are reduced in winter Admission: Free
Karpathos City/Region: Rhodes From Rhodes it about a three hour ferry crossing to the hospitable island of Karpathos where the clock has stood still in the delightful village of Olymbos in the south. Here the locals go about their business much as they did in Homer's time, wearing their traditional costumes and preserving their language and culture with the aim of attracting tourists. They are particularly proud of the unique houses, built of carved stone and decorated inside with gorgeous embroidery and other colorful folk art décor. The island has great beaches and unspoilt villages and is a pleasure to explore, with a picturesque bay and a monastery at Kyra Panagia; Diafani village on a promontory to the north; and the forested mountains. Karpathos is also renowned for its feast days and weddings. Visitors who happen to catch one in progress will usually receive a warm invitation to join the festivities. Just four nautical miles from Karpathos is the smaller island of Kassos, linked by ferry, which has a small community of fishermen living the way they have for centuries. Transport: A car ferry takes about three hours from Rhodes Island, or it is a short flight
Patmos City/Region: Kos This island, sometimes called the 'Jerusalem of the Aegean', is an official pilgrimage site for members of the Catholic religion, because it is home of the sacred cavern where the exiled St John the Evangelist was inspired to write the Biblical Book of Revelations. Cruise ships and ferries keep the small port very active, disgorging visitors who wish to visit the holy cave and witness the cracks in the wall, said to have appeared when St John heard the voice of the Lord. Crowning the island is the immense Monastery of St John, with its buttressed walls and, inside, frescoes, icons, tapestries and pendants made of precious stones. Visitors can walk up to the monastery from Skala along the Byzantine path. Transport: Regular hydrofoils from Kos take about two hours
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