A visit to Egypt is not complete without visiting the magnificent pyramids, a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Greece also boasts a wealth of ancient ruins that have earned the protection of UNESCO.
For example, epic Mt Olympus is home to the ruins of the Oracle, and the Parthenon, a monument that symbolises democracy and symbolizes the pinnacle of Greek architectural brilliance.
Limenas/Thasos
Located on the island of Thassos, Limenas is one of the best-preserved and easily accessible ancient Greek cities. It is easy to see how a sizeable city functioned, and the many well-executed features make it an especially worthwhile example to compare with Priene or Kos in modern Turkey, Samos in the Eastern Aegean or Morgantina on Sicily.
The ancient ruins of temples, theatres, gates and walls happily co-exist with modern houses, tavernas and cafes in this coastal town, and it’s worth visiting the Archaeological Museum to admire its precious finds. From here, you can also walk up to the top of the acropolis and enjoy the amazing views over Limenas and beyond.
A paved road runs through the middle of the ruined city and a number of other streets have been unearthed, but no complete rectilinear plan of the lower part of the city has yet been identified. This may be due to the fact that rigid plans became common only relatively late, by which time Thassos was already an old settlement.
A great way to get around the island is by ferry, and there are plenty of options to choose from for your journey! Enter your travel dates to view the full range of ferries from Kavala to Thassos and book your ideal ride. You can choose between Business Class comfort seats, outside and inside cabins or simply opt for a standard economy seat.
Olympia
The archaeological ruins on the Saronic Islands of Spetses and Poros are a short ferry ride from Athens. On both islands, the ruins are simply part of the scenery, making them worth visiting even if you’re not into ancient history. A highlight is the castle ruins of Monolithos that stand on top of a tall rock in the southwestern part of the island. It’s usually possible to hike here, or rent a bike for a scenic ride to the top with gorgeous Greek island views.
The southeastern Peloponnese peninsula is home to Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympics. Here you’ll find the extensive ruins of a city that was once a great power and an inspiration for European literature, art, and poetry.
Other remarkable ancient ruins in the region include the temples of Acropolis and Tiryns, both of which stand as outstanding testaments to a civilization that was considered the most advanced of its time. The cities were admired for their engineering and architectural accomplishments, but also as symbols of the virtuous, egalitarian society that was the foundation of Greece’s values.
First-timers often speak of “the Greek islands” as a monolithic entity, easily popped in and out of like boutiques in a mall. But with a staggering 6,000+ islands, each one is unique, from bustling towns filled with tavernas to vast lands scored by mountains and threaded with golden stretches of beach.
The Acropolis of Athens
The most iconic sight of Athens, the Acropolis is a must-visit on any Greek Islands Ferry tour. Its gleaming temples and sanctuaries of white Pentelic marble – that glisten in the midday sun and take on a honey-colored glow in the evening light – are an awe-inspiring sight and an example of one of the most beautiful achievements of mankind’s artistic imagination. The acropolis’ monuments mark the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, theatre and freedom of speech and, even after more than two millennia of war and invasions, bombardments, fires, earthquakes, looting (including the infamous pillaging by Lord Elgin), and numerous alterations and interventions, they still manage to touch and inspire us with their beauty, power, and spirituality.
The Acropolis is a World Heritage Site and the site of some of the most important masterpieces of architecture and art. Its rocky hilltop location allows views of almost the whole city of Athens, as well as its surrounding mountains and valleys.
The top of the Acropolis is dominated by the Parthenon temple, dedicated to Athena in her many roles as protector, warrior, craftswoman, and goddess of arts. It is also home to the surviving fragments of the sacrificial altar, and other monuments such as the Erechtheion and Propylaea. The site is a must-visit, but be prepared for hordes of tourists. The best time to visit is in the off-season or early in the morning or at night.
Delos
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis according to Ancient Greek myth. It is also a major religious center, and it was once the hub of one of the most sophisticated organized settlements of the Hellenic era.
In its heyday, Delos was a thriving trading center and a place of culture with 3,000 shops, dazzling mansions with inner courtyards, and fine mosaics. There was even a huge theater that could seat 6,000 people and plumbing ran through the streets.
Delos was a popular destination for foreign travelers and was visited by the likes of Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates. Unfortunately, the ruins suffered a great deal in later centuries when many of the marble statues were looted and shipped to museums all over Greece and beyond.
Take a guided tour of Delos to get the most out of your visit and learn about its rich history. You will leave from the Old Port in Mykonos, and you can choose to either relax on the boat ride over or select with Hotel Transfer which is an additional cost but makes it much easier to get to and from the site. Once you land on the island, you’ll have a few hours to explore at your leisure, and once you’re ready, the same ferry ticket will take you back to Mykonos.