Posted on Tuesday, 14 February 2023

When it comes to historical holidays, it doesn’t get more inspiring than Greece.

Here are eight ancient sites to consider for your itinerary.

If you're not a lover of history, you will be after exploring the ancient sites of Greece.

Many sites are also surrounded by stunning landscapes, so make sure you bring your hiking boots if that's your thing.

If time is limited, it’s a good idea to think about which sites you want to include in your visit. 

With no fewer than 18 UNESCO Heritage listed sites, you're spoilt for choice - and even the most ardent of history fans will struggle to see them all on a single Greek holiday.

Here are eight legendary ancient historical sites to consider in the cradle of Western civilization.

Delphi

For those with a love of Greece’s historical sites, visiting ancient Delphi is a must.

This small town is located on the slopes of mighty Mount Parnassus and famed as the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi espoused her prophecies.

This site was considered the centre of the ancient world, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across Greece and beyond.

Among the many fascinating ancient monuments at Delphi, highlights include the Temple of Apollo, the theatre, and the stadium.

Today, Delphi is a popular tourist destination.

Located 100 miles to the southeast of Athens, it’s possible to enjoy Delphi on a day trip from the capital. However, the site is beautifully lit at night, making it worthwhile staying at a nearby hotel.

Olympia

Nestled in the stunning valley of the Alpheios river in western Peloponnese, Olympia is where the ancient Olympic Games were held.

Among its many treasures are the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Stadium, and the Gymnasium - which combine to place Olympia among foremost Greek historical sites.

The area is also blessed with an abundance of natural scenery, including hills, forests and rivers.

Numerous hiking trails can be enjoyed, ranging from easy to very challenging.

Mycenae

Mycenae was the main acropolis (‘high city’) of the ancient Mycenaean civilization.

Its lofty location, combined with its thick walls, made it easy to defend. It was also a natural trade route, a key reason why the tribe was so successful for so many centuries.

On the face of it, the remains of Mycenae are not as overtly jaw-dropping as some on this list, but few can fail to be amazed by the 3,250-year-old Lions Gate, so named for the two heraldic lions carved above the lintel.

Countless citizens, traders and soldiers passed under this gate over the centuries, but today only tourists mill under its ancient stonework.

Other key sites include the Corinth canal, a deep man made route carved into rock 2,600 years ago to connect the Ionian and Aegean seas.

Just 80 miles to the northeast of the capital, Mycenae can be reached by rental car or by bus on a day trip.

Walking guided tours are available, giving you a taste of the site’s rich history.

 

Tiryns

Described by Homer as “mighty walled Tiryns", the superbly preserved walls of this ancient hill fort are a classic example of Mycenaean military architecture.

The wall was built in three phases and in some places it is almost seven metres thick. 

Equally impressive are the galleria and the palace with its fresco-decorated main rooms and antechamber.

The galleria - vaulted chambers where ammunition and grain were stored - are a remarkable architectural achievement, demonstrating how advanced Mycenaean building techniques were.

Another site within easy reach of Athens, Tiryns is located 90 miles to the southwest.

Give yourself more time to explore the area by staying in nearby Nafplion.

Epidavros

As the best-preserved amphitheatre in the ancient world, Epidavros is among the top historical places in Greece. 

Epidavros was a centre of healing, where doctors did the work of the Greek god of medicine, Asclepios (who’s shrine can be found here).

The post and pre-healing entertainment wasn’t bad either, with an amphitheatre which had - and still has - incredible acoustics. 

Sit on an ancient stone bench and admire the remnants of the surrounding city, which is far less well preserved but equally fascinating.

Since its more than two hours from Athens by road, you're best off staying overnight at Ligourio to get the most from your trip.

Acrocorinth

Perched on a vast monolith of rock, Acrocorinth ("upper Corinth") dominated the Isthmus of Corinth - the narrow strip of land that controlled access to the Peloponnese.

The extensive ruins are worth the strenuous hike (although you can also be driven up!).

English Historian George Forrest described Acrocorinth as "the most impressive of the acropolis of mainland Greece" - underlining its position as one of the premier historical sites in Greece.  

To the 2,500 years of condensed history add terrific views and you have all the reasons you need to visit.

Positioned 60 miles west of Athens, the site can be enjoyed on a day trip, although it makes sense to stay a couple of days so you can enjoy Corinth, too.

Corinth

Corinth was never quite the same after the Romans visited in 146 BC - but there's still a great deal to enjoy. 

Highlights include the ruined Temple of Isthmia, dedicated to the god Apollo, whose seven remaining columns evoke the area's history in evocative fashion.

The temple is about 10 miles from ancient Corinth, which was even more extensively levelled by the Romans.

Other attractions include a section of the Corinth Canal, built by the French in the late 19th century. The ancients had proposed building a similar waterway.

Corinth can be visited on a day trip from Athens – and is essential viewing on your history holiday.

Acropolis, Athens

The iconic Acropolis sits atop a crock outcrop overlooking Athens, as it has done since it was erected in the fifth century BC - probably by the Myceneans.

Home of Athena, the patron goddess of the city, the acropolis epitomises ancient Greece.

War, earthquakes and vandalism have all left their mark on the stricture, yet it remains, standing stoically over the Greek capital.

It takes a little effort to ascend the hill, but it's worth it.

Savour the Greek food as well as the Greek history...

Historical sight seeing makes for hungry work. Thankfully, one of the best parts about holidaying in Greece is sampling the traditional Greek food.

Here's 6 of the best Greek dishes to try on your trip discovering historical Greece.

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