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The Greek Riviera
REGION
From Olympia to Mycenae, the Peloponnese peninsula is the birthplace of Western civilization. The beauty of the natural landscape, with its rugged coastline, vast olive groves, and pomegranate orchards, seems untouched by time. Ancient temples and amphitheaters honor the gods in a land where the plays of Sophocles and Aristophanes, as well as the Olympic Games, were first introduced. Today, sites such as Delphi, Epidaurus, and the historic towns of Nafplion, Hydra, and Spetses still evoke the grandeur of the classical era. Below, we highlight a few of the best places to visit nearby.
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Spetses
An island steeped in maritime history, Spetses is known for its pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence, particularly its celebrated heroine, Laskarina Bouboulina. The island’s neoclassical mansions and carefully preserved shipowner homes stand as a testament to its prosperous seafaring past. Visitors can explore the Bouboulina Museum or stroll along the Dapia waterfront, where elegant cafes overlook the bustling harbor. Spetses' secluded beaches, such as Agia Paraskevi, are ideal for quiet reflection, while the island's annual Armata Festival, which reenacts the naval battle of 1822, offers an immersive cultural experience.
A jewel of the Peloponnese, Nafplion is a city layered in history, from its origins as an Argive port to its role as Greece’s first capital in the 19th century. Its Venetian and Ottoman pasts are vividly visible in the architecture, with the Palamidi Fortress offering sweeping views and the Bourtzi Castle, once a prison, adding intrigue to the waterfront. Nafplion’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with neoclassical buildings, elegant squares, and historic churches like Agios Georgios, which houses exquisite frescoes by Italian artists. The town is also a gateway to nearby Mycenaean and Classical sites, such as Tiryns and the Cyclopean Walls, adding further depth to its cultural offerings
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Hydra
A muse to artists, writers, and intellectuals alike, Hydra is a sanctuary of artistic expression and serenity. Its bohemian allure attracted luminaries such as Leonard Cohen, Henry Miller, and more recently, contemporary Greek artists whose works are displayed at the DESTE Foundation Project Space. The island’s well-preserved 18th-century stone mansions, like those of the Koundouriotis family, reflect Hydra’s wealth from its naval trade. With no motor vehicles allowed, the island offers an unhurried pace, encouraging visitors to explore its art galleries, boutique shops, and hidden coastal paths. The annual Hydra International Arts Festival is a cultural highlight, blending modern artistic endeavors with the island’s timeless appeal.
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Nafplion
A jewel of the Peloponnese, Nafplion is a city layered in history, from its origins as an Argive port to its role as Greece’s first capital in the 19th century. Its Venetian and Ottoman pasts are vividly visible in the architecture, with the Palamidi Fortress offering sweeping views and the Bourtzi Castle, once a prison, adding intrigue to the waterfront. Nafplion’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with neoclassical buildings, elegant squares, and historic churches like Agios Georgios, which houses exquisite frescoes by Italian artists. The town is also a gateway to nearby Mycenaean and Classical sites, such as Tiryns and the Cyclopean Walls, adding further depth to its cultural offerings
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Epidaurus
The world's first spa! Renowned for its sublime 4th-century BC theater, Epidaurus represents the pinnacle of ancient Greek art and architecture. Built in honor of Asclepius, the god of healing, this UNESCO World Heritage Site not only showcases the world's best-preserved theater but also provides insight into the therapeutic practices of ancient Greece at the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The theater, famed for its perfect acoustics, still hosts the Epidaurus Festival each summer, attracting world-class performances of drama in its original setting. Walking through the site, visitors can explore the ancient hospital, temples, and stadium, making Epidaurus an enriching destination for anyone interested in the intersections of healing, art, and mythology.
Once regarded as the spiritual heart of the ancient world, Delphi is where religion, politics, and art converged in a mystical landscape. Home to the famed Oracle of Apollo, Delphi was a place of pilgrimage for leaders from across the Greek world, seeking divine guidance. Today, visitors can walk among the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the magnificent theater, all set against the dramatic slopes of Mount Parnassus. The Delphi Archaeological Museum, with its striking collections such as the Charioteer of Delphi and the Sphinx of Naxos, adds further depth to this site. Delphi’s significance in ancient art, philosophy, and spirituality makes it a destination for those looking to explore the very soul of classical antiquity.
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Delphi
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