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TRAVEL: Greece
Friday 24th May 2013 | Alex
I hate it when people say ‘city of contrast’, I really do, but maybe I can get away with ‘country of contrast’. Greece certainly is – it’s got an ancient and reachable history, clamorous nightlife and stunning geography.
Athens - population 700,000 – is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Actually, it’s one of the world’s oldest cities and it’s crammed with spectacles: the Parthenon is striking monument to Athena and it’s completely accessible. And there are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Acropolis of Athens and the Daphni Monastery. Current political and economic turmoil can’t spoil the city’s indelible character, and it’s not just Athens that’s crammed with stunning, alluring ancient architecture – Delphi has thousands visit its theatre each year.
There are infamous party islands, and not just the type colonised by “Let’s go fucking mental!” types – at least, the strips are electrifying enough that you can look past that sort of thing. Zante’s Laganas boasts clubs Rescue, Cherry Bay and Zeros. The beaches are world-famous – Kefalonia’s Myrtos Beach parades dramatically turquoise sea, white pebble and steep cliffs. The same vibe runs throughout the big cities – ‘Lonely Planet’ named Thessaloniki as the world’s fifth-best ‘Party City’.
The geography’s breath-taking (I guess – I’ve never been). You can find the Samaria Gorge in southern Crete, a 16 km canyon winding though cypresses and pines, terminating as it meets the Libyan sea. Everywhere has a jumble of appeals, but Greece hits each aspect head on.
Have a look at flights here - you might grab a deal.
