Athens
The first stop on our journey is Athens. When thinking about the city, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the Acropolis. This 2,500 years old temple complex is perched high on a limestone hill and isn’t only the most famous sight but also the symbol of the city.
Despite the rush of tourists, you shouldn’t miss hiking to to the former royal residence. From up there, you’ll have a magnificent view over the town. Besides the Acropolis and the Parthenon, Athens has many other attractions to offer.
The Plaka is located directly at the foot of the Acropolis. Especially known for its culinary highlights, Plaka is the oldest district in Athens. The heart of the city is the Syntagma Square with the city castle surrounded by a park. We recommend climbing up to the Lycabettus Hill. This is Athens' highest elevation and offers an impressive panoramic view over the entire city. Make sure to visit the Olympic Stadium, stroll across the lively Monastiraki Square, and admire the most important exhibits of Greek antiquity in the National Archaeological Museum.
You can stay at one of the local hostels and get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €16 a night.
Corinth
On the way to the Peloponnese peninsula, you’ll pass by the canal of Corinth. Built between 1881 and 1893, the canal has a length of over 6 kilometres and is definitely worth a visit.
However, the actual highlight isn’t the modern city of Corinth, but the ancient site of Archea Korinthos. There you can immerse in the past of the ancient trading city of Corinth and visit the excavations of small temples, fountains and market stalls on the agora. A highlight here are the remains of the temple of Apollo, which was built in the 6th century BC.
The former acropolis of the city of Corinth is particularly impressive. You’ll also have a marvellous view from the huge complex of the mountain fortress Akrokorinth. The Archaeological Museum of Corinth is also worth a visit.
You can spend the night in one of the local hostels and get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €15 a night.
Nafplio
We continue our journey by heading to Nafplio. With its colorful houses, playful facades, flower tendrils, lively taverns, and traditional shops, this coastal city radiates a very special
charm. Stroll along the harbor promenade, enjoy the view from the fortress of Palamidi, or simply relax on the nearby sand beach of Toló.
Nafplio is the perfect place to go on excursions in the surrounding area. The ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidauros are both only about 30 minutes away from the town. The ruins of the Mycenaean palace complex originate from the Bronze Age and are perched atop a steeply sloping rock. The Mycenaean culture is regarded as one of the first advanced civilizations in Europe. According to legends, some of the mythological residents of Mycenae include Elektra, Agammenon, and Iphigenia.
The Lion's Gate, the treasure house of Atreus and the royal tombs, is definitely the attraction number one in Mycenae. Especially renowned for its imposing amphitheater, the old cult city of Epidauros is more than 2,000 years old and was built in honor of Asclepius, the god of healing. It has a capacity of up to 14,000 visitors and is characterized by perfect symmetry and unique acoustics. Tickets for regular performances or concerts can still be purchased nowadays – an opportunity you should not miss.
While exploring Nafplio and the surrounding area, you can stay at one of the local hostels and get a single room for €32 a night.
Olympia
The archaeological site of ancient Olympia is a must-see during any trip to the Peloponnese. In 776 BC, Olympia was the venue of the first Olympic Games of the ancient world, which were held every four years in honor of Zeus. Discover the remains of the most important cultural center of antiquity and immerse in the eventful past of this place.
In the stadium, you can even enter the 192-meter-long running track, where the greatest athletes of antiquity dueled with each other. You can also visit the temples of Zeus and Hera, in front of which the Olympic flame is still lit today. The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games and the Archaeological Museum, where the famous Apollon of Olympia is exhibited, is also extremely interesting and eye-catching.
As the ancient Olympia is a very popular place for excursions, we recommend visiting the excavation site in the evening if possible. After all, the tickets are valid for two days, so you can also visit the museums the morning after.
Zakynthos
From Kyllini, you’ll head west to the city of Zakynthos by car ferry. The most famous attraction on Zakynthos is the beach of Navagio, also called Shipwreck Beach. As the name
suggests, a completely rusted shipwreck has been lying on the sandy bay surrounded by cliffs for 40 years.
The crystal clear water of the bay shines in rich shades of blue, making it one of the most popular photo spots in Greece. The beach itself is only accessible by sea. Thus, if you want to have a closer look at the shipwreck, you’ll have to book a boat tour. However, the beach gets easily overcrowded, especially during the summer, so we would advise against it. Instead, we recommend driving to the official viewing platform. Simply follow the path along the cliffs from the platform and you’ll reach a spot where you’ll have a wonderful view over the picturesque bay. It’s particularly worth seeing in the evening, so you can marvel at this stunning view while staying away from the swarms of tourists.
Zakynthos is home to the Caretta turtles. From June to September, their breeding grounds are located in wooden and metal racks on many beaches, so with a bit of luck, you might even get to watch the eggs hatch. To see more of these animals in their natural environment, you can also take a tour in a glass-bottom boat.
Another highlight on Zakynthos is an excursion to the island off the coast called Marathonissi. There, you can swim, snorkel and unwind. A lovely place to relax and sunbathe is also Kalamaki Beach, while the hidden Limnionas Bay on the west of the island is suitable for snorkeling in turquoise water. The charming village of Keri, in the southwest of the island, with a small marketplace, traditional taverns, and a lighthouse with a panoramic view is also worth seeing. Rent a boat or kayak and discover the rock formations and caves of Keri Caves.
Stay at a local hostel and get a studio for €28 a night
Delphi
The last stop of our journey is the archaeological excavations of Delphi. The site is especially famous for the legendary Oracle of Delphi and the most important sanctuaries of Greek antiquity.
The picturesque temple complex on the slopes of Parnassus was once sought out by kings and army commanders to obtain prophecy and ask the gods for advice. Until late antiquity, Delphi was considered the center of the world.
In the temple of Apollo is located the so-called Omphalos, a stone that marked the "navel of the world". Visit the ruins of the Athenian treasure house, the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, and the Archaeological Museum as well. From Delphi, you will then return to Athens to catch your flight back home.
You can stay at one of the local hostels in downtown Delphi and get a single room for €30 a
