Aegean Places of Legend

Melina Mercouri, the esteemed singer, once announced the imminent arrival of a ship at Piraeus port. Later, in her role as the Greek Minister for Culture, she successfully advocated for Athens to be named the inaugural European Capital of Culture in 1985. Athens, recognized as the genesis of Europe, philosophy, and democracy, epitomizes the ideals of the Olympic movement. Since 1987, this iconic city has held the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Parthenon temple standing proudly atop the Acropolis as its defining landmark. The historic neighborhood of Plaka lies beneath the Acropolis hill, while the state-of-the-art new Acropolis Museum has been captivating visitors with its treasures since its establishment in 2009.

Immerse yourself in the art of sailing as the passionate crew expertly raises the sails by hand.  Sit back, relax in a deck chair, and admire the artistry of traditional sailing. Today is a day to unwind and enjoy the serenity of the open sea.

The unique character of Milos' landscape was formed by volcanic activity. Hot springs, spectacular cliffs and distinctive rock formations give the various beaches their own individual character. The colors of Milos are most obvious where the water meets the stone and forms the coastline. Minerals have colored the sand and stones and each rock along the coastline seems to glow in a different color. Plaka, the picturesque old capital with its typical dazzling-white houses, is overlooked by a mighty castle which offers a superb view over Adamos Bay and the surrounding islands.

Does it still exist, a real insider tip in Greece? Astypalaia seems to be one of these places that have become rare. From above, the small island jewel looks like a butterfly that has landed on the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Since the journey to Astypalaia is a bit tedious – if you are not just relaxed with the windjammer on the way – the little island is spared from tourist crowds and has been able to preserve its original charm. Thus, between countless beaches, crystal clear water, snow-white alleys and red windmill roofs, even as a guest you quickly become part of the typical Greek island everyday life.

At 300 meters above the deep blue sea, the monks are very close to heaven. The white monastery of Panagia Hozovitissa almost seems to grow out of the steep cliffs, so high and narrow is it. Its eight floors are connected by a labyrinth of corridors, and every now and then you catch a breath-taking view of the vastness of the Aegean Sea through a rock window. The magical cliff-top monastery is the best-known highlight of Amorgos, but beyond this architectural marvel, the charm of the Cycladic Island also enchants – with remote little mountain villages, old stone windmills and the scent of wild oregano.

Naxos, Cyclades
In the south of Naxos lies the idyllic fishing village of Agia Anna, with its secluded tavernas and beach bars on the small promenade. On both sides, lovely bays and beaches entice you to swim in the crystal-clear water. The huge Venetian castle in the island's capital, only a few kilometers (miles) away, once protected the city from attackers. Nowadays it offers you a stunning view over the whole island in all its glory. Even the gods loved the island. The German opera "Ariadne auf Naxos" was based on the myth of Dionysus and the Cretan king's daughter.

Syros, Cyclades
Although the capital of the Cyclades is situated on the tranquil and traditional island of Syros, outside of the town this seems the most remote island of them all. Ermoupoli, one of the most beautiful island towns in Greece, was built majestically on two hills. Its architecture is exceptional and the numerous monumental neo-classical buildings give the impression of a large, elegant town. Passing over the hill, the spaciousness and vastness transform into a maze of lanes and give a medieval impression.

Although the capital of the Cyclades is situated on the tranquil and traditional island of Syros, outside of the town this seems the most remote island of them all. Ermoupoli, one of the most beautiful island towns in Greece, was built majestically on two hills. Its architecture is exceptional and the numerous monumental neo-classical buildings give the impression of a large, elegant town. Passing over the hill, the spaciousness and vastness transform into a maze of lanes and give a medieval impression.

"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009.