Delphi
At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. The history of Delphi begins in prehistory and in the myths of the ancient Greeks. In the beginning the site was sacred to Mother Earth and was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, who was later killed by Apollo. Apollo's sanctuary was built here by Cretans who arrived at Kirrha, the port of Delphi, accompanied by the god in the form of a dolphin. This myth survived in plays presented during the various Delphic festivals, such as the Septerion, the Delphinia, the Thargelia, the Theophania and the famous Pythia (1).
Tickets
Full: €6, Reduced: €3
Special ticket package: Full: €9, Reduced: €5
Valid for: Delphi, Delphi Archaeological Museum
Transportation
Travel generally takes 2 to 3 hours by bus. There are various tour operators organizing daily trips to Delphi from Athens. Usually such tours include the tickets for the museum and archaeological site and professional English speaking guides. Of course, you can always rent a car. Should you be interested in visiting Delphi please contact us for more information or to arrange a day trip on your behalf.
Nafplio
Greece’s first capital has been built in a cove in the Argolic Gulf. The town and surrounding area are endowed with a natural beauty that has remained untouched over the centuries, and bear a pristine character, traditions and a very rich history. Nafplio is one of Greece’s most beautiful towns, a favourite destination for a short distance weekend getaway from Athens. Anapli (another name for Nafplio) is enveloped in a romantic atmosphere that you will feel as you get acquainted with the town’s history (2).
Transportation
Travel generally takes 2 to 3 hours by car. There is a bus once in every hour from Athens to Nafplio for 13.10€ single trip and 23.00€ return ticket (more information for buses). Should you be interested visiting Nafplio please contact us for more information or to arrange a day trip on your behalf.
Hydra
Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf. It is separated from the Peloponnese by narrow strip of water. In ancient times, the island was known as Hydrea (Υδρέα, derived from the Greek word for "water"), which was a reference to the springs on the island (3). Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets, secluded squares and above all the banning of cars and the use of around 500 donkeys as means of public transportation, makes Hydra a distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time (4).
Transportation
You can travel to Hydra by boat from Piraeus port of Athens. Boat trip would take 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the boat (more information for the trip). Should you be interested visiting Hydra please contact us for more information or to arrange a day trip on your behalf.
Spetses
Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. It was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821. The island has managed to retain its individual traditional character thanks to its well-preserved grand captain mansions, still bearing eloquent witness to the island’s glorious past. The picturesque old harbour and Dápia, a tourist and commercial centre where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats, are the trademarks of the town of Spetses. The best time to visit Spetses is during September, when “Armata”, a truly impressive re-enactment of a naval battle takes place ever since 1931 (5).
Transportation
You can travel to Spetses by boat from Piraeus port of Athens. Boat trip would take 2 hours to 3 hours depending on the boat (more information for the trip). Should you be interested visiting Spetses please contact us for more information or to arrange a day trip on your behalf.
Mykonos
Mykonos is an island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. Today, the nightlife and the beaches of Mykonos are among the most active and the most famous in Europe. The island was named in honour of Mykons, son of Anios who was a son of Apollo and nymph named Rio (6).
Transportation
You can travel to Mykonos by boat from Piraeus port of Athens. Boat trip would take 3 hours to 4 hours depending on the boat (for more information Blue Star Ferries and Seajets).Should you be interested visiting Mykonos please contact us for more information or to arrange a day trip on your behalf.
The above destinations, close by Athens, are only the most famous of the kind. We would be happy to make many more suggestions and/or arrangements on your behalf for short visits, one-day trips or cruises, but also destinations all over Greece.
Works Cited
1. [Online] http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2507.
2. [Online] http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/destinations/weekend_escapes_near_athens.
3. [Online] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydra_(island).
4. [Online] http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/argosaronic_islands/hydra.
5. [Online] http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/spetses.
6. [Online] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykonos.