5 Must-Visit Sites in Greece to Travel Back in Time

If your children are fans of Percy Jackson's adventures, consider going on vacation to Greece! You will traverse the 2500 years that make up its history and especially you will feast on its mythology. I can assure you that upon their return, your dear little ones will dive into the 100 episodes of the Hermes series! For this tour of Greece, I propose to accompany you, I will tell you about these places, and our itinerary will naturally start in Athens. We will also pass through other major sites of ancient Greece like Epidaurus, Sparta, Olympia, and the Meteora.

For this tour of Greece, I invite you to join me, I will tell you about these places, and our itinerary will naturally start in Athens

In Athens, you will quickly discover why the Acropolis, literally "the high city", is a must-see. The Parthenon, this monument dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, dates mainly back to the 5th century BC. At night, it casts its glow over the lower city. By day, you will reach it by climbing a path that winds through houses with authentic gardens. Once at the top, you will have an unforgettable experience. In addition to the 360° view, you will find that this building has ideal proportions. Indeed, optical distortion was considered here and a law of perfect dimensions for the human eye was applied.

Let's now head to Epidaurus and its legendary theater. This construction that dates back to the 4th century BC is well known among experts. It could hold 14,000 spectators! What probably made this site famous is its exceptional acoustics. Indeed, try it out for yourselves! Ask someone to drop a coin from the marked spot. Then position yourself randomly in the stands, you will hear the sound of the object hitting the ground as if you were right next to it. The icing on the cake: concerts and operas are held there in the summer.

Sparta was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and it was the rival of Athens during the Peloponnesian War (5th century BC). The city has a main street lined with hotels and a beautiful square around its town hall where you can dine in the evening. However, I would like you to primarily visit Mystras, located just a short distance from Sparta. Once held by the Franks, the site offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Feel free to walk around among this complex of buildings with Byzantine frescoes: Agia Sofia, the Palace of the Despots...

Olympia? Here we are! The Olympic Games! Welcome to the stadium 192 m long, you won't resist starting a race filled with excitement! It’s here that the games were created. Moreover, a museum is dedicated to them. You will realize the admiration the Greeks had for the athletes and you will learn more about the types of combat: wrestling, boxing, pankration... The museum has the merit to remind that different games took place in Greece following specific rules. Did you know, for example, that slaves and women did not participate in them?

Welcome to the 192-meter-long stadium, you won't be able to resist starting a thrilling race!

To the east of Athens, your choice will be the Meteora. Visiting them could well be the highlight of your trip, and they are indeed listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Initially, they were caves occupied by hermits, but from the 14th century onward, they were transformed into monasteries. The Grand Meteora and its Eastern Orthodox monastery of the Transfiguration are certainly worth a visit, if only from a geological point of view. You will have previously climbed the steps carved into the rock. Similarly, Aghia Triada, Varlaam, or Roussano will amaze you. Only six monasteries have survived!