Greece has long been one of the top tourist destinations in Europe and it’s not difficult to see why. There are so many things to see and do there, especially if you’re interested in antiquity and Greek myths and legends.
If you want some time on a perfect beach, planning a holiday in Greece is one way to take it easy and soak up the sun, as there are few places as idyllic as the Greek islands. One such example is the Greek holiday island of Zante, otherwise known as Zakynthos. It’s the biggest of the Ionian islands and is situated to the west of mainland Greece.
There are resorts to suit all kinds of holiday makers on the island, but the one that attracts the clubber is Laganas. If you’ve got a more peaceful holiday in mind, steer clear of this resort. One way to make the most of staying on Zante is to hire a car or jeep to go exploring on the island. There is some amazing scenery to drive through, and you can visit historic sites such as the old town of Zante and the Eleftheotia Monastery.
If you’re interested in Greek mythology one island that has plenty of appeal is the island of Crete where you can explore the Minotaur’s palace at Knossos. This is the most famous archaeological site in Crete and according to myths, this was a palace designed for King Minos to cage the Minotaur, a bull beast. Touring the palace ruins you’ll be able to see where the maze-like tunnels ran through the building’s cellars.
And if your interest in Greek mythology means that you want to see the birthplace of Aphrodite – goddess of love – then head to Cyprus. Near the town of Limassol, you’ll be able to view Aphrodite’s Rock – where she was said to have been brought to shore by the waves on an oyster shell.
These are just a couple of examples of the history and mythology that the Greek islands are steeped in. The fact that they happen to be perfect gems of seaside locations is a happy coincidence which means that you can combine a holiday of sightseeing and historical tours with days on beautiful beaches and in crystal blue seas!