Ancient Agora in Athens. Stunning Santorini and Naxos

Greece was an unforgettable experience. We explored awe-inspiring ancient sites, met wonderful locals, and enjoyed the great Greek cuisine. In Athens, we stood in awe at the iconic Acropolis, wandered through the Ancient Agora, and explored world-class museums. Then we took a ferry ride to the stunning island of Santorini, where we were dazzled by its breathtaking beauty. Later, we travelled to the island of Naxos, where we did a challenging hike up Mount Zas, where we were rewarded with panoramic views.

Athens

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. It is the birthplace of democracy, the arts, science, and Western philosophy. It was home to renowned thinkers like Plato, Socrates, and Euripides. The city has several ancient landmarks. They include the Acropolis, the Agora, and a great museum. Today, Athens is a vibrant metropolis. It blends its rich history with a modern atmosphere.

We stayed in a small hotel in Piraeus, Athens Port. It was much quieter than the city. We walked around the harbour during the evenings and had a nice meal in one of the small taverns. The people were very friendly and helpful.

When we travelled to Athens, we left the Metro at Monastiraki Square. The square is located in the old city. It's close to the main shopping areas, the Ancient Agora, and the Stoa of Attalos.

When we travelled to Athens, we left the Metro at Monastiraki Square. The square is located in the old city. It’s famous for its flea market and vibrant atmosphere. It’s also close to the Ancient Agora, and the Stoa of Attalos.

We first climbed the Acropolis hill in Athens. It’s a key site for Greek civilization, culture, and democracy. However, when we reached the Parthenon dedicated to the Greek goddess, it was under significant renovation.

While walking around, we explored the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. We also saw the wonderful Erechtheum. Later, we took shots of the city below.

From the Acropolis, you can see Athens and Lycabettus Hill, which is the highest point in the city.

Walking around the city on foot is far harder than hiking. We refuelled with lunch at one of Plaka's taverns on the way to Ancient Angora.

From the Acropolis, we walked down to Plaka. A site that blends ancient history and modern Greek culture. This area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring traditional tavernas, shops, and cafes. Walking around the city on foot is far harder than hiking. We refuelled with lunch in one of the fantastic taverns.

The Ancient Agora was once the city hub. It was also where Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato discussed their theories.

The Ancient Agora was a central public space. People used it for assemblies, markets, and social gatherings. It was where philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and others convened to discuss theories on ethics, politics, and the universe.

After the Ancient Agora, we went to the National Archaeological Museum. It has the most ancient Greek treasures. Jockey of Artemision, a huge bronze figure from circa 140 BC.

They made romantic statues even before 100 BC. This stunning marble statue shows Aphrodite, Pan, and Eros.

The life-size bronze statue dates from around 460 BC. Experts do not know whether the man is Poseidon or Zeus.

Santorini

Santorini is famous for its scenery. It includes cliffs and beaches with black, red, and white sand. The buildings are white-washed with blue domes. They are perched on cliffs overlooking the caldera, a large volcanic crater in the Aegean Sea.

Unfortunately, the ferry from Piraeus to Santorini was cancelled twice. It was due to a strike. Finally, we made it. The ferry took six hours to reach the magnificent island of Santorini. We rented a car to get around the island, and it was a nightmare. The streets were built for donkey carts, not for cars.

The towns of Fira and Oia are 260 metres above an undersea caldera. While walking through the labyrinthine lanes, you will see breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The perfect place for watching an unforgettable sunset in Oia

In Santorini's countryside, many windmills once milled wheat. These old buildings have become bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and wedding sites.

In Santorini’s countryside, many windmills once milled wheat. These historic buildings have since been converted into bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and wedding venues.

The towns of Santorini are stunning but don't miss the stunning surroundings. Many areas produce sweet, golden wine and other crops.

The towns of Santorini are stunning but don’t miss the beautiful surroundings. These areas produce sweet, golden wine and other crops.

Goodbye, Santorini. We enjoyed our time there. Now, we are on the way to the island of Naxos.

While the ferry is approaching the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, we can see Mount Zas, where Zeus was born and raised. We are already excited about climbing to the top, which is 1003 m above sea level.

Naxos

Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, is a gem in the Aegean Sea. It boasts fertile landscapes that include mountain villages, ancient ruins, and extensive stretches of beautiful beaches. Naxos is also renowned for its white marble and Mount Zeus.

While Chora is the capital, the nearby large marble gate is the landmark of the island of Naxos.

It was wonderful to visit the charming village of Chora. We loved the marble buildings and historic Venetian villas.

During our stay at the island of Naxos, we stayed in a small apartment in Mikri Vigla, which was only one minute from the beach. It was low season, and everything was closed, including the tavernas

During our stay on the island of Naxos, we stayed in a small apartment in Mikri Vigla, which was only one minute from the beach. It was low season, and everything was closed, including the tavernas. However, we had a great time when the owner’s mother cooked delicious Mama’s meatballs for us

Later, we strolled around the beautiful 530 BC temple of the goddess Demetra in Sangri.

We climbed to the summit of Mount Zas from Filoti. It was fascinating but hard due to the hot weather

We climbed Mount Zas from Filoti. It was wonderful, although challenging due to the hot weather.

The hike to Mount Zaz is strenuous and steep. While the round trip takes 4 to 5 hours and the elevation is 650 metres, it was wonderful.

The hike to Mount Zaz is strenuous and steep. The round trip takes 4 to 5 hours and the elevation is 650 metres.

Looking from above, we could see where the hike started.

Finally, after three hours of steady ascent, we arrived at the peak of Mount Zaz. It was a hard hike but fantastic.

From the top of Mount Zas, we enjoyed stunning views of the Aegean Sea and its adjacent islands.

In contrast to the dry Cycladic islands, the island of Naxos is green, lush, and fertile. It has much water, allowing for many crops.

In contrast to the dry Cycladic islands, the island of Naxos is green, lush, and fertile. It was plenty of water for growing many crops.

While driving around the island of Naxos, we saw many beautiful churches. They were on top of hills without streets all over the island. How do worshippers get there?

We loved the beautiful marble houses. We saw them during our walks through the narrow streets of the traditional villages.

Finally, on our tour through the rural part, we visited the marble quarry. The famous Mount Zas marble production began in 550 BC and was used to build the ancient Olympia and Acropolis.