Delphi

Ancient Delphi is an archaeological site located on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis. It was the site of the Sanctuary and Oracle of Apollo, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world.

For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was quite literally the center of the world. According to Greek myth, Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth and they met in the sky above Delphi. Impaling one another with their beaks, they fell to the ground on the very center of the world. The site was marked by the Omphalos, or “navel” stone.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting Delphi is a must.

(Excerpt: Sacred Destinations: Delphi)

Meteora

The Meteora (meaning “suspended in the air”, or “in the heavens above” which is what meteora means in Greek), is one of the largest and most important complexes of the Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. To get to Meteora, the nearest town is Kalambaka.
The monasteries comprise of six Greek Orthodox monasteries built on spectacular natural rock pillars on the edge of the Pindus Mountains in Northern Greece, and is in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It was established in the 11th century by hermit monks who were believed to be living among the caves and cutouts in the rock. Access to the monasteries were originally difficult, requiring either long ladders lashed together or large nets used to haul up goods and people.

Studies suggest that the pinnacles were formed about 60 million years ago, and later shaped into its current structure by weather and earthquakes.

(Excerpt: Sacred Destinations: Meteora; Wikipedia: “Meteora”)

Greek Islands

Greece has over 6,000 islands and islets, but only 227 of these islands are inhabited, with only 78 of these having more than 100 inhabitants.

Featured in the Mamma Mia!, the Musical, Greek Islands are an idyllic location due to the sun, seas and reflections of clusters of white washed buildings. Two of the most popular Greek Islands are Mykonos and Santorini.

The island of Delos, near Myknonos is one of the most important mythological, historical and archeological sites in Greece.

In ancient times, Delos was a major sacred site, second only to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. It is a fascinating site, located a short ride from Myknos.

One of the more boggling sights is the monuments dedicated to Apollo, each decorated with a huge phallus, emblematic of the orgiastic rites that took place during Dionysian festivals.

Santorini is located in the southern Aegean Sea, and is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying what used to be a single island, creating a archipelago of volcanic islands.

The Santorini Caldera is undoubtedly one of the natural wonders, and has also been linked to the myth of Atlantis. The caldera is actually a basin, which extends for miles, with towering and rocky cliffs, more than a thousand feet from the sea level, and extends deep underneath the sea for an additional thousand feet, thereby creating a perfect harbor.

One of Europe’s tourist hotsopots, with it’s picture perfect landscape with gleaming white churches and sparkling blue seas, Santorini is one of the most photographed parts of Greece.

(Excerpt: Sacred Destinations: Greece; Wikipedia: “Greek Islands”; Santorini Infor)