Greece is an extremely beautiful country rich in history and culture. With numerous archeological sites and cultural monuments, it makes for the perfect vacation spot if you like exploring and learning new things!
However, while there is plenty of stuff that is already inspected and well-known to the public, there are some untouched or more mythical places that still keep us on our toes. Generally, these places have the best backstories yet the most secrets. So, spice up your Greece trip with these 5 legendary sites to see with your own eyes!
1. Mount Ida
If you are planning your Greek trip, you have probably already chosen some sort of high-end travel package or private tours to Greece that leads you straight to Crete! However, did you know that besides the most beautiful beaches, impeccable cuisine, and buzzing lifestyle, Crete also hides great secrets of mythology?
This highest mountain in Crete is said to be Zeus’s birthplace and the place where his father, Cronus, committed all of his heinous crimes. Like, eating his children! According to the legend, the high titan Cronus tried to eat and kill his offspring right here on Mount Ida.
This was done to prevent the prophecy from resulting in the titan’s downfall and the simultaneous rise of one of his children. However, goddess Rhea hid Zeus, thus saving him and making him the most powerful god in Greece!
2. The Labyrinth of the Minotaur
Yet another very well-known story from Greece mythology comes to life in none other than Crete!
While scientists and historians are still unsure of the precise coordinates of the Labyrinth, they have a very good guess, and it even looks like a maze! Visit the Great Palace of Knossos in Crete to explore what once could have been home to King Minos’s son. The palace is a product of Crete’s Bronze Age civilization, and, for now, it is the closest you can get to the Labyrinth of the Minotaur.
According to the legends, King Minos was forced to raise a son who was half human, half bull. So, he tossed the beast into a labyrinth that he built just to keep him away. Then, Minos used to send people for his son to eat until Theseus, the prince of Athens, defeated the beast.
3. Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is known to be the most important site in Greek mythology. It is like the main palace and residence of all of the most important gods and goddesses! Funny how you can simply hike it now!
Home to the 12 main gods and goddesses, Mount Olympus, is one of the most stunning areas that holds such history and mystery. Of course, it is highly unlikely that you will encounter any of the deities, but why not give it a shot?
With gorgeous views and a mountainous backdrop, Olympus is the highest peak in Greece, and you can climb right to the top. So, why not indulge in mythology and have some exercise at the same time?
4. Paphos
If you have ever wondered why Paphos, specifically, is so favored and liked by honeymooners for romantic getaways, we are here to give you an answer!
The coastal city in southwest Cyprus is actually the birthplace of the one and only Aphrodite. Well, at least according to the stories! The goddess of love and beauty was said to have been raised from the sea, and from there, she proceeded to be one of the most important and well-known figures in Greek mythology.
There are numerous temples and sites dedicated to Aphrodite, but you should probably start by visiting the archeological site of Paphos and going from there!
5. Aegina
One of the Saronic Islands of Greece, Aegina looks like an ordinary day trip destination from Athens, but in reality, it holds much more legends in itself than you would think!
It is well known that Zeus was never a one-woman man, and if he were, there would be no stories of Greek mythology to tell! Just think about the vast number of his offspring. Well, Aegina was the daughter of Asopos and Metope, a god and a nymph. Zeus, of course, fell in love with the girl and stole her away, bringing her to an island on the coast of Attica.
There, Aegina proceeded to give birth to Zeus’s child, who was actually involved in the later Greek stories. It was his army that so dutifully served Achilles!
Bring your camera and a notebook! There is plenty to see and to learn, only if just to acknowledge the vast influence these myths and legends had on the country. Greece can be the most beautiful and interesting place in the world, especially when you start listening to their stories. So, listen, and good luck!
