• Mon Repos Palace was built by the British Commissioner Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife. It is a small but beautiful palace with colonial elements, which today operates as a museum. In this luxurious dwelling, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Elisabeth the Second, was born in 1921. The park around the palace is ideal for long romantic walks.

• Kanoni (meaning canon) offers from its circular terrace an amazing view across the island of Pontikonissi (meaning Mouse Island), one of the most photographed spots of Corfu! According to the legend, this rocky islet was a Phaeacian ship that was turned into stone.

• Paleopolis (at Mono Repos estate) stands where the Agora of the ancient city of Corfu was located. Admire the remains of several public buildings erected there along with sanctuaries, workshops and residencies.

• Achilleion is a fairy palace built among cypresses and myrtles by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who wished to escape from the Austrian court. Elisabeth truly fell in love with the island, and she dedicated this palace to Achilles as she cherished the belief that he represented the very soul and fairness of Greece.

The island where Ulysses met Princess Nausicaa in one of Homer’s Odyssey most celebrated scenes is a magical destination all year long: colourful music events, culinary feasts, religious festivals, carnival celebrations –known for their deep Venetian influences–, and the most joyful Easter in Greece form an exquisite mosaic of experiences.

Edward Lear vividly describes the magic of Corfu: “Anything like the splendour of olive-groves and orange-gardens, the blue of the sky, the violet of the mountain, rising from peacock-wing-hued sea and tipped with lines of silver snow, can hardly be imagined […]”.

Best Ways to Visit Delphi from Athens: Tour, Car or Bus?

Delphi is one of the most popular day trips from Athens, offering a unique combination of ancient history, mountain scenery, and cultural significance. Once considered the center of the ancient world, it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

If you are planning to visit Delphi, one of the first questions you will face is how to get there. There are three main options: an organized tour, driving yourself, or taking a bus. Each option offers a different experience, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your day.

This guide will help you compare the options and decide which one suits your travel style best.

How Far Is Delphi from Athens?

Delphi is located in central Greece, a few hours from Athens. While the distance is manageable for a day trip, it still requires planning, as the journey takes time and involves mountain roads.

For most travelers, visiting Delphi means dedicating a full day to the experience, including travel, site exploration, and optional stops along the way.

Visiting Delphi by Organized Tour

Organized tours are one of the most popular ways to visit Delphi from Athens. They usually include transportation, a structured itinerary, and sometimes a guide.

This option is convenient because everything is arranged for you. However, group tours often follow fixed schedules, which means limited flexibility and less time to explore at your own pace.

Epidaurus is one of the most important archaeological findings reflecting the splendour of Greek culture through its imposing beauty. Its ancient town stands on Argolian land, overlooking the Saronic Gulf. The mountain heights of Arachnaio, Koryfaio and Tithio form a natural perimeter which embraces the town, protecting from the winds and giving it an exceptionally mild climate. Clear running waters, beautiful natural landscapes and beneficial climatic conditions served to create the ideal place for healing of man with the power of the gods. The Asklepieion at Epidaurus gained fame throughout the world for its unique healing practices as it was undoubtedly the greatest of the theurgical sites in antiquity.

It is said that more than 200 healing centres worked under Asklepieion’s authorization throughout the Eastern Mediterranean area. Today its monuments apart from being recognised as masterpieces of ancient Greek art they are also standing proof of the practice of medicine in antiquity. They illustrate the medical evolution from the time where it was believed that healing depended on God to the time where it developed into science based on a systematic knowledge through accumulative experience.

Change Through the Course of Time

Asklepios’ worshiping, son of Apollo and Koronis, granddaughter of King Malos of Epidaurus, was established in the sixth century BC. Asklepios, protector of human health and personal happiness, was a very popular deity with an ever-increasing number of worshippers. The Sanctuary at Kynortion was quickly overwhelmed by a great number of visitors, so a new sanctuary was founded in the plain, approximately 1 km northwest of Kynortion Hill, on the site where, according to the myth, Asklepios was born. The two sanctuaries, one dedicated to Apollo Maleatas and the other to Asklepios, were subsequently known under the common name of Sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas and Asklepios.

During the fourth and third centuries BC buildings were erected in both the mountain and plain sanctuaries; the Classical temple, the altar of Apollo, the Great Stoa, the priests' residence and the Temenos of the Muses in the former; the Temple of Asklepios, the Abaton, the Tholos, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Banqueting Hall and the hostel in the latter.

The Asklepion flourished again in Imperial times and particularly in the second half of the second century AD, when the Roman consul Antonine financed the refurbishment of old buildings and the construction of new ones. During this period, Pausanias visited, admired and described in detail the sanctuary and its monuments.

Excavations began in 1881 under the guidance of Panagiotis Kavvadias, who devoted his entire life to his beloved Epidaurus. The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus was added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 1988.

Tips for Private Tours in Athens: How to Plan a Better Experience

Private tours in Athens are one of the best ways to explore the city in a more flexible and comfortable way. Instead of following a fixed group schedule, you can focus on what interests you most and experience Athens at your own pace.

That said, the overall experience depends a lot on how you plan your tour. Small decisions — such as timing, duration, or whether to include a guide — can make a noticeable difference, especially if it’s your first time in Athens.

Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your private tour.

Choose the Right Type of Private Tour

Not all private tours in Athens are the same. Some focus mainly on the Acropolis and ancient landmarks, while others include neighborhoods, museums, or even local experiences.

If it’s your first visit, starting with a tour that includes the Acropolis and the historic center is usually the best option. If you have already seen the main highlights, you may want something more focused on local areas or specific interests.

Consider the Best Duration for Your Visit

Choosing the right duration is key. A shorter tour works well if you want to focus on one main area, while a longer experience allows you to explore more without feeling rushed.

Many travelers find that a half-day tour is ideal for covering the main highlights, while a full-day experience offers a more relaxed pace and a deeper understanding of the city.

Do You Need a Licensed Guide in Athens?

Athens is full of history, but much of it is not immediately obvious. Without context, it’s easy to walk through important sites without fully understanding what you are seeing.

A licensed guide can make a big difference, especially at places like the Acropolis. The stories, symbolism, and historical details bring the monuments to life and make the visit far more engaging.

Transportation Options for Private Tours in Athens

Some private tours are walking experiences, while others include transportation. The best option depends on what you want to see and how much time you have.

If you plan to combine different areas of Athens or simply prefer a more relaxed experience, having a private driver can save time and make the day much smoother.

Best Time to Visit the Acropolis and Avoid Crowds

The Acropolis is one of the most visited sites in Greece, and it can get very busy, especially during the summer months.

Starting early in the morning is one of the simplest ways to improve your experience. Not only will you avoid the largest crowds, but you will also enjoy cooler temperatures and a more comfortable visit. After 10:00–11:00 AM, the area tends to become significantly busier.

Combine Landmarks with Local Neighborhoods

The best private tours in Athens are not limited to famous monuments. They also include the local side of the city.

Combining the Acropolis with areas like Plaka or Monastiraki gives you a more complete experience. You see both the historical landmarks and the everyday life of the city, which makes the visit feel more authentic.

Should You Visit the Acropolis Museum?

If you have the time, the Acropolis Museum is definitely worth including in your itinerary.

It helps you understand what you see at the archaeological site, as many of the original sculptures and findings are displayed there. For many travelers, this adds an extra layer of meaning to the entire experience.

A Better Way to Experience Athens

One of the main advantages of private tours is flexibility. You are not tied to a group schedule, and you can adjust the experience based on your interests and pace.

Archaeological evidence give us proof that Asklepieia offered in antiquity what we nowadays call holistic health care. The therapies and treatments practiced by the mystic-physicians were extremely sophisticated. Centuries of observation of nature, the human body and the interdependence of mental harmony and physical health created a complex medical context for healing, which proved extremely effective.

On the site of ​​the imposing Asklepieion the existence of an even older sanctuary and healing centre has been confirmed, which was dedicated to a female fertility goddess. Later Apollo was worshipped on the same site, also as a god of healing, until Asklepios, who was thought to have been born in Epidaurus, took over divine responsibility for medical care. Over the years the accumulated experience of the priests, together with the effective synergy of the incomparable climate and natural surroundings of the land of Argolis, led to highly successful medical treatments. This resulted in a veritable swarm of visitors seeking treatment, not only from within Greece, but also from countries far away.

Therapeutic Treatment of the Spirit, Body and Soul

Each activity which took place at Epidaurus was designed to harmonize the mind, body and soul. The theatre of Epidaurus, this miraculous shell-like structure with its amazing acoustics and harmonious architecture, was a place where visitors could attend performances and "escape" from their small, debilitating everyday problems. Music, theatre, and the reading of philosophical texts prepared the soul to achieve the ultimate healing of the body.

The patient, after the necessary cleansings and having reached a calm and mentally relaxed state, was led to the main therapeutic area, the Abaton. This was a mysterious dome shaped structure, with mystagogical corridors and complex circular mazes. The architecture of Asklepieion is still remarkable today. The building was circular, referencing the safety and security of the maternal embrace. The layout of the sanctuary served to focus the concentration of the patient and draw strength from his inner world.

This preparatory stage was followed by the main healing phase, known as enkoimesis a gentle non-invasive method, which nevertheless proved very effective. During sleep, the person allowed himself to dream of the god, who would visit him in the inner sanctuary, offering the healing treatment that was needed. The mystic followers of Asklepios guided the dream experience with appropriate interventions in order to create the best outcome for the patient. In 1883, 70 inscriptions, providing epigraphic evidence, were found - the so-called iamata or remedies, which indicate many successful treatments for a wide range of ailments.

The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, its peaceful natural surroundings influenced by its primitive and mysterious place in history, invites us to explore the forces of nature and those within ourselves.

Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece and to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.

Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxi (or Paxos) and Kythira are the seven largest and most popular islands of the group, while Antikythira, Antipaxi, Ereikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi, Meganisi and Strofades are lesser-known smaller islands, which have a lot going for themselves.
They are destinations attracting many visitors every year for a variety of reasons:
Their temperate climate, lush vegetation, beautiful mountains and breathtaking beaches will provide the perfect surroundings for your next holidays.

Nature

Over the millennia, geological transformations have helped shape stretches of awe-inspiring steep coastline, beautiful sandy shores and high mountains. Tectonic changes also account for the great depth of the waters in the region; the Calypso Deep reaches a staggering 5,267 m. depth, making it the deepest point in the Mediterranean Sea.
So, it’s no wonder that some of the wildest and most famous shores in Greece are located on this side of the country. Egremnoi and Porto Katsiki beaches on Lefkada Island, Navagio Beach on Zante Island and Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia Island are but a few of the award-winning must-visit destinations in a long list of spots with cool emerald waters.

Activities

Set sail to discover unexplored gems on the Ionian Islands; the sheltered coves and amazing sea caves, such as the Blue Caves on Zante Island and the Caves (called Grahves) on Paxi Island are impressive locations to add on your list of things to see.
If you’re lucky enough, you might spot two local protected species, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta) and the Monachus Monachus monk seal in Zante’s marine park area.
Try water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing οn Vasiliki and Agios Giannis, Lefkada Island, hike οn Ithaca's green hinterland, visit the amazing Melissani and Drogarati Caves οn Kefalonia Island, and see the Neraida (Fairy) waterfalls on Kythira Island.

During the period of Ottoman rule in the rest of Greece, the Ionian Islands were European dominions; this exposure to the western way of life has led to a cultural and artistic development that is evident today in their architectural heritage, their charming dialect, customs and traditions.

On cosmopolitan Corfu Island, our suggestions on must-see places include a tour of the Old Town of Corfu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Old Citadel and the New Fort, a stroll in Spianada Square and the nearby Liston area, a visit to Agios Spyridonas Church, as well as to famous Pontikonisi. Other must-see places beyond the town limits are Achilleion Palace, and Panagia Palaiokastritsa Monastery.

On picturesque Paxi Island, visit the impressive Venetian Agios Nikolaos Fortress and enjoy the Paxos Music Festival in September.

On Lefkada Island, take a trip to the Santa Maura Venetian Castle, the Archaeological Museum and the Public Library.

On Kefalonia, the biggest island in the group, enjoy your tour of Saint George’s Castle, Assos Fortress, katavothres (a seaside place with an underwater intriguing geological formation) and Agioi Theodoroi Lighthouse.

On Zante Island, visit Agios Dionysios Church, the remains of the Venetian Fort on picturesque Bochali area, the Exhibition Centre for the protection of the local sea turtle in Zante’s marine park, and Milaneio Maritime Museum.

On Kythira, the southernmost island in the group, the most interesting historical sights are the 13th c. Venetian Castle (Fortezza) in town, the Archaeological Museum and Myrtidiotissa Monastery.

Cuisine

Local products include virgin olive oil, thyme honey, fragrant herbs and rare citrus fruit; these are some of the basic ingredients to delicious traditional savoury and sweet dishes you can try in this part of the country.

On Kythira Island, you must try the renowned and scrumptious olive oil rusks. Taste cheeses and charcuterie such as salami made in Lefkada Island, ladotyri (a flavourful cheese which matures in olive oil) made in Zante Island and nouboulo (smoke-cured pork meat) made in Corfu Island.

Savour pastitsada (rooster meat cooked with spices and tomato, served on long thick tubular pasta with a hole in the centre) and bourdeto (a fish dish cooked with tomato and spices) on Corfu Island; sofigado, a particular beef dish cooked with quince, tomato & grape molasses & bean soup cooked with salami, on Lefkada Island; tasty meat pies on Kefalonia Island, aliada (a side dish for fish made with potato, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice) & stifado (a type of rabbit stew) on Zante Island.

Locally produced wine is the best way to accompany your meals. Enjoy a glass of white PDO robola from Kefalonia Island. Taste also red vertzami, a flavourful wine produced on Lefkada Island. Kumquat liqueur is an absolute must-try on Corfu Island as well as the local tsitsibira, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made with ginger root and lemon.