The birthplace of democracy, Greece is surrounded by water—the sparkling Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. With its history of enlightenment from ancient times, the country is also considered the cradle of Western civilization. Throughout the land, on its islands and in enclaves that include Crete, central Greece, Macedonia, Thessaly and Peloponnese, the whiteness of Cycladic architecture gleams especially bright against the blue of sky and sea. One building practically sits atop the next, and ancient ruins have a way of sneaking up on you. Here the gyros are cheap and delicious, the people are more than willing to help a tourist in need of directions, and the buildings representing cultures of the past coexist peacefully with the jam-packed roads of the present. |
ATHENS
THE ROYAL TREATMENT
King George II Palace
This British-influenced hotel was originally built as an annex to the palace and hosted King George II as one of its first (and regular) guests. Rooms are traditional with a flair—décor is composed of raw silk and satin accents—and Tudor Hall serves up delicious Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Alain Ducasse philosophy. |
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LUXURIOUS LODGING
Hotel Grand Bretagne
A stay at the historic Hotel Grand Bretagne boasts opulent suites adorned with chandeliers and oil paintings, a romantic dinner at the seasonal GB Roof Garden where you can watch the sun set over the Acropolis, and an establishment rich in history—this was the site of lodging for King Otto’s guests. |
SUNRISE,
SUNSET
Night+Day
Guidebooks, Athens
It’s
hard to imagine that the historic home of the Acropolis
would be awake into the early morning hours. After the
sun sets in Athens, locals and visitors alike flock to
nightclubs, bars and live music venues to celebrate life.
This is what the Night + Day book is all about—the
idea that adventures can continue past sunset. |
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WHERE
TO MAKE YOUR
STOMACH HAPPY
Milos
Athens and Other Top Picks
Costas
Spiliadis, the affable owner of Estiatorio Milos in Montreal
and New
York, will have a much shorter distance to ship his
Greek specialty items at his newest restaurant, Milos
Athens, housed in the Hilton Athens. |
SPA
GUIDE
Becoming Aphrodite
Greece’s spa scene is thriving with options for every budget and desire. We’ve rounded up the island’s best spas, where you can relax with a rosemary and chamomile scalp massage, soak in a thermal bath, or treat yourself to an aloe and spearmint polish after a day of lying under the Grecian sun. |
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CRETE
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TOP 10 SPA HOTELS WORLDWIDE
Blue Palace Resort & Spa
The Elounda Spa uses seaweed and other marine-based products from the Mediterranean in its restorative treatments. Indulge in the spa's signature treatment, a traditional olive oil massage prepared with local Cretan oil. Take a dip in the triangular pool and then retire to your villa. |
SANTORINI
TOP 10 HOT EUROPEAN HOTELS
Mystique
The 18 villas and suites of Mystique are carved into Oai's famous cliff face. Quarried limestone floors, antique textiled cushions and an infinity-edge pool, are just the start of a fantastic stay on the Greek Isles. A “secret” wine cave also entices with a rare, indigenous selection. |
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AUGUST—SEPTEMBER
Santorini Music Festival
If relaxing on a Greek island and listening to enchanting piano recitals, operatic arias and other international symphonic delights is your idea of a great vacation, book a flight to Santorini and enjoy this diverse and fun festival. Click here for more details. |
Visit
the official website of Greece.
>>Guides
for other parts of the world
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