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Kioni
The pretty little village of Kioni may be one of Ithakis better-kept secrets. Its draped around a verdant hillside spilling down to a picturesque miniature harbour where yachties congregate. Tavernas, bars and flower-bedecked buildings will have you reaching for your camera. For sw
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Moni Agiou Stefanou
Moni Agiou Stefanou was built in 1798 and is dedicated to St Charalambos. In recent years, Greek hagiographer Vlassios Tsotsonis has been repainting the katholikon (depicting the life of Christ) with beautiful results. Efficient nuns do a thriving trade selling religious souvenirs.
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Panagia Quarter
Panagias narrow, tangled streets are lined by pretty pastel houses. A calf-stiffening walk leads up to the castle. Highlights include the restored ruby Halil Bey Mosque and Mehmet Ali House , a superb example of late Ottoman architecture. Enormous 18-domed Imaret (1817), now a hote
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Venetian Fortifications
Part of a defensive system begun in 1538 by Michele Sanmichele, who also designed Iraklio’s defences, Hania’s massive fortifications remain impressive. Best preserved is the western wall, running from the Firkas Fortress to the Siavo Bastion . Entrance to the fortress is via the ga
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Didyma Caves
Off the main road between Kranidi and Epidavros, about 1km west of the village of Didyma, are the Didyma Caves – two extraordinary sinkholes. The caves collapsed thousands of years ago, leaving large crater-like holes. One hides an unexpected surprise – a tiny Byzantine church, con
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Atelier Spyros Vassiliou
The home and studio of leading 20th-century Greek painter and set designer Spyros Vassiliou (1902–1985) has been converted into an impressive museum and archive of his work. Exhibits include his celebrated paintings depicting urban Athens, theatre sets, his artist’s tools and illus
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Church of Agios Eleftherios
This 12th-century church is considered one of the city’s finest. It is built partly of Pentelic marble and decorated with an external frieze of symbolic beasts in bas relief. Originally dedicated to the Panagia Gorgoepikoos (meaning ‘Virgin swift to answer prayers’), it was once th
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Moni Ypsilou
The Byzantine Moni Ypsilou stands atop a solitary peak surrounded by volcanic plains. Founded in the 8th century, this storied place includes a flowering arched courtyard and a small but spectacular museum with antique icons and Byzantine manuscripts. From the top of the monastery
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National Historical Museum
Specialising in memorabilia from the War of Independence (1821–27), this museum houses Byron’s helmet and sword, a series of paintings depicting events leading up to the war and a collection of photographs and royal portraits. The museum is housed in the old Parliament building, on
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Historical Museum & Archives
The Historical Museum & Archives of Hania, about a 1.5km walk southeast of the old harbour, traces Crete’s war-torn history with a series of exhibits focusing on the struggle against the Turks. There are also displays of the belongings of national hero Eleftherios Venizelos (18
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Archaeological Museum of Kissamos
In an imposing two-level Venetian-Turkish building on the main square, this museum presents locally excavated treasure, including statues, jewellery, coins and a large mosaic floor from a Kissamos villa. Most items are from the Hellenistic and Roman eras, though there are also some
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Aristotles Lyceum
The Lyceum where Aristotle founded his school in 335 BC has opened to the public after years of archaeological work; admission to the site is free. The Lyceum, which used to lie outside the city walls, was a gymnasium where Aristotle taught rhetoric and philosophy. It was also know
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Oia
At the north of the island, the postcard-perfect village of Oia (ee-ah), famed for its sunsets, is less hectic than Fira and a must-visit. Its caldera-facing tavernas are superb spots for a meal. A path from Fira to Oia along the top of the caldera takes three to four hours to walk
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Topolia Gorge
Three kilometres south of Voulgaro, the main road towards Elafonisi reaches Topolia, a lovely village clustered with whitewashed houses overhung with plants and vines. Beyond it, the road skirts the edge of the 1.5km-long Topolia Gorge, bending and twisting and affording dramatic v
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Moni Odigitrias
About 6km south of Sivas, Moni Odigitrias is a historic monastery with a tower from which the monks fought off the Turks, Germans and the odd pirate. A rickety ladder leads to the top for superb views. Afterwards, take a quick spin around the small museum with its wine- and olive p
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Ali Pasha Museum
This island museum commemorates Ioanninas former despot, Ali Pasha. Theres a printed narrative (in English) recounting the heady events of Ali’s last days, plus various personal effects and etchings of the portly pasha in full repose, sitting fat and happy with his consort, beard
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Bouboulina’s Museum
The mansion of Spetses’ famous daughter, the 19th-century seagoing commander Laskarina Bouboulina, has been converted into a museum. Entry is via 40-minute guided tours (billboards around town advertise starting times, also posted online). The museum hosts occasional concerts. Ther
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Archaeological Museum of Amfissa
This small but stunning museum, housed in a renovated 20th-century building (previously a bank and a police station), holds a wonderful collection of artefacts from Fokida region, dating from the Bronze Age to the early Byzantine period. Highlights include rare idols purchased by p
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Monument of Filopappos
Filopappou Hill is identifiable to the southwest of the Acropolis by the 12m Monument of Filopappos crowning its summit. The monument was built between AD 114 and 116 in honour of Julius Antiochus Filopappos, who was a prominent Roman consul and administrator. The top middle niche
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Ecclesiastical Art Museum
Opposite the custard-coloured Agios Nikolaos church, this excellent museum contains priceless icons, many brought by refugees in 1923, plus early printed Greek books. Look for the heart-rending realism of the lamenting Mary paintings in between embroidered priestly vestments, drago
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