STAGE 1 - Stagira
Situated on the north-east coastline near the Chalkidiki peninsula, the ancient city of Stagira was the birthplace of some of Greece’s most famous sons. The great philosopher Aristotle, renowned as the student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great, heralded from Stagira, making it a prominent area of Ancient Greece.
The city was founded in 655 BC but didn’t come under Greek power until 480 BC, joining the Athenian-ruled Delian League. Through many conflicts in the area, large parts of Stagira were destroyed. In 348 BC, Aristotle played a role in rebuilding the city, when Phillip II of Macedon returned the city to its former glory as a favour to Aristotle for tutoring his son.
Today, you can take in the architectural backdrop of this city with a trip to the Archaic Temple of Ancient Stagira. If you’re planning on spending a night on the peninsula, head just south of Stagira and find Skites Hotel and Bungalows. Bordering Mount Athos, this secluded location is the perfect place to sit back with a glass of wine and relax after a day of ancient exploring.
WHERE TO STAY
Skites
Ouranoupoli, Northen Greece, Chalkidiki, Greece
STAGE 2 - Thessaloniki
Image Source: Wikimedia
Head north from the Chalkidiki peninsula to the thriving city of Thessaloniki, now renowned as one of Greece’s most prominent areas. Behind modern day facade however lies a deep historical backdrop with rich architectural roots harking back to Ancient Greek and Roman periods. The major architectural attraction in the city is in fact of Roman origins - the Roman Forum, located a few blocks away from Aristotelous Square.
For a taste of Hellenic history, head for the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Here you’ll find an array of architectural masterpieces from the Hellenic period - major highlight including the restored sections of the Temple of Aphrodite. Discovered during an excavation in 1936, the temple is originally believed to have been built in the city of Thermae, then moved to Thessaloniki during the Roman period. The stonework and craftsmanship epitomises Greek architecture and the condition of the work is still jaw-dropping, even after thousands of years.
A stay in Thessaloniki is a must, and the Bristol Hotel offers a night of luxury and opulence. Ascend an elegant marble stairway as you make your way to your room, then enjoy the evening perusing the fine furnishings, paintings and antiques on display.
WHERE TO STAY
Bristol Hotel Thessaloniki
City Centre, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
STAGE 3 - Pella
Named after its neighbouring town, the archaeological site at Pella offers insight into Greece’s remarkable history. Pella was the birthplace of Alexander the Great. During its peak, it was a vibrant area of great culture and religion. Travellers today can explore excavated sites dating back to the Hellenistic period, with a series of houses and a marketplace open to view, so you can get a taste of what life was like in the 5th and 6th centuries BC.
To truly appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, take a trip north to La Moara Hotel on the Macedonian-Greek border. Situated on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, La Moara offers the pastoral ambience of living in a manor, with secluded and spacious living quarters - an ideal place to stay before quenching the rest of your thirst for Hellenic architecture.
WHERE TO STAY
La Moara
Nymphaion, Florina, Macedonia, Greece
STAGE 4 - Delphi
With two sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo and Athena, Delphi is a must-visit for any architectural enthusiast. Delphi was a major city of Ancient Greece, regarded as a stopping point for any traveller heading from the north to Athens.
The site homes an extensive collection of buildings and structures inspired by Hellenic design, including the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, where you’ll find three temple remains dedicated to the goddess. But Delphi’s landmark Hellenic work is the sanctuary of Apollo. Here you’ll find the Temple of Apollo and the Sacred Way - the two most significant structures in the city.
STAGE 5 - Epidaurus
Epidaurus was a famed healing centre of Ancient Greece, with a sanctuary of spas to help rid the sick of the ailments. This UNESCO World Heritage site was devoted to the works of Apollo, Hygeia and Asklepios - the latter of whom the healing sanctuary was named after. Exploring the centre, you’ll encounter rooms that housed patients as they were subject to the healing techniques.
At the epicentre of Epidaurus is the 4th-century BC theatre, which still stands near perfect. The theatre accommodated for 15,000 attendees and is totally in-fitting with the architecture epitomised by the Ancient Greeks. If you’re looking to spend a day or two exploring the best of Epidaurus, check yourself into Ermioni Estate - the ultimate home away from home. Offering privacy, fantastic hospitality and spacious living quarters, you’ll want to spend time soaking up the Mediterranean sun here after a few days on your feet.
WHERE TO STAY
Ermioni Estate
Ermioni Outscirts, Ermioni, Saronic Gulf Islands, Greece
STAGE 6 - Knossos
Round off your Hellenic roadtrip with a trip across the Mediterranean Sea from mainland Greece - set your compass to the southern island of Crete and the ancient site of Knossos. Heralded as the oldest city in Europe, Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island and boasts a plethora of ancient architecture, with the Palace of Knossos at the hub of it all.
Originally a Minoan palatial centre, Knossos’ four wings home the throne room, royal quarters and banquet halls, all dating back to 1350 BC. As two of the newer buildings on the site (although they still date back thousands of years), the Royal Villa is held in strong religious esteem with a pillar crypt and double staircase, whereas the House of Frescoes depict a more urban feel, with a small mansion north of the palace.
To complete your Greek adventure, book a night at Avil Lounge Apartments, located in heart of Rethymnon city. A short journey west along the coastline brings you to an area which enjoys the influences of Cretan, Venetian and Turkish elements. The hotel itself is offset from the bustle of city life, providing a blissful retreat in a blossom-covered courtyard. During your stay, get a taste for local cuisine in the award-winning Avli restaurant and raise a toast to the journey across of one of the most historically important countries in the world you’ve just completed. Yamos!
WHERE TO STAY
Avli Lounge Apartments
Rethymnon Old City, West Crete, Crete Island, Greece