The Greek Bucket List - Are these on Yours?

Written by: Irene Fantopoulos

We’ve seen many lists on just about everything. What we haven’t seen is Greek things to do before you die. 

Check out my top picks for the Greek bucket list.

Meteora

These overwhelming rock towers are the site of a Monastery that dates back to the Byzantine era. The Monastery seems precariously positioned atop a cliff, but has been there for centuries. The rock structure is found in the northwest corner of Thessaly.

The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum in Athens was built in 2003 and is found at the foot of the Acropolis. The Museum houses masterpieces of ancient Greek civilizations and art, including sculptures, friezes, and figurines.

Every weekend, the Acropolis Museum features 3D projections. The on-site restaurant has a special menu every Friday night until 12 midnight.

Here’s a link to the official site for more information.

Enjoy a Beautiful Sunset in Oia, Santorini

Wrap yourself in the perfect sunset in the town of Oia in Santorini. The island of Santorini is located in the southern Aegean Sea. Santorini is the result of a massive volcanic explosion. Oia, built on the volcanic rock and is located in the southwestern-most point of the island. Oia draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year as they make their way through the meandering, cobble-stoned streets to enjoy the spectacular view of the setting sun. It is also one of the most romantic places in the world. Here are a few photos for your enjoyment. 

  

See Comedians Angelo Tsarouchas and Ellen Karis

These are two of the funniest Greek comedians that we have who are known around the world by Greeks and others alike. The two comedians provide a hilarious delivery of the Greek Diaspora. Tsarouchas hails from Montreal, Canada. Here’s a youTube video featuring Tsarouchas, for your enjoyment.

Karis grew up in New York City. Here’s a youTube video featuring her comedy.

The Ruins of Knossos in Crete

 

The Minoan ruins at the ancient Palace of Knossos in Crete, is a must. This archaeological site was discovered in 1900 by Arthur Evans. The Palace is deemed to be from the Bronze Age and was the epicentre of culture, politics and social activity of the Minoan peoples. The Palace is located 5 km southeast of Heraklion on the hill of Kephala.

Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem

This ancient church is considered to be the “main church” of all Greek Orthodox churches. It was the birth of the church following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The church’s hierarchy is dominated by the Greek clergy.

Catch a play at Epidaurus, Greece

See a play of the Greek classics in the acoustically sound ancient Epidaurus in the Peloponnese. The plays are part of the Hellenic Festival, which runs every year from May to October.

Pick Olives Alongside Greek Farmers 

Step away from your day-to-day modern comforts and experience the ancient craft of olive picking.

There are many farms across Greece that offer an opportunity to pick olives either for pay or pleasure. There are even holidays created around this elixir of the Gods. www.olivepicking.com offers holidays for just this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Discover the Lost City of Atlantis

Many believe that the answer to the legendary Lost City of Atlantis lies on the sea bed near the caldera that is known as Santorini. There are also excavations of an ancient Minoan civilization in the area of Santorini known as Akrotiri which may indeed be evidence of Atlantis. 

If you’ve done any or all of these, then you’re well ahead of the rest of us.