From Piraeus (Athens) to Piraeus (Athens)

Nauplia, once the capital of Greece and still an insider tip in the Peloponnese, enjoys a scenic location on the Argolic Gulf. The city is nestled against a rocky promontory and offers impressive views from the two fortresses that watch over it: Palamidi Castle from the 18th century and Akronafplia Castle, the ruins of which house the Nafplia Palace Hotel today. Syntagma Square, with its charming cafes and restaurants, invites you to while away some time. With its wonderful blend of history and Greek way of life, Nauplia enchants its visitors and is a quieter alternative to better-known destinations in Greece.

Visitors to Mykonos are greeted by picturesque scenes that are quintessentially Greek: gleaming white houses with flower-filled balconies and blue doors, framed by windmills and the azure sea. The “fair wind” meltemi, which blows across the Cyclades, has been used for centuries to set the windmills in motion – six of them still stand and shape the picturesque townscape. Once sleepy, the island became a hotspot for the international jet set in the late 1960s, led by personalities such as Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy. Today, Mykonos combines authentic Greek charm with a touch of glamour and exclusive nightlife.

A major place of worship in ancient times, Delos is now an island steeped in myths and history: legend has it that it was a floating island until Poseidon anchored it down to the bottom of the sea with four diamond pillars so that Leto could safely give birth to the twins Artemis and Apollo there. The island thus became a sacred place with the great Temple of Apollo and served as the political, cultural and economic centre of the Cyclades for a long time. Today, Delos is mostly uninhabited – only museum guards and their families still live here – but the impressive ruins and temples bear witness to a glorious past. Delos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, inviting visitors to delve deep into the history of ancient civilisation.

Kusadasi’s long, palm-lined promenade immediately evokes a holiday feeling – a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea is enough to make you forget the daily grind. A few kilometres away, the historic site of Ephesus, where the splendour of ancient Rome is still reflected in the impressive ruins of the Celsus Library and the great theatre, takes you back to a distant time. Kusadasi itself, founded in the 13th century by Italian traders, offers a mix of Turkish charm and Mediterranean ease – a place where history and the present gently merge.

Some 20 km (12.4 mi.) from the Dardanelles lies Bozcaada, an unspoilt island paradise in the northern Turkish Aegean. From the slopes of the highest mountain, Goztepe, breathtaking views of secluded coves with clear water and scattered pine forests unfold. The imposing Bozcaada Castle, which guards the harbour, probably dates back to the early 18th century. It bears witness to the island’s turbulent history. Today, Bozcaada is best known as Turkey’s most important wine-growing region, producing almost a third of the country’s wine. Every year, the vines attract visitors from all over the world to the island, who come to taste the wine and its special aromas, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere as well.

Istanbul, a fascinating metropolis that combines historical splendour and modern lifestyle, lies at the borders of Europe and Asia. The iconic landmarks of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provide impressive insights into the city’s rich history. A stroll through the old city takes you through a labyrinth of narrow streets and bustling bazaars, with the Grand Bazaar at its centre, inviting you to forget the time as you browse and admire the many stands and products. The banks of the Bosporus, the city’s lifeline, offer a picturesque backdrop: a ride in a traditional water taxi reveals unforgettable panoramas of the historic skyline and allows you to absorb the unique blend of East and West.

A blend of historic charm and modern city life awaits visitors in Kavala, which, despite its importance as a trading centre, has retained much of its original character. The old town on the Panagia Peninsula is overlooked by a medieval castle dating from 1425 and offers impressive views of the surrounding coastline. A landmark of Kavala is the aqueduct, which was built in 1550 and extends across the city with its 60 double-decker arches. For those seeking relaxation, the city beaches, such as the extensive sandy Ammolofoi Beach, are a heavenly invitation to sunbathe. Kavala combines history, culture and the beauty of the Aegean in a unique way.

The port city of Volos, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Thessaly, has a unique atmosphere. The scent of pine trees, olives and herbs is in the air, while laid-back life pulsates along the pretty harbour promenade. In the cafes and taverns, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding mountain ranges and beaches. Those who want to explore the area around Volos will find exciting excursion destinations in the traditional villages of the Pilion Mountains and the impressive Meteora monasteries.