The Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheum, a temple on the Acropolis. Photos by Kent St. John.

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Athens: Worth All the Marbles

I have to admit, the last time I went to Athens I blew through. Boy was that a mistake. I recently made a return visit to the city for a preview of the new Acropolis Museum and found it to be a great place to explore.

Athens deserves time and I loved my time in Athens.

The city spreads like a white sheet over hill and dale, hidden neighborhoods explode with activity. Athens is as layered as the centuries of its history. Read more

Forgotten Graves and Minoan Zombies: The Phourni Cemetery in Crete

Archaeologically-minded visitors to Crete flock to the famous palaces of Knossos, Phaistos and Kato Zakro, and why shouldn't they?

Ancient palaces, mysterious bull-riding rites and bright frescoes fascinate even the most historically uninspired traveler. But Phourni – arguably the most important archaeological site on Crete – lies ignored at the summit of a hill overlooking the Archanes township.

The Phourni cemetery remained in use for over 1000 years, from approximately 2400 BCE to 1200 BCE when the Minoan civilization had nearly died away.

The entrance to Tholos Tomb B. Photo by Stephanie Green.

The cemetery even contains later Mycenaean tombs. This and the fact that two undisturbed "royal" female burials were discovered here, make Phourni the most significant Minoan cemetery discovered to date.

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Hydra, Greece: The Island of the Eccentrics

Why a group should head to Greece for a belly dance holiday is indeed far from straightforward. The choice of location almost seems to play with history: the dance of the age-old rival, Turkey, for one week colonises the small island of Hydra, whose ships were fundamental in the war of independence from the Turks.

Sarah, our teacher, explains: "You have to get away from clubs and markets if you want to learn the dance: Vlychos has no distractions." Read more

A beach on Crete's rocky coast

Land in the Clouds: Greece's Giant Fingers of Granite Contain Monasteries and Mystery

Nestled in the mountains of central Greece is a land that time forgot. Giant fingers of Granite rise up out of the Kalambaka valley like the hands of God reaching toward heaven.

Perched miraculously on the tips of these fingers are five monasteries and one convent, all of which are active and thriving. The area is called Meteoras and it literally means "up in the clouds." Read more

Read More GoNOMAD stories about Greece:

Travel Unscripted: The Santorini Shakedown

The Greek Isle of Rhodes: Endless Beaches, Picturesque Villages

Eco-Hotel in Crete is a Tranquil Haven for Relaxation

In Search of History in Samos, Greece

Humanitourism: Saving Dogs and Cats in Greece

Motorcycling Across Crete

Following Greek History: A Journey Through the Peloponnese

Greek Islands Photo Gallery

Thessaloniki, Greece: Stylish and Cultured, Without the Big-City Hassle

Crete: Majesty, History and Adventure

Karpathos Island, Greece