Archive for 'Architectural Gems in Greece'

The gorgeous Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular holiday locations and must-see destinations. It is easy to see why: it is an utterly stunning island dotted with pretty whitewashed towns, rich blue-coloured domed churches, cute tavernas, little boutiques and shops, trendy bars, donkeys carrying bundles up hillsides, and excellent spots to watch the incredible watercolour sunsets that put on performances above the island each night. If you want to get well and truly away from it all and enjoy the peace and relaxation that the slower pace of life on the Greek islands affords, then just find a vacation rental in Mykonos or a holiday rental in the South Aegean and either stay on the island or visit it for day trips.

While you visit the island, be sure to set aside some time to head to the Armenistis Lighthouse, a pretty and still-functioning historic lighthouse that offers one of the best and most heartrendingly beautiful views on the island. Located to the north-west of the island, above a homonymous bay, Armenistis Lighthouse was built after the wrecking of an English ship on the shores nearby in the 19th century, which left 11 crew members dead. It became apparent that something needed to be done to help prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future and, in 1891, a lighthouse was built.

Lindos is a very popular seaside resort town that is located on the island of Rhodes, 35km from the city of Rhodes, that is home to three very beautiful beaches and has incredibly ancient origins. The area has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC and was a major commercial centre for the island for centuries as it had the only practical natural harbours on Rhodes. The island was home to a sizeable Mycenaean population and then the town of Lindos was founded by the Dorians in the 10th century BC when they came into power and divided the island into three separate states – Lindos, Kameiros, and Ialysos. By the 8th century BC, it was a major trading centre due to its geographical location, positioned between Greece and the Middle East. In the 6th century BC, it was at its peak under the tyrannical rule of the Kleovoulos. However, with the foundation of the city of Rhodes, in the 5th century BC, Lindos went into decline as it was no longer the most important commercial centre on the island. While it ceased being a commercial centre, Lindos remained an important religious hub for centuries later and right through the Hellenistic era and also became a major cultural and artistic centre.

Santorini is one of the world’s most famous and beloved holiday destinations that is at the top of a lot of bucket lists and lists of desired vacation spots. Its endless blue skies, crystal clear waters, cute white-washed architecture, flowers, and famous sunsets have been captured and shared by countless visitors and continue to attract more looking for a slice of that romantic perfection offered by this incredible place. If you have found a villa in the South Aegean, make time to head to this beautiful island in Greece and see what all the hype is about for yourself. You’ll encounter crowds that you might not have imagined in idyllic daydreams about the place but we think you’ll still be pretty impressed. It is quite the sight to behold, after all.

One of the key destinations in Santorini is Oia, the island’s northernmost village. This is likely the place that you will see pictured in most images of the island that are featured in articles, guidebooks, social media posts, and television shows. It is an exceptionally photogenic town that is a maze of little shops, restaurants, cafés, other businesses, houses, and those iconic white churches topped by blue domes. A pedestrian town, it is famous for its sunsets, the amazing sweeping views over the rest of the island and the caldera from its position along a cliffside, the crowds gathered to take in those views, and the chic and expensive restaurants and little stores. It is synonymous with style and glamour and is the destination of choice on the island today, particularly among the rich and famous.

If you are looking to take in a fascinating medieval monument as well as some incredible panoramic views over the coast, go for a short but very gratifying hike, and then spend some time on a truly stunning beach and you have found a vacation rental in Peloponnese, then you need to head to the lovely coastal town of Pylos. This is where you will find the ruins of a 13th century fortress perched on a cliff called Old Navarino Castle and the utterly beautiful natural surroundings that you can admire as they unfold below when you reach the ancient building.

Navarino Castle was built in the strategic location in which it stands today in the 13th century by the Franks. It was positioned for observation and defence and endured centuries of attacks and sieges before being taken by the Venetians in the 15th century and then passing back and forth from Venetian and Ottoman control. Once Pylos Castle was built nearby, Navarino lost its significance and, over time, fell to ruin. It is known by locals as “Paleokastro”, “the old fortress,” and is a romantic ruin.

What is Greece without her ruins? The majestic remnants of the architectural gems of Ancient Greece are iconic and fascinating and must-sees for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Greece. In particular, if you find yourself in the capital, you'll be within reach of some of the most characteristic and important ruins in the country. Among them, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is especially famous and beloved and something that anyone who has found a vacation rental in Athens should set aside some time to go and visit.