traveldk.com

This mountain village makes a good alternative base for visiting Delphi and Parnassos. It is an extremely popular winter destination for rich Athenians, and room prices are higher here in winter. Though the main thoroughfare is lined with shops hawking local rugs, honey and cheese, the best way to explore is to get lost in its stone-lined passageways.

The lovely monastery here is one of the greatest treasures of the Byzantine Empire. Inside, the brilliant mosaics are among the most perfectly executed examples of the genre. It is currently closed for restoration work and is scheduled to reopen in 2006.

The centre of the world, as Zeus divined by releasing two eagles from opposite ends of the universe and seeing where they crossed. Great mystic powers are associated with this site, whose jutting mountain, gaping chasms and rushing springs indicate a place of dramatic geological upheaval. In ancient times, priestesses communed with the Oracle of Delphi, which gave famously abstruse prophecies. Apollo won dominion over the Oracle, and the site is full of temples to the god and prophets. (see Sights in Delphi)

For 1,400 years, this was one of Greece’s most sacred places. Thousands of pilgrims took part in the Eleusian Mysteries, rites that celebrated Demeter, goddess of nature, and her daughter Persephone. Today Eleusis has become one of Greece’s ugliest places – a polluted industrial town. There are still some scattered ruins, though, and a museum to help make sense of them.

Greece’s second-largest island is so close to the mainland you can reach it by bridge. There are several trains a day from Larissa station in Athens to Chalkida, Evia’s central city. The spine of mountains running north to south and dotted with villages offers great weekend trekking, and if you go by car midweek you’ll likely have its beaches and the thermal spas at the northern tip to yourself.

Although developed in parts, Mount Parnassos offers fine skiing, splendid views and, in spring, wonderful trekking over wildflower-covered heights. The highest peak and most popular trek is the Liakoura. The truly ambitious can trek via Delphi by starting from Arachova very early in the morning, although this requires a guide. The best starting point for most hikes is the Greek Alpine Club refuge at 1,900 m (6,230 ft), 20 km (12 miles) north of Arachova.

On the outskirts of Athens, this beautiful mountain has many paths through its dense fir forests, offering walking and trekking for all levels. In spring, its meadows are full of wildflowers. There are two refuges for climbers and a large casino-cum-alpine hotel, reached by cable car from the suburb of Thrakomakedones, and a good starting point for walks. (see Hiking on Mount Parnitha)

This is a contender for the most beautiful monastery in Greece, with its idyllic location, looking across a valley to the soaring Elikonas mountain range, and fine Byzantine frescoes within. The interiors of the two distinct 11th-century churches are covered in marvellous mosaic and marble icons and decorations.

The city of Thebes was once one of the greatest Mycenaean settlements and home of the tragic dynasty of Oedipus. Although next to nothing remains of the ancient sites, and the modern city offers little in the way of sightseeing, Thebes is worth a visit for the splendid Arch-aeological Musuem, with its excellent collection of Mycenaean finds.