A land of contrasts-breathtaking gold or white beaches, deep coves, rugged rocky shores, green and fertile areas with cedar-like fir trees that grow nowhere else in the world, olive and fruit trees, caves with unusual stalagmites and pale blue waters shattering into a myriad of phantasmagoric colors. Sights: Katavothres (a rare geological phenomenon, where sea enters through an opening in the rock and “disappears”), churches, ancient and Roman ruins, monasteries. Delicacies: “Mandola” and other almond flavored sweets, local pastries.

Home of Odysseus, Homer’s hero, an earthly paradise with green mountains and captivating coves, with caves for exploring, lovely beaches for bathing, uncrowded hamlets, a lot of strong nightlife. Sights: Cave of the Nymphs, monasteries and museums. Delicacies: “Ravani” A semolina syrup sweet.

Killini sits at the Peloponnesian peninsula’s western-most crook. It’s probably best known for its port. But to view it as little more than a place of transit is missing a trick. For one, it’s got a great backdrop, with a Medieval castle standing guard over a thick pine forest that looks like something out of Red Riding Hood.

Arrival in Athens