Athens
During ancient times, Greece served as a geographically strategic meeting place for people from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, the country remains as diverse and vibrant as the cultures that shaped it.
Athens emerged during the Classical Age, in the 5th century BC, as the most prominent city-state in Greece. It is located in the southernmost region of Central Greece, and is the port city where most begin their tours of the popular Greek islands. It is situated in a basin surrounded by four mountains: Mt. Hymettos to the east, Mt. Parnis and Mt. Aigaleo to the West, and Mt. Pendeli to the north. It is home to countless archeological sites, museums, and social attractions. Greek is the language spoken here, although as in most places, English is also spoken and understood. Currency in Greece is the drachma.
To Greeks, Athens is an overcrowded, expensive, and decadent place to avoid if you are the quiet, peaceful type. To tourists, however, Athens is an exciting, bustling city filled with shops, cafés, monuments, and character. Although pollution and traffic do add to the grit of the city (think New York's traffic jams and Los Angeles air quality), the energetic tourist will find plenty of opportunities for sightseeing.
While Greeks like to ridicule Athens, 40% of the country's population lives here, and 5 million people can't be wrong. The street congestion is partially alleviated by a newly constructed subway system called the metro, but taxis are still the primary mode of transportation for visitors. And although Athens is a modern city, the history and antiquity of Greece is not entirely forgotten here. The city is home to many places that recall Greece's achievements in science, sport, architecture, and art during from Classical Age. It boasts of relics from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. History enthusiasts will want to visit the Natural Archeological Museum. And no one who visits Athens should miss the city's most impressive legacy, the Acropolis and the perfection of the Parthenon. It is an architectural must-see, looming 200 feet above the city.
Just as Athens offers plenty to do, it also offers plenty of places to unwind. Traffic jams and overcrowding can be quickly forgotten while enjoying appetizers at a local restaurant or sipping coffee at a tranquil side street café, as Athenians are also masters of food, friendly debate, discussion, and relaxation.
Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the principal Dodecanese islands. The Dodecanese are the easternmost of the Greek islands, neighboring Asia Minor, and some of its most beautiful and diversified. Rhodes is the most traveled of the 12 Dodecanese, enticing tourists with its gorgeous land and fascinating history. It is also the largest Greek island, with 540 square miles of beautiful land. It is believed that Rhodes was once a part of nearby Turkey, as evidenced by the similarities in their terrains. A volcanic eruption separated the two.
Helios, the Sun god, is the signature god of Rhodes. This is perfectly fitting, as Rhodes enjoys an average of 300 or so days of blissful sunshine a year. Obviously, its sun-drenched environment is enough to draw visitors from all over the world, but it is Rhodes impeccably maintained terrain that charms them to come back over and over again. Rhodes has remained seemingly unspoiled by pollution and a growing population, and this is a testament to how much pride residents of Rhodes take in their home. Rhodes has a reputation for kindness that is unrivaled by other European destinations. It is not unusual here for strangers to engage in conversation, and the locals love to share their warmth and tradition with tourists. Hospitality is nearly a given, especially if you are new to the island.
From sleepy mountainous village areas to the vibrancy of Rhodes Old and New Towns, this island is a lovely display of rich earth and sparkling beaches crowned by an aura of history that links East to West with an indescribable magic.
Rhodes is a tourist's dream. For that reason, it has earned itself the reputation of being the most crowded of the Dodecanese. If you are visiting Rhodes in late summer months like July and August, brace yourself for crowds. Reservations are recommended at most restaurants during those months, and some museums also offer reservations in addition to regular walk-in availability. But if you are fortunate enough to visit Rhodes during off-peak times such as October or November, you will be able to enjoy all of the beauty and festivities that the island has to offer without the lines and crowds. Either way, you are sure to take pleasure in the rich history and natural beauty that is Rhodes.
Tunis
Tunisia contains an amazing collection of rich culture and heritage. Throughout the millennia, many empires have left substantial footprints upon its sands. The Romans, Phoenicians, French, Ottoman Turks, the Byzantines, and the Arabs have all given their contributions to this African country, making it one of the busiest tourist destinations in Africa.
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia, and is one of the most tourist friendly cities in the Islamic world. In fact, the greatest sights Tunisia has to offer are just a few minutes away from Tunis, which is an added advantage. One of these magnificent sights is the ancient city of Carthage. It dates all the way back to 814 BC, run by the Phoenicians who quickly built it into a great metropolis. The Romans took over the region in the 6th century BC, following the 128-year Punic War. The Vandals then conquered the region in 439 AD, followed by the Byzantines in 533 AD. The Byzantines were not strong enough to hold onto it long either, as the Arabs took control in 670 AD.
The north coast of Tunisia is known as the green belt, with a fertile coastal plain backed by the thickly forested Kroumirie Mountains. This type of environment breeds wild boars, jackals and mongoose. Tunisia has been westernized in recent years, now home to fast food restaurants, radio stations that play the latest pop music tracks, and women that adorn themselves in the most recent European fashions. If you want to see a bit of traditional life, however, then travel to the more rural areas where the hammam (bathhouses) and the mosques remain the central focus of their lives.
Malaga
Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, is home to 550,000 residents and is a marvelous city for visiting and sightseeing. The weather in Malaga is fantastic, and the wide array of activities and interesting features will have you begging for more. No stay is too long in Malaga, and the diversity of the city is magnificent. The port area is comprised of ancient streets and gorgeous foliage, and at the center of the city is a mass of high-rises and government buildings.
The climate of Malaga is subtropical, and the region averages 324 days of sunshine every year. Talk about a prime vacation spot! About a decade ago, crime in Malaga reached an all-time high, as unemployment rates and drug use skyrocketed. Thanks to government programs and aid from nearby cities and countries, the area has improved greatly. Tourism has certainly benefited Malaga. The drug peddling that was occurring on the streets ten years ago has thankfully been virtually eliminated. However, like anywhere, it is still wise to be conscious of your surroundings at all times, and do not leave valuables lying around. As mentioned, taking such care should be the norm whenever traveling, no matter where you are.
The Plaza de Merced, cathedrals, and museums of Malaga make it a remarkable site for studying the history and culture of Spain. The coastline that borders the city is magnificent, and it creates a wonderful backdrop to the ancient land.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a diverse and outrageously enjoyable city that demands a look. It is already a very popular tourist destination, but it will no doubt continue to have an increasing amount of visitors as the years go by. It is not a quiet town, but it is not as sprawling or congested as some of the neighboring capitals. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and with a population that hovers right around one million, most of the other famous European cities are much larger. This is just fine with the citizens of Lisbon, who prefer their city remain somewhat secluded and protected. This is one of those places to which you must be sure to bring all of your high performance photography gear. But even if you aren't a seasoned shutterbug, buy a disposable camera and snap as many shots as you can! The landscape, horizon, and glorious sunsets here are unparalleled, and the unique architecture will not be seen anywhere else on earth. Even the cobblestone streets are remarkable, built on hillsides, making for a roller coaster-like view of the city or the river at any given time.
In 1755, an earthquake and tidal wave completely destroyed the city, and after that a complex of parallel streets was constructed in between the two main squares. The Alfama is a Moorish sector that is found to the east of Lisbon, and Bairro Alto is located to the west. Lisbon is full of tremendous sights and a fantastic array of top-notch museums. The squares are ideal locations for picnicking and people watching. The weather here is excellent, with hot summers, warm springs and autumns, and cool winters. The more time you spend in Lisbon, the more you will fall in love with it, so keep that picture of the kids handy to remind you of home or you may never want to leave!
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