Those interested in mythology will find Greece to be a paradise because of its rich ancient past. Listed below are some sites that inspired some of the most well-known Greek mythology. Let’s go back in time and stop by a few of them you can still visit today and emerge yourself in culture:
1. Delos
Any true student of Greek mythology should make the pilgrimage to the holy island of Delos. It is the traditional birthplace of the twin gods Artemis and Apollo, which gives it considerable mythical significance. According to legend, here is where Zeus’s mistress Leto hid when she was pregnant with their children and hoped to avoid Hera’s wrath. People from all across Greece would go to this little island to worship the gods there.
2. Ida Peak (or Psiloritis)
Somewhere in the deep mountains of Crete is a site of significant legendary importance. Here, Cronos, one of the first titans, supposedly sought to consume his children to stop the prophecy from coming true that said he would be brought down by one of them. Immediately after giving birth to her son, Rhea concealed Zeus in a cave on the island of Crete. Since the ancient Greeks considered Ideon Cave to be Zeus’ birthplace (or at least his formative years’ home), it became a popular destination for religious tourism. These days, hikers may enjoy the mountain at their leisure, and they can even see the cave where legend has it that Zeus spent his formative life.
3. The Minotaur Labyrinth
There’s no denying that the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur is one of the most captivating from ancient Greek mythology. You need to know about Minos, Zeus’ son and the ruler of Crete, to understand the setting in which this story takes place. Though the tales vary, it seems that King Minos was saddled with a kid who looked like a bull yet had a man’s physique. He managed to lock it within a labyrinth, but he practiced putting young men and women into the maze every year so the monster might feast on them. One year, Theseus, prince of Athens, volunteered to kill the beast. With the assistance of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, he slew the beast and escaped the labyrinth. Although the labyrinth’s precise location is unknown, there are two possible starting points. The first one may be found at Kommos, which archaeological research indicates was Minos’ throne or Gortyn, located a bit farther away.
4. Aegina
An inconspicuous weekend getaway for Athenians and visitors alike, Aegina is one of the islands in the Saronic Gulf with a fascinating legendary history. Aegina was born to the river deity Asopos and the nymph Metope. Zeus, ever the womanizer, fell in love with her, and he eventually brought her to his island home on Oenone, located off the shore of Attica. Aeacus, the future monarch of the island, was born to Aegina there. The island may be named after her, but the tale must carry on. After the island’s population had been wiped out by a disease brought by Zeus’s wife Hera, the youthful ruler Aeacus appealed for aid. In response, Zeus turned the island’s ants into people. These ferocious warriors served under Achilles’ leadership.
5. Peak of Olympus
According to myths, the Greek pantheon lived atop the lofty peak of Olympus. The country’s highest peak is located atop this breathtaking structure. The rough mountain is excellent for climbing and exploring. Even if you don’t see any gods or goddesses, the view from the top will be spectacular.
6. Paphos
Many people consider this city where Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the water and became a goddess. Indeed, the city of Paphos served as a significant center of devotion for the goddess. The sturdy walls that formerly surrounded her temple are still there today. An amphitheater at the Paphos archaeological site could hold 1,200 people at once.
7. Thebes
Thebes, now known as Thiva, was a powerful city-state in ancient Greece. It was situated in the province of Boeotia. Many legends surround the city, and at least one recounts its founding. The young Phoenician Cadmus traveled to Greece in pursuit of his kidnapped sister Europa. After exhausting his quest for his sister, he consulted the Oracle, who advised him to establish a city on the Boeotian plains. Thebes is associated with the tale of Oedipus and is the birthplace of the gods Dionysus and Hercules. Tragically, the prophecy that he would murder his father, marry his mother and cause ruin to his city came true when he did just that.
8. River Acheron
The Acheron was one of the five rivers surrounding Hades in Greek mythology. The river was called the “river of misery” because it carried the spirits of the dead to Hades. Near the picturesque town of Parga in the Greek region of Epirus may be found the river and the nekromanteion, an ancient Greek necromancy temple dedicated to Hades and Persephone. This scenic region is a beautiful summertime getaway for outdoor adventurers, including kayakers and campers.
