When I started this trip I never thought I would go to Greece but here I am, in the middle of it, escaping the rain, driving in Ancient Greece. Because, on this trip, I was going to explore the archaeological site of Ancient Greece. I am embracing my trip to Greece with eagerness. Starting with Delphi and a surprise stop At Kastro Naupaktou. And Ancient Olympia of course, where the Olympic Games started.
My friends talk a lot about Greece, and I don‘t mean the Euro crisis, the bankruptcy, the struggle. Greece is a popular spot to holiday for so many, although most go to the islands.
It didn’t take long to realise that they are a few sides to Greece. The locals, the country, the history and the holiday spots are all different. Greece, as a country, hasn‘t convinced me that much though. It looks like it has been abandoned and, at most parts, is quite dirty. So, I guess, unless you are on the islands, I am not sure whether the country site has much to offere. Except the Ancient Greece History of course! But let’s wait and see.
Delphi, the archaeological site
Delphi is a town on Mount Parnassus in the south of Greece and has a great archaeological UNESCO complex that is certainly worth seeing.
History: 4th-century-B.C., sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium and theater. It was the first Greek archaeological site I have ever seen so it was quite impressive (there are so many to follow, especially Athens, one of the most stunning ones). After seeing a few, you get a better comparison of the good and the ones not really worth visiting (no matter what the tourist guides tell you).
This archaeological site in Delphi, I definitely liked!
Nafpaktos & Kastro Naupaktou
There is not much to write about the actual driving in Ancient Greece. The highways are pretty empty and there landscape grand and empty. After leaving Delphi however, I was ready for some lunch. So I made a spontaneous stop at a smaller coast town, Nafpaktos. It was a cute place. I love the local Greek food (meat and Greek salad are my go to). It is fresh, and so simple and tasty. Furthermore, the olive oil is super delicious. (Of course I had to stock up on some as well. Same as in Rovinj, Croatia).
Once arriving at the Nafpaktos village, I noticed a big fort on top of the hill, called the Kastro Naupaktou. So, after a healthy and delicious lunch, there was my exercise again. Walking up to the top of the fort. The view was stunning! A small and great find in my first day of driving in Ancient Greece. What else is there to come?
Ancient Olympia
Another exiting stop for the day was visiting Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began. Interestingly enough the games were held every 4 years for 1100 years, from 776BC to at least 393AD. Not bad.. !
It is pretty amazing seeing it and definitely worth a visit. The only shame I find, is, that I can’t interact with most of the ruins on this archaeological site. It is all blocked off (with secret agents hiding in the dark calling you out when you try and cross the line.. speaking from experience!).
Let’s train for the Olympic Games next then!
