Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with over 30 million international visitors each year over the last two years. One of the main reasons for this is the rich history of the country. Greek mythology is often considered the cornerstone of Western culture, and many of the stories from that time live on today.
For people wanting to travel to the country to experience some of the famous settings from the greatest stories of Ancient Greece, there are a few unmissable mythical landmarks – let’s explore what makes them so popular.
Cape Tainaron – The Gates of Hades
In Greek mythology, Hades was the king of the Underworld, but he wasn’t traditionally pitted against Zeus in a good vs evil sense. Instead, he was the fierce and just ruler of the realm of the dead, a place where all souls eventually went. Some of the greatest stories of Greek mythology involve Hades, such as his marriage to Persephone that explains the changing seasons.
There were various entrances to the powerful god’s domain, with one of the most famous of these at Cape Tainaron at the southernmost tip of the mainland. The ancient Spartans built a temple dedicated to Poseidon, but many stories told that heroes such as Heracles and Orpheus entered the Underworld from this spot during their quests. Not much of the ruins remain today, but this is still an excellent place for travellers thanks to its amazing views and walking trails.
Temple of Artemis at Corfu – The Legend of Medusa
If there’s one story that almost everyone knows from Greek mythology, it’s the tale of Medusa. The gorgon with the power to turn people to stone has been represented endlessly in popular culture over the years, with plenty of modern ways to discover the character. For instance, she was recently played by Jessica Parker Kennedy in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. There are also various popular jackpot slots based on the gorgon, such as the Amazing Link Medusa game.
To experience the settings of the dark tale of Medusa in modern times, you need to head to the Temple of Artemis at Corfu. Here, there was once a huge statue of the gorgon, but it was destroyed long ago. However, you can imagine parts of the story, such as Perseus’ journey to slay her. There’s also the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, where you can discover more information about the story.
Mount Olympus – Home of the Gods
No journey to Greece would be complete without a visit to Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the country. This is where the people of old believed Zeus and the other gods would sit, looking down on the mere mortals below.
There are various ways that you can enjoy the mountain. Some travellers simply like to bask in its magnitude and admire the incredible surroundings. Others venture up the trails, which include some challenging climbs.
For people looking for some Greek mythology-inspired travel, these settings are not to be missed. There are plenty of other locations to explore as well, such as Delphi, where the Oracle of Apollo was said to deliver cryptic prophecies.
