Greece: between ancient history and the Aegean islands

There are destinations that one dreams of visiting because of their landscapes and others because of the history they hold. Greece has the wonderful peculiarity of bringing both things together.

I had the fortune of meeting her many years ago with my daughter Madelyn and it was one of those trips that remain forever etched in memory.

Each place seemed to transport us to a different time: from the temples of Ancient Greece to the white houses suspended over the blue Aegean Sea.

Our tour began in Athens, walking through the Greek capital is living with thousands of years of history. In every corner there are vestiges of a civilization that deeply influenced Western culture.

But the most exciting moment was arriving at the Acropolis and seeing the majestic  Parthenon.

Seeing in person that temple built more than 2,400 years ago produces a sensation that is difficult to describe. From the top of the hill, Athens stretches as far as the eye can see, while the columns of the Parthenon recall the splendor of ancient Greek civilization.

For Madelyn, that trip also had a very special meaning. In those years I was reading at school Sofia’s world, the famous novel by  Jostein Gaarder  that introduces young people to the history of philosophy through a fascinating journey through Western thought.

As I progressed in reading, I discovered names like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle and awakened enormous curiosity about Greece, which had been the cradle of so many ideas that still influence our way of understanding the world today.

So when we finally arrived in Athens, the experience was much more than a sightseeing visit.

Seeing the Acropolis, walking through the same places where some of the most important philosophers in history had lived and taught, and seeing the Parthenon in person was, for her, a way to connect what she had read in books with reality.

I remember their enthusiasm as we walked the old streets of the city, asking questions, relating places to historical figures, and discovering that behind each stone there were centuries of history.

As a mother, it was very gratifying to see her enjoy herself in that way, because the trip became a true extension of her learning and an experience that we will hardly forget.

After touring museums, squares and streets full of history, it was time to sail to the islands.

One of the first was  Mykonos, probably one of the most famous in the country.

Its narrow streets, completely white, seem designed to get lost aimlessly. The houses adorned with blue doors and windows, the balconies full of flowers and the traditional windmills create an unforgettable postcard.

Walking through Mykonos at sunset, while the sun begins to dye the sea in golden tones, is an experience that is difficult to forget.

If Mykonos conquered us with its charm,  Santorini  left us speechless. I have rarely seen such an impressive place.

The white houses built on the volcanic cliffs seem to defy gravity. From any point on the island there are spectacular views of the caldera, the enormous crater flooded by the sea that was formed after a gigantic volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.

I especially remember the sunsets of Santorini. The sky slowly changes color as the sun disappears over the Aegean Sea. It is one of those landscapes that no photograph can completely reproduce.

Another destination on our tour was  Katakolo, a charming small port located on the western coast of the country.

Although many travelers know it as the gateway to ancient Olympia, the place has its own charm. Its quiet streets, the relaxed atmosphere by the sea and the proximity to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world make it a very special stopover.

From there we had the opportunity to get closer to  Ancient Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games were born almost three thousand years ago. Walking through those historical ruins allows you to imagine ancient athletes competing in honor of the Greek gods.

Beyond the monuments, islands and landscapes, what makes this trip unforgettable is having shared it with Madelyn.

I remember our conversations while we walked the little streets of the islands, the photographs taken in front of the sea, the leisurely walks and the shared excitement of discovering places that we had seen so many times in books, documentaries or movies.

Greece gave us history, culture, extraordinary landscapes and some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in my life and although I have returned many other times to that wonderful place, I still remember that that trip also gave us time together.

And over the years I have learned that those shared moments are, in reality, the best memories that any trip can leave behind.