Along the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia lies Dubrovnik, a city well-known for its 16th-century Old Town. Filled with enchanting historic sites and containing a sense of stories past, the Croatian city has rightly earned its place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Delve into the fantastical side of the city as you tour the streets that have become part of cinematic history. Take a break from history for a relaxing beach day with a quick ferry ride to the nearby Lokrum Island. Delve deep into the local culture with wine and delectable platters of meat and cheese.

The port city of Bari stands as the capital of Italy’s Puglia region. Its old town Bari Vecchio and bustling harbor are enough to make you want to stay. Start along the Longamore and keep going to find a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, coves, and bays, from Cala Porto to Polignano a Mare. Puglia is famous for taking simple foods made only with local and seasonal ingredients and turning them into culinary art, such as its beloved orecchiette, a pasta made without eggs and shaped like small ears. Become inspired by the culture of Bari at the Auditorium Nino Rota, named after its famous composer who scored The Godfather.

The horseshoe-shaped bay of Saranda on the Albanian Riviera lies between the Ionian Sea and rolling hills of olive groves. When visiting, Butrint National Park should hold a spot on your bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance holds the remains of a city from the Roman Empire, a scenic lagoon, and breathtaking mountains. Surrounded by beaches and a promenade, Saranda is a quintessential Mediterranean destination when you’re looking for a simple yet elegant experience. Wander over to the secluded natural bay of Mirror Beach on the way to Ksamil village.

In the north of the Ionian Sea lies Corfu, a Greek island with history and cultural influence from the French, Venetians, and the English, all leading to its modern-day, cosmopolitan reputation. While most Greek Isles are associated with ancient ruins, Corfu offers a different historical lens with monuments like Achilleion Palace. It also holds a quainter side with surrounding villages to explore like the charming ghost town of Old Perithia in Kasiopi. It’s not a trip to Greece without visiting some of Corfu’s stunning beaches like Canal d’Amour or Paleokastritsa.

Katakolon is a little seaside village on the western coast of Ilia and it’s exactly what you picture when you think what a Greek village should be. You can taste the day’s catch fresh from the fishermen’s nets at the gateway to Olympia. With a small population and plenty of shops and restaurants to peruse, it’s the perfect way for travelers to get an intimate look at Greek life.

The home of the first Olympic Games in 776 BCE, Olympia still holds wonder. As explorers wander onto the ruins the first thing that catches their eyes are the stone columns. Still standing where it was first lined up in ancient times, one cannot help but let their imagination run wild as they fantasize about running the first flame across the field.

Many are tempted to take their place in history when you catch sight of the pedestals where Olympic winners once stood to receive their spoils. But please, don’t stand on the victors’ columns. It has to be enough to admire them or strike a triumphant pose next to one of the first-place pedestals.

Fun fact: This is where the saying, “Don’t rest on your laurels,” came to be. Victors of the Olympic Games earned a wreath made of aromatic bay laurels as a symbol of their triumph. But these long-past victories were never meant to help them hold their social status long-term.

Wander further into the ruins and find the remains of the Temple of Zeus. The platform is roped off for visitors, but just standing at its base is enough to inspire awe. Visitors can spend hours at the site and marvel at how all those constructs have managed to keep standing after all this time.

In the Saronic Gulf lies the charming small town of Nafplion, Greece. Narrow stone streets amid whitewashed houses and quaint local shops create a romantic picture straight out of a postcard. Find the steps leading to Palamidi Castle perched on a cliff atop the town for a heart-pumping exploration. Not far from Nafplion, you can explore the remains of King Agamemnon’s castle in Mycenae. This site contains the history of the dominating culture of mainland Greece from the late Bronze Age. Nearby in Epidaurus discover the famous amphitheater where you can stand at certain points at the bottom and hear the speaker at a location in the seats all the way to the top. 

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles' Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles' Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.