Greece is a nation that is rich with history. It produced the great thinkers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, and the great writers Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus. It is the birthplace of both the ancient and modern Olympic games, and the legends of the Greek gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. Alexander the Great vastly expanded the Greek empire, as the apostle Paul sought to expand the Christian empire.

A few years ago my husband, Kevin, and I traveled to Greece. We spent a few mind-boggling days taking in the sights of Athens – the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, the shopping in Plaka, the open air cafes. Then we boarded a ship and sailed from Piraeus for a completely different Greek experience – a visit to the Greek Isles. Like Athens, it’s impossible to cover all there is to see and do on the islands in one small article. But here are some highlights of a few of the most popular and accessible Greek islands.

When you think of the Greek islands, Santorini is probably the island you picture – deep blue waters, rocky coastlines, and cliffs lined with startlingly white homes topped with cobalt blue domes. Small ships and ferries arrive in Skala, a spectacular harbor situated in the enormous caldera, or crater, which formed when a volcanic eruption blew out the center of the island over 3500 years ago. Some scholars believe that this eruption led to the myth of the lost city of Atlantis.

The main historic attraction is Akrotiri – a town destroyed by the volcanic eruption, yet preserved under layers of lava. Often compared to the city of Pompeii in Italy, the excavations at Akrotiri have discovered a sophisticated town complete with three-story buildings, a highly developed drainage system, and frescoes whose original colors were preserved under layers of volcanic ash. A collapse of the protective roof in 2005 has halted much of the excavation, and making visiting hours unpredictable. But if you can make it on a day when it’s open, it’s a remarkable time capsule of a lost age.

Only 11 miles off the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is as well known for its sunny weather and lovely beaches as it is for its historical significance. In ancient times, the island was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, an enormous statue of the god Helios standing at the entrance to the harbor at Rhodes, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Situated along the harbor, the Old Town Rhodes has hundreds of restaurants and shops, specializing in gold and silver jewelry, leather, furs, sea sponges, lace, carpets, and linens. The citadel of Rhodes is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Away from Old Town, the most popular destination on the island is the ancient village of Lindos, which has a 400-foot acropolis with spectacular views of the old city and the sea. The hike to the top of the acropolis can be a challenge, but the ruins and the views are definitely worth the trip.

One of the most popular stops for those sailing the Greek Isles is the island of Mykonos. However, on our trip I much preferred a destination that is the direct opposite of Mykonos’s party-and-nightlife-loving reputation. Patmos is a quiet, unspoiled island with air seemingly permeated with reverence for its history. It was on Patmos that the apostle John spent several years in exile living in a cave, where he received and wrote the biblical book of Revelation. Often regarded as hallowed ground, the island has more than 300 churches, one for every 10 residents.

Today you can visit the very cave where John lived and wrote Revelation, as well as a sanctuary and the Monastery of the Apocalypse which were built around the cave. In fact, guides will show you the depression in the rock where John allegedly laid his head to sleep and received his visions.

After the bustle of Athens and tourist crowds at some of the other more popular islands, Patmos was a calming breath of fresh air. Frommer’s says, “Patmos is a place for those seeking a "retreat," and by that, we do not mean a religious calling, but a more subdued, civilized alternative to major tourist destinations.”

Wherever you choose to go, Greece offers a fascinating glimpse of the ancient origins of contemporary art, theater, government, philosophy, sport, religion and architecture. You will find the historical cornerstones of modern civilization. It is a first-hand history lesson you will never forget.

photos istockphoto.com

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