Does Ancient Greece really need a ‘modern makeover’?

In an attempt to boost tourism, over the next three years Greece plans to spend more than 20 million euros renovating and improving visitor services at museums and historic sites across the country.

According to the Culture and Tourism Minister, Pavlos Geroulanos, many of Greek’s major historical sites, monuments and museums, lack basic tourist needs such as car parks, toilets and vending facilities. Although despite the so-called neglect of ‘basic services’, tourism accounts for more than 15 percent of Greece’s economy, and the nation’s world-famous historical monuments are at the forefront of Greece’s staunch tourist industry. Vintage Travel takes a look at some of the best historical landmarks Greece has to offer, regardless of their ‘neglect’ of public services.

The Temple of Knossos, Crete

Having been inhabited since the seventh millennium BC, the island of Crete contains some of the most ancient and famous historical monuments in the whole of Greece. But perhaps the most spectacular is the Temple of Knossos, which was the site of the legendary Minotaur and the mythological labyrinth and was the capital of Minoan culture.

Epidaurus Theatre

Whilst Greece may be intent on improving its popular tourist sites’ services in an attempt to boost tourism, it does not have to worry about renovating the Epidaurus Theatre, which is one of the best preserved monuments in the whole of Greece. Visits to the 2,500-year-old theatre remain a popular daytrip from Athens, particularly during the Hellenic Festival, when shows are performed on the theatre.

The Acropolis

No piece of writing dedicated to Greek historical sites could be complete without a mention of the Acropolis. With literally dozens of structures located within the Acropolis, such as the Propylaia, the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena, the Acropolis in Athens remains one of the most historically and culturally significant site in the  world, regardless to whether its public toilets need a repaint.

Olympia

Since its days hosting cultural festivals and sports competitions in ancient Greece, not only has the Olympic Games become the most important event of the sporting calendar, but Olympia has become a sanctuary of ancient Greece and a rare and eternally enduring popular tourist hotspot.

Delphi

Being one of the most popular archaeological sites of Greece, Delphi remains a ‘must-see’ on every traveller enthused by witnessing some of Greece’s highly unique, influential and inspiring ancient history, list.