Places to Visit in Greece Athens Once in life

Greece one of oldest city in Europe known for its plethora of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, beaches, tasty cuisine and friendly atmosphere, it is no wonder that Greece ranks among Europe’s top travel destinations. Greece is made up of a mountainous mainland and hundreds of islands where each one offers its own share of stunning landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes and cultural delights.

If you are a first-time visitor to Greece you want to know what not to miss. There are many different places that get all of the attention as tourist destinations, but let’s take a look and see what places in Greece you must check out on your first visit to get the best variety of what this diverse country has to offer!

Athens:

flickr/hermenpaca

More than 2,000+ years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The city presents a confusing blend of historical and modern features. Athens is famous for its archaeological ruins and monuments such as the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Theatre of Dionysos just to name a few. However, Athens is not just about ancient ruins. This bustling city is also an important center for business, culture and nightlife.

When in Greece you must see the Acropolis and visit the Acropolis museum — it is an amazing and unforgettable experience. Also, there are many other things that you might want to check out while in Athens.

You can spend the day in roaming the ancient streets of Monastiraki or divert from the main tourist attractions and check out the town of Anafiotika nestled under the Acropolis that transports you to a Mediterranean island!

Or you can take a bus to visit the near by ruins of Sunio. Instead of going to the traditional beaches around Athens you can always take a taxi or bus to check out the unique cave lake of Lake of Vouliagmeni, located in Vouliagmeni.

Greek Islands: Cyclades group

Part of the Cyclades group, Santorini is among the most picturesque islands and definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece. Also part of the Cyclades, Mykonos features a modern, cosmopolitan society blended with traditional whitewashed houses and maze-like streets. Located in the Aegean Sea near the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is the capital and largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago, popular for its great beaches and historical significance. The northernmost of Greece’s Ionian Islands, Corfu was controlled by many foreign powers, notably the Venetians and British, which is reflected in its culture and the architecture on the island.

Crete:

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a spacious land of pleasing contrasts where landscapes range from stunning coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees. Bustling metropolitan cities spread beyond to quiet villages centered around outdoor coffee shops. Steeped in history, Crete still bears archaeological traces of the many civilizations that inhabited it down through the centuries.

Meteor:

The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. What makes these cliffs even more inspiring are the historic monasteries perched along the summits. Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, the monasteries at Meteora were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.

Delphi:

flickr/thebaldwin

Second to the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi is Greece’s most popular archaeological site. Located about two and half hours from Athens along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once revered by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. Dedicated to the god, Apollo, Delphi was an important oracle. In ancient times, people would come to this sacred spot to inquire of the priestess for advice on a wide range of topics from farming to relationships and politics. Significant ruins and structures at Delphi include the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the theater and hippodrome that once hosted events of the ancient Pythian Games.

Peloponnese:

flickr/Visit Greece

Shaped much like a large leaf, Peloponnese was traditionally called Morea, which means mulberry leaf. Located in the southernmost region of both Europe and Greece, Peloponnese is a wide peninsula connected to the mainland by the Rio-Antirrio bridge. Interspersed with classical Greek temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and Mycenaean palaces, Peloponnese echoes the ancient cultures and events from its extensive history. Among these ancient ruins is Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were hosted in honor of Zeus.

Halkidiki:

flickr/someone10x

Halkidiki is a trident-like peninsula near the city of Thessaloniki, sporting excellent beaches. The three separate peninsulas can be roughly summarized as follows: Kassandra has the nightlife, Sithonia has the beaches and Athos has the monks. Being closest to Thessaloniki, Kassandra is more built-up, while the more quiet Sithonia has campgrounds, hidden coves and clear waters. Both are popular with Greek and Eastern European tourists. Much of the easternmost peninsula belongs to the Mount Athos monastic community. It’s accessible by boat and open to male pilgrims only.

Zagori:

wikipedia/Nikos A. Kanellopoulos

Zagori is a region of great natural beauty, with striking geology and two national parks, in northwestern Greece. It’s dense forests and rugged mountains are furrowed by powerful rivers and dotted with traditional villages, many featuring grand stone houses dating from the late eighteenth century. The best way to enjoy the area is by hiking the numerous paths connecting the villages. The most accessible and rewarding target is the wonderful Víkos Gorge.

Thessaloniki:

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and the capital city of the Macedonian region of Northern Greece. Lively festivals, social events and a buzzing nightlife make this city the cultural capital of Greece. Comprised of a historic city center and commercial district, Thessaloniki offers both old and new attractions from its Byzantine walls, White Tower and Turkish baths to colorful food markets, museums and art galleries. Thessaloniki’s nightlife is unmatched. From small tavernas to nightclubs and other entertainment venues, Thessaloniki offers it all.

Cape Sounion:

Situated at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, Cape Sounion is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The remains are perched on the headland, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The site is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens, with sunset over the Aegean Sea, as viewed from the ruins, a sought-after spectacle.

Hydra

One island that is not only unique but also conveniently located close to Athens in Hydra. Hydra is an enchanting Greek island known for its restaurants lining the main port and the inevitable flashback to the turn of the century and beyond as there are no cars allowed on the island. The charm of the winding narrow pathways that lace the city are one way to experience Hydra.

Looking for something different you can try on your vacation? For those looking for an alternative view of the island, you can see the island on horseback! Check out Harriet’s Hydra Horses where tours are offered for 1-5 people, however, if pre-arranged 6-100 people are welcomed to a group tour.

Rhodes:
Rhodes is a breathtaking island with stand-out fortifications of the town of Rhodes winding around the medieval town. It has quaint little squares and tavernas throughout its villages.

Why Rhodes? Yes, this island is a big tourist destination — but for all of the right reasons! You can spend your time seeing the ancient ruins such as the Acropolis of Lindos which is your reward after completing a climb of the steep footpath reaching 116 meters-high rock above Lindos to reach this beautifully preserved Acropolis!

Or if you want something different to do check out Petaloudes — the Valley of the Butterflies!

Crete:
It is far away from the mainland so do plan to spend some time on a boat making the journey to the largest island in Greece, Crete.

Crete is a great place to see if you are able to fit it into your itinerary. Every year people visiting Greece come to Crete to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Knossos to experience what remains from the capital of Minoan Civilization.

Also, as the largest island in Greece, Crete has a coastline of 1,046 km or 650 miles — which makes for some extraordinary beaches. With crystal clear waters and sand in a variety of colors, Crete’s beaches are unforgettable – in fact, this year of the 486 Blue Flag awarded beaches in Greece, 112 of the eco-labeled beaches are located on Crete!

Corfu:
The Greek island of Corfu is full of breathtaking views, enchanting towns, museums and other activities that you might just miss out on if you are not in the wise! Don’t get caught up doing the typical tour of Corfu while you’re visiting this island brimming with hidden treasures for you to discover.

Besides seeing Kérkyra old town, be sure to try some the favorite local dish which is unique to Corfu called “sofrito.” Corfu has many Italian influences because of its proximity to Italy, which you will see right away once you visit this island and foodies go wild for the island’s classic combination of beef cooked in a local white wine sauce, with garlic and fresh parsley!

While on Corfu, don’t miss out on a unique opportunity to visit Paleá Períthia, the Venetian-era village hidden in the north slope of island summit Mt Pandokrátor to be transported back into time! The village was abandoned after the 1960’s and has undergone many restoration projects since then — including the restoration of the 14th-century church of Agios Iákovos O Pérsis which you see as you approach the village.

Santorini:
With its iconic volcano cliffs and white washes buildings, Santorini is a great place to get to know Greece. The island has everything from wine vineyards to tours on the volcano caldera — not to mention the beaches!

Want to get to see the island from a different perspective? Why not rent a scooter while there — if you feel confident in your scooter-driving skills, that is, since the roads are steep and narrow. There are plenty of rental companies that can provide you with a scooter from different towns on the island, as well as many located in Karterados, which is 1 kilometer from Fira.

You will probably want to check out the commonly visited tourists attractions such as the beaches of Kamari and Persia, and for a treat check out experiencing the true culture and uniqueness of the island by staying in places such as Fira, Imerovigli or Oia. These towns are built into the cliffs, which are very beautiful and full of little cafes, shops and places of interest. Exploring this island by bike is amazing and the possibilities are limitless!

Milos:
You may have never heard of this island but once you see the photos you will want to visit and understand why Milos is one place in Greece you should see!

Experiencing Greece for the first time should be a bit like a sample pallet of all that the mainland and islands have to offer. The island of Milos is unique and memorable and you’ll get some fantastic photos to wow your friends and family with when you get home — especially from the moonscaped beaches!

This island has history — after all this is the place where the famous Greek statue known to Greeks as Aphrodite of Milos, or Venus de Milo, (which now resides at the Louvre) was discovered by a farmer on the island some 200 years ago.




Places in Athens:-

From the Acropolis that still dominates the city’s skyline to the ancient Agoura where Socrates and Plato once strolled, Athens is a place where the past is always present. Despite the economic challenges that Greece has faced in recent years, the cradle of Western civilization has plenty of contemporary attractions to offer.

As the primary entry point to Greece, the country’s capital serves as a launching pad for excursions outside the city too. Day trips from Athens range from outings to nearby sites like the Temple of Poseidon to day cruises to the engaging islands of the Saronic Gulf. Here’s a look at the most popular day trips from Athens.

Ancient Corinth

Situated on the narrow isthmus that joins the Peloponnesus to mainland Greece, the ancient city of Corinth has been undergoing excavation since 1892. The Greek city thrived for millennia before the Romans razed it in 146 B.C., and then prospered again after it was rebuilt a century later under orders from Julius Caesar. Archeological finds at the site span many centuries and range from beautiful examples of ancient Greek pottery to colorful Roman mosaics. The site’s star attractions include the remains of a classically Greek temple to Apollo that dates back to the 6th century B.C. and the Bema platform from which St. Paul orated before the Roman governor in 52 A.D.

Aegina

The island of Aegina’s close proximity to Athens makes it a popular destination for local and tourists alike. Hydrofoil ferries from Piraeus whisk visitors to Aegina in just 40 minutes. Famed for its pretty beaches and pistachio orchards, Aegina also has several important ruins that reflect the island’s wealth and importance as a maritime power in the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. The artfully designed Temple of Aphaea became a favorite subject among Neoclassical and Romantic artists in the 19th century who considered the temple’s beauty on par with the Parthenon in Athens. Excavated artifacts from the site are on display at the Aegina Archaeological Museum.

Mycenae

Characters from Homer’s tales of the Trojan War seem to come to life at ancient Mycenae located southwest of Athens. First excavated by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1874, the ruins of a hilltop citadel were once the Bronze Age home of the fabled Agamemnon and his wife Clytemnestra. While the golden treasures of Mycenae have been removed to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, visitors can still walk through the famous Lion’s Gate, climb into the site’s secret cistern and explore the royal tholos tombs, giant beehive-shaped stone structures built between 1500 and 1650 B.C

Epidaurus

flickr/Rosino

A grand open-air theater is the main sight in the municipality of Epidaurus. Nestled among rolling hills, the 14,000-seat amphitheater dates back to the 4th century B.C. The theater’s acoustics are so perfect that it is still considered a prime venue for dramatic productions today. Epidaurus is also notable for the Temple of Asklepios located north of the theater. One of the most famous healing centers of the ancient world, patients would spend the night in the great sleeping hall, waiting for the healing god to visit them in their dreams. The sanctuary includes remnants of Greek baths, physician rooms and an expansive gymnasium.

Nafplio

A two-hour drive from Athens brings travelers to Nafplio (or Nafplion), a beautifully situated village in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece. Graced with attractive narrow streets and elegant Venetian houses, the seaside city extends into the harbor on a hilly promontory jutting into the Argolic Gulf. Incredible vistas of the harbor and town are reason enough to visit Nafplio, but there are several Venetian fortresses worth viewing too, including the petite 15th-century Boúrtzi castle built on a small island in the bay. The much larger 18th-century fortress of Palamídhi overlooking Nafplio is the best-preserved of its kind in Greece. It’s accessible by car or by climbing the 999 steep stone steps to the top.

Cape Sounion

Located a short drive east of the capital, Cape Sounion is one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Athens. Perched atop the headland at the tip of the Attica peninsula stands the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, which was built in the 5th century to pay homage to the god of the sea. The Greek temple has been a must-see spot for tourists since 1810 when Lord Byron etched his name into one of the shrine’s 15 original columns. The site is most visited at sundown when the temple glows golden from the rays of the setting sun.

 Hydra

Prized for its unspoiled character, the island of Hydra offers day-trippers a delightful break from the hustle and bustle of life in Athens. Motor vehicles are off limits in Hydra, which makes the island the perfect spot to enjoy some rest and tranquility. Aside from the occasional donkey ride, walking is the island’s main mode of transportation. The handsome 18th-century mansions along the waterfront are the island’s primary attractions and exploring the beautiful architecture makes for a leisurely sightseeing activity. Known as an artist community since the 1960s, Hydra’s steep stone streets are lined with studios, galleries, craft shops and bars.

Delphi

flickr/thebaldwin

The ancient site of Delphi is best known as the place where for millennia, a succession of oracles interpreted messages from the gods for the benefit of those seeking wisdom. Spread over the slopes of Mount Parnassus northwest of Athens, Delphi is a huge site that includes a theater and stadium where the Pythian Games were held every four years. Visitors approach the site of the oracle by way of a paved pathway lined with remnants of monuments, statues and administrative structures covered with inscriptions. The nearby Delphi Archaeological Museum displays a wealth of bronze artifacts, sculpture, friezes and pottery excavated from the site. From Athens it takes about 3 hours to get here by bus, so most people opt for an organized trip.

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Top 23 World Cultural Festivals No One Want's To Miss

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BURNING MAN (BLACK ROCK DESERT, NEVADA)

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary there are nearly one million words in the English language. But we’re not sure any of them can adequately explain the inspired madness that goes down in the northwestern Nevada desert every summer.

Burning Man started in 1986, when Larry Harvey and his buddy Jerry James assembled a 8-foot tall makeshift wooden figure and dragged it to San Francisco’s Baker Beach on the Summer Solstice. They lit it on fire, a curious crowd of around 20 people watched it burn, and thus one of the world’s weirdest, wildest parties was born.

From those humble beginnings, the Man grew (hitting 105 feet in 2014), as did the number of attendees (nearly 70,000 in 2017). Once an intimate gathering of friends and family, the festival is now an arty, apocalyptic paean to the wonder of self-expression, attracting a tight-knit community of bohemians and misfits from all around the world.

It’s part Mad Max, part Survivor, and part Comic-Con (see: CRAZY costumes), with an emphasis on experimental creativity, cooperation, and civic responsibility. It takes place from the last Sunday in August to Labor Day. And after the man is burned in the climactic culmination, the entire “city in the desert” disappears without a trace.

READ MORE: Cool Camping Gear

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CARNIVAL  (RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL)

Arguably the world’s biggest festival (not to mention its wildest party), Brazil’s Carnival is widely considered “the greatest show on Earth.” The event attracts nearly 5 million people each year, with a half-million or so being visitors traveling to see the spectacle.

Historically, Carnival is a religious celebration. The festival takes place in February or March, over the 5 days preceding the Catholic season of Lent, which starts 40 days before Easter. It also coincides with the end of the long, brutally hot Brazilian summer.

So picture 5 million people who’ve been baking in the heat for months, preparing to give up the things they love for 40 days, set loose in a city filled with lively music and half-naked dancers shaking what their mama gave them.

Yeah, it’s THAT crazy. And colorful, thanks to creative costumes worn by the 70+ samba schools (each representing a different neighborhood) who compete for cash and national fame.

The festival culminates with a rowdy, raucous 2-night extravaganza at Rio’s remarkable Sambadrome, where 90,000+ spectators pay top dollar to watch the top 12 samba schools compete for the grand prize.

There are annual themes for the competition, and the carnival parades are usually the stuff of legend. Carnival is celebrated in many Latin American nations, but nobody does it like Rio.

READ MORE: The Shark Infested Beaches of Recife, Brazil

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HARBIN INTERNATIONAL ICE & SNOW SCULPTURE FESTIVAL (HARBIN, CHINA)

Where Carnival celebrates the end of Brazil’s oppressive heat, the International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival makes the most of the bitter winter weather you’ll find in Harbin, China.

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Located in Northeast China, Harbin receives some seriously cold winter winds blowing over from Siberia. How cold, you may ask? The average daily temperature in winter is around 1.8 ºF, and lows of -31 ºF are dauntingly frequent.

So why in god’s green earth would any sane person want to visit for this month-long festival (which officially starts on January 5)?

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Because it’s home to the largest ice sculptures in the world, and the celebration takes over the entire city. There are two main exhibition areas: Sun Island is a recreation area along the Songua River, where you’ll find most of the giant sculptures.

Ice and Snow World opens at night, with colorful lights illuminating full-sized buildings made of 2- to 3-foot ice blocks taken from the river.

Other activities in the area during the festival include alpine skiing, touring ice lantern exhibitions in various local parks, and– for the truly insane– swimming in the river’s frigid waters.

READ MORE: Top 7 Things to Do in China for Nature Lovers

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LA TOMATINA  (VALENCIA, SPAIN)

Launched way back in 1945, La Tomatina is one of the oldest festivals on our list. It’s also easily the messiest, coming off like the world’s biggest food fight.

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Legend has it that the whole thing started when some local boys joined a parade alongside musicians, “Giants” on stilts, and “Big Head” figures. The unruly boys knocked one of the performers off his stilts, he became enraged and started lashing out, and a vendor’s vegetable stand fell victim to the mayhem until the police arrived to break it up.

The festival was banned for much of the 1950s, but in 1957 locals protested with a mock funeral, carrying a coffin with a giant tomato inside as bands played a funeral march. Eventually the powers-that-be relented, and La Tomatina has grown into a huge tourism draw in the decades since.

If you go, please follow some simple rules: Don’t throw hard objects, squash the tomato before throwing it, stay a safe distance away from tomato trucks, and stop when the starter pistol indicates that the hour of mayhem has ended. In other words, have fun, but don’t hurt anybody and don’t be a jerk.

READ MORE: Ecotourism in Spain (Top 5 Attractions)

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MARDI GRAS (NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA)

Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a cultural spectacle to behold– sort of like the USA version of Carnival. But there is some debate over whether it was NOLA or Mobile, Alabama that originally started the annual tradition back in the 1700s.

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Regardless of who did it first, few would argue that New Orleans does it best. Though the celebration is held every year on the day before Ash Wednesday, the festivities last for months.

It begins with social events in November, private balls held on Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve, with parades and more private balls throughout January and early February.

Getting invites to the private events isn’t easy. But if you know someone (or have the money to grease palms), MOM’s Ball and  Orpheuscapade Ball are frequently ranked among the best. And if you love music, check out the annual Galactic concert at the world-famous Tipitina’s on Lundi Gras (the day before Mardi Gras).

When the big day arrives, it’s best to plan what you want to see and do before the parade of beads, boobs, and booze begins. Longtime locals love the Krewe of Muses Parade, the Rex & Zulu Parade, and the Krewe of St. Anne and Krewe of Julu Parades.

But, for our money, it doesn’t get any better than watching the Mardi Gras Indians Parade in Treme.

READ MORE: The Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans

BEST HOLIDAY FESTIVALS

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (MEXICO)

Although Cinco de Mayo may be more well-known in the US, this is arguably Mexico’s most important and widely celebrated holiday. In fact, it’s important enough that it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

More commonly known in English-speaking countries as the Day of the Dead, the festivities begin on October 31 and last through November 2.

As depicted in the 2017 Pixar film Coco, the holiday is all about getting together with friends and family to remember and celebrate ancestors who have died in order to help them on their spiritual journey.

To honor those that came before, families build private altars in their homes, known as ofrendas. On top of them they’ll put photos of the dead, calaveras (a.k.a. sugar skulls), Aztec Marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of their ancestors.

They also visit their loved ones’ graves, leaving these gifts and other beloved possessions as tribute to the deceased.

Specific celebrations of the holiday differ from region to region, with some towns holding lively parades and celebrations, while others keep it a more subdued affair with religious overtones (it coincides with All Saint’s Day).

In some cities, children will dress up in costume and go door-to-door asking calaveritas, much like trick-or-treating in the US.

READ MORE: Visiting Museo Maya de Cancun (Cancun Mayan Museum)

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KING’S DAY (NETHERLANDS)

The rest of the world could learn a thing or two from The Netherlands about properly celebrating a national dignitary’s birthday.

Queen’s Day was a national holiday (celebrated on April 30 until 2013) commemorating Queen Beatrix’s birth. So what if her Royal Highness was actually born in late January?!

By having the festivities in pleasant April, the proud Dutch were able to throw on their loud orange attire and toss back a few drinks without having to worry about weather.

With the crowning of her son, Willem-Alexander, the holiday became known as King’s Day, or Koningsdag. It is now officially celebrated on April 27 (the King’s birthday), and includes an official government ceremony followed by sporting competitions and fun, family-friendly celebrations.

The great climate also makes for ideal conditions for a massive, country-wide flea market you have to see to believe.

By Eli Christman (2014 Carytown Krampusnacht) CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

KRAMPUSNACHT (CENTRAL EUROPE)

If you’ve read our many stories about Christmas, you know we’re especially passionate about the holiday and its myriad traditions. So it with some authority that we can say that Krampusnacht is easily the weirdest, creepiest Christmas tradition in the world.

You know the line in “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” that warns, “You better watch out”? Well, kids have a lot more to fear from Krampus, a hellish demon who haunts Central Europe around the holidays.

Picture an insane devil in chains, with matted fur, stag horns, and flaming coals for eyes, known for kidnapping children in a big sack so he can eat them later.

Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) occurs on December 5, the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas. While Santa appears in the vestments of a Bishop and doles out gifts for good little girls and boys, the horny (literally and figuratively) devil presents the bad ones with coal and/or swats them with bundles of birch branches.

Nobody seems to know where Krampus came from. But some historians suggest he may be a holdover from the region’s pagan past, demonized by the Catholic Church.

Regardless, it’s customary to offer a Krampus some schnapps. It might not make him leave you alone, but hopefully it’ll keep him out of your dreams.

READ MORE: 60 Christmas Traditions Around the World 

photo by Wyndham Hollis via flickr CC 2.0

SONGKRAN (THAILAND)

Derived from the Sanskrit word for “astrological passage” (meaning a change or transformation), Songkran refers to the traditional New Year celebrated on April 13 in parts of India, China, and much of Southeast Asia.

The holiday, which last through April 15, is traditionally a fairly subdued affair. Mornings often start with visiting local Buddhist temples to offer food to the monks. Water is often poured on statues of the Buddha, the young, and the elderly in a symbolic purification ritual.

Family members who have moved away will often return home for the holiday to pay tribute to their ancestors. People clean their houses in preparation, and everyone dresses up in their best clothes.

Some regions host traditional parades and beauty contests, while others believe in setting off firecrackers on April 13 to ward off bad luck in the New Year.

But the main reason Songkran is known outside of Asia is the wet, wild celebration in Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. There, most of the major streets are closed off to traffic and packed with young people for what is likely the world’s biggest water fight. Water balloons are Super Soakers are a given, and getting drenched is guaranteed.

READ MORE: Top 5 Thailand National Parks

ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL (DUBLIN, IRELAND)

There are certainly larger and more raucous celebrations of Saint Patrick’s Day than the one that’s held in Dublin, Ireland every March. But considering the fact that the holiday was originally a religious celebration honoring the death of the patron saint of Ireland, suggesting any other place to partake in it feels a bit sacrilegious.

Saint Patrick was born to a religious family in Roman Britain sometime around 385 AD. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped and taken to Gaelic Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd for six years before making his escape and making his way home.

Eventually he became a priest and returned to Ireland, where he converted many pagans to Christianity.

Trivial fact: Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. In fact, it’s only in recent years that the Irish have stepped up their St. Patrick’s Festival to rival the celebrations in US cities such as New York and Savannah.

Customary traditions include wearing green clothing and shamrocks (which the Saint used to explain the Holy Trinity), public parades, and lively music and dancing (known as a ceilidh). The Irish also love to feast and have a wee nip of whiskey, as the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking are officially lifted for the day.

READ MORE: Top 5 Irish Folk Music Artists for St Patrick’s Day

BEST MUSIC FESTIVALS

photo by Laura Findley, Bonnaroo 2017 via flickr CC 2.0

BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL (MANCHESTER, TENNESSEE)

It may not be quite as big as Coachella or as iconic as Lollapalooza. But to understand what we love about Bonnaroo (other than the fact that it’s 2.5 hours from our house), just check out their tagline. “Thousands of happy campers. Hundreds of acres of Tennessee nature. 150 epic performances. 10+ Stages of music. Four of the best days ever.”

Coachella is owned by a climate change-denying billionaire, Philip Anschutz, who donates his riches to pro-gun, anti-LGBTQ Republican politicians and Super PACs.

Bonnaroo’s sustainability initiatives include Planet Roo (a haven for environmental consciousness), Clean Vibes Trading Post, annual sustainability reports, and $1 from every ticket goes to eco-friendly efforts.

Launched in 2002, the festival is held every June on a 700-acre farm just south of Nashville.

With diverse headliners that have ranged from the Beastie Boys and Eminem to the Beach Boys and Paul McCartney, from Willie Nelson and Widespread Panic to Radiohead and Tool, it’s modeled after iconic music festivals like Monterey Pop and Woodstock.

In additions to the music, you can also find arts and crafts, food and drinks, a comedy tent, cinema tent, Ferris wheel, silent disco, parades, and yoga. Their unique “Campground Plazas” also offer karaoke, late night parties, celebrity appearances, and more.

READ MORE: The Best Travel Clothing for 7 Travel Styles (An Epic Guide)

photo by Zoubir Ali via Flickr CC 2.0

FES FESTIVAL OF WORLD SACRED MUSIC (FES, MOROCCO)

Originally launched in 1994 in Fes (with King Mohammed VI as its royal patron), this world music festival is a celebration of the ancient Moroccan city’s rich traditions in the arts, knowledge, and spirituality.

Held in June, the event has grown considerably over the last 24 years, annually attracting some 100,000+ attendees. It was even recognized by the UN as one of the world’s most significant events in terms of contributing to the dialogue between disparate cultures around the world.

Every year the Fes Festival offers around 60 different shows and concerts, featuring musicians and poets ranging from up-and-coming “Next Big Things” to international icons such as Joan Baez, Björk, Patti Smith, Salif Keita, and Ravi Shankar. There are also multimedia performances, and Sufi Nights featuring sacred music rich with mysticism.

Fes is the perfect setting for a festival rich with such diverse cultural traditions. Its influence dates back to Medieval times, when Popes and philosopher’s went there to study and teach.

The concerts take place in venues of ancient cultural heritage, from local riads to the grand courtyard of Bab al Makina, where the official ceremonies of the royal palace were once held.

READ MORE: Interview with Moroccan Music Legend Hassan Hakmoun

MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL (MONTREUX, SWITZERLAND)

Founded back in 1967 (with considerable help from Atlantic Records honchos Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegün), Montreux is one of the oldest music festivals in the world. It’s also the second largest annual jazz festival, after the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

That Canadian concert may attract more visitors– around 2 million annually. But Montreux benefits from its picturesque location on the stunning shores of Lake Geneva. The area is particularly beautiful in late June/early July, when the festival is held.

Don’t let the name fool you: Though the festival was jazz-only in its early years, by the 1970s legendary rock artists such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Van Morrison were topping the bill.

It was originally held at the Montreux Casino, until it burned down during Frank Zappa’s 1971 performance there. The event was immortalized in “Smoke On The Water,” the Deep Purple classic: “We all came out to Montreux, on the Lake Geneva shoreline. To make records with a mobile, we didn’t have much time.”

In recent years the lineup has only gotten more eclectic. It still attracts top-notch jazz musicians such as Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, George Benson, and Fourplay.

But it also hosts iconic artists offering an array of other styles, such as Usher & The Roots, Fleet Foxes, Erykah Badu, Youssou N’Dour, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Brian Wilson. Best of all, more than half the concerts are free!

photo by Loyle Carner Aimee Valinski via WOMAD.co.uk

WOMAD (WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND)

One of my favorite music festivals I’ve attended, WOMAD (World Of Music, Arts & Dance) was founded in 1980 by Peter Gabriel and a team that included Artistic Director Thomas Brooman and influential concert promoter Martin Elbourne (who also books the Glastonbury Festival).

From the beginning, the festival focused on the enthusiastic embracing of the world’s disparate cultures, encouraging the breaking down of boundaries through art, music, and movement.

This has led to some extraordinary collaborations, such as when Echo & the Bunnymen played with the Drummers of Burundi in 1982, and when Mali’s Tinariwen played with two members of TV On The Radio in 2010.

More than any other music festival, WOMAD has always been a celebration of global culture first and foremost. They offer workshops for both children (including circus skills, painting, and storytelling) and adults (such as dance, exotic musical instruments, and discussions of global concerns).

They also feature an array of international cuisines, including traditional dishes cooked by the musicians themselves.

Though not nearly as large as soon of the other festivals on this list (averaging around 30,000 visitors), the eclectic festival celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2017. It is held annually in late July.

READ MORE: Q&A with Tinariwen, Mali’s Tuareg Blues Legends

WORLD SACRED SPIRIT FESTIVAL (JODHPUR, INDIA)

You’re unlikely to find a more stunning setting for a music festival than the ancient Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Built around 1460 and located on a hill 410 feet above the city, the massive fort (one of India’s largest) includes an impressive museum and several palaces renowned for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.

At the base of this extraordinary monument is where you’ll find the World Sacred Spirit Festival, which takes place over three days in mid-February. Founded in 2007, the event was formerly known as the World Sufi Festival.

But it has since expanded its horizons to include a broad variety of sacred, spiritual music from different parts of the world.

From melodious Lithuanian harp music and the traditional Italian folk songs of Sardinia to Andalusian Sufi songs of Morocco and Duduk (a type of clarinet) music from Armenia, music from North Africa, Europe, and Asia will be featured.

And of course the local sounds of Rajasthan will be given their due time in the spotlight, from Qawwali devotional music to the droning double flute known as the Satara.

It may not be the easiest festival for our western readers to get to. But, in terms of the mesmerizing music and the surrounding scenery, we can guarantee it’ll be worth the trip.

READ MORE: Q&A with Legendary Percussionist Zakir Hussain

BEST RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

via pixabay

OUIDAH INTERNATIONAL VOODOO FESTIVAL (OUIDAH, BENIN)

The Voodoo (a.k.a. Vodun) religion has been demonized by puritanical cultures for centuries. But in western Africa– including Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo– this ancient practice is integral to the morality, politics, and social order of many villages. So efforts to eradicate it have been largely unsuccessful.

In reality, Voodoo is not all that different from Catholicism, though it is matriarchal as opposed to patriarchal. Adherents believe that the vodun spirits are deities governing both man and nature. They are in the trees, rivers, and rocks, with lesser vodundevoted to specific nations, tribes, and clans.

The Ouidah International Voodoo Festival, held every January in Ouidah, Benin, is the world’s largest gathering of Vodun practitioners and devotees.

It attracts thousands from all around the world each year. And though certain aspects of it may not be for the faint of heart, it is an enlightening look at one of the world’s most misunderstood religions.

You may see the ritualistic animal sacrifices that have made Voodoo controversial in the west (despite the fact that factory farming practices are more gruesome). There are also markets filled with fetishes, wood carvings, and masks, and women dressed in all the vivid colors of the rainbow.

Word to the wise: Not many white people attend the festival, and some people will take advantage of naive tourists!

READ MORE: New Orleans’ Historic Voodoo Museum

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HOLI FESTIVAL (INDIA, NEPAL, AND PAKISTAN)

This ancient Hindu spring festival, also known as “the festival of colours” or “the festival of love,” celebrates the end of winter and the victory of good over evil. It takes place between late February and mid-March and lasts for one night (known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi) and the following day (Holi).

There are various legends associated with the holiday. One suggests it pays tribute to the Hindu god Vishnu and his follower, Prahlada, and their defeat of Prahlada’s power-hungry father, the demon King Hiranyakashipu.

One suggests it’s a celebration of the great love Radha had for the blue-faced deity, Krishna. Others link it to Shiva, who is often associated with yoga and meditation.

On Holika Dahan, people perform religious rituals before a raging bonfire, which symbolizes cleansing and the forgiveness of past debts and other transgressions. The next morning is the wild free-for-all for which Holi is known.

People fill water balloons and water guns, drench each other, then cover each other in powder in an array of dazzling colors.

There’s also marching bands, dancing, food and drinks, and lots of laughter. Everyone is welcome, everyone is fair game, and the playful, childlike vibe is incredibly infectious.

READ MORE: On the Trail of Tigers in Ranthambore National Park

by Tomas Maltby CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

MEVLÂNA FESTIVAL (KONYA, TURKEY)

Commonly referred as the Whirling Dervish Festival, this annual event commemorates the death of 13th century saint Mevlâna, who’s more commonly known as Rumi.

Rumi was a Persian poet, theologian, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic. Over the past seven centuries his influence has spread throughout the world, influencing everyone from Turks, Greeks, and Iranians to Muslims in Central and South Asia. Even now, nearly 750 years after his death, he is the best-selling poet in the United States.

Rumi believed that it was possible to communicate with God through music and dance. Held December 10 through 17, the Mevlâna Festival celebrates Rumi’s eternal spirit with sacred music and Whirling Dervishes dancing. Their trance-like dancing creates a remarkable flow of energy, with their flowing white robes mesmerizing as they twirl in time with the music.

The festival reaches its climactic crescendo on December 17, the day when Rumi was united with Allah. Over a million people attend each year, so if you want to visit the town of Konya you’ll need to book hotels and tickets well in advance.

By ROJOPUBICO (Own work) GFDL  via Wikimedia Commons

SEMANA SANTA (SPAIN)

Holy Week– the week between Palm Sunday and Easter– is celebrated throughout much of the Christian world. It commemorates the last week in the life of Christ, including the entry of Jesus and his disciples into Jerusalem, the crucifixion, and resurrection.

But Semana Santa, as the holiday is known in Spain and much of Latin America, offers a much more elaborate approach to the celebration. It largely centers on the parade-like processions of Catholic brotherhoods (or fraternities), many of which date back to the Middle Ages or Baroque period.

The celebrations vary by region: Those held in Málaga and Seville are among the most extravagant, while those in Valladolid and Zamora tend to be more somber. But the central features are generally similar.

Penitents, known as nazarenos, march in colorful robes that hide their faces. They carry processional candles or crosses, and many walk barefoot, bound by chuckles and chains.

But the thing that attracts travelers around the world is the fantastic floats (a.k.a. Pasos) they carry. These are elaborately decorated with artful sculptures depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ or the Sorrows of Virgin Mary.

Some are created by famous Spanish artists, and have been used by brotherhoods for centuries. With marching bands providing musical accompaniment, it’s quite the spectacle.

READ MORE: Working Holidays in Andalusia

By Iudexvivorum (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

VESAK (COLOMBO, SRI LANKA)

Also known as Vesākha or Buddha’s Birthday, Vesak is a traditional Buddhist holiday. It commemorates the birth, spiritual enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the sage teacher who lived sometime between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE.

The religious holiday is observed by Buddhists in countries all around the world, but it is more common in Asia. The date varies from country to country, but the week-long celebration in Sri Lanka (which annually begins on the day of the full moon in May) is widely considered among the best.

That’s because their Vesak Festival uniquely includes thoranas– massive, temporary structures designed to impress, covered with colorful lights and paintings. Each of these impressively elaborate pieces is designed to illustrate an important story from the Jatakas Tales about the life of the Buddha.

Sri Lanka’s celebration also includes color lanterns (Vesak kuudu) hung in front of people’s home and along city streets to symbolize the light of the Buddha. There are food stalls set up to provide free food and drinks, groups singing devotional songs, and thousands of people from all around the world joining in the jubilant communal atmosphere that the best festivals.

1. Snow & Ice Festival — Harbin, China

When: Jan. Feb.

Where: Harbin, China

Why you should go: The Harbin festival is the largest snow and ice festival in the world, and it features carvings towering over 20 feet in height and full-size buildings made from gigantic blocks of ice.

2. Holi — Celebrated by Hindus Around the World

When: March 

Where: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other Hindu regions

Why you should go: Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It's fun, safe, and free. Just remember to BYOD (bring your own dye).

3. Cascamorras — Baza, Spain

When: Sept. 6

Where: Baza, Spain, in the province of Granada

Why you should go: Every year hundreds of Spaniards cover themselves in grease to reenact the stealing of a famous statue of the "Virgen de la Piedad," which took place over 500 years ago. Best of all, after the greasing, a great big party ensues.

4. Carnevale — Venice, Italy

When: Feb. 14–March 4 (for 2014)

Where: Venice, Italy

Why you should go: Carnevale, or "Carnival," has been a Venice tradition since the 13th century. People flock from all over the world to participate in the masked celebrations, arguably making it one of the best parties on Earth.

5. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival — Lerwick, Scotland

When: Last Tuesday in January

Where: Lerwick, Scotland

Why you should go: This is Europe's largest fire festival, complete with the burning of a full-scale Viking ship. Need we say more?

6. Tomorrowland — Boom, Belgium

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