Greece 5…. Cape Sounion…. Delphi…. Meteora….

 Our Greek adventure continued with a trip that took us through the soul of mainland Greece—from the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, to the mysterious ruins of Delphi, the legendary battleground of Thermopylae, and the ethereal cliffside monasteries of Meteora. Each destination unfolded a new layer of myth, memory, and majesty—and we were swept away.

Cape Sounion – Poseidon’s Sunset Watchtower

We started with a day trip to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula. Rising dramatically over the Aegean Sea stands the Temple of Poseidon, built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to the god of the sea. The views were breathtaking—especially at sunset, when the sky turned hues of gold and crimson as waves crashed below.

The air was thick with salt and stories. Our guide shared tales of Odysseus and sailors seeking safe passage, reminding us that this very spot has watched over seafarers for thousands of years. We found a cozy seaside taverna where we enjoyed a simple vegetarian meal of grilled vegetables, feta-stuffed peppers, and lemon potatoes, paired with local juice and a view that words can’t quite capture.

Delphi – The Navel of the Ancient World

We began our three-day mainland trip by heading northwest to Delphi, once considered the center—or navel—of the ancient world. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo, where the famed Oracle once whispered her cryptic prophecies, are well preserved. Standing among the columns and terraces, with views across the olive-laden Pleistos Valley, it was easy to imagine pilgrims arriving from all over the ancient world seeking wisdom.

The Delphi Archaeological Museum offered fascinating artifacts, including the bronze Charioteer and ancient inscriptions that brought the myths to life. Though the oracle has long fallen silent, the spirit of Delphi still lingers in the stones.

Lunch in Delphi was fresh and flavorful. We had Revithokeftedes (chickpea fritters), Horta Vratsa (wild boiled greens with lemon), and Moussaka—the vegetarian version, layered with eggplant and béchamel, and surprisingly delicious.

Thermopylae & Kalambaka – Where Legends and Warmth Meet

On our way north, we stopped at Thermopylae, the site of the legendary stand of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans against the Persian army. Our guide painted a vivid picture of the narrow pass, the strategy, and the sacrifice. The Leonidas Monument stands tall, and though the original topography has changed due to silting, the spirit of defiance and heroism still echoes.

By evening, we arrived in Kalambaka, a charming town nestled at the base of Meteora’s towering rock formations. We stayed at Hotel Amalia, and their hospitality was nothing short of exceptional. The vegetarian buffet included everything from comforting local stews to fresh salads, but the highlight was the farm-made Melimelon—a luscious dessert made with quince berries and honey. Add to that a colorful array of spoon sweets (a Greek tradition) made with bergamot oranges, cherries, and grapes—and dessert turned into an event of its own. 

Meteora – Monasteries in the Sky

The final leg of our journey brought us to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever visited. Rising like stone pillars from the earth, the cliffs of Meteora are crowned with centuries-old monasteries that seem to float between heaven and earth.

We visited a few of the still-active monasteries, marveling at the frescos, the quiet chapels, and the sheer engineering marvel of how they were built. The panoramic views from the cliffs—of the vast Thessalian plain, winding rivers, and distant mountains—were simply stunning. It’s no wonder monks came here seeking spiritual elevation; the place feels otherworldly.

Even lunch that day was served with a view—a rustic eatery overlooking the valley served stuffed vine leaves, briam (Greek roasted vegetables), and warm, crusty bread with local olive oil and a Greek salad with feta cheese.

Final Reflections

This trip was a blend of time travel and tranquility—of standing where ancient voices once echoed, and of finding peace among natural wonders. From Poseidon’s temple bathed in sunlight to the shadowed rocks of Meteora holding monasteries like secrets, each stop gave us something to remember. More than anything, though, it was the warmth of the people—guides, hosts, chefs, and strangers alike—that made this journey unforgettable.

We left with full hearts, and a renewed sense of awe for the myths and mountains of Greece.

                                     PEACE ON EARTH

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