Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is reigniting interest in one of history’s greatest epics, with audiences eager to discover the myths, heroes, and landscapes that inspired Homer’s legendary tale. While the blockbuster brings the story to the big screen, the real-world history behind it can still be explored today with the most incredible ancient Greece travel.
According to Lonely Planet, Greece is home to countless archaeological sites connected to Ancient Greek civilisation, with several offering visitors the chance to experience the history, mythology and culture that shaped Homer’s enduring work. From iconic hilltop temples to legendary sanctuaries and palace ruins, these are five destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Acropolis, Athens
Towering above the Greek capital, the Acropolis remains one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks. Crowned by the Parthenon, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has overlooked Athens for more than two millennia and continues to draw visitors from around the world.
According to Lonely Planet, visitors can also explore the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Acropolis Museum, which houses thousands of artefacts discovered on the site. To avoid the busiest crowds, the travel publisher recommends booking an early morning entry slot or visiting later in the day. That’s kind of the main travelling advice for the majority of ancient Greece travel!
2. Ancient Delos
Located in the Cyclades, the island of Delos is considered one of Ancient Greece’s most important archaeological sites and, according to Greek mythology, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Per Lonely Planet, travellers can explore impressive ruins including the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Terrace of the Lions and the island’s archaeological museum, which displays statues, mosaics and frescoes uncovered during excavations. As the island is uninhabited, visitors typically arrive by boat from nearby Mykonos.
3. Palace of Knossos, Crete
The Palace of Knossos offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilisation, one of Europe’s earliest advanced cultures. Located just outside Heraklion on Crete, the sprawling Bronze Age palace has long been associated with the legend of King Minos and the mythical Minotaur.
According to Lonely Planet, the partially reconstructed site provides insight into the palace’s grand architecture, while pairing a visit with the nearby Heraklion Archaeological Museum helps bring its history into sharper focus.
4. Delphi
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once regarded as the spiritual centre of the ancient Greek world. Pilgrims travelled here to seek guidance from the famed Oracle of Delphi, making it one of antiquity’s most influential religious sites.
Lonely Planet recommends exploring the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Temple of Apollo and the distinctive Tholos of Athena Pronaia, with the nearby town providing an ideal base for discovering the surrounding ruins and museums.
5. Ancient Olympia
Known worldwide as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia hosted athletic competitions for more than a thousand years, beginning in 776 BCE.
According to Lonely Planet, visitors can still walk through the remains of the original stadium, temples and training grounds while learning about the site’s significance in Greek history. The peaceful archaeological park is also easily accessible from the nearby village, making it a popular stop for travellers exploring the Peloponnese.
Experience the World Behind The Odyssey
While Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey introduces audiences to Homer’s timeless adventure on screen, these remarkable destinations offer the chance to experience the history and mythology that inspired it first-hand.
If you’re planning your own cinematic adventure, you can also explore our guide to the real filming locations featured in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey to discover where the blockbuster was brought to life across Europe.
Are you planning ancient Greece travel inspired by The Odyssey? Let us know!