Peloponessos – there is something magical about the name, and something mythical in all that is contained within. ‘The island of Pelops’, derived from the mythical king Pelops who supposedly unified the region, is a name first used during the Greek Archaic period (800-479 BC). Today, the Peloponnese conjures up visions of the most exotic traces of the Hellenic past. Sparta, Mycenae, Olympia, Argos, Corinth… relics of a distant age. The peninsular – it is a peninsular, not an island, joined to mainland Greece by the isthmus of Corinth – is littered with ancient sites, attesting to the brilliant flourishing of the great Hellenic ages. Let us take you on a journey through this land of myth and raw beauty.

World renowned and truly a remarkable man of talent and integrity, Mikis Theodorakis has composed over 1000 songs, written heartbreakingly beautiful music and been awarded the Lenin Peace Prize. Politically active and a man of deep conviction he has also demonstrated the power of music to bring unity where there is discord. He is a living - breathing giant of the Greek music scene, and, at the age of 92, is living proof that abiding by one’s convictions and striving for the common good is, in effect, an elixir for longevity.

The only bad news about visiting Athens is that time will fly but, to paraphrase a wiser soul, the good news is that you are the pilot. You could spend a lifetime and it wouldn’t be enough to discover all that Αθήνα has to offer but that’s no reason to despair if you’ve only 48 hrs in our plucky, charm ridden city. Yes of course, there is the ivory coloured, definitely-cannot-miss-it wonder that is the Acropolis to visit. However, that is certainly not all that you have time for. From colourful markets to quirky neighbourhoods, outstanding eateries and an eclectic nightlife scene, Athens is, as she ever was, a city of warmth, vibrancy and indefatigable character.

For the Cycladic island of Sifnos this year has been particularly special with a celebration of 10 years of their inspired gastronomy festival held in the picturesque town of Artemonas. Quite unlike any other foodie festival in Greece, this celebration of Hellenic cuisine, produce, craftsmanship and artisanry is an entirely free event with an emphasis on encouraging the next generation to continue to build on their national cuisine.

Nestled on the edge between the busy commercial area of Kallithea and the bay of Faliro, stands a cutting edge, architectural homage to the symbiotic connection between nature and man. It is a demonstration of vision and philanthropy gifted to the Athenian people by a man who used his wealth to enrich the lives of others. The Stavros Niarchos Centre is beloved by many of the city’s people and, whilst largely unknown by tourists, it is absolutely worth the time taken to visit. By day or night, it is a truly breath-taking experience. A testimony to what can be achieved when those enterprising men and women of a nation acknowledge the responsibilities of great wealth, it recognises that education and culture act as the imperative back bone of any advanced society.

The Acropolis Museum in Athens is a beautifully designed exhibition of Athens’ greatest archaeological finds, magnificently displayed at the foot of the Acropolis itself. It is certainly not to be missed. However, what many visitors do not get the chance to discover, are a good number of other museums in Athens, each with their own fascinating collections, often housed in architecturally opulent buildings. In our on-going quest to help you discover Athens like a local, here are 3 + 1 museums we believe are absolutely worth taking the time to explore.