Rude Travel by Vir Sanghvi: A guide to splitting Athens

Mainland Greece has as much to offer as the islands around it: Ancient temples, chic hotels, spots where time stands still

In all my years of travelling, there is one country I had never been to: Greece. When I mentioned this to friends abroad, they were surprised. But no Indian I spoke to thought it was at all odd. Unless they have had to go to Greece for an event (say, the Olympics) very few Indians I know have ever been to Greece and most have no plans to visit either. And those who have gone have focused on the islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu etc. Hardly anyone has wanted to go to the mainland.

On the small island of Kea, donkey delivery still thrives (VIR SANGHVI)

The food in Greece may taste a little bland to travellers. If you like fish though, the seafood can be fantastic. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

At the Acropolis in Athens, marble sculptures of women have been holding up the porch of the Erechtheion since 420 BCE. (ADOBE STOCK)

Half an hour away from the Athens Riviera is Cape Sounion, where you can visit the Temple of Poseidon. (VIR SANGHVI)

The Athens Riviera is a lagoon-facing area full of deluxe hotels and seafood restaurants. (VIR SANGHVI)