Rugged Mount Parnassus is the place to see "outstanding" Greek ruins without "being pushed along by crowds." The site is praised for its "top-notch" museum and "spirit of place" but faulted for inadequate interpretation.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Beautifully cared-for archaeological site that one can explore at a pleasant pace, as opposed to being pushed along by crowds. In part I think this is because there is openness to the visitor flow; there is not a corridor that one must follow. There is no predatory vending, either. The museum is top-notch. Artifacts are well conserved and presented, and the building itself is airy and pleasant. A bit more attention could be paid to the overall significance of the site, however."
"The setting is stunning—overlooking a beautiful valley. Local transportation (bus) from Athens made it very accessible. Lots of options to stay in local pensions and eat at small, local restaurants. A world-class site of immense historical significance."
"Potential for a good interpretation program for visitors at the museum, although a minority of visitors takes full advantage. Tourist numbers are considerable, but the archaeology and historical context of Delphi are maintained. Commercial tourist facilities have been kept at an appropriate distance, perhaps as much a result of topography as consistent planning."
"The site is accessible by steep paths going up and down the hillside, so it is not for the faint of heart to climb the entire site. Maintenance is by the Greek government, but the locals are very mixed into the economy of the tourist trade."
Greece: Athens Acropolis
Score: 57
Panelists voiced familiar complaints about air pollution and crowding along with a sense that "central Athens and the Acropolis have improved immeasurably" since the 2004 Olympics. A new museum answers concerns about indifferent interpretation. In the end, "the Acropolis still amazes and humbles."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"One of the great treasures of European culture. However, a recent visit made me think that it may be submerged by endless busloads of visitors, and that some measures should be taken to slow their flow if the monuments are to be preserved (for instance, charging higher fees for visitors)."
"For such an interesting and important site, I was disappointed by the lack of interpretive features that help reveal its importance. Could not detect that the resource has any relevance to the local community other than as a tourist attraction that promotes the sale of cheap souvenirs in the adjacent Plaka area."
"Being an ancient construction in the midst of one of Europe's most intense and vibrating traffic jams—inhaling the combustion gases into its marble tissues every day of the year—is a challenge for the Acropolis. Recent and ongoing renovation has enhanced the place's beauty and resistance to threats, while the replacement of sculptures by copies has reduced the level of authenticity."
"Central Athens has improved immeasurably since my first visit 30 years ago. The improvement in air quality is one obvious sign of progress, and it is somehow easier now to find secluded shady corners in and around the Plaka. The Acropolis itself seems to be under permanent rebuilding, and has been partially covered in scaffolding every time I have visited over the past 30 years. Visitor orientation around the Acropolis site still remains poor and the limited provision of drinking-water facilities is an issue"
"One of the most picturesque destinations in the world"—but to stay that way it "needs to develop a willingness to say 'no' to increased mass tourism." The roads, sewage system, beaches, and main city can't handle any more.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"One of the most sensational sites in the world. The towns are beautifully maintained. The beach area could be improved. But the island is overrun with tourists and the road is crowded—a bit of a madhouse."
"A charming experience for the traveler who looks beyond the surface, but poorly interpreted. Locals admit the tourist trade keeps them solvent, but the tourist experience is not packaged well nor does it reveal the significance or depth of the island resource."
"The main city (Thira) has been given over to mass tourism and has lost much of its essential character. The north end of the island (Oi) has maintained much of its character and beauty, but day trippers (especially cruise tourists) are having a negative impact on the quality of the sight and its enjoyability for locals and land-based visitors."
"The visitor can easily enjoy a 2-hour lunch or a casual cappuccino while viewing the sea and the island's architecture, despite its extraordinary popularity. A rare blend in a magnificent setting."
"The ecological problems on Santorini relate to the lack of a fresh-water source due to the absence of aquifers on this volcanic island. Water is transported from the mainland at considerable cost and trucked to holding tanks in hotels and restaurants."
Greece: Crete, North Coast
Score: 51
Endowed with archaeological, natural, and historical assets, the coast is "relatively intact" and "the story of such places as Knossos are well presented." But it is "more and more like a bad imitation of the worst of the Spanish coast."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"The eastern portion of Crete's northern coast is generally better protected, but there is considerable over-development to the immediate west of Hania. Villages on the coast and inland to the east of Hania are threatened by a rash of second-home and vacation developments that are substantially changing the character of village life. The local economy in the latter area is thriving, but further development would be a major threat to social and cultural integrity."
"We saw Knossos and the museum in Heraklion. Knossos is overwhelmed with tourists and has been restored to the vision of Sir Arthur Evans circa 1900. The museum is old-fashioned but has most of the wonderful materials from the area and is truly a treasure. The areas are sustainable because the Greek government rightly places a great deal of emphasis on them."
"In contrast with Athens, the north coast of Crete remains relatively intact. Considering the amount of significant structures here, they are in very good repair. The story of Knossos is well presented. Tourism development is certainly visible, but more at the beach-resort areas. Ecologically, there is much to learn here."
"While the historic places are looked after reasonably well, the natural environment does not receive any consideration. Sewage systems are almost nonexistent or very bad and, consequently, so is the water quality in some areas. Cretans, you need to look after your natural environment!"
