Escapism can be the ultimate way to de-stress. Whether it’s immersing yourself in fiction or travelling the globe, a change of scenery can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. To bring this together, we’ve pinpointed mythical locations that really exist across the globe, so a retreat away from reality is simply a journey away.
Inspired by the Greek mythology flower goddess herself, at KLORIS we are no stranger to the fantastical. With a strong belief in harnessing the power of nature, we wanted to share top locations where you can do the same. Both afar and here in the UK, you can enjoy both a staycation or a plane ride to seek out these whimsical sites.
Ten Mythical Locations You Actually Can Travel To
1. Cyprus
Located off the shore of Paphos, Aphrodite’s Rock marks where Greek mythology says the Goddess of Love was born from the ocean. Surrounded by a stretch of meandering coastline, the rock is surrounded by snow-white cliffs that feel other-worldly. With foam forming at its base, Aphrodite’s Rock reminds visitors of her birth from the ocean’s foam, enthralling visitors into the fantastical world of Greek mythology and inviting them to share in the legends that eulogise her.
2. Cyclops Riviera, Italy
Another story left in the wake of Greek mythology, the setting of the Cyclops Riviera features in the works of Homer. The Riviera of the Cyclops includes a stretch of rocky islands off the coast of Sicily, where the legendary battle of Odysseus and the most famous one-eyed giant, Polyphemus, took place. The legend tells the story of Polyphemus falling in love with Nereid Galathea, who was in love with a young man named Aci. Green with envy, the cyclops threw Aci into the same river that still ties the small surrounding villages together in unity.
3. Ruins of Troy, Turkey
One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, the ruins of Troy sit in the northwest corner of Turkey. A place once believed to be simply a myth, the true location of Troy was discovered in 1870 by self-taught archaeologist, Heinrich Schliemann. Whilst there’s no real evidence the Trojan War took place, the site has become a place of pilgrimage where people travel far and wide to walk on the fantastical land where gods once walked.
4. Mount Olympus, Greece
The highest peak in Greece and the epitome of mythology, Mount Olympus was said to be the home of the Greek gods. Where Zeus himself resided, many legends took place in the remote, beautiful setting of the mountain. Located in northeast Greece, the peak offers beautiful 360 views, dense forest gorges and hides numerous caves and waterfalls.
5. Sherwood Forest, England
According to folklore, Sherwood Forest was the home of the noble thief, Robin Hood. Known for stealing from the rich to give to the poor, stories of Robin Hood date back to the 14th century, with numerous adventures taking place within the bustling trees of Sherwood. Staycation to this spot this summer and explore the forest’s depths in search of Robin Hood’s main hideout, the Major Oak.
6. Loch Ness, Scotland
A beautiful freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is located southwest of Inverness. Said to be home of the Loch Ness monster, or ‘Nessie’, the site attracts tourists in search of sightings of the mystical creature. Despite very little evidence, visitors live in hope of Nessie’s existence, flocking their boats onto the lock each season for some refreshing highland air.
7. Tintagel Castle, England
Situated on the cliff tops of Cornwall, Tintagel Castle is said to be the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. Undeniably linked to famous stories like ‘Knights of the Round Table’ and ‘Sword in the Stone’, literary descriptions of old town ‘Camelot’ mirror much of Tintagel Castle’s surroundings. Whilst its timeline doesn’t quite agree, the links between the setting and the English legend were sufficient to inspire Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poetry and continue to attract visitors from around the world.
8. Phraya Nakhon Cave, Thailand
One of the most mystical landscapes in the world, the Phraya Nakhon Cave sits inside Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and hides a magnificent gold and green pavilion which includes the smallest temple in Thailand. A challenge to get to, this doesn’t stop visitors from pioneering to view the beautiful limestone interior sheltered by tree canopies. Its origin is surrounded by mythical legends about the local ruler, Nakhon Srithammaraja, who was said to find solace from the storm in the midst of the cave.
9. The Fairy Kingdom (Knockma Hill), Ireland
A place full of mystery, the Knockma Hill provides panoramic views of County Galway in Ireland. Significant in Ireland’s history, the hill is often referred to as The Fairy Kingdom, being the setting of many Celtic fairy legends. Many ancient cairns remain on the site as well as underground passages and forts that add to its mystery, inspiring stories of the fairy world for centuries.
10. Takachiho, Japan
A town steeped in Japanese folklore, Takachiho also has many origin stories. Said to be the site where Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess, hid in a cave away from her brother’s pranks in the hope of being lured out by other gods and goddesses, the town features as home to many Japanese gods.
Taking time out to appreciate the stories inspired by the natural world is a good way to de-stress and escape. As a brand that appreciates the natural world, we at KLORIS believe much good can come from spending time in nature and what a more beautiful location than these ten spots.
