The southernmost country in Europe, Greece is known for its mountains and its seas. 80% of the country is filled with mountains, while it is flanked by three seas: the Mediterranean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Aegean Sea. Thanks to this, Greece has the longest coastline in the world. Apart from this, Greece has a rich, ancient history, a deep-rooted culture, a pleasant climate, and mouthwatering cuisine. Plus, the 6000 islands (200 inhabited) add to its natural aura and beauty. With so much to see in this amazing country, more than 30 million tourists flock to Greece every year. And why not? There is no dearth of tourist places to visit in Greece. Here you will find some of the must-visit places in Greece.
Top Must-Visit Destinations in Greece
Athens- Capital of Greece
The capital of Greece, visiting Athens is a given when we think of the places we must visit in the country. With a history that takes you 2500 years back, Athens is a treasure chest of ancient history and architecture. Most of the places mentioned here are usually a part of the Athens packages.
Attractions: When it comes to the places you must visit in this city, the Acropolis is the first thing that comes to mind. Perched on an outcrop over the city of Athens, this ancient citadel is home to several ancient structures. It also gives you a panoramic view of the entire city. The Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Temple of Olympia, Athens National Garden, Museum of Cycladic Art, etc., are some of the must visit places here.
Activities: Athens is most popular for its nightlife and art scene. You must visit Plaka District for its restaurants, cafes, and shopping avenues. Athens is also known for its incredible street art. Art lovers should also explore the art galleries and museums of the city.
Featured
Featured
Santorini- A Romantic Getaway
The white-washed buildings of Santorini with its blue domes are often associated with the image of Greece. This beautiful island overlooking the Aegean Sea is a favorite among couples on a romantic holiday. One of the best places in Greece, Santorini offers numerous luxury hotels and unique experiences, making it perfect for a leisure holiday.
Attractions: Viewing the Caldera, the remnants of centuries of volcanic eruptions, is one of the best things to do here. Go for a guided tour from the capital city of Fira to the more popular Oia to enjoy the picture-perfect views of the island. You must also visit the archeological site of Akrotiri to get a glimpse of life during the Bronze Age. Apart from all this, visiting the sun-kissed beaches is a must when in Santorini.
Activities: The volcanic eruptions on the island have resulted in hot springs and taking a dip in them is something you must do here. Enjoying a divine sunset and relishing the local cuisine are some other things that you cannot miss on this island. You can also visit the vineyards of Santorini and taste its delicious wine. Santorini also offers adventurous activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, horse riding, boat riding, and more.
Delphi- Sacred Site of Greek Mythology
If you are fascinated with Greek culture and mythology, a visit to Delphi is a must. The ancient Greeks considered Delphi to be the center of earth. Perched on Mount Parnassus, Delphi is also one of the most religious sites for the Greeks. An overnight trip from Athens is a great idea to explore this interesting place.
Attractions: The Delphi Archeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction here. A guided tour of the place would give you the chance to take you to the important temples, theaters, statues, and other ancient ruins, which are the most popular Greece tourist attractions. You will also get to know the significance of each one of them. You also get to enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains and the olive groves that surround the place.
Activities: Sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Delphi. After all, the place is filled with ancient ruins and archeological sites. Moreover, you will find several interesting museums that showcase the history and culture of the place. Do take the time to take a dip in the Castalia Spring, which is believed to have purifying abilities. Adventure lovers would enjoy paragliding over the ruins of Delphi.
Rhodes- Blend of History
Image Credit: anorcadianabroad.com
Rhodes is considered the sunniest island of Greece, as it receives more than 300 days of sunshine in a year. What makes Rhodes a must-visit place in Greece is that it is the perfect amalgamation of historical attractions and natural beauty, courtesy to the gorgeous beaches and verdant forests on this Greek island.
Attractions: The rich history of Rhodes can be seen in its ancient ruins. Acropolis of Lindos, Knights’ Quarter, Ancient Kamiros, Palace of the Grand Master, Jewish Quarter, Street of the Knights, Hora, Acropolis of Rhodes, etc., are a few of the attractions you need to check out here. A tour of the Old Town is also a must to learn about the medieval history of the city. Rhodes is home to some fabulous beaches like St. Paul’s Bay, Prasonisi Beach, Lindos Beach, Kanari Beach, Elli Beach, Tsambika Beach, and more.
Activities: Rhodes is quite popular for beach sports, where you can try banana boats, jet skis, water skis, etc. There are some beaches that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoying its nightlife, indulging in wine tastings, and trying out the local cuisine are a few other things to do in Rhodes.
Meteora- Monasteries on Soaring Rock Pillars
Located on the northern part of Greece, Meteora is at the center of the nation. The most special thing about this place is the massive rock columns that adorn the landscape. What makes it even more spectacular is the presence of monasteries over these rock columns.
Attractions: A cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the main attraction of Meteora is the monasteries here. The 14th century monasteries located on the top of the rock columns offer a great view of the area and a peak into monastery life. Some of the monasteries you must visit here are Holy Monastery of Varlaam, Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, Saint Stephen Nunnery, Holy Trinity Monastery, etc. You can explore the ancient village of Kastraki here.
Activities: Hiking on the rock columns is one of the best things to do in Meteora. Watching the sunset from these rocky hills is nothing less than ethereal. Do not forget to pack your camera, as you will find picture-perfect frames wherever you turn in Meteora. The place also offers some adventurous activities like rock climbing, cliff scrambling, whitewater rafting, tandem paragliding, and more.
Apart from the places mentioned above, Greece has numerous other attractions that tourists must explore.
- Crete: The island of Crete is all about its pristine beaches and gorgeous mountains. The land is also rich in Greek myths.
- Mykonos: Mykonos is endowed with beautiful beaches and secluded corners while still holding a cosmopolitan charm with its nightlife and luxury shopping and dining experiences.
- Thessaloniki: If you want to experience a more local life, Thessaloniki is the one for you. Stroll around waterfront promenades and enjoy the food scene of the place. Do take the time to visit the White Tower, Rotunda, and Byzantine churches.
- Corfu: Hiking and cruising are two of the best things to do in the Ionian Greek Island of Corfu. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is also worth exploring. And there is also the Corfu cuisine, which is something you should not miss.
Conclusion
Greece is a place with some of the most famous landmarks in Europe and a pleasant weather throughout the year, making it an all-year-round destination. So, which are the places you want to include in your Greek itinerary? Let us know in the comments.
