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
1. 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:Â 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:Â 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.
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2. 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:Â 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:Â 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.
3. 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:Â 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:Â 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.
4. 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:Â 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.
5. 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:Â 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:Â 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.
6. Crete- Blend of History and Natural Beauty
Located on the southern part of Greece, Crete is the largest island of the country. Just like most cities and islands in Greece, the history of the place also goes back to 3000 BC. In fact, it is said to be the cradle of the first advanced society in the continent. Moreover, the place is also known for its breathtaking beaches.
Attractions: The natural beauty of Crete is one of the main reasons for visiting the place. Apart from beaches, get ready to witness beautiful gorges, mighty mountains, and enigmatic caves associated with Greek myths and legends. If you are interested in knowing about the archeology of the place, a visit to Zarkos, Phaistos, and Malia is a must. Moreover, the charming old town of Chania, the blend of historical sites and modern vibe of Heraklion, the lakeside town of Agios Nikolaos, and the Ottoman and Venetian architecture of Rethymno make Crete worth visiting.
Activities: Besides exploring the ancient ruins of the place, hiking over the Samaria Gorge is something you must do here to enjoy its surrounding natural beauty. Beach hopping and boating are also interesting things to do in Crete. Going on a Cretan food tour is a great way to relish the local cuisine. If you like it too much, you can also enroll yourself in Cretan village cooking class.
7. Mykonos- The Party Island
A Greek island on the Aegean Sea, Mykonos blends the ancient and mythical part of Greece to the new and modern, creating a cosmopolitan charm like no other. Its luxury, natural beauty, and party vibe attract celebrities from all over the world to the beautiful island of Mykonos.
Attractions: Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, is a must visit. A walk through its narrow streets will give you the chance to see its vibrant squares and traditional Cycladic architecture. A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos will also let you peak into the history of the region. The 16th century windmills of Kato Mili are also a must visit here. If you are a fan of Greek mythology, do take out the time to visit Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is believed to be where Artemis and Apollo were born.
Activities: The beaches of Mykonos are to die for, thanks to its golden sand and turquoise waters. Moreover, Mykonos is known for hosting incredible beach parties. If you want to hang out on the beaches of the island by day, do go for scuba diving and sailing tours. The nightlife of the island is also something you must experience.
8. Thessaloniki- A Cultural Hub
Perched on the shores of the Aegean Sea, Thessaloniki is a Greek city that perfectly blends the old and the new. It is the ideal place to holiday if you want to enjoy a laidback place with all the things that Greece is known for.
Attractions: Thessaloniki is believed to have been found in 315 BC, and you would find the influence of different civilizations here, including Roman, Hellenistic, Ottoman, Byzantine, and even Jewish. The places you must visit here include the Rotunda, which is a huge Roman structure. The White Tower, the UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, and Arch of Galerius are some of the attractions you must explore here. The city of Thessaloniki is also known for its amazing cultural scene with its numerous museums and galleries. The Museum of Byzantine Culture, Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and Jewish Museum will give you a glimpse into the history and culture of the place.
Activities: Thessaloniki is the most popular for its cultural scene, and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, held every November, is something you must not miss. Apart from this, you can also watch a show at The Royal Theater. Indulging in some retail therapy at the local markets and high street stores and boutiques of the city is also an interesting thing to do here.
9. Corfu- Emerald Isle
The emerald jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu is another breathtaking Greek island that is popular among tourists. Being an island, Corfu is endowed with some of the most breathtaking beaches of Greece. Along with the beaches, the olive groves, the rolling hills, and the verdant trees add to the beauty of this island.
Attractions: While the beaches are the star attraction of Corfu, one cannot ignore the historical and cultural attractions of the place. You will find French, Greek, British, and Venetian influences in its architecture and monuments. The Corfu Old and New Fortresses, Achilleion Palace, and Spianada Square are some of the spots you must visit here. As for natural landscapes, Mount Pantokrator, Paleokastritsa, etc., are the places you should visit.
Activities: Beach hopping is one of the must things to do in Corfu. The island has numerous beaches, each offering innumerable activities. While Glyfada is great for watersports, Dassia and Barbati are ideal for swimming. Parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing, etc., are a few of the water sports you can try here. Hiking, sailing, kayaking, etc., are also popular in Corfu.
10. Mount Olympus- The Home of the Gods
Mount Olympus is neither a Greek city nor an island. In fact, it is one of the most amazing natural wonders of the country. Standing at the height of 9570 feet, Mount Olympus is the country’s tallest mountain. What makes it most interesting is its association with Greek mythology and culture, where Mount Olympus is said to be the home of the Twelve Olympian Gods.
Attractions: Mount Olympus is the country’s first national park and also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The mountain has several hiking trails that would give you the chance to enjoy the beauty of the national park. Visiting the Monastery of Agios Dionysios, which sits at the foot of the mountain, is an interesting thing to do here. Moreover, the ancient town of Dion with its collection of archeological sites also make it worth visiting.
Activities: Hiking is the best thing to do on Mount Olympus. Climbing up the summit of the mountain takes at least two days, but the view from the top is worth it. The best part is that the mountain has numerous trails, right from simple and easygoing ones to the most challenging.
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.
