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26 Top Tourist Attractions in Greece

Rich in ancient history, breathtaking beaches, awe-inspiring scenery, and Greek mythology, Greece is teeming with unique tourist destinations.

Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, theatre, democracy, and famed philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle. Greece consists of thousands of islands, some of the more well-known vacation spots including Santorini and Mykonos. The country’s cuisine is vibrant and rich. Olives are a popular ingredient in many Greek dishes, which makes sense why Greece is the third-largest producer of olives.

Between history, culture, cuisine, and nature, Greece is an undeniably attractive tourist destination you should not miss out on. It’s one of the sunniest places in the world, with plenty of rays for exploring ancient archaeological sites, tanning on white-pebbled beaches, and adventuring to your heart’s content.

To discover the best things to do in this Mediterranean country, use this list of the top tourist attractions in Greece and create your dream itinerary.

26. Balos Lagoon, Crete

Northwest of Kissamos and Chania, Balos Lagoon is well-known for its stunning natural beauty and perfect photo opportunities. The lagoon is located in Crete , the largest island in Greece , loved for its pristine beaches and ancient ruins.

Balos Lagoon twines between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani. It exudes an unmistakable tranquility, attracting hundreds and thousands of people throughout the year. The white-sugared sands and shallow turquoise waters are ideal for inexperienced swimmers. Near the boundaries of the lagoon are deeper sections of water perfect for snorkeling.

The lagoon is protected under the Natura 2000 program, with rare species of plants and animals inhabiting the area. The monk seal and loggerhead sea turtle are examples of protected species in Balos Lagoon.

25. Naoussa, Paros

A fishing village in the Cyclades on the northeastern section of Paros Island, Naoussa attracts people from all over the world. They came here to admire its white washed buildings and enjoy its beaches for summer vacation.

Naoussa’s dazzling golden beaches, like Kolymbithres Beach and Monastiri, stretch along the natural bay. Many of these beaches, which vary from secluded to crowded, can be accessed on foot. However, some require trips by caiques, small fishing boats, that launch from the local port.

Naoussa is well-known as a summer hotspot but is also famous for its local wine production. It also features impactful historical sites like the Venetian Castle. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It was used to protect the island from pirates and later on as a defensive tower for the Ottomans.

24. Nafplio

A coastal city in the eastern Peloponnese , Nafplio is one of the most romantic cities in Greece. Its historic charm and classic architecture set the scene with flowing Turkish fountains, Byzantine churches, and medieval castles.

Only two hours from Athens, a trip to Nafplio opens up a world of local history to learn more about. The beautiful town was the first capital of the new Greek state until 1834 before the title was passed on to Athens. Walk down cobblestone alleys of medieval Old Town. Head to the Italianate Syntagma Square at the heart of the city. Here you will find two Turkish mosques and the Archaeological Museum, preserving historical artifacts dating back to the Prehistoric period.

Enjoy a stroll through Arvanitia Promenade, a scenic route with viewpoints of Akronafplia, the oldest of three Nafplio castles.

23. White Tower of Thessaloniki

Located in northern Greece in Macedonia, the White Tower of Thessaloniki is an iconic historic landmark.

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city. The ancient city is full of history, having played a vital role in the Byzantine period. The White Tower of Thessaloniki was around during a majority of the city’s historical turning points. It was termed “the Red Tower” and “the Tower of Blood” throughout Ottoman history. This was because of the tower’s role as a prison where brutal torture was enforced.

The monument houses a museum depicting the city’s history. At the top of the White Tower are awe-inspiring viewpoints of the Thermaic Gulf and the city. Outside the tower is the promenade, the popular seaside pedestrian street that routes past the White Tower.

22. Old Town of Rhodes

Encircled by medieval walls, the Old Town of Rhodes has been inhabited since medieval times. Along the walls are seven gates, said to enter another world, and walking through them, visitors will find one of the best-preserved fortified cities in Europe.

Rhodes was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun god Helios. Unfortunately, the Colossus of Rhodes was disassembled and sold in AD 654 when the Arabs invaded Rhodes.

The main square, right inside Marina Gate, features a central fountain, cafes, and shops to explore. One of the prominent shopping streets, Sokratous Street, heads off from the square. Next, stroll down the Street of the Knights, a cobblestoned street lamp-lit route outstandingly preserved to relieve the days of medieval knights. Finally, visit Our Lady of the Castle, a Byzantine-style church estimated to have been built in the 11th century.

21. Acropolis Museum, Athens

Considered one of the most significant museums on earth, the Acropolis Museum homes the findings and replicas from the Acropolis of Athens .

The museum is only a short drive from the Acropolis archaeological site, where the famous tourist attraction, the Pantheon, sits. The museum features miniature replicas of the Acropolis after each major invasion in Athens, including Roman, Ottoman, and Persian. Continuing on through the Acropolis Museum is the display of the ancient Athenian neighborhood, which was discovered while building the museum.

One of the favorite attractions of the museum is findings from the Parthenon, the historic temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and one of the biggest attractions of Greece. The museum’s third-floor houses artifacts and sculptures from the Parthenon, including original marble inscriptions.

One of the Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea, Hydra, is about a two-hour ferry trip from Athens.

As one of the most popular islands near Athens , the car-free island attracts visitors of all kinds, including famous ones like painters Henry Miller and Leonard Cohen. The island is known for its elegance, history, and it’s main port, surrounded by old churches and 18th-century mansions. Old canon bastions used to defend the island in the Greek War of Independence decorate the port.

The busy harbor is frequented by fishermen heading off to catch a hefty bounty. Some fishermen will use their boats to sell fresh catches after their return. Cats are a standard part of life in Hydra, many of which come to get their morning meal at the harbor.

Just wandering the streets of this enchanting town is one of the most rewarding things to do in Greece. First, have dinner at one of the restaurants for a fresh seafood dish caught locally. Then, stop at a cafe for a quick dessert or refreshing drink.

19. Mount Athos

Found on the edge of the Athos peninsula in Macedonia, Mount Athos is a holy mountain that has served as an Orthodox spiritual center since 1054. Women and children are forbidden to visit Mount Athos.

Twenty monasteries, including subsidiary establishments, decorate the slopes of Mount Athos. Since Byzantine times, Mount Athos has maintained a self-administered status, with its first constitution signed in 972.

To visit Mount Athos, a permit must be issued. Only ten non-orthodox and 100 Greeks and orthodox visitors are given permits daily, valid for four days. Mount Athos is a well-loved spiritual place where many men come to prioritize spirituality. Arriving at Mount Athos on a permitted visit, one will be overcome by structures that date back centuries on a thousand-year-old site.

Near Mykonos in the Aegean Sea’s Cyclades archipelago, Delos is the mythological birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis.

The island is an archaeological site featuring ruins of Doric temples, mosaics, and the famous Terrace of the Lions statue. The only inhabitants of the islands are archaeologists and caretakers of the island. There are no hotels or other stays to spend overnight on Delos. Once a religious center and commercial port, the island was quickly abandoned after several attacks and has stayed that way since 7 BC.

Excavations of Delos began in 1872, some of which continues to this day. A trip to Delos is one of the most popular things to do in Mykonos and offers a leap back in time. The island is an archaeological site dating back to the Archaic and Hellenistic periods.

17. Cape Sounion

At the southern point of Attica and the end of the Sounio Peninsula stands the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion.

Built in 5 BC to honor Poseidon, the structure was constructed entirely of white marble. The Temple of Poseidon is a renowned monument of the Golden Age of Athens. The Aegean Sea stretches out on three sides of the temple, and the scenery of the sunset descending into the sea is mesmerizing from this viewpoint.

The Temple of Poseidon had 34 columns. Only fifteen are left standing. If you look closely at one of the columns, you’ll find the name, Lord Byron. The famous poet inscribed his name during a visit to the historic site in 1810.

16. Epidaurus

Once a small city of ancient Greece, Epidaurus is a famous archaeological site found on the northeastern Peloponnese in Argolis.

One of the biggest tourist attractions of Epidaurus is the Ancient Theatre. The theatre was established in 4 BC to host religious ceremonies honoring the god Asclepius. It was also used to host plays and symposia and as a wrestling arena. This is because of the theatre’s outstanding acoustics and symmetry, which are used to host ancient Greek drama performances in the present day.

Epidaurus acted as a health center in ancient times, referred to as “The Asclepion.” Myths accumulated between the ill that stayed in the Asclepion. That the god Asclepius appeared in dreams and cured their ailments.

15. Portara, Naxos

The Portara is an iconic landmark on the largest Cyclades islands on the islet of Naxos.

A colossal marble doorway acts as the favored jewel and landmark of Naxos . The construction of the Portara began in 6 BC under the decree of tyrant Lygdamis. However, construction ceased when Lydgamis was overthrown, resulting in only the Portara, or “door,” being built. It was believed that the structure was meant to be a temple dedicated to Apollo, but there is some controversy over its original purpose.

The photogenic marble gateway of the Portara illuminates stunningly, whether it be sunset, sunrise, or at night. Stroll up the cobbled pathway to the Portara and explore the ruins and encompassing sights beheld there.

14. Corfu Old Town

The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is found in the Adriatic sea near the western coasts of Albania.

Corfu is loved for its captivating architecture and history, with some buildings dating back to the Venetian period. Within Corfu’s Old Town are cobbled streets, old churches, charming shops, and adorable cafes.

For one-of-a-kind local finds, explore the local shops for clothes, sandals, trinkets, and fun souvenirs to take home. Many churches in Corfu’s Old Town are open to visitors looking to take a peek at the intricate design and architecture or simply to light a candle and say a prayer. Listen to live music as performers show off their talent to the crowds. Finally, get a taste of the local cuisine that fuses Greek and Venetian cuisine with an eastern twist.

13. Knossos Palace

The largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, the Palace of Knossos, is the residence of the mythical King Minos, the son of Europa and Zeus.

Southeast of Heraklion in Crete, the palace symbolized the Minoan civilization. It was used as a political and ceremonial center for the Minoans. The palace was inhabited for a few thousand years until its destruction and the end of the Minoan civilization in 1375 BC.

The original Palace of Knossos, not the reconstructed one after its devastation, was four wings of four-story houses centered around a courtyard. A maze, or labyrinth, connected to the courtyard. In Greek mythology, the maze, or “Labyrinth,” was the home of the Minotaur that battled Athenian hero Theseus.

Combine a palace tour with a trip to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Visit the museum first for a deeper understanding of the Palace of Knossos.

12. Ancient Mycenae

One of the major centers of Greek civilization, Ancient Mycenae is an ancient city and archaeological site and was a military stronghold that strong-armed the Cyclades, Crete, and southern Greece. The old archaeological site is southwest of Athens and north of Argos in the Peloponnese.

The first to speak the Greek language, the Mycenaens thrived until their eventual downfall around 1200 BC. After that, the Bronze-age acropolis was one of the greats, heavily impacting Greek culture and mythology.

Ancient Mycenae was also King Agamemnon’s home, who played a vital role in the Trojan War. Throughout the archaeological site are preserved finds like King Agamemnon’s palace, cisterns, Cyclopean architecture, and tombs. Some other noteworthy points of interest include the Tomb of Clytemnestra (the wife of King Agamemnon), the Museum of Mycenae, the Treasury of Atreus, and the Lion Gate.

11. Vikos Gorge

On the southern slopes of Mount Tymphe in the Pindus Mountains, Víkos Gorge is a favored hiking spot with numerous awe-inspiring viewpoints. It is documented in the Guinness book of records as the world’s deepest canyon in proportion to its width.

Often called the Grand Canyon of Greece, the gorge offers breathtaking views of nature’s wondrous capabilities. One of Greece’s most naturally stunning sights, this gem is a sight to behold.

The most frequently used starting point for trekking the Víkos Gorge is Monodendri, a village in Zagori. Take your time indulging your curiosity with a tour through Monodendri’s snaking alleyways and delectable food options. For a more appealingly gentle descent from hiking Víkos Gorge, take the trailhead at Dilofo, a scenic mountain village.

10. Navagio Beach

Commonly called Smugglers Cove or Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Beach is a famous pebble beach on the coast of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands.

Surrounded by shimmering turquoise water and towering cliffs, the beach is only reachable by boat. The second most photographed site and one of the most popular beaches in Greece , Navagio Beach lives up to its reputation with spectacular scenery that exudes paradise.

On its shores lies a shipwrecked boat, “Panagiotis”. The ship attempted to transport cigarettes in 1983 illegally but washed ashore during a massive storm. Nevertheless, it has become one of the biggest reasons why millions visit Navagio Beach every year.

9 Lindos, Rhodes

A town on the island of Rhodes, Lindos preserves Greece’s second most visited archaeological site.

The legend goes that Danaus, the son of the King of Egypt, founded Lindos. Greek mythology believes that when Danaus fled his brother and Hera, he resided on the island before moving to Greece’s mainland.

The Acropolis of Lindos can be seen from every viewpoint in the town. On the first level of the acropolis is a Byzantine church of St. John established around the 13th century. There is also a big Hellenistic stoa and the remains of a temple. On the top of the stairs are the ruins of the Temple of Athena Lindia, a 4 BC sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Visit the ancient theatre of Lindos, dating back to 4 BC. The historic amphitheater was used for festivals, plays, and athletic competitions. Admire the Church of Panagia, an elaborately designed chapel with a Rhodian campanile tower and hanging chandeliers.

An ancient town in Phocis, Delphi rests between the Phaidriades Rocks of Mount Parnassus.

A major religious center in the 6th century BC, the Panhellenic sanctuary of the god Apollo lies in Delphi. It was the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, translating to “Athena who is before the temple (of Apollo).” Visitors would first see the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, then reach the sanctuary of Apollo.

Archaeological finds discovered Mycenaean remains, showing the area was inhabited in 2 BC. The sanctuary was established in 8 BC, its influence extending over Greece. Pilgrims came to Delphi to meet the priestess of Pythia and the Oracle of Delphi, which was widely known for divining the future. Delphi was once home to the Pythian Games, second to the Olympics for Greeks, to honor Apollo.

Now, visitors to Delphi can tour the archaeological sites of these historic religious sanctuaries. Other noteworthy artifacts and educational information can be found at the nearby museum.

Referred to as Myzithras in the Chronicle of the Morea, Mystras is a historic town in the southeast of Peloponnese near ancient Sparta.

The settlement of Mystras began in 1249 with the construction of an amphitheater surrounding a fortress overlooking Sparta. However, after multiple attacks and occupations, by the Byzantines, Turks, then Venetians, Mystras was soon abandoned in 1832 with only ruins left behind.

The well-preserved archaeological sites feature Byzantine churches, fortress walls, and palace remains to peer over. The site is split between three sections—the fortress on the summit, the upper town, and the lower town.

Built by the Franks and preserved by the Turks, the fortress is historically outstanding, with stunning scenic opportunities from atop the hill. Within the upper and lower town sections are cobblestone streets worn down after centuries of use and numerous structures dating back to the 12th century.

6. Samaria Gorge

A part of the White Mountains National Park on the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe.

Home to 70 species endemic to Crete, the gorge is an enriching masterpiece of nature. Thousands of people hike Samaria Gorge every day during its peak month of August. But before beginning your hike of the gorge, take a quick trip to the Museum of Natural History of Samaria Gorge. The museum presents a deeper understanding of the gorge’s historical and natural wealth.

Hiking the gorge is one of the most popular things to do in Greece. Begin your hike at Xyloskalo, or “wooden stairs.” Locals constructed the wooden staircase as an entrance to the gorge.

5. Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach is a famous beach found in the northwest part of Kefalonia Island in Pylaros.

Featuring a picturesque position at the base of two mountains, Myrtos Beach is frequently publicized as one of the best beaches in the world. Its breathtaking blue waters and shocking white pebbled shore make it an easy favorite as one of the best tourist destinations in Greece.

Sink your toes in the sand. Go for a swim and suntan on the sand. And take plenty of pictures while relaxing in paradise at Myrtos Beach!

4. Mykonos Town

One of the most featured destinations in Greece, the island and town of Mykonos is part of the Cyclades between Naxo and Syros.

The islands of the winds, Mykonos , is a luxurious holiday destination for romantic getaways and group tropical vacations. The town of Mykonos satiates a range of interests, from history and culture to food and nature.

Shop designer clothes at local boutiques around Mykonos Town. Find local pieces at various art galleries. Unwind at the picturesque beaches to catch some sun. Tour the archaeological sites, like the Ancient Delos, scattered with historic structures and ruins. Stroll through the streets surrounded by Cycladic architecture that has made the town of Mykonos well-known and well-loved for its unique setting.

3. Acropolis of Athens

A historical landmark above the city of Athens, the Acropolis of Athens preserves the remains of ancient structures that hold historical and architectural value.

Now an archaeological site, the military fortress established during the Neolithic period became a religious center dedicated to the goddess Athena. During the battle of Salamis in 480 BC, parts of the Acropolis were damaged. However, the structure was recovered and rebuilt by Pericles, the founder of the Athenian democracy, into the Acropolis observed today.

See also: Where to Stay in Athens

On the grounds of the Acropolis of Athens are different historical structures, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. These buildings are temples dedicated to different elements of the Goddess Athena, each holding its own enigmatic pull. To the northwest of the Acropolis is the Areopagus, which functioned as the high court of appeal for cases of the law, and is now admired for its outstanding viewpoints of Athens.

Near the town of Kalabaka in central Greece, the Meteora is a famed rock formation home to one of the largest Eastern Orthodox monasteries. It is only second to Mount Athos.

Six monasteries are stabilized on natural pillars and massive boulders on the rock formations for a truly unique and stunning attraction of Greece. The area of Meteora combines medieval history, impactful religion, and breathtaking nature, having sheltered the monasteries for nearly a thousand years.

Rock climbers crowd from all over the world to take on Meteora. But, if you’re afraid of heights, consider taking Meteora on from the comfort of the ground. There are numerous hiking trail options, including leisurely strolls or strenuous climbs that travel through the refreshing landscapes stacked with towering rock formations. End, or start, your trip at the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum. It is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to mushrooms.

1. Sunsets at Santorini

A famous tourist destination and island in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is adored for its unrivaled sunsets.

Created by volcanic eruptions, Santorini has impressively steep cliffs that offer some of the best sunset-viewing opportunities in the world. The two main towns, Fira (or Thira) and Oia have different rewarding perspectives for a romantic and unforgettable sight.

Book an evening cruise for views on the water to lose the bustling crowd and get the perfect spot for sunset viewing. Then, reserve a table at Ammoudi Fish Tavern in Ammoudi Bay for a romantic dinner while basking in bewitching pink and red hues. Atop Skaros is a historic Venetian fortress that avails clear views of the sea and sunsets at Santorini. Another ideal sunset viewing spot is at the 19th-century Akrotiri lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Greece

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Reader interactions.

May 28, 2019 at 6:44 am

77 year old USA couple just returned from a 7 week trip to Greece last week. Skipped the tourist spots and concentrated on the historic locations which made Greece a remarkable society for 1000s of years including Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Byzantine.

April 24, 2017 at 12:23 pm

I’m 13years old and I have even been to Greece. It was one of the best places I’ve been in my life and I’ve been to some pretty cool places like Egypt.

February 2, 2015 at 9:57 am

I need to add Cape Sounion to this! The Temple of Poseidon. A couple of hours by coach from Athens. Absolutely amazing, stunning views and if you stay until sunset really quite breathtaking!!

December 1, 2014 at 1:28 pm

I visited Santorini in October last year . It is beautiful place to be but unfortunetely even in October overcrowded 🙁 Crete is a better destination in my opinion 🙂

April 14, 2014 at 8:07 am

I surely hope that I can visit Greece. It is so unbelievably amazing even just the pictures. Parthenon, Mykonos, and definitely Santorini are on top of my list 🙂

April 10, 2014 at 4:28 am

Sailing Greece in August 2014. Arriving early, where’s the best place to stay and the best things to do?

March 26, 2014 at 1:14 pm

Greece is so amazing !! I wish i could go there someday 😉

March 16, 2014 at 1:16 am

I would like to go to Santorini 😀

December 2, 2013 at 5:56 am

I will recommend you to complete the map of tourist attractions in Greece 2014 Aegina island. Its 1 hour far from peraeus harbour. We have ”flisvos” tavern at aegina ‘s port and we offer eating services for tourists Groups. Please have in your mind aegina island and i am waiting you coming in my taverna. To drink a glass of ouzaki eating octopus on bbq for free (only for you). Thank you very much.

July 3, 2013 at 6:31 am

Mykonos is the place to be!! I love this island. I ve been to Ornos, Elia and Ag. Sostis beach. Panormos is also great! Great beach and nice waters!Next to the beach there is a pool venue with djs! We went after the beach and they have pool afternoon parties. We had some cocktails and amazing food. Guilty Beach !!!!

October 23, 2012 at 1:38 am

I love Kefalonia and Myrtos beach is stunning…

December 9, 2011 at 6:49 pm

Greece is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September 11, 2011 at 11:47 am

Greece is wonderful place.Thasos is nice to see also

August 24, 2011 at 1:15 pm

Absolutely beautiful photos! Greece is a fantastic tourist destination! But I would like to add Sithonia, Halkidiki, to your list – lots of unspoiled nature and beaches, and not spoiled by tons of tourists…

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16 of the best things to do in Greece

Mar 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Experience the very best of Greece with these top things to do © Johnce / Getty Images

Greece inspires our dreams – we dream about its azure seas, its charming island villages and its myriad beaches , both broad and minute. We dream about the Acropolis, shining on a hill over fascinating Athens. This grand country, from mountaintop to city street, lives up to those dreams. Greece  satisfies travelers looking for adventure , the great outdoors, relaxing seaside vacations and immersive cultural experiences .

Greeks know how to live well. Get involved with our roundup of the top things to do when you arrive.

1. Explore ancient Athens

There’s a reason the  Acropolis remains the quintessential landmark of Western civilization – it is spectacular. In addition to this towering icon, the streets of central Athens are home to many other remnants of civilizations who have marauded through over time. Indeed, any construction project (like the metro!) unearths more finds.

From the Ottoman houses of the  Plaka neighborhood edging the Acropolis, head further back in time to the  Roman Agora with its intricately carved  Tower of the Winds . Afterward, stop off at the  Ancient Agora , the commercial counterpoint to the Acropolis’ religious function.

Planning tip: With more time, other monuments and sites await you, as do world-class museums like the  Acropolis Museum , the  National Archaeological Museum , the  Byzantine and Christian Museum  and the  Museum of Cycladic Art – pick your favorite and just keep exploring.

2. Hop around the Greek islands

You've probably heard of the biggest Greek islands:  Santorini ,  Mykonos ,  Rhodes ,  Crete and  Corfu . But the beauty of the Greek island experience is that each of the 227 major islands (of approximately 6000) that make up the several island chains in Greece has its own distinct character.

Planning tip:  Work out which is the perfect Greek island for you . Pick a zone, say the  Ionian Islands  or the  Dodecanese , and get around by chugging between ports on ubiquitous ferries. If you love a sailboat, charter and sail on your own. You could also pick a theme and explore several islands. Want to party? Head to Mykonos and  Ios . Prefer wild terrain?  Kefallonia ,  Andros and Crete. 

3. Eat the very best Greek food

From mornings with a Greek coffee and a Cretan bougatsa (flaky pastry filled with sweet or savory cheese) to nights with ouzo and calamari, Greece offers an astounding range of delectables .

Many of Greece's unique flavors are known for their Mediterranean-diet healthiness: think fresh-pressed olive oil and sweet in-season tomatoes with copious seafood. But there’s also plenty of decadence – slow-cooked roasts, crumbly village cheese and honeyed layered baklava.

Planning tip:  Every region has its specialties, so for the best experience of local dishes, ask what's recommended. Kali orexi!

4. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi

The Sanctuary of Apollo  at the center of the ancient Greek world,  Delphi , perches on a hillside with sweeping views of the Gulf of Corinth. It's where pilgrims would travel to hear prophecies from the god Apollo, voiced through his oracle (a woman from the local area). 

Planning tip:  It’s worth visiting on the fringes of the day to catch the soft light of morning on the temples’ sides or the golden glow of sunset.

5. Climb the stone spires of Meteora

Unbelievable to the eye,  Meteora seems like something from a movie. In fact, it has been featured in flicks like the James Bond epic For Your Eyes Only and used as the backdrop for the Eyrie in Game of Thrones .

Why? Because who can recreate such mind-blowing rock pinnacles topped by 14th-century monasteries? Climb the stairs carved into the edges of the stone spires to explore, and don't forget to bring your camera.

6. Sit back and enjoy Greece's cafe culture

Slow down. One of the great treats of time in Greece is dropping whatever pace you brought with you and merging with the one here. Simply sit quay-side or street-side, sip a coffee by day or a cocktail or glass of local wine by night, and watch the world go by. Better yet, bring friends.

7. Take in a Cycladic sunset

Santorini, with its dramatic volcanic bowl topped by whitewashed villages, is inevitably the belle of the Cyclades , famed for its sunsets. But strike out further to catch equally beautiful views in islands like  Milos , a calmer volcanic isle, or  Naxos , with its untamed coasts and  Temple of Demeter . The holy island of  Tinos is draped in carved marble, and Andros offers a slew of wonderful walking trails.

8. Enjoy culture and history in Thessaloniki

One of the great expressions in  Thessaloniki is halara ,   roughly translated as “take it easy” or “it’s all good.” This laid-back city on the sea unfurls its pleasures with student culture, art and nightlife. The upper town is a Byzantine maze, and lovers of ancient eras can tour the truly magnificent riches of the  Tomb of Philip II of Macedon at nearby Vergina.

9. Celebrate Greek Orthodox Easter

It’s hard to imagine how rich and vibrant the  Greek Orthodox Easter week is until you experience it. Villages, towns and cities come to life in one long crescendo leading up to Easter Sunday, from moody candlelight processions to brilliant fireworks, lamb roasts and dancing in the streets.

Planning tip: This is the biggest religious festival of the year , celebrated with utter reverence and almost total participation. Book well in advance and aim to arrive early in the week – you don’t want to miss a thing.

10. Explore car-free Hydra on foot

Rare is the land without cars. Hydra , with its soft bowl of marble stairways and seafarers’ houses, is one such place. Sail in and stay awhile to people-watch on the chic harborfront, walk on the rough mountain trails and swim in the sea.

11. Solve the mysteries of Knossos and Minoan culture

History loves a mystery. The advanced society of the Minoans is still shrouded in a veil of secrecy, but you can explore what we do have: the  Palace of Knossos , a Bronze Age 4000-year-old capital. It’s best paired with the fascinating treasures showcased in the  Heraklion Archaeological Museum .

12. Relax on Crete's beaches

The grand island of  Crete stands alone, almost a country in itself. As you explore its plethora of villages with unique cuisines, don't miss a day (or several...) on the beach. From the soft cream sands of  Falasarna to the pink, coral-tinged arcs of  Elafonisi , you can’t go wrong with any Cretan beach you pick. Gorgeous  Preveli  is brushed by the Libyan Sea and topped by an elegant monastery.

13. Check out the cute villages of Zagorohoria

If elves lived in Greece, Zagorohoria is where you’d find them. This constellation of quaint stone villages in the mountains lies on the southern edge of the sweeping  Vikos Gorge in the  Northern Pindos National Park . Connected by a network of walking paths, the villages make for superb hiking in the warmer months or cozy snuggling by the fire in winter.

14. Admire the beauty of Corfu’s Old Town

On Corfu , a traveler favorite, a 14th-century  Venetian fortress guards the sea, and the town center is a warren of honey-hued townhomes, hidden plateia (plazas) and exalting  arcades . The Italian-influenced cuisine is another solid incentive to stay a while.

Planning tip:  Stay overnight in  Corfu Town or come early in the morning to avoid the midday throngs.

15. Dive into history in the Peloponnese

The giant  Peloponnesian landmass is somehow missing on most tourists’ radars . Easygoing and interesting, you can explore it for weeks.

Adventure from the lovely seaside Venetian city at  Nafplio to extraordinary and important ruins like medieval  Mystras (Byzantine),  Mycenae (ruled most famously by Agamemnon) and  Epidavros , or head for even lesser-known spots, like the wild  Mani peninsula and the islet-topping  Kastro at  Monemvasia . The Peloponnese are also prime territory for interesting local culture and delicious homemade food.

16. See where the first Olympic Games took place

While you’re in the Peloponnese, don’t miss the site of the first Olympics, held in  ancient Olympia from 776 BCE to 394 CE. Set in a fertile valley, the ruins of the stadium and accompanying buildings where the athletes lived and practiced are particularly lovely in the springtime with the trees in flower.

Planning tip: Swing into the excellent  Archaeological Museum to see monumental sculptures such as Hermes of Praxiteles.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated March 2024

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15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

From charming beach towns to idyllic islands, these places to visit in Greece are all the vacation inspiration you need.

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Let’s make one thing clear: No matter where you go in Greece , you’ll have a good time. The Mediterranean nation is filled with spectacular places to explore, from its historically rich cities to its charming inland towns, and, of course, across its famed islands . But if you need a little help narrowing down where to go next, here are 15 best places to visit in Greece. 

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As both Greece’s capital and the nation’s largest city, Athens deserves at least a day or two of exploration. Visitors can head to popular attractions like the  Acropolis and Parthenon, but more modern neighborhoods like Exarchia, known for its bohemian flair, are worth checking out, too.

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There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, but one gaining more attention by the minute is the positively quaint Milos . Accessible via direct flights from Athens, this island is the place to go for total rest and relaxation. Come to explore desolate beaches tucked in between craggy cliffs, dine on octopus in cafes that are sprinkled across the island, and enjoy quiet evenings sipping local wine while watching the sun dip into the azure waters.

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Looking for a more lively atmosphere? Head to Mykonos, an island known for always being a good time. Also accessible via direct flights from Athens, Mykonos is the place to be during the summer for beachside parties that stretch long into the night (and often into the next day, too). Of course, there’s more to the island than just parties. It's home to its fair share of gorgeous beaches and historical sites, including Kato Mili, a row of four massive windmills built by the Venetians in the 16th century.

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History buffs will love the town of Delphi, located about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Athens. The community was home to the Oracle of Delphi , which people from all over the Mediterranean traveled to see. Here, visitors can still explore the Temple of Apollo's remains, along with several ancient theaters and stadiums preserved through the millennia.

Admire waters a shade of blue you never knew existed in the Halkidiki region, located in northern Greece. This area is best known for its gorgeous beaches, which come with equally alluring soft sand, so you can lounge about all day.

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Find even more historical delights, visit Epidaurus, at the northeastern end of the Peloponnese. It’s beloved by archeology buffs for its Ancient Theatre , built in the fourth century B.C. to honor the god of medicine, Asclepius. And its still a place where visitors can watch live performances in the summer.

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The seaside community of Gythio is admittedly quiet, but it's by far one of the best places to visit when you need to get away from it all. Filled with colorful homes and golden-sand beaches, Gythio is also favored for its sea turtles that come and lay their eggs.

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For unbelievable views, pay a visit to Meteora, located in Thessaly. The area is made up of massive rock formations reaching toward the sky. Inside the gorgeous formations sit several monasteries , which made their way onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

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Sifnos, a small island reachable by ferry from Athens, is another spot known for its relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it's filled with so many beaches, you can find a large patch of sandy shoreline all for yourself, even in the height of summer.

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Mix in island time with a quick geology lesson on Kefalonia. The island, located west of the mainland, is home to the Drogarati Cave , which comes with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the ceiling and jutting out from the sea floor, respectively.

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Want to get a taste of Italy and Greece all in one go? Make your way to the stunning, romantic island of Corfu. Thanks to its proximity to its neighboring European nation, the island comes with plenty of Italian influence, reflected in its architecture, food, and way of life.

Thessaloniki

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Find an urban escape in northern Greece with a visit to Thessaloniki. This port city is filled with historic sites like the White Tower of Thessaloniki and Arch of Galerius, along with world-class restaurants and contemporary art museums that will leave you inspired.

Messolonghi

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Get a different sea view in Messolonghi, located on the western coast of Greece. This town sits on a serene sea lake, with many who live here still making a living off fishing in the area. And though the town has great historical significance (especially around the Greek Revolution), it’s still an under-the-radar gem for international tourists.

Make one more historic stop at Olympia , this time for a lesson in sports history. Located on the western side of the Peloponnese, Olympia was the site of the very first Olympic Games. Visitors can visit the ancient stadium and the temples of Zeus and Hera all in one trip.

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Head to the eastern Peloponnese to the beautiful city of Nafplio. As Visit Greece explains, the myth behind the town is that it was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon. Today, it's filled with ancient sites, including monuments and castles galore, all worthy of exploring on your next Greek vacation. Get packing !

EXPLORE THE TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN GREECE: 5 EPIC MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS

Greece, a country in Europe is a captivating destination with its ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes, attracts travelers from all corners of the world. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty make Greece a must-visit country. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey to explore the top tourist attractions in Greece. From the iconic Acropolis of Athens to the stunning island of Santorini, the ancient ruins of Delphi, the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos, and the diverse wonders of Crete, Greece offers an array of experiences that will leave you spellbound. Get ready to plan your dream vacation to the most remarkable places in Greece!

Table of Contents

Explore The Top Tourist Attractions in Greece

The acropolis of athens: a glimpse into ancient greece.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN FRANCE: EXPLORING THE BEST OF THE HEXAGON

TOP ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT IN ROME: EXPLORE THE 10 EPIC MARVELS OF THE ETERNAL CITY

GERMANY’S TOP 10 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: UNVEILING THE WONDERS TO EXPLORE

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SPAIN : 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT

EXPLORE TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN HUNGARY: 10 DESTINATIONS FROM BUDA CASTLE TO TOKAJ WINE COUNTRY

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Visit Greece: Top 21 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 21 best things to do in greece (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Greece during your next holidays? You want to know more about the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, i have prepared this guide of the 21 best things to do in Greece , with all the must-see attractions of the country.

Discover Athens , the Peloponnese , the Cyclades ( Santorini ), the Dodecanese archipelago ( Rhodes ) and many more amazing places to visit during your trip.

So, where to go in Greece? What are the best points of interest?

Let’s find out!

• 2. Peloponnese

4. Epidaurus

5. monemvasia, 9. the meteora, 10. thessaloniki, 11. the chalkidiki peninsula and mount athos, 12. the cyclades, 13. dodecanese islands, 14. ionian islands, 16. the vikos gorge, 17. euboea and the sporades, 18. the north aegean islands, 19. greece beaches, 20. discover greek gastronomy, 21. renting a boat in greece, greece tours, cyclades (greek islands), visit greece: the 20 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Greece, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this article.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
• Itinerary:  6, 7 or 8 days in Greece  – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
• Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

Let’s start this Greece travel guide with Athens, the capital city.

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens turns out to be surprising. The modern city is built around ancient monuments , so urban atmosphere enthusiasts will find it as enjoyable as history and mythology lovers .

If you want to visit Greece or Greek Islands, there are strong chances you’ll be flying to or from Athens. That’s a good reason to spend 2 days in one of the must-see cities in Greece.

Here are Athens 10 best points of interest:

• Acropolis:  major and iconic ancient site, it’s also the most visited of the city. Here you can admire the Parthenon, the largest Doric temple in Greece. It was built in homage to the goddess Athena Parthenos, patron and protectress of the city.
• Acropolis Museum , a must-see to understand the Acropolis History and admire all its treasures.
• Ancient Agora:  the political, social and administrative center of Ancient Athens.
• National Archeological Museum  and its collection of Greek antiquities from the Neolithic to the classic period.
• Panathenaic stadium built in the 4th century and restored in 1895 to host the first modern Olympic Games.
• National Garden, Athens biggest public park. Relaxing and refreshing !
• Syntagma   Square, house of the Parliament. There you can see the changing of the guard ceremony every hour.
• Monastiraki neighborhood, famous for its Sunday flea market and its many souvenir shops.
• Mount Lycabettus. You can walk or take the funicular to the summit to see a stunning view of Athens and the Acropolis.
• Ermou street, for shopping lovers !

For more information about Athens, you should read our complete city guide: The 20 best things to do in Athens.  

2.  Peloponnese

To continue this list of the best places to visit in Greece , you should definitely visit  Peloponnese .

Located west of Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula is full of historical sites and archaeological vestiges. Over the centuries, many civilizations have settled there and shaped a landscape worth visiting.

Peloponnese best destinations:

• Corinth Canal:  artificially carved into stone, this 6 km long canal connects the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea, avoiding a 400 km detour for boats. It separates the Peloponnese from Continental Greece. Don’t miss the souvenir photo.
• Nemea Wine road:  located  in the South of Corinth, this region produces some of the best red wines in Greece.
• Nafplio:  b eautiful seaside city overlooked by 3 fortresses. Y ou should definitely visit the fortress of Palameda, a large and well-built site located on a hill above the city . The view over Nafplio and the sea is wonderful! It’s definitely one of my  very good surprises during my trip to Greece .
• Vouraikos Canyon:  the best and most spectacular way to discover the canyon is the rack-railway that runs daily between Diakopto and Kalavrita.
• Mani peninsula:  a rural and quite wild area, still spared by mass tourism. You will enjoy splendid views driving on the roads.
• Elafonisos Island:  on the very South of the Peloponnese, you will find here one of Greece’s most beautiful beach: Simos beach.

I will give you more details about the places from Mycenae to Olympia later in this article.

If you wish to visit Peloponnese, you can read our detailed article: The 15 best things to do in Peloponnese.

You’re looking for more things to see in Greece and more specifically in Peloponnese? Then you should definitely go to Mycenae.

Mycenae is one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece .   Built on a hill, this antique city is well-known for being the home of the legendary Trojan War hero Agamemnon , considered one of the most powerful king of Ancient Greece .

On the site, you will discover  the heavy stone walls surrounding the city, the royal palace and the tombstones where many gold artefacts and funerary furniture were found.

You can also visit the Mycenae Archaeological Museum to learn more about the Mycenaean civilization and this crucial period of Greek history.

For further informations about rates and schedules, you can visit  the official website.

Epidaurus is also one of the best place to visit in Greece.

Along with Mycenae, it’s one of the two major archaeological sites of Peloponnese and the Argolid region. Epidaurus is also  a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The place is well-known for its ancient theater, built in the 4th century BC . Incredibly well preserved, the Epidaurus theatre could accommodate up to 14,000 people.

  With its amazing acoustic, the theater is still used today for antique Greek plays representations during the Epidaurus Festival (in July and August).

The sanctuary also includes a temple dedicated to the god of medicine Asclepios , a circular building named the tholos , a stadium and a small archaeological museum. There, you can see some of the statues discovered on the site and in the surrounding area.

Visit Monemvasia  is another thing to do during your trip to Greece.

This fortified city is located in the south of Peloponnese , on the East coast of Laconia. It has a quite unusual position, located on a huge rock , only connected to the mainland by a small road.

The road to Monemvasia is really unique, as the village is completely hidden by the cliff until you arrive.   The houses will only appear once you’ve passed the wall of the medieval city. Cross the main gate and enter the medieval city to start discovering the village

. You will for sure enjoy walking in the lower town paved alleys: It’s very cute and calm, with many shops and restaurant. Following the main street will take you to the central square, offering a nice view on the sea.

You should also definitely go up to the fortress and the upper city. From there, the view on the cliffs, city and the sea is breathtaking!

Impossible to talk about the best of Greece without mentioning Mystras . It’s one of the places I enjoyed the most when visiting the country.

The site about 10 kilometres away from Sparta on the slopes of  Taygetus mountain . It’s certainely one of the most beautiful archaeological site of the Peloponnese .

Mystra was once one of the capitals of the Byzantine Empire as well as a major cultural city. Due to its  dramatic History, it has been left in an advanced state of decay for a long time.   Today, after an impressive restoration work (still underway), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is really worth a visit.

There, you will admire the fortress and the Kastro (Castle) as well as many churches and monasteries in a beautiful environment.

The city of Mystras is divided into 2 parts, the upper and the lower city, and therefore has  2 entrances .   If you have a car, you can park in the upper parking lot to visit the upper city, then drive to the lower city to visit it (or vice-versa). Don’t forget to keep your tickets!

Also located in the Peloponnese , Olympia Archaeological Site  is a must-see attraction in Greece.

If you want to learn more about Olympia, you definitely have to visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum . The best is to do it before visiting the  Archaeological  Site.

Voyage Tips - Advice   The €12 entrance fee for the ancient site and the Archaeological Museum also includes an access to the Olympic History Museum .

You’re travelling to Greece and you’re interested about ancient history? Then you should definitely visit Delphi archaeological site.

In Ancient Greece, this city was considered to be the center of the world and was thus extremely important. It’s is especially famous for being the place where the Oracle of Delphi (also named the Pythia) transmitted Appolo’s directives from the gods to humans.

For over 6 centuries , the Pythia’s prophecies have shaped Greek History: Citizens and kings were coming from all over the country to get answers to their questions.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi Stands on Mount Parnassus , which adds a stunning natural beauty to the historical remains. The views over the valley and the sea are astonishing!

In the antique area , you can admire the Temple of Apollo  where the Pythia delivered the oracles, the theatre and the stadium that hosted the Pythic Games.

The entrance fee also includes an access to Delphi Museum . The visit will help you understand what the site looked like, and includes many remains and statues found in Delphi.

If you are planning a road trip to Greece, and wondering what are the best places to visit, then you should definitely include The Meteora to your journey.  It was literally my biggest crush during my trip.

The Meteora is located in central Greece , 5 hours drive from Athens and 3 hours from Thessaloniki . Despite being far from the two major cities, it is still one of the most visited places in the country. Once you’re there, you will understand why! 

The scenery is extraordinary .   The rock formation of The Meteora results from the erosion due to an ancient inland sea. The name literally means “ rocks suspended in the air “. The rocks are really impressive but the craziest part is that, on the top of some of them, monasteries were built!

Until the 1920s , the only way to access the monasteries was an  ingenious system with cables and pulleys . It was used by  the religious to go to the top of the rocks into nets or baskets .  Nowadays, you can visit 6 monasteries , but don’t worry! Stairs has been carved into stone, and a road connects the monasteries. There, you will enjoy stunning views of the landscape.

Spend at least 1 day on the site, or more if you want to visit the inside of the monasteries  (each entrance fee is €3). The largest monastery,  the Monastery of  Great Meteoron, is really worth a look. As the highest of the 6, it sits on a 610 meters high hill!

The Meteoras is really a must-see tourist attraction in Greece.

During your visit in Greece, you really should go to the city of Thessaloniki.

Located north of Greece , it’s less touristic than some other places, but still the 2nd biggest city of the country.

What are the best things to do in Thessaloniki, Greece:

• White Tower:  former prison and torture place, it’s the most iconic monument of the city.
• Thessaloniki Waterfront, where you will find many bars and restaurants.
• Modiano Market to buy the best local products!
• Arch of Galerius and Rotunda , 2 Roman monuments
• Archaelogical Museum of Thessaloniki and its collection of remains from Greek Macedonia (not to be mistaken for the Republic of Macedonia)
• Take a look at the many Churches: Agios Pavlos, Agios Dimitrios, Agia Sofia, Agios Nikolaos Orfanos, Ossios David
• Thessaloniki Citadel and its walls  located in the upper city, and famous for its sunsets views.
• Via Egnatia, a must for shopping-lovers!
• Visit a Greek Navy helicopter carrier and/or Submarine, if they are docked during your stay.

To plan your trip to Thessaloniki, have a look at our detailed guide: Visit Thessaloniki: Top 12 Best Things To Do .

Let’s continue our Greece tourist guide with the Chalkidiki Peninsula.

The Chalkidiki Peninsula regroups, in fact,  3 peninsulas located Southeast of Thessaloniki. 

• Kassandra peninsula
• Sithonia peninsula
• Mount Athos peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The first two peninsulas are well-known for having many luxurious seaside resorts and hotel complexes . There are Spas, casinos, golf and tennis courts, private marinas and luxury shops .  Here, tourists can also enjoy splendid beaches with turquoise water , small coves and the land is covered with pine forests. 

The atmosphere is completely different in the Mount Athos peninsula ! It’s the home of the Monastic State of Agion Oros , an autonomous state inside Greece and Europe.   There are still nearly 2,300 Orthodox monks living in the 20 monasteries located around the Mount.

If you wish to go to Mount Athos on a pilgrimage, please note that the access is highly regulated: only men have the right to enter ,  and you must ask at least 6 months in advance for a special permit to go there.   And still, only 10 non-Orthodox people and 100 Orthodox people per day are allowed on the site.

If you can’t obtain a permits for Mount Athos or for women, cruises departs from Uranupolis (the nearest city). You’ll be able to get a glimpse of some of the monasteries . Tickets costs around €30, for a 3 hour cruise.

If you plan to visit Greece, you certainly can’t miss its most iconic destination : The Cyclades islands.

When you think of the Cyclades, the island of Santorini is probably the first one you think about!  The picture of the white church with its blue dome, overlooking the sea is famous all over the world. But did you know there are 24 inhabited islands in the Cyclades archipelago? 

• Santorini:   the romantic island, visited by thousands of people, where the sunsets are magical! If you want to know more about Santorini, you should read our detailed article:  Visit Santorini: Top 12 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Mykonos: The best place to go if you want to party all night long with world famous DJs.
• Amorgos:   the island where the movie “The Big Blue” was filmed. It’s also a great destination for hiking lovers!
• Naxos:  the largest island of the Cyclades. The beaches here are wonderful!
• Paros:   where you can visit lovely villages and enjoy beautiful beaches. You can read our detailed article about Paros here:  Visit Paros.  
• Andros:  another great destination for hiking lovers.
• Delos , for its renowned antique sites.
• Tinos and its remote mountain villages.

If you want to know everything about the Cyclades, have a look at our definitive guide: The 15 best Cyclades islands to visit.

Let’s continue this list of the best things to do in Greece with the Dodecanese Islands.

Rhodes , the largest  of the Dodecanese Islands is famous for its long sand beaches and wooden valleys. When visiting Rhodes, there are 2 things you must see: The old town of Rhodes , with its castle and fortifications and the lovely village of  Lindos . Don’t forget to climb up to Lindos Acropolis , where you’ll have an amazing view over the bay!

Rhodes also has a large number of seaside resorts , making it a very popular destination for all inclusive stays. 

You can read our guide to know everything about Rhodes: How to visit Rhodes?

The other Dodecanese best islands are:

• Halki, with only 300 inhabitants. A great quiet place to spend the whole day at the beach.
• Symi  where you will find one of Greece’s most beautiful village. From Rhodes, you can easily access Symi on a daytrip.
• Karpathos,  an island where traditions and landscapes were preserved from mass tourism.
• Kos,  the 2nd largest Dodecanese Island, known for its sandy beaches, luxury hotels and nightlife.
• Tilos  for nature lovers and bird watchers!
• Patmos  and its impressive hilltop monastery
• Leros: if you like hiking and quiet places.
• Leipsoi , one of the smallest and most authentic islands of the Dodecanese!

If you are looking for what to do in Greece , you can definitely add the Ionian Islands to your list!

Located west of Greece, the Ionian Islands are known for having a milder climate and lush green landscapes . You will also find sublime coves and crystal clear water beaches. There, you will find some of the best sights of Greece!

What are the best places to see in the Ionian Islands?

• The city of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout its history, Corfu has been occupied by the Venetians, the French and the British. The result is a very interesting mixture of architectural styles, making the city quite unique!  You have to take a walk to the Liston , a pedestrian esplanade with many arcades. You can also discover the Achilleion , a palace built for Empress Sissi of Austria .

You will also find beautiful creeks all over the island. Why don’t you try the famous Glyfada beach , or the west coast creeks near Paleokastritasa ?

• Cephalonia   is an Island with a beautiful scenery and authentic small villages.

There, you must-see: Argostoli , the capital; the Assos Castle ; Fiskardo and its Venetian houses; the Lake Cavern of Melissani and Myrtos Bay , a cove dominated by high cliffs.

• Leucadia:  you will find amazing beaches along its west coast.
• Zante:  home of the first marine National Park in Greece. The protected Caretta-Caretta species of sea turtles come here to nest.
• Ithaca:  famous for being Ulysses homeland in Homer’s literature masterpiece “The Odyssey”. You won’t find any large beaches here, only small coves that are sometimes only accessible by boat.
• Paxos (or Paxi): the main attraction here is the Agios Nikolaos, an historical monument said to be designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. You can also visit, by boat, several sea caves.
• Cythera: According to Greek mythology, the goddess of Love Aphrodite was born on this island.  If you want to enjoy some quiet time on an au thentic island, with no large hotels or beach clubs, you should definitely go there!

Our tour of Greece highlights continue with Crete . The largest of the Greek Islands sometimes feels like a small country on its own!

The  best things to do in Crete includes:

• Heraklion :  the capital and largest city. You should visit the Archaeological Museum!
• Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site,   residence of King Minos (known for The Legend of the Minotaur). One of Greece most important archaeological site.
• Balos Lagoon  and its incredible turquoise blue water.
• Elafonisi beach,  with its pink sand and crystal clear water.
• The Samaria Gorge is among the longest in Europe. You can explore it through a 16km long hike!
• Chania with its old town full of historic buildings and local craft shops.
• Spinalonga, an island north east of Crete. It used to welcome lepers.
• The Lasithi Plateau also called “the 10,000 mills valley” because its ancient white sails windmills.
• Dikteon Cave, said to be the birthplace of Zeus.

To learn more about the best things to do in Crete, you should read my detailed article: The 27 Best Things to do in Crete .

The Vikos Gorge is one of the things to see in Greece. If you like hiking, it’s a great destination!

It is located in the Zagoria region , North West of Greece, 2:30 hour drive from The Meteora.

With its nearly 900 metres depth and 12 km length , the Gorge is among the deepest in the world . As it’s very narrow,  you will find it very impressive!

Once there, you can follow several hiking trails and itineraries to admire the preserved landscapes.   In any case, remember that you are in a quite remote area, and be sure to have the right equipment ! Don’t forget to bring hiking shoes, water bottles, sunscreen and hats. You should  also notify your hotel about your itinerary.

The best known hike is 12km long and goes from Monodendri to Vikos , but don’t worry i f you don’t want to walk that much. You will also find shorter itineraries, and sometimes you can even park your car near the view points. I strongly recommend you the one near Oxia!

Euboea and the Sporades won’t be on the first page of a Greece tourist guide. But if you want to travel off the beaten path , that’s a destination you should consider.

Euboea is, after Crete, Greece’s second largest island. On its coast, you’ll find small seaside resorts , mostly frequented by the locals. It’s also a great place for hiking ! The most known place to hike is the Dimosari Gorge , located South of Euboea. There, you can walk for 4 hours on a 10km trail, going down through the forest to reach the sea. That’s a great way to combine hiking and sunbathing at the beach!

You can also climb to the top of Euboea, the 1,743m high Mount Dirfys . The trail starts in the Steni mountain village.

Since the ancient times, Euboea is also famous for the Loutra Edipsou (or Edipsos) Thermal Springs . It’s said that Aristotle bathed in those waters! 

The Sporades are an Archipelago of 4 Islands:

• Skiathos  i s the most touristic island.  There are more than 60 sand beaches ! As tourism is very developed, you will find plenty of hotels, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
• Skopelos:   on this island you can enjoy beautiful and less crowded beaches.  Did you know that t he movie “Mamma Mia” was shot here?
• Alonnisos:  is a must for hiking lovers, with more than a dozen marked trails. The island is also part of a marine National Park, to protect the endangered Monk Seals. During summer, you can also go on a cruise to see dolphins!
• Skyros   has 2 totally different landscapes.   The north is very green, with fertile valleys and hills, while the south is arid and often beaten by the wind. Skyros is t he largest of the Sporades Islands, but also the most peaceful and the least touristic. A great place for relaxing holidays!

You visited all the classics of a stay in Greece? If you believe that you are out of things to see, you should definitely take a tour to the North Aegean Islands!

These islands are the closest to  Turkey.

The North Aegean Islands includes:

• Chios: an island with many medieval villages and beautiful beaches.
• Lesbos  and its picturesque villages where you will find beautiful paved alleys or an oriental influence.
• Samos,   is famous for its sandy beaches and its small coves. T he goddess Hera (wife of Zeus) and the famous mathematician Pythagoras were born on this island.
• Icaria: Some says  Dionysus, the God of Wine and Pleasure was born on this Island. To honour him, the inhabitants are organizing the Panigyria, a traditional Greek festival with dances and alcohol. Icaria’s beaches are among the most beautiful of the Aegean Sea.
• Lemnos:  a volcanic island with large beaches.

Where to go in Greece to enjoy beautiful beaches ?

A good thing about Greece is that, wherever you go, there’s a strong chance you can enjoy beaches. Well, as long as you’re traveling on the coast, of course!

So, what is a “beautiful beach”? It’s only up to you! Whether you like large sand beaches , pebble beaches, small coves , luxury beaches with deckchairs and sunshades , or more intimate locations , there will always be a beach you’ll enjoy in Greece.

Here are some of Greece’s best beaches  to help you choose!

• The Shipwreck Beach (also called Navagio ), on the Ionian Island of Zakynthos
• The Balos Lagoon  in Crete
• Myrtos Bay, on the Ionian Island of Kefalonia
• Elafonisi Beach  in Crete
• Simos Beach , on Elafonissos Island, Peloponnese
• Sarakiniko Beach , on Milos Island, The Cyclades
• St Paul Bay , on the Dodecanese Island of Rhodes
• Lalaria Beach in Skiathos, The Sporades
• The Channel of Love  (also known as “ Canal d’Amour” ) in Corfu
• Voidokilia beach in Peloponnese

You want to explore these beaches the VIP way? Then you should really hire a boat in Greece !

You will notice that I haven’t mentioned Santorini’s 2 most famous beaches: Perissa Beach and its volcanic black sand, and the Red Beach . In my opinion, there are much more extraordinary beaches in Greece!

Another famous Greece attraction is its typical food. So, what will you eat during your stay in Greece?

Let’s look at the traditional dishes you have to try during your trip!

• Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made with goat’s (or sheep’s) yoghurt and cucumbers. The one we ate also had a lot of garlic!
• Greek salad : cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, peppers.
• Moussaka : a dish made of aubergines, minced meat and bechamel sauce.
• Fasolada , a traditional bean soup.
• Souvlakis and gyros : a pita filled with chicken or pork, a yoghurt sauce, salad, tomatoes and fries. To tell you the truth, it was our daily lunch!
• Greek Yogurt  is not only a legend. You will find it in every restaurants, and it’s often served for desert with fruits and honey. It tastes nothing like those you can buy in a supermarket!
• Portokalopita:  a Phyllo dough cake, made with Oranges. If you don’t like Oranges, you can always try the (as delicious) lemon one. It’s clearly my favorite Greek desert!
• Ouzo , an anise-flavoured alcohol, served as a digestif.

Greece is the perfect country to enjoy a boat trip!

So why not  rent a boat during your stay?

For a nice day at sea during your trip to Greece, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Greece? 😊

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Greece by yourself. (All my Greece articles are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Greece tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Greece tours by clicking the button below:

And you, now that you know what to see: where do you want to go and what do you want to visit in Greece?

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece :  All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.
• Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
• Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
• Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades
• Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
• Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
• Naxos: Top 10 things to do
• Paros: The 10 best places to visit
• Santorini: The definitive guide
• Tinos: The 10 best things to do
• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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The 21 best things to do in Greece

Visit ancient ruins, seaside villages and more can't-miss attractions with our guide of the best things to do in Greece

Whether you’re drawn to the blue sea and beaches of its islands or the ancient history of its ruins, the best things to do in Greece have a lot to give.

The birthplace of democracy, philosophy and really, really good souvlaki, Greece hasn’t been without its well-publicised woes recently. When visiting, make sure to be a responsible tourist and support local businesses—look away from that Starbucks in favour of family-run tavernas—and consider making a donation to one of the grassroots organisations supporting refugees or the homeless.

Worry not: the country’s troubles haven’t stopped it from giving a warm welcome to the millions of tourists that pass through each year, staying in the country's many hotels and guesthouses. From its 6,000 (count them) islands to the creative renaissance and killer restaurants of capital city Athens , these are the best things to do in Greece right now.

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

Find out more about   how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world .

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Greece

1.  Ski down Mount Olympus

Greece may be famous for sun and sea, but not many people are aware that it boasts a number of decent skiing spots too. One of which is Mount Olympus, the 2,917m high home of the 12 ancient Greek gods. Here you’ll find the Elatochori Ski Centre, which has six heavenly slopes and two lifts. Hey Zeus, race you to the bottom!

2.  Wild camp on Donousa

With 6,000 Greek islands to choose from – only 227 of which are inhabited – why restrict yourself to Mykonos or Santorini? For a true Greek summer experience, head to an under-the-radar spot such as Donousa, reachable by ferry from Athens, where young Greeks wild camp under the stars, dance and drink in tiny tavernas then sleep off hangovers on the beach.

3.  Visit the monks’ republic (if you’re a guy)

The mysterious Mount Athos is home to an all-male community of monks and operates as an autonomous republic. Women and female animals have been banned from the island for almost 1,000 years least the monks are tempted to break their vows of celibacy. However, male tourists can still get visitors’ permits, and the mountain – actually a long peninsula – is accessible by boat.

4.  Follow in Hercules’ footsteps in the Peloponnese

A great mainland alternative to island hopping is to explore the picturesque seaside villages that run all along the north of the Peloponnese. This southern peninsula appears in ancient Greek stories as the area where Hercules fought the Nemean lion, where the Argonauts set sail and where Helen and Paris of Troy got hitched – it’s ancient Greek gods’ own country, basically. Hire a car from Athens and drive along the coast road from Xylokastro to Akrata. You’ll find plenty of pretty villages, unspoilt beaches, cosy tavernas and, of course, legends all along the way.

5.  Sleep in a tree house at Kalamata

The city of Kalamata in the Peloponnese is home to the ancient city of Messenia, the stunning Navarino Lagoon beach, and also those famous olives you may recognise the name from. It’s a great place to escape the tourist crowds, and a wonderful space to use as your base here is the Ant Farm – a beautiful farmhouse just outside the city, where you can stay in one of ten treehouses nestled within the olive trees.

6.  Drink a frappe on Myrtos beach

Situated on the picturesque island of Kefalonia, Myrtos is possibly the most famous beach in Greece thanks to its appearance in ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’. If you want to blend in with locals, switch your lemonade for a frappe – also known as freddo coffee. Made from milk, water, sugar and instant coffee, it’s a surprisingly refreshing way to beat the heat.

7.  Spot anarchist graffiti in Exarchia

The district of Exarchia, just north of central Athens, is famously home to the city’s anarchists as well as being the site of many key moments in recent Greek history, such as the student uprising that brought down the military dictatorship in 1974.  Today, its streets are lined with arty bars, cheap cafes, record stores, bookshops and some of the best street art in Athens.

8.  Take a road trip around Meteora

The incredible rock formations of Meteora in central Greece are home to a complex of orthodox monasteries built precipitously on their peaks by monks in search of the ultimate isolation. It’s possible to get to them on the train, but the best way to fully experience this area’s wonder is to hire a car and drive around.

9.  Gorge on souvlaki after a night out in Gazi

Nights out start and finish late in Greece, and most bars and clubs don’t get going until after midnight. In Athens, head towards the Gazi or Psyrri districts and don’t return until sunrise. Head to Astro Bar for techno, Cantina Social for house music, or lo-fi bicycle bar The Handlebar for hip hop. To keep your energy up, grab some souvlaki – a traditional street snack consisting of grilled pork or chicken, chips and salad wrapped in a pita – for a few euros.

10.  Have a romantic weekend in Nafplio

Situated on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, the village of Nafplio is one of the most beautiful spots on the mainland and, unsurprisingly, a favourite getaway for Athenians looking for a romantic weekend break. It’s two hours from Athens and, with its pine-tree covered mountains, gorgeous painted houses, a serene harbour and clear blue seas, is perfect for a relaxing night or two.

11.  Go to a name day party

Traditionally, Greeks name their first born child after their parents, who in turn are named after Orthodox saints. So if Nikos has five sons who each, in turn, have a son, then that’s a lot of Nikos. The upside of this potentially confusing scenario is that there are loads of people to party with at annual ‘name day’ celebrations. Get an invite to one of these and expect feasting, music, and plenty of traditional dancing. The biggest is the Virgin Mary’s day on August 15, when all Marias – and there are a lot in Greece – will be celebrating. Parties are held in the centres of most villages.

12.  Spot some ruins in a train station

One magical feature of Athens is the fact you can turn a corner anywhere in the centre and suddenly stumble upon an ancient ruin – in subway stations, beneath buildings, and sometimes simply in the middle of the pavement. Keep your eyes open at Syntagma Station, the main central junction, where classical ruins are on display for commuters and tourists to marvel at.

13.  Watch the Easter parades on Corfu

Easter is A Big Deal in Greece – possibly even bigger than Christmas. The festivities kick off with Carnival processions in February, before the start of lent is marked with ‘clean Monday’ on which everyone traditionally eats seafood and flies kites. Good Friday brings sombre processions throughout towns and villages, then on Saturday everyone gathers at church to light candles and watch midnight firework displays. Sunday is for gorging on roast lamb with your family. You’ll find these festivities all over Greece, although Corfu is particularly famous for its lively customs, which include the throwing of pots.

14.  Try every variation of feta in Kefalonia

The mountainous terrain of Greece is ideal for raising sheep and goats, and its these animals we have to thank for the salty, magical goodness that is feta cheese. However, it’s not just for sprinkling on your salad. Try it fried, baked with honey and cinnamon, cooked with chilli and spices, or whipped into a dip. Feta is readily available all over Greece, but the best varieties are thought to come from the island of Kefalonia.

15.  Order a curry in Omonia

The central Athens distrIct of Omonia has a slightly dodgy reputation, but is worth venturing into for a lunchtime curry – thanks to its sizeable Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities, its restaurants serve up some of the best South Asian food in Europe – and some of the best food you’ll find in Athens – for just a few euros a plate.

16.  Party with Athens’ hip art crowd

The Greek capital’s low rents and relatively easy living have drawn a large number of European artists over the past few years, bringing it the not-entirely-welcome accolade of being ‘the new Berlin’. Athens’ creative scene is best experienced at small galleries such as Breeder, Hot Wheels Projects, Sub Rosa Space and Communitism. Keep an eye on Facebook for exhibition openings and one-off parties.

17.  Visit a Corfu ghost village

The economic pull of Greece’s major cities has left many villages, sadly, struggling with dwindling populations – and some deserted altogether. Some, such as heritage-protected Old Perithia in Corfu, have now become tourist attractions in their own right. Here you’ll find beautifully preserved fourteenth-century buildings and gorgeous views across the island. If you’d like to help other villages avoid the same fate, Be My Quest runs tours to parts of the country that lack visitors.

18.  Pick wildflowers at Delphi

The ancient site of Delphi is one of Greece’s must-sees. Considered by the Ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world, this vast archaeological site is now home to a huge number of astonishing ruins and sits surrounded by lush green mountains. Here the Ancient Greeks would consult the ‘oracle’ priestess, and even today, it’s hard not to feel moved by its mystical atmosphere. Visit in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and the heat isn’t overwhelming.

19.  Gorge on food at Tinos

This Cycladic island of Tinos, famous for its carved marble-fronted buildings, is growing a reputation as the foodie paradise of Greece. Some of the country’s best wines are produced here, and chefs from all over Europe have opened restaurants among its sage-scented hills. Most are situated in the main town of Chora – try the traditional Greek fare at Thalassaki, or take in the beach views at Marathis. To reach Tinos, fly to Mykonos and catch a ferry.

20.  Hike up a mountain for the best view of the Acropolis

The Parthenon, the temple of the goddess Athena, sits atop Acropolis mountain and is Athens’ most famous landmark. It’s also currently under reconstruction, meaning a trip up there also brings the sight of cranes and scaffolding. But don’t worry, because you can still get a good view from all over Athens. Try hiking up Mount Lycabettus in nearby Kolonaki for stunning city-wide vistas.

21.  Catch a film at an open-air cinema in Athens

Opening in around May and staying put until September, Athens’ open-air cinemas are one of the city’s cultural institutions. Some, such as Cine Paris near the Acropolis or Cine Dexameni in upmarket Kolonaki. show the latest Hollywood blockbusters with Greek subtitles. Others, such as Cinema Riviera in Exarchia, show more arty European fare.

Looking for a place to stay in Greece?

The 11 best hotels in Greece

Accommodation options range from wallet-friendly, family-run digs to some of the most exclusive (and expensive) hideaways in the world, offering all manner of appealing extras; from yachts and private beaches to billiard rooms and free bikes. 

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 25 Best Things to Do in Greece

25 Best Things to Do in Greece

The land of Greece is one infused with ancient mythology and if you like archeology, history, art, and philosophy then a trip to this fascinating country is not to be missed. Greece is made up of a series of idyllic islands that are surrounded by jet blue seas and covered in dainty white buildings, and you will also find crumbling ruins, engaging museums, and pretty coastal towns aplenty.

From throbbing cities like Athens to a slower pace of life in little villages by the sea, Greece is a mosaic of different experiences and landscapes, as well as one of the world’s largest open air museums.

Here are the best things to do in Greece :

1. Tour the Acropolis

Dominating the skyline of the capital city of Greece, Athens, is the Acropolis.

If you are in Greece then this is probably the number one attraction not to miss and the complex, made from glittering marble, used to be the site of the famous statue of Athena who was also the goddess of Athens.

Anyone remotely interested in ancient architecture can marvel at the Doric columns and the spectacular temples and the Acropolis is lined with pathways that let you walk around at your leisure and enjoy the highlight of this monument which is the stunning Parthenon.

Highly recommended tour : Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour with Entry Tickets

2. Climb Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is probably one of the most famous mountains in the world and if you are a fan of Greek mythology then this is not be missed off your itinerary.

If you want to climb the mountain then you will need to travel to Litochoro where you can trek part or all the way to the top depending on your ability and fitness levels.

Mount Olympus is known in Greek mythology as the spot where Zeus sat on his throne as well as the place where Hades ruled the Underworld, so as you climb you can imagine the legends that are interconnected with this mountain.

Book online : Mount Olympus: Easy Hiking Tour with Wine Tasting and Food

3. Uncover Lake Plastira

Lake Plastira is something unusual in Greece which is known for being blessed with a plethora of natural beauty.

What makes this lake different is that it is manmade although this doesn’t make it any less impressive.

The lake is surrounded by oak and chestnut trees and you can go canoeing or rafting here as well as horse riding or hiking along the trails around the lake.

Lake Plastira is located in the Larditsa region of Greece and offers an adventure filled afternoon.

4. Admire the architecture in Santorini

Santorini is also known as the island of Thira and is the haven of honeymooners looking to get away from it all in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Santorini is known for its picture postcard good looks which see it covered in traditional Cycladic homes which gleam white under the hot Greek sun and contrast beautifully with the deep blue seas and churches.

Walking around the island gives you the chance to take in all the spectacular architecture here and because the landscape is formed by a volcanic crater you can expect some of the most spectacular views in all of Greece.

Check out this list of the best tours in Santorini

5. Visit the Delphi

Delphi has the claim to fame of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the top attractions in Greece.

Delphi sits on the sides of Mount Parnassus and was a popular pilgrimage spot in the days of old for those who would come here to pay homage to Apollo, the ancient Greek god of healing, music, light, and prophecy.

Followers would come here to seek guidance from the Oracle at Delphi and nowadays you will find temples, an impressive stadium, a theater, and delightful ancient ruins.

Delphi is located around 180 kilometers away from the capital city of Athens, so this makes a good place to come if you want to get out of the city and explore a different area of Greece.

Suggested tour : Delphi Guided Walking Tour

6. Explore the Samaria Gorge

Nestled on the stunning island of Crete is the Samaria Gorge which is a must-visit for any nature lovers to Greece.

The gorge spans 16 kilometers although parts of it are just 4 meters wide.

There are a range of treks available at the gorge although if you want to walk along the entire section then it can take anything up to seven hours.

Guided tour : Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trekking Excursion from Chania 

7. Discover the Acropolis Museum

One of the most popular modern attractions in Athens is the Acropolis Museum which opened in 2009. You will know the building when you see it as it’s made of cutting edge glass and steel and houses some of the most famous artifacts in Greece.

Some of the signature pieces in the museum include the Moschophoros which is a statue of a man with a calf on his shoulders and the Parthenon marbles.

The museum is also known for its cafe which has a terrace that looks across to the breathtaking Acropolis.

Book online : Acropolis Museum Tour

8. Marvel at the Epidaurus Theater

In Epidaurus in the region of Argolis is the Epidaurus Theater, a ceremonial space that is dedicated to the famous god of medicine, Asclepius.

The Sanctuary of Asclepius is located next to the theater, and you can visit both at the same time.

The theater dates from the 4th century and you can sit in the stone tiers and imagine watching a performance here in the years of old.

9. Visit the monasteries of Meteora

Meteora is known for its monasteries that sit on top of towering rock formations.

The monks that live in the area are Eastern Orthodox and fled to Meteora as a result of the invasion of the Turkish army.

There are 6 monasteries in Meteora, although at one point there would have been over 20, and as a result this is one of the most spectacular religious sites in Greece.

Meteora is crowded with ancient boulders and monolithic pillars and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the rock formations offer one of the most haunting and beautiful landscapes in all of Europe.

Available tour: Meteora Full-Day Trip from Athens by Train

10. Go spelunking at Melissani Cave

Located near to Karavomilo is Melissani Cave which is a craggy cave known for its beauty.

The cave is almost 4 kilometers long and was formed when water eroded the soft rocks over the centuries.

Inside the cave is the equally famous Melissani Lake, an underground body of water that was discovered in 1951. In ancient times the cave was dedicated to the Nymph Melissani who gave the cave its name.

You can go down into the cave via a tunnel and then go out on the lake and glide across the turquoise waters on a boat.

Book online : Melissani Lake and Antisamos Beach Private Tour

11. Admire Hephaestus Temple

Located in the charming Thissio neighborhood of Athens is the Hephaestus Temple.

As with all temples in Greece, this one is dedicated to the gods, in this case Hephaestus who was the god of fire and Athena, the goddess of pottery and ancient crafts.

The temple dates from 450 BC and sits atop Agoreao Koronos Hill.

Designed by the same architect who worked on the Pantheon, Hephaestus Temple is known for its pretty columns and its Pentelic and Parian marble decorations.

You will also find friezes and sculptures dotting the building which is said to be one of the most historically important in all of Greece.

12. Marvel at the Corinth Canal

One of the most amazing feats of engineering in Greece is the Corinth Canal.

It took centuries to build and was started by Nero, the ancient Roman emperor, before finally being finished under the French as late as the 19th century.

The canal is sliced into a section of rock and spans 6 kilometers with sides that soar up to 90 meters.

The canal is still in working order and you can catch ships traveling if you happen to be here at the right time.

One of the other main attractions on the canal is the Zulu Bungy Jump which is certainly not for those who don’t have a head for heights but is also an amazing way to take in all the majesty of the canal.

13. Learn some history at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

If you are in Thessaloniki then make sure not to miss a trip to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki which is owned by the Ministry of Culture.

The building it is housed in dates from 1962 and is a modern Greek treasure in itself and is a wonderful example of new architecture in Greece.

At the museum you will find artifacts from Macedonia, an ancient civilization of Greece (not to be confused with the country of the same name!) which are separated into seven sections that you can walk through and tell the story of this part of the country.

14. Get a head for heights at Mount Athos

Sitting on the Chalcidice Peninsula is Mount Athos which has long been considered a place of great importance in Greek history.

The mount is the home of 20 monasteries that dot its scenic slopes and this is a central point of worship in Eastern Christian Orthodox faith.

The most amazing thing about the monasteries here is that they are still in full working order and this makes them the oldest monastic community in the world today.

One thing to note here is that, due to ancient laws that govern the area, only male visitors can enter the monastery areas.

15. Explore the Palace of Malia

The Palace of Malia in Malia dates from 1900 BC although it has been rebuilt several times since then following a range of natural disasters like earthquakes.

There are a variety of exhibitions halls here as well as photographic galleries and scale models of how the complex would have looked in days gone by.

Look out for some of its signature pieces such as the Kernos Stone which is a disk with 24 holes in it.

16. Enjoy Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth is even more impressive as it sits in a village that highlights the difference between modern day surroundings and these ancient ruins which are a mix of Roman and Greek relics.

If you like your history then this used to be the home of Jason of the Argonauts (who stole the Golden Fleece). Some of the highlights here are the Temple of Apollo as well as the Peribolos of Apollo and an ancient theater.

There is also a museum where you can learn more about the history.

Much of the complex is Roman but one Greek addition is the Doric Temple of Apollo that dates from the 5th century.

17. Visit the ancient site of Phaestos

Phaestos sits around 60 kilometers from Iralkio and offers you stunning vistas over the Messara Plain and Mount Psiloritis.

Phaestos is a ruined palatial city and the palace here is similar to Knossos.

The big draw here is the fact that the city is still in a mostly ruined state which adds an other-worldly charm to it and you will also find some pretty frescoes here.

The whole site is one big history lesson and you can explore areas such as the theater, the main palace buildings, the storerooms, and even the crypt.

18. Enjoy the myths and legends at Ancient Mycenae

Mycenae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was made famous in Homer’s the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Homer claimed that Mycenae was built by Perseus who was the son of Zeus and Danae and it belonged to the Royal House of Atreus.

Whatever the real story, we know that Mycenae was founded in the 6th century BC and some of the highlights here include the mighty Lion Gate and the royal cemetery.

You will also find the Agamemnon Palace and the Great Court as well as smaller houses that contained famous artifacts like the Warrior Vase.

19. Learn some history at the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust

If you are in Kalavryta then make sure to visit this museum which is also the only holocaust museum in Greece.

The museum is designed to honor the residents of this city who were attacked and killed by the Nazis during the Second World War.

The museum sits inside a former schoolhouse which is where many residents lost their lives and you will find galleries here that include personal possessions of the victims as well as photographs of Kalavryta through the ages.

20. Relax on Balos Beach

Located on the scenic Gramvousa Peninsula on the island of Crete is the legendary Balos Beach which makes one of the best places to relax and enjoy the surf in Greece.

The beach is made up of delightful lagoons that open up onto azure waters and it is so clear here that you will be able to see a plethora of underwater life in the form of fish and shellfish.

You can rent sun beds and parasols and this is one o the prettiest spots on Crete to spend some time sunbathing or swimming.

21. Enjoy the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

Located in Othonos Amalias in Patras is the delightful Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil which can come as a refreshing change if you have been visiting ruins, temples, and historical museums throughout your time in Greece.

The museum tells the story of the humble olive and how it became one of the most important ingredients in Greek life.

You can visit galleries that will explain how olive oil was used for fuel and in perfume, and there are a variety of ancient oil presses that are still in working order.

22. Visit the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum

The Vergina Royal Tombs Museum in Macedonia is not to be missed if you are in the area as you can visit the tumulus here, which are the ancient burial mounds, and go down into the royal tombs located underground.

The highlight here is the tomb of Phillip II which dates from 336 BC and you will also be able to see the items that he was buried with in preparation for the afterlife including a shield made of gold and ivory, a suit of armor, and silver chalices.

23. Hike the Corfu Trail

The stunning island of Corfu is home to the Corfu Trail where you can go hiking, although don’t imagine a leisurely afternoon stroll.

If you want to walk all 220 kilometers of the trail then it will take 8 to 10 days to walk along it and you will pass all kinds of landscapes along the way.

Much of the trail is made up of dirt tracks and you will weave past turquoise lagoons and rise to scenic summits.

24. Museum of Contemporary Art

Greece is often thought of as a place of antiquity, but if you want to explore its modern side then head to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Hora.

Here you will find some amazing galleries that showcase a whole range of world-renowned contemporary artists and there are also exhibits that are dedicated solely to Greek painters, sculptors, and photographers.

25. Sunbathe in style at Psarou Beach

Psarou Beach in Mykonos is one of the most famous in Greece and is known for its signature blue sun loungers.

There is always a strong party atmosphere here and the beach is covered with bars and restaurants so you can order food and drinks and dance the night away.

This is not one of the cheapest places to visit in Greece however and you will be able to get a sense of the kind of clientele from the amazing super yachts that sit just off shore.

25 Best Things to Do in Greece:

• Tour the Acropolis
• Climb Mount Olympus
• Uncover Lake Plastira
• Admire the architecture in Santorini
• Visit the Delphi
• Explore the Samaria Gorge
• Discover the Acropolis Museum
• Marvel at the Epidaurus Theater
• Visit the monasteries of Meteora
• Go spelunking at Melissani Cave
• Admire Hephaestus Temple
• Marvel at the Corinth Canal
• Learn some history at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
• Get a head for heights at Mount Athos
• Explore the Palace of Malia
• Enjoy Ancient Corinth
• Visit the ancient site of Phaestos
• Enjoy the myths and legends at Ancient Mycenae
• Learn some history at the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust
• Relax on Balos Beach
• Enjoy the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil
• Visit the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum
• Hike the Corfu Trail
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Sunbathe in style at Psarou Beach

Real Greek Experiences

Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

Popular Tourist Attractions in Greece

Some of the major tourist attractions in Greece include the Acropolis, Santorini, Ancient Delphi, the medieval town of Rhodes, and the majestic Meteora Monasteries.

Best Greek tourist attractions 

There are many popular tourist attractions in Greece. The combination of UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful islands, quaint towns and villages, and spectacular beaches, attracts several millions of visitors every year.

However, Greece can be a very confusing country for people who haven’t visited before! Which is why I’ve put this list together – I’m Greek, and have traveled extensively around my country, including over 60 of the Greek islands. 

Most people have heard of the capital and biggest city in Greece, Athens , the volcanic island of Santorini and the cosmopolitan Mykonos town. However, there are dozens more places you should visit in Greece, such as Cape Sounion, Ancient Delphi, Meteora, Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Epidaurus, Milos island and Thessaloniki.

All of these places (and hundreds more!) are often just as interesting, if not more so, than the “big name” destinations. So, here are a few popular places and some lesser known attractions in Athens and Greece.

The UNESCO site of the Acropolis in Athens 

The Athens Acropolis is the most visited ancient site in Greece. In 2022, about 3 million people visited this UNESCO World Heritage Site!  

The Acropolis is a whole ancient citadel built up on a hill. Visitors will see the remains of several temples and other buildings, such as the Ancient theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

The most famous temple in the Acropolis is the Parthenon, which was built in the 5th century BC, to honour the goddess Athena. Other temples include the Erectheion, and the temple of Athena Nike.

You can easily visit the Acropolis on your own – just be prepared for some steps. However, I recommend taking a guided tour if you get the chance, in order to find out more about life in Ancient Athens. I’ve taken a few guided tours over the years and I always learn something new! 

Here’s how to book an Acropolis guided tour .

Apart from the Acropolis, there are six more ancient sites in Athens. You can visit all of them on the combined ticket to all the archaeological sites in Athens . 

The Ancient Agora in Athens

Close to the Acropolis, you will find the large archaeological site of the  Ancient Agora . In ancient times, the Agora was the centre of political, social, commercial and financial life.

I personally find it fascinating to walk around the Agora and imagine life 2,500 years ago!!

Visitors can see plenty of ancient ruins, including the exceptionally well-preserved temple of Hephaestus. The renovated Stoa of Attalos hosts the excellent archaeological museum, where you can read a lot of information about life in Ancient Athens.

Speaking of which, here’s a cool story in Greek mythology about how Athens took its name .

The Athens Acropolis Museum

Another famous tourist attraction in Athens is the Acropolis museum , which is located very close to the Acropolis. Exhibits include the Caryatids and other statues, sanctuaries, everyday items used by ancient Athenians, and many other artefacts.

The Acropolis museum has a separate ticket, and it can’t be combined with the Acropolis or any other attractions in Athens. There is also a great cafe with a view to the Acropolis.

As you would expect, there are dozens more museums in Athens , which will appeal to anyone with an interest in Ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire or contemporary art. If you wanted to visit all of them, you could easily spend a couple of weeks in the Greek capital.  

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

If you get tired of the busy Athens centre, you can easily escape to the coast. Many people visit the Athens coastline, known as the Athens Riviera. Others take a half-day trip from Athens to the amazing Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

This impressive ancient temple was built a few years after the Acropolis. The location, overlooking the Aegean Sea, is simply spectacular. The best time to visit is at sunset, to enjoy the awesome views.

Here is some more information: Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion . 

Modern Athens

While the main attractions in Athens are connected with our capital’s long history, the lively, modern city has a lot more to offer.

Some of my favourite things about Athens are the vibrant markets, the impressive  street art , the  amazing food , the  Greek coffee culture  and the everyday life.

I also really enjoy walking on the numerous romantic pedestrian only streets, like Dionysiou Areopagitou. This guide explains how to see Ancient Athens for free ! 

And finally, if you are interested in seeing an alternative side of Athens that not many visitors fully experience, you can always go on a street art tour or a mythology walking tour of Athens.

The volcanic island of Santorini

People come from all over the world to see this little gem of an island, Santorini. The iconic  white-and-blue houses  and the incredible views to the volcano are really unique.

You can’t run out of things to do in Santorini. To begin with, there are plenty of tours that will help you discover the island and its stunning sunsets, such as sailing trips or winery tours .

Another popular activity are guided visits to the ancient site of Akrotiri , on the island’s south coast. This is an ancient Minoan settlement, which was buried under tons of debris and dirt in the 17th century BC. It was only discovered by archaeologists 150 years ago.

Activities you can do on your own include  hiking from Fira to Oia , exploring the photogenic beaches, and relaxing at a café with a view to the caldera, sipping on a glass of local wine.

When to visit Santorini

Some people will find my suggestion to visit  Santorini off-season  rather strange. However, if you are not a huge fan of crowds, inflated prices and lots of pre-planning, winter might be the best time to visit Santorini.

You probably won’t be able to swim, but you might have the entire Oia to yourself, like we did when we visited in late November.

If you visit in summer, prepare yourself for crowds. This tiny island, with a population of less than 20,000 permanent residents, receives around 2 million visitors a year!

Consider staying outside Fira and Oia, so that you can have some peace and quiet in the evenings. You may find my article on  things to avoid in Santorini  helpful.

How many days to spend in Santorini  is also an often asked question. For us, four days / three nights were just the perfect time in Santorini when we visited in November. If you are going in summer you could add an extra day, which you could spend on the beach.

The nightlife in Mykonos Town

Mykonos was a popular Greek destination long before Santorini came into the picture. Since the 1960s, international jet-setters and many Greeks visited the cosmopolitan destination to see and be seen.

The island quickly developed a reputation for wild parties, crazy clubbing and a gay-friendly scene, at a time when the rest of Greece was still fairly conservative. Its main attractions were the numerous sandy beaches and narrow streets in the car-free old town.

These days, Mykonos is included in many people’s Greece itinerary, often combined with Athens and Santorini. Getting from Santorini to Mykonos is very straightforward – you just need to hop on a ferry .

Is Mykonos worth it?

I encourage you to do some research before you decide if Mykonos appeals to you. First of all, here’s a quick guide on where is Mykonos .

If you are thinking to  island hop in Greece on a budget , it’s best to leave Mykonos out of your itinerary. Everything on the island is expensive, from luxury hotels and restaurants to hiring a car , or umbrellas and loungers on the beaches.

Many visitors have mentioned that Mykonos was their least favourite island in Greece. They said that the landscapes weren’t as unique as in Santorini, while it was also very crowded.

That said, I know people who visit Mykonos on an annual basis and love it. All these people can’t be wrong!

I was super lucky to visit  Mykonos with no other tourists , in summer 2020, and had a blast with the splendid beaches – but obviously this was an extremely rare occurrence. I also did a superb kayak trip that was one of the highlights of my trip! 

UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Delos

If you decide to go to Mykonos, by all means take a half day trip to the nearby archaeological site of Delos, where you can explore the impressive ruins of several Roman monuments. 

This dry, uninhabited island used to be the commercial hub of the Cyclades during the ancient times. Today, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

More info here: Archaeological site of Delos

The landscapes in Milos island

Close to Santorini and Mykonos, you will find Milos . This Greek island has been gaining popularity within the last few years. It is ideal for people who want to relax, but are also keen on exploring different beaches and authentic villages.

Milos has amazing beaches, dramatic landscapes, quaint villages, lovely hiking paths, beautiful views and a wild side which is very different from most other Greek islands.

The lovely coastal villages of Klima and Pollonia should definitely be on your Milos itinerary. And don’t miss out on the inland villages, like  Plaka  and Tripiti.

Milos has a long history of a thriving mining industry. My advice is to rent a 4WD for a day or two, and get off the beaten track. Make sure you visit the excellent mining museum, which will help you put things into context.

Even better, book a Milos tour and learn the exciting history of some of the island’s deserted and functioning mines. 

One of the highlights in Milos is the  sailing trip around the island . This is often the only way to explore the amazing rocky coves, such as the famous Kleftiko. (In fact, there’s a hiking path to Kleftiko , but it’s not for everyone).

The boat will also drop you off some of the island’s best beaches, where you can swim and snorkel without the crowds.

I absolutely recommend visiting Milos – I have been there twice and would definitely go back! Go there before it gets too popular – and try to ignore the paradox in this suggestion.

Here are a few more guides about Milos:

• Reasons to visit Milos Greece
• Best beaches in Milos
• How to get to Milos
• How to get around Milos

Chania town and the Palace of Knossos in Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest island. It could easily be an independent country, as it’s 26 times the size of Malta. In fact, if you visit a few times, you will start thinking it’s an independent country indeed!

Crete has some tourist attractions that are very popular with visitors. You will find magnificent archaeological sites, lovely coastal towns, gorgeous beaches, wild gorges, delicious food, and lots of soul.

The picturesque coastal  town of Chania  and the  archaeological site of Ancient Knossos attract travellers from all over the world.

Along with the  beaches of Balos and Elafonissi , the  archaeological museum of Heraklion , and the Samaria National Park, they are the top attractions in Crete.

What makes Crete so special?

If you want to dive deeper into the real  Greek culture , consider staying in Crete for a few more days. The soul of the island will slowly unfold, and more so if you share the favourite local alcoholic drink,  raki .

Spend some time in the smaller towns, and the coastal villages on the south, with a view to the Libyan Sea. You will enjoy a unique side of Greece that few tourists get to experience.

It’s hard to put into words what makes Crete an ideal Greek destination. You have to go and experience it yourself. And yes, I am biased – Crete is one of my favourite places in Greece, if not the world!

The medieval Rhodes town

The  island of Rhodes , along with the rest of the Dodecanese, only became part of Greece in 1948. Before that, it was occupied for a few decades by the Italians, while in the past it was home to the Knights Hospitaller and the Ottomans.

The Medieval castle in Rhodes town is unlike anything else you have seen in Greece, and it’s deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take at least a couple of days to explore this fascinating town, where the past meets the present.

Rhodes is Greece’s fourth biggest island, and there are several lovely beaches all around the island . If you are only going for a couple of days, you can stay in Rhodes Town and go for a swim on the local sandy beach.

If you are staying longer, rent a car and explore the island. Discover Cars is a good place to compare prices and book a holiday car.

Start with the archaeological site of Lindos, swing by the famous Anthony Quinn beach, and perhaps venture out to Prasonissi beach on the south. Or take a kayaking tour in Rhodes to explore the coastline!

During summer, Prasonissi island is connected with Rhodes through a narrow sand path. In winter, the sea covers the path and high tide makes this impossible.

Rhodes island has some of the mildest weather in Greece, and many locals swim all year round. If you are looking for a Greek holiday without too many crowds and you are flexible in terms of when to visit, go in late autumn. You will experience a quieter, more authentic side of the island.

For more information, check this article on hottest Greek islands in October – Rhodes is one of them.

You will also find this article helpful: How to get around Rhodes

Explore the Peloponnese

Few first-time visitors opt for a visit to the  Peloponnese . However, the southernmost region of mainland Greece combines everything – picturesque towns, lovely beaches, and tons of archaeological sites.

Any visit to the Peloponnese will pass by the  Corinth Canal , which separates the Peloponnese and  mainland Greece . Take some time to appreciate the impressive engineering feat.

The idea for the canal’s construction was first conceived during the time of Ancient Corinth, during the 7th century BC. Numerous attempts took place over the centuries, and the canal was eventually completed in 1893.

In October 2019, a huge passenger boat,  MS Braemar , navigated through the canal. Hats off to the captain! Here’s a breathtaking 52-second video . 

The charming coastal  town of Nafplio  is a popular day trip from Athens. It was Greece’s first capital after the liberation from the Ottoman Empire, and many of the beautiful neoclassical buildings have been preserved.

Stroll around the town, and take in the pretty buildings and large squares. Don’t forget to go up the Venetian castle for awesome views.

UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Peloponnese

If you are trying to tick off monuments in your UNESCO World Heritage list, the Peloponnese is a fantastic region to explore.

The  Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus  is world-famous for its excellent acoustics. Despite numerous efforts, noone has managed to reproduce these acoustics, even with modern techniques.

Actors from all around the planet have performed in the theatre. If you are in Greece in summer, you could plan to attend a performance – book your tickets early, as some shows are sold out.

The massive  ancient site of Mycenae  is often combined with Epidaurus and Nafplion on a day trip from Athens. The site, known as Agamemnon’s kingdom, was extremely important between 1,600-1,100 BC.

The Mycenaean civilization reached its peak at around 1,350 BC. Most of the crumbling ruins which visitors can see today date from that period.

The archaeological site of Ancient Olympia is another fascinating place in Greece. Consider going with a guide, in order to learn more about the origins of the Olympic Games and the customs of the times. 

And let’s not forget the Byzantine site of Mystras. If you are looking for a unique place to stay in that area, have a look at this article on Euphoria Retreat , a luxurious hotel with amazing spa facilities!

The amazing Meteora monasteries

The  Meteora monasteries are among the best tourist attractions in northern Greece. The incredible rocky landscape provides an excellent backdrop for six functioning monasteries that have been built on top of the huge rocks, hundreds of years ago.

The monasteries are open to the public on a rotating basis, and each of them is closed once a week. Make sure that you are dressed appropriately, and cover your shoulders and knees.

In my opinion, the most impressive monasteries are Moni Megalou Meteorou (Great Monastery) and Moni Varlaam, but all six of them are very unique. 

Unless you are going on an  organized tour , I would suggest at least one full day in Meteora to better appreciate the area. There are many accommodation options at nearby Kalambaka, where you can get to by  direct train from Athens  in about 5 hours.

The archaeological site of Delphi

The impressive UNESCO World Heritage  Site of Ancient Delphi , the ancient navel of the earth, is the most popular Greece tourist attraction in central Greece.

The site is located up on Parnassos mountain, around three hours away from Athens by bus. It is often combined with Meteora monasteries on a  two-day trip from Athens . 

Once you walk in the main complex, you will soon see the theatre and the temple of Apollo. This is the area where Pythia, the Oracle, used to give her ambiguous prophecies. 

Fun fact: when we were at school we were told that she was smoking bay leaves in order to give more accurate prophecies. For people past the age of primary school, this is probably questionable!

This is also the area where, 2,500 years ago, visitors could read the famous quotations known as the Delphic Maxims . Many of them are still relevant today!

Unless you have walking difficulties, do go up all the way to see the Ancient Stadium, which was constructed in the 4th century BC. This is where the “Pythia” Games used to take place, in honour of Apollo.

This is the best preserved stadium in all of Greece, with a capacity of around 6,500 spectators.

After your visit to the archaeological site, spend some time in the well-arranged Delphi museum. Among other artefacts, you will see the famous charioteer, whose gaze seems to follow you all around the room.

Thessaloniki in Northern Greece

Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece, yet, it doesn’t often feature in people’s itineraries. It is located in Northern Greece, a 4-hour train trip from Athens .

The vibrant coastal city was one of the most important cities of the Byzantine Empire, second only to Istanbul. It is known for its historical sites, especially the Roman monuments and UNESCO listed Byzantine churches.

Visitors will fall in love with the beautiful, 6-km long coastal promenade. It passes by the city’s symbol, the White Tower, which was once a prison and has been transformed into an fascinating museum.

Here are all the reasons why Thessaloniki is absolutely worth visiting !

Nearby attractions include the area of Chalkidiki, known for its beautiful beaches, and the magnificent UNESCO archaeological site of Vergina. Here are some of the best day trips from Thessaloniki .

Corfu island and the old town

Corfu island is located to the north west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian Sea. It is a popular, cosmopolitan destination, best known for the UNESCO-listed Corfu town and the fantastic beaches.

The beautiful Ionian island has a long, interesting history. The Old Town of Corfu, modeled after the city of Venice, is one of the most impressive Greek cities.

Visitors can stroll around the cobbled streets and enjoy the numerous historic and architectural landmarks, such as the Venetian castles and neoclassical houses. There are also few museums, where you can find out more about Greek culture over the millennia.

Nature lovers will not be disappointed either. The green, mountainous island offers plenty of opportunities to relax.

The main resort areas have been developed around some of the island’s best beaches, and offer all tourist amenities. If you like exploring, you can also find off-the-beaten-track bays and coves with crystal-clear water.

Have a look at this guide explaining where is Corfu , how to get there and what there is to do.

Other popular Ionian islands include Zakynthos, known for the iconic Shipwreck beach, and Kefalonia.

FAQs regarding tourist attractions of Greece

Here are some questions visitors ask:

What is Greece’s known for tourist attractions?

Some of the best known attractions in Greece include the Acropolis, the Acropolis museum, the volcanic island of Santorini, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the ancient site of Knossos in Crete, Meteora monasteries, and dozens of beautiful beaches.

What should you not miss in Greece?

First time visitors to Greece should visit Athens, to learn more about ancient history and the Greek Gods, and at least one Greek island, to enjoy the lovely sandy and pebble beaches.

What is the number one attraction in Greece?

The number one attraction in Greece is the Acropolis of Athens. In August 2019, over half a million tourists visited the ancient monument.

What is Greece famous for?

Greece is known world-wide as the cradle of western civilization, the birthplace of democracy and the place where the Olympic Games first happened. Modern Greece is also known for its natural beauty and hundreds of Greek islands.

Why Greece is so popular?

Greece has been a popular destination for several decades. Its long history, lovely landscapes, pristine beaches, warm weather, delicious food and ease of access are all great reasons to visit Greece.

Main tourist attractions of Greece

I hope this blog post has given you a first idea of the main tourist attractions to visit in Greece. If you have been to Greece already, you must have seen some of them. Also, take a look at this guide on driving in Greece .

Before you go, here are some useful words and phrases in Greek ! 

Hi! I am Vanessa from Athens , and I love helping visitors discover Greece. The above places and attractions are all worth visiting when you are in Greece. If you have been to all of them, check out this article which points to some lesser known sites.

2 thoughts on “Popular Tourist Attractions in Greece”

What a wonderful outline of your beautiful country. My wife and I will be visiting in spring 2022 and this outline allows us to plan for our 3 day stay. Our visit will be developed from your outline. Thankyou.

Very glad this is useful! Don’t hesitate to message me for further info!

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Explore Top Tourist Attractions in Greece: Your Ultimate Guide

By: Author ozan

Posted on December 11, 2023

Categories Europe

Greece, a country renowned for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating culture, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. With its plethora of islands and ancient ruins , Greece offers a treasure trove of attractions to explore. In this ultimate guide, I will take you on a journey through the top tourist spots, must-see places, and famous landmarks in Greece. From the majestic Acropolis in Athens to the idyllic beaches of Santorini and the ancient ruins at Delphi , get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Greece and plan your dream itinerary. Lets delve into top Tourist Attractions in Greece.

Table of Contents

Key takeaways: tourist attractions in greece.

• Discover the top tourist attractions in Greece , from the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the charming towns and beaches of Crete .
• Experience the rich history and culture of Greece by exploring ancient ruins like Delphi and Metéora Monasteries .
• Indulge in the beauty of the Greek islands , including the stunning landscapes of Santorini , Mykonos , and Zákynthos .
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos and the historical charm of Rhodes Town .
• Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Corfu and Hydra , and soak in the breathtaking views of the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis in Athens is undoubtedly one of Greece’s top tourist attractions. It is an ancient citadel perched on a rocky hilltop and is considered the symbol of Athens and Western civilization. The most iconic structure on the Acropolis is the Parthenon , a magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient site, admire the architectural marvels, and enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the hilltop. The Acropolis is a must-visit destination to immerse yourself in the history and grandeur of ancient Greece .

The Parthenon: A Marvel of Ancient Greece

The Parthenon , located on the Acropolis in Athens, is a testament to the greatness of ancient Greek architecture and engineering. Built in the 5th century BC, it served as a temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. The design of the Parthenon is characterized by its classical Doric style, with its iconic columns and intricate sculptures. Despite being damaged over the centuries, it remains a symbol of Western civilization and attracts millions of visitors each year.

“The Acropolis is the ultimate symbol of Athens and Western civilization.”

Exploring the Acropolis: A Journey through Time

Ascending the Acropolis hill, visitors are transported back in time to ancient Greece . The site is home to not only the Parthenon but also other ancient structures, such as the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Each structure tells a story of the rich history and cultural heritage of Athens. As you explore the Acropolis, you can imagine the days when the ancient Greeks gathered here for religious ceremonies and celebrations. The combination of the stunning architectural wonders and the breathtaking views of Athens makes the Acropolis a truly unforgettable experience.

Preserving the Past: The Importance of the Acropolis

The Acropolis and its treasures provide invaluable insights into the achievements of ancient Greece . They are a testament to the significance of the past and the need to preserve and protect our cultural heritage. Efforts are continuously made to restore and conserve the ruins, ensuring that future generations can also marvel at the wonders of the Acropolis. Visiting this iconic site allows us to connect with our collective history and appreciate the enduring legacy of ancient Greece.

Acropolis Museum, Athens

The Acropolis Museum is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. Located near the Acropolis in Athens, it offers a fascinating collection of ancient Greek artifacts , providing deep insights into the rich cultural heritage of Greece. With its modern, light-filled exhibition spaces and stunning views of the Acropolis from its terrace, the museum offers a unique experience that combines history, art, and breathtaking panoramic views.

The museum is renowned for its display of sculptures, friezes, and statues that once adorned the Parthenon and other temples on the Acropolis. These ancient artifacts, including the famous Parthenon marbles, beautifully showcase the artistic achievements of ancient Greece. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries and learn about the historical context and significance of each artifact, gaining a deeper understanding of the ancient Greek civilization.

One of the highlights of the Acropolis Museum is its emphasis on preserving the original context of the artifacts. The museum’s design and layout are carefully crafted to reflect the position and orientation of the sculptures on the Parthenon. This approach allows visitors to appreciate the artistic and architectural intentions of the ancient Greeks and to imagine how these masterpieces would have looked in their original settings.

In addition to the permanent collection, the Acropolis Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that further explore various aspects of ancient Greek culture. These exhibitions provide an opportunity to delve deeper into specific themes or periods of history, offering visitors a well-rounded experience.

Visiting the Acropolis Museum is an essential part of any trip to Athens. It not only complements a visit to the Acropolis but also stands on its own as a remarkable cultural institution. By immersing yourself in the world of ancient Greek art and artifacts, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of this extraordinary civilization.

Santorini: A Romantic Getaway in the Greek Islands

Santorini , one of the most enchanting destinations in the Greek islands , offers a dreamy and romantic getaway for couples seeking a memorable experience. With its breathtaking Caldera views , stunning sunsets, and unique volcanic beaches, Santorini provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape.

The island’s iconic Caldera, a large volcanic crater, presents panoramic views of the Aegean Sea that are nothing short of mesmerizing. Imagine strolling hand in hand along the cliffside pathways, with the deep blue sea stretching out before you, while the orange hues of the sunset create a picturesque setting. This natural wonder sets the stage for countless unforgettable memories.

For couples seeking relaxation and tranquility, Santorini’s volcanic beaches offer a truly unique experience. The distinctive black or red sand, formed by volcanic activity, adds a touch of magic to every moment spent on the shore. Whether you prefer sunbathing in secluded coves or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, Santorini’s beaches provide a romantic and idyllic atmosphere for couples to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

Activities for Couples in Santorini:

• Take a sunset cruise and watch the sky transform into a tapestry of vibrant colors while sailing around the island.
• Indulge in a private wine tasting experience at one of the island’s renowned wineries, soaking in the ambiance and savoring the local flavors.
• Explore the charming village of Oia, known for its whitewashed buildings and narrow winding streets, offering stunning photo opportunities at every turn.
• Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at a cliffside restaurant, accompanied by breathtaking views of the Caldera and the twinkling lights of the island.

With its romantic allure and captivating beauty, Santorini is undoubtedly a top choice for couples seeking a truly unforgettable experience in the Greek islands . Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to create cherished memories together, Santorini is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

Mykonos: A Glamorous Greek Island Destination

When it comes to glamorous Greek island destinations, Mykonos is an absolute must-visit. Known for its vibrant nightlife , stunning windmills, and exquisite beaches, this island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting entertainment options. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away at world-renowned clubs or soak up the sun on picturesque sandy shores, Mykonos has something for everyone.

The nightlife in Mykonos is legendary, drawing in visitors from all over the world. The island is home to some of the hottest clubs and beach bars, where you can dance until sunrise and rub shoulders with celebrities. Don’t miss the chance to experience the electrifying atmosphere of Mykonos’ party scene.

Aside from its nightlife, Mykonos is also famous for its iconic windmills. These picturesque structures are not just a beautiful sight—they are also a symbol of the island’s rich history. Take a stroll through the charming town of Mykonos and marvel at the well-preserved windmills, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

Of course, no visit to Mykonos would be complete without enjoying its stunning beaches. From the popular Paradise and Super Paradise beaches to the more secluded Agios Sostis and Fokos beaches, there is a beach for every preference. Relax on the golden sands, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Table: Top Nightlife Venues in Mykonos

Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable nightlife experience or simply want to unwind on stunning beaches, Mykonos is the ideal destination. Immerse yourself in its glamorous atmosphere, dance until dawn, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Delphi: Exploring Ancient Ruins and the Oracle of Delphi

The ancient city of Delphi , located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of ancient Greek civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to well-preserved ruins, including the iconic Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the stadium.

Delphi was considered the center of the world in ancient times and was renowned for the Oracle of Delphi , where individuals sought guidance and advice from the gods. The Oracle’s prophecies were highly regarded and influenced significant decisions in the ancient world.

Visitors to Delphi can explore the site on foot, marvel at the impressive architecture, and experience the atmosphere of this once-thriving ancient city. The tranquil surroundings and breathtaking views from the slopes of Mount Parnassus add to the allure of Delphi, making it a truly captivating destination.

Delphi: Key Highlights

• Visit the Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the god of prophecy.
• Explore the ancient theater, which once hosted performances and festivals.
• Discover the stadium, where ancient sporting events took place.
• Experience the mystical atmosphere of the Oracle of Delphi .

“Delphi offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient Greek civilization and is a must-see destination for history buffs.”

Delphi: Practical Information

Plan your visit to Delphi and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring history and beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Rediscover the ancient world and explore the Oracle of Delphi , a place that continues to captivate the imagination centuries later.

Towns and Beaches of Crete

When it comes to exploring the Greek islands, one destination that should not be missed is Crete . As the largest Greek island, Crete offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches to ancient archaeological sites. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or beachgoer, Crete has something to offer for everyone.

One of the highlights of Crete is the Palace of Knossos , a remarkable Minoan palace that dates back thousands of years. This archaeological site provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Minoan civilization and its sophisticated architecture. Explore the intricate frescoes, labyrinthine corridors, and the throne room as you learn about the rich history of this ancient palace.

The island is also home to charming towns such as Chania and Agios Nikolaos. Chania , with its Venetian architecture and picturesque harbor, is a delight to explore. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, visit the stunning Venetian lighthouse, and indulge in delicious Greek cuisine at the local tavernas. Agios Nikolaos, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with its beautiful lake, inviting beaches, and quaint waterfront cafes.

Crete truly offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re lounging on the beaches, exploring ancient ruins, or strolling through charming towns, you’ll be captivated by the island’s unique charm. Plan your trip to Crete and experience the best that the Greek islands have to offer.

Corfu: A Picturesque Gem in the Ionian Islands

Corfu , located in the stunning Ionian Islands of Greece, is a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The island’s main town, Corfu Town , is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of Venetian architecture. As you wander through the narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

One of the must-visit spots in Corfu is Paleokastritsa , a beautiful area known for its sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Here, you can soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear sea, or explore the hidden caves along the coast. The breathtaking scenery and idyllic atmosphere make Paleokastritsa a true paradise for beach lovers.

Corfu’s charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its fascinating history. The island has been influenced by various civilizations throughout the centuries, and this can be seen in its architectural heritage. From the two imposing fortresses overlooking the town to the elegant mansions adorned with Venetian-style balconies, Corfu is a living testament to its diverse past.

Key Highlights:

• Explore the historic streets of Corfu Town and marvel at its Venetian architecture.
• Visit Paleokastritsa and discover its stunning beaches and hidden caves.
• Immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Corfu is a destination that offers something for every traveler, whether you’re seeking relaxation, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventure. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and vibrant atmosphere will leave you with unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Corfu and create your own Greek island paradise.

When it comes to awe-inspiring sights in Greece, the Metéora Monasteries are undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking. Perched on towering cliffs in central Greece, these cliff-top monasteries are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into a truly unique spiritual and cultural experience.

Visitors to the Metéora Monasteries can witness the dedication and architectural brilliance of these historic structures, some of which date back to the 14th century. As you climb the stone steps carved into the rocks, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of serenity and awe. Exploring the interior of these monasteries offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the monks who once inhabited these remote and sacred places.

“The Metéora Monasteries are like a hidden world suspended between earth and sky, where time seems to stand still. It’s a place of peace and tranquility that truly leaves a lasting impression.”

For those with a passion for history, spirituality, or simply a love for extraordinary natural beauty, a visit to the Metéora Monasteries is an absolute must. In addition to the breathtaking views and cultural significance, the monasteries provide a sense of connection to a rich and ancient heritage.

Table: Metéora Monasteries

As you plan your visit to Greece, be sure to make time for the awe-inspiring Metéora Monasteries. Whether you’re captivated by their architectural wonders, seeking spiritual enlightenment, or simply in search of a memorable experience, these cliff-top monasteries offer a truly extraordinary opportunity to connect with the history and beauty of this remarkable land.

Rhodes Town: Discover the Medieval City of Rhodes

Rhodes Town , located on the enchanting island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea, is a captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Greece. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved medieval city , which takes visitors on a journey back in time to the days of knights and castles. Embark on an exploration of Rhodes Town and immerse yourself in the intrigue of this medieval gem.

Exploring the Medieval City

As you stroll through the charming streets of the medieval city , you’ll be transported to a bygone era. The town’s impressive fortification walls, adorned with mighty towers and gates, create a majestic backdrop for your adventure. Marvel at the architectural wonders that await you around every corner, from the Palace of the Grand Master, once the residence of the Knights of St. John, to the Street of the Knights, lined with medieval inns and lodges.

Take the time to wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and discover hidden squares, quaint shops, and inviting cafes. Admire the intricate details of the buildings, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. The medieval city’s unique charm and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

Unveiling the Legacy of the Knights of St. John

Rhodes Town’s medieval city is deeply intertwined with the Knights of St. John, a medieval Christian military order. The knights, originally established during the Crusades, made Rhodes their headquarters in the 14th century. During your visit, explore the Palace of the Grand Master, an imposing fortress that served as the knights’ headquarters. Admire the grand halls, opulent courtyards, and impressive collection of medieval artifacts on display.

As you venture further, you’ll come across the Street of the Knights, a magnificent testament to the order’s influence and prominence. This well-preserved street showcases the residences of various knightly orders, each adorned with intricate coats of arms. Take a moment to envision the knights in their shining armor as they once patrolled these very streets.

A Journey through Time

Visiting Rhodes Town offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the legacy of a remarkable period in history. From the medieval city’s impressive architecture to the stories of the knights who once walked its streets, every corner of Rhodes Town has a tale to tell. Whether you’re captivated by history, fascinated by architecture, or simply seeking a memorable cultural experience, Rhodes Town is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Embark on a journey through the medieval city of Rhodes and discover the allure of this enchanting destination. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets, admire the magnificent architecture, and uncover the secrets of the Knights of St. John. Rhodes Town is a living testament to the grandeur of the past and a treasure trove of historical wonders.

Zákynthos: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Greece’s Ionian Gem

If you’re seeking breathtaking natural beauty and a touch of adventure, then Zákynthos , also known as Zante, is the perfect Greek island destination for you. Located in the Ionian Sea, Zákynthos boasts stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unique geological formations that will leave you in awe. Let’s dive into the highlights of this enchanting island.

The Iconic Shipwreck Beach

“The Shipwreck Beach , with its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, is a sight straight out of a postcard.”

One of the most famous attractions in Zákynthos is the Shipwreck Beach , also known as Navagio Beach. This picturesque beach is nestled between towering limestone cliffs and boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters that make for the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. The focal point of the beach is a shipwrecked smuggler’s boat that washed ashore in the 1980s, giving it its iconic name. Accessible only by boat, a visit to the Shipwreck Beach is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

The Enchanting Blue Caves

Another natural wonder in Zákynthos is the Blue Caves , a series of sea caves located along the island’s rugged coastline. These caves get their name from the mesmerizing blue hues that reflect off the water, creating a magical and ethereal atmosphere. Exploring the Blue Caves by boat allows you to witness the interplay of light and water, casting an enchanting glow that is truly captivating. Don’t forget your snorkel gear to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the underwater world.

Other Attractions in Zákynthos

While the Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves steal the spotlight, Zákynthos has more to offer. Discover the hidden charms of the island by exploring its picturesque villages, such as Volimes and Keri, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine. Additionally, Zákynthos is home to several beautiful beaches, including Gerakas Beach and Banana Beach, where you can soak up the sun and relax on the golden sand.

With its stunning natural wonders, Zákynthos is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the iconic Shipwreck Beach to the enchanting Blue Caves, this Greek island offers a truly unique experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Hydra: A Car-Free Island with a Historical Town

When it comes to experiencing the authentic charm of the Greek islands, Hydra is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed. Located in the Saronic Gulf, this unique island offers a glimpse into the past with its historical town and car-free environment.

Upon arriving at Hydra , you’ll immediately notice the absence of cars. Instead, the island relies on donkeys and water taxis for transportation, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. As you wander through the narrow streets of the town, you’ll be captivated by the traditional stone houses, picturesque harbor, and waterfront cafes that line the waterfront.

Hydra’s rich history is evident in its architecture and cultural heritage. The island was once a prosperous maritime hub, and remnants of its past can be discovered in the historical buildings and museums scattered throughout the town. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Hydra Museum Historical Archives and the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum to learn more about the island’s fascinating past.

Relaxation and Tranquility on Hydra’s Idyllic Beaches

Aside from its historical town , Hydra is also renowned for its pristine beaches. Whether you’re seeking seclusion or a lively atmosphere, this island has an array of options to suit your preferences. Vlychos Beach, located a short boat ride away, offers a peaceful and secluded setting where you can unwind and soak up the sun.

If you prefer a livelier beach experience, head to Kamini Beach. This family-friendly beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and its crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. As you relax on the sandy shore, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding hills.

Hydra is a truly unique destination that offers a glimpse into Greek island life at its finest. With its historical town , car-free environment, and pristine beaches, this captivating island is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and soak up the tranquility of the Greek islands.

Q: What are the top tourist attractions in Greece?

A: Some of the top tourist attractions in Greece include the Acropolis in Athens, the stunning island of Santorini, the ancient ruins at Delphi, and the picturesque town of Rhodes.

Q: What is the Acropolis?

A: The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located in Athens and is considered the symbol of Athens and Western civilization. It is home to the iconic Parthenon, a magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Q: What can I see at the Acropolis?

A: At the Acropolis, you can explore the ruins of ancient Greek temples, including the Parthenon, and enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the hilltop.

Q: What is the Acropolis Museum?

A: The Acropolis Museum is a museum located near the Acropolis in Athens. It showcases a collection of ancient Greek artifacts , including sculptures and statues that were once part of the Parthenon and other temples on the Acropolis.

Q: What can I see at the Acropolis Museum?

A: At the Acropolis Museum, you can admire the ancient Greek artifacts on display, learn about their historical significance, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Acropolis from the museum’s terrace.

Q: What is Santorini known for?

A: Santorini is known for its stunning landscapes and romantic atmosphere. The island is famous for its whitewashed buildings perched on cliffs overlooking the Caldera, as well as its unique volcanic beaches.

Q: What can I do in Santorini?

A: In Santorini, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, explore charming villages like Oia and Fira, relax on the volcanic beaches with black or red sand, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Greek culture.

Q: What is Mykonos known for?

A: Mykonos is known for its glamour and vibrant nightlife. The island offers luxurious resorts, trendy beach clubs, and lively bars and clubs, making it a popular destination for party-goers and celebrities.

Q: What can I do in Mykonos?

A: In Mykonos, you can explore the charming town with its narrow streets and iconic windmills, relax on beautiful beaches, indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, and dance the night away at the island’s famous clubs.

Q: What is Delphi?

A: Delphi is an ancient archaeological site located in central Greece. It was once considered the center of the world and was home to the Oracle of Delphi, where people sought guidance from the gods.

Q: What can I see in Delphi?

A: In Delphi, you can explore well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the stadium. The site offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient Greek civilization and its mythology.

Q: What are the must-see places in Crete?

A: In Crete, you must visit the Palace of Knossos , an impressive Minoan palace dating back thousands of years. You can also explore the charming towns of Chania and Agios Nikolaos and relax on the beautiful beaches along the coast.

Q: What is Corfu known for?

A: Corfu is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming old town, Corfu Town . The island showcases Venetian architecture and offers breathtaking views of the sea.

Q: What can I do in Corfu?

A: In Corfu, you can explore the narrow streets of Corfu Town, visit the two fortresses, relax on the sandy beaches, and enjoy the natural beauty of places like Paleokastritsa with its turquoise waters.

Q: What are the Metéora Monasteries?

A: The Metéora Monasteries are a group of six historic monasteries perched on towering cliffs in central Greece. They offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and insights into the monks’ way of life.

Q: What can I see at the Metéora Monasteries?

A: At the Metéora Monasteries, you can climb the stone steps carved into the rocks to reach the monasteries, explore the interior, and marvel at the unique and awe-inspiring sight of these cliff-top monasteries.

Q: What is Rhodes Town?

A: Rhodes Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the island of Rhodes. It is known for its well-preserved medieval city, complete with fortification walls, towers, and narrow cobblestone streets.

Q: What can I see in Rhodes Town?

A: In Rhodes Town, you can explore the Palace of the Grand Master, wander along the Street of the Knights, and visit the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes. The town offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Q: What is Zákynthos known for?

A: Zákynthos, also known as Zante, is known for its stunning natural beauty. The island is famous for its breathtaking coastline, including the world-famous Shipwreck Beach and the striking Blue Caves.

Q: What can I do in Zákynthos?

A: In Zákynthos, you can visit the iconic Shipwreck Beach, explore the Blue Caves on a boat tour, and enjoy the idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

Q: What is unique about Hydra?

A: Hydra is a car-free island located in the Saronic Gulf. It is known for its rich history, unique atmosphere, and charming town with narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and waterfront cafes.

Q: What can I do in Hydra?

A: In Hydra, you can explore the historical town, relax on idyllic beaches, and take in the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The island offers a tranquil and authentic Greek island experience.

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Famous Tourist Attractions in Greece: A Mapped Guide

Navigate the famous tourist attractions in Greece. Let's make your trip unforgettable!

Greece, a country steeped in ancient history, breathtaking beaches, and captivating scenery, is a treasure trove of unique tourist destinations. As the birthplace of the Olympic Games, theater, democracy, and renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, Greece offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. With its thousands of islands, including popular vacation spots like Santorini and Mykonos, Greece is a paradise for beach lovers. The country's vibrant cuisine, with olives as a staple ingredient, reflects its Mediterranean charm. Whether you're interested in history, culture, cuisine, or nature, Greece is an irresistible tourist destination that should be at the top of your travel list.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the top tourist attractions in Greece, allowing you to create your dream itinerary and make the most of your visit to this sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise. From exploring ancient archaeological sites to lounging on white-pebbled beaches and embarking on thrilling adventures, Greece offers something for every traveler. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to delve into the best that Greece has to offer.

Famous Attractions In Greece

1. acropolis, athens: a timeless symbol of ancient greece, the parthenon: a testament to ancient athenian architecture.

The Acropolis, perched on a rocky mound in the heart of modern Athens, is considered the symbol of both the city and Greece as a whole. Crowned by three magnificent temples dating back to the 5th century BC, the Acropolis offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Athenian civilization. The most iconic and distinctive of these temples is the Parthenon, with its 58 columns supporting a roof adorned with ornate pediments and friezes. As you explore the Acropolis, you'll also encounter other major ancient attractions such as the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, all interconnected by the Archaeological Promenade, a scenic 2.5-kilometer walking path.

Essential Guide to Visiting the Acropolis in Athens

To make the most of your visit to the Acropolis, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some essential tips and information to ensure a memorable experience:

• Timing: The Acropolis can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. To avoid long queues and enjoy a more serene experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Ticket Information: You can purchase tickets at the entrance to the Acropolis or online in advance to skip the line. Keep in mind that the ticket also includes entry to other archaeological sites in Athens, such as the Ancient Agora and the Roman Forum.
• Dress Code: As the Acropolis is a sacred site, it's important to dress respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and opt for comfortable shoes as there are uneven surfaces and stairs to navigate.
• Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the Acropolis. Knowledgeable guides can provide fascinating insights and bring the ancient ruins to life.
• Sun Protection: Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially during the summer months when temperatures can soar. There are limited shaded areas, so it's essential to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

2. Acropolis Museum, Athens: Unveiling the Treasures of Ancient Greece

A modern marvel showcasing ancient artifacts.

The Acropolis Museum, located just a short distance from the Acropolis itself, is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Greek history and art. Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, the museum is a stunning example of modern architecture, with its sleek glass and steel structure seamlessly blending into the historic surroundings. Inside, you'll find a wealth of ancient artifacts and treasures excavated from the Acropolis and its surrounding areas.

Highlights of the Acropolis Museum

The museum's collection includes a wide range of artifacts spanning various periods of ancient Greek history. Here are some of the highlights you shouldn't miss:

• Moschophoros Statue: This 6th-century BC statue of a young man carrying a calf on his shoulders is a prime example of ancient Greek sculpture.
• Caryatids: These sculpted female figures, which once adorned the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis, are exquisite examples of classical Greek artistry.
• Parthenon Marbles: The highly controversial Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are displayed in the museum. These marble sculptures once adorned the Parthenon and depict various mythological scenes and figures.
• Panoramic Views: Don't forget to visit the museum's cafe-restaurant terrace, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Acropolis itself while savoring a delicious meal or beverage.

3. Santorini: A Stunning Cycladic Gem

The dramatic clifftop towns of fira and oia.

Santorini, often referred to as the crown jewel of the Cyclades, is famous for its dramatic clifftop towns of Fira and Oia. Perched on the western coast of the island, these towns offer breathtaking views of the deep blue sea-filled caldera and are renowned for their iconic whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning sunsets.

Exploring the Beauty of Santorini

While Santorini is a relatively small island, it offers a wealth of experiences and attractions. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Santorini:

• Black Volcanic-Sand Beaches: Head to the south and east coasts of the island to discover unique black volcanic-sand beaches. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement buried beneath layers of volcanic ash. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including multi-story buildings, frescoes, and intricate drainage systems.
• Wine Tasting: Santorini is famous for its unique volcanic soil, which produces exceptional wines. Embark on a wine tour and visit local wineries to sample the island's distinctive wines, such as Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.
• Boat Tours: Take a boat tour around the island to discover hidden coves, swim in secluded beaches, and witness the beauty of the caldera from a different perspective. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the volcanic island of Nea Kameni and soak in its hot springs.
• Exploring Fira and Oia: Wander through the enchanting streets of Fira and Oia, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes. Capture the iconic blue-domed churches and windmills in Oia as the sun sets, creating a magical atmosphere.

4. Mykonos: Greece's Glamorous Island Destination

Mykonos town: a vibrant cosmopolitan hub.

Considered Greece's most glamorous island destination, Mykonos is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, picturesque beaches, and charming Cycladic architecture. Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, is the beating heart of the island. Its narrow streets are lined with chic boutique hotels, high-end restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightclubs. Lose yourself in the maze-like streets, explore art galleries, and shop for designer fashion and local handicrafts.

Beaches and Beyond: Exploring the Beauty of Mykonos

Mykonos is not just about the lively party scene. The island offers a diverse range of experiences and attractions for every traveler. Here are some highlights:

• Paraportiani Church: Visit the iconic Paraportiani Church, a whitewashed structure located in Mykonos Town. Its unique design, with five different chapels merged together, makes it a favorite subject for photographers.
• South Coast Beaches: Mykonos boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean. Head to the south coast to discover popular beaches like Paradise, Super Paradise, and Psarou, known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant beach clubs.
• Delos Island: Take a day trip to the nearby island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Explore the ancient ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and the ancient theater.
• Windmills of Kato Mili: Don't miss the iconic windmills of Mykonos, located in Kato Mili. These well-preserved windmills, once used to grind grain, are now a symbol of the island and offer panoramic views of Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea.
• Little Venice: Experience the romantic charm of Little Venice, a picturesque neighborhood in Mykonos Town. Admire the colorful houses built right on the waterfront, and enjoy a drink or meal with stunning sunset views.

5. Delphi: A Journey to the Ancient Oracle

The oracle of delphi: a window into the ancient world.

Located on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, Delphi is an archaeological site of great historical and mythological significance. Delphi was once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology and served as a sacred site dedicated to the god Apollo. Pilgrims from all over Greece would visit Delphi to seek guidance from the Oracle, a priestess known as the Pythia, who delivered prophecies and advice believed to be divinely inspired.

Exploring the Wonders of Delphi

Delphi offers a captivating blend of ancient ruins, natural beauty, and spiritual significance. Here are some key attractions to explore:

• The Temple of Apollo: Visit the Temple of Apollo, the most important building in Delphi, where the Oracle delivered her prophecies. Explore the remains of this grand temple and imagine the religious ceremonies that took place here.
• The Ancient Theater: Take a walk to the Ancient Theater of Delphi, built into the hillside and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This well-preserved theater hosted musical and theatrical performances during ancient times.
• The Delphi Archaeological Museum: Delve deeper into the history of Delphi at the onsite museum, which houses a remarkable collection of artifacts discovered in the area. Marvel at ancient statues, votive offerings, and the famous Charioteer of Delphi, a masterpiece of ancient Greek sculpture.
• The Sacred Way: Walk along the Sacred Way, the ancient path that pilgrims would follow to reach the sanctuary of Delphi. Admire the treasuries, small buildings dedicated to different city-states, and the Sphinx of Naxos along the way.
• The Tholos of Delphi: Discover the circular structure known as the Tholos of Delphi, once an elegant building with a conical roof. Although partially reconstructed, it offers a glimpse into the architectural marvels of ancient Greece.

6. The Towns and Beaches of Crete: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Crete: an island of contrasts and natural beauty.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches and rugged mountains to ancient ruins and charming towns. Blessed with some of the best beaches in Greece, Crete attracts visitors from around the world seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. But beyond its idyllic coastline, Crete also boasts notable archaeological sites, picturesque towns, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Exploring the Beauty of Crete

Crete provides endless opportunities for exploration and immersion in its natural and cultural wonders. Here are some highlights to include in your itinerary:

• Palace of Knossos: Visit the Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and the center of the ancient Minoan civilization. Explore the ruins of this impressive palace complex, including the Throne Room and the Royal Apartments.
• Beaches of Crete: Indulge in the island's beautiful beaches, such as Elafonisi, Balos, and Falassarna. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and stunning natural surroundings.
• Chania: Discover the charming town of Chania, with its Venetian harbor, narrow streets, and historical landmarks. Explore the Old Town, visit the Archaeological Museum, and savor delicious local cuisine at the many traditional tavernas.
• Samaria Gorge: Embark on a hiking adventure through the Samaria Gorge, one of the most impressive natural wonders in Crete. This 16-kilometer-long gorge offers breathtaking scenery, unique flora and fauna, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment for hikers.
• Heraklion: Explore the vibrant capital city of Heraklion, home to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, showcasing artifacts from the Minoan civilization, including the famous Snake Goddess figurine. Don't miss a visit to the ancient city of Knossos, just a short distance from Heraklion.

7. Corfu: A Lush Island Paradise in the Ionian Sea

Corfu town: a unesco world heritage site.

Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece, is known for its lush natural beauty, stunning beaches, and charming towns. The capital, Corfu Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting elegant Italianate architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Explore the narrow streets of the old town, visit the historical fortresses, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this cosmopolitan hub.

Discovering the Charms of Corfu

Corfu offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical landmarks to picturesque beaches and scenic landscapes. Here are some highlights to include in your Corfu itinerary:

• Paleokastritsa: Visit the popular beach area of Paleokastritsa, located on the west coast of Corfu. This collection of deep, curving bays offers sheltered sand and pebble beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the sea.
• Corfu Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of Corfu Old Town and admire the Venetian architecture, colorful buildings, and charming squares. Explore the historic fortresses, including the impressive Old Fortress and the New Fortress, offering panoramic views of the town and the sea.
• Achilleion Palace: Visit the Achilleion Palace, a stunning neoclassical mansion built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the late 19th century. Admire the beautiful gardens, the grand staircase, and the famous statue of Achilles in the palace's gardens.
• Kanoni Peninsula: Take a stroll along the Kanoni Peninsula, known for its picturesque views of the Mouse Island, a small islet with a charming monastery. Enjoy a drink or meal at one of the cafes overlooking the scenic bay.
• Mount Pantokrator: Embark on a journey to the highest point on the island, Mount Pantokrator. Enjoy panoramic views of Corfu and the surrounding islands from the summit, and explore the mountain's hiking trails and traditional villages.

8. Metéora Monasteries: A Spiritual Oasis in the Sky

Metéora: a unique blend of nature and spirituality.

Located in Thessaly, central Greece, the Metéora Monasteries are a unique sight to behold. Perched atop towering rock formations, these monasteries create a surreal and awe-inspiring landscape. The word "Metéora" translates to "suspended in the air," and the monasteries truly seem to defy gravity, inspiring a sense of wonder and spiritual contemplation.

Exploring the Monasteries in the Sky

Visiting the Metéora Monasteries is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here is some essential information to help you plan your visit:

• Access and Transportation: The nearest town to the Metéora Monasteries is Kalambaka. From there, you can reach the monasteries by car, taxi, or public transportation. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that includes transportation from major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki.
• Monastery Visits: Of the original 24 monasteries, six are still active and open to visitors. Each monastery has its own opening hours and admission fees, so it's advisable to check the schedules in advance. Remember to dress modestly and respect the rules and customs of the monasteries.
• Hiking and Scenic Views: Explore the hiking trails that wind through the Metéora rocks, offering breathtaking views of the monasteries and the surrounding landscape. The Great Meteoron Monastery, perched on the highest rock, offers panoramic vistas from its terrace.
• Spiritual Reflection: The Metéora Monasteries have been places of spiritual retreat and contemplation for centuries. Take a moment to soak in the serene atmosphere, admire the religious icons and frescoes, and reflect on the spiritual significance of this unique site.

9. Rhodes Town: A Medieval Gem in the Aegean Sea

Rhodes town: a living museum of medieval history.

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands in the Aegean Sea, is home to Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living testament to its rich history. Encircled by medieval walls, the Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved fortified cities in Europe. With its cobbled streets, ancient ruins, and charming squares, Rhodes Town offers a glimpse into a bygone era.

Unveiling the Charms of Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. Here are some highlights to explore:

• Palace of the Grand Master: Visit the Palace of the Grand Master, a medieval fortress that once served as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller. Explore the interior, which now houses a museum showcasing medieval artifacts and exhibits.
• Street of the Knights: Take a stroll down the Street of the Knights, a cobblestoned street lined with medieval inns and residences. This well-preserved street offers a glimpse into the daily life of the knights during the medieval period.
• Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: Discover the rich history of Rhodes at the Archaeological Museum, located in the Hospital of the Knights. The museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts from ancient Rhodes, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.
• Mandraki Harbor: Wander along the picturesque Mandraki Harbor, adorned with colorful boats and lined with cafes and restaurants. Admire the iconic three windmills, which have become a symbol of Rhodes.
• Acropolis of Rhodes: Venture outside the Old Town to explore the Acropolis of Rhodes, an ancient citadel perched atop a hill. Enjoy panoramic views of the town and the sea from this vantage point.

10. Zákynthos: A Paradise of Azure Waters and Natural Wonders

Zákynthos: the jewel of the ionian sea.

Zákynthos, also known as Zante, is a stunning island located in the Ionian Sea. Known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and breathtaking landscapes, Zákynthos is a paradise for nature lovers. From the world-famous Shipwreck Beach to the enchanting Blue Caves, this island offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in natural beauty.

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Zákynthos

Zákynthos is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some of the top attractions to include in your Zákynthos itinerary:

• Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach): One of the most iconic beaches in Greece, Shipwreck Beach is a must-visit. Accessible only by boat, this stunning beach is framed by towering cliffs and boasts turquoise waters. Don't forget to capture a photo of the famous shipwreck that gave the beach its name.
• Blue Caves: Embark on a boat tour to explore the mesmerizing Blue Caves, located on the island's northern tip. These sea caves are known for their unique blue hues created by the sunlight reflecting off the limestone walls. Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable experience.
• Turtle Spotting: Zákynthos is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Visit Laganas Bay, a protected area for these magnificent creatures, and embark on a boat tour to observe them in their natural habitat. Remember to respect their space and follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.
• Navagio Viewpoint: For a panoramic view of Shipwreck Beach, head to the cliffs above the beach. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking perspective of the beach, the azure waters, and the surrounding cliffs. It's a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos.
• Explore Traditional Villages: Venture beyond the coastline and explore the island's charming traditional villages, such as Volimes and Keri. Discover the local culture, sample traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Zakynthian people.

Greece, a mesmerizing blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, is an irresistible lure for travelers. From the majestic Acropolis in Athens to the awe-inspiring cliffs of Santorini, the medieval allure of Rhodes Town to the crystalline waters of Zákynthos, Greece presents a treasure trove of experiences catering to every traveler's taste. Whether you're enamored by ancient ruins, pristine beaches, or charming towns, Greece promises to leave you spellbound and longing for more.

But don't just dream about these magical Greek locales - make them part of your personalized journey! With Proxi’s map maker , chart your own odyssey across this enchanting country. So, pack your bags, dive into your very own Greek adventure, and let the magic of Greece unfurl at your fingertips.

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23 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Athens

Written by Lisa Alexander and Lana Law Updated Mar 1, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A symbol of Western Civilization, Athens' illustrious history stretches back more than 3,000 years. As you walk the streets today, you'll see a mix of the ancient and the modern, making it the perfect destination for travelers who like a little fun with their sightseeing.

The Acropolis is one of the world's most breathtaking ancient ruins , and the city's exceptional museums display fascinating artifacts uncovered at local sites. Other hidden charms are the dazzling Byzantine churches found all over the city and the village-like neighborhoods north of the Acropolis.

When you think you've run out of things to do in Athens, spend some time getting lost in the Plaka district's narrow pedestrian streets, lined with quaint bougainvillea-draped houses and inviting restaurant terraces. Settle here in a shady spot for a cup of Greek coffee and some fabulous Baklava. When you've recharged head over to the Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki for some light shopping.

A completely different vacation experience from the idyllic Greek islands , Athens can feel hectic and busy during the summer season, but in the spring and fall, you can still enjoy good weather and see far fewer tourists.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top tourist attractions in Athens.

1. Visit the Ancient Acropolis

2. acropolis museum, 3. national archaeology museum, 4. wander the pláka and anafiotika neighborhoods, 5. stroll through the ancient agora: ruins of the marketplace, 6. the roman agora & hadrian's library, 7. panathenaic stadium & olympic stadium, 8. museum of cycladic art, 9. olympieion: temple of olympian zeus, 10. byzantine museum, 11. search for deals in monastiraki & the flea market, 12. panaghia kapnikaréa church, 13. see the changing of the guard at syntagma square, 14. church of the holy apostles, 15. national gardens and the zappeion, 16. church of demetrius loumbardiaris, 17. grab dinner and socialize on mnisikleous street stairs, 18. the national museum of contemporary art, 19. enjoy the view from lycabettus hill, 20. varvakios agora, 21. philopappos monument, 22. areopagus, 23. benaki museum, where to stay in athens for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to athens, athens, greece - climate chart.

Few sights in the world compare to Athens' Acropolis, with its Parthenon temple perched high on a rocky crag keeping watch over centuries of civilization. A reminder of the glory of ancient Athens, the Acropolis was the center of the ancient city and functioned as a citadel in its protected hilltop location.

The most emblematic building is the Parthenon , the largest temple of the classical antiquity period dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. With its monumental rows of Doric columns and stunning sculptural details, the temple is an awe-inspiring sight. In the frieze on the eastern side, reliefs depict the birth of the goddess Athena.

Other ruins of the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike at the entrance, and Erechtheion , a complex of ancient sanctuaries built between 421 BC and 395 BC. The most famous feature of the Erechtheion complex is the Porch of the Caryatids , with six statues of maidens in place of Doric columns.

For beautiful views of the Acropolis from below , head to the north side of the hill. Streetside restaurants line the pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou and look up to the Acropolis. Some of these restaurants also have rooftop dining, with incredible views across to the Acropolis, showing the grand entrance, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Parthenon, all of which are lit up in the evenings.

Author's Tip: On hot days, it's best to visit the Acropolis in the morning and then head to the air-conditioned Acropolis Museum in the afternoon. Alternatively, head up to the Acropolis for sunset. To avoid the long line to get in, buy a Skip the Line Acropolis of Athens Tour , which includes a guided tour of the site.

• Read More: Visiting the Acropolis in Athens: The Essential Guide

Another of Athens' top attractions, the Acropolis Museum contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world . The new facility was completed in 2007, below the Acropolis hilltop, and replaced the former museum on the hill.

This huge facility 25,000 square meters, and features 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. The unique layout incorporates an ancient Athenian neighborhood.

This is one of the best things to do in Athens when temperatures are soaring at midday. Be aware, the entrance queue to purchase tickets can be long, so it's best to book your tickets online in advance. That way, you'll have a guaranteed admission at a specific time.

Official site: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en

Founded in the 19th century, Athens' National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the greatest antiquities museums in the world.

The museum is housed in an impressive Neoclassical building with 8,000 square meters of exhibition space. On display are five permanent collections with more than 11,000 exhibits, offering a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization from prehistory through the classical period to late antiquity.

The Prehistoric Collection covers the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods) and presents findings from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculpture Collection exhibits ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth century BC to the fifth century BC, including rare masterpieces. The Vase and Decorative Objects Collection showcases ancient Greek pottery from the 11th century BC all the way until the classical Roman period. The Stathatos Collection features minor objects from a wide range of historical periods. Exquisite little statues and figurines sculpted from metals are on display in the Metallurgy Collection .

Address: 44 Patission Street, Athens

Official site: https://www.namuseum.gr/en/

Between the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermoú Street, the picturesque Pláka neighborhood is a tourist hot spot. The main attraction of this historic area is its charming village ambience. Narrow pedestrian streets and the cheerful little squares of the Pláka quarter are lined with lovely bougainvillea-trimmed pastel-painted houses, restaurants, and shops.

Tucked away in peaceful corners of the neighborhood are historic churches, such as the Metamórfosis Church in the southwest and the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north. A leisurely stroll through the picturesque setting is the perfect thing to do when you've had your fill of ruins and museums.

The Plaka quarter, along with neighboring Anafiotika nestled into the slopes north of the Acropolis, have an abundance of authentic Greek restaurants with inviting terrace seating. The winding medieval streets of Anafiotika are also a delight to explore in the evenings. This area is famous for its Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street . Nearby, quieter streets are hidden away on the hillside, which conceal cute little cafés and restaurants.

The area boasts two important archaeological sites on Pepopida Street: the first-century BC Roman Agora and the second-century Library of Hadrian .

The ancient Agora was the marketplace and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. For an impressive view of the Agora from afar, head to the north wall of the Acropolis or the roads from the Areopagus.

The best place to enter the Agora is at the north gate off Adrianoú Street (near the Church of Saint Philip). The Greek word "Agora" means to "gather and orate," indicating that this site was a location of public speaking. The Agora was a place of administration and commerce as well as the meeting place of the Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making group. Athletic events and theater performances were also held here.

One of the most striking features of the Ancient Agora is the Stoa of Attalos , originally built by King Attalos II and reconstructed in the 1950s. The stoa may have been the scene of Socrates' trial in 399 BC.

Another key site is the Temple of Hephaistos . You can reach it on a pleasant walk along the footpath that leads up the Agora Hill (Kolonos Agoraios). This fifth-century BC Doric temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, thanks to its conversion into a Christian church, which saved it from destruction. The temple was designed on a classical plan with six rows of 13 columns, and the Ionic friezes appear to be modeled on the Parthenon.

Address: 24 Andrianou Street, Athens

Adjacent to the Ancient Agora is the site of the Roman Agora. While it may all seem like one site, these buildings were constructed later, and construction eventually moved on to the site of the Ancient Agora. One of the easily recognizable sites here is the Tower of the Winds .

On the edge of the Roman Agora is the ancient Hadrian's Library , founded by Emperor Hadrian in AD 132. Even later, during Byzantine times, three churches were built near the site of the library.

You can see one wall of Hadrian's Library and the ruins of the Roman Agora from the street, but if you want to explore further, you can buy a ticket and walk through the ruins.

Ancient Athens's largest building, the Panathenaic Stadium, has a capacity for 60,000 spectators. Constructed around 335 BC during the era of Herodes Atticus, the venue hosted the Panathenaic Games where runners competed in races around the track. The 204-meter-long track was designed with four double herms, where runners would turn in the races.

Around AD 140, the stadium was updated with new marble seating by Herodes Atticus. The structure that tourists see today is a replica of the original stadium , which was rebuilt for the Olympic Games of 1896 . This modern-era Olympic Stadium was created in the identical fashion as the Panathenaic Stadium, with 47 tiers of seating and a rounded southeast end.

The facility hosts concerts and other events during the summer. Attending a show can be a nice way to spend an evening in Athens.

Location: Ardettos Hill, Athens

In the Kolonáki quarter, the Museum of Cycladic Art was created in 1986 by the Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris Foundation. The shipowner Nikolas P. Goulandris was a well-known patron of the arts and cultural life in Athens. Goulandris' own collection forms the core of the museum's exhibits.

Housed in a sleek modern building with a façade of marble and glass, the museum's permanent collection includes more than 3,000 objects. The collection represents ancient Greek art, ancient art of the Cyclades (the islands in the Aegean Sea encircling the Island of Delos near Mykonos), and Cypriot art (from the island of Cyprus ) dating from the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD.

Many of the artifacts on display date to the sixth century BC. Temporary exhibits are held at the elegant 19th-century Stathatos Mansion, accessible from the main building by a passageway from the atrium.

Address: 4 Neophytou Douka Street, Athens

Official site: https://cycladic.gr/en

Dedicated to Zeus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also called the Olympieion, was the largest temple in ancient Greece . Though the Parthenon is better preserved, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was an even more monumental structure in its day. The temple dates to the sixth century BC but was not completed until the second century AD by the Emperor Hadrian. In front of the Olympieion, not far from the entrance, stands Hadrian's Arch at the end of Dionysiou Areopagitou.

It's easy to imagine the grand impression this temple made in its complete form. More than a hundred enormous marble columns once supported the grandiose sanctuary. Only 15 columns remain standing, and another surviving column lies on the ground, but the ruins' monumental presence gives a sense of the massive size of the original building. The gigantic structure was a befitting shrine to Zeus, the ancient Greeks' most all-powerful God, known as the King of Gods.

Nearby, just north of the Olympieion, is a small park containing the ruins of Themistokles' wall and the ancient Roman baths . The baths are quite impressive considering they are a free attraction that you can easily work into your walking tour near the Olympieion. They are located right along the edge of Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, at the side of the road.

Location: City Center near the Athens Gate and Athanasiou Diakou Street, Athens

This interesting museum offers fascinating insights into the Byzantine period of Greek history. Housed in a 19th-century palace originally built for the Duchesse de Plaisance, the wife of Charles-François Lebrun of France, the museum displays a precious collection of Byzantine art.

The Byzantine Empire was the inheritance of the eastern half of the Roman Empire after it fell. From the third century to the 15th century, the Byzantine Empire ruled over the land of what is now the Balkans, Greece, and Asia Minor. During this time, religious art was highly valued. Byzantine artists created masterpieces of detailed, glittering mosaics and gilded icons.

With more than 25,000 artifacts on display, the Byzantine Museum is a treasury of religious artifacts from the Byzantine period as well as pieces from the early Christian, medieval, and post-Byzantine eras. The collection includes sculptures, paintings, icons, textiles, and mosaics. Highlights are the architectural fragments from early Christian basilicas and Byzantine churches and the reproduction of a fountain depicted at the Monastery of Dafní. The museum's courtyard features a splendid fragment of a mosaic floor from the fifth century.

Address: 22 Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens

Official site: www.byzantinemuseum.gr/en/

Location: Ancient Agora, Athens

Narrow streets lined with shops selling everything from jewelry and trinkets to clothing and everyday goods is what you'll find in the Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki. This is one of the neighborhood's main draws, but this area has a very unique vibe and is a nice place to just relax at an outdoor patio or wander about.

Monastiraki has no shortage of restaurants, and this is a good place to come for lunch if you want to grab a gyros or any type of traditional Greek dish. Unlike the more upscale Plaka district, this area is a bit more casual.

Monastiraki Square is an open area, surrounded by a mix of old and new buildings. This is a good place to orient yourself. A sign on one side of the square marks the street to the Flea Market. From the square, you can see the Acropolis up high in the distance, and a short walk from the square takes you to Hadrian's Library.

Gracing a little square that opens onto a pedestrian-only section of busy Ermoú Street, the Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church is a delightful place to visit and a site you are likely to walk past. This church is a splendid example of architecture from the 11th-century Byzantine era and a stark contrast to the modern architecture that surrounds it. It was saved from demolition in the 19th century by the intervention of King Ludwig I of Bavaria.

When it was built, domed cruciform churches such as this one were typical. In the 12th century, the church was enhanced with a graceful entrance portico and a narthex featuring four pediments (built onto the western end). Inside, the church is decorated with 19th-century paintings created in the iconographic style of the Middle Byzantine period.

Location: Corner of Ermoú and Kalamiótous Street, Athens

For many tourists, watching the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square is an exciting and memorable experience. The Soldiers of the Presidential Guard stand in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square 24 hours a day, year-round. The guards wear traditional costumes complete with pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes.

The Changing of the Guards takes place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument at 11am daily. This monument honors anonymous soldiers who died fighting for the country. The monument features a marble relief that imitates a warrior grave stele of ancient times.

On the site of the ancient Agora, the Church of the Holy Apostles was the only building left standing when this entire quarter of Athens was demolished to excavate the Agora archaeological site. Built in the 10th century, the church stands above a nymphaion (sacred spring).

The exterior is notable for its ashlar masonry and its ornamental Kufic (a style of Arabic script) inscriptions. Typical of Byzantine architecture, the church has a dome supported on four columns, and the apse and transepts feature semicircular conches. The interior of the dome is adorned with original frescoes depicting Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All), John the Baptist, adorable little cherubim, and archangels. Much of the original 11th-century iconostasis (wall of icons and religious paintings) has also been well preserved.

Located next to the Greek parliament, the National Garden is a large green space behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus and home to the Zappeion. If you have had enough sun during your day of sightseeing, this is a quiet, shady place to relax and cool off. Inviting trails lead through tall trees and offer a reprieve from the busy streets. It's also a free attraction in Athens.

On the edge of the garden is the Zappeion Hall , which you can enter for a peek inside if it is not in use. It was built in the 1870s and is used for events. Inside the main entrance is an impressive round, open-air hall, lined by columns.

In a verdant setting on Philopappou Hill , this tiny 12th-century Byzantine chapel offers an opportunity for an enchanting spiritual experience. The building was constructed at the Diateichisma Gate because of the ancient belief that divinity protected the gates.

Inside, the church has a single-aisle vaulted basilica form, and the walls are adorned with frescoes dating to 1732. The chapel's name "Loumbardiaris" (meaning "The Cannoneer") is connected with the legend that the church was saved by a miracle around 1650 when the Turkish commander of the Acropolis, Yusuf, bombed the church. The church was restored in the 1960s by the architect D. Pikionis. Another highlight of visiting Philopappou Hill is the chance to take in spectacular views of the Parthenon from this location.

Location: Philopappou Hill, Athens

If you are looking for things to do at night in Athens, head over to the Mnisikleous Street stairs. Restaurants line this set of stairs on the top end of Mnisikleous Street, drawing a crowd in the evenings.

The restaurants vary in quality, although some are quite good, but the atmosphere here is hard to beat. It's extremely casual and relaxed. In fact, when the tables are full, people take to sitting on cushions on the stone stairs, and small knee-high wooden benches are brought out and placed on the stairs, creating an impromptu table. People are often tightly packed in, making for an intimate and friendly experience.

Sometimes a visit to Athens can feel like an overdose on history. To alleviate that condition, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art. This institution is the cultural epicenter of Athens and is home to a constant stream of temporary exhibits showcasing the latest in art innovation.

In addition to the visiting exhibitions, the museum has an impressive permanent collection of 172 pieces on display. These items were created by 78 different artists, both domestic and international, along two specific topics requested by the museum.

The total collection of the museum consists of 1,300 pieces, most of them in paintings and photography.

As you stand on and gaze out over Athens from the Acropolis, you may wonder what the hill in the distance is. That would be Lycabettus Hill, and it's well worth a visit. The view from the top of Lycabettus Hill is one of the best in Athens.

At 227 meters in height, it's the highest point in the city and provides a unique view down upon the Acropolis. The funicular operates well into the night (12 to 1:30am depending on the season), so a trip up here at night to see the city lights and the Acropolis fully lit is highly recommended. Or, if you find yourself there during the day, take a bit of time to soak it all in by grabbing a cold drink or a bite to eat at the restaurant at the top.

You can walk to the top if you really want to, or as most people do, take the three-minute ride on the funicular .

Official site: https://www.lycabettushill.com/

If you are looking to get off the well-trodden tourist path in Athens and see how true Athenians live, set your alarm to get up early and head to the Varvakios Agora. Located in the Monastiraki neighborhood, this fresh food market is an experience unlike any in Athens.

The bounty of the sea and farm are on full display, with the lively sellers hawking their goods to locals and tourists alike. In another building nearby, fruit, vegetables, and, of course, olives are on sale. Small restaurants are located on the premises, offering cheap, tasty, and filling meals. Take some time to wander the aisles and soak up the atmosphere, and be sure to bring your camera!

The Philopappos Monument is only an 800-meter walk southwest of the Acropolis and well worth the pleasant stroll to get there. The area, known as Pynx Hill , is an oasis of green with mature cypress and pine trees and makes for a pleasant escape from the crowds and concrete.

The monument dates from the 2nd century AD and is adorned with incredible bas-relief depictions of Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos.

The monument is set on a high point with views back towards the Parthenon, Acropolis , and city sights.

As you gaze down from the Acropolis you may wonder to yourself what all those people are doing on that bald white rock outcrop located nearby. Well, they've climbed up to the top of the Areopagus to enjoy the panoramic views of the Acropolis and the surrounding cityscapes.

Easily reached via winding pathways through cypress bushes and an ancient marble staircase, this outcrop is a popular destination for those looking to do a short hike as part of their Athenian exploration. Areopagus is also a very popular spot to enjoy the sunset and to capture images of the Acropolis and other ancient sights at night when they are softly lit.

Although the hilltop is barren except for the ruins of a church, it was once the site of the supreme council of ancient Athens. The site is free to access and open 24 hours a day .

For a deeper dive into the culture that spawned all the history that surrounds you, step inside the doors of the Benaki Museum. Housed in a spectacular Neoclassical-style mansion, the collection spans the centuries starting with the ancient Greek artifacts and ultimately right through to the 20th Century.

In addition to the priceless treasures found here, the building itself is an attraction worth learning about as it transitioned from a private residence into the museum you see today.

The Benaki Museum showcases a regular rotation of temporary exhibits in the Spyridon & Eurydice Costopoulos Gallery.

Official Site: https://www.benaki.org/index.php?lang=en

The best place to stay in Athens is near the Acropolis in the Plaka or Anafiotika neighborhoods. This will put you in the center of the action and within walking distance of the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Library of Hadrian, and Syntagma Square. Both neighborhoods are picturesque and quaint, with narrow pedestrian-only streets, many restaurants, and interesting shops. Below are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Within walking distance from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and many good restaurants, the boutique AVA Hotel Athens offers quaint and cozy suites with kitchenettes.
• The O&B Athens Boutique Hotel is a 10-minute walk to the Acropolis and features modern rooms and a spectacular rooftop patio with amazing views.
• The elegant Grande Bretagne Hotel , with a well-regarded rooftop restaurant, is set in a prime location that it has occupied since 1874.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The appropriately named Plaka Hotel offers good rooms in a great location, and the rooftop patio has views to the Acropolis. Free coffee and tea are on offer all day long.
• The Hermes Hotel in the Plaka is newly renovated and just a two-minute walk to the attractions of Syntagma Square.
• On a quiet side street, the Central Hotel has also been recently renovated and offers modern, comfortable rooms and a hot breakfast. It's a 15-minute walk from the Acropolis, and the view from the rooftop patio is quite spectacular.

Budget Hotels:

• Hotel Acropolis House is a good budget option with an excellent location close to attractions, and the shops of the pedestrian-only Ermou Street are a short stroll away. This is a historic property, and rooms are dated but come in an assortment of sizes. Some rooms have their own bathrooms, but others come with their own bathroom located down the hall. Guests have their own key to their private washrooms.
• The Hotel Metropolis has been recently renovated and provides rooms with balconies, some facing the Acropolis.
• See the Sights: For maximum sightseeing flexibility and value, it's hard to beat the City Sightseeing Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Tour . Accompanied by an audio commentary, you can cruise around Athens in an open-top double-decker bus, hopping on and off at any of the 14 stops to spend more time at your favorite attractions, such as the Acropolis or the Plaka. If you only have a few hours to see the highlights of Athens, the Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour blends both the city's ancient and modern attractions. An expert guide takes you to see top sites such as the Tomb of the Unknown, the Acropolis, and the Pantheon. This 3.5-hour tour includes admission to the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum (optional), hotel pickup, and free Wi-Fi on the coach.
• Delphi Day Trip: If you want to complement your Athens tour by exploring historic monuments further afield, consider the Delphi Day Trip . This full-day tour takes you to this World Heritage-listed archaeological site to see the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archeological Museum. On your way home, you have a chance to explore the picturesque towns of Arachova and Levadia. Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off at select hotels, free Wi-Fi, and entrance fees.
• Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip: Stunning scenery and hilltop ruins are the highlights of the Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip . This full-day guided adventure includes a beautiful drive along the Saronic Gulf and into the Peloponnese to see the hilltop ruins of Mycenae as well as a visit to Epidaurus, the birthplace of Apollo's son, and the picturesque town of Nauplia. Also included are entrance fees, a professional guide, free Wi-Fi on the coach, and a map.
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Day Trip : See one of Athens' most famous monuments on the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Trip . Traveling in an air-conditioned coach, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic drive to Cape Sounion to see the remains of the clifftop Temple of Poseidon, overlooking the sea, while an experienced guide shares information about its history. This four-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at select hotels, entrance fees, and free Wi-Fi on the coach.

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For many people, Athens is simply a gateway to the Greek Islands or destinations to the north. If you are planning your trip, below are some ideas to help find places to visit in Greece.

Greek Islands: The most famous and popular of the Greek Islands is Santorini . If this is your first excursion to the Greek Islands, it should be on your itinerary. Also very popular is Crete . This is a large island with many things to see and do, so be sure to include more than a day or two if you are planning on stopping here. Other ideas for Greek islands include Corfu , Rhodes , Samos , and Mykonos.

Exploring Greece: The rich history of Greece extends far beyond Athens, but the remains of the Temple of Apollo in Corinth and the seat of the oracle at Delphi are within the reach of a day trip. Another highlight is the monasteries above the rock formations at Metéora . For more ideas, see our guide to the Top Tourist Attractions in Greece .

More on Greece

• 15 Attractions In Greece That...

15 Attractions in Greece that Should Be on Every Tourist's List

With its rich history, delicious cuisine, many beaches and countless islands , Greece is always a trendy destination. As such, there are numerous things you ought to see when visiting the Mediterranean country. But if we had to suggest only 15, it would be these.

Acropolis of athens.

Probably the most striking image that comes to mind when one hears the name Athens is the Acropolis, and for good reason. Guarding the city on top of the sacred rock, the Acropolis of Athens is definitely a wondrous site to visit. The Acropolis includes a number of structures such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheion. The Acropolis is undeniably a must-see for any visitor to the Greek capital.

Located in Thessaly, in central Greece, the magnificent site of Meteora has been amazing visitors for centuries. A vast terrain of rock formations, Meteora is known for the dozens of monasteries perched on top of huge boulders. Besides the monasteries, visitors can enjoy a full range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking and kayaking.

The medieval town of Rhodes

The historic heart of Rhodes contains proof of the presence of the famous Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem on the Greek island. The UNESCO-listed site includes cobbled streets, Gothic towers, beautiful churches, and the palace of the Grand Master of the Order, called the Kastelo, which served as an administrative centre and the official residence of leader of the Knights of St John of Rhodes. You will surely have a pleasant time strolling around the streets and admiring the complex Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

A fortified town located on Mount Taygetos in the Peloponnese, Mystras (or Mistras) is located near the town of Sparti. It was a powerful city in the last decades of the Byzantine era, and now consists of an old town surrounded by walls and an imposing palace at the top of the hill. Known today for its beautiful Byzantine churches with striking frescoes, Mystras is now silently surrounded by splendid nature. Visitors can stop by the modern village of Mystras, which features traditional architecture and picturesque little squares.

Ancient Theater of Epidaurus

Half an hour’s drive from the charming town of Nafplio in Argolis, Peloponnese, the ancient theater of Epidaurus awaits. Part of the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of God Asclepius, the theater is one of the most popular touristic attractions in the country. Known for its acoustics , the theater is bordered by lush greenery and serves as a venue for performances and theatre during the Athens-Epidaurus Festival every summer.

Thessaloniki

Located in northern Greece, Thessaloniki is the second biggest city after Athens. Due to its strategic position, it has always been at the intersection of cultures and religions. With several sightseeing attractions, such as UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, Thessaloniki also has Roman monuments, including the Arch of Galerius and the 4th-century Rotunda, and the 15th century White Tower on its waterfront, as well as several museums. For entertainment, make sure to visit Ladadika district, a historical area by the port.

Palace of Knossos

The Minoan Palace of Knossos , on the outskirts of Heraklion in Crete, is a must-see for history buffs. The largest of all Minoan palatial structures, it covers over 20,000 square meters and includes numerous rooms, as well as beautiful and colorful frescoes. It consists of an old palace built around 2000 BCE, which was destroyed by an earthquake, and a newer structure, built immediately after. According to Greek mythology , this is where King Minos kept the half-human, half-bull creature called the Minotaur, which was eventually killed by Athenian prince Theseus.

Corfu Old Town

Located between the Adriatic and Ionians Seas, the island of Corfu , off the coasts of Albania and Greece, is a popular destination in Greece. It’s home to a picturesque Old Town dating from the 8th century. The Old Town has been influenced by Venetian, British, French and Greek culture. It contains beautiful neoclassical mansions, a maze of narrow streets lined with souvenir shops, restaurants and cafés and a few spectacular buildings and squares, as well as three forts.

Melissani Cave, Kefalonia

Kefalonia , or Cephalonia, is an Ionian island south of Corfu. It has splendid beaches, lush vegetation and a delicious local cuisine. One of the many wonders of the island is Melissani Cave , 10 kilometers from the main city, Argostoli. The cave is home to an underground lake and features an opening on to p that lets the light inside and gives the impression that boats are actually floating in the air. Even though the tour lasts only 15 minutes, we guarantee you will remember the experience for a long time.

One of the most important archaeological, historical and mythological sites in Greece, Delos is a tiny island covered by an open-air museum off the coast of Mykonos in the Cyclades. Mythology has it that Apollo and Artemis were born on the island, and as such, no mortals have been allowed to be born or be buried on the sacred island. Throughout the country, there is no other place that has as many artifacts from the Archaic, the Classical, and the Hellenistic eras. All in all, a visit to the island is more than just admiring history–it is actually experiencing it.

Little Venice, Mykonos

Known as the Greek Ibiza, Mykonos is a favorite summer hotspot for A-list celebrities, partygoers and sun worshippers, with its plethora of beach bars and clubs, world-class restaurants and high-end boutiques. Our favorite spot on the island though is Little Venice , the westernmost part of Mykonos town. With houses built directly on the coast edge and balconies hanging over the water, spectacular views and delicious waterfront dining.

This little town in the Argolis region, in the Peloponnese, is often a surprise to visitors. The first capital of the Greek state after it gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire, this charming hamlet is well-known across the country as one of the most romantic spots. Wander through small streets bordered by neoclassical mansions covered with hanging bougainvillea; admire hidden churches and stop for refreshing beverages at beautiful cafés and bars. If you can, climb up the stairs to the 18th-century citadel to watch the sunset and enjoy panoramic views over the Gulf.

It’s impossible not to mention Santorini , a volcanic island in the Cyclades. With its striking caldera, beautiful villages, ancient sites and extensive wine-making expertise, the island should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you can, make sure to visit the island during the off-season to really enjoy it without crowds of tourists.

Gateway to the Greek islands, Athens is cosmopolitan and somewhat chaotic, modern and ancient at the same time. It’s perfect for a city trip, and blends its rich past with a laid-back attitude. Blessed with everything a modern city needs, the Greek capital will show its many faces to the discerning visitor.

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Five Best Cities And Places To Visit In Greece

In southeastern Europe lies the beautiful gem of a country Greece, made up of up to 6000 islands and islets, an ancient civilization that everyone learns about in school, and the most delicious cuisine.

If you’re a lover of the crystal blue sea, charming towns like Parga, interesting art museums like the National Gallery, or world-class tourist attractions like the Acropolis, Greece is where you want to spend your holidays.

Kiwi has put together this article filled with the best vacation ideas and spots in Greece to help you out with planning your next trip.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Greece?

If you’re visiting Greece for the weather and the Mediterranean climate, the best time to visit is the summer months of June, July, and August. Temperatures range between 17°C and 33°C depending on what part of the country you visit. Major touristy places in Greece, such as the islands, get very crowded, so the prices of everything are high. Plus, Greece isn’t the cheapest country.

The winter season in Greece is from before Christmas in December to February. While Greece isn’t near as busy in the winter as it is during the summer, people still travel to Greece around this time. Temperatures range between 12°C to 15°C. The further north you go, the colder it gets.

The shoulder seasons in Greece are April to June and September to October. This is a wonderful time to fly to Greece. During these months, the prices of everything are low, so there’s brilliant value there waiting to be taken advantage of.

Athens – The Birthplace Of Western Civilization

The magic of Athens is well documented but often overshadowed by the paradise islands across the ocean. Home to iconic places such as the Acropolis, a hipster cafe culture, and charming districts like Plaka, the Greek capital Athens really does tick all the boxes as a top travel destination.

Athens – What To Do There

Marvel at the Acropolis – Athen’s most visited landmark is, without a doubt, the Acropolis, an ancient citadel sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking the whole capital. The structure dates as far back as the Bronze Age and is made with limestone rock from when dinosaurs were still on the earth.

Check out the Panathenaic Stadium – Dating back to 330 BC, the Panathenaic Stadium is known for hosting the first ceremony of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. In 2004 when Athens hosted the Olympics, the stadium was used as a competing venue.

Walk through Plaka – Sitting under the Acropolis is everyone’s favorite neighborhood, Plaka. Loved for its winding streets dressed with pale green trees and corner shops selling all kinds of crafts and handmade products. If you’re lucky enough, you might find a seat at one of the many restaurants selling the tastiest delights from Greek cuisine.

Must Try Food And Drink When You’re Visiting Athens

Gyros – The epitome of Greek street food is Gyros, a traditional dish consisting of a choice of meat, either chicken, pork, or lamb, pita bread, vegetables, and some sauce of your choice. These tasty snacks only usually cost a couple of euros, but if you buy one at an eatery in a touristy area, they can cost double the price.

Saganaki – This cheese-based appetizer goes down a treat, and almost every traditional Greek restaurant will have it available. It’s made by wrapping a selected cheese in flour, throwing it onto a pan, and frying it for ten minutes. Many Greeks will order Saganaki alongside a tasty Greek salad.

Metaxa – Metaxa is seen as one of the softest liqueurs all over the world. It’s a Greek amber spirit that has a potent taste depending on how old it is, similar to the likes of Brandy. You’ve probably heard of Metaxa before, as it’s sold in over 50 countries and enjoyed by many liqueur connoisseurs.

Tips For Visiting Athens

• If you’re an EU citizen under the age of 24, you’ll be able to access the Acropolis for free.
• Be careful when walking over pedestrians’ crosses. Most drivers in Athens don’t acknowledge them. They’ll just keep driving without any warning.
• Don’t flush your toilet roll down the toilet. Greeks take this very seriously. There will always be a bin in the bathrooms which you can use to dispose of any tissues.

Corfu – One Of The Warmest Destinations Popular Among Families

Corfu is one of Greece’s largest islands, situated off the northwest of the country in the Adriatic Sea. Visitors who make the trip to this beautiful place will be treated to a lush coastline, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage that’s evident wherever you go.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Corfu

Spend the day at Agni Bay – Hidden away on the north coast of Corfu is the delightful pebbled Agni Bay. Swim in aqua waters, join a snorkeling trip to scout out marine life and finish up the day with your favorite ice cream while watching the sun go down.

Snap some great shots at Cape Drastis – At the northwesternmost tip of Corfu is gorgeous Cape Drastis, a set of weirdly shaped cliffs with small sea caves and enticing sandy bays. The best views are from the neighboring viewpoint near Peroulades Village; alternatively, you can take a boat trip there if the weather is nice.

Hit the clubs at Kavos – The seaside village of Corfu is famed for its vibrant nightlife scene, with bustling bars, beach clubs, and nightclubs blaring the loudest music and serving the strongest drinks. It’s an area popular among young adults between the ages of 18 – 30 and has some lovely resorts if you want to party when you’re in Greece.

The Best Food And Drinks To Try In Corfu

Pastitsada – If you want to eat what the locals like, you have to try Pastitsada, a pasta-based dish topped with slow-cooked beef with spicy gravy and tomato sauce. The popular plate is usually eaten as a part of Sunday Dinner in Corfu.

Sofrito – While this dish might have an Italian name, it’s eaten and loved by almost everyone in Corfu. The name Sofrito translates to “sauteed” and is made with pan-fried veal in white wine with olive oil, fresh herbs, and kakavilia. If you’d like to add a scrumptious side, mashed potatoes or fava beans go well with Sofrito.

What To Know Before Visiting Corfu

• The public transport system in Corfu isn’t great. If you want to get around easily, consider hiring a moped or a car.
• Wear comfortable shoes wherever you go. Corfu is a hilly island, so you’re going to find yourself walking uphill more often than not.

Santorini – The Ideal Location For Honeymoons And Couples

This stunning island in the Aegean Sea is arguably one of the most awe-inspiring locations in the world. Think of multicolored rolling hills, bright white Cycladic villages, and boutique wineries; that’s what Santorini is made of. While Santorini is a top place to go for honeymoons, you’ll have a fantastic time regardless of your travel tastes.

Things To Do For Tourists In Santorini

Take a tour of Nea Kameni – In the center of the Santorini Caldera is the uninhabited island of Nea Kameni, made up of black lava rock formed after a number of eruptions in the area. Day trips operate daily from Fira or Athinios ports, and on a good day from the top of the island, you’ll be able to see steam coming from the Georgios crater.

Walk around Imerovigli – The traditional settlement of Imerovigli is one of the cool places to go on the island to go see the white-painted Cycladic houses that Santorini is known for. Because of Imerovigli’s distinct location on the edge of a cliff, when you go there, you’ll be treated to mesmerizing seaside views.

Visit Skaros Rock – Skaros Rock is a huge, unique rock formation created from a volcanic eruption shaped by erosion and earthquakes before the blast. There’s a set of ancient Greek ruins on top of the Skaros Rock that was destroyed by an earthquake in the 19th century; you can still see the remains today.

Must Try Food And Drinks In Santorini

Tomatokeftedes – The Greek appetizer Tomatokeftedes can be found throughout the country, but because Santorini is where it was invented, you have to try it there. This snack is made with crushed tomatoes, and then they’re fried in oil. Simple, yet oh-so-good.

Assyrtiko – Assyrtiko is a well-known Greek white wine that was first made on Santorini but has since broken out all over the country, and nobody is complaining. Its taste is a little bit citrusy but still provides that white wine kick that drinks crave.

What To Know Before Visiting Santorini

• Hotels with views of the Caldera are extremely high priced. The cheapest neighborhood to check out when booking one is Fira.
• While some people will tell you the ferry is the cheapest way to get to Santorini, sometimes it’s not. Additionally, if you factor in the 5-8 hour journey, it’s really not worth it when you can fly there from the mainland.

Crete – One Of The Warm Places For Sun Lovers

Crete is the biggest island in Greece in terms of population and land area and has something for everyone, whether you want to spend your time away on sandy beaches like Elafonisi Beach or wandering through cities like Chania. You’ll need more than a few days if you would like to explore all corners of Crete, as there’s so much to do.

Which Are The Attractions In Crete That Everyone Will Love?

Lounge by Elafonisi Beach – The postcard-like Elafonisi Beach sits on the channel Elafonisi and mainland Crete and is highly regarded as the top beach to visit in Crete to visit. What makes Elafonisi Beach stand out is the pink sand in some areas that have been formed from thousands of broken seashells over many years.

Grab a coffee by Lake Voulismeni – The astounding Lake Voulismeni is the perfect place to head for a coffee break on a day of exploring. It’s an area surrounded by vibrant restaurants and coffee shops and is well sought after by local fishermen looking to get their hands on a catch.

Visit the Aquaworld Aquarium – One of the three aquariums in Greece is the Aquaworld Aquarium in Crete. Small in size but offers visitors a unique insight into the aqua world. Watch octopuses go about their daily lives, admire tortoises, and overcome your fear of snakes by wrapping one around your neck.

What To Eat And Drink In Crete

Cretan Cheese – Whatever villages you visit in Crete, one thing they’ll all have in common is that they have their own Cheese. Often made with either goat or sheep milk, Cretan Cheese tastes lovely on top of a Greek salad or on a toasted sandwich.

Mournoraki – Mournoraki is a rare spirit made from black mulberries and will often be offered to you as a welcome drink. Getting your hands on some may be difficult as it’s considered a delicacy, and if you do, you’ll have to pay quite a substantial amount even for a shot.

What You Should Know Before Going To Crete

• Download the Crete offline map before arriving. In some areas of the island, service is scarce, so you might find yourself dropping signal when you’re out and about, especially in the mountains.
• After finishing up your meal, make sure you leave a tip behind. Tipping is more of a thing in Crete than in other parts of the country because the economy there is heavily reliant on tourism.

Ioannina – One Of The Places To Travel In Greece To Escape The Crowds

One location on the Greek mainland that doesn’t see near the number of tourists as the islands do is the lovely city of Ioannina. Situated on the banks of Lake Pamvotida, Ioannina is a hidden gem undiscovered by many and has a fantastic culinary scene that every foodie will love. But what makes this secret treasure so special and worth visiting? Keep scrolling to find out.

Activities To Do And Things To Experience In Ioannina

Immerse yourself in nature by the Voidomatis river – Flowing through quaint villages and lush green forests in Ioannina, the Voidomatis river is one of the calmest spots in Greece. Whether you just want to relax for the day or participate in various water sports like canoeing or canyoning, the Voidomatis river is the perfect place to do so.

Wander around Ioannina Castle – In the southeastern part of the city is Ioannina Castle, dating all the way back to the Ottoman period. History buffs can enter the grounds for as little as three euros and spend hours learning about the structure’s history and significance.

Go inside the Cave of Perama – Touring the Cave of Perama should be on everyone’s Ioannina bucket list. Admire massive caverns and impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and pillars. You can only go in as far as one kilometer, but what you’ll see within that time will still have you in awe.

What Visitors Should Eat And Drink When They Visit Ioannina

Greek Salad – It’s true when people say that Greeks enjoy a Greek Salad with almost every meal, and could you blame them? Greek Salads are a combination of cucumber, olives, onions, tomatoes, and sprinkled with some feta cheese. For the dressing, you’ll be served a Greek vinaigrette made from olive oil, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.

Ouza – Every bar in Ioannina and all over Greece will have Ouza, a traditional Greek grape-based liqueur made with coriander, water, fennel, aniseed, and other types of herbs. If you get into a bit of a drinking session with a Greek and this stuff comes out, you won’t be getting home until the early hours of the following morning.

Top Tips That Anyone Visiting Ioannina Should Know

• Beware of notorious pickpockets operating around the top tourist attractions in Ioannina. Some opportunists tend to congregate around the city’s main sights in the hope of stealing things from travelers who aren’t aware.
• Ioannina city doesn’t have a train station. The best way to get there is by taking an intercity bus.

Want more interesting tips and information on traveling? Read more Kiwi.com articles!

• Introduction

Frequently asked questions

Here at Kiwi.com, our aim is to provide our customers with access to their dream travel destinations. We find our customer's low-cost fares online with our crafty travel hacks and technology that other flight search websites won't show you.

To start planning your dream vacation, visit our Greece destination page, select which location you plan on flying into, and we'll give you endless fantastic flight options on the dates you want to travel.

What a lot of people do when they visit Greece is going island hopping. If this is your plan, you should pick a couple of islands and explore them in depth for two weeks, but not too many, or you'll end up exhausted.

As for people who want to travel to the mainland as well as some islands, you should give yourself around a month, depending on whereabouts you want to go.

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8 Best Tourist Attractions In Greece

Tourist Attractions in Greece – Greece is one of the best choices for the holidays. In Greece, there are over sixty Islands, historic sites-four thousand years, beautiful beaches, and the towering mountains. There are a wide variety of attractions in Greece you can exploration. Greece is one of the most popular tourist places in the world. Throughout Greece, there are many historical ruins that are the remnants of ancient civilizations, and various churches and medieval buildings. Greece offers absolutely stunning getaway for everyone.

8 Best Tourist Attractions in Greece:

Santorini Island, Greece

1. Santorini Santorini is the attractions in Greece that is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of islands of Greece. This place is famous for its fantastic scenery, stunning sunsets, white houses are often laundered. Fira is Santorini’s capital, and this place is the Venetian and Cycladic architecture of the marriage. Santorini has a white stone Street, the bustle of visitors who buy souvenirs in the shops, as well as hotels and cafes. The most remarkable of this place is its sticking to the edge of a cliff as high as 400 meters (1,300 ft).

Mykonos Island, Greece

2. Mykonos Mykonos attractions popular among cosmopolitan islands of Greece and was widely acclaimed as one of the tourist attractions in Greece. Mykonos town (Chora) is a stunning white town with small streets and whitewashed in various line the streets. This place is also famous for its beaches and nightlife are diverse and intense as you can see in the many bars and nightclubs.

Delphi, Tholos

3. Delphi In ancient times, Delphi is home to the shrine and oracle of Apollo in the religion of Greece. The ancient theater of Delphi was built on a hill, which gives the audience the view throughout the sanctuary and spectacular views. Attractions in Greece it was originally built with only 4 seats, and could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. Now this place is one of the major tourist attractions in Greece.

Chalkidiki, Greece

4. Mount Athos Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece. The easternmost peninsula there is a large building and is home to approximately 1,400 monks in Eastern Orthodox monasteries. These places include the autonomous State under the sovereignty of Greece, tourists who go into Mount Athos are strictly controlled, and only men are allowed in for a visit to one of the tourist attractions in Greece.

Rhodes Island, Greece

5. Lindos Lindos is a village of the middle ages on the island of Rhodes, which consists of various streets in the middle of the whitewashed houses. From the top of the Acropolis in Lindos, offering views of the Harbour and surrounding coastline. Lindos Beach and the beach of Saint Pauls are only a short distance from the city center. Attractions in Greece is very popular and very much visited by tourists each year.

Athens Greece

6. Parthenon Parthenon is on top of the Acropolis, and one of the attractions of Greece’s most famous, and a visit to Athens will not be complete without visiting this temple. The construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BC, to replace the old temple which was destroyed by the Persians. During the history of the Parthenon, the temple has long functioned as a temple, fortress, Church, mosques in various different periods.

Myrtos Beach Kefalonia

7. Myrtos Beach Located in the North-West of Kefalonia Myrtos beach is a tourist spot in Greece are popular because of the color of the water is magical. Blue and turquoise contrast sharply with the bright white of the sea, as well as marble pebbles along the coast. The mountains are steep and high cliffs behind the beach of Myrtos increasingly add to the beauty of this beach. For all this beauty, Myrtos has previously been 12 times awarded as the best beach in Greece.

Meteora Greece

8. Meteora Meteora (hovering in the air) is in the Centre of Greece which is a collection of six amazing monasteries located above some of the pillars of stone. The first monastery in Meteora was built in the 14th century. Access to the monasteries it deliberately difficult, because it requires a long staircase or large nets used to transport goods and people. Attractions in Greece this is fabulous, especially if You watch the scenery from the top of the monasteries.

Source:  Tours-destination.com

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