Best places to visit in Greece
- Παναγιώτης Καρακικές
- Oct 23, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2021
Greece is for sure one of the most beautiful countries you can visit. Ancient monuments, stunning landscapes, crystal clear water and warm summer sun are some of the things that make Greece so beautiful. The problem is there are so many nice places to visit that you cant pick the best. That's why i made a list of the top 15 places you MUST visit in Greece!
Jump to category:
Historical Locations
1. Acropolis
Of course number one historical location is the Acropolis of Athens. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. If you are a history lover, Acropolis is undoubtedly a must see!
2. Knossos
Τhe Minoan ruins of Knossos couldn't be missing from this list. This relic of the bronze age was once home to the mighty Minoan civilization which dominated the region over 5000 years ago. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. If you are going to Crete you should consider visiting Knossos for sure!
3. Delphi
Here is another destination for history lovers. Delphi, the religious centre of the ancient world still clings on even today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place that drew people (even kings) to hear the words of the Oracle. Delphi is now an extensive archaeological site, and since 1938 a part of Parnassos National Park. Adjacent to the sacred precinct is a small modern town of the same name.
4. Olympia
Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is another one of the places to visit in Greece which is carved into history. Located in the hallowed Valley of the Gods, it is still possible to see the ancient stadium and training grounds of the Olympians. At that time, Olympia would’ve been one of the best cities to visit in Greece.
Stunning Landscapes
5. Mount Olympus
If you are going to Greece for it's beautiful landscapes you absolutely can't miss Olympus. It is the highest mountain in Greece, located in the Olympus Range on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks and deep gorges. The highest peak, Mytikas, meaning "nose", rises to 2,917 metres and it is one of the highest peaks in Europe in terms of topographic prominence. Olympus is notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods, on Mytikas peak. It has been a National Park, the first in Greece, since 1938. It is also a World Biosphere Reserve.
6. Meteora
Meteora is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece, and Europe as a whole! Located in the heart of northern Greece, Meteora is home to some of the world’s most spectacular Orthodox churches. This is a land where fingers of stone reach for the heavens, with Orthodox monasteries perched precariously on the tips. A land where people live in the sky and still worship God with a passion of a bygone age. Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, Meteora is a place that will make you gasp in wonder.
7. Zagori
Among the beautiful and unique places to visit in Greece is Zagori in northwestern Greece. It is located amidst the mountains including two national parks and 46 unique villages called Zagori villages that are in the shape of an inverted equilateral triangle and connected with stone bridges from medieval times. What makes Zagori special is the dramatic, sprawling unique landscape comprising of gorges like Vikos Gorge from the Astrakas Mountain, lakes, stone bridges including the famous Kalogeriko, hot springs, the beautiful Viodomatis River, and many ancient monasteries.
Beautiful Cities
8. Kastoria
A city in the northern part of the country sitting on the gorgeous Lake Orestiada surrounded by the dramatic limestone mountains, Kastoria is one of the most beautiful places in Greece, which is a hidden gem. It was an important town during the Byzantine empire and that’s why you will many monuments and sites, but Kastoria is home to many beautiful natural wonders too. Whether it is enjoying a quiet stroll along the lake or exploring the ancient history or taking in the blissful bird views during the sunset, Kastoria offers a piece of Greece that you can savour slowly and well on a holiday.
9. Thessaloniki
One of the most beautiful cities in Greece is its second-largest city Thessaloniki, which is surprisingly not on the itinerary of many people. But it should be because there are plenty of awesome things to do in this lovely city, whether it is exploring the colorful old quarter of Ladadika or meandering through the port enjoying the panoramic views of the Aegean coast or getting lost amidst its vast, rich ancient ruins – there is something for everyone in Thessaloniki.
10. Parga
On the mainland in the northwestern part is a pretty coastal town Parga on the Ionian bay, which is one of the prettiest places in Greece. It is a resort town but unlike the towns on the many islands, Parga is mostly without the crowds, making it the perfect place if you are looking for a beach holiday in Greece off the beaten path. You can relax, swim or kayak at the gorgeous beaches of Paralia Valtos, Paralia Lichnos, Sarakiniko, and Piso Krioneri – the most popular beaches. Plan a trip to the lovely Aphrodite’s cave.
Lovely Islands
11. Santorini
Probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Greece, Santorini is the diamond of the Aegean. Thousands are drawn to the beauty of this island every year and leave knowing that there is nowhere else like it. Take a dip in the turquoise waters, walk around the beautiful villages and dine in the fine restaurants, Santorini will steal your heart.
12. Corfu
Corfu is an island located off of the northwest coast of the country. Along with its rich cultural heritage, the island also boasts rugged mountains and some of the best beaches in Greece. Along with white sandy beaches, there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu old town. Here you can find the remains of the Venetian builders and also anti-pirate castles from an age gone by. All in all, Corfu is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and there are endless things to do there.
13. Rhodes
The Island of Rhodes, located off of the southwestern coast of Turkey is one of the Greek Islands’ most visited spots. Rhodes caters to all tastes, from backpackers to the rich and famous, all drawn to this teardrop in the Aegean. Boasting some of the best swimming spots in Greece, Rhodes has the perfect mix of quaint towns, pristine beaches, and archaic history. As you have noticed by now, Greece is the perfect blend of paradise and history with Rhodes being no different. The island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. This kind of history, along with the incredible scenery, nightlife and swimming spots make Rhodes one of the best places to visit in Greece.
14. Mykonos
Among the top places in the country is Mykonos in the Aegean Sea, one of the most beautiful places in Greece known for its fantastic nightlife and spectacular beaches apart from its natural splendor. Mykonos is the place that you should add to your Greece itinerary if you want amazing parties and a perfect beach holiday. But even if you are not a party-goer or a beach dweller, Mykonos boasts of splendid sunset spots, fairytale fishing villages decorated with cobbled streets home to beautiful whitewashed houses, and flower-filled patios.
15. Crete
The largest island in the country, Crete, is one of the most beautiful places in Greece, drawing hundreds of thousands of travelers for its gorgeous beaches, canyons, caves, historical ruins, spectacular towns, delicious food, and tons of activities for everyone. Among the most beautiful places in Crete you should check out are Chania, Rethymno, Knossos, Milia, Apokoronas home to traditional Greece villages full of olive, orange groves, beautifully decorated patios, of lovely buildings along the narrow streets.
*Sources:
Comments