Greece is a country with a rich history and culture, stunning landscapes, and beautiful islands. It's no wonder that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you are planning a trip to Greece, these are the top 10 best and most popular places you must visit.
Introduction
With its ancient ruins, white-washed villages, sunny islands, and mouth-watering cuisine, Greece has something to offer every type of traveler. The Greek mainland and islands are filled with fascinating historical sites that allow you to step back in time to Classical Greece, Byzantine Greece, and beyond. But Greece also has lively modern cities, spectacular beaches, and majestic mountains waiting to be explored.
Choosing where to go in Greece can be overwhelming with so many options. To help you plan your ideal Greek getaway, here are the top 10 most popular places to visit in Greece.
1. Athens
As the capital and largest city of Greece, Athens is a bustling metropolis filled with ancient ruins and history. A visit to Athens is incomplete without seeing the Acropolis, an ancient citadel located on a hill overlooking the city. Crowned by the iconic Parthenon temple, the Acropolis is one of the most famous ancient sites in the world.
Other top attractions in Athens include the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Take time to wander through colorful neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki to experience modern Athens. And be sure to try local street food favorites like souvlaki and spanakopita.
2. Santorini
Known for its sweeping views of the sea and stunning sunsets, the island of Santorini is arguably Greece's most beautiful island. Whitewashed villages with bright blue domed churches spill down the sides of the volcanic caldera rim overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Some of the top things to do in Santorini include visiting the villages of Oia and Fira, hiking between villages along the caldera rim, and sampling the island's wines. Don't miss the chance to take in a sunset while in Santorini - it's an unforgettable experience. Boat tours take you to the center of the caldera and to lesser-visited hot springs off the island's shores.
3. Mykonos
Famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is Greece's most glamorous island. Located in the Cyclades island group, Mykonos attracts an international crowds to its picturesque whitewashed villages, chic shops and restaurants, and long sandy beaches.
In Mykonos Town, don't miss seeing the iconic row of 16th century windmills overlooking Little Venice, an 18th century section along the waterfront known for its whitewashed buildings and chic cafes. Beach clubs dot Mykonos' coastline, while an inland network of lanes reveals charming churches and boutiques. Mykonos is easily accessible by ferry from Athens and other Greek islands.
4. Meteora
The magnificent Meteora monasteries are one of the most unique sights in Greece. Perched atop towering rock pinnacles in central Greece, these medieval Eastern Orthodox monasteries look like they're suspended in mid-air.
Getting to these monasteries involves climbing steep steps carved into the pinnacles. Inside the monasteries, you'll find exquisite Byzantine art and interiors. Don't miss visiting some of the main monasteries like Varlaam Monastery and Holy Trinity Monastery to see these feats of engineering and devotion firsthand. Hiking in the natural park below offers scenic trails between pinnacles and monasteries.
5. Delphi
Once considered the center of the ancient world, Delphi was the site of the most important oracle of Ancient Greece. Today you can walk among the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo and the iconic Treasury of Athens building. Gaze up at the steep wooded slopes of Mount Parnassos as you explore the temples and stadiums of this sacred site overlooking the sea.
Make sure to visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to see ancient treasures discovered at the sanctuary. Nearby you can also visit the Temple of Apollo at Ancient Delphi. Set amidst stunning scenery, Delphi is one of mainland Greece's can't miss attractions.
6. Rhodes
The island of Rhodes owes its famous landmarks and medieval character to its strategic location and the knights who once ruled here. Wander around Rhodes Town to see its imposing palace of the grand masters and impressive medieval city walls. Then head to the island's west coast to explore the ancient city of Lindos, set on a bluff above the sea and watched over by an acropolis.
Rhodes has a wealth of ancient history and natural beauty to experience. With its sunny climate and mix of modern luxury and old world charm, you'll find plenty to love about this Dodecanese island gem.
7. Naxos
With its gorgeous beaches, traditional villages, ancient sites, and fertile interior valleys, Naxos has something for every type of traveler. Naxos Town charms with its historic castle area, winding lanes, and waterfront filled with restaurants and shops. Rent a car to explore the island's tranquil villages, Byzantine churches, and the ruins at Temple of Demeter.
Don't miss visiting the Portara, an ancient Greek gate that overlooks the island's largest town. Hikers enjoy walking trails through the island's interior hills and valleys. With great vineyards, cheeses, and produce, Naxos is also a great Greek island for food lovers to visit.
8. Crete
As Greece's largest island, Crete feels like its own diverse continent. Here you'll find palm-fringed beaches, charming towns, and ancient sites like the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Coastal cities like Chania and Rethymnon reveal Venetian and Ottoman influences in their harbors, fortresses, and old town quarters.
Inland lies the mountains and caves where the Minotaur roamed in mythology. No trip to Crete is complete without tasting local culinary specialties like olive oil, cheese, raki, and honey. With so much natural and cultural diversity, Crete deserves a spot high up on your Greek islands bucket list.
9. Corfu
The lush green island of Corfu owes its unique appearance to centuries under Venetian rule. Corfu Town impresses visitors with historic fortresses, winding medieval lanes, and elegant architecture reminiscent of Venice.
With so many beaches around Corfu, finding your perfect stretch of sand for relaxation is easy. Don't miss the scenic Paleokastritsa Monastery on Corfu's northwestern coast surrounded by cliffs and crystal waters. A stay in a traditional countryside estate immerses you in the island's way of life. From Corfu Town to the coastal villages scattered around the island, Corfu charms travelers with its blend of Italian and Greek influences.
10. Olympus
Home of the ancient Greek gods, Mount Olympus and its surrounding national park is the perfect destination for nature lovers. The tallest mountain in Greece soars over 9,000 feet high and offers incredible hiking opportunities through lush forests and up rocky peaks. The lower slopes provide scenic areas for picnicking and exploring small traditional villages.
Ancient sites like the Temple of Zeus nestle amidst the national park's natural beauty. Look for wildlife like deer and rare birds as you hike past gorgeous waterfalls and rivers flowing from Mt. Olympus year-round snow fields. Mt. Olympus offers an awe-inspiring look at some of Greece's best scenery.
Conclusion
From ancient ruins and cosmopolitan cities to sunny islands and mountains, Greece delivers an epic diversity of destinations. A trip to Greece lets you immerse yourself in fascinating history and culture while enjoying gorgeous scenery and delicious cuisine.
Whether it's your first time visiting Greece or you're returning to see more, this list of the top 10 destinations covers the essential places you should visit. Which amazing Greek locale will you explore next? The only hard part is deciding where to start! With so many enticing choices, you're sure to plan an unforgettable Greek getaway.