There’s plenty to explore. From the western Ionian islands – which include Kefalonia and Corfu – to the Aegean Sea, which is home to Mykonos, Santorini, Kos, and Rhodes, among others. Then, to the south, there is the pre-Hellenic Minoan culture of Crete. Back on the mainland, there is scenery fit for the gods aplenty. Meteora monastery, Delphi ruins, and, most famously, Athens and its iconic Parthenon. The following is a list of the top places to visit in Greece:
1. Greek Islands
Every year, the gorgeous and exotic Greek islands attract many tourists, making it a top destination on the world stage. With more than 2,000 islands to choose from, their number and variety can initially be confused. The Greek islands have everything from magnificent beaches, old ruins, colorful ports, and lively volcanoes.
Santorini is part of the Cyclades group and certainly one of the most picturesque islands in Greece. Mykonos also features a modern and cosmopolitan society mixed with traditional whitewashed houses and labyrinthine roads in part of the Cyclades. Rhodes is the capital and largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago, located in the Aegean Sea, on the coast of the Republic of Turkey, popular for its great beaches and its historical relevance. Corfu was controlled by many foreign forces, particularly by the Venetians and the British, the northernmost part of Greece’s the Ionian Islands, and is reflecting on the island’s culture and its architecture.
2. Athens
Athens, which has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, is widely recognized as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The city is a perplexing mash-up of historical and modern elements. Athens is renowned for its archaeological ruins and monuments, which include the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and the Theatre of Dionysos.
Athens, on the other hand, is not solely about ancient ruins. This bustling city is also a significant business, cultural, and nightlife center.
3. Crete
Crete is a spacious island where the countryside varies from pristine beaches to craggy mountains dotted with olive trees.
Rural areas flourish around outdoor coffee shops in bustling cities as well. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited locations, Cretan history dates back thousands of years.
4. Meteora
Meteora means “suspended in the air,” and these striking cliffs soar more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) into the air above the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north-central mainland of Greece.
Cradled along the summits are the historically important monasteries. Medieval monasteries such as Meteora were constructed by monks seeking both spiritual and physical freedom from religious persecution.
5. Delphi
Delphi is also one of Greece’s most popular archaeological sites. The site of Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was once revered by the ancient Greeks as the center of the Earth. The oracle, Delphi, was dedicated to Apollo.
People have done so for generations, seeking counsel from the priestess for topics such as farming, relationships, and politics. An enormous number of ruined structures and ruins are located at Delphi, and many of these are connected to the temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the stadium, and the hippodrome that used to host the Pythian Games.
6. Peloponnese
Peloponnese was traditionally known as Morea, which is like a large sheet, which means mulberry leaf. Peloponnese is the broad peninsula connected with the mainland by the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, located in the southernmost region of both Europe and Greece.
The ancient cultures and historical events of the village of Peloponnesus are interspersed with classical Greek temples, the fortresses of Veneto, byzantine churches, and Mycenaean palaces. Olympia, which hosted the first Olympic Games in honor of Zeus was among these ancient ruins.
7. Halkidiki
Halkidiki is a trident-shaped peninsula located near Thessaloniki. It is known for its superb beaches. The three distinct peninsulas are as follows: Kassandra is known for its nightlife, Sithonia for its beaches, and Athos for its monks.
Kassandra is more developed due to its proximity to Thessaloniki, but Sithonia is more tranquil, with campgrounds, secluded coves, and crystal clear waters. Both are popular with tourists from Greece and Eastern Europe. Much of the easternmost peninsula is occupied by the monastic community of Mount Athos. It is only accessible by boat and is restricted to male pilgrims.
8. Zagori
Zagori is a beautiful natural area in northwest Greece, characterized by stunning geology and two parks. Its lush forests and craggy mountains are carved by powerful rivers and dotted with ancient communities, many of which feature late-eighteenth-century great stone mansions.
The most enjoyable way to experience the area is to hike the numerous pathways that connect the communities. The most approachable and rewarding destination is the magnificent Vkos Gorge.
9. Thessaloniki
The second biggest city in Greece is Thessaloniki and the capital of northern Greece’s Macedonian region. This city is the cultural capital of Greece by live festivals, social events, and lively nightlife.
Consisting of the historical heart of the city and the commercial sector, Thessaloniki provides new and old attractions to colorful food markets, museums, and art galleries from its Byzantine walls, White Tower and Turks. The nightlife in Thessaloniki is unparalleled. Thessaloniki provides everything from little tavernas to nightclubs and other entertainment locations.
10. Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion is situated at the southern extremity of the Attica Peninsula, the location of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, god of the sea. Cape Sounion is best known.
The ruins are on the headland, three sides of the sea encompassed by them. The place is a popular Athens day excursion with a view from the ruins of sunset over the Aegean Sea, a spectacular spectacle.