From spectacular beaches and breathtaking archaeological sites to enchanting Greek islands, Greece has it all. So whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or simply looking for a relaxing break, here are the 8 best places to visit in Greece.
One of the most beautiful Greek islands, Santorini has a magical atmosphere that’s hard to beat. It’s renowned for its awe-inspiring sunsets and blue dome churches that will leave you in awe.
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1.Santorini
Santorini is a mystical place filled with spectacular views and idyllic locations. It’s a dreamy place to unwind and take in dramatic vistas of the ocean, whitewashed churches and pastel-washed villages that hug the cliff face.
While the island is known for its stunning sunsets from Oia town, it is also home to ancient city ruins and unique wines. It’s no wonder that Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece and a must-visit on any Greek holiday.
The island is best visited during the shoulder season (April, May, early June, late September and October) when ferries and flights are less crowded. This means lower prices, better weather and fewer tourists in Santorini’s famous viewpoints and hotels.
The main towns of Fira, Oia and Firostefani cling to the 300-metre cliffs on the west side of the caldera. They offer breathtaking views of the sea, volcano and Caldera beyond.
2.Thessaloniki
At the crossroads of East and West, with its thriving Muslim, Jewish, and Christian populations surviving centuries of turmoil, Thessaloniki (pronounced “ni” by locals) is a fascinating and dynamic city that offers plenty to see. From medieval castles and Ottoman monuments to a plethora of Byzantine and Roman landmarks, Thessaloniki is rich in history and culture.
Thessaloniki is known for its cosmopolitan charm, and it’s easy to find something to suit your tastes. From bustling nightlife to delicious Greek food and local specialties, there’s much to discover.
There’s a wealth of history to explore, from the stunning Arch of Galerius and Rotunda to the Church of St. Demetrios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts incredible mosaics and vaulted recesses.
The White Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and a walk along the waterfront promenade will take you right to it. It’s a popular spot for photography, as you can admire the regal architecture and the surrounding scenery of the Thermaikos Gulf.
3.Mykonos
For a cosmopolitan holiday with perfect beaches, legendary parties and dreamy hotels, Mykonos is the place. Located in the Cyclades island group, it’s been a coveted summer getaway for jet-setters since the 1960s.
Aside from the beaches, this island’s famed cosmopolitan flair extends to the capital, Hora (known as Mykonos Town on the islands). It’s a fantasyland of whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, upscale shops and tiny blue and red domed churches, a great place for strolling around.
You’ll also find plenty of renowned restaurants, bars and clubs to explore. You’ll also want to visit Panagia Paraportiani Church, the Castle on a hill overlooking the harbour, and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera.
Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Delos, an impressive archaeological site on a nearby island with beautiful swimming spots. Shoulder season (April to early June, late September and October) is a good time to go, with hotel prices much lower and the beach less crowded.
4.Crete.
Crete is one of the largest Greek islands and is home to all sorts of attractions, including scenic mountains for hiking, alluring beaches for soaking up the sun, dramatic caves, gorges, picturesque villages and more. The island has a rich history and is an ideal place for exploring the ancient world.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love spending some time in the capital city of Heraklion, as it’s home to some of the island’s most important archaeological sites and settlements. It also offers plenty of things to do, such as visiting Minoan ruins and taking a boat trip to Elafonisi Island.
The most popular resort towns on the island are Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, both of which are lovely to visit, though they can get a little busy in peak season. However, you’ll find a few other beaches in the area that are much quieter and less crowded, such as the tiny beach of Seitan Limania.
There are a number of other interesting places to see on the island, including many churches. The variety of architecture is amazing, with examples ranging from Byzantine churches to Venetian fortresses and castles.
5.Archaeological Site Of Delphi.
Delphi is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece. The ancient site was the “centre of the world” for the Greeks, and it’s still a beautiful place to visit today.
The ancient city had a number of important buildings, including the Sacred Way and the temples of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. It was also the site of the Pythian Games, which were held every four years in honour of Apollo’s slaying of the Python Dragon.
While the ruins are not as stunning as those of Delos or the Acropolis, they still convey the ancient importance of this site. A visit here is truly an experience, and you should make sure to spend a few hours exploring the whole site, especially if you are planning on visiting in the summer.
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is also a must see, as it contains many great artefacts from the site, such as the Charioteer. This statue was created in 478 or 474 BC, and is one of the most important examples of athletic art from antiquity.
6.Corfu Island.
Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu Island is an emerald-coloured paradise. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the island is the perfect European island escape.
While the resort-studded coastline is a popular draw, there are also large stretches of unspoilt beaches and hiking trails on offer in the hinterland. The landscape is dotted with traditional villages, a number of Venetian fortresses and a rich cultural heritage that dates back to years under the rule of Venetian, French and British dynasties.
Summer is the most popular season to visit Corfu, as it offers ideal weather conditions and plenty of sunshine for a relaxing beach break. It’s also a great time to catch the spectacular sunset, as the Ionian Sea glows in a range of colors.
Autumn is another wonderful season to explore Corfu’s countryside. The verdurous vegetation of the island will enchant you in this time of year and the captivating colours of the wild flowers and the breathtaking scenery will make your vacation even more enjoyable.
7.Archaeological Site Of Ancient Mycenae.
The Archaeological Site Of Ancient Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, and UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. It is located in the Peloponnese, approximately 100 km southeast of Athens.
Mycenae was the main center of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated mainland Greece and the Aegean islands for nearly four hundred years between the 16th and 12th centuries BCE. It was a highly advanced culture, and its citadel was the focal point of communication routes and the most protected community in the area.
During this time, it was also the birthplace of a unique writing system called Linear B. This script was a combination of symbols that represented the basic sounds in Greek.
There are many fascinating finds from Mycenae, including a variety of ceramic forms and examples of sophisticated metal work. These are exhibited at the adjacent Mycenae Museum.
Although Mycenae is now largely abandoned, there are some impressive remains within the walls, such as the Lion Gate and Cyclopean Walls. In addition, there are tombs outside the citadel walls that are well-preserved and provide a glimpse of life in Mycenae.
8.Athens
Athens is an iconic city with a rich history that’s waiting to be explored. It’s a capital that has plenty to offer visitors, from archaeological sites and museums to modern street art.
The city is also home to some of the world’s most renowned art galleries. The National Gallery, for example, is filled with exhibitions of Greek and international artists.
Another important site is the Acropolis, which is a fortified hill that’s home to the most famous temple in Greece: the Parthenon. Here you’ll find other important attractions, such as the Erechtheion and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which were once used for performances by famous musicians.
The city is also home to the Ancient Agora, the center of public life in ancient Athens. It’s where citizens gathered to socialize, conduct business and debate politics.