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If you are looking for a beautiful place to explore, you should visit Greece. A place known for its mythology, the Greek gods do not need any introduction. Even though Greece has a tremendous amount of history, it also has beautiful sites to see.
Some places are simply awe-inspiring. There are lots of gorgeous landscapes, delicious food, and locals who would be happy to show you around. It is also a relatively inexpensive place to visit once you get there. If you want to collect some stories to share with other people, you should visit Greece.
With so many islands to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down your list of must-visit Greece destinations. We’ve done our best to highlight the best and most diverse places, giving you 27 incredible places in Greece you need to visit.
1. Athens
Of course, if you are planning a visit to Greece, you should start with Athens. Athens is one of the best places to go if you are interested in modern vibes and amenities. You should explore Athens because it has gorgeous parks, plenty of transportation options, and friendly people.
The subways make it easy to get around, but even in this modern world, the mythology is still present. The juxtaposition of modernist architecture and ancient history is on display in Athens. During your visit, you should explore the Temple of Parthenon, the ancient Agora, the neighborhood of Plaka, the National Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis, and the ancient Greek template of the Erectheum. You should plan on spending multiple days in Athens.
2. Santorini
Santorini is synonymous with Greece. It is known for its gorgeous blue and white architecture, and it looks a bit like something out of a fairy tale. There are lots of spiral pathways, plenty of blue water, and tall sapphire domes. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece, and for good reason.
While most people who visit Santorini absolutely rave about it as the perfect romantic destination, some people claim it’s gotten overly crowded in the past few years. If you still want to visit, I suggest booking your trip during the shoulder of off season. That way you can soak up the views without fighting for space.
While in Santorini, you may want to visit the Santo Winery, Perissa Beach, the Santorini volcano, and the unique ruins of Ancient Thera. You may also want to explore the Fira Hiking Trail before taking in a gorgeous sunset in Amoudi Bay. For more adventurous travelers, see Santorini from above while skydiving.
3. Rethymnon
This is a beautiful old Venetian town that regularly attracts visitors from all over the world. The architecture in Rethymnon dates back to the sixteenth century, and it has a lot of old European influences dropped among the ancient Greek architecture. There are lots of magical waterfalls that are perfect for romantic dates, and there are lots of delicious restaurants, or tavernas, to grab a bite to eat.
You should definitely visit the Cave Church of St. Anthony Gorge during your vacation. You may also want to swing by the Rethymno Military Museum, the Venetian Fortezza, and the Moni Prevelie Monastery during your trip to this beautiful town.
4. Delos
Delos is where Apollo and Artemis were born. It is a beautiful island off the coast of Greece, and there are plenty of legends that are associated with this city. It is still a sacred site, even though the bulk of the town was destroyed in 88 BC. You might want to sign up for a tour if you want to learn as much as you can about the history of the cycladic islands.
5. Mykonos
When people think about Mykonos, they usually think about the gorgeous windmills. There are lots of meandering streets on the island, and the beautiful windmills have become synonymous with this location.
You can take a gondola ride at Little Venice and explore the Aegean Maritime Museum. For some fun in the sun, spend some time lounging at Kalafatis Beach. You may also want to take in some beautiful views from the Armenistis Lighthouse and explore the unique architecture at the Church of Paraportiani. Regardless of how you spend your time in Mykonos, don’t overlook trying some of the local delicacies. Crab in particular is a common meal item that you should definitely try.
6. Hersonissos
Do not overlook Hersonissos, which is a beautiful old port town. It is a popular place for people looking to go on a family vacation, and it is known for its beautiful amusement parks. It has plenty of museums, lots of delicious restaurants, and numerous shopping opportunities.
While you are there, swing by the Cave of Zeus, visit the Cretan Farm, and explore the Star Beach Water Park. You might also want to spend some time visiting the Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre or the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum.
7. Apokoronas
For the best food in the area, you should swing by Apokoronas. I don’t know about you, but to me, Greek food is one of the best cuisines on the planet and this is where you can really indulge. This is a location that is known for its delicious cheese tasting and freshly baked bread. You can enjoy it all while gazing out at the clear blue water off the coast.
It is not nearly as popular as some of the other cities on this list, so if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, this one’s for you. Do not forget to spend some time on Lake Kournas. You can also sign up for a few cooking lessons in Vamos and you can explore the mysteries of the Samonas Cave as well.
8. Crete
A visit to Greece cannot be complete unless you spend some time on Crete. Crete is not nearly as crowded as the rest of the country, but it still has a lot to offer. It has lots of mountains, stunning coastal opportunities, and beautiful green areas. There are lots of archaeological sites on the island as well. The crime rate is also very low, so you should not have to worry too much during your visit to this area.
You may want to check out the gorgeous blue water at the Balos Lagoon, or you might want to kick back and relax on Elafonissi Beach. Of course, you should also swing by the Heraklion Archaeological Museum during your visit. If you are in the mood for a drink or two, be sure to spend an evening at the Manousakis Winery.
9. Chania Town
If you want to be transported back in time, you should certainly explore Chania Town. It is known for its old Venetian Harbor and its cobbled and narrow streets. It has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood hits, and it remains one of the best places in Greece to visit.
It is also the perfect place to enjoy a romantic view, especially from the Chania Archaeological Museum and Chania Venetian Lighthouse. You may also want to visit Iguana Beach, the Agii Apostoli Beach, the Venetian Fortress, and the gorgeous Topolia Gorge.
10. Tsilivi
If you are interested in a beach town, Tsilivi is definitely the place to go. There is a gorgeous observatory at the northern edge of the island that gives you an opportunity to look off into the distance. This is a great location to do some sunbathing, try parasailing, and even take a few surfing lessons.
When you have had your fill of the beach, you may want to check out some of the rides at the Tsilivi Waterpark or play a round at the Fantasy Mini Golf Course. Do not forget to check out some of the ceramic displays at the Adamieion Ceramic Art Studio as well.
11. Therasia
If you want to know what Santorini looked like before the tourism industry took off, then head on over to Therasia. This is a destination that is often overlooked, but as a volcanic island with plenty to offer, it really should be top of your list.
There are lots of charming settlements that you can poke around in, and many of the buildings were constructed centuries ago. You will definitely want to visit the Perivolas Hideaway during your visit, which is a beautiful place to learn more about the island. This is also the perfect opportunity to try a few beach sports.
12. Nisyros
If you want to learn more about volcanoes, you should swing by Nisyros. This is an island that is famous for its active volcano. It has not been developed as quickly as the other islands in the area, which means that it is a perfect place to kick back and relax.
You may want to check out a few of the thermal springs, and you will definitely want to visit the local art exhibit. It is called the Sterna Art Project, and it is a non-profit exhibition for a lot of the local artists in the area. You might even find a souvenir you can take home with you.
13. Nafplio
If you want to live a life of luxury during your vacation, then you may want to visit Nafplio. This is widely considered to be a playground for super-wealthy individuals, with super yachts docked at the marinas and incredible boutique hotels scattered around. It’s also a great place to enjoy a bit of history. You will see relics from the time of the Venetians, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans.
It was actually the very first capital of Greece, so there is a lot to explore. You might want to check out a few of the fortresses in the area as well, such as the Palamidi Fortress and the Bourtzi Fortress. There are lots of Byzantine churches to explore as well.
14. Meteora
You may not have known that Greece has its fill of mountains as well. If you want to do some hiking, check out Meteora. Given the height and mist, you might even feel like you are suspended in the air above the rest of the country. There are monasteries that have been built at 1200 ft above sea level, and there is a lot of mist in the valley.
You may feel like you are spending time in a video game. Some of the monasteries you may want to explore include the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Roussanou Monastery, Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, Agios Stefanos, and the Theopetra Prehistoric Cave.
15. Sifnos
If you want to do some hiking and trekking, then you will definitely want to visit Sifnos. There are plenty of paths that have been worn out over the years, but there are lots of temples, villages, and chapels to explore in this area. If you plan your visit properly, you may want to check out the Cycladic Gastronomy Festival, which happens in September.
This is one of the best opportunities for you to enjoy delicious food. With the Aegean Sea in the backdrop, it is easy to see why so many people love visiting this area. Do not forget to try some scuba diving as well.
16. Patmos
Do not forget about Patmos during your visit to Greece. This is a beautiful island that has a quaint little village with a lot to offer. There is also a monastery that has been dedicated to St John the Theologian. It is believed that he wrote the Book of Revelation during his time on the island.
There is a beautiful religious music festival that takes place during the year and there are also plenty of sporting events to explore as well. There are plenty of beaches to explore, such as Lambi and Psili Ammos. You may also want to visit the beautiful islands of Arkoi and Marathi, which are nearby.
17. Zagori
If you are in the mood to explore a few mountains, then you will definitely want to swing by Zagori. It is one of the jewels of Greece, and you will certainly get your fill of hiking. It is a popular winter vacation destination, but there are plenty of paths for you to explore.
You may want to check out a few of the gorgeous rivers, poke around the streams, and take some pictures of the stone bridges. There are more than 45 villages in the area, and it is the perfect location for people who love nature.
18. Corfu
If you want a bit of escapism during your visit to Greece, you should check out Corfu. It is a beautiful island off the coast of Northern Greece and Southern Albania. At this island, you will feel like you are in paradise. The island is bigger than most Greek islands and has a rugged landscape. From sandy beaches with crystal clear blue water, your backdrop will be lush forests and stone-faced mountains.
Apart from hanging out in the Old Town, where you can pick up some souvenirs and eat some delicious Greek food, you should explore the other areas of the island. You can certainly relax and do some sunbathing, but don’t forget to go swimming in Agni Bay. For the best views, you may want to swing up to Cape Drastis. Do not forget to explore the nightlife in Sidari as well. There are plenty of opportunities for some exploration on this island.
19. Cape Sounion
Are you into mythology? If so, you will want to visit Cape Sounion, which is said to be home to Poseidon. There is a beautiful Temple of Poseidon on the cape, and there are lots of ruins to explore.
The Greek Sea God is one of the most famous figures from Greek mythology, and it is a beautiful location if you want to put Homer’s Odyssey against a beautiful backdrop. Of course, visit the Temple of Athena during your time in this area, but don’t forget to take a few pictures of the gorgeous coastline.
20. Peloponnese
Peloponnese is a destination that you definitely cannot overlook. It is in the southernmost area of Greece, and it is absolutely gorgeous because of the numerous classical Greek temples in the area. It has a tremendous amount of history, making it the perfect location for people who want to learn more about the country.
You should check out the ruins of Olympia, which is where the very first Olympic Games were held. At the time, they were meant to honor Zeus. You should also swing by the Mycenaean palaces during your visit to the area.
21. Kefalonia
If you want to take advantage of everything Ionia has to offer, then you should check out Kefalonia. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area, and it is known for its wine tasting opportunities, its gorgeous forests, and its blue water. In particular, you will want to swing by the SeaNema Open Air Film Festival.
If you time your visit right, this is a great opportunity to learn more about small movies you might not see anywhere else. There are plenty of other festivals that take place throughout the year, and many of them occur during the summer.
22. Parga
There are lots of beautiful streets to explore in Parga, which is situated on the western coast of Greece. It is known for its Ionian architecture, but it certainly has an island feel to it. There are lots of narrow streets that will lead directly to the local castle, and you can enjoy some beautiful views of the surrounding bay.
This is the perfect location to relax on a beach towel, and you can enjoy swimming in the calm waters as well. There are lots of historical sites you can visit, and you might even learn a bit about necromancy. There are lots of beautiful rivers and forests to explore as well. You may want to go hiking and rafting during your visit to this area.
23. Thessaloniki
You should swing by Thessaloniki during your visit to Greece. It is one of the largest cities in Greece, and it has lots of shops and restaurants to explore. It looks like a beautiful Macedonian Village, and it has a tremendous amount of history.
You may want to visit some of the archaeological sites, such as the Triumphal Arch of Galerius, the gorgeous porticoes, and The Rotunda. There is a lot to do during your visit to this beautiful Greek City, so take the time to explore as much as possible.
24. Delphi
The Oracle is from Delphi, so this is the best place to learn more about the gods of Greece. If you want to learn about Apollo, Zeus, or any of the other gods from Greek mythology, this is the place to go. The ancient ruins from the Temple of Apollo date to the 4th century BC, so for history lovers, this is one of the top destinations.
25. Zakynthos
If you enjoy beaches, Zakynthos is the place to go. There are lots of sea turtles you can see, including the Caretta Caretta. The Zakynthos Marine Park is definitely a location that you cannot overlook. The waters are crystal clear, and it is home to some of the best nightlife opportunities in the area.
You should also try some of the delicious food from the restaurants in the region. Do not forget to bring your snorkel or scuba diving gear. This is the best opportunity to check out the marine life that lurks underneath the surface.
26. Rhodes
In many ways, Rhodes is the hidden gem of Greece. It is one of the largest Greek islands, and it is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a lot of fortifications that date back to the 14th century, and the old town has a lot to offer.
Do not forget to poke around the shops and restaurants, and you can take a look at the Colossus of Rhodes as well. There are plenty of green areas and valleys that can serve as the perfect backdrop for some beautiful pictures.
27. Naxos
This is one of the biggest islands in Greece. Naxos is the perfect place to go for nature lovers. There are lots of green spaces, rolling hills, deep valleys, and high mountains. There are also lots of ancient villages for you to explore, and the coastline is absolutely beautiful.
If you want to take full advantage of the seascape, then don’t forget to visit the Skado-Apollonas and the Zas Mountain. There is also a beautiful archaeological museum for you to explore.
Get Ready for Your Visit To Greece
If you are looking for clear waters and the best beaches in Europe, then you will definitely want to swing by Greece. The Ionian Sea has a lot to offer, and it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. There are plenty of cafes, must-see Minoan exhibits, and lots of sightseeing opportunities.
You can relax on the sandy beaches, go biking on the Ionian Islands, and take in the natural beauty of Navagio beach during your getaway. You might even get to explore some Roman history or go scuba diving at a shipwreck from the 16th century! Regardless of where you decide to visit, Greece has something for everyone!
