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If you are planning on taking a trip to Greece, there is a lot to see. You probably want to check out the beautiful architecture in Santorini, enjoy the windmills of Mykonos, and embrace ancient history at Acropolis as well.
From Athens to Crete, all throughout the awe inspiring Greek Islands, it is easy to see why Greece is one of the most popular destinations in all of Europe. When planning your travel itinerary, I know it can be hard to narrow down all you want to see and do. Greece is massive and it takes more time than you might think to travel from one island to the other. We’re here to narrow down a few bucket list worthy ideas so you can pick and choose to build your own dream trip to Greece.
Take a look at some of the most unforgettable things to do in Greece and get ready to fully take advantage of the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
1. Visit the Acropolis in Athens
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Greece is to visit the Acropolis in Athens. This is an iconic ancient site, and it is closely tied to classical Greek history. At the Acropolis, you can visit the Parthenon, learn more about the Greek gods, and put yourself in the shoes of someone who might be living in ancient Greece.
You could spend the entire day in this area, particularly if you visit the Acropolis Museum as well. It remains a major archaeological site. If you’re enjoying the area, spend some time at the Archaeological Museum as well to learn more about the ancient architecture. It is a popular place for a day trip.
2. Explore the Olympia Archaeological Site
During your visit, you will definitely want to explore the Olympia Archaeological Site. It is frequently highlighted as the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, and the lighting ceremony of the Olympic flame dates back to this original location.
You can also check out ancient temples dedicated to Hera and Zeus, as well as some ancient sporting facilities. If you use your imagination, you can picture what the games used to look like. You can also check out the Olympia Archeological Museum to learn more.
3. Check Out the Nafplio Fortresses on Peloponnese
If you head West from Athens, you will reach Peloponnese. This is a beautiful peninsula that has a wide variety of historical sites, including the Olympia Archaeological Site. If you are in the mood to check out some archaeological exhibits, this is one of the best places to visit in Greece.
Although, the Olympia isn’t the only place on the peninsula to visit. In particular, you will want to visit Nafplio, which is a gorgeous village that has three fortresses overlooking the city. Be sure to check out the fortress on Palameda, which overlooks the city itself.
4. Visit the Oracle of Delphi
If you climb to the top of Mount Parnassus, you will be ablePhoto Credt: Anastasios71 to visit the Oracle of Delphi. In ancient Greece, citizens considered it to be the center of the world. The Oracle of Delphi was also named Pythia, and ancient Greek citizens believe that this is where Apollo transmitted his direction to the Greek people.
For more than six centuries, the Prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi shaped major decisions in ancient Greece. Remnants of the Oracle still stand today, and you can learn more about it by visiting during your trip to Greece.
5. Go to the Top of Mount Lycabettus
While you are in Athens, you may want to go to the top of Mount Lycabettus as well. You can walk to the summit if you are in the mood for some exercise, or you may want to take the funicular all the way to the top.
Do not forget to bring a camera during your trip, as you will definitely want to take some pictures of the amazing views. This is one of the best ways to see what Athens looked like from above. Just be sure to check the weather to make sure it isn’t too foggy outside. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore while you are up there.
6. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Mycenae
If you want to learn more about ancient history, you should visit Mycenae, which is one of the best locations to learn about the Trojan War. It was home to Agamemnon, one of the most powerful kings in Greek history.
It is a UNESCO world heritage site, and there are still heavy stone walls surrounding the city which pay homage to classical Greek history. During your visit to Mycenae, you may want to visit the Mycenae Archaeological Museum as well.
7. Check Out the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda in Thessaloniki
If you head to Northern Greece, you will reach the city of Thessaloniki, which is the second largest city in Greece. This is your opportunity to check out some ancient Roman monuments, including the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. These are impressive structures that date back to the time when Rome ruled Greece.
There are also a lot of ancient churches to check out, with many of them dedicated to ancient gods. While you are in Thessaloniki, you may also want to visit the White Tower, which is the most iconic monument in the area. Don’t forget to relax by the clear water of the beachfront as well.
8. Learn About Greek Mythology in Epidaurus
Epidaurus is another location that is a UNESCO world heritage site. In particular, you will want to visit the ancient Theater, which was built in the 4th century BC. It could hold up to 14,000 people, and a theater is still used today. Therefore, you may want to visit the theater to check out a play. It is a great way to learn more about Greek mythology.
During your visit, you may also want to swing by the temple, which is dedicated to the god of Medicine. There is a lot to explore related to Greek mythology in Epidaurus, so consider swinging by during your visit.
9. Enjoy the Entertainment of the Kassandra Peninsula
The Kassandra Peninsula is located just southeast of Thessaloniki, and it is one of the best places to go if you are interested in nightlife. There are a lot of seaside resorts, casinos, spas, tennis courts, and golf complexes.
The action really heats up at night, so you may want to spend your day relaxing at the beach to save your energy. Then, you can head out to the casinos at night for some truly amazing entertainment. If you are looking for a way to get out of the heat, you may want to check out some of the pine forests along the edge of the city.
10. Take a Drive To Meteora
Meteora is a bit out of the way from major Greek cities, but it is definitely worth the trip. It is about 3 hours from Thessaloniki, but it remains one of the biggest tourist attractions. The scenery of this area is unbelievable. Literally, it means that there are rocks suspended in the air, and they are truly impressive once you lay your eyes on them.
There are six large monasteries you can visit, and there are stairs in the stone that make the area easier to access. If you go to the top, you will be treated to some stunning views, so it is definitely worth the trip. It was even used as the setting for a James Bond movie!
11. Go Shopping on the Sithonia Peninsula
Another major portion of the Chalkidiki Peninsula, just to the southeast of Thessaloniki, is the Sithonia Peninsula. This is a peninsula that is known for its private marinas and exceptional luxury shopping opportunities.
If you are looking to get a souvenir from your trip to Greece, this is definitely one of the best places to go. Some of the biggest luxury brands in the world are represented on this peninsula, and you can shop for as long as you like. You may want to relax next to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean with a drink or a sandwich.
12. Gaze at the Architecture on Santorini
Santorini is one of the most iconic areas in all of Greece, and you will definitely want to visit it when you travel to this ancient land. Santorini is one of the most popular Cyclades Islands, and it is known for its white and blue architecture.
There is nothing quite like watching a sunset bounce off the beautiful blue colors of the buildings, so you will definitely want to mark down a day to visit this romantic island. There are thousands of people who visit the island every day, so it can get a bit crowded, but it is well worth the trip.
13. Relax on the Beaches of Naxos
Even though Naxos might not be the most well-known of the islands, it is the largest. Therefore, if you are looking for some of the best beaches, this is probably the best place to go.
It is not nearly as crowded as the others, and there is more space to spread out. The sand is soft, the water is refreshing, and you can gaze up at the sun as you enjoy a drink or a sandwich. There are still some nice areas to explore on Naxos, so do not hesitate to branch out from the beach a bit.
14. Visit the Fortifications of Rhodes
During your visit to Greece, you may want to explore the Dodecanese islands as well. Just like the Cyclades, there are plenty of islands to explore, but Rhodes is the biggest one.
You have probably heard this name before because of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the ancient wonders of the world that is no longer standing. You can still take a look at the fortifications, and you might be able to see a reconstruction of the statue as well. There are a lot of beautiful seaside resorts that will welcome you during your visit.
15. Visit the Monastic State of Agion Oros
If you are looking for something truly unique, you may want to visit the Mount Athos Peninsula. It is considered to be a UNESCO world heritage site, and it is actually an autonomous state living entirely within Greece.
It is one of the most fascinating areas in all of Europe, and there are approximately 2,300 Orthodox monks living in this area. There are also 20 monasteries in the state, and you will have to plan ahead of time if you want to go. Importantly, only men are allowed to enter this area, and you need to request a special permit at least six months in advance if you want to explore this part of the country.
16. Gaze at the Windmills of Mykonos
Another one of the popular islands is Mykonos. This is an island that is known for its iconic windmills. Mykonos has a wide variety of cute little villages that all specialize in something, so if you walk on the first floor of some of the windmills, you may be treated to some nice arts and crafts shows.
This is also a great place to get a souvenir. When the sun goes down, you may have a difficult time seeing the windmills, but there is plenty of nightlife to enjoy! The island is also famous for DJs who will play music all night long.
17. Learn About the History of Corfu
If you decide to check out the Ionian islands, you will definitely want to swing by Corfu. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, and it has been occupied by a wide variety of empires over the years. It has been a part of the Venetian Empire and the Byzantine Empire, and there is a ton of history to explore.
There are plenty of ancient ruins on this island, but there is also a lot of scenery just outside of the old town. Do not overlook the beautiful coves, green landscapes, and crystal beaches!
18. Learn About the Minoan History on Crete
If you branch out from the Aegean Sea just a bit, you will eventually reach Crete. It is the largest of the Greek Islands, and there is a lot to do. In particular, you will want to learn about King Minos, who ruled from the Knossos Palace. Now, it is a large archeological site, and you can learn about Minoan history. Even though it is a bit of a mystery as to why the Minoan civilization died, there is a lot that we have learned, so make sure you visit the archaeological site.
You should also visit the archaeological site in Heraklion, which is the capital of Crete and the largest city on the island. Do not forget to check out a few of the cafes as well!
19. Gaze at the View from the Lindos Acropolis
Sticking around in the Dodecanese islands, you may want to visit the beautiful village of Lindos. This is a cute little town that has some delicious food and friendly people.
The highlight of the village is the Lindos Acropolis, which will give you an amazing view of the bay below. You will definitely want to bring your camera to snap a few pictures, and this is a great place to enjoy a meal. Make sure you reserve a few hours to explore this amazing Acropolis!
20. Enjoy the Balos Lagoon and the Samaria Gorge
If you are interested in some amazing scenery on Crete, you should definitely check out the Balos Lagoon and the Samaria Gorge. The Lagoon is known for its turquoise blue water, which is unlike anything else on the Greek Islands. You should definitely bring your camera to take a few pictures.
You may also want to visit the Samaria Gorge, which is among the largest in Europe. The hike is 16 kilometers long, so it is definitely worth a day trip if you want to see all of it. During your time in this area, you may also want to visit the old town of Chania, which is known for its amazing art shops.
21. Check Out the Corinth Canal and Wine Road in Peloponnese
If you are looking for more sites to explore on the Peloponnese, you should check out the Corinth Canal. It has been carved into stone, and it is about six kilometers long. It connects the Ionian sea to the Aegean Sea, making it an important trade artery in Greece.
It is a great location to take a photo, and it saves both about 400 kilometers. You may also want to visit the Nemea Wine Road, which is in the southern part of Corinth. This is one of the best places to try some delicious wine.
22. Hike To the Vikos Gorge
If you head to the Northwestern area of Greece, you will reach the Vikos Gorge. It is situated in the Zagoria region, and the gorge is one of the best attractions in the entire country. The Gorge is about 900 meters deep, and it is one of the deepest in the world.
If you want to take advantage of everything this area has to offer, you may want to explore it with a guide. You need to have the right equipment if you want to see it all, and you probably didn’t bring it with you on the plane! You should plan on spending all day up here, which means you need to bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, water bottles, and other essential equipment.
23. Get Off the Beaten Path With Euboea and the Sporades
Even though this might not be at the top of the list when you visit Greece, Euboea (or Evia) is definitely worth it if you love scenery. It is a great place to go hiking, there is a small seaside resort in the area, and you can sunbathe at the beach if you need a break from the hike.
It is also famous for its thermal spas, and there are rumors that Aristotle used to visit them himself. It is actually an archipelago of four islands, so you may want to check out a few of them during your visit to this area.
24. Visit the Villages of Lesbos
If you head out to the northern Aegean Islands, you’ll be about as close to Turkey as you can get. There are lots of islands to explore in this area, but one of the most popular ones is Lesbos.
It is known for its sandy beaches, beautiful coves, and connection to Greek mythology. You can learn more about Athena, Zeus, and Hera during your visit. This island is also famous because it is where the mathematician Pythagoras was born. He is famous for the Pythagorean theorem, which you can use to solve right triangles.
25. Visit Icaria in the Aegean Islands
Another island you may want to explore is called Icaria (also spelled Ikaria). There is a rumor that Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, was born on this island. There is a giant festival that takes place here every year, so if you plan your visit carefully, you might be able to see it. It has a lot of dancing, wine, and delicious food.
You can also relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece if you decide to visit Icaria. Consider adding it to your list!
Prepare for an Amazing Visit To Greece
There are lots of beautiful places in Greece worth visiting. From the Ancient Agora to Mount Olympus, and from the Island of Crete to Athenian culture, you will probably need to make multiple trips to see it all. Greece is known for its olive oil, its sand beaches, and its amazing wine tasting.
In a lot of ways, it’s the model for modern western civilization, and you should rely on the travel guide to make sure you don’t miss anything during your visit.
Regardless of whether you are looking for history, a resort vacation, amazing hiking, or plenty of sunshine, Greece has it all. Therefore, take a look at some of the top attractions on this list, and plan a vacation to the islands in the Mediterranean and Aegean that you will never forget!
