With a myriad of ancient structures, gorgeous beaches, and architectural marvels, places to visit in Greece are full of heritage and natural beauty. The blue beauty of the Grecian Peninsula offers a mind-boggling view of scattered islands. Whereas, the world-famous ancient ruins, diverse landscapes, food & wine scene, and party culture lure tourists from all corners of the world.
Explore tourist places in Greece such as the Ionian Islands in the west to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, to Crete in the south, and permeate your vacation with delights. Or find the preserved remains of the Pre-Hellenic Culture, Greek Mythology, or Athenian Gods, all over the mainland like Meteor, Delphi, Athens, etc. and be amused.
Greece places to visit are also full of natural scenery. These offer a romantic setting and tranquil ambiance for having a memorable romantic getaway. Stroll along its Parga or Oran’s beaches or indulge in water sports at Glyfada Beach. Enjoy the unmatched views of the setting sun at the Simos or relish traditional cuisine right under the starlit sky at the Syntagma Square, places to see in Greece are immense and full of romance, thrills, and excitement. Plan a trip to this most traveled location on the entire continent and have a remarkable vacation!
Must Visiting Places
1. Athens
Athens showed its jazzy side to the world after the 2004 Olympics and is one of the best places to visit in Greece. Beautiful flowers at National Gardens, precious artifacts at New Acropolis Museum, the stunning views from Mount Lycabettus, colossal ruins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the ancient Greek temple of Erechtheum, hills of the Ancient Agora, historical neighborhoods of Plaka, the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, prehistoric antiques at National Archaeological Museum, and Goddess Athena’s famed temple of Parthenon
2. Santorini
Santorini is an island in the Aegean Sea, which is a part of Greece. The beautiful town of Thira has several shops and restaurants where you can get some refreshments.
While the natural beauty and architecture of Santorini are unmatched, there are some great water sports activities available as well. Since the waters around the island are teeming with marine life, you can try out snorkeling and scuba diving activities around here. If diving underwater is not for you, there are jet boats and jet skis for hire. For adrenaline junkies who wish to catch a spectacular view of Santorini, there are kitesurfing and windsurfing activities available.
3. Mykonos
Popular for its party culture, Mykonos is amongst the most loved tourist places in Greece for its lovely beaches, emblematic windmills, historical structures, whitewashed facades, and stunning views of Caldera. Panagia Paraportiani Church, Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Folklore Museum, or Lena’s House Museum let you learn about the rich heritage.
Whereas, its captivating beaches like Ornos, Paradise, Paraga, etc. offer you the chance to relish a refreshing break amidst picture-perfect scenery. With so many famous bars and nightclubs, you can enjoy refreshing drinks with your friends or partner or party till dawn at any dance club.
4. Nafplio
Complete with stunning Venetian architectural marvels, Ottoman structures to a bustling promenade, the city of Nafplio is amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Greece. The ancient walls, medieval monuments, castles, statues, and neoclassical buildings are the examples of unique architecture and enhance the appeal and add a distinct aura to the city.
While Arvanite Promenade is to enjoy a romantic walk amidst the stunning landscape, Old Town has souvenir shops to buy a gift for your lover. Syntagma Square is to have a dreamy dinner, making the city a romantic destination to have some cherish able moments with your partner.
5. Crete
It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea Crete is popular for its stunning beaches, wild natural beauty, mouthwatering cuisine and rich history. Crete has a varied landscape consisting of mountains, beautiful gorges, rivers, and lakes. The island also has some of the famous archaeological sites of Greece, 15th-century monasteries, regal palaces and fascinating museums. In addition, it is the ideal destination for sports and adventure activities like canyoning, hiking and scuba diving.
6. Naxos
Largest of Cyclade islands, Naxos is located about halfway between the famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos in Aegean Sea. Naxos town or popularly known as Chora, is the main village of Naxos. It is known for its stone staircase, and hole-in-the-wall shops spread unevenly across maze-like alleys. There are other numerous green villages in Naxos, like Melanes, Filoti, Kastro, Koronos, and Chalki, having ancient churches and monasteries along with farmlands, vineyards and olive groves. Home to stunning white sand beaches, Naxos is popular for activities including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
7. Chania Town
Colorful boats and old architecture at the Old Venetian Harbor, beautifully manicured Botanical Park, artefacts at Chania Archaeological Museum, the popular landmark of Chania Venetian Lighthouse, remarkable display of Greek architecture Ancient Aptera, the happening Iguana Beach, the golden sand of Agii Apostol Beach, the mysterious Topolia Gorge, and the remarkable Venetian Fortress. Fresh organic salads at To Stachi, fish dishes and breweries at Colombo Kitchen & Bar, bouquet of wines at Kritamon Wine Bar, seafood and wine at Salis, finger-food at Akrogiali Taverna, and open kitchen at To Maridaki are some famous dishes which you can taste.
8. Hersonissos
It has amusement parks, pearly sand beaches, intriguing museums, ancient ruins and local shopping hubs to explore. Also, Hersonissos is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. The simple and earthy beauty of the town has its own charm. No wonder, it is considered to be one of the best places to see in Greece.
SeaWorld at Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, exhibits at Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, stunning horses at Arion Stables, rides at Star Beach Water Park, happening Labyrinth Theme Park, mysterious Cave Of Zeus, engaging Cretan Farm, and peaceful Vrontisi Monastery
9. Paros
With beautiful landscapes spread across a 120 km long coastline, Paros has endless cliff-top villages galore and verdant mountains. Famous activities include windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, and scuba diving which can be enjoyed at the beaches such as Santa Maria, Golden Beach and New Golden Beach. Hiking is also enjoyed well because of the presence of a magnificent network of walking trails in Paros park.
10. Thessaloniki
It is known for its stunning coastlines, cultural heritage and numerous festivals and events that help designate the city as the cultural capital of Greece. The highlight of Thessaloniki is the waterfront promenade along with stunning scenery and delicious food.
Devoid of the traditional gothic architecture of other European cities, Thessaloniki is more of a modern town with its own character. The city is home to several Byzantine landmarks that are scattered through its ancient cobbled yet modern terrain. Along with some historic buildings, Thessaloniki is home to six small islets with sandy, exotic coastlines.
11. Parga
Parga defines the scenic beauty with its lovely beaches such as Valtos and Lichnos, multicolored houses, and graceful promenade. Its biggest highlight is a food culture that is visible through various eateries located in Christos, Castello, or Romantic. Offering a range of boat cruises, it allows you to enjoy a romantic or relaxing sail along the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea. The Pargina Festival is another delight that must not be missed if you are there for a summer escape.
12. Delphi
Known as the ‘Centre of Earth’, the sanctuary of Delphi is nestled amidst lush mountains and offers a most spectacular panorama. Home to many famous archaeological sites, such as the Oracle, Temple of Apollo, Temple of Athena, Treasury, Castalian Spring, Theatre, Stoa of the Athenians, it attracts tourists from all across the world to discover age old history.
13. Zakynthos
Known as the ‘Party Island’ of the country, Zakynthos or Zante is amongst the most happening tourist places in Greece. Complete with breathtaking land and seascapes, exotic sugar-fine sand beaches, and turquoise waters, this island’s crazy nightlife at the Chania Town, Malia and Stalis, is what fascinates tourists from across the world.
14. Myrtos
Picturesque and secluded white-sand beach, Myrtos is situated between Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros mountains. It gets constantly listed in major travel publications as one of the top stunning beaches in the world for its electric blue waters, white pebbled coastline, and surrounding spectacular limestone cliffs. Its dramatic sunset spectacle is another highlight that transforms the sea and skyline from orange to the rose scene.
15. Kos
Located close to the Turkish mainland, Kos island is nestled between the Greek islands of Kalymnos, Nisyros, and Astypalea in the south-east part of the Aegean sea.
It is a green island and is also popular for its picturesque villages, delicious cuisine and ancient ruins. Yachting, snorkeling, soaking in geothermal springs, windsurfing, kiteboarding and cycling along the long coastline are among the most popular activities on the island. Kos serves as an ideal landing place for gourmet lovers, offering them the best of Greek food. Possa, a sheep’s cheese, is popular in Kos and is tasted with locally produced olives and hazelnuts and red cheese from village Pyli is a must-try.
16. Olympia
Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Olympia is famous as the place where the Olympic games started. These games were held every four year as celebrations for Zeus. Ancient Olympia boasts an archaeological site with the remains of the ancient temples of Zeus and Hera, a stadium and archaeological museums. It also housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a 13-metre-tall statue of Zeus, which is believed to have been destroyed in a fire.
17. Hydra
Hydra is a small Saronic island located just south of Athens in Greece. Hydra harbor is the most crowded with a pleasant view while backstreets are less crowded with crumbling mansions, colorful doors decorated with bougainvillea, sleeping and maze-like cobbled narrow lanes.
There are plenty of hiking trails up the hills that lead up to amazing viewpoints but walking along the coastal path all the way to Kamini beach is the best stroll of the island. Some of the best things to experience in Hydra are the town’s history through historical tours, Lazaro’s Koundouriotis Historical Mansion, the Historical Archives Museum and other museums.
18. Samaria Gorge
On the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is a top attraction for lovers of the great outdoors. Depending on your level of fitness, it will take five to seven hours to walk. It is steep in parts and rocky, so you should wear good hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. The gorge lies within the Samaria National Park, and is on the UNESCO tentative list. Through summer, organized tours depart from Chania and Rethymnon.
19. Palace of Knossos
The site is well laid out, with walking trails that wind their way past the main buildings and plazas. Be sure to check out the colorful paintings on some of the major structures near the end of the walkway. Hiking is a popular activity in Olympia, especially in the regions around the river Alpheios. There are some mountain walks to various viewpoints in the village of Olympia.
20. Rhodes
It is home to stunning archaeological sites like the Venetian Castle, Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. The islands boast some of the best hiking trails and diving trips to several shipwrecks along the coast.
The beaches here are gravel, not sand, and the island has almost 300 days of sunshine. This makes Rhodes one of Greece’s most family-friendly and kid-safe summer destinations. Dining for regional cuisine, visiting ancient sites and learning about the knights of Malta is included in some of the best activities to do on Rhodes.
21. Kavala
With less occupied stunning beaches, impressive archaeological sites, and unmatched natural beauty, the city of Kavala is a beautiful address in Greece to enjoy a fun-filled vacation. The city is an ideal destination for those who like to enjoy without the crowd and try ultimate experiences. Include this place in your Greece itinerary and indulge in hiking, wine-tasting, or just relaxing amidst incredible natural beauty.
22. Temple of Apollo
The temple is settled in the center of a massive sacred site on the south-western hills of Mountain Parnassus. The ruins of the temple still display six Doric columns and a multi-layered platform of dressed stones that offer a sight to behold. Along with the temple ruins, the presence of an impressive amphitheater, a large ancient stadium, and the Valley of Phocis, makes the place worth visiting.
23. Halkidik
Located in Central Macedonia in Northern Greece, Halkidiki is a trident-shaped peninsula. Home to over 60 exotic beaches, Halkidiki is popular for its lush vegetation, breathtaking landscapes, and cosmopolitan sea resorts. With vegetation of pine trees and turquoise blue waters, Halkidiki has small bays comprising taverns and bars. The picturesque, quaint villages with mind-blowing sunsets attract tourists to succumb to the charm of these beautiful peninsulas. Halkidiki proves to be a perfect location for hiking enthusiasts as it boasts around 20 marked hiking trails with about 17 cycling routes passing through the Natural protected area and Holomontas. There are a few prestigious diving and water sports centers on the peninsula. Jeep tours are also famous in Halkidiki, as the area comprises forests and secluded beaches.
24. Symi
Dwarfed by Rhodes, Symi is popular for its low-key charm that lies in its picturesque port town, mountainous landscapes, beautiful beaches and mouth-watering food. Symi is also known for its “Symi’s Shrimps”, that is pan-fried to be eaten whole, along with the shell. Many historical sites and some of the island’s isolated beaches(of which many are reachable only by boats) trend among the tourists. Apart from Greek food, Symi’s speciality is its local deep-fried shrimp or “garidaki symiako”. Some of the taverns serve fresh fish, seafood and grilled octopus. Boating, yachting, kayaking and hiking are the most popular activities on Symi. Symi is also popular for viticulture and boasts a handful of vineyards.
25. Lindos Beach
Comprising two distinct beaches (Lindos Main Beach and Pallas Beach) sharing the same bay, Lindos beaches are complete with beautiful sea views, sunbeds, umbrellas, and classy taverns. Also, the waters here are shallow fitting the needs of young children and toddlers who like swimming. With the availability of canoes, several food joints, and tranquil surroundings, the place is ideal to enjoy a romantic evening or family outing.
