20 awesome places to see in Greece

Do you want to enjoy sunsets on magnificent beaches, swim in the Mediterranean, and discover ancient masterpieces? Greece is reaching out to you for an unforgettable trip. Let's take a look at the 20 must-see places in this uniquely charming country.

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The teeming capital is obviously an absolute must! Under no circumstances should you miss the Acropolis hill which dominates the city and where the mythical Parthenon is located. You can also visit the city's fascinating museums, such as the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum, before discovering the lively atmosphere of its different neighborhoods.

Another must-visit destination is Crete, the largest Greek island in the heart of the Mediterranean, which is said to have been home to one of the most brilliant civilizations. Nicknamed the 'Island of the Gods', Crete is full of places to discover, from the capital Heraklion to a plethora of natural and archaeological sites.

Delphi is known for its oracle, who allegedly predicted the future. Located under the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site is one of the most striking in the country, with the Temple of Apollo where the Pythia delivered her oracles, the theater, and the stadium.

The theater of Epidaurus is also one of the must-visit places in Greece. Built in the 4th century BC and remarkably preserved, the theater is still used for performances due to its beauty and excellent acoustics. The complex also includes a temple and a stadium.

Greece is known for its countless islands, in particular the Cyclades Archipelago in the heart of the Aegean Sea. The romantic Santorini is one of those most worth visiting, with its white and blue houses, the splendid sunsets in Oia, its beaches, and its hiking trails.

If you want to party all night long, then Mykonos is the perfect destination for you in Greece. The island is known for its wild parties and for always being an LGBT-friendly place.

For lovers of ancient sites, Delos is the place to go first among the Cyclades islands. Radiant in antiquity, the island has preserved, among other things, the sanctuary of Apollo with several temples, the Stade district, and the terrace of the foreign gods - a must-see!

But the Greek islands are not limited to the Cyclades! The Dodecanese islands are full of typical villages and archaeological remains, not to mention superb beaches. The best known is Rhodes, an exceptional place where you can discover the old town, the castle, and the city walls.

Here's another archipelago that's a little less well-known for a trip off the beaten track. The Sporades has four islands, including Skiathos, where there are still some sixty beaches; Alonissos, with its hiking trails; and Skyros, with barren mountains and green valleys.

Far from the tourist islands of the Aegean Sea, Corfu has retained its authenticity and its legendary hospitality. This island located on the west coast, not far from Albania, is one of those where nature is best preserved, in particular thanks to its olive groves. Ideal for an excursion off the regular routes.

North of Athens, the monastery of Daphnis is located in the forest of the same name. Its collection of mosaics is one of the finest in the world. Nea Moni (pictured) is on the island of Chios, where legend has it that three monks found an icon of the Virgin hanging from a myrtle branch.

The original location of the Olympic Games is in the Peloponnese, the southern peninsula of the country. You can admire a number of remarkably preserved vestiges, such as the Temple of Zeus, but also sports facilities dating back to ancient times.

Also in the Peloponnese, Mistra is built on a hillside in the vicinity of the mythical Sparta. It was one of the capitals of the Byzantine Empire. You will discover a multitude of fortifications, churches, and palaces – all classified as World Heritage by Unesco.

In the same region of southern Greece, Mycenae was the city of Agamemnon, the hero of the Trojan War. Many remnants of the Mycenaean civilization remain, such as the famous Lioness Gate, the ruins of the ancient fortress, and a series of royal tombs. Not to be missed for fans of Greek Antiquity!

Another well-preserved place is Monemvasia, a fortified town built on a huge rock connected by a road to the coast. A paradisiacal and otherworldly place, from the bustling lower town to the high fortress, where you can admire the breathtaking view of the town and the sea.

In the heart of the country, the site of Meteora reveals a breathtaking landscape with gigantic sheer blocks of stone. Some of them are topped by monasteries. An impressive place to truly discover the soul of Greece.

In the region of Epirus, in the northwest of the country, the Vikos Gorge is nothing less than the largest canyon in Europe and the second in the world, with a height of more than 1,000 meters (3280,84 ft). The hike from the village of Vikos will offer you an unforgettable sight!

In northern Greece, the port of Thessaloniki is less frequented by tourists than Athens or Crete. Yet, the city has a rich heritage that reflects the various Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. Its archaeological museum, one of the most important in the country, has an entire part devoted to Macedonia and Alexander the Great.

On a peninsula near Thessaloniki, Mount Athos is home to the Monastic Republic of the same name: an autonomous enclave where a few thousand monks reside spread over twenty monasteries. Be careful, because access is reserved for men. It must be requested in advance and only 10 non-Orthodox people per day are admitted.

Last but not least, Greece is famous for its extremely healthy and tasty cuisine. Don't leave without trying Greek salad, moussaka, and tzatziki, among other specialties. Treat yourself and enjoy your holiday!

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