Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
The country’s beauty expands from breathtaking mountains to the beautiful, golden expanse of sandy beaches, while it rests itself from bustling city life to the serene countryside.
There are many best places in Greece where history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and food buffs will be engaged. Greece does have a lot to offer!
The country serves everything on the tourists’ plates to satiate their desires. This article will explore the best places to visit in Greece.
1. 25 Best Places to Visit in Greece
You can visit Greece all year, but it is less crowded during Spring from April to June and Autumn in September and October. During this period, the hotels are also cheap, and the food prices are also acceptable.
Now let us check the 25 best places that are a must-visit once you are in Greece:
1.1. Athens
The Greek capital is one of Greece’s liveliest and best places to visit.
Athens is a high-end delight with the perfect touch of art, lovely places to visit, and lively nights. It is the hub of the art of the ancient world interlinked with Mediterranean stroke.
Athens is the birthplace of democracy and philosophy. The city of Athens fills the plate of history lovers as it is the epitome of Greek culture and heritage.
For this reason, the place is full of exceptional architecture and archaeological sites. The place positions itself as one of the best places to visit due to the accumulation of glorious historical events from the ages.
1.2. The Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens serves as the ultimate beauty of Athens due to its historical significance. The Acropolis of Athens is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ancient monument is lit atop a limestone hill, which was the residence of Greek kings for a long time. It also served as a fortress and a religious centre.
1.3. Santorini
Santorini is one of the best places to visit in Greece. Cradled in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is one of the Cyclades Islands located 200 km from Athens.
Here, the spectacular contrast of blue and white makes the place vibrant and striking. With white-washed houses tucked in the cliff with turquoise waters of the sea as far as the eyes can see and breathtaking scenery with stunning sunsets, Santorini is the perfect place to swoon your heart and complete it.
Ancient monasteries, blue-domed churches, black-sandy beaches, and volcanic background add so much more beauty to the place and make it too good to be true. Santorini is one of the best romantic destinations but also warms up a solo traveller.
This beautiful island has many water sports activities amidst a clear, blue sea.
There are activities available for everyone. Marine life enthusiasts can try snorkelling and scuba diving. You can hire jet boards and skis to appreciate the beautiful sea from the surface. And they have kitesurfing and windsurfing for those who love adventures.
1.4. Mykonos
Mykonos town is one of the best Greek islands. It is a perfect place to enjoy breathtaking sunsets by the golden sandy beaches.
As a result, this town is the perfect blend of traditional villages with distinct Cycladic architecture, little whitewashed houses framed by the sea cliff, windmills and lots of natural beauty for nature lovers.
It is an ideal place for those seeking adventures and wanting a romantic getaway or a family trip.
1.5. Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also known as “Party Island,” is a beautiful secret gem in the Ionian Sea. It is famous for its picturesque beauty, apparent turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and scenic mountainous villages with countryside vibes.
Zakynthos has many museums, old monasteries, and the most iconic Navagio Beach, with the wrecked ship hidden in a secluded area as if its beauty is a secret.
Zakynthos has other tourist attractions like Porto Zoro, Kalamaki, Gerakas, and Solomos Square.
Above all, this place also offers many water sports and adventurous sports like trekking up the mountains, surfing and sail-boating on the waters, and snorkelling or scuba diving under the water.
1.6. Parga
Parga is a vibrant port town located on the western coast of Greece. Despite being a part of the mainland, the town gives off an island vibe.
Importantly, its incredible beauty and long sandy beaches make it one of Greece’s best places. There are also many archaeological sites for people who love to learn about ancient ruins.
During the summer, you must be a part of the Pargina Festival.
1.7. Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain, with a peak of 9573 ft. It was claimed as a National Park in 1938. The place has natural beauty, picturesque peaks, deep gorges, and expansive alpine forests.
This area has a wide variety of flora and fauna varying from 1700 rare species. According to Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the home of 12 ancient Greek gods.
A famous museum called the Ancient Dion Archeological Museum is worth visiting. The place also offers tourists hiking trails, rock climbing, trekking and camping facilities.
Mainly, local diners will provide fabulous meals of authentic food served with red and white wine.
1.8. Crete
Crete is famous for its beautiful beaches and restaurants.
This untouched island has the Samariá Gorge, one of the best parts of Greece, and receives thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Enjoy Crete’s beautiful beaches and restaurants and treat yourself to the local cuisines and good seafood.
1.9. Meteora
The Meteora is iconic and one of Greece’s best places to visit. It is located in the heart of Greece and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for art and nature.
The unique rock formation has six monasteries gracefully tucked on top of it, created in the 14th century. The monasteries were made delicately on sandstone at a height of 1300 feet near the Pineios River.
As a result, the beauty of this place is worth exploring and adding to your holiday list for Greece. It is one of those places you can notice on calendars and holds the position of one of the best places in Europe.
1.10. Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece. The historical city is famous for all the archaeological sites and monuments back from the Byzantine period.
The place is a tourist favourite for its amazing sights, mouth-watering cuisines, and the present lifestyle of the people. It also holds the label of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The “White Tower” is an iconic tourist place that has been a symbol of the city since 1912 when the Greeks came into power of this city.
Visit the famous tourist attractions of Thessaloniki at Aristotelus Square, the White Museum, and the Byzantine Castle.
1.11. Rhodes Island
Rhodes is the largest island among the Dodecanese Islands located in Greece. It is one of the best-preserved places with old stones, fortresses, and castles.
Rhodes is the perfect blend of rich natural beauty and fine hotels, making it one of Greece’s best places to visit. Rhodes also has intriguing sights for history lovers.
It is said that once upon a time, Rhodes Old Town was the residence of the Colossus of Rhodes, which makes it an iconic place to visit.
1.12. Knossos
Knossos is a car or bus ride from Crete’s capital city. This destroyed city still has historical remains that are worth visiting.
This old town was a residence of the Minoan civilization for 5000 years during the Bronze Age. Knossos is one of the best places to know about glorious Greek history. There are ancient halls of the kings where the Minotaur and Labyrinth were acted out.
1.13. Olympia
Olympia is located on the Peloponnese. The place is famous for its natural beauty and all the tourist attractions. The place also boasts the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As the name says, this is the birthplace of the Olympic Games in honour of the God Zeus. The first Olympic Games are marked as an essential date in the history of Greece and the world. The winners of the game were rewarded with olive branches.
Many tourist attractions include the Ancient Stadium, The Palaestra, the temple of Zeus and the temple of Hera, the workshop of Phidias, and the Archaeological Museum.
Above all, the place also provides tourists with facilities for adventurous activities like hiking and cycling.
1.14. Thassos
Thassos is located in the Northern Aegean Region. This ecstatic island is rich in flora and fauna, beautiful beaches with fantastic sea views and many luxurious hotels with local cuisines.
This island has a long history, going back to 1100 B.C. On the whole, this historical island was the home of the Phoenicians, Persians, Byzantines, Ottomans, and even the Nazis.
Limenas, the capital of Thassos, has temples of Greek Gods and other famous personalities such as Poseidon, Dionysus, Artemis, Cassius, and Heracles.
Thassos offers visitors many water sports, like scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, boat riding, etc.
1.15. Corfu
Notably, the coastal town of Corfu is another worthy place to visit in Greece. It is one of the Ionian Islands in northwestern Greece.
The town has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful, rugged mountains, and stunning beaches. The Old Towns Corfu and Perithia are worth visiting places selected by UNESCO.
Vlacherna Monastery on Mouse Island and the “Canal of Love” in Sidari’s village are other famous tourist attractions in Corfu.
Spend a lazy day on the serene, sunny beaches on the outskirts of the town, away from the crowds.
1.16. Navagio Beach
One of the most alluring secrets of Greece is the Navagio Beach. It is also known as the Shipwreck Beach or Pirate Bay.
Mainly located on the western part of the Zakynthos, this lost beauty is only reachable by the sea route. As the name states, the island was a wrecked ship attacked by pirates in the 80s and was grounded on this island.
1.17. Acheron Spring
Situated off the Glyki and Kanalaki villages, the Acheron Spring is famous for its transparent water bodies and incredible natural beauty where you can hike or raft.
The Acheron Spring is uniquely beautiful, away from crowded tourist attractions. Visiting the spring is peaceful and serene, making it one of the best places in Greece.
1.18. Nafplio
Once the Greek capital, Nafplio is a seaport town located 94 km from Athens in the East Peloponnese region of Argolis. At present, Nafplio is known for its luxurious residents.
Nafplio town is rich with ancient castles, citadels, monuments, statues, neoclassical architecture, and Ottoman fountains.
The city has many restaurants and diners along its beautiful beaches, where you can relax and enjoy delicious seafood after a stroll by the sandy beaches.
1.19. Monolithos Castle
The Monolithos Castle is located in Rhodes. The Castle is fortified atop a rocky cliff, making it a remarkable place to see and one of Greece’s best places to visit.
According to history, this place served as a perfect place to keep sight of the approaching enemies and intruders. As it was built on higher ground, the place was also hard to be attacked.
Although reaching the castle would be a physically complex task, visiting the place is worth it.
1.20. Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is one of the beaches in Mykonos. The beach offers you a breathtaking sight of the waters during the sunsets.
Hence, visit Paradise Beach and let yourself sway to groovy music one afternoon at a beach party with other tourists and then lie by the golden beach.
The beach also provides various water sports and the best local foods.
1.21. The Parthenon
The Parthenon is located in the core of Athens. This is one of the most world-renowned destinations for the ancient ruins of classical Greece.
The historical temple of the Athenian Acropolis was built in 400 B.C. in honour of the Goddess Athena. The beautiful marble temple is big enough to shelter the gigantic statue of Athena.
1.22. Naxos Island
The Naxos Island is located in the Aegean Sea, which is the largest of the Cyclades. The beautiful tourist attractions, rich history and culture, and natural beauty make it one of Greece’s best places.
According to Greek mythology, Zeus grew up and was trained on Naxos Island.
Therefore, visit the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, the Portara, the Sanctuary of Dionysus, and the Castle. These are the most famous places to visit when on Naxos Island.
Last but not least, stop by the beach parties, bars, and nightclubs to enjoy the life there as a local.
1.23. Lake Kerkini
Lake Kerkini is an artificial reservoir created in 1932, famous for the many migratory birds arriving here yearly.
With the spectacular sight of the Krousia and Belasitsa mountains, the lake shelters thousands of rare species of birds and numerous varieties of fishes, and the water is filled with beautiful water lilies.
In this case, there are more than 227 non-migratory birds here, but that’s not the end! There are also buffalos, many insects, and over ten varieties of amphibians and reptiles.
Do you love to watch birds and know more about them? Lake Kerkini is the best place for you. And it also has entertainment activities like boat riding, horseback riding, canoeing, biking, hiking, and 4×4 off-roading.
1.24. Zagori
Zagori is the mountainous region of northwestern Greece located in the Pindus Region. The place is famous for its natural beauty, with two National Parks and 46 small villages.
Zagori is one of the places in Greece whose beauty remains untouched. While strolling through the villages, you’ll be swooned by their beauty.
The Drakolimni Alpine Lake, Kalogerika Stone Bridge, and Spileotissas on the Viodomatis River are worth visiting in this area.
Overall, the place feeds the adventure buffs with hiking, mountain biking, and many water sports. If you’re into wine-tasting tours, this place serves as the best.
1.25. Delphi
Delphi town is known as a religious centre and is famous for its historical remains. It is often referred to as the “Centre of Earth.”
Overall, the Delphi Theatre was built beautifully on the top of a mountain in the 4th century and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was built as a sanctuary and oracle of Apollo, which had a capacity of 5000 spectators on 35 rows during ancient times. The place held plays, story and poetry readings, and musical programs.
2. Key Takeaways
In summary, Greece is worth being in the top ten places to visit on your bucket list. Whether planning a honeymoon, a family trip, or an adventure trip with your friends, Greece will serve you best!
It has everything and many more that you want on your vacation. So, pack your bags for a lovely vacation in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most beautiful part of Greece?
A. If you’re looking forward to cherishing the incredible natural beauty and golden sandy beaches, Santorini, Mykonos, and Zakynthos are exceptionally eye-enticing and the best places to visit in Greece. Also, if you want to enjoy the vibrant and lively streets of the city, then the capital town of Athens is the best place.
Q. Is Santorini or Mykonos better?
A. Both Santorini and Mykonos are stunning. Both have breathtaking scenery and outstanding beaches with beautiful sunsets. Santorini is full of white and blue houses perched on the cliff, which adds a pleasing effect to your eyes.
On the other hand, Mykonos is also dotted with little whitewashed houses with distinct Cycladic architecture that makes the town look exquisite. It would be hard to prefer one above the other when both are the best places to visit in Greece.
Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Apeksha Soni
I mean name a person who doesn’t wants to visit Greece. No one, right. This place is in my bucket list and I really enjoyed reading this article.