Greece, with its 6,000 islands and some of the most significant ancient monuments on Earth, is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and intriguing cultural traditions. Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe because of its historic archaeological monuments, cliffs plunging into glistening blue ocean, sand and pebble beaches, and pleasant Mediterranean temperature. Aside from Athens, two of the most popular sights to view on the mainland are the Meteora monasteries and Ancient Delphi. However, the majority of visitors arrive in order to take a ferry or plane to one of the islands—the most well-liked ones being Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Corfu, and Crete. Make travel plans with our list of Greece’s best attractions.
1. Acropolis, Athens
The Acropolis, a rocky mound rising in the centre of contemporary Athens and capped by three beautiful temples dating from the 5th century BC, is widely regarded as the symbol of Athens, Greece, and even Western civilization. The most well-known and unique is the Parthenon, which was first constructed with 58 columns as roof support and elaborate pediments and friezes. There are other amazing sights on the Acropolis hilltop, even if the Parthenon is the main attraction. The Propylaea, the Porch of the Caryatids, and the elaborate Temple of Athena Nike are not to be missed.
Pull yourself away from the monuments and head to the edge, where sweeping views of the city and the seven ancient hills of Athens await you. Walking paths spanning 2.5 km, known as the Archaeological Promenade, skirt the base of the Acropolis and link it to the other main historical sites in the city, including the historical Agora, the Roman Forum, Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
2. Acropolis Museum, Athens
A popular tourist destination in Athens is the Acropolis Museum. It is an ultra-modern glass and steel edifice with light-filled exhibition spaces designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, and it was constructed especially to house ancient artefacts from the Acropolis.
Top attractions include the widely debated Parthenon Marbles, the Caryatids (sculptures of female figures holding up the Erechtheion), and the 6th-century BC statue of a young man carrying a calf on his shoulders. Acropolis views are breathtaking from the cafe-restaurant terrace of the museum.
3. Santorini
Marvellous Of all the Greek isles, Santorini has the most stunning scenery. It is most famous for the cliff-top settlements of Fira and Oia on the west coast, which seem to dangle over a deep crater filled with blue sea. Fira and Oia, which are composed of whitewashed cubic houses resembling the Cyclades, have been transformed into boutique hotels including infinity pools, making them popular wedding and honeymoon spots.
Activities in Santorini include swimming and tanning on the black beaches with volcanic sand on the east and south shores, as well as exploring the archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan village buried beneath lava after the 3,600-year-old volcanic explosion that formed the caldera. The port of Piraeus in Athens serves the island via catamarans and ferries, and it has its own airport.
4. Mykonos
Mykonos is regarded by many as the most glamorous island in Greece. Mykonos Town, known for its upscale boutique hotels, elegant seafood restaurants, and live music venues, is the hub of activity after dark. A whitewashed chapel in Mykonos Town called Paraportiani and a long stretch of sandy beaches on the south coast of the island (accessible from Mykonos Town by bus and taxi boat) are two further points of interest.
The island is very well-liked by famous people from elsewhere. There is an airport in Mykonos, and it is connected to the port of Athens, Piraeus, and Rafina via catamaran and ferry.
5. Delphi
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Greek mainland. The ancient people revered this place, which was built on the foothills of Mount Parnassus and overlooked a spectacular gorge, and came here on pilgrimages to worship Apollo, the god of light, prophecy, music, and healing, as well as to consult the fabled Oracle. It is composed of the dilapidated remnants of multiple temples, a theatre, and a stadium that date from the second century AD to the eighth century BC. The Delphi Archaeological Museum is located nearby and has an amazing collection of artefacts from the site. 180 kilometres to the northwest of Athens is Delphi.
From Athens, Delphi is roughly a 2.5-hour drive away. If you don’t mind a long day, you can easily do the trip as an overnight or day excursion from the city.
6. The Towns and Beaches of Crete
Greece’s most visited holiday destination is the enormous island of Crete. The island is well-known for its top beaches in Greece, which attract tourists from all over the globe. Some of the most well-liked beaches in Crete are wide-open natural expanses lapped by remarkably clear waters and offering seemingly infinite vistas over the Mediterranean, while others are narrow arcs of sand bordered by eateries and promenades.
However, Crete is not just home to beaches. It includes a good number of important archaeological sites, like as the magnificent Palace of Knossos, which is close to the charming city of Heraklion. Chania, a historic city, and Agios Nikolaos, a laid-back village, both feature lovely old shoreline districts that are ideal for long days spent lost in the views on a café patio. Get away from the larger towns and explore more secluded beaches and breathtaking mountainous scenery by travelling to tiny settlements on the south coast of Crete, such as Plakias or Matala.
7. Corfu
Located off the western coast of the mainland in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Corfu Town, the capital and long-time Venetian stronghold, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exquisite Italianate architecture. Discover its charming pedestrian-only streets, which lead to the arcaded Liston, a row of vintage cafes, and two 16th-century fortifications.
The island is breathtakingly gorgeous away from the main town, with velvety green hills in the south and rough limestone rocks crashing into the sea in the north. Paleokastritsa, the most well-known beach area, is located around 25 km from Corfu Town on the west coast. This area is home to a variety of deep, curved bays that provide shade for pebble and sand beaches that open into a crystal-clear blue sea. An airport and ferries from the Greek mainland’s Igoumenitsa and Patras service Corfu. Summertime ferry services from Ancona and Venice also call at this location.
FAQ’S:
Q1: What makes Santorini a must-visit destination in Greece?
Santorini is renowned for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. The unique volcanic landscape, charming villages, and vibrant nightlife make it a top choice for travelers.
Q2: What is the best time to visit Athens?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to explore Athens.
