Home to one of the oldest civilizations, Greece is a popular tourist destination owing to its culture and heritage. The beauty of Greece has remained unparalleled since ancient times, attracting a large number of tourists each year.
According to Greek City Times, 2.5 million foreign tourists made their trip to Greece in the first quarter of 2023. The numbers continue to rise as more and more travelers explore the country for the popular tourist places to visit in Greece.
If you enjoy strolling through the historic lanes while exploring the majestic history and mythology, savoring lip-smacking delicacies while soaking in the mild summer sun, then Greece can be your ideal travel destination.
Not to mention, the local stories and folktales make this place even more interesting to visit along with its beautiful landscapes, serene islands, and captivating architecture. Greece is definitely a place out of a fairytale!
16 Best Places to Visit in Greece
These 16 best places to visit in Greece will make you fall in love with its enticing simplicity even more:
1. Athens
Athens is one of the best places to visit in Greece if you look forward to a unique blend of modernism and history.
Spend your day walking through its modern subways, and well-maintained parks or observing the fascinating contemporary architecture and numerous historical monuments, both residing together in harmony making it a popular tourist destination in Greece.
Things to do: Museum tours, historical sightseeing, catch shows at amphitheaters
Tourist attractions: Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Temple of Hephaestus, National Gardens, National Archaeological Museum, Greek temples
2. Santorini
One of the most popular places to visit in Greece, Santorini is a tourist-favorite destination for its serene and phenomenal white-washed cliffs.
The beautiful houses, spiral pathways, azure skyline, and ocean water make it a place straight out of a fairytale! Santorini’s vibe is further created by its ancient culture preserved in monasteries, monuments, and cathedrals, making it a must-visit on your trip to Greece.
Things to do: Skydiving, wine tasting, water sports, museum tours, hiking, cruise experience
Tourist attractions: Imerovigli, Ancient Thera, Santorini Caldera, Paralia Vlichada, Profitis Ilias, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Santo Winery, Perissa Beach, Santorini Volcano
3. Mykonos Town
The quintessential white-washed building with blue domes is the signature Greek architecture making it the perfect destination for your Instagram stories.
Apart from this, Mykonos Town is famously known for its iconic windmills making it one of the best offbeat places to visit in Greece. Its unique party culture and ancient traditions, along with delicious crab meat are among its specialties.
Things to do: Historical sightseeing, water sports at beaches, island-hopping, Gondola rides, art exhibits
Tourist attractions: Windmills of Mykonos, Delos, Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Principote, Armenistis Lighthouse, Rarity Gallery, Paradise Beach, Megali Ammos Beach
4. Rhodes
Truly a gem, Rhodes is among the best places to visit in Greece for its ancient architectural marvels as well as its serene beach culture.
The blue waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site offer the perfect vacation getaway from the bustling cities to spend some time under the Greek summer sun.
Nestled on the largest Greek island, Dodecanese, it is famous for its rich historical heritage dating back to the 14th century.
Things to do: Stroll through the ancient streets of Old Town, explore the history of the Acropolis of Rhodes, sunbathe at beaches
Tourist attractions: Rodini Park, Street of the Knights of Rhodes, Palace of the Grand Master, Acropolis of Lindos, Monastery of Filerimos, Valley of Butterflies, Acropolis of Rhodes
5. Delphi
Home to many ancient Greek temples and archaeological sites, Delphi is truly one of the most interesting places to visit in Greece.
The place is a haven for history-buffs giving an insight into the Greek traditions of ancient times and is also a place of pilgrimage for the Mediterranean who seek blessings from the Greek God Apollo. Spend a day here for a unique tour of these temples that are both aesthetically and spiritually pleasing.
Things to do: Historical sightseeing, explore the history of Greek Gods through ancient ruins, adventure hikes
Tourist attractions: Athenian Treasury, Castalian Spring, Ancient Theatre, Stoa of the Athenians, Temple of Athena, Temple of Apollo
6. Naxos
All the nature lovers assemble, for we have just the place for you! With its high mountains and lush valleys, green gorges, and serene seashores, Naxos is among the greenest and best places to visit in Greece if you love to spend some time around nature.
The place also has classical Greek architecture to wander around and offers a variety of cultural events that one can be a part of to explore the rich Greek culture.
Things to do: Water activities at beaches, hiking, drive through beautiful landscapes, stroll through the local villages to explore the traditional Greek life
Tourist attractions: Apollo Temple, Alykó, Ano Koufonisi, Skado-Apollonas, Zas Mountain, Archaeological Museum
7. Cape Sounion
If you are a history buff or Greek literature lover, you wouldn’t need any introduction to this place. Home to the great Greek God of Sea, Poseidon, Cape Sounion is truly a place of pilgrimage for history and literature fanatics.
The place is famously known for the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, which has preserved its pristine waters and soulful beaches through the ages.
Things to do: Sunset tours, boat rides, historical sightseeing
Tourist attractions: Temple of Poseidon, Temple of Athena, Patroklos, Sounion National Park, Kape Beach, Paralia Souniou, Paralia Pountazeza
8. Kefalonia
Would you rather spend your Greek holiday sipping wine while enjoying the pristine beaches and lush green forests?
If yes, Kefalonia is the right place for you! Home to many generational winemakers, this island is among the best places to visit in Greece for its wine-tasting tours.
However, you may even find music shows or film screenings to finish that wine bottle while vibing to soulful music or watching a feel-good film.
Things to do: Wine-tasting tours, snorkeling, water sports, sunbathing at beaches, The SeaΝema Open Air Film Festival, Sarastro Music Festival
Tourist attractions: Emplisi Beach, Melissani Cave, Gentiliery Winery and Vineyards, Fteri Beach, Mount Ainos, Drogarati Cave, Antisamos Beach
9. Zagori
If you are looking for an adventure on your trip to the Greek meadows, this is your place to be. With lush forests, deep gorges, refreshing river streams, monasteries, and more than 45 villages to find a refuge away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Zagori is one of the best places to visit in Greece for hikers and mountain lovers.
Make sure to visit this gem for a natural escapade that will truly refresh your mind.
Things to do: Hiking, boating, canoeing, participate in the Zagori Mountain Running event, rafting
Tourist attractions: Vikos Gorge, Vikos National Park, Tymfi, Lake Pamvotida, Drakolimni Lake, Plakidas Bridge, Beloi Viewpoint, Meteora
10. Nisyros
Famed for its active volcano, this Aegean island has maintained its authenticity by keeping true to its traditions and values and avoiding any major developments.
One can relax their mind and body in the thermal springs of the municipal baths while indulging into the rich flavor of local delicacies and exploring the art heritage of the island for a true Greek experience.
Things to do: Relax at thermal springs, explore the art galleries, hike to the hydrothermal craters, stroll around the streets
Tourist attractions: Gyali, Pacheia Nisyrou, Stefanos Crater, Archaeological Museum of Nisyros, Virgin Mary Spiliani Monastery, Volcanological Museum of Nisyros, Mandraki Beach
11. Corfu
The rich heritage of this island makes it the ideal destination for your trip to Greece.
The quaint streets filled with welcoming houses, the rugged mountains in perfect contrast with the sandy beaches as well as its soulful monasteries- all give this island a storybook-like character - perfect for your aesthetic Instagram feed. You can spend time here sunbathing at one of its pristine beaches for a weekend getaway.
Things to do: Sunbathing at the beaches, olive tasting tour, historical sightseeing, visit art exhibits
Tourist attractions: Gorge at Agni Bay, Cape Drastis, Vlacherna Monastery, Sidari, Old Fort of Corfu, Paleokastritsa, Achilleion, St. Spyridon Church
12. Crete
One of the best places to visit in Greece, Crete is unique owing to its contrasting landscapes that will definitely mesmerize you with its beauty.
Expansive beaches, high mountains, lush green meadows, bustling city life along serene village escapades- this place has it all. The beauty of Crete has remained unparalleled so pack your bags to dive deep into this Greek gem!
Things to do: Museum tours, explore monasteries, boating, relax at beaches, wine-tasting tours
Tourist attractions: Knossos, Samariá Gorge, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Lake Kournas, Elafonissi Beach, White Mountains, Balos Lagoon, Manousakis Winery
13. Rethymnon
The well-preserved Old Venetian town of Rethymnon should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Greece.
Observe the 16th-century ancient architecture reflecting European and Moorish styles or dive into the refreshing waterfalls for a romantic evening in this laid-back Greek town.
Make sure to relish the authentic local cuisine of the region for a true Greek experience.
Things to do: Stroll through the ancient architecture, dive into the waterfalls, museum tours, and offer prayers at churches and mosques
Tourist attractions: Guora Gate, Biotopoi Nature Park, Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Rethymnon Old Town, Sacred Monastery of Arkadi, Venetian Harbor
14. Peloponnese
Shaped like a large mulberry leaf, the Peloponnese is a hub for Greek temples and ancient forts, another go-to destination for history buffs.
Greek history has remained timeless through the ancient ruins of this town including Olympia, where the Olympic games were held making it the perfect vacation destination for a historic getaway.
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, archaeological sightseeing
Tourist attractions: Archaeological site of Mycenae, Fortress of Palamidi, Taygetus, Byzantine Churches, ruins of Olympia
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