Summary
Ranging from the pristine beaches of the Aegean islands to the rugged hills of Crete, the mythical massifs of Olympus in the north to the ancient monasteries of Athos and the vibrant streets of modern Athens, Greece offers an eclectic range of destinations. Here, we examine 15 of the premier locations that every traveler should include in their Greek itinerary.
1. Corfu
Corfu, nestled at the intersection of the Albanian Adriatic coast and the Ionian Sea of Greece, epitomizes idyllic travel destinations. Its winding coastline is adorned with pristine beaches such as Pelekas and Chalikounas, radiating remote beauty. Additionally, the Corfu Old Town and Old Perithia are filled with Venetian landmarks, historic fortifications, and sun-drenched promenades.
Moving inland, visitors can explore Corfu’s rugged terrain characterized by towering cypress forests and enchanting villages like Lakones, where whitewashed buildings emerge from the lush greenery.
2. Nafplion
Once the capital of Greece in the 19th century and a long-time favorite of the elite from Athens, Nafplion has been influenced over centuries by Greeks, Ottomans, Byzantines, and more. The Palamidi Citadel proudly overlooks the town, showcasing the formidable fortifications constructed by Venetians in the 17th century.
Visitors can also enjoy the charming marble-clad Constitution Square, paying homage to the national revival that transpired here, alongside a lively esplanade along the port that presents opportunities for authentic Mediterranean seafood cuisine.
3. Corinth
Positioned at the junction of ancient Attica and the Peloponnese, Corinth thrived during antiquity. Its naval prowess and strategic location on the Isthmus of Corinth served as a crucial link between the rival city-states of Sparta and Athens during the Peloponnesian War of the early 5th century BC.
Corinth aligned itself with the victors, evidenced by its impressive fortifications and the ancient acropolis, arguably more striking than its counterpart in Athens, as well as the wealth of art and historical significance displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth.
4. The Halkidiki Peninsula
Extending into the Aegean Sea like three arching fingers, the Halkidiki Peninsula lies just south of Thessaloniki and hosts some of the finest beaches and resorts in northern Greece. The tranquil, golden sands of Kalamitsi draw a more subdued clientele focused on ecotourism, while Kassandra comes alive with festive nightlife and a variety of upscale hotels along its coastline.
Mystical Athos, the easternmost peninsula, is renowned for its deeply entrenched monastic traditions, preserving the practices of the Greek Orthodox Church amidst its stunning mountainous scenery.
5. Mycenae
Mycenae, steeped in legend as the ancestral home of King Agamemnon and possibly constructed by mythical cyclopes, is set upon the limestone hills of the Peloponnesian Argolid. As one of the less frequented archaeological sites in Greece, it offers an immersive glimpse into early civilization.
The ruins here predate the monumental Athenian Acropolis and date back to the zenith of the Atreid dynasty in the 14th century BC, showcasing impressive fortifications, royal tombs, and burial sites.
6. Delphi
Delphi, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus along the Corinthian Gulf, is renowned as a pivotal religious center of the ancient world. For centuries, this site attracted monarchs and leaders seeking the prophetic insights of its famed oracle, in addition to the revered Pythian priestesses.
Foremost among its attractions is the Temple of Apollo, with its remnants housing the old chambers of ancient seers beneath its impressive Doric columns. Additionally, the site features rows of ancient treasuries, one grand theatre, and a mountaintop stadium.
7. Rhodes
Rhodes, a gem in the Aegean, captivates countless tourists annually with its striking beaches, secluded pebble coves, upscale resorts, and immersive mountain landscapes. Starting with the ancient city of Rhodes, which once hosted the magnificent Colossus, visitors can witness the historic Grand Master’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island also boasts the vibrant Valley of the Butterflies, sunlit beaches at Ixia, and the lively nightlife of Faliraki, along with charming inland villages preserving Dodecanese culture.
8. Zakynthos
Characterized by its rugged terrain, Zakynthos rises majestically from the shimmering Ionian Sea. Its dramatic chalk-white cliffs conceal exquisite spots such as the iconic Navagio Beach, also recognized as Shipwreck Beach, and the mysterious Blue Caves along the northern shoreline.
In the center of the island, adventurers can uncover olive groves interspersed with firs and cypresses, rarely seen by tourists, while Laganas serves as a bustling hub of nightlife, renowned for its lively clubs and bars during the peak summer months.
9. Thessaloniki
Greece’s second largest city nestles in a picturesque cove on the Aegean Sea in the northern region. A blend of commercial port, elegant historic center, and vibrant university town, Thessaloniki presents an extensive array of attractions and activities.
After a destructive fire in the early 20th century, the city center was largely rebuilt, adopting Byzantine architectural styles. The heritage-rich Ano Poli (Upper Town) retains its classic Greek and Balkan architecture, while travelers can explore the exhibits at the iconic White Tower, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, and the historic Ataturk House, before reveling in the lively tavernas and chic bars along Nikis Avenue and Krini.
10. Chania
Gracefully arching along the northern coastline of Crete, Chania offers a stunning array of Cretan tavernas and seafood restaurants nestled below its terracotta roofs and the historic Venetian Lighthouse overlooking the Mediterranean. The town is undoubtedly among the most aesthetically pleasing on the island, exemplifying a blend of Turkish architecture and Italian influences along its charming harbor.
Visitors can also encounter Ottoman remnants, ancient forts, and sample renowned local dishes, from traditional highland greens to dakos and robust olive oils, not to mention the locally produced raki.
11. Knossos
Located a short distance south of the Cretan capital of Heraklion, travelers encounter the significant Bronze Age archaeological site known as the Palace of Knossos. Rigorously excavated in the early 20th century, the site reveals the intricate history of the Minoans, who dominated this region of the Aegean for nearly two millennia. Visitors can marvel at stunning mosaics and the famous fresco of the charging bull that graces the central palace structure, alongside the iconic red-painted columns.
Additional exhibits include remnants of Minoan pottery and the grand throne room of the Bronze Age kings, where the captivating legend of the Minotaur and labyrinth would have unfolded.
12. Athens
Few cities can claim as rich a historical tapestry as Athens, crowned by the iconic Parthenon and the expansive remains of the Agora. It was here that luminaries such as Socrates, Plato, Euripides, and Pericles engaged in profound discourse. Athens is heralded as the birthplace of democracy, emerging under Cleisthenes in the late 6th century BC, and nurturing the foundations of classical theatre.
The metropolis represents Greece’s largest urban center, pulsating with political significance, adorned with picturesque churches and governing buildings. Visitors should explore the vibrant Plaka area, where lively tavernas proliferate amidst the ancient ruins of the Acropolis hill.
13. Olympia
Recognized as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia is undoubtedly one of Greece’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Often lauded as the heart of the Valley of Gods, it houses numerous temples and monumental structures dedicated to deities like Zeus and Hera, many of which are preserved in the onsite archaeology museum. Visitors can also explore the remnants of the ancient Olympic stadium and training facilities, where athletes once competed for their city-states’ honor.
Nearby, the breathtaking landscapes of the Alfios River valley await discovery, accompanied by rugged hiking and mountain biking trails across the interior hills of the Peloponnese.
14. Epidaurus
Once esteemed as the premier healing center of the ancient world, Epidaurus can be found amongst the charming landscapes of the Argolid Peninsula, adjacent to Corinth’s coastline. The most notable relic at this site is the Sanctuary of Asklepios, frequented by healers and patients from the Classical to the Roman eras. Many visitors flock to the colossal amphitheater, a 4th-century BC architectural marvel renowned for its exceptional acoustics.
15. Meteora
Meteora, with its breathtaking sandstone pillars resembling scenes from a fantasy film, is located in the heart of northern Greece. These extraordinary geological formations host some of Greece’s most traditional Orthodox monasteries, such as the Holy Monastery of Rousanou, Varlaam, and Great Meteoron, which are precariously perched on the cliffs, showcasing exquisite examples of Byzantine architecture.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these awe-inspiring structures were established between the 14th and 16th centuries, dominating the stunning landscape of the region.
