Greece is a well-liked travel destination with attractions for all tastes. It will enchant beachgoers, foodies, culture vultures, and history buffs alike. Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Greek Islands rank among the country’s most picturesque locations, but the mainland is also home to rough mountains and intriguing historic sites. To help you plan your itinerary, here are the 26 best places to visit in Greece.
The 26 Best Places To Visit In Greece
1. Santorini
One of the most well-known and top-notch tourist destinations in Greece is Santorini. It is ideal for a romantic rendezvous or honeymoon. The island has blue domes perched high on sea cliffs and whitewashed villages.
There are beautiful beaches in Santorini complete with red sand, black sand, and golden sand. It is arguably the most gorgeous Greek island. The best times to see scintillating Santorini are from September 1 through October 31 and from April 1 through May 31 when the weather is warm and there are fewer tourists around. Experience the island’s cultural side, explore the archeological site of Akrotiri, and enjoy the infinity pools, the sunsets and other breathtaking views.
2. Meteora
One of the most stunning tourist destinations in Greece, Meteora, is becoming more well-known. Here you will discover monasteries from the ninth century that were constructed atop enormous rock monoliths. Because of Meteora’s magnificent monasteries, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
400 meter-high sandstone spires tower over the lovely landscape. Meteora formed 60 million years ago, is said by some to be both extraordinary and stunning. Monks constructed monasteries at the top of these massive mountains as a covert retreat where they could live in safety and seclusion and had to scale the walls with ropes and ladders. You can see the monasteries and the Delphi Archaeological Site on a two-day tour.
3. Athens
Spend three days in Athens when you travel to Greece before departing for the island’s golden beaches. The ancient archaeological sites that dot Greece’s capital city blend in surprisingly well with modern-day habitation. The Parthenon, which was constructed between 447 and 432 BC, sits at the center of the ancient Acropolis, which dominates this superb city.
Veteran visitors can confirm it is a must-see metropolis. Don’t miss the Ancient Agora, the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, and the Temple of Hephaestus, Dine on one of the local rooftop patios too. The best months to visit Athens are March through May and September through November. The climate’s pleasant, crowds are fewer, and discounts abound.
4. Epirus
One favorite location, western Greece’s Epirus is surrounded by the Ionian Sea and Albania. This vast area is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. There’s so much to do here you could actually stay for a week.
This amazing region, which has just recently been discovered, is full of mountain villages, breathtaking landscapes, and lovely beaches. If you set up a base in Ioannina, you can easily travel to the Kipina Monastery, the most impressive monastery outside of Meteora, via the magnificent Stone Arch Bridges of Zagori. The spring and summer seasons are the ideal times to travel here. The area is less crowded because fewer tourists travel there than to other parts of Greece.
5. Ioannina
The City of Ioannina, which is the capital of Epirus, will astound you. It is rich in Byzantine history, has marvelous museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Perhaps the most significant landmarks here are the seven monasteries on the Island of the Lake. In fact, one of Greece’s three most incredibly crucial monasteries, along with Meteora and the Mount Athos Monastery, is the memorable Monastery of the Philanthropists, which harkens back to 1204. The months of May through September are the ideal times to travel to Ioannina. The warm, pleasant weather during these months is ideal for outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking, paragliding, swimming, and seeing the city’s landmarks.
6. Parga
Greece’s Parga is a stunning vacation destination with a variety of attractions, including white-sand beaches traditional whitewashed buildings, and clear blue waters. The main attraction is Parga Castle, where you can hike up for stunning views of the area. Parga will give you a sense of what a Greek Island vacation is like because it has the feel of a Greek isle despite being on the mainland.
Sivota, Preveza, and Plataria all have lovely beaches in addition to the nearby Valtos Beach, which is frequently cited as one of the best beaches in the country. Enjoy fresh seafood at a beach bar. This place is fairly famous for its keen cuisine!
7. Zagori
Zagori’s just outside of popular Ioannina. Visit the lovely Averoff Gallery as well as the Katogi Averoff Hotel and Winery to see. It serves as the ideal starting point for exploring all that Vikos has to offer, from its beautiful hiking trails to its ancient monasteries. The Vikos Gorge should not be missed, even though Zagori is best known for its stone bridges. The Guinness Book of World Records lists this as the deepest gorge on the planet, making it one of the nation’s natural wonders. This picturesque area of Greece is not to be missed because it has hiking trails, beautiful lookouts, and a diverse, attractive array of flora.
8. Zakynthos
Zakynthos (also known as Zante in Greek) is one of the top Greek islands for scuba diving. It has some of the best beaches in the nation. Navagio Beach, a.k.a. Shipwreck Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Greece.
It is surrounded by tall, white cliffs and turquoise water. Shipwreck Beach is even more pristine because it can only be reached by boat tour. The town of Zante is located on Zakynthos’ eastern coast.
It is a convenient location for traveling and has a lively nightlife. The island has a rich history and delicious Greek cuisine. The best time to see Zakynthos is from March through May and September until early December.
9.Crete
There’s nothing better than island hopping in Greece, and any trip there must include a stop on the stunning island of Crete. The best beaches in Greece can be found on Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. Additionally, you’ll see the well-known whitewashed homes and standard southern towns.
With its lofty peaks, narrow gorges, and pristine sandy beaches, Crete is a must-see location. Samaria Gorge should not be missed if you enjoy hiking; it’s undoubtedly one of Greece’s natural wonders. The beauty of this national park is among the best in all of Europe. Make sure to visit Elafonisi Beach, which is frequently cited as Greece’s top beach too!
10. Knossos
Knossos is among the best locations on the island of Crete. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace of King Minos is on display here in this outdoor archaeological museum.
Created by an ancient Minoan civilization, it has been here for over 2000 years. This sizable bronze age archeological site is one of the country’s best and most well-preserved. Visit Knossos in spring or autumn with a guide, explore the old Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and sample some authentic traditional Greek cuisine. Rent a car here and explore off the beaten path to learn more about how the locals live.
11. Pelion
On the Pelion Peninsula in mainland Greece, Pelion is a stunning region of Greece. Tsagarada, Makrinitsa, and Milies are just a few of the picturesque villages on Pelion, which is halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki. Plus, this is the location to be if you want to see where the film *Mama Mia* was filmed.
A large portion of the motion picture was shot in the coastal community of Damouchari. Jason and the Argonauts lived in Volos, a lovely city on the coast. This is a must-see if you enjoy Greek mythology from antiquity. The best seasons to visit Pelion are spring and fall because of the mild and pleasant weather.
12. Skiathos
Skiathos takes you off the beaten path. This island in the Sporades archipelago in the northwest Aegean Sea evokes memories of Crete or Santorini from the early 2000s. Travel the island by rental car.
Similar to the more well-known Greek islands, this island has lovely whitewashed houses, sandy beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Skiathos is well-liked by tourists due to its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The Evangelistria Monastery, built in 1894, is a notable landmark in this area. Spend your evenings unwinding in a tavern on the beach, sipping sparkling wine, and enjoying authentic Greek cuisine. After that, take a stroll along the water to witness the mesmerizing sunsets.
13. Skopelos
Skopelos, another *Mama Mia* location with stunning scenery, is only a short distance from Skiathos. Numerous beautiful beaches, picturesque monasteries clinging to its coast, whitewashed houses with blue doors, and terracotta roofs are all highlights of Skopelos. Mind you, Skopelos is a stunning Greek island but unless you know someone who has traveled there, it probably would not be on your list of must-see locations in Greece. There are 360 monasteries and churches there, as well as stunning beaches with white limestone cliffs and clear, diving- and snorkeling-friendly waters. The most pleasant seasons to visit Skopelos are spring and fall when the weather is mild.
14. Costa Navarino
Although the beaches on the Greek islands are among the best in the entire country, a number of travel writers consider Costa Navarino, located in the southwest corner of the Peloponnese region of mainland Greece, can compete with the very best of them. Few visitors come to this incredible location in Greece, which is in Messinia on the Ionian Sea’s crystal clear waters. Messinia is one of some frequent flyers’ favorite places to travel in Greece because it is a unique destination with opulent resorts, olive groves, and charming villages. Although Messene in the Peloponnese is less visited by tourists, it’s just as impressive as the ancient ruins of Athens.
15. Voidokilia Beach
The most stunning beach we’ve ever seen, Voidokilia Beach, is not far from Costa Navarino. Voidokilia Beach is a place of legends because it is shaped like the Greek letter Omega. This beach was mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey, and it was thought that King Nestor, a former ruler of Pylos, frequented it. Some must-see sites around Voidokilia Beach include popular Paleokastro, Nestor’s Cave, and Gialova Lagoon. The summer months of June, July, August, and September are the best times to visit Voidokilia Beach because the weather is warm and there are fewer tourists there.
16. Messene
Few people have heard of the ancient city of Messene, despite the fact that everyone is familiar with the Acropolis, the Temple of Apollo, and the Temple of Poseidon. This ancient Greek city is a must-see. One of the Best Places in Greece is Messene.
It withstood numerous sieges by both the Macedonians and the Spartans and is filled with centuries of history. Although it is not nearly as popular as other Greek archaeological sites, it is a favorite of many of those who have been there. Wander through the theater, stadium, and agora of the Greeks. Add Messene to your must-see list if you go to Costa Navarino.
17. Kalamata
Messenia’s capital is located in the port city of Kalamata. Fans of the arts and theater should definitely go here. That’s because the Castle of Isabeau is the main attraction here.
Every year, the International Dance Festival takes place here. This location is a huge amphitheater with a view of the whole city. Additionally, you will be able to observe the various influences that both the Venetians and the Turks had on the building’s architecture.
You can also visit a lot of museums while you’re here. Take your time and thoroughly explore this city. If you’re looking for sun, the best months to visit Kalamata are between June and August.
18. Thessaloniki
Be sure to visit Thessaloniki. Greek Macedonia’s capital is located in Northern Greece, in Thessaloniki. With Turkish Baths and Byzantine and Roman era monuments, it gives off the impression that you are in Turkey. To see historic locations like the Roman Market, Hammams, and Byzantine Churches, make sure to stroll through the old town. Don’t miss the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s iconic landmark that rises 33 meters above the ground. The months of April through November are the best for travel to Thessaloniki. The warmest months are July and August when highs of 34°C are common. The White Tower, Ladadika, the Ataturk Museum, and Aristotelous Square are must-see attractions in Thessaloniki.
19. Olympus National Park
You must visit Mount Olympus if you enjoy Greek mythology. Journey to Thessaly and hike this mythical mountain. It’s 2,917 meters tall. The legendary mountain feels a long way from civilization as it winds through waterfalls and thick forests.
You might not be up to ascending “the Mountain of the Gods,” but you simply must hike at least a part of it. If you’re not overly athletic, go to the popular Prionia trailhead for Prionia and just hike down from that point. The best months to travel are July and August. The weather is typically warm, most facilities and roads are open, and numerous activities are available.
20. Mykonos
The Greek island of Mykonos, which is part of the Cyclades group and located in the Aegean Sea, is well-known for its thriving nightlife and for being a gay-friendly destination with numerous businesses that cater to the LGBT community. It is also well known for its famous golden sand beaches that end in clear waters, drawing tourists to its shores for both daytime fun on the beach and nightlife. The island’s stunning windmills, which line the shore, represent the place and are perhaps its most famous feature. With its charming wooden balconies dangling over the water, Alefkandra, a.k.a. Little Venice, used to be a wealthy merchant city in Venice.
21. Rhodes
The Island of Rhodes is renowned for its history and scenic beauty. The Lindos Acropolis, Rhodes Old Town, the Grand Master’s Palace, and unwinding at Lindos Beach are all noteworthy Rhodes attractions. It has endured wars and earthquakes for centuries, making it among the most fascinating places to visit in Greece.
It is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Greece due to its combination of historic sites, wonderful beaches, and nightlife. The months of May through September are the most pleasant for traveling to Rhodes. The months of July and August are the island’s busiest travel months. The best months to travel are May, June, and September if you prefer less tourism.
22. Corfu
Corfu is not exactly a hidden gem, and during the summer months, the island can become overrun with tourists. it is one of the best Greek islands to visit, though, if you go when it’s not peak season. Greece’s greenest island is Corfu.
There are numerous historical sites scattered all over the island. Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is regarded as the historical center of Corfu. The summer months of June to August are the ideal time to visit Corfu because of the warm, sunny weather. The best time to travel here is in September and October if you prefer less tourism. It can get a tad chilly and rainy during the winter.
23. Delphi
Greece’s Delphi Archaeological Site is a well-known tourist destination. It is breathtaking to see this ancient temple honoring the Greek God Apollo at the summit of Mount Parnassus. Delphi was regarded as a sacred site by the ancient Greeks.
Delphi, which dates to the eighth century BC, is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. An incredible scene is created by the ancient Apollo temple complex that is perched atop the tall mountain. The summer months of June to August are the ideal time to visit the Delphi Archaeological Site because they are warm and sunny. The best times to travel are in September and October if you prefer less tourism.
24. Halkidiki
The region of Halkidiki is in northern Greece. The three peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia, and Mount Athos, collectively known as “the three legs,” are what make it famous. Mount Athos Monastery is one of Halkidiki’s most fascinating locations. One of Greece’s three most significant monasteries is Mount Athos. One of the best places to travel in Greece, yet many tourists have yet to learn about it in comparison to the tens of thousands of islands in Greece. It is well-liked by sunbathers in Romania and the neighboring country of Bulgaria now, but the rest of Europe will soon follow. June to August is the ideal time to visit Halkidiki for sunny weather.
25. Athens Riviera
The Athens Riviera is a fantastic place to visit in Greece if you’re in Athens and just plain don’t have time to travel to the islands. enjoyed a long weekend driving along the section of the Athens Riviera outside of the city. From Athens, you can either rent a car or order a taxi.
Discounted transfers from Athens International Airport might be available through your hotel. The summer months of June to August are also the ideal time to visit the Athens Riviera because of the warm weather. On the other hand, if you book your visit in either September or October, there are fewer tourists.
26. Poseidon’s Temple
Even if you don’t spend the night on the Athens Riviera, you absolutely must take a day trip from Athens to Poseidon’s Temple. This tremendous temple on the shore of the Ionian Sea is situated at the southernmost point of mainland Greece and is well worth the journey. Greek gods were highly revered in ancient times, and Poseidon’s Temple is the most impressive because of its location. The summer months of June to August are the ideal time to visit the Temple of Poseidon because they are warm and sunny. The best times to travel are in September and October if you prefer less tourism. A day trip can be scheduled from Athens.
