Attractions of Greece. Top 20 Best Places

Greece is a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world due to its ancient history, magnificent nature, numerous islands and warm sea. Every year the country is visited by millions of tourists, bringing the country considerable profit. In return, they get amazing opportunities for recreation and entertainment. If you are going on a trip now, this collection contains the top 20 best sights of Greece that are worth visiting. Choose among them the most interesting and plan your tour in advance.





Situated in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a beautiful Greek island about 200 km southeast of the mainland. With its picturesque landscapes and unique attractions, the main industry of the island is tourism, which reaches its peak during the summer. One of the most interesting facts about Santorini and the archipelago is that it is the remains of an ancient volcanic island. After a huge eruption, the current volcanic caldera and a huge central lagoon were formed. Also known as Tyra, Santorini attracts tourists with its famous dramatic landscapes, breathtaking sunsets (especially from the city of Oyi), and still active volcano in the city of Tyre. The beaches of Santorini are amazing, ranging from bright white to red and even black (Camari Pebble Beach). But if you only have time for one beach, then it is worth visiting Perissa, with its peaceful natural beauty. It is in Santorini that some of the best resorts in Greece are located.


One of the many natural attractions of Greece – the Gulf of Corinth, separates the mainland from the island of Peloponnese. Numerous shipping routes pass through this huge mass of water (130 km), with exciting ferry excursions and tours. There are two most famous attractions associated with this bay. The first is the beautiful, straight and narrow Corinth Canal with high walls on each side, and the second is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe called Rio Antirio.


The fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the largest island in Greece is Crete. It is also the birthplace of the Minoan Western European civilization. Crete is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Any traveler will find something to their liking here, from luxury hotels to much more affordable camping facilities. Among the outstanding sites of Crete are the breathtaking Minoan archaeological sites, Europe’s largest natural palm forest on Vai Beach, the Venetian castle in Rethymno, the port and old town of Chania, the breathtaking Samaria gorge and a number of beautiful beaches on the island. The rich culture of Crete and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants will make you feel cozy and comfortable. Lively capital cities, rugged mountain landscapes, calm villages and warm turquoise waters await guests.

Panathinaikos Stadium

Built entirely of white marble, the Panathinaikos Stadium is a spectacular architectural landmark in Greece. Sports events are often held here, but the stadium looks even more majestic when empty. It is the world’s largest stadium made entirely of white marble. Restored from the remains of an ancient Greek stadium, Panathinaikos is one of the oldest stadiums in the world. While in Athens, you can witness the stadium in all its majesty.


Perched on a rocky elevation above the historic center of Athens, the Acropolis is the most important architectural wonder of ancient Greece and the main attraction of Athens. Buildings of great cultural and historical importance await you here. The most significant of all is the famous Parthenon, the historic temple of Athena (the patroness of the city that still bears her name), whose construction began as early as 447 BC. A visit to Athens would be incomplete without a pilgrimage to the Acropolis. You should also visit the Temple of Athena Nike, the ancient gateway to the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (still used today for games and musical events), and the New Acropolis Museum.

Vicos Gorge

At approximately 20 kilometers long, Vicos Gorge is breathtaking. The Guinness Book of Records called it the deepest gorge in the world, with a depth of 490 meters. It is located in Vicos Aoos National Park on the south side of the Pind Mountains. This is a national monument of Greece, which will be interesting for any nature lover. Here you can find rare flowers and other plants, more than 110 species of birds, numerous species of butterflies, 19 different amphibians and snake species, as well as 7 species of fish in the Voidomatis and Aoos rivers. Speaking of rivers, the best time of year to visit Vicos is when the waters are shallow – during the summer months as well as early autumn. At this time, you can explore more of the gorge in all its beauty. But the natural attractions of Greece do not end there.


One of the most popular (and inhabited) islands in Greece is Rhodes. Also called the “Island of the Knights”, it is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, and is located very close to the Turkish coastline. Previously, Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as it was here that the giant Colossus of Rhodes stood. The island is the most popular tourist destination in Europe. The remarkable combination of archaeological sites, medieval buildings and sunny shores makes Rhodes a place to fall in love with easily. If you prefer a quiet and quiet vacation, the southern part of the island is waiting for guests. But there are plenty of bustling resorts here - you'll just have to head north to find them.

Plaque

Also known as the “District of the Gods”, Plaka is a fascinating historical region in Athens. Its proximity to the Acropolis has given it its exceptional nickname and made it an entirely unique tourist attraction. With neoclassical architecture, numerous archaeological sites, various museums and breathtaking labyrinthine streets, Plaka is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The main street of Plaki Adrianu Street is not only the oldest in the region, but also remains the only one preserved in perfect condition since antiquity. At first sight, you will fall in love with this picturesque place: beautiful cafes and restaurants, interesting shops and very clean air will turn any ordinary day into a completely special experience.


As if the beauty and ancient secrets of Greece are not enough for curious tourists – this wonderful country also has some stunning underground attractions. About 26 km from the city of Areopoli is the spectacular Diru cave system. An underground river passes through them, allowing you to visit the caves by boat. An intricate network of galleries with natural walls, stunning stalactites and stalagmites will transport you to an unusual world. People who lived in the Paleolithic and Neolithic times used these caves as temples, considering them to be the entrance to the terrible underworld.


Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Meteora monasteries are one of the most important religious destinations of the Eastern Orthodox world. This is an impressive complex of monasteries (24 monasteries) built on high pillars of sandstone. Their size and importance put Meteora in second place after the famous Mount Athos. “Meteora” literally means “middle sky”, which is a very appropriate name for a complex at this altitude. The pillars themselves are a rare sight that will give wonderful memories for a lifetime.

Delphic theatre

Large enough ancient theater in Delphi for 5,000 spectators – a really impressive place with beautiful views of the temple of Apollo and the valley of olive trees below. The theater was first built sometime in the 4th century BC, but underwent multiple renovations over time. Still retaining the original basic structures (round stage and stone seats), the theatre is used for various cultural events to this day, mainly in summer. This is definitely one of the best places to see an ancient Greek performance.



Achilleion Palace

This magnificent palace was built by an influential woman with a strong passion for the beauty of the Greek world - Empress of Austria Elizabeth of Bavaria. She is better known as Sissy, a beautiful empress with incredibly long, curly hair.

In 1890, one year after the tragic death of her only son, she built the Achilleion Palace in her favorite holiday destination: on the island of Corfu in Greece. As his name suggests, the luxurious structure was inspired by the famous mythical hero Achilles. From her royal rooms, the Empress could enjoy the magnificent view of the island and the city of the same name.
Samaria Gorge is located in the center of the only national park in Crete. It is also one of the most important sights of Greece and Crete. About 16 km long, the gorge was created by the smooth waters of a small river. Visiting this wonderful place, you will be able to observe many different species of birds and flowers, and even a rare species of Cretan goat Kri-kri, which lives exclusively in the park. The most popular attraction here is a very narrow part of the gorge known as the Gate. The walls here take off 300 meters and have only 4 meters of space between them.


If you are looking for something naturally beautiful and stunning, then the amazing Melissani Cave is the most suitable place. You can find this cave on the island of Kefalonia, surrounded by forests and a beautiful lake of hypnotizing azure color. The water is completely transparent, creating the illusion that the boats float in the airspace just above the rocky base of the lake. Melissani Cave was formed by a unique chemical and mechanical process of gradual decay of rocks, which led to the creation of voids. Nymph Cave from Greek mythology, Melissanmi is a must-see attraction in Greece.
For those of you who love lakes, Plastira is an excellent place to relax. It is an artificially formed reservoir that receives its water from the Tavropos River. The landscape is breathtaking and attracts numerous tourists every year. The idea of an artificial lake in the area came from the Greek general Nicholas Plastiras (who later became prime minister), hence the name of the reservoir. Located at a very high altitude, one of the highest lakes in Europe is a popular destination among nature lovers who come here for biking, canoeing, rafting, horseback riding, or even honeymooning.
When you hear about a place that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you immediately realize that it is something completely special. Located in Macedonia and northern Greece, Mount Athos is a mountain and peninsula inhabited and visited only by men. No woman is allowed to set foot in this beautiful place dedicated to prayer, meditation and spirituality. The Holy Mountain, as the Greeks call it today, is actually part of an autonomous state under Greek sovereignty. Visitors need special permits to enter the area, but only 110 people are allowed to visit it every day, 100 of whom must be Orthodox. If you don’t mind bureaucracy, a visit to Mount Athos and its 20 monasteries is a very interesting adventure. Here you can also buy gifts for ladies who will be waiting for you outside of this most sacred place on Earth.



Acropolis of Lindos

Even though the most famous acropolis in Greece is the Acropolis of Athens, there are numerous similar citadels in the country, and some are quite remarkable. A very good example is the Acropolis of Lindos, which has amazing views of the surrounding coastline and harbors. Beautiful and mysterious at the same time, this natural citadel holds precious archaeological finds that belong to different civilizations. The structure was originally built by the Dorians (the ancient Greeks) and then restored and refortified by the Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St. John and the Ottomans. A unique blend of culture and history, beautiful beaches and a small town with its traditional whitewashed buildings and winding trails will enchant you to your core.
The legendary landmark of Greece is Mount Olympus. No visit to Greece can be called complete without stopping at the iconic Mount Olympus. Once home to the gods, it is now a precious Biosphere Reserve with stunning views and remarkable biodiversity. Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece with a height of 2,917 meters at Mitikas Peak, which means “nose”. Mount Olympus was declared a National Park in 1938 and still attracts thousands of visitors each year. Even though it is a high mountain, it is quite accessible even for hikers. Even the least experienced tourists will have a good time here, walking along the numerous trails.
Located on the northwestern part of the Acropolis in Athens, Kerameykos was once the square of potters of the Greek capital. And yes, the word “ceramics” is etymologically related to the name of this beautiful place. The site was deliberately chosen on the banks of the Eridanos River because the water washed rich deposits of clay mud that potters could use for their creations. The square is known for its 30th century old cemetery: archaeological excavations have shown that people buried the dead in this area as early as the 3rd millennium BC. Visitors will encounter large monuments and mounds, as well as many wonderful exhibits (jewels, funerary urns, toys, large marble sculptures, and more) at the Kerameykos Museum.
Also located near the famous Acropolis of Athens, the Odeon of Herodes of Attic is an impressive stone theater. Its name comes from an Athenian magnate named Herodous Atticus, who built it in memory of his wife. With a capacity of 5,000, the theater remained intact from 161 (when it was built) until 267 CE, when the Heruls destroyed it. Beautifully restored in modern times, the Odeon hosts various modern events, including the famous Athens Festival, which begins in May and lasts until October. For a sense of authenticity and historical importance, the three-story tall original wall has been left in its original form as a beautiful remnant of the past. Here you can see the classic theatrical work - an unforgettable experience for any theater fan. Among the Greek attractions there are many such places, many of which have separate articles on LifeGlobe.


Source: lifeglobe.net/