Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Greece is an Island Archipelago, a traditional land with lots of UNESCO World Heritage cities, museums and lively cities. It is steeped in the mythology of Gods such as Zeus and Apollo. Their stories reflect the well-preserved architecture and culture of the country’s citizens. Here are some places on the tourist map.
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Greece
Table of Contents
Athens
At every step in Athens, Greece, you will feel the vibes of an ancient civilization where men like Socrates and Sophocles lived.
Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Beanki Museum, Theatre of Dionysus, Museum of Islamic Art Parthenon, National Archaeological Museum, Temple of Poseidon, Lykavittos Hill and Mt.Parnitha National Park are some landmarks that stand as a symbol of the glorious past of Athens.
This lively metropolitan city can be covered on foot. Look into old town Plaka, shop at the local flea markets, enjoy music at Gazi, visit an outdoor cinema theatre at Thisson or check out bars at Ermou to fully imbibe the essence of the city.
Milos
Milos is a volcanic island rich in minerals. There are about 70 beaches here. Sarakiniko is a unique beach in North Milos with unique moonscape-like volcanic rock formations. You can enjoy water sports such as cliff diving, swimming and snorkelling here. There are 2 unique sea caves nearby Paliorema and Sykia formed from the erosion of limestone cliffs.
Some other spots you can visit are the Catacombs of Tripiti Village, Milos Mining Museum, Church and Museum of Holy Trinity, the Ancient city of Phylakopi, Lakkos Hot Springs, Plaka Castle and the Ancient theatre of Milos.
Rhodes
Rhodes is called the Knights Island. Start your vacation by visiting the old Rhodes town with Byzantine and Venetian style architecture buildings such as the Hospital of Knights, Catholic Cathedral and Byzantine Museum.
As for some food, check out Sokratous Street with lovely cafes and restaurants.
If the old town has some great architecture the new Rhodes town has some artistic buildings too.
The list does not end there. There are more spots such as Mandraki Marina & Port, Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes Castle, Valley of Butterflies, Acropolis of Rhodes, Kallithea Springs, Filerimos Monastery and Panagia Tsambika Monastery
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki connects Turkey and the Balkans via an international airport and a port. For a tourist, it is a place of beauty that can be enjoyed walking. It is also a place for amazing nightlife and great food.
Some landmarks of this place are the White Tower – the old prison; the beach with amazing sunset views; Arch of Galerius and Agios Dimitrios.
Gorge on traditional sweets such as Terkenli, Hatzis, and Bougatsa made from Buffalo cream and Phyllo pastry.
Santorini
Santorini’s natural beauty cannot be described in words. Seeing is believing! The volcanic beaches and moonscape-like landscapes are simply amazing.
While nature has bestowed the best on Santorini, Man has also beautified the place with whitewashed edifices, colourful blue domes, candy-coloured houses and lovely cobbled paths. The people are equally warm and hospitable.
Sailing trips, volcano trips, Water sports, diving, hiking and horse riding are some activities you can undertake here. The nightlife at Fira is fun. Then there are archaeological sites such as Akrotiri, Ancient Therea that demand your attention.
Santorini is also famous for its wine as well that you can visit and have a wine-tasting session.
Crete
It is the largest island in Greece. It has lots of ancient and modern museums.
Check out Minoan-era palaces such as Malia, Phaestos, Knossos and Kato Zakros; Ottoman monuments such as Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque and certain baths
Venetian style architecture is found employed for Venetian lighthouse, clock tower and Byzantine churches. Some of the important museums you can visit here are Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Museum of Ancient Elevtherna in Rethymo.
Epiros
Epiros is a beautiful place located among the mountains. It is a hidden gem and the top attractions here are:
If you are a beach person visit Perveza Beach, Parga Beach, Valtos Beach, one of the best in Greece and Monolithi Beach – the longest beach in Europe.
Check out the Ventian built Praga castle by hiking in the mountains. Some other must-visit landmarks include Kipina Monastery, Plaka Arch bridge, Voidomatis, Vikos gorge – the deepest gorge in the world, Mount Tymfi, Perema caves- stalactites and stalagmites, Ioannina castle, Arta church, Katogi Averoff and Museums of Hydrokinesis
Mykonos
There are lots of beaches in Mykonos – Ornos, Paraga and Paradise, beach bars, cabaret restaurants and seaside clubs where music is played and revellers have all the fun.
There are other spots too – lovely windmills, historical buildings, Panagia Paraportiani church, the Archeological museum of Mykonos and Lena’s House Museum.
Delphi
Delphi is the site of the legendary Oracle of Apollo. In the temple of God Apollo the high Priestesses Pythia delivered prophecies and advice to all seekers, which included Alexander the Great, in the 6th to 4th century BC.
Top spots that have been preserved are the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, Castalia Spring, the Archeological site of Delphi, Corycian cave, Museum of Delphi, Haunted Harmena Museum of Delphic festivals, Arachova and its Folklore museum, Hosios Loukas Monastery and Archeological Museum of Amfiss.
Corfu
A Greek Island in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is an exciting place to visit. It has influences of Venetian, English, Russians and the French reflected in its rich culture and traditions.
Start with the Old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can visit the Liston Arcade, Alleyways of Campiello, Catholic cathedral, Spianada Square and Doric style church of St.George.
The two famous islands are Pontikonisi and Vlacherna islet which house some famous monasteries.
The top beaches are Canal D’Amour and Siddari. You can also visit Dasia, Ermones, Kavos, Glyfada and Kontokali beaches.
On the culinary side try local specials such as Pastitsada, Sofrito and bourdeto.
When to go
Springtime between April and June and Autumn – September to October are the best times to have a great holiday in Greece.
How to Reach
While there are no direct flights, you can book tickets on Egyptian Airlines, Turkish Airlines or Indigo flights that connect you from Mumbai to Athens via Turkey and Egypt.
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