There’s no place on earth that’s quite as beautiful as Greece. Known for its gripping history and ancient culture, this Mediterranean heaven beckons travelers with its glorious antiquities and majestic masterpieces from the ancient era. With a mountainous mainland, photogenic landscapes and idyllic islands, Greece is also a blessing for shutterbugs and nature lovers who are yearning to see something gorgeous and dramatic. As an added plus, Greece will sweep you away with amazingly affordable prices, delicious cuisine and more than 300 days of sunshine.
Headed to Greece, but don’t know where to start? Need some tips on where to go in Greece? Guess what? We’ve rounded up some of the best and beautiful destinations in Greece, to help you plan the ultimate big, fat Greek vacation.
Athens
There’s no better place to kick start a trip to Greece than its vibrant capital. Not only will it give you a great introduction to Greece, but it’s also jam-packed with wonderful attractions and experiences. As a matter of fact, you can spend the whole week in Athens, exploring its colorful streets and historic spots. For a memorable trip in Athens, make sure to visit the Acropolis, Agora and National Archaeological Museum.
Santorini
They don’t call Santorini as one of the top places to travel in Europe for nothing. Praised for its unrivaled beauty, this island paradise will sweep you away with postcard-worthy sights of sapphire waters, marvelous white buildings perfectly topped with half-spheres and pastel-colored houses carved into cliffs. Of course, the island is also well-known for its splendid and awe-inspiring sunsets.
Paros
With world-class beaches and a hint of glamour, Paros is definitely a wondrous destination that should be on your Greece travel itinerary. Here, you’ll get to hit a wide variety of fine, untouched beaches. For foodies, Paros is also home to awesome seafood restaurants and tavernas. To make your visit even more unforgettable, take a side trip to Antiparos and see its superb beaches.
Corfu
Want to add more color and life to your Instagram feed? Why not spend a week or more in Corfu? Not only is dotted beautifully with Byzantine churches, but it also teems with whitewashed houses and remains of Venetian fortresses. Not to mention, it is home to a number of ruined yet splendid Greek temples.
Mykonos
With its bright white buildings, turquoise skies and golden sandy beaches, Mykonos is surely a can’t-miss destination in Greece. Billed as the most popular Greek Island in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is pretty energetic, drawing a diverse and upscale crowd that indulges on its stylish and vibrant nightlife. For beach lovers, there are countless of places where you can get your fix in Mykonos. Moreover, there are a few fun activities on its fabulous beaches, including skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, horseback riding and parasailing.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, nicknamed as the cultural capital of Greece, dazzles with its lively festival, social events, and pulsating nightlife. With a historic city center and a commercial district, the city offers both old and attractions, from the White Tower and Turkish Baths to colorful food markets and art galleries. For bona fide food lovers, the city boasts a plethora of top-notch restaurants and cafes.
Olympia
History buffs will surely find their slice of heaven in Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympics. As you explore the “Valley of Gods”, you’ll discover UNESCO World Heritage sites and a collection of honorific monuments and temples dedicated to ancient Greek deities. Furthermore, it has ancient training grounds and an Olympic temple where athletes have trained and competed thousands of years ago.
Nisyros
Famous for its active volcano, this Aegean island paradise has maintained its authenticity as well as avoided rampant modern-day development. With its untouched beauty, it’s easy to see why it has become a haven for artists and the creatively inclined. Of course, there are a lot of cool stuff you can do in Nisyros. Here, you can unwind in thermal springs, get lost in its photogenic alleys and hike along picturesque trails.
Zakynthos
The Ionian Islands are a heavenly and picture-perfect paradise. The waters are surreally blue, and the beach sands are achingly silky and smooth. Trust us, there’s an Instagram-worthy sight at every turn in Zakynthos. Sometimes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a heavily Photoshopped picture album when exploring Zakynthos.
Think we missed anything? Got a Greek destination in mind that you think should be on our list? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions to us, using the comment section!
