Located in Southern Europe, Greece is known for its natural beauty and fascinating history with countless islands, sandy beaches, archaeological sites, and a balmy Mediterranean climate making Greece as one of Europe’s top tourist destinations.
Acropolis, Athens
Acropolis is considered the symbol of Greece and Athens, and of Western civilization. It is a rocky mound rising at the center of modern Athens and crowned by three majestic temples dating from the 5th century BC. Parthenon is the best known and most distinctive temples, decorated by ornate pediments and friezes. Go on a nice walk back in time by taking the archaeological promenade and pas by the neighborhoods where Euripides, Pericles, Socrates, and Plato used to spend their everyday lives. Find yourself in the pedestal that leads to the place that once used to serve as the ancient Athenians sacred cemetery, the Kerameikos. There are tourists who are looking for homes for rent in Greece to make the most of their stay in this beautiful country.
Acropolis Museum, Athens
The Acropolis Museum is one of the most-popular tourist attractions of Athens. Opened in 2009 and designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi. This museum was built to display the ancient finds from the Acropolis and is an ultra-modern glass and steel structure with airy and light exhibition spaces. The top attraction you shouldn’t miss include 6th-century-BC Moschophoros, the statue of a young man carrying a calf; the Caryatids, sculptures of female figures; and the Parthenon Marbles. You can also enjoy amazing views of Acropolis from the café-restaurant terrace of the museum.
Santorini
Undeniably the most dramatic of all the islands of Greece, Santorini is popular for the cliff-top towns of Oia and Fira, located on the west coast, overlooking the deep, blue sea-filled caldera. You’ll surely be amazed staring at the Cycladic whitewashed cubic buildings which most of it have been converted into boutique hotels with infinity pools. The towns of Fira and Oia are both considered romantic destination for couples and these towns are popular for honeymoons and weddings. There are so many things to do in Santorini like swimming at the black volcanic sand beaches on the south and east coast and visiting the Akrotiri, an archeological site and an ancient Minoan settlement buried below lava. This island has an airport and is served by catamarans and ferries from the port of Athens, Piraeus.
Mykonos
Mykonos is the most glamorous island destination in Greece and well-known for its classy seafood restaurant, live music venues, and chic boutique hotels. Other must-visit places are the whitewashed church in Mykonos town called Paraportiani and sandy beaches along the south coast of the island which served both by taxi-boat and bus from Mykonos Town. The island of Mykonos is a go-to place and very popular for international celebrities. It also has an airport and is served by ferry and catamaran to Athen’s port, Rafina, and Piraeus.
Delphi
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Greek mainland. Built on the lower slopes of Mt. Parnassus. Delphi boasts its crumbling ruins of many temples, a theater, and stadium. You should include in your itinerary the Delphi Museum Archaeological Museum which displays a great collection of finds from the site.
Meteora Monasteries
Thessaly Plain is one of the most unusual things to see in Greece where bizarre rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Meteora. There are six monasteries that are open to the public that you can visit. To go here, you need to climb up several flights of stone to reach each monastery. Inside the monastery, you’ll find religious icons, flickering candles, frescoes, and burning incense. There are no definite opening hours, and to be able to see all six monasteries, you need to spend at least a day in the area. Kalambaka is the nearest town.
Rhodes Town
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, lying on the Aegean Sea, and close to Turkey. Its capital, Rhodes Town, is one of the most-visit and most popular destinations for tourists. It is enclosed by an amazing fortification system which includes monumental towers and gates built by the Knights of Saint John after they took control of the island in the 14th century. The cobbled streets of Rhodes town are great to explore on foot, as it is car-free. Some of the must-visit nearby attractions are the stunning hillside coastal town of Lindos and on the Turkish coast, the Marmaris. These can be visited by excursion boat. Just like other towns, Rhodes is served by an airport, and ferries from the port of Athens, Piraeus.
Corfu Town
One of Greece’s most-visited island destination, located on the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of the mainland. Its Corfu Town is another UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning Italianate architecture which was ruled by the Venetians for many centuries. Explore its car-free streets and discover its two 16th-century fortresses, arcaded Liston, and visit their old-fashioned cafes. This town is a popular charter base for yachts sailing the Ionian and boats which offer tours to Butrint and Saranda in nearby Albania. Corfu town is served by an airport and ferries from Patras on the Greek mainland and Igoumenitsa. During the summer season, there are ferries sailing from Venice and Ancona that stop in Corfu town.
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is one of the most popular destinations for lovers who love outdoor adventures. Measuring 16 kilometers in length, runs from Omalos down to Agia Roumeli, on the Libyan Sea. It will take five to seven hours to walk, depending on your level of fitness. There are rocky and steep parts, so you should wear proper hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
