Greece is an incredible country to visit and one of Europe’s most beautiful areas to visit. With its iconic Greek islands, long history and the yummiest Greek Food, there literally thousands of the best places in Greece to visit. That being said, you won’t be able to do them all in one trip! 😉
This is why I wanted to share some of my very favourite and best places in Greece that you should think of exploring. Some are tiny little islands, whilst others are historic fishing villages that I’m hoping you’ll love.
You see, the thing with Greece is that lots of visitors just go to visit the stunning Greek islands, and rightly so! Honestly, they are incredible and one of my favourite areas in Greece.
That being said, there’s so much more to Greece than just the islands. This is why I’ve tried to show off a few mainland places you might not have considered.
Take a look below at some of the best places in Greece to visit. Oh, and if you’re looking for a little travel buddy (that’ll taste test all your Ouzo and feta, then count me in! 😉
1.) Meteora
Meteora is easily up there as one of the best places in Greece if you want to see something totally unique. Perched high up in the Pindus Mountains, Meteora is a vast complex of monasteries that stand hundreds of metres high.
Apparently, religious settlers used these spots for over a thousand years, with the construction of the monasteries beginning during the Ottoman Empire expansion (sometime in the 15th Century). Due to the threat of persecution, the monks sought refuge in remote locations and this is how Meteora was formed.
Now, the original way into the monasteries was to climb a series of ladders tied together or be dragged up the mountain in a large net (tricky, I know). Thankfully, today you can gain access by a much easier method, steps have been carved into the rock and a bridge connects to a nearby plateau.
There were at its peak 20 monasteries here, now there are just 6, 5 for men and 1 for women. Great Meteora is the largest of these and one you certainly shouldn’t miss. Now, to get here, you either need to fly into the Ioannina National Airport (about 120km away) or take the direct train from Athens to Kalambaka.
Read more: What to see and do in Meteora
2.) Kefalonia (Cephalonia)
Now, remember I said that there are some stunning Greek islands to visit? Well, Kefalonia is one of them, with two natural wonders you have to see.
Both the Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake are some of the best places in Greece to visit if you want to see something a little different.
Best of all, they are close together so they can easily be both visited in one day.
Now, the lake was named after excavations in 1951 and 1962 revealed some Minoan illustrations of the god Pan and the nymph Melissanthi, showing that the lake has been used for centuries.
The lake was created when a huge underground cavern collapsed, leaving a large circular opening to the surface for us all to enjoy.
Afterwards, chill out at Petani Beach, spot Mount Ainos and wander the shores of Fteri Beach. They are stunning.
Read more: Best things to do in Kefalonia
3.) Delphi
Perched on the mountain of Parnassus, Delphi is one of the best places in Greece to explore ancient history. After all, at one point, Delphi was the centre of the world to ancient Greeks who came to worship here.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit the Temple of Apollo that was home to the Oracle. Oh, and don’t forget to see the Athena Treasury and the ancient stadium, too.
It really is a special place to see and easily visited (2.5-hour drive) from the centre of Athens itself.
Read more: Best Greek food to try
4.) Zakynthos
Zakynthos is one of the more famous Greek islands to visit, and rightly so… it’s gorgeous.
Now, there are lots of things to do on Zakynthos but probably one of the most famous is visiting Navagio Beach. It really is one of the best places in Greece for views and an incredible vista.
To be honest, the only way to access the beach is from the sea as the beach is surrounded by very steep cliffs that can be dangerous.
With that in mind, always take care at the top and never take unnecessary risks for a photo. One of the easiest ways to visit is by taking a boat trip that can be arranged in most hotels and nearby.
Just make sure to go early in the day (if you can) as it can get pretty busy as times goes on.
Afterwards, hop over to visit the Keri Caves (via a boat tour), see the Agios Dionisios Church and stop for dinner at the Greek Traditional Cafe Ouzeri. They make the best moussaka.
Read more: Best things to do in Zakynthos
5.) Andros
Part of the Greek Cyclades, Andros island is not quite as well-known as the likes of Santorini or Mykonos. That being said, it shouldn’t be bypassed, especially if you want a slice of authentic Greek life.
Once here, make sure to explore Vitali Beach, see the Monastery of Panachrantos and find the Foros Cave. Afterwards, pop into Andros Town and head through the little streets and alleys, you’ll find the best Greek coffee spots and places like Endochora that have the best seafood.
6.) Argolis
Nestled within the north-eastern Peloponnese, Argolis is a historic region to visit in Greece. Now, once you’re here, make sure to visit Mycenae (that’s near Mykines).
About 4,000 years ago, Mycenae was one of the most important cities in Greek civilization and a thrive of activity. Nowadays, you can still explore the ruins and learn more about the history of this incredible spot.
Once here, make sure to see the Lion Gate, The Tomb of Aegisthus (outside the walls of the ancient city) and the Treasury of Atreus. It really is one of the best places in Greece to visit if you love ancient history.
Oh, and of course, don’t forget to partner this region with a trip to the theatre of Epidavros, too.
Read more: Best Greek islands to visit
7.) Athens
Talking of history, Athens is easily one of the most famous cities from the ancient Greek empire. Nowadays, the capital has quite a few more people and lots more buildings, but there’s still a shed load of ancient locations you have to visit and see whilst you’re here.
As soon as you arrive, make sure to visit the Antikythera Mechanism, which is a 2,000-year-old computer that was the world’s first calculator. Now the small bronze instrument sits in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and is well worth seeing.
Of course, afterwards, make sure to head across to the Acropolis and Parthenon that’s iconic in Greece.
If you’ve got time, also make sure to pop by the neighbourhood of Plaka that’s filled with cute little tavernas and gorgeous coffee shops. There’s also a quite a few temples and Anafiotika area of Athens that almost feels like you’ve been whisked away to the Greek Islands.
Oh, and don’t forget the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus that’s well over 2,000 years old.
8.) Crete
Crete is easily one of the best places in Greece to visit for an island adventure, but also want to explore a few cities, too. It’s the kind of island that has a little bit of everything, meaning that there’s always something to suit each person you’re travelling with.
For instance, in the north of the island of Crete and close to the city of Heraklion is the ruins of the city of Knossos. It is a city that has been dated to 7000 BC and is said to be one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Afterwards, pop over to Spinalonga Island, go for a swim at Seitan Limania Beach and gorge at one of the little cafes in the Venetian Harbour of Chania.
Read more: Best things to do in Crete
9.) Santorini
Santorini is probably one of the most famous Greek islands to visit. That being said, it’s famous for a reason… it’s totally beautiful.
Once here, make sure to head to Oia and watch the gorgeous sunset over the Aegean Sea. Plus, if you fancy a little treat, book yourself into the cliff-edge Katikies Hotel that has some of the best views on the island.
Also, don’t forget to pop over to Santo’s Winery, hike up the volcano and take a stroll around Fira. It really is one of the best places in Greece to see, especially if you want that white-washed typical Greek island vibe.
Read more: Best things to do in Santorini
10.) Penteli
Named after Mount Pentelicus, Penteli is a small town that’s pretty easy to visit if you’re already in Athens. After all, it’s only around 8-10km from the city centre.
Now, one of the things that makes Penteli one of the best places in Greece to visit is the gorgeous Monastery and Rododafni Castle. The latter was built for the Duchess of Plaisance and took well over 100 years to complete.
Also, much of ancient Athens (and the Acropolis) was built from the Penteli marble that was quarried from the hills themselves. Although I don’t think it’s wise to quarry for marble nowadays, you can still pop out on a few of the trails and explore the region around the town. It really is beautiful.
Plus, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you might even be able to see the Davelis Cave in the mountain itself.
Read more: Best Greek islands to visit
11.) Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second biggest city (after Athens) and easily one of the best places in Greece to visit if you want a little city break.
Once here, make sure to explore the Church of Agios Dimitrios, visit the White Tower and explore the Rotunda. Afterwards, pop over to the Ladadika area of the city. The whole neighbourhood is so picturesque and there are loads of little cafes and bars that make it a perfect spot to visit on a lazy afternoon.
After wandering around, make sure to stop off at Charoupi who conjure up some of the best Greek dishes from across the country. I swear you will roll outta here.
12.) Lemnos
Perched in the north of the Aegean Sea, Lemnos Island is a lesser-known island that’s a little off-the-beaten-track. That being said, it’s certainly one of the best places in Greece that not too many people have heard about.
Legends state it is where Hephaestus landed when he was thrown from Mount Olympus by Zeus. The nearby volcanoes would send lava onto the shore here and that has left some pretty cool rock formations that are cool to see.
Still, you don’t need to be a world-class geologist to be interested in this island, as Poliochni is a must-see, too. It is Europe’s oldest Neolithic city and a spot that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
13.) Epidavros
As you’ll know by now, Greece is totally filled with ancient history. For me, it’s one of the most amazing things about Greece – there are just so many preserved sites that are still worth seeing today.
Now, in my opinion, Epidavros is certainly one of the best places in Greece for history. Especially if you want to explore one of the most impressive ancient theatres in the country. Built way back in the third century BC, the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus once sat over 13,000 people and is breathtaking to see.
14.) Rhodes
The island of Rhodes is a picture-perfect Greek spot that’s actually not too far from the coast of Turkey. That being said, it’s truly Greek and is filled with loads of cute little fishing villages, ancient monuments and enough delicious Greek tavernas that you won’t wanna leave!
After exploring the medieval town of Rhodes, don’t forget to head out in a car and explore the rest of the island, too. Once here, make sure to explore the Acropolis of Lindos, see the Palace of the Grand Master or chillout at Saint Paul’s Bay.
Oh yeah, and for some of that yummy Greek food, pop into Taverna Tsambikos (in Kolimbia), it’s totally authentic and you’ll leave stuffed. Rhodes really is one of the best places in Greece to visit, especially if you want a mix of relaxing on the beach and shed loads of history.
Read more: The best things to do in Rhodes
15.) Samos
Samos was a total surprise to me and somewhere we booked for a week-long chillout in the Greek islands.
That being said, Samos is so much more than just a stunning chillout spot in the Aegean Sea.
Once home to Pythagoras (that maths guy), it’s an island that’s steeped in history. Plus, it has a whole heap of gorgeous beaches, bays and coves to explore.
That being said, if beaches aren’t your thing, rent a car and head up into the mountains. Though be warned, the roads are windy and almost on the cliff edge at some point. I think Yaya winced a few times as we went around the corners high above the sea. 😉
Oh, and don’t forget to try some of the islands sweet Muscat wine. It’s yummy, especially after exploring one of the best places in Greece.
Read more: Best things to do in Samos
16.) Costa Navarino
Perched just shy of Methoni, Costa Navarino is one of the best places in Greece to visit if you just want to relax. Perched right on the western coastline, it’s about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Athens Airport.
Once here, it’s the kind of place where you can chill out at the beach, pop into the pools and just enjoy a total break away from it all. That being said, if you do get itchy feet, head over to Methoni and visit it’s imposing castle. After all, this whole area has been influenced by the Greeks, Venetians and Ottomans over the years.
The whole area around Messenia is just beautiful.
Read more: visiting Costa Navarino
17.) Corfu
After visiting Corfu a good few times, I can easily say that there are so many gorgeous and totally cool spots to see across the island. It’s so much more than a few vibrant party spots, with a shed load of gorgeous bays and historic fishing villages to explore.
Once you’re here, make sure to explore the Cape Drastis and the beautiful rugged coastline. Oh, and make sure to pop by the Old Town of Corfu itself (Kerkyra). You’ll find plenty of little tavernas and small shops on the waterfront.
If you’re feeling like a little stroll, head over to Vlacherna Monastery, it’s a stunning monastery that sits within the sea itself. Thankfully, there’s a long walkway that’ll take you right across, with no swimming needed! 😉
For a gorgeous hotel, check in to the MarBella Corfu, it’s so sumptuous and some rooms have private pools. Yasssssss!
Read more: Best things to do in Corfu
18.) Mykonos
Perched not too far (in Greek terms) from Santorini, Mykonos is one of the best places in Greece to visit for a little taste of the islands.
It’s the kind of island that has a good mix of everything; quaint Greek charm, beautiful beaches (and sunsets), historic towns and party spots (if that’s your thing).
As soon as you arrive, make sure to visit the windmills of Kato Mili, gorge on at M-eating and stroll the Harbourfront of Little Venice.
Oh, and for a little day-trip, sail across to Delos Island, it’s got some beautiful little bays and (apparently) the birthplace of Apollo.
Read more: Best things to do in Mykonos
19.) Kos
You’ll have probably guessed by now that there are literally hundreds of Greek islands to visit across Greece. That being said, there’s a few that stand out and have become firm favourites.
Kos is one of these islands for sure. Nestled not too far from the coastline of Turkey, Kos is easily one of the best places in Greece to visit if you want some proper chill time and to just enjoy a more relaxed Greek island.
Once here, make sure to explore the Asklepieion, which is an ancient centre for medicine (with some of the columns still standing). Also, see the gorgeous little island of Kastri and head to Agios Stefanos for a proper beach day.
Read more: Best things to do in Kos
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