Greece offers a plethora of one-of-a-kind travel destinations, from its rich history and stunning beaches to its awe-inspiring scenery and ties to Greek mythology.

Travel to Greece and discover the birthplace of the Olympic Games, theater, democracy, and famed philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle. Traveling to Greece offers the opportunity to explore numerous islands, with popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos. The cuisine of the country is full of flavors and diversity, making it a great destination for foodies. Greece’s position as the third-largest producer of olives is reflected in the widespread use of this ingredient in many of its traditional dishes.

Greece is a must-visit travel destination that offers a blend of history, culture, cuisine, and nature. Experience the sunny side of the world and discover ancient archaeological sites, relax on white-pebbled beaches, and embark on thrilling adventures.

Explore the top tourist attractions in Greece and plan your ideal itinerary to discover the best things to do in this Mediterranean country.

1. Santorini

Santorini, with its steep cliffs formed by volcanic eruptions, provides some of the most breathtaking sunset views in the world. The two primary destinations, Fira (also known as Thira) and Oia, offer distinct and breathtaking views for a memorable and romantic travel experience.

Book an evening cruise to enjoy scenic views on the water, escape the busy crowds, and witness the perfect sunset. Next, book a trip to Ammoudi Bay and make a reservation at Ammoudi Fish Tavern for a romantic dinner while enjoying the stunning pink and red sunset. The Skaros fortress, a Venetian landmark, offers stunning views of the ocean and sunsets in Santorini. One of the best travel experiences is watching the sunset at the Akrotiri lighthouse, which dates to the 19th century and is among the oldest lighthouses in Greece.\

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Areas & Hotels

2. Mykonos Town

Mykonos, known as the islands of the winds. This is a perfect travel destination for luxurious romantic getaways or group tropical vacations. Mykonos offers a variety of experiences for travelers, including opportunities to explore history and culture, indulge in local cuisine, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Explore the local boutiques around Mykonos Town and discover designer clothes to shop for. Discover regional artworks at different art galleries during your travels. Relax and soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches. Embark on a journey to explore the archaeological sites, such as the Ancient Delos, which are adorned with ancient structures and remnants. Explore the charming town of Mykonos, famous for its Cycladic architecture, and take a leisurely walk through its picturesque streets.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Mykonos Town: Best Areas & Hotels

3. Zakynthos

Zakynthos (Zante) island is a popular travel destination in Greece, known for its stunning scenery both above and below the sea. The location is easily accessible, situated only 16 kilometers away from the west coast of Peloponnese in the Ionian Sea.

One of the top attractions on this fascinating island is its beautiful beaches, which feature both pebbles and sand. The most well-known beach is Shipwreck Beach. Additionally, visitors can explore breathtaking sea caves such as the Blue Caves, located at the island’s northern end. As you venture inside, the cave walls are illuminated by a magical glow created by the sparkling water reflecting the blue sky’s color. There are numerous aquatic attractions to explore on this island, including the Blue Caves. Additionally, there are fantastic opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Zakynthos: Best Areas & Hotels

4. Corfu Old Town

Corfu is well-known for its fascinating architecture and history, with some structures reaching back to the Venetian era. Corfu’s Old Town has cobblestone streets, historic churches, beautiful shops, and attractive cafés.

Discover unique local treasures by visiting the nearby shops for clothing, sandals, trinkets, and delightful souvenirs to bring back with you. Visitors can explore numerous churches in Corfu’s Old Town, admiring the intricate design and architecture, or lighting a candle and saying a prayer. Experience live music performances where talented artists showcase their skills to the audience. Indulge in the unique blend of Greek and Venetian flavors with an Eastern influence by sampling the local cuisine.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Corfu: Best Areas & Hotels

5. Rhodes Town

Located near Turkey, Rhodes is the biggest island in the Dodecanese archipelago and is situated on the Aegean Sea. Rhodes Town, the capital of the island, is a popular tourist attraction in Greece and has been recognized by UNESCO. The island boasts an impressive fortification system, complete with monumental towers and gates that were constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century.

Exploring the car-free cobbled streets of the old town on foot is a delightful travel experience. Explore the charming coastal town of Lindos, situated on a picturesque hillside. You can also take an excursion boat to visit Marmaris on the Turkish coast. Travelers can reach Rhodes through an airport or by taking regular ferries from Piraeus, Athens’ port.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Rhodes Town: Best Areas & Hotels

6. Acropolis Museum, Athens

The Acropolis Museum considered one of the most important museums on the planet, houses the finds and reproductions from Athens’ Acropolis.

The museum is a short distance from the Acropolis archaeological site, which houses the popular tourist attraction, the Pantheon. Miniature reconstructions of the Acropolis after each major invasion in Athens, including Roman, Ottoman, and Persian, are on display in the museum. The presentation of the old Athenian neighborhood, found while constructing the museum, continues through the Acropolis Museum.

Findings from the Parthenon, the ancient temple devoted to the goddess Athena and one of Greece’s most popular monuments, are one of the museum’s most popular attractions. The third level of the museum exhibits Parthenon antiquities and sculptures, including authentic marble inscriptions.

7. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki doesn’t appear to mind that it’s not on most people’s list of places to visit. Travelers can enjoy having the place and all its sights to themselves, as the locals are content and welcoming. While traveling, one can explore the UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, as well as various Roman monuments such as the Triumphal Arch of Galerius and the 4th-century Rotunda. Additionally, the 15th-century White Tower located on the seafront and the Byzantine Museum is also worth visiting.

Thessaloniki (Salonica), located in northern Greece, offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It is the second largest city in Greece, following Athens. This destination was established in 316 BC for its strategic location near Bulgaria and Turkey, making it a hub for diverse cultures and religions.

A must-visit destination for travelers in Thessaloniki is Mount Olympus, the tallest mountain in Greece, which makes for an excellent day trip. This remarkable natural attraction is located just 80 kilometers away on well-maintained roads, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. The top-rated travel destinations for hiking enthusiasts are located near the town of Prionia.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Thessaloniki: Best Areas & Hotels

8. Naoussa, Paros

The natural bay of Naoussa boasts stunning golden beaches such as Kolymbithres Beach and Monastiri. Several of these beaches, ranging from isolated to busy, are reachable by foot. However, some travel options require trips by caiques, small fishing boats, that depart from the local port.

Naoussa is a popular travel destination during the summer months, and it is also renowned for its locally produced wine. The Venetian Castle is one of the most impactful historical sites that you can visit during your travels. Travel back in time to the 15th century and explore the castle’s rich history. The tower was originally built to safeguard the island from pirate attacks and was subsequently repurposed as a defensive structure by the Ottomans.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Naoussa: Best Areas & Hotels

9. Delphi

Delphi is a popular travel destination due to its historical significance as a major religious center in the 6th century BC. The Panhellenic Sanctuary of the god Apollo is a must-visit site for travelers. The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is a travel destination that translates to “Athena who is before the temple (of Apollo).” Travelers would first see the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia before arriving at the sanctuary of Apollo.

The Mycenaean remains discovered through archaeological finds indicate that the area was inhabited in 2 BC. Established in 8 BC, the sanctuary’s influence extended over Greece and is worth visiting for travelers. Travelers journeyed to Delphi to visit the priestess of Pythia and the Oracle of Delphi, renowned for their ability to predict the future. Visit Delphi, the ancient city that hosted the Pythian Games, a prestigious event second only to the Olympics in Greece, to pay homage to Apollo.

Tourists can explore the ancient religious sanctuaries at Delphi’s archaeological sites. The nearby museum is a great place to explore and learn about various artifacts and educational exhibits.

10. Naxos

Naxos is a great travel destination and one of the biggest islands in the Cyclades. This vast island offers an exciting travel experience with lesser crowds compared to popular destinations such as Santorini or Mykonos. When traveling, make sure to visit the charming villages of Filoti, Halki, and Apiranthos.

Explore the main town of Naxos, Chora, and be sure to stroll through the Kastro district. At this destination, there are numerous shops offering a wide range of souvenirs, as well as charming restaurants with attractive outdoor seating areas.

Naxos offers a great beach experience for those who want to soak up the sun. Some recommended destinations to visit are Paradise Beach, Agia Anna, or Agios Prokopios. For those who love to travel and engage in kiteboarding, Mikri Vigla is the perfect destination with its windswept beaches.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Naxos: Best Areas & Hotels

11. Delos

Delos is located in the Cyclades archipelago of the Aegean Sea near Mykonos. This is a popular travel destination as it is believed to be the mythological birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis.

The island is a travel destination that showcases an archaeological site with remnants of Doric temples, mosaics, and the renowned Terrace of the Lions statue. The islands are sparsely populated, with only archaeologists and caretakers residing there. Delos does not offer any accommodations for overnight stays. The island was once a religious center and commercial port, but it was abandoned after several attacks and has remained uninhabited since 7 BC.

Visitors can explore the ongoing excavations of Delos, which started in 1872 and are still taking place. Visiting Delos is a highly sought-after activity in Mykonos, providing a chance to travel back in time. The island offers a travel experience to an archaeologist.

12. Nafplio

Nafplio, located in the eastern Peloponnese, is a charming coastal city that is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Experience the allure of history and architecture as you explore the flowing Turkish fountains, Byzantine churches, and medieval castles.

A quick two-hour journey from Athens will transport you to Nafplio, where you can immerse yourself in the rich local history and culture. Explore the charming town that served as the inaugural capital of Greece until 1834 before the title was passed on to Athens. Stroll through the medieval Old Town’s cobblestone alleys. Travel to the Italianate Syntagma Square located in the center of the city. In this destination, you can explore two Turkish mosques and visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts dating back to the Prehistoric era.

Experience a leisurely walk along Arvanitia Promenade, a picturesque path that offers stunning vistas of Akronafplia, the most ancient of the three castles in Nafplio.

13. Ancient Mycenae

Ancient Mycenae is a fascinating travel destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history of Greek civilization. As an archaeological site and military stronghold, it played a significant role in the region and exerted its power over the Cyclades, Crete, and southern Greece. The Peloponnese region boasts an ancient archaeological site located to the southwest of Athens and north of Argos.

The Mycenaens were an ancient civilization that spoke the Greek language and flourished until their decline in 1200 BC. Explore the Bronze-age Acropolis, one of the greatest historical sites that heavily influenced Greek culture and mythology.

Travel to Ancient Mycenae, the home of King Agamemnon who played a crucial role in the Trojan War. The archaeological site boasts preserved finds such as King Agamemnon’s palace, cisterns, Cyclopean architecture, and tombs, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in history and culture. While traveling to Mycenae, be sure to visit the Tomb of Clytemnestra, the Museum of Mycenae, the Treasury of Atreus, and the Lion Gate as they are all noteworthy points of interest.

14. Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is a natural wonder that boasts 70 species unique to Crete, making it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts. During its peak month of August, thousands of travelers hike through Samaria Gorge every day. Before embarking on your journey through Samaria Gorge, make sure to visit the Museum of Natural History. Visiting the museum will allow you to gain a greater appreciation for the historical and natural riches of the gorge.

Exploring the gorge through hiking is a highly sought-after activity in Greece. Start your journey by hiking from Xyloskalo, also known as “wooden stairs.” The wooden staircase leading to the gorge was built by the locals.

15. Temple of Poseidon

Constructed entirely of white marble, the structure was built in 5 BC to honor Poseidon. The Temple of Poseidon is a popular travel destination that represents the Golden Age of Athens. From this viewpoint, one can witness the mesmerizing scenery of the sunset descending into the Aegean Sea that stretches out on three sides of the temple.

I traveled to the Temple of Poseidon and saw that it had 34 columns. Fifteen destinations remain to be explored. When you travel and take a closer look at one of the columns, you will discover the name of Lord Byron. During a journey to the historic site in 1810, the famous poet inscribed his name.