Top 8 Places to Visit in Greece

Renowned worldwide for its rich history, unique architecture, and undying love for olives, Greece definitely nears the top of every traveller’s destination list. The pristine country has a plethora of breathtaking mountains, forests and lakes, as well as thousands of rich islands, and is rightly ranked as one of Europe’s top travel destinations. Greece has tourists pouring in from all over the globe, every month of the year – below I’ve put together eight of the most enjoyable places to visit for the next time you plan your trip to this fabulous country!

The Greek Islands

The first and foremost attraction of the ancient country, a trip to Greece wouldn’t be the same if it didn’t begin within a tour of its many glorious islands. Greece is renowned for its bountiful isles, each reputed for its own beautiful characteristics. The most popular islands include Corfu (the setting of Prospero’s Island in William Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest’), Santorini, Mykonos, Milos and many more – before to visit each of them and experience their vibrant cultures to begin your tour of Greece in a lively way.

Athens

We’ve all heard of this one… Athens, capital of Greece since 1834, and also popularly known as the ‘historical capital of Europe’. Your tour of Athens will most likely begin at the temple of Olympian Zeus and after several stops along the way will lead to the Acropolis: the sacred rock that stands guard over one of the most famed and magnificent pieces of architecture all over the world. The best-known structure is the Parthenon temple, dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena, whom the Athenian people considered their patron. Make sure to tour all the luxuries that Athens has to offer, including the beautiful seaside and beaches.

Acropolis

Widely known as the official symbol of Athens and Greece, the Acropolis is the heart of Athens. It is a rough mound of rock that is encircled by three magnificent temples, the most famed of which is the Parthenon. Leading from the foot of the Acropolis is the Archaeological Promenade – a 2.5km walkway which leads to the other main attractions of Greece: the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum and the Kerameikos.

Parthenon

The Parthenon is such a fabulous structure in its own right that I thought it rightfully deserves a separate place on this list. It is a temple belonging to the Doric order and has eight columns at its façade and seventeen at its flanks. Athenians built the temple to honor their Greek Goddess Athena. The Parthenon was cleverly built to mesmerize its visitors with its beauty – after so many years today, the ancient structure still remains standing.

Samaria Gorge

Located in the National Park of Samaria in the Whit Mountains of Crete, the gorge is considered one of the greatest tourist attractions of the whole island. However, despite its lure, travelling the gorge is not for everyone; the tour consists of a 5 to 7 hour walk along rough terrain, and therefore visitors require a certain level of fitness and stamina to enjoy it. Samaria Gorge opens around May and closes near October (sometimes earlier if there are early showers in Crete). Samaria is a lot less crowded than the other tourist sites of Greece and is perfect for those looking for a little peace and quiet.

Santorini Island

Santorini earns a special place on this list for being the superstar among the many islands of Greece and being unlike any of the others. With its beautiful whitewashed buildings, glorious sunsets and white (also black) sandy beaches, the island unsurprisingly hosts a total of 1.5 million tourists a year. Feel free to arrange a tour with any of the numerous agencies available, swim the coast, tan on the beach or go on an unbelievably romantic cruise and view the crimson rays of the setting sun – Santorini is waiting to greet you with open arms.

Delphi

Second in popularity to the Acropolis, the Delphi is also another major tourist attraction, located just 180km from Athens. In ancient times, the oracle of Delphi was considered to be a spirit of Apollo; people from all over journeyed to the temple to ask questions about their lives or affairs of the state. Steadily the temple grew in name and recognition and is now frequented by travelers from all over the world.

Meteora

Our last stop is Meteora – if you are searching for a place to escape the pressures and worries of your daily life, then Meteora is the perfect place for you. The Meteora Monasteries consist of a series of huge Meteora rocks. From ancient times people have considered the cliffs a place of peaceful and meditation and refreshment of the mind.

Greece is a country with rich, ancient history. Whether you’ve done your research on their Gods or not, do remember to visit these eight spectacular tourist spots.