Tourist Places in Greece

Greece is a country in southeastern Europe that is home to thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. It was influential in ancient times and is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation. Greece is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, with ancient archaeological sites, cliffs plunging into sparkling blue water, sand and pebble beaches, and a balmy Mediterranean climate. Aside from the capital, Athens, the mainland's top attractions include Ancient Delphi and the Meteora monasteries. Here is a list of some of the most famous tourist places to visit in Greece.

1. Santorini

Santorini is one of Greece's most spectacular islands. It is located in the Aegean Sea, halfway between Athens and Crete, and is part of the Cyclades islands. The crescent-shaped island is well-known for its white houses, blue dome churches, and windmills. It is the most photographed island in the world. Santorini's highlights include its hikes, beaches, sunset views, hot springs, and clifftop wineries.

Santorini, formerly known as Thira, is made up of five main villages: Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Akrotiri. These villages are located on the caldera clifftops and provide breathtaking views of the caldera and volcano. Oia is the main and most visited town due to its famous blue dome churches and the best sunset views. It also has a lot of boutique shops and cute cafes. Fira, Santorini's capital, is known for its churches and cafes. Akrotiri is a significant archaeological site that displays the town's prehistoric settlement.

Hiking the caldera, wine tours, luxury caldera sunset cruises, swimming in the hot springs, and visiting the charming villages of Pyrgos and Emporio are among the best things to do in Santorini. Santorini's beaches are made of volcanic rocks and pebbles, as opposed to the white sandy beaches of other Greek islands.

The red and black sand beaches, on the other hand, are still picturesque and peaceful. Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece for a romantic honeymoon for a good reason. Santorini's moon shape is due to a severe volcanic eruption that formed the island in 1650 BC. A caldera was formed as a result of this eruption (a large volcanic crater). While the majority of the caldera is now filled with water, a small semicircle portion of it remains above ground and is one of the most beautiful parts of the island. The active volcanoes in Santorini are Nea and Palea Kameni.

2. Athens

The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Athens' most important and well-known landmark. Within this citadel is a cluster of still-standing regal structures, all of which display the classic ancient Greek style of architecture and tell stories of the city and its people at their zenith. It is a fascinating place to visit because of the numerous historical attractions such as the Parthenon, Acropolis, and Ancient Agora. Even today, Athens is brimming with culture and colour, retaining its vibrancy.

Cafes are open from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM and serve delicious food, particularly some delectable, exotic Mediterranean cuisine. There are numerous shopping options, ranging from colourful bazaars to suburban malls. Because of its global significance, it is a popular nightlife destination. Because of its history, Athens is also brimming with galleries and museums.

Syntagma Square is Athens' main square, surrounded by major neighbourhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, and Kolonaki. Many beautiful neoclassical buildings, trendy cafes, shops, and quiet streets can be found in these neighbourhoods. Athens is home to the country's main international airport. It also connects the nearby Cycladic and other islands to the mainland via regular ferries. As a result, every tourist who visits Greece always lands in Athens. Exploring Athens is a breeze thanks to an efficient transportation system. A journey through this city is an unforgettable journey through time.

3. Mykonos

Mykonos is one of Greece's most beautiful and most visited islands. It is a member of the Cyclades group and is known for its sandy beaches and party atmosphere. It is the country's most cosmopolitan island, with whitewashed buildings and turquoise water. Because of the strong winds that blow on the island most of the year, it is known as the "Island of Winds." Mykonos is well-known among art lovers for having one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe. The beaches in the north of the island are more secluded, whereas the beaches in the south are all about parties. Mykonos is also ideal for watersports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and skiing. The Kato Mili Windmills are the most photographed location in the area.

Mykonos is divided into two sections: Chora, the city's capital and port, and Ano Mera, a small village in the island's centre. Delos is a small uninhabited island near Mykonos. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous archaeological sites. It is also the birthplace of Apollo and is frequently visited on a day trip from Mykonos.

4. Crete

Crete is the most populous and largest of the Greek islands, as well as the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the southern Aegean Sea, 160 kilometres from the Greek mainland, and separates the Aegean from the Libyan Sea. Crete is well-known for its beautiful beaches, wild natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and rich history.

Crete has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, gorges, rivers, and lakes. It has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, with miles and miles of golden coastline. The island also contains some of Greece's most famous archaeological sites, 15th-century monasteries, regal palaces, and fascinating museums.

Furthermore, it is an excellent location for sports and adventure activities such as canyoning, hiking, and scuba diving. Crete was once the centre of Minoan civilization, which is regarded as Europe's earliest civilisation. It is divided into four distinct regions: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Chania, located on Crete's northern coast, is the island's second-largest city. It is home to the island's main airport and serves as a good starting point for exploring the region's attractions. The north of the island, particularly Chania and Heraklion, is ideal for exploring the island's bars, clubs, and nightlife. The southern part, including Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos, on the other hand, is ideal for outdoor activities. The islands are linked by ferries.

5. Chania Town

The Old Venetian Harbor is the main attraction in Chania Town. The unusual architecture of the location has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films and television series. It is one of the best places to visit in Greece because of its cobblestone streets and friendly locals. The lighthouse proudly overlooks the city's panoramic views. Many romantics and couples end up staring off into the sea while holding each other close.

Don't miss Colorful boats and old architecture at the Old Venetian Harbor, beautifully manicured Botanical Park, artefacts at Chania Archaeological Museum, the popular landmark of Chania Venetian Lighthouse, a remarkable display of Greek architecture Ancient Aptera, the happening Iguana Beach, the golden sand of Agii Apostoli Beach, the mysterious Topolia Gorge, and the great Venetian Fortress

Some of the popular foods at this location include fresh organic salads at To Stachi, fish dishes and breweries at Colombo Kitchen & Bar, a bouquet of wines at Kritamon Wine Bar, seafood and wine at Salis, finger food at Akrogiali Taverna, and an open kitchen at To Maridaki.

6. Hersonissos

Hersonissos is a popular tourist destination in Crete, located 28 kilometres east of Heraklion. You will find whatever you are looking for here. During the day, you can visit nice beaches or water parks, drink coffee on the seaside road, visit local archaeological sites, stroll through the villages of Ano Hersonissos, Piskopiano, and Koutouloufari, trek through the Avdou valley gorges, visit the Lassithi Plateau, and much more.

Similarly, there are too many options for entertainment at night, with the coastal road's nightclubs attracting the most visitors. In the summer, Hersonissos is overrun with young tourists from all over the world who have come to enjoy their vacation.

Hersonissos was once a small harbour that catered to the needs of the local fishermen. The port grew over time, and the village evolved into a small town and popular tourist destination. The Cape of Sarandaris, located 1km west of the harbour west of the coastal road, is worth a visit. It is home to the picturesque chapel of Saint George. From there, the alternating coves of Hersonissos with the beautiful coloured beaches begin. There are numerous hotels, cafes, and restaurants along the coast.

The cape of Kastri is east of the coves, and the main town begins west of it. You should go over the hill to see the ruins of an old basilica with many mosaics. The picturesque chapel of Agia Paraskevi, built into the rock, is just to the east. The Church has a beautiful view of the nearby scenic port of Hersonissos, which has a beautiful lighthouse. Daily excursions to Dia island and the surrounding coast depart from the port.

The seaside road that runs through town begins in the port. On the road, there are numerous nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Thousands of tourists will be found here partying until dawn. If you turn off the road and head north, you will find yourself in the small, winding streets of Hersonissos, and after a while, you will reach the main road, which is lined with restaurants, shops, banks, clinics, pharmacies, and other amenities.

7. Rethymno

Rethymno is a city on the Greek island of Crete. It is the capital of the Rethymno regional unit and has a population of over 30,000 people (near 40,000 for the municipal unit). As Retimo(-Ario), it is a former Latin Catholic bishopric and former Latin titular. Rethymno was constructed during the Minoan civilization (ancient Rhithymna and Arsinoe). The city was significant enough to mint its own coins while also sustaining urban growth. One of these coins is now depicted as the town's crest: two dolphins in a circle.

This region is rich in ancient history, most notably through the Minoan civilisation, which was centred on Knossos east of Rethymno. When the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to establish an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, they gave the island its own bishop and nobility. The Republic of Venice built almost entirely of today's old town (palia poli). It is one of Crete's best-preserved old towns.

Today, tourism is the city's treatments main source of revenue, with many new facilities built in the last 20 years. Agriculture is also noteworthy, particularly in terms of olive oil and other Mediterranean products.

8. Apokoronas

Apokoronas is a municipality and former province in the Chania regional unit of Greece's northwest Crete. It is located on Crete's northern coast, east of Chania. The municipality's seat is in the village of Vryses.

Apokoronas is a wide plain with rolling hills that stretches from the foothills of the White Mountains north to the coast. Cape Drapanon rises above the plain and extends into the Sea of Crete to the east. The area is lush and fertile, which is unusual for rocky Crete. The Kiliaris river, known as 'Pyknos' in antiquity, runs through the region. Strabo also mentions the ancient city of Ippokoronas or Ippokoronion, which Robert Pashley believes inspired the name 'Apokoronas.'

This city could have been near modern Nipos, or it could have been on the site of the Venetian fortress, Castel Apicorono, on an outcrop between Kalyves and Almyrida. Apokoronas' major towns are Vamos, Armenoi, and Vryses, which have police, municipal, and utility offices, as well as taverns and large churches; the largest beach resorts are Kalyves, Almyrida, and Georgioupoli.

Tourism and agriculture are the leading local industries, with much construction and quarrying to meet the demands of many foreigners looking to buy or rent property in what were once beautiful and traditional villages. Gavalohori is one of the more popular villages for foreign buyers, with a lot of often low-quality construction going on. Many Chania residents and workers own homes in the area. Much of the filming for Zorba the Greek took place in Apokoronas.

9. Nafpilo

Nafplio is a coastal city in Greece's Peloponnese that serves as the capital of the Argolis regional unit and is a popular tourist destination. Founded in antiquity, the city grew into an important seaport during the Frankokratia as part of the lordship of Argos and Nauplia, which the de la Roche initially held after the Fourth Crusade before falling under the Republic of Venice and, finally, the Ottoman Empire. From 1827 to 1834, the city served as the second capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece.

Acronauplia is the city's oldest neighbourhood, though a modern hotel has been built on it. It was a separate town until the thirteenth century. It became a part of the town fortifications after the Venetians and Franks arrived. Other city fortifications include the Palamidi and Bourtzi, which are located in the heart of the harbour. Nafplio retains its own distinct traditional architectural style, with many colourful buildings throughout the old town, influenced by the Venetians, who ruled between 1338 and 1540 and during the Kingdom of the Morea, and by the Ottomans.

Furthermore, the city has a large number of eclecticist and neoclassical buildings, as well as a smaller number of modernist structures, such as Hotel Amphitryon (designed in the 1950s by architect Kleon Krantonellis). The National Bank of Greece branch in Nafplio is also the city's only example of Mycenaean Revival architecture. It is one of the few Greek cities that was spared the widespread destruction of traditional architecture during the antiparoch process, thanks to the efforts of archaeologist Evangelia Protonotariou Deilaki, whose actions went against the post-war prevailing trend.

Sculptures and statues can be found throughout the city. They are mostly related to Nafplio's modern history, such as the statues of Ioannis Kapodistrias, Otto of Greece, and Theodoros Kolokotronis.

10. Parga

Parga is a town and municipality in Epirus, Greece, located in the northwestern part of the regional unit of Preveza. Kanallaki village is the municipality's seat. Parga is located on the Ionian coast between Preveza and Igoumenitsa. It is a resort town known for its natural beauty. The Greek tribe of the Thesprotians inhabited the area in antiquity. Mycenaean tholos tombs have been discovered near Parga. During the late Hellenistic period, the ancient town of Toryne was located there. It got its name from the shape of its beach.

The Castle, located on a hill overlooking town, was built to protect the town from invasions from the mainland and the sea.

It was originally constructed in the 11th century by Parga residents to protect their town from pirates and the Ottomans. As their control of the region grew in the 13th century, the Venetians rebuilt the castle to fortify the area. The Ottomans occupied Parga and the castle for two years in 1452, and part of the castle was demolished during that time. The fortress and the houses within were burned and destroyed by Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa in 1537.

The amphitheatrically built city of Parga is located between the mountainous coastal region of Preveza and Igoumenitsa. It is referred to as the "Bride of Epirus." During the summer, tourists arrive by boat from Paxos, Antipaxos, and Corfu. Thousands of tourists visit Parga every year. Beaches in the area include Valtos, Kryoneri, Piso Kryoneri, Lichnos, Sarakiniko, and Ai Giannaki.

11. Delphi

Delphi's modern town is located directly west of the archaeological site of the same name. The town was built to house the Castro population, which had been relocated to allow for the excavation of the ancient Delphi site. The significance of the twin sites grew to the point where Delphi became the name of the modern-day municipality, which encompasses the communities of the Plaistos valley system as far south as the Gulf of Corinth. The name Delphi was derived from the Oracle of Delphi, which was long regarded as a bringer of truth revealed by the god Apollo.

The twin sites are located on Greek National Road 48, which connects Amfissa and Livadeia. The town has numerous facilities to support the tourist trade at the ancient site. The town, like the ancient Sacred Precinct, maintains a vertical dimension by terracing the streets and buildings. The roads are narrow and frequently one-way. The E4 European long distance path runs through the town's east end. Delphi attracts tourists who come to see the archaeological sites as well as the Parnassus Ski Center and the region's popular coastal towns.

12. Zakynthos

Zakynthos is an Ionian Sea Greek Island. It is the third most populous of the Ionian Islands. Zakynthos is the only municipality and a separate regional unit of the Ionian Islands region. It has a total area of 405.55 km2 (156.6 sq mi). Its coastline is approximately 123 km (76 mi) long. The name is pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian in origin, as are all similar names ending in -nthos. The island was named after Zakynthos, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus, according to Greek mythology.

The Venetians, who controlled Zakynthos from 1484 to 1797, gave the island the nickname "the Flower of the Levant." Since the mid-1980s, Zakynthos has been a popular destination for 18-to-30-year-old tourists, with Alykanas and Laganas (once sleepy villages) becoming hotspots for clubbing hotels, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.

The Navagio beach, a cove on the northwest shore isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat, is a famous landmark. Natural "blue caves" cut into the cliffs around Cape Skinari are only accessible by small boats. Keri, located in the island's south, is a mountain village with a lighthouse. Rock formations, including arches, can be found along the entire western shore from Keri to Skinari.

The northern and eastern shores have numerous wide sandy beaches, some of which are popular with tourists during the summer months. Laganas is the largest resort. Marathonissi islet, also known as "Turtle Island," is located near Limni Keriou and features tropical vegetation, turquoise waters, beaches, and sea caves. A small Venetian castle can be found on the Bochali hill above Zakynthos town. Zakynthos is a separate regional unit of the Ionian Islands region and its sole municipality. Zakynthos, the island's main town, serves as the administrative centre.