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The 12 best places in Greece to visit: Tourist guide
Looking for the best places to visit in Greece? Visit Santorini, walk around Athens, visit Crete, watch the Meteora monasteries and more!
Unique places to visit in Greece might sound hard to know for those planning their first trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world. That’s why we have prepared a tourist guide with the best places in Greece to visit!
Rather than only telling people where to go, we’ll tell travelers everything they need to know to travel to Greece. So, if you are ready to find out more about Greek culture, keep reading our travel guide!
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What is the best time of the year to visit Greece?
When thinking about when to travel to Greece, it’s necessary to know what the best time to do it is. Let’s start when the peak season starts. For those who want to enjoy the island, summer is considered the best time to visit Greece, especially in July and August for those who want to enjoy beaches and visit nearby islands.
But, there will be lots of tourists and prices will be higher on these dates. In May, during spring, and during fall, from September to October, things get better in Greece in terms of better weather and smaller crowds.
The idea is to visit the country during these dates, but people can avoid holiday weekends to prevent getting around too many travelers. For those who want to travel when there are a lot fewer people, from late October to mid-March, Winter is present in Greece, but there are fewer activities to do, especially when it comes to visiting nearby islands.
Overall, either fall or spring is a great time to visit Greece. It’s up to people to choose which season suits them best in terms of weather and price!
1. Athens
Athens is located in the south of Greece and is the most important city in the country. For travelers, Athens is the main option for visiting due to everything it offers. The city is full of history everywhere people take a look at.
There are a lot of places to visit while in Athens, such as the Parthenon or the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took 700 years to complete and is still standing nowadays. But there are many other historical places to visit in the city.
As for travelers, the city has undergone some changes, having a more juvenile feeling when visiting squares and restaurants. There are even some activities young people have made famous, like watching a movie in an outdoor cinema or visiting the galleries around Athens.
It’s also a perfect place to walk, as travelers will find a mix of ancient and modern roads that are mixed with nature and cosmopolitan views together. The best part is that these streets are filled with restaurants and coffee shops where you can relax.
So, when visiting Greece, you can’t miss visiting the birthplace of thousands of years of history!
2. Santorini
One of the best places to visit in Greece for young adults is Santorini. The idea of visiting a marvelous place where there’s an azure sea on one side and white buildings with blue ceilings is unforgettable.
This place feels unreal from the very first moment people decide to take a step on Santorini. The incredible sight of the vast cliffs that connect with the sea, the classic yet modern structures, and the lovely breeze of the air while walking around makes this a must-visit place in Greece.
The idea of walking around the outside of Santorini is also a great option for travelers. Having the chance to visit Akrotiri or Thera must be part of the plan for those visiting the island.
Also, Santorini is a place where people can walk for one or two days and meet almost everything. The idea of living a Greek fantasy in such a magical place is part of what makes the island an outstanding place to visit.
3. Mykonos
Coming close to Athens, Mykonos is an island that gives people a connection with Greek mythology as soon as they arrive. The island is named after its first ruler, Mykonos, who is the son of the god Apollo and is also a local hero. It’s said the island had a major role in the Gigantomachy, so travelers will get to know these details as soon as they arrive.
The island is similar to Santorini, as it has similar buildings. The white and blue colors are present all around Mykonos, and people will get the chance to walk around these places without worrying too much about the weather, as even in summer, the air still runs through the island and refreshes travelers.
Travelers can visit the landmarks from the island and connect with its story, such as the Mykonos Windmills, the Municipal Library, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, and much more. The island is also the hometown of rich Greek cuisines, such as Lazarakia, Omeletta, and the famous Kopanisti Mykonou.
4. Crete
Crete is known for being one of the most important islands in Greece. Located in the south of the mainland of the country, Crete receives thousands of tourists year after year thanks to everything it offers!
Compared to other islands, Crete is mostly mountainous. It’s common to see high mountain range peaks crossing the whole island, with summits of more than 2,000 meters, which people can visit. Mount Ida, the White Mountains, and the Asterousia Mountains are a must-go for those who are truly adventurous.
On the other hand, Crete is also the hometown of many beautiful beaches and rivers, making the island the perfect place to connect with nature.
Crete is also an important place when it comes to mythology. On the island, people will learn about the Minotaur in the Palace of Knossos and other major mythological events that took place there.
5. Paros
Located in the Aegean Sea, Paros is part of the Cyclades island groups in Greece. Paros is known for something particular: its fine white marble, which allowed the island to become a must-visit for tourists!
While other islands are filled with mythology, Paros is an island that’s most suitable for travelers who want to visit marble quarries and mines that are now abandoned. But it’s also the perfect place to get to know beautiful beaches in Greece, like Logaras, Piso Livadi, Parikia, and many others!
For those who think Paros is a small island, there’s a ferry service that works all day for travelers to get to know the islands near Paros, making it the perfect place for people who want to enjoy some lovely breeze of air while walking around blue beaches.
6. Meteora
Meteora is not a city in Greece. For people who want to visit this place, the first step is to visit Trikala, which is located in the northwest of Greece and will give tourists the chance to meet one of the most outstanding views and scenarios in the country.
Meteora is a rock formation in Triakala, which hosts the second-largest and most complex Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. There are six monasteries in this location, all built on immense natural pillars, giving a unique view to those in the area.
Nowadays, one of the most important monasteries in the area is the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, which is considered to be the oldest and largest monastery in the area. People can still access it here and learn about the history and artistic significance it has for Greece.
For those who want to take a walk, Meteora is also the perfect place to do it. The valley provides unique views, and at sunsets and nights, monasteries provide beautiful scenarios with the city in the background in some areas.
7. Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest Dodecanese island in Greece. Rather than being a simple island, Rhodes is considered to be the historical capital of the city. The island is part of the South Aegean region, which allows tourists to connect with other islands in no time, thanks to its proximity.
Currently, Rhodes has several nicknames, such as the Island of the Sun and the Island of the Knights, both of which come from many years ago. The island is also known for being the place where the Colossus of Rhodes once was in the Ancient World, and it’s still known nowadays for such an important structure.
Rhodes is also the hometown of many historical destinations, such as the Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes, which is known for being a World Heritage Site and attracts tourists year after year.
For those visiting the island, it is a must to get to know its history. There’s a lot to tell due to how important Rhodes has been, so it’s worth listening to local tales about the city.
8. Corfu
One of the best Greek islands is Corfu. Based on the Ionian Islands, which have different satellite islands around them, Corfu is one of the most important places to visit in Greece. In terms of history and architecture, travelers can’t miss the chance to visit Corfu.
First, the Old Town of Corfu was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 and remains one of the most important places on the island. There’s a combination of buildings found in the Old Town, which have an important Venetian and Greek influence and are still beautiful to see nowadays.
But Corfu is also important for other reasons. There are different archeological sites to visit, such as the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Hera, and the Tomb of Menecrates, to take a trip back in time to get to know more about ancient Greek culture.
Lastly, Corfu is also the perfect place to visit beautiful beaches, bays, and castles. It’s a combination of everything travelers must know when visiting a place like Greece.
9. Olympia
Located in Elis, Olympia is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Back in time, Olympia used to be one of the major Panhellenic religious sanctuaries in Greece, where the Olympic Games used to take place, and some of these areas were restored in 1894.
Visitors who are planning on getting to know about Greek history can’t miss the chance to visit Olympia. This is the place where the Greeks built their identity as a nation, and even though it is far from Mount Olympus, these are the beliefs many locals have adopted.
Currently, over 760 buildings are found on the site, and there are many ruins as well. Some of these buildings are quite interesting for travelers, such as the Pelopion, a tomb for an ancestor of Atreides; the Stadium, where the Olympics used to take place; the Olympia Sanctuary, and many others.
People can also visit the nearby Modern Olympia Square to get to know a modern view of the site.
10. Delphi
Delphi, known before as Pytho, is an ancient sacred precinct and the seat of Pythia, the major Oracle in the classical world. It is known that Pythia was the most consulted oracle in the Greek history.
Back in the day, ancient Greeks believed Delphi was the center of the world, and there’s a stone monument that’s still there today called the Omphalos of Delphi. These ancient ruins surround the area, but there’s also major modern architecture in the area, like the Archeological Museum of Delphi.
People visiting the area can also visit a nearby modern town called Delphi, which is a great place to connect with modern Greek culture after having a long day getting to know more about ancient Greece.
Overall, the most attractive area in Delphi is the major archeological site and the Parnassos National Park.
11. Zakynthos
One of the best places to visit in Greece for couples is Zakynthos. This Ionian Island is one of the most important islands in the Greek territory, and compared to other cities in our guide, it’s actually a great place for young people who have somewhat different interests.
Truth be told, the island remains a mixture of the Venetian rule that took place for more than 300 years and the Greek architecture that makes it so attractive for travelers in terms of what to see.
As for what to do as a tourist in Zakynthos, there’s a lot to visit here. The Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians is a must-visit for travelers, as it includes local art, sculptures, musical instruments, and much more.
However, for younger visitors, the Alykanas and Laganas villages are now a great option for trying parties in Greece while also visiting bars and restaurants to connect with locals and travelers.
12. Naxos
The last place to visit in Greece is Naxos. Our guide couldn’t leave this destination aside, as it attracts several tourists to the island every year. Located in the Cyclades, Naxos is the most important of all the islands on this part of the Aegean Sea.
Naxos is popular for having many tourist attractions to visit. First, there are several ruins to visit on the island, such as the Temple of Demeter, the Apollo’s Temple, and the ancient marble and emery mines there are on the island.
On the other hand, people can also enjoy several beautiful beaches on Naxos, like Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla, and many others. These beaches are considered a great option for extreme sports, like windsurfing and kitesurfing!
Lastly, people can take a walk around the different museums, like the Delphi Archaeological Museum, and other historical places, like churches, towers, monasteries, and many others!
General tips for tourists in Greece
Up to this point, travelers are now prepared to visit Greece and enjoy most of the destinations in the country. Overall, it’s fair to say this is a perfect place for all types of travelers, including digital nomads who want to visit Greece.
The idea of getting to know about the mythology of Greece, beautiful beaches, outstanding landscapes, and a vivid modern culture is the perfect scenario for many! But it’s also important to keep in mind how to stay connected while traveling, and for us, the best idea is to do it with the best eSIMs for Greece!
Other than this, having a Greece travel guide on where to go, what to visit, when to travel, and much more is the ideal way for travelers to know what to do. Some extra tips would be to have valid travel insurance and prepare your budget for the trip!
Lastly, Greece is an overall safe place, but keep in mind pickpocketing is something common there. Keep an eye on your stuff, and you will be safe!
FAQ about best places to visit in Greece
Greece has many incredible parts to visit! Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Naxos are all the nicest places to visit in Greece, but this will depend on where people prefer to go. Other places like Mount Olympus are also a great option to visit while traveling there!
Greece has many beautiful parts to visit. The Old Town of Rhodes, the Acropolis in Athens, the Navagio Beach, the Meteora Monasteries, and many others are among the most beautiful places to visit in the country!
For those wondering where to go when traveling for the first time to Greece, Santorini and Athens are great places to start. Rhodes, Crete, and Naxos are also great alternatives for first-time travelers.
Rhodes is one of the most important Greek islands to visit. But other islands, like Naxos and Santorini are also a must-visit for those visiting the country when talking about the best places to visit in Greece.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
