There are plenty of things to see and do in Greece, but a top ten list might make your vacation more memorable. From the ancient city of Athens to the beautiful islands of Crete and the Ionian Sea, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Here are the top ten attractions:
Mount Athos
In the easternmost part of Chalkidiki, the monasteries on Mount Athos are self-governing and constitute a true autonomous state within Greek sovereignty. The peninsula stretches for 50 kilometers along the Aegean Sea and is surrounded by dense, green valleys. There are fortified Byzantine castles, as well as monasteries and sanctuaries that are incredibly beautiful. In addition to the monasteries, you can also visit the ancient town of Mystras, which was once controlled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor. It also served as the capital of Peloponnesus in the 14th and 15th centuries, and was abandoned during the Ottoman period.
Visitors to the region can enjoy a spiritual retreat in this secluded place. During the 1970s, the monasteries began to redevelop themselves. Some switched back to a cenobitic system, which encourages a more virtuous lifestyle. In addition, the monks published archives dating back to the ninth century, documenting the history of the island. Additionally, exhibits of artifacts have been traveling throughout the world. The recent publicity surrounding the monasteries has resulted in a surge in visitors.
Mystras
Mystras, a medieval Greek town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is surrounded by imposing white cliffs, making the water appear turquoise. Visitors to Mystras can hike up the steep cliffs or stay in one of the many charming villages. Depending on your time and budget, you may want to spend the night in a Mystras hotel. madisonsdish.com
If you’re into adventure, this island in central Greece is a must-see. It’s a perfect place to hike and explore, especially during sunset. The best spots to see the sunset are on the peninsulas of Lithotopos and Kerkini. Visitors will also be able to spot a variety of rare birds at the lake, which is home to many types of exotic species. It’s best to visit during migration season to observe the most unique species.
You can rent a bicycle and cycle around the picturesque hillside towns of Mykonos. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Panagia Evangelistria monastery, which is one of the most revered sites in Greece. The monastery was once involved in trade between Russia and Alexandria. Today, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit this holy site. It’s a great place to see ancient art and culture.
Lindos
Located 50 kilometers from the city of Rhodes, the island of Lindos is a major archaeological site. It is built on a massive rock, 116 meters above sea level, and its most impressive sight is its hilltop acropolis. The hilltop town is completely surrounded by fortified walls, which make it a unique tourist attraction in Greece. Lindos is home to the ancient town of Thessaloniki, which was built by Cassander of Macedon in 315 BC. https://www.blogger.com/profile/04845887803654890967
There are many reasons to visit Rhodes, including its medieval fortifications and beaches. Its town is UNESCO-listed and surrounded by impressive fortifications built by the Knights of St. John. You can visit Lindos Beach by excursion boat, or visit nearby St. Pauls Beach, which is less crowded. Agathi Beach is another pretty beach with emerald waters.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is a 16-kilometer-long gorge in southwest Crete. Its rocky, steep sections can take you anywhere from four to seven hours to hike. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the top tourist attractions in Greece. Visiting the gorge is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this area. Organized tours depart from Rethymnon and Chania.
There are 450 species of animals and plants in Samaria George. There are countless walking trails through the mountains, passing turquoise lagoons and breathtaking cliffs. The walkways are narrow, often four meters wide and over 300 meters high. The national park has several drinking water springs and places to dive. In addition to the natural beauty of the Samaria Gorge, tourists can experience the culture of the country in a variety of other ways.
If you love nature, the Samaria Gorge is the perfect place for you. The canyon is 16 kilometers long and parts of it are as wide as four meters. The canyon was home to the Oracle of Apollo and many other important sites, including the famous archaeological site of Acropolis. It is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site was mentioned in Homer’s Iliad.
Myrtos Beach
Myrtos Beach is a natural landmark in Greece. It is situated on the island of Kefalonia, off the coast of mainland Greece. The water at Myrtos is a turquoise color due to the sediments left by the white rock. It is a beautiful sight to behold from the road. If you want to experience one of the top tourist attractions in Greece, this is the place to go.
The beach is considered one of the world’s best beaches, but it is at risk of disappearing. The erosive nature of the sea is causing 300 metres of coastline to wash away – roughly the height of Renzo Piano’s Mordor-style skyscraper. Chania Lighthouse may also disappear by the end of the century. Little Venice in Mykonos is also at risk of disappearing, as it is backed by pine trees.
The Greek ruins of Delphi, which are surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, are an impressive attraction. If you’re into history, take a boat ride to Delos, a holy island. The island is believed to be the birthplace of Apollo, the god of music, poetry, light, medicine, and prophecy. The wreck of a ship is on the sand and provides a surreal experience.
Delphi Theatre
The ancient theatre in Delphi is still a must-visit destination for history lovers. The ancient theater in Delphi can hold 5000 people and was a part of the Pythian Games, one of the four Panhellenic Games in ancient Greece. The first stone theater of Delphi was constructed around the 4th century BC, and the ruins of this ancient theatre date back to early Roman times. Besides hosting musical and theatrical contests, it also served as a stage for the Pythian Games. The best preserved antiquity stadium in Greece is the Stadium of Delphi, which has the stone aphesis and an ancient theater, which can control up to 20 athletes at the same time.
The Delphi Theatre is one of the 10 top tourist destinations in Greece, and the neo-gothic tower-like house that used to be the home of the great Greek poets Eva Palmer-Sikielianos and Angelos Sikielianos hosts an extensive collection of ancient drama artifacts. The museum’s main focus is the Pyrrhic dance, with costumes from these ancient performances displayed throughout the site.
Meteora
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora is a natural phenomenon in the middle of Greece, with strange rock formations and quaint monasteries atop them. While the monasteries were once home to 24 of them, that number has now been reduced to six. Whether you are a religious icon buff or simply want to see the stunning scenery, Meteora is sure to please.
If you’d like to visit Meteora, you’ll need to get to Kalampaka, which is 358 km northwest of Athens. From Athens, it’s a four-and-a-half-hour train ride. The train ticket is EUR15-to-€20 for a one-way ticket. From there, you can take the bus or train to Meteora, though these options tend to be more expensive than other options.
Another reason to visit Meteora is to explore its ancient monasteries. The Holy Trinity Monastery is one of the most popular attractions and was featured in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. The Varlaam Monastery, which dates back to the 12th century, is the second largest. Another monastery, St. Stephen, was taken over by nuns in 1961 and is located just outside the cave.
Mykonos
Mykonos is known as the Ibiza of Greece, and although it may have a thriving nightlife and party scene, there’s more to this island than just sand and parties. A trip to Mykonos will give you the feel of an idyllic Greek island, complete with windmills and colorful doorways. The whitewashed buildings and narrow, paved streets are dotted with chic boutiques, upscale shops, and even small, blue-domed churches.
If history is your thing, you can’t miss the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. This impressive museum displays ancient vases, urns, and other artifacts from the island’s past. There’s a particularly fascinating mortuary urn that tells the tale of the Trojan War. This museum is open every day, except major public holidays.
Another of the most popular island destinations in Greece, Mykonos is home to cosmopolitan clubs, upscale boutique hotels, and lively nightclubs. Visitors to the island will be charmed by the town’s quaint streets lined with whitewashed buildings. There are also several sandy beaches on the island’s south coast. Mykonos also offers daily cruises to nearby Delos, an archeological site rich in ancient art.