The sun-drenched European nation is equally identified for its serene sandy seashores as for its vibrant historical historical past, which has considerably influenced many features of Western society.
With such a various vary of locations, all tastes are catered for – from historical past followers and nature lovers to severe clubbers and seashore dwellers. Listed here are the locations which have left a life-long impression on me…
1. Santorini
Santorini is without doubt one of the Cyclades islands nestled within the Aegean Sea. For my part, it is without doubt one of the most lovely and romantic islands on this planet—it’s in style for a motive!
Spectacular sunsets, conventional whitewashed homes, and breathtaking ocean views are only a few of the issues that make this island so particular.
I like to recommend heading to Oia, the enduring village of pastel-washed homes hugging the cliff face. Nearly all of outlets promoting postcards throughout Greece could have images from Santorini, and when you go to, you’ll notice why this lovely Greek place is so cherished (like I did)!
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing world-famous white and blue homes Fira, Santorini’s lovely capital.
- Exploring Oia’s fairly white homes and the well-known and really photogenic church buildings with blue domes and lovely views.
- Taking a one-day cruise across the island.
- Exploring the black sand seashores of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos stands out as some of the beautiful (and Instagrammable!) islands within the Aegean area. Belonging to the Cyclades group within the Aegean Sea, though Mykonos is a well-liked celebration island, loads of pure and conventional magnificence remains to be accessible.
It has a set of distinctive Cycladic structure (white-washed dice buildings) set round a picturesque fishing village bay.
The sq. whitewashed buildings sit carefully collectively, forming a maze of slender alleyways and streets, and they’re extremely photogenic! In my expertise, the island’s extraordinary seashores additionally make an ideal backdrop for watching the sundown.
My highlights…
- Taking photographs of the well-known and really lovely Mykonos Windmills.
- Exploring the Paraportiani Church.
- Dancing at Cavo Paradiso Mykonos, top-of-the-line golf equipment on this planet and superior sea views.
- Enjoyable on Platis Gialos Seaside, which I assumed had been top-of-the-line seashores on the island.
3. Zakynthos
This lovely gem is known for its crystal clear blue waters, golden seashores, and intense adventures, particularly at evening. My favorite highlights embody the Shipwreck Seaside of Navagio in a secluded cove, Banana Seaside, Porto Zoro Seaside, Kalamaki Seaside, and Gerakas Seaside.
Zakynthos City has dozens of museums and an interesting Venetian Fortress on the hilltop. Picturesque mountainous villages are scattered throughout the countryside, together with previous monasteries simply found by automobile.
Eating places dot the area, providing scrumptious Zakynthos delicacies. Notable must-sees embody Solomos Sq., Strata Marina, residence to eating places, bars, and cafes, Stranis Hill, which gives a magical view of the island, and memorable historical church buildings corresponding to Aghios Nikolaos.
If you happen to’re extra adventurous, I like to recommend attempting browsing or hiring a sailboat, trekking throughout the scenic mountainous area, snorkelling, swimming amongst sea turtles, and scuba diving in underwater caves between rocks in crystal-clear environment.
My private highlights…
- Heading to the enduring and more and more well-known Navagio Seaside and surrounding viewpoints to get some really Instaworthy pictures. It’s in any other case often called Shipwreck Seaside because of the haunting stays of the ship right here.
- Visiting after which calm down on the island’s different lovely seashores corresponding to Banana Seaside, Dafni Seaside and Gerakas Seaside.
- Hiring a ship and discover the unbelievable Blue Caves and Keri Caves.
4. Kefalonia Island
The favored Greek vacation island has been made well-known by the novel and movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which was set right here. Though there was some improvement, I really like that it retains the standard Greek lifestyle.
For all those that want to know what an attractive seashore seems like, I’d say you simply want to go to Myrtos, situated on the island!
It’s situated within the Pylaros area, northwest of Kefalonia island. The sheer distinction of the intense blue waters and the glowing white seashore makes an exhilarating scene, particularly from the steep mountains and cliffs!
My highlights…
- Exploring Assos Village a small and really charming village.
- Enjoyable on Petani Seaside and Myrtos Seaside are a few of Kefalonia’s most lovely seashores.
- Visiting Agios Gerasimos Monastery a Sixteenth-century church advanced with a courtyard, gardens and a monastery.
- Taking photographs on the fairly Argostoli Harbour.
5. Rhodes
Rhodes is the biggest of the Dodecanese islands and one other in style vacation island. Though it’s residence to energetic resorts, there are nonetheless many areas of excellent pure magnificence to find and discover!
I’d advocate heading for Lindos and St. Paul’s Seashores. Lindos is extra in style due to its turquoise waters and the view of the raised white-painted city from the seashore. Though I believe each seashores are sandy, white and exceptionally lovely.
Agathi Seaside is one other fairly seashore on the island identified for its gentle sand and emerald-green waters. In search of historical past? There are a lot of historical ruins right here and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John throughout the Crusades.
My private highlights…
- Consuming at Rustico Restaurant, a cute tavern with a contemporary twist that gives out of doors seating and even vegan choices. The Greek Salad was divine!
- Exploring and swimming by way of a quick boat tour with Jet Boat Rhodes.
- Climbing alongside the coastal trails for beautiful views.
6. Parthenon Acropolis and the remainder of Athens
There are a lot of breathtaking historic websites to discover on this extraordinary nation. Nonetheless, this world-famous historical attraction is taken into account an important surviving constructing of Classical Greece, and after I visited, I used to be in awe!
It’s situated within the Greek capital, Athens. The ruins are of an historical temple on the Athenian Acropolis devoted to the maiden goddess Athena, which was constructed for a few a long time beginning in 447 BC.
I’d additionally extremely recommend taking the time to discover the town of Athens. It’s a singular metropolis, typically gritty, but it surely’s by no means boring. It has many unbelievable eating places, rooftop bars, and historic sights to discover.
My highlights…
- Seeing the awe-inspiring historical monuments – they appear to spring from actually in every single place within the metropolis!
- Squeezing in just a few nice museums too such because the Acropolis Museum, Nationwide Archaeological Museum and the gorgeous Byzantine and Christian Museum.
- Exploring the hip and energetic districts of Athens corresponding to Plaka, Thissio and Syntagma that are stuffed with nice eating places and bars.
- Heading to A For Athens Rooftop Bar for critically unbelievable views of the town. It was crowded however I’d nonetheless advocate it!
7. Corfu
I personally assume Corfu is a must-see! This is without doubt one of the most romantic islands within the Ionian archipelago, the place you possibly can discover its historic heritage impressed by Venetian and Byzantine types.
I recommend visiting the Previous City, which Unesco has named some of the enticing spots on the Greek islands.
If you wish to benefit from the Mediterranean local weather, I’d recommend occurring a ship tour the place you’ll witness some of the extraordinary breathtaking views!
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the quaint gorgeousness of Corfu Previous City which was stuffed with lovely previous structure.
- Enjoyable on my favourite seashores the Paleokastritsa Seaside and Voutoumi Seaside which was stuffed with white sand.
- Visiting the lovable residents on the Corfu Donkey Sanctuary.
8. Cyprus
Positioned within the jap Mediterranean Sea, half the island of Cyprus belongs to Greece and the opposite half to Turkey (the northern half). The political state of affairs there provides the island a barely edgier really feel. Some areas are even utterly no-go (the border separating the 2 islands, which runs by means of the as soon as in style resort of Nicosia).
Nonetheless, don’t let that put you off. Once I visited, I discovered a shocking magnificence spot with beautiful seashores, a glowing blue sea, towering mountains, rugged cliffs, aromatic pine forests, and an interesting historical past. The individuals had been extremely welcoming and pleasant, and the meals was divine.
You possibly can both search for the celebration zones, that are Nissi Seaside in well-known Ayia Napa and Paphos (barely extra chilled) or search for somebody rather less developed; the Pissouri, Latchi, and Polis are good choices.
For someplace rustic, although, I’d advocate heading up into the mountains and in search of a quiet and conventional village to remain in. You gained’t discover flashy resorts right here, however there are genuine visitor homes as an alternative.
9. Thassos
Thasos is gorgeous, with a contrasting blue sky, blue sea, inexperienced flora, and beautiful sandy seashores. Mendacity on the North Aegean area, the Greek island gives an alluring conventional style and delightful seashores, wonderful resorts serving native delicacies, trails for hikers and lots of secrets and techniques to find.
I’d personally advocate attempting water sports activities right here, corresponding to scuba diving, water snowboarding, windsurfing and boating, in addition to discovering the rewarding footpaths, cascades, ravines and seashores, together with Hrisi Ammoudia-Limenas, Kallirahi-Prinos and Maries-Prinos.
In its capital, Limenas, you possibly can see the Acropolis and a theatre constructed in 5 BC. If you happen to’re in search of seashore enjoyable, then strive Marble Seaside and Chrysi Akti, that are residence to seashore bars and tavernas.
My private highlights…
- Happening a sea-kayaking tour with Insula TASOS.
- Exploring the perfect seashores the island has to supply – Golden Seaside, Paradise Seaside, La Scala Seaside and Metalia Seaside.
- Trying out the island’s fairly waterfalls, I liked Maries Waterfall which was situated within the western a part of the island.
10. Naxos Island
This island on the southern facet of Greece is residence to the myth-surrounded Mt. Zeus. Naxos is one in all my favorite islands, comparatively undiscovered by the vacationer plenty. It’s additionally one of many greenest within the Cyclades, with excessive mountains and fertile valleys.
The seashores listed here are among the many most lovely within the nation. They’re lengthy and sandy, excellent for swimming, water sports activities, and stress-free.
One other spotlight of mine is the standard white-painted villages and winemaking factories, in addition to the picturesque port cities stuffed with whitewashed, cube-shaped homes and medieval Venetian mansions.
My highlights…
- Hiring a catamaran with a skipper for the day and seeing the beautiful surrounding waters in type!
- Lazing round on the beautiful seashores a number of the greatest embody Plaka Seaside, Agiaanna Seaside and Saint George Seaside.
- Going for a tasty vegan pizza and melon-based cocktails on the stylish eatery Hug Me Naxos.
11. Lefkada
Lefkada is situated on Greece’s west coast and is related to the mainland by means of a floating bridge and causeway. It’s one of many few Greek islands you possibly can go to by automobile.
I adore it for its crystal blue waters and golden seashores, lots of that are like these within the Caribbean—sure, actually!
It’s filled with conventional taverns serving recent fish and wonderful villages contrasting with its lush inexperienced environment. I like to recommend heading for Egremni, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki seashores, that are excellent pictures spots. For my part, the Panagia Faneromeni monastery and Nidri waterfalls are must-sees!
Additionally, I’d recommend not lacking the outstanding Fortress of Santa Maura, discovering the timeless villages hid by wild olive groves and hills, and the spectacular inlets and little bays in the direction of the south with excellent situations for windsurfers and kite surfers.
My private highlights…
- Going seashore hopping and seeing all of the unbelievable seashores right here, my favorite was Egremni.
- Visiting the Lefkas Earth Vineyard, the beautiful environment and their particular crimson wine had been sufficient causes to go to!
- Visiting the quirky Folklore Museum, I particularly liked the beautiful embroidery work!
12. Samaria Gorge and the remainder of Crete
This spectacular vacationer attraction receives greater than half 1,000,000 guests yearly! The Samariá Gorge is a Nationwide Park of Greece situated on the fairly island of Crete and has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve.
Individuals can stroll by means of the gorge and cross by breathtakingly excessive cliffs alongside the way in which earlier than the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli emerges.
I’d additionally extremely advocate taking the time to discover the remainder of Crete, the biggest of the Greek islands. It’s a shocking vacation spot stuffed with sun-drenched, immaculate seashores, historical websites, unbelievable surroundings, fairly villages, pleasant locals, energetic nightlife, superb eating places, and nice wine.
My private highlights…
- Attending to know the locals within the bars, eating places, and cafes, they’re critically pleasant! I liked The chickpea restaurant for its unbelievable paprika hummus.
- Visiting the unbelievable Balos Lagoon for Insta-worthy pictures.
- Visiting Takis Shelter , a social media star Takis is known everywhere in the world for rescuing canines and housing them at his cage-free shelter.
13. Meteora, Kalabaka
Present in central Greece, this placing and weird rock formation is residence to a monastery based within the 14th century and now has UNESCO World Heritage website standing.
The advanced of six monasteries is constructed precariously atop 1,300-foot-high sandstone pinnacles on the northwestern fringe of the Plain of Thessaly, close to the gorgeous Pineios River and Pindus Mountains.
The occupants of the buildings situated atop vertically steep rocks had a tough time climbing down, however so did their climb up. It’s an superior sight that may depart you speechless and simply deserves a spot on this record, particularly if you wish to discover much less touristy areas.
My highlights…
- Taking a digicam and photographing it, this place is about as distinctive and beautiful as you will get!
- Staying on the close by Alsos Home, I liked the comfy vibe and the terrace with fabulous views the place we ate breakfast!
14. Nafplio
Positioned within the Japanese Peloponnese area of Argolis is Nafplio on mainland Greece; it is a romantic seaport city (which was as soon as the capital of the brand new state of Greece between 1821 and 1834).
Once I visited, I used to be awestruck by the medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, historical partitions, statues, monuments, and neoclassical and Venetian buildings. It’s additionally simple to get to from Athens which is simply 94 kilometres away.
Uncover the Turkish fountains, medieval Previous City, preserved neoclassical mansions, and slender cobblestone alleys. I’d additionally recommend stopping by Syntagma Sq. and taking within the monuments and historic buildings earlier than heading to the Palamidi Fortress, which stands tall at 216 meters above sea degree.
I’d additionally extremely advocate taking a ship experience to the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, visiting the Struggle Museum, Acronauplia view and clock tower, the Byzantine Twelfth-century church, and discovering the view of the open sea and placing Nafplio from the Palamidi Fortress.
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the photogenic and quaint Previous City.
- Taking a visit to Palamidi Fortress and climbing the entire 999 steps!
- Going for a Greek Espresso at Syntagma Sq..
15. Mystras, Peloponnese
Mystras is a mountainous village close to Sparti, Laconia, on mainland Greece. UNESCO classifies it as a World Heritage Monument. It’s well-known for its archaeological website, as Mystras was a vital medieval city within the Byzantine Period.
The archaeological website consists of well-preserved Byzantine church buildings and a robust Fortress, and I extremely advocate exploring it if you wish to see an off-the-beaten-track attraction. You gained’t discover too many vacationers right here!
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring all of the historic websites.
- Paying a go to to the Digital camera Museum.
16. Delphi Theatre, Phocis
Delphi is an archaeological website and a contemporary city on mainland Greece. It’s on the southwestern spur of Mount Parnassus within the valley of Phocis.
The Delphi theatre was constructed atop a hill going through the gorgeous valley within the 4th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage website.
Constructed as Apollo’s sanctuary and oracle, its 35 rows might maintain as much as 5,000 friends, who in historical instances loved performs, poetry readings, and musical occasions.
I personally assume it is a beautiful historic website, and I particularly liked the view of the pure, unspoilt landscapes beneath.
17. Mount Olympus Nationwide Park
Declared a Nationwide Park in 1938, Mountain Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain, rising 9,573 ft on its highest peak.
This unspoilt and principally untouristy space on mainland Greece is stuffed with thick forests, alpine fields, outstanding rock peaks, and deep gorges. It’s additionally wealthy in fauna and flora, with uncommon and typical 1700 plant species unfold across the area.
Quite a few campsites and cheap resorts have sprung as much as cater for curious travellers, and Litochoro is the principle village simply accessed from Athens by prepare and bus. I personally assume the Historic Dion Archaeological Museum on the base of Mount Olympus is a must-visit.
Mountain refuges, climbing routes, and mountaineering excursions are organized for journey seekers setting off from Litochoro. Personal trekking is accessible, too, particularly alongside the Enipeas Canyon, which has spectacular mountain climbing trails.
Native delicacies is known for its conventional tastes and is served with regionally produced crimson or white wine, which I extremely advocate attempting!
My private highlights…
- Exploring one of many many mountain climbing trails.
- Trying out one of many many unspoilt seashores.
- Happening a gaggle tour.
18. Lake Kerkini
Positioned on mainland Greece within the coronary heart of the fowl migration route and flyway on their approach to the Black Sea, this place is residence to 1000’s of protected and uncommon birds, which is an unbelievable sight!
You may as well see gigantic sq. meters of water lilies, various fish varieties and unbelievable vistas of the Krousia and Belasica mountains.
Aside from internet hosting over 227 non-migratory birds, Kerkini can also be the house of remarkable buffalo herds, over 10 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles and a whole bunch of insect varieties.
The extinct-threatened Pygmy Cormorant, Pelicans and heron colonies might be seen, making it a real haven for wildlife spotters! Actions right here embody boat rides, canoeing, 4×4 off-roading, biking and mountain climbing alongside the mountain vary footpaths.
My highlights…
- Kayaking and exploring the pure magnificence spots.
- Taking my digicam and recognizing wildlife and capturing the sundown.
19. Monemvasia Fortress
Monemvasia Fortress is situated alongside the Peloponnese east coast of mainland Greece. The primary settlement is traced again to the sixth century.
The large Byzantine fortress and very good seashores close by are open to locals and vacationers who can’t get sufficient of this extraordinary place and with good motive!
The rugged magnificence is a refined, refreshing escape for anybody and an ideal place to spend idyllic, refreshing days tracing Ottoman, Venetian, Frankish, and Byzantine influences throughout the city, courtesy of its spectacular historical past and structure in virtually each place you step!
I’d additionally advocate visiting the Kastania Cave, the close by church buildings and café.
20. Zagori
In northwestern mainland Greece, Epirus is the Zagori municipality within the mountainous area of Pindus. I’ve included Zagori on this record for its exceptional geology, dazzling pure magnificence, and two in style Nationwide Parks. Zagori is dotted with over 46 villages interconnected with fashionable roads, and right here, 18th-century stoned arched bridges nonetheless stand!
I personally assume the area’s magnificence comes alive whereas strolling throughout the divine Vikos Gorge from the Astrakas Mountaintop to the cascades of the Voidomatis River over a backdrop of Mt. Timfi.
I’d additionally recommend visiting the beautiful Drakolimni Alpine Lake, the standard Zagorohoria village, the Kalogeriko stone bridge, the swimmable Ovires pure waters in summer season, the Fifteenth-century Agia Paraskevi monastery and the spectacular melancholic view from the monastery of Spileotissas on the Viodomatis River! There’s lots to find right here!
21. Acheron Springs
The Acheron River Springs is situated off the Glyki and Kanalaki villages bordering Preveza and Thesprotia on mainland Greece.
I personally assume the crystalline waters, towering cliffs and wealthy flora make for very stimulating environment with water pits and lakes alongside the river in areas of regular water movement.
Aside from the assured peace and tranquillity and wonderful eating places, there are additionally river pathways for mountain climbing and rafting adventures, so that is one for nature lovers!
22. Voidomatis River
The river is a famously enticing pure website and is in style for kayaking, rafting, and different various water sports activities. I additionally love that Voidomatis is on high of the record of cleanest rivers anyplace in Europe.
It’s powered by the Vikos Gorge and Tymfi water currents and run by the Vikos-Aoos Nationwide Park.
It’s dotted by various stone bridges, such because the Kledonas Bridge and Aristi Bridge, the place kayak and rafting followers meet and start their cascading adventures down the clear waters!
5 kilometres down the river from Aristi, you can be blown away by the sight of the Sixteenth-century Agioi Anargyroi monastery.
You may get there by way of Epirus after which make Konitsa, Ioannina, or the stone-built charming villages of Zagori your base. These villages have many lovely mansions, visitor homes, and resorts.
The place You’ll Discover Greece
Greece is situated in South Japanese Europe and borders the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas to the north, Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia to the east, and Turkey to the east.
