8 best places to visit in greece (map & photos)

Best places to visit in Greece 

Greece is known for its wealth of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, sunny beaches, tasty cuisine and friendly atmosphere, so it's no wonder Greece is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. So beautiful here. You can often find this beauty in the many scattered islands that lie like little jewels in the seas surrounding mainland Greece. Each offers its own share of stunning scenery, historical sites, nightlife and cultural delights.

Greece

There are many of them to discover. From the Ionian islands in the west, including Kefalonia and Corfu, to the Aegean, including Mykonos, Santorini, Kos and Rhodes, among others. Then there is the pre-Hellenic Minoan culture. From Crete to the south. Back on the mainland, there are sights fit for the gods everywhere. The Meteora Monastery, the ruins of Delphi and then, most famously, the capital Athens and its iconic Parthenon.

8 best places to visit in Greece (with map)

list of the best places to visit in Greece

1. Athens
2. Crete
3. meteora
4. Delphi
5. Peloponnese
6. Halkidiki
7. Zagori
8. Thessaloniki

1. Athens

Athens

Athens has been inhabited for over 3,000 years and is widely known as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The city presents a bewildering mix of historic and modern features. Athens is famous for its archaeological ruins and monuments such as the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the ancient Agora and the Theater of Dionysus to name a few.

Map of Athens

2. Crete

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a sprawling land of pleasant contrasts, where landscapes range from stunning coastline to rugged mountains and rolling fields dotted with olive trees. Throughout history, Crete still preserves archaeological remains of the many civilizations that have inhabited it over the centuries.

Map of Crete

3. meteora

meteora

The Greek word meteora means "suspended in the air", and this expression aptly describes the dramatic cliffs that rise more than 366 meters (1,200 feet) into the air and the north-central villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in mainland Greece dominate. 

What makes these cliffs even more inspiring are the historic monasteries that rise along the peaks. The monasteries of Meteora date back to the 14th and 16th centuries and were built by monks seeking spiritual seclusion and freedom from religious persecution.

Map of meteora

4. Delphi

Delphi

Delphi is the maximum famous archaeological sites in Greece, after the Acropolis. About and a 1/2 of hours from Athens, alongside the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi become as soon as respected via way of means of the historical Greeks because the middle of the earth. Dedicated to Apollo, Delphi is a vital oracle.

In historical times, human beings could come to this holy location to searching for recommendation from priestesses on a huge variety of topics, from agriculture to relationships and politics. Important sites and homes at Delphi consist of the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of Athens, the Theater and the Arena, as soon as Events of the historical Pythian Games had been held.

Map of Delphi

5. Peloponnese

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is similar in shape to a large leaf and was traditionally called Morea, meaning mulberry leaf. Located in the southernmost region of Europe and Greece, the Peloponnese is a broad peninsula connected to the mainland by the Rio-Andirrio Bridge. 

Interspersed with classical Greek temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and Mycenaean palaces, the Peloponnese reflects the ancient cultures and events of its long history. Among those historical ruins is Olympia, wherein the primary Olympic Games have been held in honor of Zeus.

Map of Peloponnese

6. Halkidiki

Halkidiki

Halkidiki is a trident-shaped peninsula near the city of Thessaloniki that has excellent beaches. The three separate peninsulas can be summarized as follows: Kassandra has the nightlife, Sithonia has the beaches and Athos has the monks. Kassandra is closest to Thessaloniki and is more built up, while the quieter Sithonia offers campsites, hidden coves and crystal clear waters. 

Both are popular with Eastern European tourists and Greek. Much of the easternmost peninsula belongs to the monastic community of Mount Athos It can be reached by boat and is only open to male pilgrims.

Map of Halkidiki

7. Zagori

Zagori

Zagori is a region of outstanding natural beauty with impressive geology and two national parks in northwestern Greece. Its dense forests and rugged mountains are traversed by mighty rivers and are dotted with traditional villages, many with large late 18th-century stone houses. 

The best way to enjoy the area is to tour the many trails that connect the towns. The most accessible and worthwhile destination is the wonderful Víkos Gorge.

Map of Zagori

8. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-biggest metropolis and the capital metropolis of the Macedonian location of Northern Greece. Lively festivals, social occasions and a humming nightlife make this metropolis the cultural capital of Greece.

Comprised of an anciental metropolis middle and industrial district, Thessaloniki gives each antique and new points of interest from its Byzantine walls, White Tower and Turkish baths to colorful meals markets, museums and artwork galleries. Thessaloniki’s nightlife is unmatched. From small taverns to nightclubs and different enjoyment venues, Thessaloniki gives it all.

Map of  Thessaloniki