The sun-drenched European nation is equally identified for its serene sandy seashores as for its vibrant historic historical past, which has considerably influenced many features of Western society.
I really like that every one tastes are catered for right here – from historical past followers and nature lovers to severe clubbers and seashore dwellers. Listed below are the locations which have left an enormous impression on me…
1. Santorini
Santorini is without doubt one of the Cyclades islands nestled within the Aegean Sea. In my view, it is without doubt one of the most stunning and romantic islands on the earth—it’s well-liked for a purpose!
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. The vast majority of retailers promoting postcards throughout Greece may have pictures from Santorini, and when you go to, you’ll notice why this stunning Greek place is so cherished (like I did)!
- Location: southern Aegean Sea, 120 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing the world-famous white and blue homes in Fira, Santorini’s stunning capital.
- Exploring Oia’s fairly white homes and the well-known and really photogenic church buildings with blue domes and lovely views.
- Occurring an unimaginable half-day catamaran tour with Santorini Yachts, being out on the boat at sundown was a dreamy expertise!
- Exploring the black sand seashores of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos stands out as one 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 obtainable.
It has a group of distinctive Cycladic structure (beautiful white-washed dice buildings) set round a picturesque fishing village bay.
The sq. whitewashed buildings sit intently collectively, forming a maze of slim 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 Instaworthy images of the well-known and really stunning Mykonos Windmills.
- Exploring the placing Paraportiani Church at sundown.
- Dancing at Cavo Paradiso Mykonos, the superior sea views are legendary they usually didn’t disappoint!
- Enjoyable on Platis Gialos Seashore, which I personally thought was one of the beautiful seashores on the island.
3. Zakynthos
This stunning gem is known for its crystal clear blue waters, golden seashores, and intense adventures, particularly at evening. My favorite highlights embody the Shipwreck Seashore of Navagio in a secluded cove, Banana Seashore, Porto Zoro Seashore, Kalamaki Seashore, and Gerakas Seashore.
Zakynthos City has dozens of museums and a captivating 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 supplies a magical view of the island, and memorable historic church buildings similar 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.
- Location: Ionian Sea, 12 miles west of the Greek mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Heading to the enduring and more and more well-known Navagio Seashore and surrounding viewpoints to get some beautiful Insta-worthy pictures. It’s in any other case generally known as Shipwreck Seashore because of the haunting stays of the ship right here.
- Enjoyable on essentially the most stunning seashores on the island, Banana Seashore, Dafni Seashore and Gerakas Seashore.
- Hiring a ship with Zakynthos Cruises and discover the unimaginable Blue Caves and Keri Caves.
4. Kefalonia
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 growth, I really like that it retains the standard Greek lifestyle.
For all those that want to know what a lovely seashore seems to be like, I might 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 brilliant blue waters and the glowing white seashore makes an exhilarating scene, particularly from the steep mountains and cliffs!
- Location: Ionian Sea, 30 miles west of the western coast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Exploring Assos Village which was fairly and charming spot.
- Enjoyable on Petani Seashore and Myrtos Seashore which have been my private favorite seashores on the island.
- Visiting Agios Gerasimos Monastery a Sixteenth-century church complicated which had a zen-like courtyard, well-kept gardens and a placing monastery.
- Taking images on the fairly Argostoli Harbour which was crammed with vibrant homes.
5. Rhodes
Rhodes is the most important of the Dodecanese islands and one other well-liked vacation island. Though it’s residence to full of life resorts, there are nonetheless many areas of excellent pure magnificence to find and discover!
I might suggest heading for Lindos and St. Paul’s Seashores. Lindos is extra well-liked 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 stunning.
Agathi Seashore is one other fairly seashore on the island identified for its gentle sand and emerald-green waters. On the lookout for historical past? There are numerous historic ruins right here and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John through the Crusades.
- Location: southeastern Aegean Sea, 225 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
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.
- Mountain climbing alongside the coastal path from Lindos to Saint Paul’s Bay which had actually beautiful views of the glowing sea beneath.
6. Parthenon Acropolis and the remainder of Athens
There are numerous breathtaking historic websites to discover on this extraordinary nation. Nonetheless, this world-famous historic attraction is taken into account crucial surviving constructing of Classical Greece, and once I visited, I used to be in awe!
It’s situated within the Greek capital, Athens. The ruins are of an historic 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 might additionally extremely recommend taking the time to discover the town of Athens. It’s a novel metropolis, typically gritty, however it’s by no means boring. It has many unimaginable eating places, rooftop bars, and historic points of interest to discover.
- Handle: Acropolis of Athens Dionysiou Areopagitou Avenue Athens, 105 58
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Seeing the awe-inspiring historic monuments – they appear to spring from actually in all places 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 full of life districts of Athens similar to Plaka, Thissio and Syntagma that are crammed with nice eating places and bars.
- Heading to A For Athens Rooftop Bar for severely unimaginable views of the town. It was crowded however I’d nonetheless suggest 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’ll be able to discover its historic heritage impressed by Venetian and Byzantine kinds.
I recommend visiting the Previous City, which Unesco has named one of the engaging spots on the Greek islands.
If you wish to take advantage of the Mediterranean local weather, I might recommend happening a ship tour the place you’ll witness one of the extraordinary breathtaking views!
- Handle: Ionian Sea, northwest coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the quaint gorgeousness of Corfu Previous City which was crammed with stunning previous structure.
- Enjoyable on my favourite seashores the Paleokastritsa Seashore and Voutoumi Seashore which was crammed with white sand.
- Visiting the lovable residents on the Corfu Donkey Sanctuary.
8. Cyprus
Situated within the japanese Mediterranean Sea, half the island of Cyprus belongs to Greece and the opposite half to Turkey (the northern half). The political scenario there offers the island a barely edgier really feel. Some areas are even fully no-go (the border separating the 2 islands, which runs by means of the as soon as well-liked resort of Nicosia).
Nonetheless, don’t let that put you off. After I visited, I discovered a surprising magnificence spot with beautiful seashores, a glowing blue sea, towering mountains, rugged cliffs, aromatic pine forests, and a captivating historical past. The folks have been extremely welcoming and pleasant, and the meals was divine.
You may both search for the celebration zones, that are Nissi Seashore 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 suggest heading up into the mountains and in search of a quiet and conventional village to remain in. You received’t discover flashy accommodations right here, however there are genuine visitor homes as an alternative.
- Location: Jap Mediterranean Sea, 500 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
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 affords an alluring conventional style and exquisite seashores, glorious accommodations serving native delicacies, trails for hikers and plenty of secrets and techniques to find.
I might personally suggest attempting water sports activities right here, similar 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’ll be able to see the Acropolis and a theatre constructed in 5 BC. If you happen to’re in search of seashore enjoyable, then attempt Marble Seashore and Chrysi Akti, that are residence to seashore bars and tavernas.
- Location: northern Aegean Sea, 6 miles off the northeastern coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Occurring a sea-kayaking tour with Insula TASOS.
- Exploring one of the best seashores the island has to supply – Golden Seashore, Paradise Seashore, La Scala Seashore and Metalia Seashore.
- Testing the island’s fairly waterfalls, I cherished 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 considered one of 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 below are among the many most stunning 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 crammed with whitewashed, cube-shaped homes and medieval Venetian mansions.
- Location: Aegean Sea, roughly 100 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Hiring a catamaran with a skipper for the day and seeing the beautiful surrounding waters in fashion!
- Lazing round on the beautiful seashores a few of the finest embody Plaka Seashore, Agiaanna Seashore and Saint George Seashore.
- Going for a tasty vegan pizza and melon-based cocktails on the fashionable 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’ll be able to go to by automobile.
I like it for its crystal blue waters and golden seashores, a lot of that are like these within the Caribbean—sure, actually!
It’s stuffed with conventional taverns serving recent fish and beautiful villages contrasting with its lush inexperienced environment. I like to recommend heading for Egremni, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki seashores, that are excellent pictures spots. In my view, the Panagia Faneromeni monastery and Nidri waterfalls are must-sees!
Additionally, I might 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 circumstances for windsurfers and kite surfers.
- Location: the Ionian Sea, 0.6 miles west of the mainland
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Going seashore hopping and seeing all of the unimaginable seashores right here, my favorite was Egremni.
- Visiting the Lefkas Earth Vineyard, the beautiful environment and their particular crimson wine have been sufficient causes to go to!
- Visiting the quirky Folklore Museum, I particularly cherished the gorgeous 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 best way earlier than the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli emerges.
I might additionally extremely suggest taking the time to discover the remainder of Crete, the most important of the Greek islands. It’s a surprising vacation spot crammed with sun-drenched, immaculate seashores, historic websites, unimaginable surroundings, fairly villages, pleasant locals, full of life nightlife, superb eating places, and nice wine.
- Location: japanese Mediterranean Sea, 99 miles south of the mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Attending to know the locals within the bars, eating places, and cafes, they’re severely pleasant! I cherished The chickpea restaurant for its unimaginable paprika hummus.
- Visiting the unimaginable Balos Lagoon for Insta-worthy pictures.
- Visiting Takis Shelter , a social media star Takis is known all around 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 web site standing.
The complicated 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 scenic 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 checklist, particularly if you wish to discover much less touristy areas.
- Handle: Meteora Monasteries Meteora, Kalabaka 422 00 Thessaly
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Taking a digital camera and photographing it, this place is about as distinctive and beautiful as you may get!
- Staying on the close by Alsos Home, I cherished the comfortable vibe and the terrace with fabulous views the place we ate breakfast!
14. Nafplio
Situated within the Jap Peloponnese area of Argolis is Nafplio on mainland Greece; this can be a romantic seaport city (which was as soon as the capital of the brand new state of Greece between 1821 and 1834).
After I visited, I used to be awestruck by the medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, historic 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 slim cobblestone alleys. I 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 stage.
I additionally extremely suggest 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.
- Location: northeastern a part of the Peloponnese peninsula 85 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the photogenic and quaint Previous City.
- Taking a visit to Palamidi Fortress and climbing all the 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 web site, as Mystras was a vital medieval city within the Byzantine Period.
The archaeological web site consists of well-preserved Byzantine church buildings and a robust Fortress, and I extremely suggest exploring it if you wish to see an off-the-beaten-track attraction. You received’t discover too many vacationers right here!
- Location: Peloponnese area, 136 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring all of the historic websites.
- Paying a go to to the Digicam Museum which was crammed with fascinating retro artefacts.
16. Delphi Theatre, Phocis
Delphi is an archaeological web site 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 web site.
Constructed as Apollo’s sanctuary and oracle, its 35 rows might maintain as much as 5,000 visitors, who in historic occasions loved performs, poetry readings, and musical occasions.
I personally assume this can be a beautiful historic web site, and I particularly cherished 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 toes on its highest peak.
This unspoilt and largely untouristy space on mainland Greece is crammed 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 accommodations have sprung as much as cater for curious travellers, and Litochoro is the primary village simply accessed from Athens by prepare and bus. I personally assume the Historical 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. Non-public trekking is out there, 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 suggest attempting!
- Location: Mount Olympus Nationwide Park Litochoro 602 00 Pieria
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Exploring one of many many mountain climbing trails.
- Testing one of many many unspoilt seashores.
- Occurring a bunch tour.
18. Lake Kerkini
Situated on mainland Greece within the coronary heart of the fowl migration route and flyway on their method to the Black Sea, this place is residence to hundreds of protected and uncommon birds, which is an unimaginable sight!
You can too see gigantic sq. meters of water lilies, numerous fish varieties and improbable vistas of the Krousia and Belasica mountains.
Aside from internet hosting over 227 non-migratory birds, Kerkini can be the house of remarkable buffalo herds, over 10 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles and lots of of insect varieties.
The extinct-threatened Pygmy Cormorant, Pelicans and heron colonies may 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.
- Location: northern Greece, 62 miles northwest of Thessaloniki.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Kayaking and exploring the pure magnificence spots.
- Taking my digital camera 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 big 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 purpose!
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 might additionally suggest visiting the Kastania Cave, the close by church buildings and café.
- Handle: Monemvasia Fortress Monemvasia 230 70 Laconia, Peloponnese
- Location Map
20. Zagori
In northwestern mainland Greece, Epirus is the Zagori municipality within the mountainous area of Pindus. I’ve included Zagori on this checklist for its outstanding geology, dazzling pure magnificence, and two well-liked Nationwide Parks. Zagori is dotted with over 46 villages interconnected with trendy 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 additionally recommend visiting the beautiful Drakolimni Alpine Lake, the standard Zagorohoria village, the Kalogeriko stone bridge, the swimmable Ovires pure waters in summer time, the Fifteenth-century Agia Paraskevi monastery and the spectacular melancholic view from the monastery of Spileotissas on the Viodomatis River! There’s quite a bit to find right here!
- Handle: Pindus mountain vary within the northwestern a part of the nation.
- Location Map
The place You’ll Discover Greece
Greece is situated in South Jap Europe and borders the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas to the north, Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia to the east, and Turkey to the east.
