Top 9 Places To Visit When in Greece

Greece – A country that offers you everything from ancient history to sun-kissed beaches, small islands with piercing blue water, and a neverending blue sky. Its endless coastlines, passionate culture, delicious food, and thrilling sights are just the beginning. Offering you a world of its own that is completely apart from any other place you have visited before. To ensure you see all that Greece has to offer, we have listed down the top 20 attractions everyone should experience when in Greece.

Athens

Start your trip to the Greek capital, a place that takes you back to the beginning of Greece. There are many attraction points in Athens, preserved beautifully for you to enjoy; walking through time as you take each step. You will need at least 2 to 3 days to cover all that Athens has to offer, making sure you do not miss the top interest points in Athens.

• Acropolis
• Acropolis Museum
• Ancient Agora
• National Archaeological Museum
• Panathenaic Stadium
• National Garden
• Syntagma Square
• Monastiraki Neighbourhood
• Mount Lycabettus
• Ermous Street

Peloponnese

Your next stop should be Peloponnese, offering intensive historic sites and highlights the landscape various civilizations shaped. When in Peloponnese you must see:

• Corinth Canal
• Nemea Wine Road
• Nafplio
• Vouraikos Canyon
• Mani Peninsula
• Elafonisos Island

Mycenae

One of the oldest World Heritage sites listed in UNESCO, Mycenae is a beautiful city based on a hilltop. Known as the antique city Mycenae is known as the home of Agamemnon, a legendary Trojan war hero who is still considered as one of the best kings to rule over Ancient Greece.

History buffs can visit Mycenae Archaeological Museum, allowing them to learn more about Greek history, especially the Mycenaean civilization. We suggest you take a day when in Mycenae, getting to know more about the city and how it has grown while indulging in local cuisine and getting to know the greek culture.

Epidaurus

One of the hidden gems of Greece, Epidaurus, is considered to be one of the major archeological sites. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its ancient theater. The theater was built during the 4th century BC and is still well preserved. Epidaurus theater can still hold up to fourteen thousand people, offering you the show of a lifetime.

An ancient theater that offers staggering acoustics, and can even blow away other stadiums out of the water. Moreover, the Epidaurus theater is still used to perform antique Greek plays & representations during July and August – Celebrating the Epidaurus Festival to its fullest.

Along with a theater and seating the space offers a dedicated temple, showcasing Asclepios the god of medicine. Furthermore, there is a circular building called tholos, and a small museum where you can discover more about Epidaurus.

Monemvasia

Another spectacular destination is Monemvasia, located on the East coast of Laconia, a fortified city that features an unusual position. Located on top of a rock, Monemvasia’s only connection to the mainland is through a single small road. Making it a unique entrance that is simply gorgeous. Leaving behind a lasting impact and experience that stays with you for years to come.

Imagine going on a single road, facing a cliff; only to find a city on the other side of the rock. As Monemvasia is completely hidden, and you can only see the village once you have passed the medieval city wall, crossing the main gate to reach the center.

An experience of a lifetime that comes with beautiful walks down the paved alleys, adorable shops, and delightful restaurants. Offering you a world in a small rock, where it’s you and the sea.

Mystras

Mystras is located approximately 10 kilometers away from Sparta and is set on the slopes of Taygetos mountain. Considered as one of the most beautiful and charming archeological sites Greece has to offer. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire Mystras was a major hub. Offering visitors a sense of the past, and a taste of what came after.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings you an impressive experience, while offering you spots such as the Fortress and The Kastro Castle, Churches, Monasteries, and a calming and relaxing environment. Divided into two parts the city has two entrances.

Olympia

Another Peloponnese marvel Olympia is a must-visit attraction when in Greece. Known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the city held the Olympics here every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. After which the Ancient Olympic Games were forbidden. However, to celebrate its historical importance the lighting ceremony of the Olympic flames are set in Olympia, even before they are set on the Olympic Stage.

On the other hand, Olympia offers visitors a historic experience, as it is home to the ruins of Temples of the Greek Gods Hera and Zeus. These ruins tell you a story of another time, transporting you back to Ancient Greece.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, the second biggest city in Greece, does not attract many tourists. However, it is a place you cannot miss out on when in Greece. When in Thessaloniki you can visit:

• The White Tower
• Thessaloniki Waterfront
• Modiano Market
• Arch of Galerius & Rotunda
• Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

North Aegean Islands

Last but not least the North Aegean Islands will make you fall in love with Greece all over again. Once you are at the end of your trip, we suggest you move slightly closer to Turkey while still staying on Greek soil. The islands include:

• Chios
• Lesbos
• Samos
• Lemnos
• Icaria

Starting with these places you can get a sense of what Ancient Greece was all about, and how times have changed since the last rule. While the Ancient Greeks and their gods, and kings may not exist, their presence still lingers in the air. Offering you a sense of where it all began, and how Greece was shaped over the years. Taking on various civilizations and rules, each one is more interesting than the one before.