The 17 Best places to visit in Greece – 2024 Rank

If you ask a Greek person what are the best places to visit in Greece, the answer will not be easy for him. This Mediterranean nation has many unique places to visit, like big cities filled with history, charming small inland towns, and idyllic islands. Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Mykonos, and Milos are a few destinations to spend your holidays. 

In this guide below, we will discover the best places to travel in Greece and have the time of your life!

Best places to visit in Greece

Let’s dive deeper to find out which are the best places to visit in Greece and what to expect from these magical places. Greece never fails to impress with its astonishing beauty and mesmerizing landscapes, as well as its unique and friendly hospitality. Some of the best Greek islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Crete are waiting for you to discover them. For those who want to explore Greece’s attractions but not travel between Greek islands, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Meteora are top destinations for adventure seekers. 

Athens

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, with great history. You can head to infamous monuments like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. You can also visit more modern neighborhoods, like Pagrati or the bohemian and artistic Exarchia. Our Athens travel guide will give you more details about this mesmerizing city. 

Milos

There are many islands to choose from. But the one that got much attention in the last few years is the quaint Milos. You can get there by plane from Athens and have some relaxing vacations. Exploring tranquil beaches, graphic cafes, and restaurants across the islands can promise you many remarkable moments. This island is also one of the best romantic destinations for couples or newlyweds. Enjoy quiet evenings, sip the local wine, and enjoy a romantic Greek sunset with your significant other!

Mykonos

Are you looking for a livelier environment? Go to Mykonos, an island renowned for its constant party atmosphere. Mykonos, which is reachable by direct flights from Athens, is the summertime hotspot for beachside celebrations that last all day and all night. If you love parties, you will enjoy some wild parties. Moreover, this island has many historical landmarks and stunning beaches, such as Kato Mili, and a line of four enormous windmills constructed by the Venetians in the sixteenth century.

Santorini

The landscape of Santorini appears to have been created by the Greek gods. Breathtaking coastlines are visible from whitewashed settlements atop it, vast expanses of agricultural vineyards reach inland, and its black and crimson beaches are outstanding. You can discover many adventures, gourmet and cultural delicacies, and infamous local wine. Also, the majestic sunset sets the tone for an exceptional honeymoon in Greece. Santorini is the top honeymoon destination for those seeking a romantic and memorable experience.

Delphi

The village of Delphi, roughly a 2.5-hour journey northwest of Athens, is a haven for history lovers. The Oracle of Delphi, which attracts visitors throughout the Mediterranean, was housed in the town. Here, remnants of the Temple of Apollo can still be explored, along with several historic stadiums and ancient theaters. If you visit in summer, you can watch some Greek plays.

Halkidiki

Halkidiki, the gem of northern Greece, is known for its blue and crystal clear waters. Sandy beaches allure you to spend your vacation days. The area is also known for the big parties for students and young adults. It is then ideal for group travel with friends. Also, you can find some calming villages suitable for families.

Epidaurus

If you love history and culture, you must visit  Epidaurus, which is near the northeastern tip of the Peloponnese. Enthusiasts of ancient architecture adore it for its Ancient Theatre, constructed in the 4th century B.C. as a homage to Asclepius, the god of medicine. In summer, you can watch many festivals and performances.

Gythion

Gythion is a calming beach town. It is also one of the best spots to go when you need to escape from your everyday life. Their welcoming residents, the beaches with golden sand, and the sea turtles who visit and lay their eggs there make the scenery worth visiting.

Meteora

If you love stunning panoramas, visit the location of Meteora. Massive granite formations that rise skyward make up the area. Numerous monasteries that are housed inside the stunning formations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sifnos

Sifnos, another location renowned for its tranquil ambiance, is a small island accessible by ferry from Athens. The large sizable stretch of sandy beachfront can offer you even some alone time moments. Visit this island as a family trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Naxos

Naxos has been really popular in the last few years. However, you can expect quiet and sandy beaches that will make the stresses of daily life seem infinitely distant. Apart from beaches, feel free to discover many archaeological sites, like the Temple of Apollo, and enjoy local traditional food, like the infamous Graviera Naxos, a type of cheese.

Kefalonia

On this island, you can combine beach time with a brief overview of geology. The Drogarati Cave, which you can find on the west of the mainland, features breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites that appear from the ceiling and protrude from the sea bottom.

Corfu

If you want to have a taste of Italy and Greece at the same time, then Corfu is your ideal destination. With its proximity and the historical connection with the neighboring nation, there is a lot of Italian influence. You can see this influence in its architecture, food, and way of life. Immerse yourself into the narrow alleys and get the best of both worlds!

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, a big city in the northern country has many historic sites. Some of these are the White Tower of Thessaloniki, Rotonta, the Arch of Galerius, and many contemporary art museums. This city is also known for its food and its local delicacies. Feel free to try desserts like trigona panoramatos and the famous mpougatsa.

Crete

Crete, Greece’s largest island, has everything you are looking for. Gorgeous beaches, ramshackle old towns, top-notch museums, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are worth your visit. Sitia, located in the east, is well-known for its sandy beaches and unspoiled coves, making it the ideal pastoral and scenic getaway. Chania offers picturesque and medieval scenery. Adventurers seeking a change of scenery can trek down Samaria Gorge, history buffs should locate the Minoan palaces, and children will have a blast at the island’s many water parks.

Nafplio

Travel to the stunning city of Nafplio in the eastern Peloponnese. According to Greek mythology, Nafplios, Poseidon’s son, established it. It is now home to numerous historical attractions, such as castles and monuments, like Bourtzi Castle.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a sun-loving Ionian island referred to as “the flower of the East” by the Venetians. It is known as a party-loving audience to its infamous Laganas nightlife strip. It also boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean. One of these landscapes is the breathtaking Shipwreck Beach, which is only accessible by boat and has brilliant blue waves surrounded by towering white cliffs. Another landscape is  Zakynthos Marine Park, home to cunning turtles and slippery seals.

To sum up, there are many places to visit in Greece and among the best are, Epidaurus, Athens, and Thessaloniki. Also, some of the best Greek islands to visit are Crete, Corfu, and Santorini. From exploring the archaeological sites to spending days on sunny beaches, you can do many activities and have incredible moments with your friends and family!