With its iconic landmarks, cosmopolitan cities and beautiful Mediterranean scenery, Greece always enchants. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best places to visit in Greece, from ancient ruins to picturesque beaches.
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In the meantime, here’s a little Greek travel inspo.
The 10 best places to visit in Greece
Greece is a favorite of culture connoisseurs and relaxation junkies alike. There are tons of places to lay out in the sun, with crystal-blue waves crashing on the shore and ruins standing prominently in the distance.
Eager to know the best places to visit in Greece? Here are a few of our favorite landmarks and destinations.
1. The ancient ruins & monuments in Athens
The Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Library…Athens is filled with ancient ruins dating back to the Classical Era, the Roman Empire and more.
No Greece itinerary is complete without seeing at least a few of these behemoth monuments from past civilizations. But if you only have time to see one, the Acropolis is especially worth visiting. The old temple stands above much of the rest of the city, offering fantastic panoramic views.
Athens isn’t just one of the best places to stay in Greece because of its ruins, of course — the vibrant city is home to so many fun experiences, including a thriving nightlife scene.
Pro tip: some of the best boutique hotels in Athens, like King George, also offer stunning views of the Acropolis from their rooms.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay, and to get answers to questions like “How many days in Athens do I need?”
Fora Perks at King George:
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2. Athens Riviera & Poseidon’s Temple at Cape Sounion
The Athens Riviera makes a case for being one of the best places to visit in Greece.
Boasting beautiful and diverse beaches, sapphire-blue waters, luxe resorts (including one of the best couples resorts in Greece) and more, the Riviera is a great destination for travelers seeking a seaside escape and a taste of Mediterranean life. The nightlife here is prime, especially during the warmer months. (Check out our Greece nightlife guide.)
And if you’re looking for more cultural landmarks, the ruins of Poseidon’s Temple overlook the beaches at Cape Sounion.
3. The stone villages of Zagori & Pindus National Park: where to stay in Greece for something a little different
The region of Zagori may be an unexpected entry among the best places to visit in Greece, as it’s not nearly as popular as places like Athens or Santorini (BTW: check out the best places to stay in Santorini). However, Zagori is home to dozens of quaint, stone villages offering a dramatically different side of Greece from the cities and islands to the south.
The local cuisine is heartier, and instead of rows of trendy bars and restaurants, you’re more likely to encounter traditional mom-and-pop cafés and pubs.
Zagori’s forests, which include Pindus National Park, are rife with opportunities for outdoorsy adventuring like whitewater rafting and hiking.
Connect with Fora for hotel recs in Greece’s Zagori region.
4. The monasteries of Meteora
Easily one of the most unique places to visit in Greece (and arguably the world), the monasteries of Meteora are built atop huge, jutting pillars — some as tall as 1,300 feet. The temples date back to the early 1000s, during the height of the Byzantine Empire. Even if you’re not especially interested in the sites themselves, hiking the challenging trails through gorgeous scenery is rewarding in itself.
It’s worth noting that while the monasteries are open to the public, they are active places of worship, and guests are encouraged to dress modestly and be respectful.
5. The Ladadika neighborhood of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, another one of the best places to visit in Greece’s mainland, differs from Athens in that its influences are much more diverse. Whereas Athens heavily favors ancient Greek architecture, Thessaloniki features an eclectic mix of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman styles.
Thessaloniki’s coolest areas are inherently walkable, particularly along its lively waterfront in the Ladadika neighborhood, famous for the White Tower of Thessaloniki and delicious gastronomy to explore.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your Thessaloniki getaway, and to get the inside scoop on its coolest haunts.
6. The stunning beaches & unique culture of Halkidiki
Just south of Thessaloniki, you’ll find the mainland region of Halkidiki (a.k.a. Chalkidiki), denoted by picturesque sandy beaches and hiking trails through gorgeous, hilly forests.
Most of the development in the region is relegated to quiet beach resorts, but there are a few Old-World towns like Kassandreia and Kalandra that are fun to explore, especially if you’re keen on sampling the local tavernas and cafés.
Overall, the vibe here is much more relaxed than what you’ll find in the larger cities, so it’s where to go in Greece if you want to kick back and enjoy the views.
7. Delphi: once the “center of the world,” per the ancient Greeks
A cornerstone of ancient Greek culture for over 400 years, Delphi has been visited by ordinary pilgrims as well as rulers of city states, both of whom would make the treacherous journey to consult with the high priestess, or Oracle of Delphi. As the reign of the ancient Greeks waned, though, the site lost much of its luster for the better part of 1,500 years.
In the late 1800s, however, a long chain of archeological efforts began to restore Delphi to what it is today: arguably the best place to visit in Greece for travelers interested in Classical Era ruins and ancient Greek culture.
8. Mount Olympus National Park, where the Greek gods once resided
For those seeking fresh alpine air and beautiful scenery, Mount Olympus National Park — the same Mount Olympus once said to be the home of the ancient Greek gods — is one of Greece’s best places to visit.
The park is one of Europe’s last remaining biological reserves and is home to dozens of rare species like golden eagles, peregrine falcons and even Eurasian wolves. Hiking through the park's four major trails tops most travelers’ to-do lists, but you can also ski here in winter.
Planning a trip to Greece? Fora can help you build an awesome itinerary with a day trip to Mount Olympus National Park.
9. The romantic stone streets & scenic harbor of Nafplio
Modern Greece’s former capital and the one-time playground of the Athenian elite, Nafplio is where to go in Greece if you want a great mix of relaxation and opportunities for cultural immersion. The city isn’t as busy as Athens or Thessaloniki, but it still has a fun energy to it, and the weather and scenery are perfect for enjoying the surrounding beaches and hillside trails.
Nafplio’s waterfront promenade is particularly inviting, with plenty of fun tavernas, bars and restaurants — not to mention striking views of the small harbor. The architectural style also features a unique blend of Venetian, Ottoman and Neo-Classical Greek influences. Together, these features create a charming backdrop for an intimate couples’ trip.
10. From Santorini to Corfu: the Greek Isles
You can’t create a list of the best places to visit in Greece without mentioning the Greek Isles. There are literally thousands of them, though only about 200 are inhabited. And of those 200, most are incredible travel destinations.
Crete and Santorini are among the most popular, with a huge range of things to do.
Mykonos, which many consider to be the capital of Greece nightlife, is another popular choice. But there are also quieter islands like Milos and Paros, which offer a more authentic, laid-back experience.
Check out our guides to where to stay in Crete or the best Greek islands for families for more inspo.
Ready to visit the best places in Greece? Book with Fora
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Not quite ready to book? Still wondering where to go in Greece? Check out these other Greece travel guides for more inspiration.