Corfu, Greece
From ancient-ruin-filled cities to picturesque Mediterranean islands, the most unique places to visit in Greece will take you to some of the most rewarding and culturally rich places in Europe. Read on to discover some of our picks.
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5 unique places to visit in Greece, from Corfu to Nafplion
Meteora, Greece
The most unique places to visit in Greece include both twists on familiar names and destinations off the beaten path. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Corfu: a unique blend of rugged mountains, turquoise waters & Venetian architecture
The small island of Corfu isn’t nearly as popular as its larger cousins like Mykonos or Santorini, but it stands out for a couple of reasons.
On the cultural front, Corfu has a distinct Venetian influence that’s evident in its imposing fortresses and the narrow streets of Kerkyra (or Old Town). While the Venetians occupied other Greek islands like Crete, their impact here feels especially prominent.
Corfu is also home to lush green landscapes — a rarity among Greek islands — and stunning beaches, such as Paleokastritsa and Glyfada, which offer a picturesque combination of turquoise waters and verdant surroundings. This vibrancy is also evident in Corfu’s colorful festivals and warm hospitality, and you’ll find that it’s one of the best Greek islands for families, as well as one of the best Greek islands for couples.
Want to know where to stay in Corfu? Connect with Fora for the lowdown on the best hotels and resorts, and to plan and book your Corfu vacation.
2. Meteora: one of the most unique places to visit in Greece (or anywhere else)
Meteora is singular among places to visit in Europe, let alone one of the most unique places to visit in Greece. Here, you’ll find stunningly beautiful, 11th-century monasteries atop massive rock pillars — some as high as 1,300 feet — presenting the illusion of floating castles with seemingly no way to visit them…which isn’t the case.
Meteora is open to visitors and can be easily reached by car. However, for particularly adventurous travelers, there are multiple paths of varying difficulty you can take.
Two things to keep in mind: first, there aren’t any major hotels in Meteora, so it’s better to visit on a day trip. Second, the monasteries at Meteora have a few rules, such as “modest attire” for visitors.
3. Athens: culturally rich, with dozens of unique sights to visit
Athens might be a surprise entry among the most unique places to visit in Greece, but there aren’t many places like it.
An excellent choice for those deciding where to go in Greece for the first time, Athens offers a snapshot of contemporary Greek culture and a deep dive into the culture of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. Ruins and evidence of these prior civilizations can be found throughout the city and there are tons of brilliant tours and museums to complement the experience.
Everyone knows about the Acropolis, for example, but if you’re looking for unique places to visit in general, the Benaki Museum and the neighborhood of Exarcheia are just a couple of intriguing options.
Gastronomy in Athens is exemplary as well, and you’ll find a variety of traditional Greek, Mediterranean-fusion and international options. Plus, there are lots of fun excursions to be had, like an off-the-beaten-path trip to Hydra or a road trip to the ancient city of Epidaurus.
Overall, the capital’s variety makes it one of the best places to stay in Greece for culture enthusiasts, adventurers and foodies alike.
And don't forget to plan and book with Fora for a VIP experience at the coolest boutique hotels in Athens (some of which are among the best hotels in Greece).
4. Crete: Greece’s largest island, with a unique culture & opportunities for adventure
With several influences and a history spanning more than 2,000 years, Crete is so much more than one of Greece’s most popular destinations. When you get past some of the more touristy areas, you’re left with a distinct Cretan culture to explore, especially when it comes to indulging in the island’s unique take on Mediterranean cuisine.
As Greece’s largest island, there’s also a lot more to do here beyond relaxing on an incredibly beautiful beach (not that there's anything wrong with that). The island’s hiking opportunities are top notch, as are the opportunities for snorkeling and water sports.
Crete’s diverse and extensive coastlines ensure that there’s something for everyone here. In other words, you won’t find many other Greek islands with such a diverse range of activities available.
Connect with Fora to learn where to stay on Crete, and let us take care of the planning and booking so you can be treated like the VIP you are.
5. Nafplio (or Nafplion): a unique place to visit in Greece for architecture & a relaxed vibe
You probably won’t see Nafplio among the best places to stay in Greece because it’s often overshadowed by major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, but the former capital of Greece is no less interesting.
Once described as the “playground of the Athenian elite,” Nafplio was a bustling port city in Greece's Peloponnese region. Today, however, the small city enjoys a laid-back, beachy vibe. It’s a great place to get lost among the narrow streets, checking out boutiques and sampling local cuisine. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Greece for the food alone!
And like much of Greece, the city’s architecture is captivating. Of particular note is the Fortress of Palamidi, which overlooks both Nafplio and the northern Argolic Gulf, and Bourtzi Castle, which sits in the middle of the harbor.
Visit the most unique places in Greece (and enjoy awesome travel perks) when you book with Fora
The best way to visit Greece’s unique places is to plan your travel with Fora. We’ll score you awesome hotel perks at no extra charge.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your getaway today.
Looking for more Greece travel inspiration? Check out our guides to nightlife in Greece and the best resorts in Greece for couples.
Curious about exploring other stand-out destinations? Also check out our guides to the most unique places to visit in Spain, the most unique places to visit in Japan and the most unique places to stay in Hawai'i.
When it comes to off-the-beaten-path travel (or any kind of travel, for that matter), Fora has your back.