Enjoy tasting traditional cuisine, especially pies, in so many restaurants. Click on the links and check them out for yourself. *Editors Note: We stayed at Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel (now called TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia) and loved our stay! Check out that hotel here. Click on the links and check them out for yourself. Meteora is a breathtaking place you wont want to miss. Knossos stands proud as one of the best places to visit in Greece. Zagorochoria, Epirus. Rhodes City Source: Vladimir Zhoga / shutterstock Rhodes Old Town The medieval centre of Rhodes City is straight from a movie, encased by a crescent-shaped fortificaton. Later, revel with the locals at one of the night-long village festivals held throughout the summer, or relax with a glass of Ikaria's famous Pramneios wine. Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Zakynthos. Mycenae lies way off the beaten tourist path and will take you to a part of the country that few tourists get to see. The Temple of Apollo still stands and is one of the highlights of Delphi. The ruins of Knossos are a must when visiting the Island of Crete. Read our Privacy Policy. Image: Management / Tripadvisor. Planning tip:Its worth visiting on the fringes of the day to catch the soft light of morning on the temples sides or the golden glow of sunset. The most famous attraction in Thessaloniki, however, is the White Toweryou could even say it is the trademark of the city. A highlight in every village is the beautiful natural landscape. Athens (one of the best cities in Greece to visit), 8. In Santorini, you will enjoy impressive sunsets and a luxurious way of life. Lets be transferred to the Aegean Sea and specifically to Ios island, which is certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece for several reasons. UNESCO gives two different world heritages status, one for art and one for nature. For millennia Skyrian horses have roamed the island, unfortunately however they are becoming fewer and fewer. After a few hours of sightseeing, unwind on one of Syros' sandy beaches. Paddle kayaks between white-sand beaches lapped by gentle seas that glow with an unnatural luminosity; explore pretty villages surrounded by vineyards and olive groves; scuba-dive in crystal-clear waters blushing with fish; and hike up mountains that spiral high into the sky. Arachova At The Foot Of Mount Parnassos | Cosmopolitan Destination | Breathtaking Views Arachova is a cosmopolitan winter destination. Have a look before you plan your amazing vacay. In the summer, you will discover many beautiful gardens where you can enjoy your coffee and terraces to spend a night out. Its fair to say Greece ticks a lot of boxes as a travel destination. Bookmark this post along with ourGreece guide for more planning resources, our top Athens tours for a memorable trip, and find out how to visit the Acropolis. At Lonely Planet, we're always planning a trip somewhere. For scuba diving, visit Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Center and for sailing see George at Alternative Sailing both are professional companies that we recommend. The route to the ski center is amazing for admiring the snowy landscape. You might also like:Our big fat Greek to-do list: the best experiences in GreeceCrete, Corfu or Kefallonia: find the perfect Greek island for youEverything you need to know about island-hopping in Greece, This article was first published July 2021 and updated October 2021. If you choose to travel to Zakynthos, then you have to visit Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves. Best known for its beach and nightlife, Skiathos has blasted onto the itinerary of many travelers in recent years. Boasting some of the best swimming spots in Greece, Rhodes has the perfect mix of quaint towns, pristine beaches, and archaic history. Meteora (one of the best places to visit in Greece on the mainland) 9. Please see ourPrivacy Pagefor more information. But this island north of Santorini offers more than nightclubs and beach parties. Places to Visit in Greece: Zagori 8. Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Rhodes. The 12 Best Places To Visit In Greece in 2023, The 15 BEST GREEK DISHES and Foods To Try in GREECE in 2023, The Best Breathtaking Beaches in Greece in 2023, Top Islands to visit in Greece in 2023 and WHY, TOP THINGS TO DO In SANTORINI, Greece in 2023. Spend days swimming in crystal clear water and lounging on unspoiled beaches like Apella and Kyra Panagia. To learn more about traveling to Crete, have a look at our complete guide to the island, and our guide to visiting Elounda. Greece's largest island offers something for every traveler. Other unique places in Greece: Mount Athos, Philippi, Meteora and Mycenae. You've probably heard of the biggest Greek islands:Santorini,Mykonos,Rhodes,Crete andCorfu. Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Santorini. Overall, Greece has six main island groups, plus a significant stand-alone: Crete. And when the sun goes down, check out the island's none-too-sleepy nightlife. And then there are the stunning beaches, buzzing cities, and amazing national cuisine to consider. Get ready to have fun and, if youre up for it, raise your adrenaline! From beaches to historical landmarks, there are plenty of activities that won't break the bank. Corfu is an elegant destination located in the northern Ionian Sea with many incredible places to stay. Click here to see the latest price and reviews. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Greece to help you decide when to visit and where to go on your next trip. Along with the stunning Greek Islands, some of the best places to visit in Greece are the countrys amazing historical sites. In reality, you could spend months exploring everything on offer, but if youre planning on undertaking a whirlwind tour, these 12 sites make for essential stops. Ethel Dilouambaka 15 May 2017 View From city breaks to island getaways, Greece has it all. You can explore the region by hiking or mountain biking, or simply get cozy by the fire in one of the many rustic B&Bs dotting the region. For a more secluded getaway, venture farther up the coast. There are many attractions to see and many fun activities to do. Corfu is a beautiful island on the Ionian Sea with mountains in the interior and picturesque white sand beaches along the coast. The Ottomans, Byzantines, Venetians, and many more have all left their mark on this little seaside metropolis. Writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar talks about how she travels, her favorite places and the trip shell never forget. Not everything you do on Mykonos has to cause sticker shock the island has a range of fun activities that cost nothing. The story of Corfu is written across the handsome facades of its main towns buildings. Visitors can spend time hiking between beaches, passing Byzantine chapels and scenic monasteries along the way. Popular spots include Navagio (or Shipwreck) Beach one of the most enchanting beaches in the world and the magical Blue Caves, where the reflection of the sky and the white limestone turns the water an ethereal shade of blue. Located near the country of Turkey, Lesvos (or, Lesbos) is another island in the North Aegean that you wont want to miss. It's also within each reach of some of the country's best beaches, including Syvota to the north. While relaxation takes precedence over sightseeing here, visitors can still get a dose of history with relics from Kythira's past, including medieval and Venetian castles. Home to some of the Greek Islands best nightlife, Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Mediterranean. Influent. Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, this is a land where fingers of stone reach for the heavens, with Orthodox monasteries perched precariously on the tips. GorgeousPreveliisbrushed by the Libyan Sea and topped by an elegant monastery. Natural Landscapes | Cultural Attractions | Traditional Cuisine. Here you can also admire the traditional architecture along the narrow streets and roads in this mountainous town. Each prefecture has its own points of interest. We spent 5 days here and really enjoyed our stay. Our big fat Greek to-do list: the best experiences in Greece, Crete, Corfu or Kefallonia: find the perfect Greek island for you, Everything you need to know about island-hopping in Greece, 13 things you need to know before visiting Greece. Located in the rugged hills of the Peloponnese, the Valley of the Gods is an awe-inspiring place. I backpacked all around Vietnam and had an amazing time. Every summer, thousands of people visit it for a variety of reasonsit has a lot to offer. The rope ladders that once enabled the monks to reach the top have long been replaced by steps carved into the rock, and six of the 24 monasteries remain open to resident monks and visitors alike. She has over 10 years of experience helping others to realize their travel dreams and has worked in numerous jobs all over the world to help pay for travel. Athens overflows with Greek culture and is filled with spectacular sites like the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus. Here are a few bonus spots to add to your list. Click here to compare prices and see reviews on all accommodation options available in Nafplio on Booking.com. And you have the option to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Heraklion is a fairly large city with beautiful squares, where you must visit the archaeological site of the Knossos Palace. Athos Peninsula offers stunning beaches and is also home to the men-only preserve of Mt Athos, a monastic community that has kept its Byzantine rituals for more than 1000 years. Located about a mile outside of town, this cliffside sight offers spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. Taste-test your way through the citys zaharoplasteia (patisseries) for Ottoman-inspired sweets. The clifftop old town of Chora, the largest village on the island, is also worth exploring for its whitewashed architecture, local culture and unbeatable sunset views. Corfu Balate Dorin/Shutterstock It doesn't get more Greek than Corfu. Here, you can also visit the palm forest of Preveli or beautiful beaches such as Skinaria beach. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 6. Tick and tick. Also save time for exploring ancient ruins like the temples of Apollo, Demeter and Dionysus. Volos is a big enough city that you will enjoy its nightlife. Just south of the city of Thessaloniki lies the peninsula of Halkidiki. This little suburb of Athens is located just below the Acropolis and is a great place for people-watching, shopping, and eating. Zagorochoria or Zagori may sound like it is one place but actually, it is a cluster of 46 lovely villages! Planning a trip to Greece can be great fun, but figuring out visa requirements can be tricky. Soulful rembetika (blues songs) serenade the cobbled streets, while cocktail bars and nightclubs abound and swing deep into the night. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. History buffs can explore ancient sites like the Venetian Fortezza in Rethymnon, or visit Heraklion to see the Palace of Knossos (where the mythical Minotaur reportedly roamed) and check out the esteemed Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Easily search for ferry times, routes, and prices here. Stroll along the esplanade and dine on some of the finest seafood, while million-dollar yachts bob in the harbour next to you. Most Greek islands are known for their beaches, but Skiathos features some of the region's best. Dariece is a co-founder of Goats On The Road, and an expert in saving money, finance management, building an online business and of course travel. You will certainly spend many hours going for walks in the old town. Santorini Best for: Honeymooners and first-timers Cooing American and Chinese honeymooners line up to take selfies as the sun sinks behind Santorini 's caldera, the flooded volcanic crater. Corfu is an island located off the northwest coast of the country in the Ionian Sea. Finally, Chania is the starting point of the Samaria Gorge and offers a unique trekking experience. Click on the links and check them out for yourself! Have a favorite Greek island? Dont miss this private tour which takes you to the stunning Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) before the hoards of tourists arrive. Patmos appeals to everyone from history lovers to sun-seekers. Along with white sandy beaches, there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu old town. The best time to visit Crete is in May when flowers paint the island's landscape with radiant hues. Traditional hilltop towns and charming fishing villages. When choosing where to go in Vietnam, what you should realize is that the answer is pretty much everywhere. Life in Athens is a magnificent mash-up of both the ancient and the contemporary. Indeed, any construction project (like the metro!) Zakynthos means parties and amazing natural landscapes. Knowing about the beautiful destinations in Greece is one thing, but getting to them will take a little bit of planning. 1. Strolling down its streets, you feel like you are in a different era. Then, relax at a popular beach like Agriolivado or Psili Ammos before grabbing a bite to eat in the port city of Skala. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, meaning there's a lot more shore to go around. Thessaloniki[SEE MAP] Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest cityand the capital city of the Macedonian region of Northern Greece. Other Mykonos must-dos include trying its delicious seafood and admiring its whitewashed architecture. As you gaze out over the Gulf of Corinth, it is easy to understand why the ancient Greeks chose this as the center of their world. Unbelievable to the eye,Meteora seems like something from a movie. Zagorochoria. The stunning bluffs and hoodoos of Meteora have received both. Click here to see all accommodation options available in Meteora on Booking.com. The scenery is amazing, and you will certainly enjoy swimming in this crystal clear water. Of course, if you organize a winter trip to Arachova, you must pay a visit to the Parnassos Ski Center. Youll also find monasteries, medieval ruins, picturesque villages, and azure blue waters. In my opinion, Zakynthos is definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece. For more on traveling to Zakynthos, check out these popular places: Gerakas Beach, Navagio Beach, Laganas Beach, Zante Town, Banana Beach, Porto Azzuro, Porto Limnionas, Keri, Alykes, Xigia Beach, and Psarou Beach. We joined a unique experience that combined sailing with scuba diving and had a wonderful day. Places to Visit in Greece: Delphi 9. For a more secluded feel, take a daytrip to Kato Koufonisi to swim or sightsee by boat. However, you need to know that the weather in Mykonos is often quite windy. Or, they can check out can't-miss attractions like Panagia Gremiotissa (a church with superb sunset views), Skarkos (a prehistoric archaeological site) and Homer's tomb (where the world-renowned Greek poet is allegedly buried). Along with the stadium and training grounds, the UNESCO-accredited Olympia also boasts some of the best-preserved monuments and temples in all of Greece. Explore the black sand beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios. All 300 seats in the Hellenic Parliament will be contested. On the main island of Thira, you'll find beautiful red and black sand beaches and well-preserved archaeological sites thanks to its volcanic history. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and huge chalk-white cliffs, all give Zakynthos its signature beauty. The National Garden and the Zappeion Park 6. The walls of Mycenae were so high that the ancient Greeks credited their creation to the Cyclops. Visitors flock to Ios during the warmer months to enjoy its excellent nightlife scene. Messene. We rented a car during our last visit to Chios and met some amazing people. The museum was founded in the 19th century and is one of the world's most important museums dedicated to Ancient Greek Art. Tour the Acropolis Source: Shutterstock Acropolis Dominating the skyline of the capital city of Greece, Athens, is the Acropolis. Delphi 10. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and well send you our 101 Ways To Earn Money For Travel eBook for Free, plus well send you a series of emails to show you how to travel in a financially sustainable way. It is best known for the west coast cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia, which appear to hang over a deep, blue sea-filled caldera. Paros offers stunning landscapes, fertile valleys, and rolling hills. When we did some island-hopping in Greece, Rhodes was my favorite of the places that we stopped. Get ready for seaside, lakeside or poolside fun with this list of must-pack items. However, if the throngs of tourists are not your thing, dont worry isolated beaches stretch along the winding coast of Corfu. Places to Visit in Greece: Meteora Picturesque and world-renowned, Santorini must be seen to be believed. After exploring Thira's busy tourist sights, take a daytrip to quieter Thirassia to experience its quaint villages and untouched wilderness. Here, the air is clear, fresh and cool, and the views astounding. Ioannina is my happy place in Greece. Skyros 11. Its best paired with the fascinating treasures showcased in theHeraklion Archaeological Museum. With Italian, French, and Greek influences, it's a foodie's dream. Best Places to Visit in Greece 1. Let Elsewhere plan your next trip. Halkidiki 14. Movie buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike will love visiting Skopelos. Top 20 places to visit in Greece. This article was first published September 2021 and updated January 2023. Get your skip-the-line ticket, with a guide here. There are endless beautiful places to discover where you can relax, have fun, and make memories. Its hard to imagine how rich and alive theGreek Orthodox Easter week is until you experience it. You will find Ancient Messene in the Peloponnese, in the region of Ithomi. In fact, it has been featured in flicks likethe James Bond epic For Your Eyes Only and used as the backdrop for the Eyrie in Game of Thrones. Six monasteries have survived various rulers, wars and physical damage over several centuries: The Monastery of Varlaam, St. Stephen, Holy Trinity, Roussanou, St. Nikolaos and Great Meteoron monastery. Speed over the Aegean on catamarans and sway on old-fashioned ferry boats you wont regret a single saltwater-splashed second of it. As well as history, Nafplio also offers some great restaurants and beaches where you can kick back and relax. 'S best amazing, and huge chalk-white cliffs, all give Zakynthos its beauty... Never forget: Meteora picturesque and world-renowned, Santorini must be seen to be believed lot to.! Especially pies, in the entire Mediterranean in Nafplio on Booking.com article was first published September 2021 updated! 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