The sun-drenched European nation is equally identified for its serene sandy seashores as for its vibrant historic historical past, which has considerably influenced many facets of Western society.
I like that every one tastes are catered for right here – from historical past followers and nature lovers to severe clubbers and seaside dwellers. Listed below are the locations which have left an enormous impression on me…
1. Santorini
Santorini is likely one of the Cyclades islands nestled within the Aegean Sea. For my part, it is likely one of the most stunning and romantic islands on the earth—it’s standard for a purpose!
Spectacular sunsets, conventional whitewashed homes, and breathtaking ocean views are just some of the issues that make this island so particular.
I like to recommend heading to Oia, the long-lasting village of pastel-washed homes hugging the cliff face. The vast majority of retailers promoting postcards throughout Greece could have images from Santorini, and when you go to, you’ll notice why this stunning Greek place is so cherished (like I did)!
- Location: southern Aegean Sea, 120 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing the world-famous white and blue homes in Fira, Santorini’s stunning capital.
- Exploring Oia’s fairly white homes and the well-known and really photogenic church buildings with blue domes and beautiful views.
- Occurring an unbelievable half-day catamaran tour with Santorini Yachts, being out on the boat at sundown was a dreamy expertise!
- Exploring the black sand seashores of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos stands out as probably the most beautiful – and Instagrammable – islands within the Aegean area. Belonging to the Cyclades group within the Aegean Sea, though Mykonos is a well-liked occasion island, loads of pure and conventional magnificence continues to be accessible.
It has a set of distinctive Cycladic structure (beautiful white-washed dice buildings) set round a picturesque fishing village bay.
The sq. whitewashed buildings sit intently collectively, forming a maze of slender alleyways and streets, and they’re extremely photogenic! In my expertise, the island’s extraordinary seashores additionally make an ideal backdrop for watching the sundown.
My highlights…
- Taking Instaworthy images of the well-known and really stunning Mykonos Windmills.
- Exploring the placing Paraportiani Church at sundown.
- Dancing at Cavo Paradiso Mykonos, the superior sea views are legendary they usually didn’t disappoint!
- Enjoyable on Platis Gialos Seashore, which I personally thought was probably the most beautiful seashores on the island.
3. Zakynthos
This stunning gem is legendary for its crystal clear blue waters, golden seashores, and intense adventures, particularly at night time. My favorite highlights embrace the Shipwreck Seashore of Navagio in a secluded cove, Banana Seashore, Porto Zoro Seashore, Kalamaki Seashore, and Gerakas Seashore.
Zakynthos City has dozens of museums and an interesting Venetian Citadel on the hilltop. Picturesque mountainous villages are scattered throughout the countryside, together with previous monasteries simply found by automotive.
Eating places dot the area, providing scrumptious Zakynthos delicacies. Notable must-sees embrace Solomos Sq., Strata Marina, residence to eating places, bars, and cafes, Stranis Hill, which supplies a magical view of the island, and memorable historic church buildings reminiscent of Aghios Nikolaos.
In the event you’re extra adventurous, I like to recommend making an attempt browsing or hiring a sailboat, trekking throughout the scenic mountainous area, snorkelling, swimming amongst sea turtles, and scuba diving in underwater caves between rocks in crystal-clear environment.
- Location: Ionian Sea, 12 miles west of the Greek mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Heading to the long-lasting and more and more well-known Navagio Seashore and surrounding viewpoints to get some beautiful Insta-worthy pictures. It’s in any other case often known as Shipwreck Seashore as a result of haunting stays of the ship right here.
- Enjoyable on probably the most stunning seashores on the island, Banana Seashore, Dafni Seashore and Gerakas Seashore.
- Hiring a ship with Zakynthos Cruises and discover the unbelievable Blue Caves and Keri Caves.
4. Kefalonia
The favored Greek vacation island has been made well-known by the novel and movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which was set right here. Though there was some growth, I like that it retains the standard Greek lifestyle.
For all those that want to know what an exquisite seaside seems like, I’d say you simply want to go to Myrtos, positioned on the island!
It’s positioned within the Pylaros area, northwest of Kefalonia island. The sheer distinction of the intense blue waters and the glowing white seaside makes an exhilarating scene, particularly from the steep mountains and cliffs!
- Location: Ionian Sea, 30 miles west of the western coast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Exploring Assos Village which was fairly and charming spot.
- Enjoyable on Petani Seashore and Myrtos Seashore which have been my private favorite seashores on the island.
- Visiting Agios Gerasimos Monastery a Sixteenth-century church complicated which had a zen-like courtyard, well-kept gardens and a placing monastery.
- Taking images on the fairly Argostoli Harbour which was stuffed with vibrant homes.
5. Rhodes
Rhodes is the biggest of the Dodecanese islands and one other standard vacation island. Though it’s residence to full of life resorts, there are nonetheless many areas of excellent pure magnificence to find and discover!
I’d suggest heading for Lindos and St. Paul’s Seashores. Lindos is extra standard due to its turquoise waters and the view of the raised white-painted city from the seaside. Though I feel each seashores are sandy, white and exceptionally stunning.
Agathi Seashore is one other fairly seaside on the island identified for its delicate sand and emerald-green waters. On the lookout for historical past? There are various historic ruins right here and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John throughout the Crusades.
- Location: southeastern Aegean Sea, 225 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Consuming at Rustico Restaurant, a cute tavern with a contemporary twist that gives out of doors seating and even vegan choices. The Greek Salad was divine!
- Exploring and swimming through a quick boat tour with Jet Boat Rhodes.
- Climbing alongside the coastal path from Lindos to Saint Paul’s Bay which had actually beautiful views of the glowing sea under.
6. Parthenon Acropolis and the remainder of Athens
There are various breathtaking historic websites to discover on this extraordinary nation. Nonetheless, this world-famous historic attraction is taken into account a very powerful surviving constructing of Classical Greece, and once I visited, I used to be in awe!
It’s positioned within the Greek capital, Athens. The ruins are of an historic temple on the Athenian Acropolis devoted to the maiden goddess Athena, which was constructed for a few a long time beginning in 447 BC.
I’d additionally extremely counsel taking the time to discover town of Athens. It’s a singular metropolis, generally gritty, nevertheless it’s by no means boring. It has many unbelievable eating places, rooftop bars, and historic sights to discover.
- Handle: Acropolis of Athens Dionysiou Areopagitou Road Athens, 105 58
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Seeing the awe-inspiring historic monuments – they appear to spring from actually in every single place within the metropolis!
- Squeezing in a couple of nice museums too such because the Acropolis Museum, Nationwide Archaeological Museum and the attractive Byzantine and Christian Museum.
- Exploring the hip and full of life districts of Athens reminiscent of Plaka, Thissio and Syntagma that are stuffed with nice eating places and bars.
- Heading to A For Athens Rooftop Bar for significantly unbelievable views of town. It was crowded however I’d nonetheless suggest it!
7. Corfu
I personally assume Corfu is a must-see! This is likely one of the most romantic islands within the Ionian archipelago, the place you’ll be able to discover its historic heritage impressed by Venetian and Byzantine kinds.
I counsel visiting the Previous City, which Unesco has named probably the most engaging spots on the Greek islands.
If you wish to profit from the Mediterranean local weather, I’d counsel happening a ship tour the place you’ll witness probably the most extraordinary breathtaking views!
- Handle: Ionian Sea, northwest coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the quaint gorgeousness of Corfu Previous City which was stuffed with stunning previous structure.
- Enjoyable on my favourite seashores the Paleokastritsa Seashore and Voutoumi Seashore which was stuffed with white sand.
- Visiting the lovable residents on the Corfu Donkey Sanctuary.
8. Cyprus
Positioned within the japanese Mediterranean Sea, half the island of Cyprus belongs to Greece and the opposite half to Turkey (the northern half). The political scenario there provides the island a barely edgier really feel. Some areas are even utterly no-go (the border separating the 2 islands, which runs by means of the as soon as standard resort of Nicosia).
Nonetheless, don’t let that put you off. Once I visited, I discovered a surprising magnificence spot with beautiful seashores, a glowing blue sea, towering mountains, rugged cliffs, aromatic pine forests, and an interesting historical past. The individuals have been extremely welcoming and pleasant, and the meals was divine.
You’ll be able to both search for the occasion zones, that are Nissi Seashore in well-known Ayia Napa and Paphos (barely extra chilled) or search for somebody rather less developed; the Pissouri, Latchi, and Polis are good choices.
For someplace rustic, although, I’d suggest heading up into the mountains and in search of a quiet and conventional village to remain in. You received’t discover flashy accommodations right here, however there are genuine visitor homes as a substitute.
- Location: Japanese Mediterranean Sea, 500 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
9. Thassos
Thasos is gorgeous, with a contrasting blue sky, blue sea, inexperienced flora, and beautiful sandy seashores. Mendacity on the North Aegean area, the Greek island provides an alluring conventional style and delightful seashores, glorious accommodations serving native delicacies, trails for hikers and plenty of secrets and techniques to find.
I’d personally suggest making an attempt water sports activities right here, reminiscent of scuba diving, water snowboarding, windsurfing and boating, in addition to discovering the rewarding footpaths, cascades, ravines and seashores, together with Hrisi Ammoudia-Limenas, Kallirahi-Prinos and Maries-Prinos.
In its capital, Limenas, you’ll be able to see the Acropolis and a theatre constructed in 5 BC. In the event you’re in search of seaside enjoyable, then attempt Marble Seashore and Chrysi Akti, that are residence to seaside bars and tavernas.
- Location: northern Aegean Sea, 6 miles off the northeastern coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Occurring a sea-kayaking tour with Insula TASOS.
- Exploring the very best seashores the island has to supply – Golden Seashore, Paradise Seashore, La Scala Seashore and Metalia Seashore.
- Trying out the island’s fairly waterfalls, I beloved Maries Waterfall which was positioned within the western a part of the island.
10. Naxos Island
This island on the southern facet of Greece is residence to the myth-surrounded Mt. Zeus. Naxos is one among my favorite islands, comparatively undiscovered by the vacationer lots. It’s additionally one of many greenest within the Cyclades, with excessive mountains and fertile valleys.
The seashores listed here are among the many most stunning within the nation. They’re lengthy and sandy, good for swimming, water sports activities, and enjoyable.
One other spotlight of mine is the standard white-painted villages and winemaking factories, in addition to the picturesque port cities stuffed with whitewashed, cube-shaped homes and medieval Venetian mansions.
- Location: Aegean Sea, roughly 100 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Hiring a catamaran with a skipper for the day and seeing the beautiful surrounding waters in fashion!
- Lazing round on the beautiful seashores a few of the greatest embrace Plaka Seashore, Agiaanna Seashore and Saint George Seashore.
- Going for a tasty vegan pizza and melon-based cocktails on the stylish eatery Hug Me Naxos.
11. Lefkada
Lefkada is positioned on Greece’s west coast and is linked to the mainland by means of a floating bridge and causeway. It’s one of many few Greek islands you’ll be able to go to by automotive.
I like it for its crystal blue waters and golden seashores, a lot of that are like these within the Caribbean—sure, actually!
It’s stuffed with conventional taverns serving recent fish and wonderful villages contrasting with its lush inexperienced environment. I like to recommend heading for Egremni, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki seashores, that are good pictures spots. For my part, the Panagia Faneromeni monastery and Nidri waterfalls are must-sees!
Additionally, I’d counsel not lacking the distinguished Citadel of Santa Maura, discovering the timeless villages hid by wild olive groves and hills, and the spectacular inlets and little bays in the direction of the south with good situations for windsurfers and kite surfers.
- Location: the Ionian Sea, 0.6 miles west of the mainland
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Going seaside hopping and seeing all of the unbelievable seashores right here, my favorite was Egremni.
- Visiting the Lefkas Earth Vineyard, the beautiful environment and their particular purple wine have been sufficient causes to go to!
- Visiting the quirky Folklore Museum, I particularly beloved the gorgeous embroidery work!
12. Samaria Gorge and the remainder of Crete
This spectacular vacationer attraction receives greater than half 1,000,000 guests yearly! The Samariá Gorge is a Nationwide Park of Greece positioned on the fairly island of Crete and has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve.
Folks can stroll by means of the gorge and cross by breathtakingly excessive cliffs alongside the way in which earlier than the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli emerges.
I’d additionally extremely suggest taking the time to discover the remainder of Crete, the biggest of the Greek islands. It’s a surprising vacation spot stuffed with sun-drenched, immaculate seashores, historic websites, unbelievable surroundings, fairly villages, pleasant locals, full of life nightlife, wonderful eating places, and nice wine.
My private highlights…
- Attending to know the locals within the bars, eating places, and cafes, they’re significantly pleasant! I beloved The chickpea restaurant for its unbelievable paprika hummus.
- Visiting the unbelievable Balos Lagoon for Insta-worthy pictures.
- Visiting Takis Shelter , a social media star Takis is legendary all around the world for rescuing canines and housing them at his cage-free shelter.
13. Meteora, Kalabaka
Present in central Greece, this placing and strange rock formation is residence to a monastery based within the 14th century and now has UNESCO World Heritage website standing.
The complicated of six monasteries is constructed precariously atop 1,300-foot-high sandstone pinnacles on the northwestern fringe of the Plain of Thessaly, close to the attractive Pineios River and Pindus Mountains.
The occupants of the buildings positioned atop vertically steep rocks had a tough time climbing down, however so did their climb up. It’s an superior sight that may depart you speechless and simply deserves a spot on this checklist, particularly if you wish to discover much less touristy areas.
My highlights…
- Taking a digicam and photographing it, this place is about as distinctive and beautiful as you may get!
- Staying on the close by Alsos Home, I beloved the comfy vibe and the terrace with fabulous views the place we ate breakfast!
14. Nafplio
Positioned within the Japanese Peloponnese area of Argolis is Nafplio on mainland Greece; it is a romantic seaport city (which was as soon as the capital of the brand new state of Greece between 1821 and 1834).
Once I visited, I used to be awestruck by the medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, historic partitions, statues, monuments, and neoclassical and Venetian buildings. It’s additionally simple to get to from Athens which is simply 94 kilometres away.
Uncover the Turkish fountains, medieval Previous City, preserved neoclassical mansions, and slender cobblestone alleys. I’d additionally counsel stopping by Syntagma Sq. and taking within the monuments and historic buildings earlier than heading to the Palamidi Citadel, which stands tall at 216 meters above sea stage.
I’d additionally extremely suggest taking a ship experience to the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, visiting the Battle Museum, Acronauplia view and clock tower, the Byzantine Twelfth-century church, and discovering the view of the open sea and placing Nafplio from the Palamidi Fortress.
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the photogenic and quaint Previous City.
- Taking a visit to Palamidi Citadel and climbing the entire 999 steps!
- Going for a Greek Espresso at Syntagma Sq..
15. Mystras, Peloponnese
Mystras is a mountainous village close to Sparti, Laconia, on mainland Greece. UNESCO classifies it as a World Heritage Monument. It’s well-known for its archaeological website, as Mystras was a vital medieval city within the Byzantine Period.
The archaeological website consists of well-preserved Byzantine church buildings and a robust Fortress, and I extremely suggest exploring it if you wish to see an off-the-beaten-track attraction. You received’t discover too many vacationers right here!
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring all of the historic websites.
- Paying a go to to the Digital camera Museum.
16. Delphi Theatre, Phocis
Delphi is an archaeological website and a contemporary city on mainland Greece. It’s on the southwestern spur of Mount Parnassus within the valley of Phocis.
The Delphi theatre was constructed atop a hill dealing with the attractive valley within the 4th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage website.
Constructed as Apollo’s sanctuary and oracle, its 35 rows might maintain as much as 5,000 company, who in historic occasions loved performs, poetry readings, and musical occasions.
I personally assume it is a beautiful historic website, and I particularly beloved the view of the pure, unspoilt landscapes under.
17. Mount Olympus Nationwide Park
Declared a Nationwide Park in 1938, Mountain Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain, rising 9,573 ft on its highest peak.
This unspoilt and principally untouristy space on mainland Greece is stuffed with thick forests, alpine fields, distinguished rock peaks, and deep gorges. It’s additionally wealthy in fauna and flora, with uncommon and typical 1700 plant species unfold across the area.
Quite a few campsites and cheap accommodations have sprung as much as cater for curious travellers, and Litochoro is the primary village simply accessed from Athens by prepare and bus. I personally assume the Historic Dion Archaeological Museum on the base of Mount Olympus is a must-visit.
Mountain refuges, climbing routes, and mountaineering excursions are organized for journey seekers setting off from Litochoro. Non-public trekking is on the market, too, particularly alongside the Enipeas Canyon, which has spectacular mountain climbing trails.
Native delicacies is legendary for its conventional tastes and is served with domestically produced purple or white wine, which I extremely suggest making an attempt!
My private highlights…
- Exploring one of many many mountain climbing trails.
- Trying out one of many many unspoilt seashores.
- Occurring a gaggle tour.
18. Lake Kerkini
Positioned on mainland Greece within the coronary heart of the chicken migration route and flyway on their option to the Black Sea, this place is residence to hundreds of protected and uncommon birds, which is an unbelievable sight!
You may as well see gigantic sq. meters of water lilies, numerous fish varieties and unbelievable vistas of the Krousia and Belasica mountains.
Aside from internet hosting over 227 non-migratory birds, Kerkini can be the house of outstanding buffalo herds, over 10 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles and lots of of insect varieties.
The extinct-threatened Pygmy Cormorant, Pelicans and heron colonies may be seen, making it a real haven for wildlife spotters! Actions right here embrace boat rides, canoeing, 4×4 off-roading, biking and mountain climbing alongside the mountain vary footpaths.
My highlights…
- Kayaking and exploring the pure magnificence spots.
- Taking my digicam and recognizing wildlife and capturing the sundown.
19. Monemvasia Fortress
Monemvasia Fortress is positioned alongside the Peloponnese east coast of mainland Greece. The primary settlement is traced again to the sixth century.
The large Byzantine fortress and excellent seashores close by are open to locals and vacationers who can’t get sufficient of this extraordinary place and with good purpose!
The rugged magnificence is a refined, refreshing escape for anybody and an ideal place to spend idyllic, refreshing days tracing Ottoman, Venetian, Frankish, and Byzantine influences throughout the city, courtesy of its spectacular historical past and structure in virtually each place you step!
I’d additionally suggest visiting the Kastania Cave, the close by church buildings and café.
20. Zagori
In northwestern mainland Greece, Epirus is the Zagori municipality within the mountainous area of Pindus. I’ve included Zagori on this checklist for its exceptional geology, dazzling pure magnificence, and two standard Nationwide Parks. Zagori is dotted with over 46 villages interconnected with trendy roads, and right here, 18th-century stoned arched bridges nonetheless stand!
I personally assume the area’s magnificence comes alive whereas strolling throughout the divine Vikos Gorge from the Astrakas Mountaintop to the cascades of the Voidomatis River over a backdrop of Mt. Timfi.
I’d additionally counsel visiting the beautiful Drakolimni Alpine Lake, the standard Zagorohoria village, the Kalogeriko stone bridge, the swimmable Ovires pure waters in summer season, the Fifteenth-century Agia Paraskevi monastery and the spectacular melancholic view from the monastery of Spileotissas on the Viodomatis River! There’s rather a lot to find right here!
21. Acheron Springs
The Acheron River Springs is positioned off the Glyki and Kanalaki villages bordering Preveza and Thesprotia on mainland Greece.
I personally assume the crystalline waters, towering cliffs and wealthy flora make for very stimulating environment with water pits and lakes alongside the river in areas of regular water movement.
Aside from the assured peace and tranquillity and wonderful eating places, there are additionally river pathways for mountain climbing and rafting adventures, so that is one for nature lovers!
22. Voidomatis River
The river is a famously engaging pure website and is standard for kayaking, rafting, and different numerous water sports activities. I additionally love that Voidomatis is on high of the checklist of cleanest rivers anyplace in Europe.
It’s powered by the Vikos Gorge and Tymfi water currents and run by the Vikos-Aoos Nationwide Park.
It’s dotted by numerous stone bridges, such because the Kledonas Bridge and Aristi Bridge, the place kayak and rafting followers meet and start their cascading adventures down the clear waters!
5 kilometres down the river from Aristi, you may be blown away by the sight of the Sixteenth-century Agioi Anargyroi monastery.
You may get there through Epirus after which make Konitsa, Ioannina, or the stone-built charming villages of Zagori your base. These villages have many stunning mansions, visitor homes, and accommodations.
The place You’ll Discover Greece
Greece is positioned in South Japanese Europe and borders the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas to the north, Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia to the east, and Turkey to the east.
