When it comes to visiting Greece, there are so many options to choose from. From breathtaking ruins to pristine beaches, here are some of the most popular tourist sights in Greece.
One of the most famous Greek ruins is the Lion Gate at Mycenae. It was constructed of blocks weighing up to 20 tons.
Athens
The ancient city of Athens is a popular tourist destination. It is home to many historical monuments and sights that provide visitors with a fascinating insight into the Greek culture.
The Acropolis, a fortified limestone plateau topped with the Parthenon and several other historical monuments, is one of the main attractions in Athens. The site is also home to the Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Theater of Dionysus.
Another attraction is the National Garden of Athens (Zappeion Park). This is a large garden in the center of the city. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the green environment.
There are many museums in Athens that focus on specific types of art and history. You can find museums that have collections of Byzantine art, Cycladic art and more.
You can also visit the National Archaeological Museum which has a very impressive collection of artifacts from all parts of Greece. This is a must see for all tourists who love to learn about the history of the country.
Athens has a very rich and vibrant culture that is very much evident in the city's architecture. The city has been a centre of world civilization for thousands of years.
This makes it a very popular place for tourists and travelers from all over the world to visit. The people are friendly and the atmosphere is very nice and relaxing.
The city is a mixture of traditional Greek and modern European lifestyles. There are many cosmopolitan restaurants and cafes in the city. There are also many beautiful parks that you can go to. You can take a stroll and enjoy the nature in this beautiful city.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Greece has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Athens will cost about 15 euros per day, in Corfu - about 16 euros per day.
Mycenae
Mycenae was one of the most important and prosperous towns in ancient Greece. It gave its name to the entire Mycenaean civilization and served as a hub of military power.
Archaeological digs have uncovered evidence that the city was inhabited since Neolithic times. But it was not until around 2100 BCE that Mycenae’s first walls, pottery finds and pit and shaft graves with higher quality burial goods appeared.
During this time, the king was a highly respected figure who ruled over an extremely well organized society. The Mycenaeans used a writing system called Linear B, which is a combination of symbols, to record their administrative affairs. The resulting tablets are invaluable for their descriptions of people, professions and trades.
A number of other innovations were introduced by the Mycenaeans, including a palatial administrative system and a highly organized feudal system. These are all elements of a culture that spread across the Mediterranean and greatly inspired Homer’s epic poems.
The site is also known for its necropolis, which has many circular tombs, or Tholos tombs. These are thought to have been where the kings of Mycenae were laid to rest, although it’s not certain they all buried with their treasures intact.
If you want to visit the ruins of Mycenae, you can take an organized tour from Athens or Nafplio. This tour will show you Mycenae, the Lion Gate, and more as you learn about this region’s history.
The Archaeological Museum is right next to the citadel, where you can see interesting findings from excavations in the area. If you want to explore more, you can take a short drive to other nearby sites such as Epidaurus or Nafplio.
Kalavryta
Kalavryta is a popular tourist destination because it’s a mountain town with plenty to see and do. Its most popular attraction is the ski resort on Mount Helmos, but the area also offers a variety of other things to do and see.
One of the most iconic attractions of the area is Mega Spilaio Monastery, which was built in a stunning landscape at the entrance of a cave (hence the name). It’s considered to be the oldest monastery in Greece and is a great place to visit for Orthodox pilgrims.
Another major draw in the area is a unique railway line that runs through a gorge called Vouraikos. The journey takes you through the heart of this scenic natural wonder, and is said to be one of the most beautiful in Europe.
There are several other interesting places to see in the area too, including the Municipal Museum of the Holocaust in Kalavryta, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Holocaust. It’s home to a large collection of historical exhibits and documents.
You can also take a trip to the nearby village of Ano and Kato Lousoi, which are both beautiful mountain villages with fine old mansions. They’re surrounded by a forest of exceptional beauty and offer excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities.
For a truly memorable stay, you should also check out the area’s beautiful, historic monasteries. Aghia Lavra, for example, was the birthplace of the Greek War of Independence and is renowned for its historic significance. It’s one of the country’s oldest monasteries and has a wealth of fascinating history. It houses a number of valuable treasures, including the Greek Revolution banner raised in 1821 by the fighters from Paleon Patron Germanos, a priceless gospel book, gold-embroidered vestments and woodcut crosses.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is a stunning natural wonder in Crete, and it’s an attraction that you should definitely add to your itinerary during your visit to the island. It’s also a popular hiking destination and offers panoramic views and unique flora and fauna.
Its steep, narrow cliffs rise sheer from the canyon’s bottom, and as you climb up through it you can see the erosive force of water carving into rock. It’s a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve, home to 450 species of plant and animal life (70 of which are endemic to the area), with 22 freshwater springs to stop by along the way.
You can get a taste of the scenery on an organised day trip from Rethymno or Chania, where you’ll be picked up at your accommodation by a guide. You’ll then travel through the mountains, descending to the plateau of Omalos.
Once you reach the top of the gorge, you’ll enter a dense forest of pine and cypress trees, with rocky outcrops and sweeping views. You’ll also be able to see the Iron Gates, where the gorge narrows to just 3 metres wide, and the village of Agia Roumeli.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the gorge, but you should be prepared for a challenging hike. The first few kilometres descend steeply, and you’ll need to be fit and strong in order to make it across the gorge.
The gorge is open from May to October, but the best time to visit is during spring or autumn when there will be less tourists and more greenery around. It’s also better to go during a dry season, as there are sometimes streams and torrents running through the gorge during the winter months, which can be dangerous for hikers.
Oia
A quaint village on the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is a popular tourist sight thanks to its sweeping views and gorgeous sunsets. While the town’s main streets can get busy, the lesser-known areas of Oia often offer stunning photo spots and a quieter vibe to explore.
You’ll find a mix of traditional Cycladic buildings, coffee shops and awesome viewpoints hidden off the tourist path. It’s a great way to soak up the local atmosphere and experience Oia in all its glory!
In fact, if you’re looking for a romantic spot to take your loved one or a unique photo, the southern part of Oia is the place to go. Known for its sweeping clifftop views, there are few places in the world where you can see such breathtaking sights as Oia!
If you’re looking for something to buy while you’re here, don’t miss Mnemossyne Gallery. This boutique is known for its minimalist jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings crafted from solid gold and sterling silver.
Another thing you’ll want to do while in Oia is visit the Naval Maritime Museum. It’s home to old figureheads, sailors’ chests and models of old ships.
While you’re here, don’t forget to take a look at the ruins of Oia Castle and Panagia Platsani church. They’re both incredible sites to see and are a must-visit for any Oia fan.
Lastly, don’t miss Oia’s famous blue domed churches! They’re fairly hard to find, but they’re well worth the effort. You’ll have to walk a bit off the beaten path to find them, so make sure you’re not rushing or you could miss your chance.
With its spectacular scenery and dazzling sunsets, Oia is a must-visit for any traveler. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed day or to relax and unwind, there are plenty of things to do in Oia!