15 Best Places To Visit in Greece (2021 Update)

To list all of the places to visit in Greece would be impossible. This is a spectacular land of beauty with an endless variety of landscapes. From rugged snow-capped mountains and ancient ruins to turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Greece can satisfy every traveler’s needs.

Along with the stunning Greek Islands, some of the best places to visit in Greece are the country’s amazing historical sites.

Greece is the birthplace of democracy and also the cradle of Western civilization. With its mix of awe-inspiring beauty and history, Greece is most definitely one of the top destinations to visit.

There are numerous places to visit and things to do in Greece to satisfy every type of traveller.

If you’re planning a trip soon, make sure you check out our epic Greece travel guide. Not only is this one of the cheapest places to travel, but it’s also on our list of the best countries to travel to for food. 

Looking for where to go in Greece? In no particular order, here is my list of the 15 best places to visit in Greece.

1. Santorini

Probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Greece, Santorini is the diamond of the Aegean. Thousands are drawn to the beauty of this island every year and leave knowing that there is nowhere else like it.

This spectacularly beautiful place is one of the most scenic in all the Greek Islands. Picturesque and world-renowned, Santorini must be seen to be believed.

Take a dip in the turquoise waters, walk around the beautiful villages and dine in the fine restaurants, Santorini will steal your heart. This is still easily one of our favourite places in Greece.

From its volcanic beaches and whitewashed houses to its incredible sunsets and scenery, Santorini is most definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece. Learn more about the best 15 things to see and do in Santorini in our post.

There are no Greece places to visit quite like Santorini.

Santorini is touristy but is still rated as one of the very best places to visit in Greece

2. Nafplio

Shaped over the centuries by many different cultures, today Nafplio is the playground of the Athens elite and one of the places to go in Greece for the rich and famous.

The Ottomans, Byzantines, Venetians and many more have all left their mark on this little seaside metropolis. Citadels and fortresses dot the hillsides giving Nafplio an enticing charm.

This friendly and patriotic town was once the capital of Greece, as many of the locals will happily tell you. As well as history, Nafplio also offers some great restaurants and beaches where you can kick back and relax.

Explore the narrow and winding streets of the town and marvel at the architecture. Stroll along the esplanade and dine on some of the finest seafood, while million-dollar yachts bob in the harbour next to you.

Nafplio is one of the most romantic towns you will ever visit. This is one of the best places in Greece for couples and families.

3. Corfu

Corfu is an island located off of the northwest coast of the country. Along with its rich cultural heritage, the island also boasts rugged mountains and some of the best beaches in Greece.

Corfu definitely is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece and when people are searching the web for where to go in Greece, Corfu usually shows up in the top 10 of all places in Greece.

However, if the throngs of tourists are not your thing, isolated beaches stretch along the winding coast of Corfu. With so many beautiful beaches on offer, it is very easy to find your own perfect piece of paradise.

Along with white sandy beaches, there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu old town. Here you can find the remains of the Venetian builders and also anti-pirate castles from an age gone by.

All in all, Corfu is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and there are endless things to do in Corfu. Learn about where to stay on Corfu in our complete guide to the best areas of the island.

Nick and I even spent our anniversary in Corfu. Have a look at our videos from our time spent on the island to get an idea if this is one of the places to visit in Greece that you want to see:

4. Knossos (One Of The Best Places in Greece For History)

A short car or bus ride from the Cretan capital Heraklion lies the Minoan ruins of Knossos. This relic of the bronze age was once home to the mighty Minoan civilization which dominated the region over 5000 years ago.

The ruins of Knossos are the best-preserved bronze age relics in the whole of Greece and are an incredible sight to see. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Crete.

Along with beautiful mosaics and fine pottery, there is also the hall of kings. The hall of kings is where the legend of the Minotaur and Labyrinth was played out.

The ruins of Knossos are a must when visiting the Island of Crete. The history of Greece stretches far back into the mists of time and Knossos is a great place to roll back the mist to catch a glimpse of the past. Knossos stands proud as one of the best places to visit in Greece.

To learn more about travelling to Crete, have a look at our complete guide to the island.

5. Zakynthos

Home to some of the Greek Islands’ best nightlife, Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Mediterranean. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and huge chalk-white cliffs, all give Zakynthos its signature beauty.

The island is also home to one of the most photographed spots in Greece, the incredibly beautiful Shipwreck Cove. Otherwise known as Navagio beach, this alone makes Zakynthos a must-visit destination.

The centre of the island is less explored than the coastline, with fir trees and olive groves adding to the island’s charm.

In our opinion, Zakynthos is definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece.

☞ SEE ALSO: Zakynthos, Greece: Our Last Minute Travel Decision

Zakynthos is also one of the Greek Islands’ biggest party spots. So if you are looking for some great nightlife along with idyllic beauty, Zakynthos is a place that ticks all of the boxes. There are so many things to do in Zakynthos, you’ll never be bored. 

For more on travelling 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
• Psarou Beach

6. Athens (One of The Best Cities in Greece to Visit)

There are few cities on earth which can boast a history of the kind that Athens can. The birthplace of democracy and accredited as the founder of Western civilization, this is a city that stretches across the ages.

This throbbing and vibrant place is a must-visit and is likely the best city to visit in Greece as a whole.

Athens overflows with Greek culture and is filled with spectacular sites like the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus. Also do not forget to visit the Plaka district. This little suburb of Athens is located just below the Acropolis and is a splendidly beautiful spot.

Stroll among the cobbled streets and take in all of the handicraft shops and restaurants.

☞ SEE ALSO: Discovering the Magic of Kefalonia – Our 5 Day Travel Guide

Athens is a city that defies the ravages of time and is just another of the incredible places to visit in Greece. When you’re visiting Athens, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to authentic food. Make sure to check out these best restaurants in Athens, and get ready to watch your waistline grow.

There are endless things to do in Athens, you’ll never be bored here! 

7. Rhodes

The Island of Rhodes, located off of the southwestern coast of Turkey is one of the Greek Islands’ most visited spots. Rhodes caters to all tastes, from backpackers to the rich and famous, all drawn to this teardrop in the Aegean.

Boasting some of the best swimming spots in Greece, Rhodes has the perfect mix of quaint towns, pristine beaches, and archaic history.

Whether you want to party the night away in Faliraki or relax in luxury at one of the many 5 star hotels, Rhodes covers every angle.

As you have noticed by now, Greece is the perfect blend of paradise and history with Rhodes being no different.

The island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. This kind of history, along with the incredible scenery, nightlife and swimming spots make Rhodes one of the best places to visit in Greece.

To learn more, see our complete travel guide to Rhodes Greece.

8. Meteora (One of the Best Places to Visit in Greece on the Mainland)

Next up is something a little different. Meteora is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece, and Europe as a whole!

Located in the heart of northern Greece, Meteora is home to some of the world’s most spectacular Orthodox churches.

The Meteora Monasteries are one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that have been given a double status. UNESCO gives two different world heritages status, one for art and one for nature. The stunning bluffs and hoodoos of Meteora have received both.

☞ SEE ALSO: Chios, Greece: Unearthing The Magic of The North Aegean

This is a land where fingers of stone reach for the heavens, with Orthodox monasteries perched precariously on the tips. A land where people live in the sky and still worship God with a passion of a bygone age.

Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, Meteora is a place that will make you gasp in wonder.

Looking for places to visit in Greece that aren’t on an island? Look no further than Meteora.

9. Delphi

Here is another destination for history lovers. Delphi, the religious centre of the ancient world still clings on even today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place that drew people (even kings) to hear the words of the Oracle.

The Oracle of Delphi has been etched into Greek history and the priestess of Apollo’s words has echoed through the ages.

The Temple of Apollo still stands and is one of the highlights of Delphi. Along with the Temple of Apollo, there is also the Athena Priene, a theatre, and an ancient stadium.

Take a stroll among the ruins and transport yourself back to a time when Delphi echoed with the cries of the Oracle and kings bowed before the Temple of Apollo. Delphi is certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece.

10. Skyros

Located in the centre of the Aegean, Skyros is known for its beautiful beaches, jagged coastline, and seaside villages. Steeped in tradition and still relatively untouched, Skyros is a great choice for an idyllic getaway.

Where the north is all rolling farmlands and pine forest, the south is characterized by arid hills and rocky shorelines. Skyros has managed to fly under the radar for a long time and does not attract the masses of tourists like many of the other Greek Islands.

☞ SEE ALSO: Visiting Lesvos, Greece: Our 5 Day Travel Guide 

If you do make it to Skyros, keep an eye out for the legendary wild horses of the island. For millennia Skyrian horses have roamed the island, unfortunately however they are becoming fewer and fewer. Who knows how much longer you will be able to see these majestic animals in the wild.

11. Olympia

Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is another of the places to visit in Greece which is carved into history.

Located in the hallowed Valley of the Gods, it is still possible to see the ancient stadium and training grounds of the Olympians. At that time, Olympia would’ve been one of the best cities to visit in Greece.

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.

These hallowed monuments are dedicated to the great gods of old such as Zeus and Hera. Located in the rugged hills of the Peloponnese, the Valley of the Gods is an awe-inspiring place.

Along with Olympia itself, the valley also has some incredible hiking and mountain bike trails and is situated close to the spectacularly beautiful Alfos River Valley. All of this combined makes Olympia and the Valley Of The Gods one of the best places to visit in Greece.

12. Skiathos

Skiathos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. Best known for its beach and nightlife, Skiathos has blasted onto the itinerary of many travelers in recent years.

With crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, along with some incredible nightspots, it is easy to see why.

Despite the influx of tourism, the island has lost none of its beauty. With over 60 gorgeous beaches and hiking trails through rolling pine forests, Skiathos is a nature lover’s dream.

☞ SEE ALSO:  The Best Time to Visit Greece & The Greek Islands

Along with the natural beauty of the island, there is also Skiathos Town which caters perfectly to tourists. Nice restaurants spill out onto the streets where you can sit and dine the evening away as the sun slowly dips into the Mediterranean.

13. Halkidiki

Just south of the city of Thessaloniki lies the peninsula of Halkidiki. This very well could be Greece’s best-kept secret.

Home to some of the best stretches of sand in northern Greece, the Halkidiki peninsula has a perfect blend of modern luxury and archaic tradition.

The Halkidiki peninsula is split into three fingers which splay out into the Aegean. There are the Golden sandy beaches of the Sithonia headland, the resorts and restaurants of Kassandra, and finally the mysterious Athos which is home to some of the most stoic monastic communities in Greece and is traditional in the extreme.

When combined, all three headlands of the peninsula come together to create the perfect retreat. Halkidiki, for the time being, is still relatively crowd-free. How long this will last however is unknown, visit soon before the word is out.

14. Mycenae

Finally, we have a city that dominates the myths and legends of old. The walls of Mycenae were so high that the ancient Greeks credited their creation to the Cyclops.

The city of Mycenae comes from a time before Greece and features in tales such as the fall of Troy. It’s most famous ruler was the mighty King Agamemnon himself.

Separating history from myth is very difficult at Mycenae as the city was at its most powerful over 3500 years ago.

Mycenae lies way off the beaten tourist path and will take you to a part of the country which few tourists get to see. Without a doubt, Mycenae is one of the great archeological sites of Greece and will leave visitors awestruck at the engineering prowess of the ancients.

A visit to Mycenae will not disappoint, located to the south of Corinth, the ruins lie in the heartlands of the ancient legends of old. The culture, scenery, and history all come together to make Mycenae one of the country’s must-see destinations.

15. Chios

Chios is a little bit off-track but is very much underrated. We visited this tiny little island on our most recent visit to Greece and we absolutely loved it.

Hidden medieval villages, stunning beaches, funky accommodation options, and great restaurants make this island one of the best places to visit in Greece.

As Chios is becoming more popular and more businesses are opening on the island, we figured we had to add it to this list when updating it for 2020!

We rented a car during our last visit to Chios and met some amazing people. We highly recommend checking out Oz Cocktail Bar in the town of Chios for some award-winning mixed drinks and don’t miss a bicycle tour with Goat Trails (awesome name, right?).

If you have time (and you love Greek food as much as we do), then head to Chios Cooking Lessons for a family lunch at a local’s home.

Best Places To Visit in Greece Video

16. Bonus: Lesvos

Located near the country of Turkey, Lesvos (or, Lesbos) is another island in the North Aegean that you won’t want to miss. We spent 5 days here and really enjoyed our stay. There are enough things to see and do in Lesvos to keep you busy!

Lesvos is the third largest island in the country and is one of those places to go in Greece if you’re looking for somewhere away from the crowds. 

From the pottery-filled, mountainous village of Agiasos and the Petrified Forest in the west, to the scenic coastal town of Petra and the neoclassical capital of Mytilene; Lesvos truly is a diverse destination in Greece.

If you’re an adventure-seeker, Lesvos is also a great place to explore above and below the water.

We joined a unique experience that combined sailing with scuba diving and had a wonderful day. For scuba diving, visit Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Center and for sailing see George at Alternative Sailing — both professional companies that we recommend. 

Now You Know The Best Places to Visit in Greece

This incredible country offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and history. A visit to Greece is one that you will never forget and this country will draw you back time and time again. 

We also have a lot of great travel information including where to stay, when to go, the best things to do and more. To learn more, check out our Greece Travel Guide.

How many of these incredible places have you visited? What is your favourite place in Greece? Do you prefer ancient ruins or irresistible beaches?

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