Greece is currently considered one of the most popular tourist spots in Europe. With its great weather, rich history, and wonderful landscapes, it’s not hard to see why many people are drawn to this location. So, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an up-close experience with ancient history, Greece has the perfect tourist attraction for you. In this post, I will highlight the 14 Best and Fun Things to Do in Greece that you should visit.
Things To Do In Greece
1. Acropolis
The Acropolis is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Greece. It was an ancient citadel located on a hill in the center of Athens. And now, it is known as having some of the most beautiful examples of Greek architecture thanks to its temples that date back to the 5th century BC. Today, this place is recognized and preserved by UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most famous structure on the Acropolis is, of course, the Parthenon. The temple contains 58 Doric columns decorated by friezes and ornate pediments. Other notable attractions at this site include Roman Forum, The Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, Etc. in addition, standing at its summit provides you with an amazing view of the entire city below.
The best thing to do at this site is to walk around and appreciate its beauty. Note that it is not only famous for its beauty, but also the fascinating history you can learn about when visiting. So if you want to visit some historical landmarks and take awesome photos, visiting here should be at the top of your list.
Read More: 17 Best Things to Do in Athens
2. Santorini
The island of Santorini is the most popular tourist attraction in all of Greece. In fact, it is one of the best islands in the world due to its charming little villages, blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses and stunning views.
The island used to be a volcano, which collapsed after an eruption thousands of years ago when it formed the caldera that you see today. This created steep cliffs along the coastline, giving rise to small settlements that remain traditional in architecture style until today. Some of these are Oia and Fira towns, which appear to hang over the sea.
Today, this town is known for its many nice beaches, great views, and beautiful sunsets. You can see the sunset from anywhere on the island because it’s surrounded by cliffs. But what makes Santorini more special is that there are many activities, such as horseback riding along the beach. Others include biking around its streets or driving a quad bike across the cliffs.
And if you would like to go shopping, Santorini has many shops and markets for this purpose. In addition to the great attractions on the island, there are lots of restaurants serving local cuisine. This includes fresh seafood that tastes amazing because it is caught locally.
Read More: 12 Best Things to Do on Santorini
3. Nafplio
Nafplio is a city located in the Peloponnese and at one time was the capital of Greece. This means that Nafplion has a rich history, which it proudly displays through its many castles and army barracks. The most impressive castle in this area is the Palamidi Castle, which stands on a cliff overlooking the town.
Another interesting thing about Nafplion is that there are many authentic cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Greek food. Therefore, this should be a priority if you really want to experience the culture.
In addition to all of these great things, there is an area called Akronafplia, the oldest part of the town. The best thing about walking through it is that it allows you to enjoy the scenery of Greek houses while learning about their rich history. And while you are here, I would recommend staying at one of the hotels because it is more peaceful and quiet than modern hotels located by the beach. Plus, there are many hotels in Old Town that look great. I stayed at Hotel Byron for one night because it was central to all the action, which was nice.
4. Acropolis Museum
For history fans, the Acropolis Museum is one of the best places to visit in Greece. The museum houses many artifacts, sculptures, and other items that date back thousands of years. These items were excavated by various archaeologists who discovered many other sites in that area.
Some of the notable artifacts to see here include the Caryatids (a beautiful sculpture of a woman), Moschophoros (a 6th-century statue of a young man carrying a calf), and the famous Parthenon Marbles. There are also many other things that you can see, but these three are not to be missed.
This museum is great for people who like to learn about history and enjoy ancient artwork. I also think that people who like seeing architecture from ancient civilizations will love this museum because it feels like traveling back in time.
5. Crete Island
Crete Island is the largest and most populated island in the country and is often called the “King of the Greek Islands.” This island has a long history and was home to many civilizations, including Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian. So there are many archaeological sites for you to visit and enjoy.
And as part of an island nation, there are many beautiful beaches to enjoy here. This includes resorts on the coast and upscale hotels with access to private beaches. Even better, you can find small secluded coves created by natural rock formations for even more privacy. And if you are looking for more activities on the water, you may want to consider some of Crete’s many boat tours. These focus on exploring caves and beaches around the island’s coastline.
One of the most amazing things about Crete is its food. Whether you are interested in Greek cuisine or prefer the local Cretan flavors, you will enjoy much of what is offered here. Even more, there are many cafes and trendy eateries where you can try Crete’s food and wine for a delicious meal. In addition, the island offers fun experiences at night, like going to bars or clubs.
As part of Greece, many travelers plan their holidays around the country’s sun-soaked beaches and blue waters. And because Crete is such a popular attraction in Greece, you should add it to your list if you are thinking of taking a vacation here.
Read More: 14 Best Things to Do in Crete
6. Meteora Monasteries
If you’ve heard about Greece, I’m sure you at least know something about the Meteora Monasteries. The place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monastic centers in the country. It consists of six monasteries built on natural sandstone rock pillars that rise high above sea level.
It has been described as a “celestial city.” This is because it seems like these rocks were lifted to the sky by gods, and humans can only admire them. You definitely need to take a tour of this monastery complex if you plan on visiting Greece. It is probably one of the best things to do in Greece.
Read More: 9 Best Things to Do at the Metéora Monasteries
7. Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the top tourist attractions in Greece, and not without reason. Sailing to this island will give you the opportunity to admire the best sunsets of your life, celebrate infamous clubs, discover picturesque windmills and enjoy plenty of water sports.
The best way to explore this lovely island is by walking in the streets of Mykonos Town. You will be surrounded by restaurants, shops and taverns that serve tasty local dishes. The streets are also surrounded by Cycladic-style houses that give an even more beautiful vibe to the already charming city.
There are plenty of churches located on hills around Mykonos City which offer beautiful views overlooking the whole. A must-see attraction is the windmills built on a hill and offers an even better view.
8. Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, and it is also called “the city of the hundred towers.” It forms a significant part of Northern Greece’s economy because of its commercial port that serves thousands of companies.
I think that history lovers would especially enjoy visiting this place, due to its Byzantine churches, Jewish synagogues, Ottoman fountains, medieval monuments etc. However, I believe that Thessaloniki’s most popular landmark is its White Tower. This tower was built by the Ottomans during their occupation. If you want to know more about the history behind it, you should visit the museum located at the tower’s base.
One more sight that I strongly recommend you to visit is the 4th-century Rotunda, which was built in honor of Constantine the Great (306-337). Another interesting site is The Triumphal Arch of Galerius, which was built to commemorate Galerius’ victory against Persians.
9. Rhodes Town
Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places to visit in Greece. Its medieval town is a great example of Gothic architecture, and it’s surrounded by a medieval wall built in the 14th Century for protection against pirates and invaders.
One of the best things to do when visiting Rhodes Town is walking around this amazing historic site while admiring different buildings throughout history. This includes monumental towers and gates built by the Knights of St. John.
Rhodes is also known as one of the best shopping places in Greece because it has an amazing variety of stores that sell traditional products. You can also find many restaurants serving delicious Greek food, which makes it easier for you to get into the local culture during your trip.
Today, Rhodes is still considered one of Greece’s top tourist destinations for travelers looking to experience ancient Greek culture, wander around old-fashioned streets with medieval atmosphere, enjoy stunning sunsets from the amazing sandy beaches, and drink some delicious wines.
Read More: 10 Best Things to Do in Rhodes Town
10. Delphi
Delphi is a beautiful place where the ancient Greeks worshiped one of their most important Gods: Apollo. At his temple, priests would interpret dreams and give advice to rulers, using holy scripts called “oracles.” Although today no buildings are standing from that period, you can still admire the great architecture.
Some of its crumbling ruins that still survive include the temple, theater, gymnasium, and a Pythian stadium. But this is not all; there are several hiking trails that you can take if you want to get some exercise while sightseeing.
In addition, you can visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which is located just a few minutes from the ruins. The museum houses many other artifacts from different periods found on the site. So if you are an archaeology lover, this is the place for you.
11. Corfu
Corfu is one of Greece’s top tourist destinations and the largest island in the Ionian Sea. Its capital is Corfu town, which also goes by the name Kerkira.
At first sight, you will notice that it differs from many other islands in the Ionian Sea. Its green landscape with lush vegetation stands out compared to its surrounding neighbors, which are mostly rocky, rugged mountains with little vegetation. Also, what makes this place even more special are the beautiful beaches that surround it. What’s more, there are plenty of things to do here such as taking boat trips.
Today, Corfu Town has become one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations due to its beautiful scenery from the mountainous areas that surround it. It is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, shops and other entertainment venues that make your stay here both relaxing and pleasant.
12. Delos
Delos is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. It is also one of the most popular travel destinations among tourists who visit Greece every year.
According to mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis (Greek gods connected with light and the Moon), which makes it a sacred place for ancient Greeks. The ancient Greeks were so respectful to this island that they forbade dead bodies from being taken to its vicinity. That’s why you can still see all the ruins of collapsed buildings on the island.
It is a well-known fact that the Delos archaeological site has been included on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. This is why I believe that visiting this incredible site should be on your list of ‘things to do in Greece.’ It will give you a chance to learn more about the history of the ancient Greeks and also see some amazing things from those times.
13. Zakynthos
Zakynthos is Greece’s third-largest Ionian island, and it’s one of the most amazing places to visit in Greece. It is famous for its postcard-like beaches, turquoise waters, and bright blue sky.
First off, the stunning Famous Shipwreck Beach is definitely one of the best places in Zakynthos. This beach has crystal clear water, which provides ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, you can see some amazing ships that have crashed on its shores during dramatic storms over the years.
Another thing you have to do in Zakynthos is climbing Vrachionas, which is considered the highest peak in Zakynthos. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views across Zakynthos Island and watch spectacular sunsets. Finally, I recommend checking out the famous Blue Caves of Zakynthos, which offer incredible views and can be reached by boat.
The old city of Zakynthos is a popular tourist attraction in Greece due to its many cafes and bars. It’s also an ideal place for holidaymakers since there are many beaches in the island’s surrounding area.
14. Mystras
Mystras is a medieval city located in the Peloponnesus and was also named the ‘wonder of the Morea.’ This place was once a major center of power for the Byzantine Empire, and it used to be one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. And while it has been abandoned since its prime, you can still get a feel for how awesome this place once was. As you walk around the city, you will notice some of its churches, monasteries, and castles are in ruins.
For me, exploring this place was certainly one of the highlights of my trip to Greece because it is filled with amazing architecture. So if you are planning a trip to visit some of the top tourist attractions in Greece, make sure not to miss this place.
In summary
Greece is an amazing place with so many attractions to explore. And of course, you will want to visit the most popular places first. These include beautiful beaches, historical sites, and charming towns known for their local food. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Greece, visiting these top attractions should be at the top of your list.
