Greece is a country that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in ancient history, stunning natural beauty, or vibrant culture, you will find plenty of attractions and landmarks to explore in this Mediterranean gem. Greece is home to some of the world’s most important historical sites, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Sanctuary of Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos. It also boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe, from the volcanic islands of Santorini and Milos to the soaring monasteries of Meteora and the turquoise waters of Zakynthos. And let’s not forget the delicious cuisine, the lively nightlife, and the warm hospitality of the Greek people.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through some of the most famous attractions and landmarks in Greece, and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit. Whether you are planning a short city break, a relaxing beach holiday, or a cultural adventure, you will find plenty of inspiration here. So grab your passport and get ready to discover the wonders of Greece!
The Acropolis of Athens
No visit to Greece is complete without seeing the Acropolis of Athens, the symbol of Western civilization and one of the most impressive ancient monuments in the world. The Acropolis is a rocky hill that rises above the modern city, crowned by three magnificent temples dating from the 5th century BC: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. These temples were dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, and were built to celebrate the city’s triumph over the Persians. The Parthenon is the most famous and most distinctive of the three, with its 58 columns, ornate pediments, and frieze depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The Acropolis also offers stunning views of Athens and its surroundings, especially at sunset.
To visit the Acropolis, you can buy a ticket online or at the entrance gate. The ticket also includes access to other nearby archaeological sites, such as the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You can also join a guided tour or an audio tour to learn more about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. To avoid the crowds and the heat, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The Acropolis Museum
After visiting the Acropolis, you should not miss the Acropolis Museum, one of Athens’ most-visited tourist attractions and one of the best museums in Greece. Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, it is an ultra-modern glass and steel structure with light and airy exhibition spaces, built specifically to display ancient finds from the Acropolis. Some of the highlights include the Moschophoros (a statue of a young man carrying a calf on his shoulders), the Caryatids (sculptures of female figures that held up the Erechtheion), and the highly controversial Parthenon marbles (sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon but were removed by Lord Elgin in the 19th century and are now displayed in London). From the museum’s cafe-restaurant terrace, you can enjoy amazing views of the Acropolis itself.
To visit the Acropolis Museum, you can buy a ticket online or at
the entrance. The museum is open every day except Monday,
and has extended hours on Friday nights. You can also join a
guided tour or an audio tour to learn more about
the exhibits.
Santorini
Stunning Santorini is one of
the most famous Greek islands
and one of
the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. 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. The caldera was formed by a massive volcanic eruption that destroyed the ancient civilization of Thera, some 3,600 years ago. The towns are made up of typical Cycladic whitewashed cubic buildings, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels with infinity pools. Both Fira and Oia are considered romantic destinations, popular for weddings and honeymoons.
Things to do in Santorini include sunbathing and swimming at the black volcanic-sand beaches on the south and east coasts, visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri (an ancient Minoan settlement buried below lava by the eruption), and taking a boat trip to the nearby islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can see the active volcano and soak in the hot springs. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, wine, and nightlife, and watch the spectacular sunset from Oia or Fira.
To visit Santorini, you can fly from Athens or take a ferry from Piraeus or other islands. You can also join a tour or a cruise that includes Santorini and other islands in the Cyclades archipelago.
Meteora
Meteora is one of
the most unique and awe-inspiring attractions in Greece. It is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched on top of towering sandstone rock formations, overlooking the town of Kalambaka in central Greece. The monasteries were built between the 14th and 16th centuries by monks who sought isolation and spiritual elevation. They are accessible by stairs or cable cars, and contain priceless relics, icons, frescoes, and manuscripts. The monasteries are also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with forests, valleys, and rivers.
To visit Meteora, you can drive from Athens or Thessaloniki, or take a train or a bus to Kalambaka. You can also join a guided tour or a day trip from either city. You will need to pay a small entrance fee for each monastery, and dress modestly (long skirts for women, long pants for men). You can also hike or bike around the area, or join a rock climbing or rafting adventure.
The Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is one of
the most important archaeological sites in Greece and one of
the main attractions on the island of Crete. It was the center of
the Minoan civilization, which flourished from about 2000 BC to 1450 BC. The palace was a complex of several buildings, covering an area of about 20,000 square meters. It had more than 1,000 rooms, decorated with colorful frescoes depicting scenes from Minoan life, such as bull-leaping, dancing, and fishing. The palace also had advanced features such as drainage systems, toilets, and air conditioning. The palace was destroyed by a series of earthquakes and fires, and was partially restored by British archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 20th century.
To visit the Palace of Knossos,
you can drive from Heraklion (the capital of Crete) or take a bus
or a taxi. You can also join a guided tour or an audio tour to learn more about
the history and mythology of this ancient site.
