Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With over sixty inhabited islands, historic sites that span four millennia, idyllic beaches and towering mountain ranges there is a wide variety of tourist attractions in Greece to explore. And despite the debt crisis with credit downgrades and protest by day, Greece as a travel destination is as popular as it has ever been.
Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece. The peninsula, the easternmost “leg” of the larger Halkidiki peninsula houses some 1,400 monks in 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries. An autonomous state under Greek sovereignty, entry into Mount Athos is strictly controlled and only males are allowed entrance.
flickr/domestictimesSituated near ancient Sparta, Mystras served as the capital of the Peloponnesus in the 14th and 15th centuries, ruled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor. The site remained inhabited throughout the Ottoman period but was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.
Where to Stay Tours & Activities
Lindos is a medieval village on the island of Rhodes that is made up of a network of cobbled streets amid whitewashed houses. Above the town rises the acropolis of Lindos, offering spectacular views of the surrounding harbors and coastline. Lindos beach and Saint Pauls beach are only a short distance from the town center.
The Samariá Gorge is a 16 km (10 miles) long canyon in southwest Crete. Walking the Samariá Gorge is extremely popular and more than a quarter million tourists do so each year. The walk takes 4 to 7 hours and passes through forests of ancient cypresses and pines, then cuts between vertical cliffs through the mountains to emerge at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan sea.
Where to Stay Tours & Activities
Located in the north-west of Kefalonia, Myrtos Beach is world-famous for the magical colors of the water. The blue and turquoise colors of the sea contrast sharply with the bright white of the smooth marble pebbles of the beach. The steep mountains and tall cliffs behind Myrtos beach only add to its beauty. For all these reasons Myrtos has previously been voted 12 times as the best beach in Greece.
flickr/Josh ClarkIn ancient times Delphi was the most important site in ancient Greek religion, home to the sanctuary and oracle of Apollo. The ancient theatre of Delphi was built on a hill giving spectators a view of the entire sanctuary and the spectacular landscape below. It was originally built in the 4th and could seat 5,000 spectators. Today it is one of the top tourist attractions in Greece.
Where to Stay Meteora Monasteries Tours & Activities
Metéora (“suspended in the air”) in central Greece is a collection of six monasteries spectacular situated on top of several rock pillars. The first monastery in Metéora was founded in the 14th century. Access to the monasteries was deliberately difficult, requiring either long ladders or large nets used to haul up both goods and people. This required quite a leap of faith – the ropes were replaced only “when the Lord let them break”.
Where to Stay Mykonos Attractions Tours & Activities
Mykonos is famed as a cosmopolitan destination amongst the Greek islands and widely recognized as one of the best tourist attractions in Greece. Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes. It is also known for its sandy beaches and diverse and intense nightlife as evidenced by a vast number of bars and nightclubs.
dreamstime/© Jim RobertsThe Parthenon on top of the Acropolis is one of the most famous Greece tourist attractions and a visit to Athens is not complete without visiting this temple. The construction of the Parthenon started in 447 BC, replacing and older temple that was destroyed by the Persians, and completed in 432 BC. During its long life the Parthenon has served as a temple, fortress, a church, a mosque and even as a powder magazine.
Where to Stay Santorini Attractions Tours & Activities
Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of the Greek islands. It is famous for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, the white-washed houses, and its very own active volcano. Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a marriage of Venetian and Cycladic architecture, whose white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes, while clinging on the edge of the 400 meter (1,300 ft) high cliffs.
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Absolutely beautiful photos! Greece is a fantastic tourist destination! But I would like to add Sithonia, Halkidiki, to your list – lots of unspoiled nature and beaches, and not spoiled by tons of tourists…
Greece is wonderful place.Thasos is nice to see also
Greece is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love Kefalonia and Myrtos beach is stunning…
Mykonos is the place to be!! I love this island. I ve been to Ornos, Elia and Ag. Sostis beach. Panormos is also great! Great beach and nice waters!Next to the beach there is a pool venue with djs! We went after the beach and they have pool afternoon parties. We had some cocktails and amazing food. Guilty Beach !!!!
I will recommend you to complete the map of tourist attractions in Greece 2014 Aegina island. Its 1 hour far from peraeus harbour. We have ”flisvos” tavern at aegina ‘s port and we offer eating services for tourists Groups. Please have in your mind aegina island and i am waiting you coming in my taverna. To drink a glass of ouzaki eating octopus on bbq for free (only for you). Thank you very much.
I would like to go to Santorini 😀
Greece is so amazing !! I wish i could go there someday 😉
Sailing Greece in August 2014. Arriving early, where’s the best place to stay and the best things to do?
I surely hope that I can visit Greece. It is so unbelievably amazing even just the pictures. Parthenon, Mykonos, and definitely Santorini are on top of my list 🙂
I visited Santorini in October last year . It is beautiful place to be but unfortunetely even in October overcrowded 🙁 Crete is a better destination in my opinion 🙂
I need to add Cape Sounion to this! The Temple of Poseidon. A couple of hours by coach from Athens. Absolutely amazing, stunning views and if you stay until sunset really quite breathtaking!!
I’m 13years old and I have even been to Greece. It was one of the best places I’ve been in my life and I’ve been to some pretty cool places like Egypt.