Greece is a country jam-packed with incredible landscapes, islands galore, a vast history, fantastic cuisine, and so much more, making it a destination high on most people’s bucket lists. Whether you are looking to visit some ancient ruins, laze on a tropical beach, go island hopping, or indulge in the many Greek dishes on offer, there is truly something for everyone.
One of the absolute best ways to get to know a country is with the help of a local ‘Destination Expert’ who can no doubt provide you with all the valuable knowledge they have, making your trip a memorable experience.
Let us inspire your Greek trip of a lifetime with the best attractions Greece has to offer, so you don’t miss out on anything. Of course, Greece is a vast country with lots of aspects to it, but there are, of course, some main attractions which you will want to feast your eyes on, so let us delve right in.
Acropolis:
This is one of the most famous attractions in Greece, and it is one that most people have heard of, just like the Colosseum of Rome. Located on a flattish rock just above (150m/490ft), Athens, this ancient citadel draws thousands of visitors every year to stake a step back in time. You will find the remains of many old buildings, including the Parthenon, all of which have an extreme historical significance. Whether you are a history buff or not, this is by far one of the most impressive attractions in Greece and all of Europe.
Santorini:
Many people who think of Greece picture blue and white houses dotted along the steep cliffside, and this is precisely what Santorini looks like, so as you can imagine, it is a massive attraction in Greece. It is an impressive island, situated 200km/124miles Southeast of the Greek mainland, and is straightforward to reach either by ferry or by plane, as are many other islands in Greece.
This stunningly beautiful island is such a big attraction in Greece that many magazines and travel websites once named the world’s top island. It receives around 2 million tourists annually, so plan your trip well in advance. It is a volcanic island, so you will be mesmerized by its incredible landscape, as well as the unbeatable dining options, endless vistas, and out-of-this-world photo opportunities. Santorini is a place not to be missed.
This weekend getaway to Santorini is precisely what you need if you are short on time.
The Mani Peninsula:
The rugged and wild Mani peninsula is an off-the-beaten path area of Greece, drawing many tourists each year who want to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Spartans. The inhabitants of this peninsula, located in the Peloponnese region of the Greeks mainland, are said to be descendants of the great Spartans. Their surroundings are steeped in history and hidden gems to be discovered.
The region of the Peloponnese is one of the warmest places in Europe during the winter months, so it is the perfect region to explore at any time of the year. You will find cliffs, tropical beaches, crystal clear seas, and ancient hilltop villages such as Vathia and Cape Matapan, the second southernmost point in Europe.
This is the perfect trip that incorporates many aspects of the Peloponnese, including the Mani peninsula.
Greek Islands:
Greece is, of course, known for its array of stunning islands, which attract people all year round, mainly because they have such a welcoming climate. Some of the most visited islands are Crete, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, and Lefkada, all of which have unique aspects. Greece is a fantastic spot to island-hop, considering there are between 1200 and 6000 islands to discover, although only around 167-227 of them are said to be inhabited. Many of the main islands are easily reached by ferry and plane, so it is possible to see many islands on one trip, each one as inviting as the next. You will find shipwrecks, turquoise waters, fantastic snorkeling opportunities, various water sports and activities on offer, and of course, fresh, local cuisine.
Check out this epic island-hopping adventure, complete with history and food activities.
Mount Olympus:
For the adventure seeker, this is the highest mountain in Greece and is one of the biggest attractions in Greece for its hiking opportunities. According to Greek mythology, standing at 2917m/9570ft tall, this enormous mountain is said to be the mythical home of the Gods. The mountain is climbed by many people every year, and although it takes two days to rise, you can spend longer if you would like, and you won’t need any special equipment to summit the peak, however, being prepared with the proper footwear and clothing is a must.
Olympia:
Greece is packed full of history and ancient ruins to be discovered, that this alone will keep you occupied during your trip. There are so many ancient sites to be found, and one of them, in particular, is Olympia, also known locally as Archaia Olympia. This was the place of origin for the world-famous Olympic games, held every four years here, from the 8th Century BC to the 4th Century AD. It is an essential religious sanctuary in Greece and was necessary worship of Zeus, the city’s patron God. The Olympic games began as a festival in honor of him. Be sure not to miss this massive attraction in Greece.
Tropical Beaches:
As you can imagine, not many people go to Greece and don’t set foot on a tropical Greek beach, and that is because the stunning beaches all over Greece are one of the biggest attractions there is. No matter where you go in Greece, you will always find a fantastic long stretch of beach, a small cove, or even a hidden beach, only accessible by hiking or by boat, and that is the beauty of Greece. There is always something to be discovered in this incredible country, and the beaches are no exception.
Some of the most famous Greek beaches to be inspired by are:
- Simos Beach – Elafonisos
- Shipwreck Beach – Zakynthos
- Porto Katsiki – Lefkada Island
- Diros Beach – The Peloponnese
- Egremni Beach – Lefkada Island
- Navagio Beach – Zakynthos
- And many more……
Cuisine:
Well, we can’t talk about attractions in Greece without mentioning the food. This is one of the biggest attractions Greece has to offer, and in between discovering ancient sites, island hopping, or lazing on the fabulous beaches, you will no doubt want to try some of the best Greek dishes there are. Some of the most famous dishes and delicious ingredients to try are Moussaka, Greek Salad, Gyros, Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Greek Olives, Feta, and Halloumi cheeses, Kleftiko and of course freshly caught fish and seafood, which is available everywhere in Greece.
There is no doubt that you will be inundated with food options, but it is worth noting that the food in Greece is exceptionally fresh and seasonal, so you will be able to eat healthily all year round.
If food is your thing, you will certainly not want to miss out on this beautiful food tour in Greece, complete with cooking classes and wine tastings.
