Greece holds a special place in the heart of travelers, with its Mediterranean charm, old-school feel, and diverse landscape, it is a destination that ticks the boxes for everyone.
One of the best things about Greece is the fact that these diverse landscapes, provide an array of unique experiences in Greece, making it a truly unforgettable spot that cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world.
This is also the kind of country that you can go back to time and time again, and find something new and incredible to enjoy, so with that being said, here are some of our favorite unique experiences in Greece.
Hike to the clifftop of Meteora
This jaw-dropping location is a sight to see and believe us when we say that no picture will do this place justice. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is Meteora is captivating to any traveler, whether seasoned or new and it is because of places like this that there are some pretty unique experiences in Greece. This is one of the most important and largest purpose-built Eastern Orthodox monasteries, and by taking on the challenge to hike to the top, you will not only be taking in some unbelievable vistas, but you will step back in time to the 13th Century when this monastery was established. There is no experience around the world quite like Meteora, and if you get the chance to witness this piece of Greek history, grab it with both hands. Check out this Baboo Hiking Tour, which includes a hike to Meteora, as well as this Balkan Discovery Tour.
Feast your eyes on the impressive Acropolis
Visiting the Acropolis in Athens is one of the most unique experiences in Greece, and is something that you cannot match around the country. Many people who plan a trip to this ancient country, start with a visit to one of the oldest cities in the world, and they generally have one thing in mind – to see the Acropolis. This impressive monument holds important significance for the Greeks and many parts of this structure date back to the 5th Century. While there may be similar structures and remodels of this ancient monument, nothing matches a visit to the one and only Athenian Acropolis – especially at sunset. Many tours will feature a stopover in Athens, and these two tours are ideal for getting the perfect balance of what Greece has to offer.
Visit Olympia
We cannot talk about unique experiences in Greece without mentioning Olympia – the site of the original Olympic Games. This Panhellenic religious sanctuary was of huge importance in Ancient Greece, and it was the place that hosted the Olympics every four years, from the 8BC to 4AD. The Olympic Games, is something that people from all over the world know about, and to visit the location, where it all began, many years ago, is truly remarkable – and cannot be found anywhere else in the world (or Greece for that matter). While sometimes confused with Mount Olympus in Northern Greece, Olympia is located in the western part of the Peloponnese region of Greece and has been recognized by UNESCO since 1989. A visit here is an absolute must for any lover of history and culture, especially in knowing that this place is as unique as they come.
Descend into Europe's biggest gorge
While gorges naturally occur throughout the world, not many matches Samaria Gorge, which is located on the traditional island of Crete – the largest island in Greece. No trip to Greece is complete without an adventure to the bottom of this gorge, which is known as a gem of the White Mountains, where nature lovers will witness undeniable landscapes, which occurred by a small river which was running between these mountains and Mt Volakias. Although it is Europe’s biggest gorge and runs for 16km (10miles), the hike to the base is pleasant and doable, with great infrastructure for visitors, but with that being said it is important to be prepared and have a good level of fitness before undertaking this hike. (Open from May – to October).
Try Region Greek Food and Wine
Yes, of course, you can try Greek food and wine all over Greece, but did you know that each region, even many villages have its unique wine and cuisine. This incredible tradition makes it a haven for food and wine lovers because you can try many types of delicacies throughout the country, as well as a variety of wines that differ completely. For instance, you can take a food tour in Athens to try local food and wine, make your way to Santorini, where you will experience a whole new culinary way of life with unique Santorinian recipes, and end in Crete where you take a step back in time as well as getting the opportunity to try one of a kind Cretan wines and delicacies. The beauty of Greece lies in its gastronomy and its wine, which tells you a lot about the region, and this makes it one of the most unique experiences in Greece. If you thought all Greek food and wine were the same, then take a look at this tour to get an idea of what you can expect – Gastronomy Exploration in Greece.
Marvel at the super narrow Corinth Canal
This exceptionally narrow canal, which was built in 1893, is something you won’t find anywhere else in Greece or the world, making it one of the most unique experiences in Greece, which you just have to see. This canal, although you may think it is similar to its famous counterparts such as the Panama Canal or the Suez Canal, is by far more eye-catching, because of its quirky construction. Having been built in ancient times, it is relatively unused by modern ships these days, due to its unbelievable width of 70ft (21.4m) width. While it aimed to connect the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, it is now economically useless, and poses mainly as a tourist attraction – which we can say is very impressive. If you get to witness one of the smaller-sized ships squeeze through this narrow gap, it is truly a sight to see and is something that stands out within Greece and throughout the world. This awesome Peloponnese-focused tour, will take you to the Corinth Canal and so much more.
Discover the mythology of Mount Olympus
This is not just one of the tallest mountains in Greece and Europe, but Mount Olympus is so much more than that, and once you know the story behind this natural creation, you will realize that this is one of the most unique experiences in Greece. Behind what you see, which includes 52 peaks and deep gorges, Mount Olympus has a unique story to tell, in fact, according to Greek mythology, it is the home of the Greek Gods. As the stories go, the mountain was ruled by Zeus, but there were eleven other Gods and Olympians who resided there too, and was initially created after the Titanomachy, which was a battle in which the Olympians defeated their predecessors. The peak which we know as Mytikas (then called the Pantheon), is said to have been where all important discussions (and arguments) took place when making important decisions. This is a one-of-a-kind mountain, which is not only striking to the eye but holds value to those who are lovers of culture, history, and mythology.
