If you’re planning a trip to Greece, here are 10 top tourist attractions you must see. From Mount Athos to Mystras, Samaria Gorge to Lindos, you won’t be able to find a better list. But we’ve done our best to narrow it down for you. We’ve also included a few must-see sites for families. Read on to learn about these places and many more!
Mount Athos
The monasteries on Mount Athos are among the most important tourist sites in the world, and the site has several protected designations. The site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is protected both for its natural and cultural aspects. In addition, it is part of the Natura 2000 network, a global network that protects distinctive European natural sites. This designation requires the Greek government to protect the site, but the lack of funding and staff has complicated efforts to protect the site. The monasteries’ autonomy means that they can’t work closely with the government.
The region is a peninsula attached to mainland Greece by a narrow strip of land. The mountain is 2,030 meters high, and is inhabited by more than a thousand monks. Women are not allowed on the mountain, which is why there are ropes leading up to the caves. During the Greek civil war, however, women were allowed to visit. The surrounding region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mystras
Mystras is an ancient city on the slopes of the Taygetus mountain in Peloponnese, Greece. The Byzantine era city was home to numerous beautiful churches and a royal palace on top of a hill. Today, visitors can see medieval ruins and a charming modern village. This ancient city is a must-see for anyone visiting Greece. Its beautiful nature and interesting history make it one of the top Greek attractions.
The city’s archaeological site and Byzantine castle make it one of the top Greek tourist attractions. Mystras was an important town during the Byzantine period and was protected by its castle walls. It remained inhabited until the Ottoman period, but was abandoned in 1832. Today, Mystras is an archaeological site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. Once an active city, Mystras still boasts impressive structures and monuments, including the ancient palace of the Despots. There are also hiking trails that can be enjoyed in the area.
In central Greece, Meteora is a region that is home to six ancient monasteries. The monasteries were founded in the 14th century, and they were originally built on rock pillars. These monasteries are so high that they were accessed by long ladders and ropes. Only after the ropes broke did they get replaced! You can also see the remains of ancient civilizations and their churches.
Lindos
While many visitors may think of Lindos as a seaside resort, it is actually an ancient town with more than 300 years of history. The town’s Old Town is a beautiful blend of white-cubed houses draped in bougainvillea, a network of cobbled alleyways, and churches dating back to the Byzantine period. It is also an ideal place for strolling around, with pedestrian-only streets allowing visitors to easily explore the city on foot. madisonsdish.com
You can sample local cuisine on the island at the Lindian Restaurant, which has undergone a series of renovations over the years. The menu includes stuffed squid, barbecued meat, and a creamy shellfish orzo stew. You can also find melekouni, a nutty snack that’s sprinkled with honey from the island. Kori Lindos, located in the Old Town, is a great place to shop for locally-made jewelry, olive oil, and stylish home and fashion accessories.
The town’s medieval architecture is stunning, making it a wonderful destination for heritage enthusiasts. The city’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Lindos Beach, a jade-hued cove, and Agios Pavlos beach are all worth visiting. It’s a long ferry ride from Piraeus, so plan your trip accordingly. https://en.gravatar.com/madisonsdish
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is a breathtaking 16 km stretch of natural beauty in the Southwest of Crete. Hikers can take a 4 to 7 hour trek through this breathtaking gorge, which is part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Its dramatic landscapes and lush vegetation make it one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Greece. Here are some reasons to hike through the gorge:
The gorge itself is over 15 kilometers long, with its most beautiful stretch known as the Iron Gates. In 1962, the gorge was declared a national park, and has become a refuge for the rare kri-kri goat. This ancient temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the 10 top tourist attractions in Greece. You can also visit Delphi, where the Oracle of Apollo was once located.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora is another must-see attraction in Athens. Here, you can see the famed artifacts from the Acropolis and take a stroll through the gorge. After all, no trip to Greece would be complete without a stop at the Acropolis Museum. This cutting-edge building was designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi and features bright, airy exhibition areas.
Myrtos Beach
The island of Myrtos is the perfect destination for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The beach is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or even boat. You can rent day-use sun loungers and umbrellas, and find a couple of beach bars serving light snacks and cold drinks. The beach is secluded and peaceful, and the sunrise from this spot is a sight to behold.
A gorgeous semi-circular beach surrounded by imposing white cliffs is a stunning sight. Whether you want to enjoy complete solitude or enjoy total isolation, Myrtos Beach is an absolute must see when visiting Kefalonia. With its unique landscape and spectacular sunsets, this beach is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Greece. Listed as one of the best beaches in the world, it is one of the most photographed locations in the country.
Kefalonia: The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is an island of pine-scented limestone mountains and lush valleys. The island was once an agricultural island but became popular after the 2001 film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. While this island may not be the most popular, it has plenty of charm and is well worth the visit. A short drive from the capital of Thessaloniki, Myrtos is a great choice for a day trip from the capital of Greece.
Delphi Theatre
The ancient theater of Delphi, located at the base of Mount Parnassos, can accommodate as many as 5000 spectators and hosted musical contests and theatrical performances. It was used for the Pythian Games, one of the four panhellenic games held in ancient Greece. The ruins of this ancient theater date back to early Roman times, though the theater’s ruins were first built in the 4th century BC. The ancient theater’s stadium and stone aphesis were built in early Roman times, and the ruins still remain today. The aphesis, a stone obelisk, can control as many as 20 athletes at one time.
In addition to the Delphi Theatre, visitors can also visit the nearby Museum of the Delphic Festivals, which is located in a 1927 neo-gothic tower-like house that served as the home of two great Greek poets, Eva Palmer-Sikielianos and Angelo Sikielianos. The museum exhibits photographs and artifacts of two of Delphi’s festival celebrations, as well as personal possessions of the great Greek couple.
Meteora
UNESCO declared the Meteora Monasteries as a World Heritage Site. The monasteries are full of prayer, meditation, and peace. The monasteries were once home to hundreds of monasteries but now only six remain. Visitors are encouraged to explore these monasteries and their beautiful chapels, but the hardest parts are finding the right route and parking. A day trip to Meteora may not be enough to see all the sights of this beautiful region of Greece.
The best time to visit the Monasteries is fall or winter. Although summer is the most popular time to visit, the Monasteries are often busy during that time. To avoid crowds, you’ll want to go during fall or winter. Because of the limited hours of the Monasteries, it is best to visit during autumn or winter. For more information on visiting Meteora, read the following travel guide:
Mykonos
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do on a Greek island, then Mykonos is a good choice. The quaint town center is full of bustling alleys and colorful buildings that evoke the island’s traditional past. If you’re looking for something that will give you a true sense of what the island is all about, then visit the Folklore Museum, which is located in the town center. The museum displays traditional and historical pieces, including pottery, jewelry, and even ancient tools.
The old port is another interesting part of Mykonos. The town is also home to Peter the Pelican, which has become a tourist attraction in its own right. The famous Pelican, named Petros, was the official mascot of Mykonos for 60 years. Visitors can wander through the small churches and cafes to catch a glimpse of the pelican that roams the streets and restaurants.