This sun-blessed European nation is equally recognized for its serene sandy seashores as for its vibrant historic historical past. I really like that each one tastes are catered for right here – from historical past followers and nature lovers to critical clubbers and seaside dwellers. I’d like to share the locations which have left an enormous impression on me…
1. Santorini
Santorini is likely one of the Cyclades islands nestled within the Aegean Sea and it’s generally known as being probably the most romantic islands on this planet.
Spectacular sunsets, conventional whitewashed homes, fascinating volcanic landscapes (the island was truly shaped by a sequence of volcanic eruptions) and breathtaking ocean views are just some of the issues that make this island so distinctive.
I like to recommend heading to Oia the place pastel-washed homes hugging the cliff face and couple’s roam spherical hand-in-hand.
The vast majority of retailers promoting postcards throughout Greece may have images from Santorini, and as soon as I visited, I noticed why this beautiful spot is so cherished! Sure it may well get crowded in the summertime months nevertheless it’s nonetheless a really particular place.
- Location: southern Aegean Sea, 120 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing the world-famous white and blue homes in Fira, Santorini’s stunning capital.
- Exploring Oia’s fairly white homes and the well-known Insta-worthy church buildings with blue domes and beautiful views.
- Occurring an unbelievable half-day catamaran tour with Santorini Yachts, being out on the boat at sundown was a dreamy expertise!
- Exploring the fascinating black sand seashores of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos stands out as probably the most gorgeous – and Instagrammable – islands within the Aegean area. Belonging to the Cyclades group within the Aegean Sea, though Mykonos is a well-liked social gathering island, it’s nonetheless blessed with loads of pure and conventional magnificence.
It has a group of distinctive Cycladic structure (gorgeous white-washed dice buildings) set round a picturesque fishing village bay.
The sq. whitewashed buildings sit carefully collectively, forming a maze of slender alleyways and streets, and they’re extremely photogenic! I really like that the island’s extraordinary seashores additionally make an ideal backdrop for watching the sundown.
My highlights…
- Taking Instaworthy images of the well-known and really stunning Mykonos Windmills.
- Exploring the placing Paraportiani Church at sundown.
- Dancing at Cavo Paradiso Mykonos, the superior sea views are legendary they usually didn’t disappoint!
- Enjoyable on Platis Gialos Seaside, which I personally thought was probably the most gorgeous seashores on the island.
3. Zakynthos
This stunning gem is known for its crystal clear blue waters, golden seashores, and intense adventures, particularly at night time. My favorite highlights included the Shipwreck Seaside of Navagio which was sheltered in a secluded cove, Banana Seaside, Porto Zoro Seaside, Kalamaki Seaside, and the relaxed Gerakas Seaside.
Zakynthos City has dozens of museums and an enchanting Venetian Fortress on the hilltop. Picturesque mountainous villages are scattered throughout the countryside, together with outdated monasteries which we might simply uncover by automotive.
My private must-sees embrace the locals assembly place Solomos Sq., Strata Marina which was house to a group of eating places, bars, and cafes, Stranis Hill, which supplied a magical view of the island, and historic church buildings similar to Aghios Nikolaos.
In case you’re extra adventurous, I like to recommend attempting browsing or hiring a sailboat, trekking throughout the scenic mountainous area, snorkelling, swimming amongst sea turtles, and scuba diving.
- Location: Ionian Sea, 12 miles west of the Greek mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Heading to the the more and more well-known Navagio Seaside and surrounding viewpoints to get some gorgeous Insta-worthy pictures. It’s in any other case generally known as Shipwreck Seaside because of the haunting stays of the ship right here.
- Enjoyable on my favorite seashores on the island, Banana Seaside, Dafni Seaside and Gerakas Seaside.
- Hiring a ship and skipper with Zakynthos Cruises and exploring the unbelievable Blue Caves and Keri Caves.
4. Kefalonia
The favored Greek vacation island has been made well-known by the novel and movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which was set right here.
Though there was some growth on the island, I beloved that it nonetheless had a relaxed vibe and conventional Greek lifestyle with conventional tavernas, fairly harbours, rocky landscapes, gorgeous seashores, caves and only a handful of low rise principally boutique-style motels.
If you wish to know what a reasonably seaside seems to be like, you then simply want to go to Myrtos (positioned northwest of the island) which is a secluded and white shingly seaside hidden in a surprising cove – the distinction of the brilliant blue waters and the glowing white seaside is absolutely placing.
Location: Ionian Sea, 30 miles west of the western coast of the mainland.
My highlights…
- Exploring the extremely photogenic Assos Village, I like to recommend sitting on the skin terrace of The MOLOS Conventional Tavern and watching the world go by!
- Enjoyable on Petani Seaside and Myrtos Seaside which had been my private favorite seashores on the island.
- Visiting Agios Gerasimos Monastery a Sixteenth-century church complicated which had a zen-like courtyard, well-kept gardens and a placing monastery.
- Taking images on the fairly Argostoli Harbour which was stuffed with Insta-worthy vibrant homes.
5. Rhodes
Rhodes is the most important of the Dodecanese islands and one other common vacation island. Though it’s house to some vigorous social gathering resorts, there are nonetheless many areas of excellent pure magnificence to find and discover! It has beautiful seashores, mountains, areas of lush inexperienced surroundings and scrumptious conventional delicacies.
For the seashores I like to recommend heading to the golden sandy seashores of Lindos and St. Pauls. Lindos is extra common due to its turquoise waters and the view of the raised white-painted city from the seaside and St. Pauls is smaller seaside with a extra intimate vibe.
As a historical past fan so I beloved the Outdated City of Rhodes, which is definitely listed an UNESCO World Heritage and the traditional ruins right here. Don’t miss the placing Acropolis of Lindos!
- Location: southeastern Aegean Sea, 225 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Consuming at Rustico Restaurant, a cute tavern with a contemporary twist that gives outside seating and even vegan choices. The Greek Salad was divine!
- Exploring the shoreline through a quick boat tour with Jet Boat Rhodes.
- Climbing alongside the coastal path from Lindos to Saint Paul’s Bay which had actually gorgeous views of the glowing sea beneath.
- Enjoyable on Agathi Seaside which had tender golden sand and turquoise waters.
6. The Acropolis (and the remainder of Athens)!
There are various breathtaking historic websites on this nation however the Acropolis is taken into account a very powerful surviving constructing of Classical Greece and critically it’s jaw-dropping!
It sits excessive on a rocky outcrop above the Greek capital of Athens, the ruins date from an unbelievable 447 BC and are made up of the Parthenon (which is devoted to the maiden goddess Athena – beautiful!), the Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and the Propylaea (gateway to the Acropolis). We took a stroll round and though the summer season warmth was a bit overwhelming, it was a really particular place.
When right here I positively suggest ensuring you are taking the time to discover the remainder of Athens. It’s a novel metropolis, gritty in some half, nevertheless it’s by no means boring.
It’s stuffed with eclectic neighbourhoods, unbelievable eating places each trendy and conventional, rooftop bars, bustling meals markets, an incredible array of retailers and nice nightlife. It’s additionally a metropolis the place you stumble throughout well-preserved historic historical past almost each place you flip!
- Handle: Acropolis of Athens Dionysiou Areopagitou Road Athens, 105 58
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Seeing the unbelievable historic monuments – they appear to spring from actually each nook within the metropolis, even in trendy retailers!
- Exploring fascinating museums such because the Acropolis Museum, Nationwide Archaeological Museum and the attractive Byzantine and Christian Museum.
- Exploring the hip and vigorous districts of Athens similar to Plaka, Thissio and Syntagma that are stuffed with buzzy eating places and bars.
- Going to the A For Athens Rooftop Bar for critically unbelievable views of the town. It was very crowded after we went however I’d nonetheless suggest it!
7. Corfu
I personally assume Corfu is a beautiful gem! This is likely one of the hottest islands within the Ionian archipelago, and I’m an enormous fan of its gorgeous surroundings, historic heritage which have been impressed by Venetian and Byzantine types, its assortment of seashores (each sandy and shingly), its lush inexperienced olive groves, conventional tavernas fairly secluded coves and its laid again, romantic vibe.
Undoubtedly embrace a go to to Corfu Outdated City, which is UNESCO listed and is stuffed with picturesque historic structure, unbiased retailers and cafes and fairly courtyards.
I extremely suggest occurring a ship tour for the breathtaking coastal views!
- Handle: Ionian Sea, northwest coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Eating on the conventional Taverna Ninos, I extremely suggest the homestyle gyros.
- Enjoyable on my favourite seashores, Paleokastritsa Seaside and Voutoumi Seaside which had been each stuffed with gorgeous white sand.
- Visiting the lovable residents on the Corfu Donkey Sanctuary, my private favorite resident was Maios the hooligan!
8. Cyprus
Situated within the japanese Mediterranean Sea, half the island of Cyprus belongs to Greece and the opposite half to Turkey (the northern half).
The political state of affairs there provides the island a barely edgier really feel and a few areas are even utterly no-go (the border separating the 2 islands, which runs by the as soon as common resort of Nicosia).
Nevertheless, don’t let that put you off. After I visited, I discovered a surprising magnificence spot with beautiful seashores, glowing turquoise waters, towering mountains, rugged cliffs, aromatic pine forests, and an enchanting historical past. The folks had been extremely welcoming and pleasant, and the meals was particularly divine!
You’ll be able to both search for the social gathering zones, that are Nissi Seaside in well-known Ayia Napa and Paphos (barely extra chilled) or search for somebody rather less developed. I like to recommend the Pissouri, Latchi, and Polis for quieter choices.
For someplace rustic, I’d recommend heading up into the mountains and staying in one of many conventional villages. You gained’t discover flashy motels right here, however there are genuine visitor homes as a substitute.
- Location: Jap Mediterranean Sea, 500 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoyable on the small however completely shaped Sirena Bay which was a calming spot with tender golden sand. There isn’t many individuals right here and loads of solar beds.
- Occurring a one-day non-public boat tour with a skipper, we went to beautiful Cape Greco and snorkelling within the gorgeous blue lagoon.
9. Thassos
Thassos is a surprising gem, with white sandy (and some pebbly) seashores contrasting blue skies and turquoise waters, lush pine forests, fairly conventional villages, and rugged mountains.
Situated within the North Aegean area, I adore it for its charming conventional vibe, its assortment of intimate low rise motels, scrumptious native delicacies and climbing trails.
I might personally suggest attempting water sports activities right here, and scuba diving, water snowboarding, windsurfing and boating are all on supply and on dry land anticipate cascading waterfalls, fairly ravines and pure swimming pools.
My favourite seashores included Chrissi Ammoudia seaside which is stuffed with white sand, Kallirachi-Prinos which was lengthy and large and Maries-Prinos which had loads of parasols!
In its capital, Limenas, you possibly can see the Acropolis and a theatre constructed in 5 BC. In case you’re in search of seaside enjoyable, then attempt Marble Seaside and Chrysi Akti, that are house to seaside bars and tavernas.
- Location: northern Aegean Sea, 6 miles off the northeastern coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Occurring a sea-kayaking tour with Insula TASOS and exploring fantastic sea caves.
- Exploring the very best seashores the island has to supply – Golden Seaside, Paradise Seaside, La Scala Seaside and Metalia Seaside.
- Testing the island’s fairly waterfalls, I beloved Maries Waterfall which was positioned within the western a part of the island.
10. Naxos Island
Situated on the southern aspect of Greece, Naxos is considered one of my favorite islands because it’s a quiet spot, comparatively undiscovered by the vacationer lots.
It’s house to the myth-surrounded Mt. Zeus and it’s additionally one of many greenest islands within the Cyclades, with tall pine tree coated mountains and plush fertile valleys.
I personally assume that that seashores listed here are among the many most stunning within the nation. They’re lengthy and sandy, excellent for swimming, water sports activities and simply stress-free.
I additionally beloved the normal white-painted villages and winemaking factories, in addition to the picturesque port cities stuffed with whitewashed, cube-shaped homes and the fascinating medieval Venetian mansions.
- Location: Aegean Sea, roughly 100 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Hiring a catamaran with a skipper for the day and seeing the beautiful surrounding waters in fashion! It was notably wonderful at sundown whereas sipping on prosecco!
- Lazing round on the gorgeous seashores I personally beloved the white sand of Plaka Seaside, the clear turquoise waters of Agia Anna Seaside and the superb gentle sand and shallow waters of Saint George Seaside.
- Going for a tasty vegan pizza and melon-based cocktails on the eatery Hug Me Naxos. I beloved the stylish decor and vibe right here!
11. Lefkada
Lefkada is positioned on Greece’s west coast and is definitely linked to the mainland through a floating bridge and a causeway. It’s one of many few Greek islands you possibly can go to by automotive.
I adore it for its timeless villages surrounded by wild olive groves and rolling hills, spectacular inlets and little bays in the direction of the south (which has excellent circumstances for windsurfers and kite surfers) and crystal blue waters and actually gorgeous white seashores, a lot of that are like these within the Caribbean – sure, actually!
Additionally anticipate conventional taverns serving freshly caught fish, fairly coves and charming conventional villages. For seashores I suggest heading for Egremni, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki seashores, that are very Insta-worthy spots.
I additionally favored visiting the zen-like Panagia Faneromeni Monastery, the Nidri waterfalls and the fascinating ruins of the Fortress of Santa Maura.
- Location: the Ionian Sea, 0.6 miles west of the mainland
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Going seaside hopping and seeing all of the unbelievable seashores right here, my favorite was Egremni.
- Visiting the Lefkas Earth Vineyard, the gorgeous environment and their particular crimson wine had been sufficient causes to go to!
- Visiting the quirky Folklore Museum, I particularly beloved the historic fairly embroidery work!
12. Samaria Gorge Nationwide Park and the remainder of Crete
The Samariá Gorge is a Nationwide Park of Greece positioned on the fairly island of Crete and has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve and it receives greater than half one million guests yearly!
I beloved strolling by the gorge and passing the breathtakingly excessive cliffs alongside the best way earlier than reaching the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli.
I positively suggest taking the time to discover the remainder of Crete which is the most important of the Greek islands. It’s a surprising vacation spot stuffed with beautiful seashores, historic historic websites similar to Knossos Palace, Phaistos Palace, Chania Outdated City and Harbour and Gortyna, rugged mountainous landscapes, charming villages, pleasant locals, vigorous nightlife, wonderful eating places, and nice wine!
- Location: japanese Mediterranean Sea, 99 miles south of the mainland.
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Climbing the Figou Gorge and Agia Irini Gorge path the place I noticed a number of the better of the park surroundings.
- Attending to know the locals within the bars, eating places, and cafes, they’re critically pleasant! I beloved “The chickpea” restaurant for its unbelievable paprika hummus.
- Visiting the unbelievable Balos Lagoon for Insta-worthy pictures.
- Visiting Takis Shelter , a social media star Takis is known everywhere in the world for rescuing canines and housing them at his cage-free shelter. My favorite resident was the characterful Grioula.
13. Meteora, Kalabaka
Situated in central Greece, this placing and strange rock formation is house to a monastery based within the 14th century and now has UNESCO World Heritage website standing.
The complicated of six monasteries is constructed precariously atop 1,300-foot-high sandstone pinnacles on the northwestern fringe of the Plain of Thessaly, close to the scenic Pineios River and Pindus Mountains.
Be warned that there’s some stair climbing concerned, nevertheless it’s value it, it’s an superior sight that personally left me speechless. If you wish to see one thing slightly totally different then I extremely suggest it!
- Handle: Meteora Monasteries Meteora, Kalabaka 422 00 Thessaly
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Taking a digicam and photographing it, it is a very distinctive and jaw-dropping spot!
- Staying on the close by Alsos Visitor Home, I beloved the comfy vibe and the terrace with fabulous views the place we ate breakfast!
14. Nafplio
Situated within the Jap Peloponnese area of Argolis is Nafplio on mainland Greece; it is a romantic seaport metropolis (which was as soon as the capital of the brand new state of Greece between 1821 and 1834).
I used to be awestruck by the medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, historic partitions, statues, monuments, and neoclassical and Venetian buildings. It’s additionally simple to get to from Athens which is simply 94 kilometres away.
Uncover the Turkish Fountains, medieval Outdated City, the peerlessly preserved neoclassical mansions, and slender cobblestone alleys. I additionally recommend stopping by Syntagma Sq. and taking within the monuments and historic buildings earlier than heading to the Palamidi Fortress, which stands tall at 216 meters above sea degree.
I additionally extremely suggest taking a ship experience to the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, visiting the Conflict Museum, and the Byzantine Twelfth-century church.
- Location: northeastern a part of the Peloponnese peninsula 85 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the photogenic and quaint Outdated City.
- Taking a visit to Palamidi Fortress and climbing all the 999 steps!
- Sipping on an expresso and folks watching in Syntagma Sq..
15. Mystras, Peloponnese
Mystras is a mountainous village close to Sparti, Laconia, on mainland Greece. UNESCO classifies it as a World Heritage Monument.
It’s well-known for its archaeological website, as Mystras was a vital medieval city within the Byzantine Period.
The archaeological website consists of well-preserved Byzantine church buildings and a powerful Fortress, and I extremely suggest exploring it if you wish to see an off-the-beaten-track attraction. There aren’t many vacationers right here!
- Location: Peloponnese area, 136 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring all of the historic websites and photographing the gorgeous views.
- Paying a go to to the Digital camera Museum which was stuffed with fascinating retro artefacts.
16. Delphi Theatre, Phocis
Delphi is an archaeological website and a contemporary city on mainland Greece. It’s on the southwestern spur of Mount Parnassus within the valley of Phocis.
The Delphi theatre was constructed atop a hill going through the attractive valley within the 4th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage website.
Constructed as Apollo’s sanctuary and oracle, its 35 rows might maintain as much as 5,000 friends, who in historic instances loved performs, poetry readings, and musical occasions.
I personally assume it is a gorgeous historic website, and I particularly beloved the views of the encircling mountains.
17. Mount Olympus Nationwide Park
Declared a Nationwide Park in 1938, Mountain Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain and stands at 9,573 ft!
This unspoilt attraction is positioned in mainland Greece and is stuffed with thick forests, alpine fields, rocky peaks, deep gorges, fairly waterfalls and uncommon plant species.
It’s positioned far-off from crowded Greek hotspots and that’s why I adore it a lot right here! There are some curious guests although and campsites and cheap motels have sprung up within the area to cater for them.
Litochoro is the primary village and it may be simply accessed from Athens by prepare and bus. I extremely suggest not lacking the Historic Dion Archaeological Museum on the base of Mount Olympus and the various wonderful climbing trails.
- Location: Mount Olympus Nationwide Park Litochoro 602 00 Pieria
- Location Map
My private highlights…
- Occurring a climbing tour to see the placing Enipeas Canyon full with the spectacular Enipeas Waterfall and the emerald inexperienced pool beneath.
- Feeling courageous and occurring a newcomers mountaineering tour are organized which set off from Litochoro.
- Making an attempt a number of the native delicacies like Fasolada (a standard Greek white bean soup) and Loukoumades (scrumptious deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey).
18. Lake Kerkini
That is distinctive place positioned on mainland Greece. It’s truly positioned within the coronary heart of the chicken migration route is house to 1000’s of protected and uncommon birds, which is a very unbelievable sight, particularly the pelicans!
In addition to numerous birds I additionally noticed gigantic sq. meters of water lilies, and unbelievable views of the Krousia and Belasica mountains.
It’s additionally house to buffalo herds, various fish varieties, over ten species of amphibians and nineteen species of reptiles.
Actions right here embrace boat rides, kayaking, 4×4 off-roading excursions, biking and climbing trails.
- Location: northern Greece, 62 miles northwest of Thessaloniki.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Renting a ship and seeing the fantastic birds up shut.
- Taking my digicam and capturing the gorgeous wildlife and sundown.
19. Monemvasia Fortress
Monemvasia Fortress is positioned alongside the Peloponnese coast which is on the japanese aspect mainland Greece and the primary settlement will be traced again to the sixth century.
Each the sprawling Byzantine fortress and the very good seashores positioned close by are open to locals and vacationers who can’t get sufficient of this extraordinary place and with good purpose, it’s a novel magnificence spot!
I personally assume it’s a refined and idyllic spot and as a historical past fan I beloved how I might spot the Ottoman, Venetian, Frankish, and Byzantine influences throughout the entire city.
I additionally suggest visiting the close by fascinating Kastania Cave, historic church buildings and the Emvasis Cafe which additionally serves scrumptious cocktails.
- Handle: Monemvasia Fortress Monemvasia 230 70 Laconia, Peloponnese
- Location Map
20. Zagori
Situated within the northwestern a part of mainland Greece, I’ve included the mountainous area of Zagori for its distinctive geology, dazzling pure magnificence, and for being house to 2 common Nationwide Parks.
It’s a historic and culturally wealthy place dotted with over forty conventional stone villages interconnected with each trendy roads and 18th-century stoned arched bridges.
I particularly beloved the beautiful Drakolimni Alpine Lake, the normal Zagorohoria village, the Kalogeriko stone bridge, the gorgeous Papingo Rock Swimming pools (the place I swam), the intriguing Fifteenth-century deserted Monastery of Saint Paraskevi and the misty view from the monastery of Spileotissas on the Viodomatis River!
There was lots to find right here so I like to recommend hiring a villa rental within the space like we did.
- Handle: Pindus mountain vary within the northwestern a part of the nation.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- I beloved the strolling throughout the divine Vikos Gorge from the Astrakas Mountaintop to the cascades of the Voidomatis River, the backdrop of Mount Timfi was spectacular!
The place is Greece?
Greece is positioned in South Jap Europe and borders the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas to the north, Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia to the east, and Turkey to the east.