A Comprehensive Guide to the Top 20 Places to Visit in Greece in 2024
Greece is one of the best countries to visit in Europe. The tedious task is to decide the best places to travel in Greece from a list of more than a thousand places. Greece is the nation that gave birth to the best philosophers of the past, including Homer, Aristophanes, and Herodotus. It is also believed that Western philosophy originated in Greece. Nowadays, the country is popular for its beautiful destinations. There are many places in Greece where you can go solo, with your friends, girlfriend or family. In the article, we make it easy for you to pick the best places to explore in Greece. Check the Top 20 places to visit in Greece in 2024 below.
Table of Contents
1. Crete
When it comes to exploring the best places to visit in Greece, Crete is like a radiant gem in the Aegean Sea. Picture-perfect beaches, ancient ruins of history, and delicious cuisine await adventurers on this beautiful island. The vibrant streets of Heraklion and the serene landscapes of Chania are the things you can’t miss.
Dive into the mythical tales of the Minotaur at the Palace of Knossos, or lose yourself in the charm of traditional villages located in the rugged mountains. Crete has everything that travellers seek from any place.
2. Cephalonia
As we already told you, there are many beautiful Islands to explore in Greece, and Cephalonia is one of them. Why are we saying so? There are two natural wonders; one is Drogarati Cave and the other is Melissani Lake, that you can’t miss during your visit to Greece. The best part is you can visit both places in Greece in just one day. The Lake got its name after the excavations in 1951 and 1962. During excavations, Minoan illustrations of the god Pan and the nymph Melissanthi were discovered. In the end, you can relax at Petani Beach and take a stroll at Fteri Beach.
3. Santorini
For newly married couples, this place is a gem. I consider Santorini a perfect romantic getaway. The island is slightly more popular than other best places to visit in Greece. With the presence of the whitewashed ancient villages and the blue domes at the sea cliff, this place becomes perfect for exploration. Whether it is Black sand beaches, Red Sand beaches, or golden sand beaches, you will get it all in Santorini. We are advising you not to immerse yourself completely in the beaches; otherwise, you will miss the cultural and archaeological sites of Santorini.
4. Athens
If you have any interest in philosophy then you might have heard about Athens. You can literally step into the beating heart of Greece by exploring Athens, one of the best places to visit in Greece. The moment you set foot in this ancient city, you would fall in love of the history, culture, and vibrancy.
Take a walk through the famous Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands tall, telling tales of ancient glory or lose yourself in the winding streets of Plaka, where every corner holds a new discovery, from quaint cafes to bustling markets. To experience modern Athens, take a sip of Greek coffee in Syntagma Square surrounded by the buzz of city life.
5. Rethymnon
Anyone who is getting bored with their daily life routine and feeling tired can visit Rethymnon. It is a scenic old town with serene and peaceful vibes that will rejuvenate your lost energy. Rethymnon is located on the foothills of the Psiloritis mountain, one of the top places to visit in Greece. The best time to visit this beautiful place is September due to the pleasant temperature. You will require 2 to 3 days to explore Rethymnon.
6. Meteora
If you are on the lookout for enchanting places to visit in Greece, Meteora should be right at the top of your list, and here I will tell you why. Imagine this: towering rock formations piercing the sky, crowned with ancient monasteries clinging precariously to their sheer cliffs. It is a sight that seems like a fairytale.
As you stand in the middle of this mystical landscape, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder wash over you. The sheer magnitude of the scenery is breathtaking, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a spiritual retreat, Meteora has something profound to offer to every traveller. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
7. Corfu
Corfu Island is situated on the northwest coast of the country. Without any doubt, it is a place of rich cultural heritage. Corfu also offers various breathtaking beaches that you can’t escape. Apart from beaches and cultural places, you can also explore ancient monasteries in Corfu. Now let me describe the things that you can’t miss during your travels. One is the Gorge at Agni Bay, and the other is the Vlacherna Monastery, the two most famous attractions of the town.
8. Sifnos
Looking for more places to visit in Greece? Let us describe another best place to visit in Greece that is Sifnos, a Cycladic gem where hiking boots meet flip-flops for an adventure like no other. Explore over 100 km of Sifnos trails that pass through chapels, villages, and farmhouses against the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Don’t miss the Cycladic Gastronomy Festival in September, showcasing local delights like Katziki mastela. During your visit, you can Stay at Verina Suites or Smaragdi Hotel for a cozy retreat. Immerse yourself in Aegean beach sports or scuba diving, and visit attractions like the Church of the Seven Martyrs and Kamares Beach. Sifnos promises tourists an unforgettable holiday mix of nature, culture, and cuisine.
9. Epirus
I recently visited Epirus and it added to my favourite list of places to travel in Greece. It is nestled in northwestern Greece, bordered by the Ionian Sea and Albania. The place is really special for nature enthusiasts. There is so much to explore in Epirus. You will need 5 to 6 days to fully explore the Epirus. Whether it is the beautiful landscape, mountain villages and beaches, the place offers everything to the tourists.
10. Parga
Next, let’s move to Parga. Look no further than Parga! Located on the Ionian coast, this beautiful town boasts turquoise waters, greenery, and a rich history waiting to be explored.
Take a walk through charming cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses, soak up the sun on pristine beaches, or explore the past at the Venetian Castle overlooking the town. Don’t miss a boat trip to the islands. There is so much to explore in Parga so you might get tired in the evening. To rejuvenate your lost energy try fresh seafood at seaside tavernas. Parga is the final stop for those who are nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking relaxation.
11. Delphi
Another place located on the mountains of Parnassus where you can explore the ancient history of Greece. Once upon a time it was the centre of the world where people from across the world came for worship. When you visit this one of the best places to visit in Greece, don’t forget to visit the Temple of Apollo. Also don’t miss out on the Athena Treasury and the ancient stadium. You just need to dive around 2 hours to reach Delphi from Athens.
12. Zakynthos
A beautiful and gorgeous island to visit in Greece. There are a lot of things to do in Zakynthos, but one thing that you can’t escape is Navagio beach. To reach the beach, you can take the path through the sea. The beach is surrounded by cliffs that can be fatal if you take the path from there. Beyond the beaches, you can take a boat tour to explore the Keri Caves. In the end, you can go to the Agios Dionysios Church and stop for dinner at the traditional Greek cafe Ouzeri. The cafe is prevalent in the town for making the best moussaka.
13. Therasia
Most of the people visit Therasia for the lively settlements and churches but the place is beyond all these. Therasia also has hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiasts which offers panoramic views. If you really want to escape the overcrowded place and seek a peaceful getaway, Therasia is one of the top places to visit in Greece. The most famous tourist attractions here are Paralia Riva, Baxedes and Kanthros.
14. Nisyros
Nisyros, another hidden gem among the top places to visit in Greece, boasts an active volcano, attracting adventurous souls seeking authenticity. Escape the bustle of the city and immerse yourself in Nisyro’s untouched beauty by wandering through quaint villages and hydrothermal craters.
Feel the energy in the air as you explore its beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re hiking the volcanic terrain or sipping iced tea amidst picturesque surroundings, Nisyros guarantees an unforgettable experience.
15. Peloponnese
What makes Peloponnese one of the top places to visit in Greece? Well, its rich history and mythology are the reasons that attract tourists across the globe. It is the place where Hercules fought the Nemean lion and the Paris of Troy eloped with Helen. Now, this place boasts vineyards, beaches, olive groves, and many more things to do. The best attractions in the Peloponnese that you can’t miss during your visit are Kardamyli, Mystras, Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, Corinth Canal, Monemvasia and Elafonisos Island.
16. Cape Sounion
If you have any interest in history then Cape Sounion is for you. It will hardly take one day to fully explore the Cape Sounion. There are several archaeological and museums you can visit nearby to this one of the best places in Greece. The main attraction that you can’t miss at the Cape Sounion is the ancient temple of Poseidon. In the evening don’t miss out the sunsets that look mesmerising from the cliffs.
17. Voidokilia Island
Voidokilia Island is a really beautiful place in Greece. It has a beach shaped like a banana! The water at the Island is clear and the sand is soft. You can find lots of different animals there, especially birds. It’s like a big adventure playground! You can walk around, explore caves, and see amazing views of the sea. If you want to see something amazing and have fun exploring, Voidokilia Island is the place to go!
18. Argolis
It is another historic place to visit in Greece. When you reach Argolis just make sure to visit Mycenae which was one of the most important cities in Greek civilization. As of now you can still visit the ruins and learn more about its history if you are a history buff. Also visit the Lion Gate, the tomb of the Aegisthus and the Treasury of Atreus in the Argolis.
19. Tsilivi Islands
Tsilivi is a town with beautiful beaches and coastal villages. For an exciting vacation, it is one of the top places to visit in Greece. Most of the places in Greece are rich in history and culture but Tsilvi is something different. Along with historical sites, you can enjoy the amusement parks, water sports, beach games, and mini gold at the Island. The best time to visit Tsilivi Island is from June to September. There are a few things that you can’t miss on the Tsilivi Islands: A boat ride to nearby islands, Beach tours, surfing, parasailing, and sunbathing.
20. Kalamata
Anybody who is fond of watching plays at the theatres and arts should visit Kalamata, which is the capital city of Messinia. The main attraction that draws visitors to the Kalamata is Castle of Isabeau. You can also visit several museums in the city during your visit. It is last place in our list of the best places to visit in Greece but not least. Kalamata is a lively city with charming old vibes and a rich historical past. So make sure to take your time exploring this beautiful city.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q. What is the nicest part of Greece to visit?
A. Greece is a nation with diverse landscapes, rich history, and beautiful coastlines. It is difficult to pinpoint one part of Greece as the ‘nicest.’ It depends on the individual’s preferences and interests. However, you can check the 20 best places to visit in Greece in the article.
Q. What is the nicest Greek island to visit?
A. Santorini is considered one of the nicest Greek Islands to visit in 2024.
Q. Is Greece cheap for tourism?
A. If you travel in the peak months of travelling, then Greece can put a strain on your budget. Nevertheless, in general, Greece is considered a budget-friendly country.
Q. What is the best time of year to visit Greece?
A. The best time to visit Greece is the late spring (May) and fall (Sept-Oct).