19+ most famous & best places to visit in Greece

How well do you know about the land of myths? Visit famous Greek tourist destinations to enrich your knowledge and experience book with 19+ most famous & best places to visit in Greece below!

Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, welcoming millions of visitors from all over the world to enjoy the perfect vacation. With a country as large and diverse as Greece, it is important to learn about its history, culture, top attractions, or the most beautiful beaches before your trip.

Whether your first impression of Greece is the sparkling Mediterranean Sea or the steadfast Acropolis, you will realize that you are in a special place. Hopefully, Klook’s Greece travel guide will help you prepare well for your trip and make it an authentic and meaningful experience.

What Do You Know About Greek Tourism?

Located in southeastern Europe with thousands of islands across the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece is a land of sunshine, whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, delicious food and a laid-back lifestyle.

Few countries have a history as fascinating as Greece, considered the cradle of Western civilization. Greece is home to some of the world’s greatest ancient monuments. From the Parthenon to the peaks of Olympus, the spirit of the ancient Greeks is evident in its mythical landscapes and countless archaeological sites. Modern Greece, meanwhile, offers a more free-spirited, freer palette: bright light, wide horizons and the thrill of eating fresh seafood on sand-strewn tables.

Come to Greece to admire ancient ruins bleached by time, enjoy endless beaches, a vibrant culture with passionate music, great cuisine and impressive nature exploration activities.

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Greece?

Greece is one of 26 European countries included in the Schengen agreement, which regulates freedom of movement between member countries. Therefore, to travel to Greece as well as the remaining countries in the Schengen area, you need a Schengen visa.

Normally, 90 days is the maximum period that allows you to travel within Greece and freely travel to other Schengen countries.

The processing time for a Greek visa is from 7 to 15 days. However, the time may be longer if you apply during peak months, or your application requires additional documents, or even an interview. Therefore, you need to submit your Greek visa application at least 15 working days in advance and within 90 days before your intended departure date to have enough time for review.

According to Klook experience, to increase the chances of a successful Greek visa application, you need to determine the purpose of your trip, the duration of your stay, and choose the most suitable visa type to fully prepare the appropriate documents. If you are invited for an interview, stay calm and answer the consular officer’s questions clearly.

What is the best season to travel to Greece?

Although summer in the Mediterranean never disappoints with its vibrant nightlife and beach parties, that is when Greece is packed with tourists, and everything becomes more expensive than usual. So, if you can’t stand crowds, avoid visiting Greece in the summer, July or August.

Instead, visit Greece in April, May, June or September. The weather is still pleasant during these months but there are not many crowds.

The Greek autumn from late September to November is also quite ideal for you to visit. It sometimes rains, but the sea is still warm after the scorching summer, and prices are cheaper than in the summer.

From December to March during the winter, you will find many places closed, especially in the resorts and on the islands. Rhodes and southeastern Crete are the warmest places to enjoy the winter sun.

Tips before you go

Whether you are planning to backpack on a budget or want to be a luxury traveler, hopefully you will find a little useful information for your next trip to Greece.

Means of transport when traveling to Greece on your own

Up to now, there are about 25 airlines operating flights from Vietnam to Greece, but unfortunately there are no direct flights, but you have to transit at one or two points. Some airlines such as: Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Scoot, etc. all have flights to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in the capital Athens with a flight time of 15 hours or more.

You can depart from one of the three major international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) and Da Nang (Da Nang).

Once you set foot in Greece, you can comfortably travel around the country thanks to the excellent ferry system, buses, metro, and domestic flights. The railway system in Greece is not as well developed as other European countries; so in general, planes and ferries are still the most convenient forms of transportation.

Greece is charming thanks to its slow pace of life and no one seems to be in a hurry, so you should try using the ferry to travel like a true Greek!

Necessary utilities when traveling to Greece on your own

Don’t let the interesting stories about the mythical land pass by without being shared immediately with your friends and relatives. Prepare a 4G SIM card or 4G Wi-Fi transmitter to stay connected anytime, anywhere! These utilities will help you save a lot of international roaming costs.

Book a hotel room when traveling to Greece on your own

The cost of accommodation, eating in Greece will vary greatly depending on the time, the type of accommodation you choose, as well as the area you visit. In general, the price of hotel rooms or resorts in Greece is not very pleasant, so you need to budget a fair amount if you want to choose a mid-range or higher-end accommodation.

However, there are still many other forms of accommodation such as: guesthouses, hostels, or campsites. Recently, most of the accommodations have been renovated, upgraded and provided with high-quality modern facilities to welcome visitors.

Whether you want a budget accommodation, a fully-furnished apartment, or a luxury resort for more privacy, visit Klook’s booking system, Agoda, Booking and apply the exclusive discount code to help you save more.

Popular Greek Tourist Destinations (#best places to visit in Greece)

Greece is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization. With its blend of natural beauty and inspiring history, delicious cuisine and friendly people, Greece is definitely one of the top destinations to visit.

With over 60 inhabited islands, historical sites that have lasted for four millennia, idyllic beaches and towering mountains, it can take a lot of time for you to see and experience all of Greece. However, Klook has selected 10 of the most attractive places for you to prioritize in your Greece travel itinerary.

Acropolis

The capital city of Athens is filled with Greek culture and breathtaking ancient ruins. And a trip to Greece would not be complete without visiting the structures at the Acropolis in Athens, most notably the Parthenon.

The Parthenon is a temple built to worship the goddess Athena. This is the most famous surviving structure of ancient Greece, and is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Besides the Parthenon, you will find a series of other great monuments in the Acropolis heritage such as: Propylaia gate, Erechtheion temple, Athena Nike temple, Dionysos theater, Eumen arch, etc. Most of these structures were built during the golden age of Greece in the 5th century BC, so they are of great significance in terms of archeology and architecture.

The Acropolis now serves as a museum and attracts countless tourists to experience the glorious past of this great country.

Santorini Island (#best places to visit in Greece)

Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades archipelago of the Aegean Sea, about 200km southeast of the mainland. No pen can describe the beauty of Santorini, Greece’s “island of angels,” with its unique continental shelf architecture blending white walls and blue domes, stunning sunsets, and its own volcano.

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is home to bustling white cobblestone streets lined with shops, taverns, hotels, and cafes perched precariously on the edge of a 400m-high cliff.

Halkidiki Peninsula

Just south of the city of Thessaloniki lies the hidden gem of Greece, Halkidiki Peninsula.

Halkidiki is home to some of the longest stretches of sand in northern Greece, offering the perfect blend of modern luxury and tradition. There are golden beaches on the Sithonia cape, luxury resorts and restaurants in Kassandra, and finally the mysterious Mount Athos.

The Halkidiki Peninsula is divided into three headlands jutting out into the Aegean Sea, which combine to create the perfect getaway.

Mystras Town

Located very close to the legendary ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, Mystras is a fortified town in the Peloponnesus region. It was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire and flourished during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Mystras is built on a hillside, with medieval ruins on the grounds of the abandoned city-state.

A great way to spend time in Mystras is to follow the walking trails that lead to small chapels, through the woods and up to the top of the hill for breathtaking views.

Lindos Village

Lindos is a beautiful medieval village on the island of Rhodes. From the village center, it is just a short walk to Lindos Beach and St. Paul’s Bay.

The village is characterized by whitewashed houses with cobblestone courtyards, charmingly decorated with blue doors and pink bougainvillea, which are located halfway up the mountain slopes. Here, you will find a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

On top of the Lindos Acropolis are the ruins of the temple of Athena Lindia and several structures that date back to the 4th century BC.

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus, home of Zeus, is located between Athens and Thessaloniki. Standing at an impressive 2,918m, the mountain is a top summer destination.

There are three hiking trails to its summit, although most people take the Priona trail. The view from the top is breathtaking and well worth the effort to get there.

You don’t need any special equipment to hike, just comfortable clothes, hiking shoes and a passion for adventure.

Myrtos Beach

Located in the northwest of the Kefalonia Peninsula, in the Ionian Sea, Myrtos Beach is famous worldwide for its magical blue water that contrasts sharply with the bright white of its diamond-like pebbles. The crescent-shaped beach curves around the foot of two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros, creating a landscape that is both majestic and poetic.

For 12 consecutive times, Myrtos has been named the most beautiful beach in Greece, and is definitely one of the must-see attractions when visiting Greece.

Delphi Archaeological Site

Delphi is an archaeological site and is now a town in the Phocis region. It was once a religious center and a symbol of the unity of the ancient Greek world.

It is home to the ancient Delphi theater built in the 4th century, which could seat 5,000 spectators in 35 rows of circular seats. Dramas and musical events were staged here with a magnificent view of the entire sanctuary and the valley beyond.

Metéora Monastery Complex

Located near the Pineios River in the Pindus Mountains, Metéora is another fascinating group of Greek Orthodox monasteries. The complex consists of 6 monasteries standing on the natural sandstone pillars of the mountain.

The construction of these monasteries began in the 14th century. They were home to some very upright hermit monks and were inaccessible to ordinary people throughout history. Today Metéora is one of the tourist attractions that attracts visitors to watch the magnificent sunset from the mountain.

Archaeological Site of Olympia

Archaia Olympia is a small town in Elis, Peloponnese, famous for the nearby archaeological site of the same name. Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympic Games for 1,000 years, and still retains the remains of sculptures, temples to Zeus and Hera. You can still see the stadium and training grounds of ancient Olympic athletes here.

Along with the archaeological site and the Valley of the Gods, Olympia also has a number of hiking and mountain biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Destinations of Crete, Greece

Rounded by more than 1,000km of coastline, with stunning beaches, and surrounded by mountains over 2,400m high, Crete is unlike any other Greek island. It is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. You can take exciting excursions on an island rich in history, mystery and natural beauty.

Knossos Palace

The Palace of Knossos was built between 1700 and 1400 BC, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of Crete, Europe’s oldest city.

Boasting over 1,200 rooms as well as a vast courtyard, the palace was unfortunately destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake but has since been rebuilt.

Today, the Palace of Knossos lies in ruins and abandoned, but archaeological work continues quietly, making it a fascinating site for those seeking the story of Crete.

Samariá Gorge

Located in the southwest of Crete and boasting an impressive 16km length, the Samariá Gorge is known as the longest gorge in Europe, attracting hundreds of people to explore every day.

The Samariá Gorge is part of the Greek National Park, part of the world biosphere reserve. A hike through the gorge typically lasts between 4 and 7 hours, passing through ancient cypress and pine forests, then cutting through vertical cliffs through the mountains to reach the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan sea.

Chania City

The city of Chania is a must-see for anyone visiting Crete. Located on the northwest coast of Greece, it is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, offering great “virtual living” opportunities.

The narrow, winding streets and waterfront restaurants create a quaint, romantic setting. There are also plenty of souvenir shops and an archaeological museum to give you an insight into Crete’s fascinating culture and history.

Lake Kournas

Located east of Chania, Lake Kournas is the island’s only freshwater lake. It’s the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll and enjoy Crete’s stunning sunsets.

Take a dip in the cool blue waters and relax on a sun lounger for some peace and quiet. For those who are more active, try water sports. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent a pedal boat to explore the lake yourself.

Balos Beach

If you’re visiting Crete in the summer, you definitely can’t miss Balos Beach, a gem of a place! Balos Beach is located in the northwest of Crete, formed between Cape Tigani and the rocky island of Gramvousa. Here, the magical water with shades from light blue to deep blue, sometimes turning into emerald green, stands out against the rare natural white-pink sand. In addition, Elafonisi Beach is also home to a similar pink sand beach on Crete.

Mykonos Tourist places to visit

Mykonos is considered one of the most dynamic islands in Greece with its small villages, picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Besides soaking your feet on the beach and showing off your tan at a bar at night, you may want to get the full Mykonos experience by stopping by some of the island’s most charming landmarks and streets.

Windmills

The windmills are the quintessential Mykonos landscape. Most of the windmills in Mykonos are located in Chora, the capital of the island, and around the Alevkantra area. The white color and the characteristic shape of the windmills add an interesting touch to the Cycladic architecture of Mykonos. Most of them are hundreds of years old, reminding people of Mykonos’ rich past. In total, there are 16 such windmills in operation.

Matogianni Street

Matogianni Street is located in Chora and is one of the most vibrant tourist areas on the island of Mykonos. The entire area is lined with hundreds of souvenir and branded shops, and in the summer they are open until midnight. In addition to the shops, Matogianni also has a number of restaurants, clubs and bars, offering culinary options to suit everyone’s taste, and the lively entertainment atmosphere that is typical of a tourist area.

Little Venice

Little Venice is one of the most romantic places in Mykonos. This neighborhood is filled with elegant and splendid old houses perched precariously on the edge of the Aegean Sea, which has captured the hearts of countless visitors who have admired its charming beauty.

The nonchalant atmosphere that pervades Little Venice at sunset can easily captivate even the most stony souls. You can sit and sip for hours with your best friends, watching the ships sailing alone on the distant horizon.

Armenistis Lighthouse

Built in 1891, Armenistis Lighthouse is a wonderful example of Mykonos’ rich maritime history. Located in the Fanari area, about 6.5km from Chora, Armenistis Lighthouse is a seaside tourist attraction that offers great views of the surrounding areas of Mykonos.

The 19m high octagonal lighthouse, now abandoned, is still a tourist attraction on the island, as its location offers a unique view and impressive photo opportunities.

Panagia Paraportiani Church

If you ask the people of Mykonos, they will tell you that their island has 365 churches. However, the Panagia Paraportiani Church is the most beautiful and famous building in Mykonos. Located in the center of Chora, the Paraportiani Church was started in 1425 and took 2 centuries to complete. What is special is that it consists of 5 churches located close to each other, 4 of which are located below and 1 above. From its main entrance, you will have a spectacular view of the Mediterranean. You should visit here at sunset, when the changing light makes the structure especially spectacular.

Checking out Klook’s list of the best places to visit in Greece can be a good starting point to help you plan the perfect itinerary for your trip. But no matter what you want to experience, you’ll find plenty of fun and great memories in the land of sunshine. Are you ready to hit the road to conquer the most popular tourist destinations in Greece?

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Santorini you can refer to

• Santorini Traditional Bus Tour with Oia Sunset
• Santorini Volcanic Islands and Sunset Cruise Trip with Dinner
• Santorini Cruise with Winery Tour and Sunset in Oia Village
• Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs, and Thirassia Island One Day Cruise Tour with Oia Sunset
• Santorini Volcanic Islands and Sunset Cruise Trip
• Santorini Wine Tasting Sunset Tour
• Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Boat Tour
• Santorini Caldera Catamaran Blue Cruise
• Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
• Santorini: Premium Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks
• Santorini: Greek Wine Tasting Experience with 3 Winery Visits & Transfer
• Santorini: Luxury Small Group Catamaran w/ Meal & Open Bar
• Santorini: Greek Wine Tasting Experience with 3 Winery Visits & Transfer
• Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset
• Santorini: Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting & Sunset in Oia
• Santorini: Volcano and Thirassia Sunset Dinner Cruise
• Santorini: All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran Small Group Cruise
• Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Open Bar

Are you looking for more Santorini travel guide and top things to do in Santorini: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: 1 day in Santorini — How to spend 24 hours in Santorini in a day perfectly? And A day in Santorini blog — How to spend one perfect day in Santorini?