While writing the article, I ran into a minor problem. Namely, there are so many wonderful sights in Greece that listing the most beautiful places could almost be endless. And of course the wonderful beaches! So, please don’t be upset if I „only” introduce this many locations! 🙂
It borders Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north and Turkey to the east. The eastern and southern coasts of mainland Greece are washed by the Aegean Sea, while the western coast is washed by the Ionian Sea. Both are part of the Eastern Mediterranean basin, which is home to a number of islands.
Table of Contents
Best places in Greece
The western coastlines of Crete
Although there are separate articles about Crete, I would still highlight these since two coastlines are a must-see!
One is Balos beach on the Gramvousa peninsula, which is best accessed by boat. Upon arriving in the lagoon, a magnificent view greets us, and it becomes even more beautiful as we walk up the hillside.
The other is Elafonissi beach, famous for its stunning pink sand, which comes from local coral and shell debris. In the lagoon, you can walk in the turquoise waters in several places, making it a perfect beach for families.
I would quietly note that the rest of Crete is also worth exploring!
Athens
The capital and largest city of Greece, Athens is one of the world’s oldest settlements, with a history spanning more than 3000 years.
Its most famous landmark is the Acropolis, which towers over the city, and includes world-famous buildings such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. These buildings represent the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The city is also overlooked by Lycabettus Hill, which offers an excellent view. According to legend, it was here that the goddess Athena dropped a giant rock.
The Acropolis of Athens – The peak of Ancient Greek art
Santorini
The island needs no introduction. For many, this romantic place is a bucket-list destination.
The cliffside towns of Fira and Oia appear in countless pictures. The whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches are also hallmark features of Santorini.
Aitoliko
Often referred to as the „Venetian Sea”, it is located on a small island connected to the mainland by artificial dams.
Its unique charm partly comes from its unique location, as a city built in the middle of the sea, with canals and bridges crisscrossing its streets. On the island, we find Byzantine churches and traditional Greek houses, which have well-preserved their distinctive Mediterranean style over the years.
Zakynthos
Among the many wonderful Greek islands, it is one of the most visited, especially by Hungarians.
Due to its natural beauty and picturesque capital, the Venetians (after Homer) called it the Flower of the East. The island has a lively nightlife during the peak season.
One of its famous attractions is Navagio Bay. It hides an abandoned shipwreck on a white sandy beach, surrounded by towering cliffs, and is only accessible by sea.
The island is a favorite nesting place for Caretta caretta sea turtles, especially in Laganas Bay. It’s an incredible sight when thousands of little turtles hatch and head towards the sea.
Zakynthos attractions, beaches
Meteora
Everyone has heard and seen pictures of the monasteries on the rocks. These rocks are 100-150 meters high.
There are twenty-four Byzantine monasteries on Meteora, each over 600 years old – the area has thus become a famous pilgrimage site. Of these, only five are actually used by monks today.
Although the road up has been well developed, those who want to enter the buildings can expect a tough climb. But the view and experience are well worth it!
Skiathos
If I have to choose one more island, it would be Skiathos, located in the Aegean Sea, close to the mainland.
Skiathos Town, the island’s capital and port, with its quaint narrow streets and traditional whitewashed houses, truly radiates a Greek feeling. Moreover, it is famous for its long, sandy beaches, among which Koukounaries is the most well-known. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
The neighboring Skopelos was the filming location for the world-famous Mamma Mia! movie. The „green and blue island” nickname refers to the fact that both its vegetation and coastline are among the most beautiful.
Nafplio
It was the first capital of Greece after the Greek War of Independence from 1829 to 1834. Its labyrinthine old town streets, neoclassical buildings, narrow alleys, and fortresses make it one of the most beautiful places.
The Palamidi Fortress, built during the Venetian rule in the 18th century, towers over the city and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding sea. To reach the terraced fortress, you must climb more than 999 steps (though you can also get up by car).
There are many other attractions around Nafplio, such as the ancient sites of Tiryns and Mycenae, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the ancient theater of Epidaurus, famous for its excellent acoustics and live performances in the summer.
Thessaloniki
Greece’s second-largest city, it is considered the cultural and economic center of the country on the northern coast of the Aegean Sea.
It has a rich historical past, stretching from ancient Greeks to Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, and the legacies of these cultures are still visible in the city today.
The Byzantine heritage is particularly strong, with several significant Byzantine churches found here. The most famous is the Basilica of Saint Demetrius, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Mycenae
An ancient city located in the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula played a significant role in the development of Greek civilization and the Bronze Age culture from around 1600 to 1100 BC.
The site is most known as the home of the heroes of the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, especially King Agamemnon, the legendary leader of the Trojan War.
As the center of Mycenaean civilization, it is famous for its impressive architectural remains, including the Lion Gate, the tombs of the Kings, such as the Tomb of Agamemnon. The Lion Gate marks the main entrance to the city and is one of the oldest surviving works of sculpture in European art.
Parga
A small town located on the northwest coast of Greece by the Ionian Sea. It has become increasingly popular as a holiday destination in recent times.
The ruins of Parga Castle, towering over the town, offer stunning views of the city, surrounding islands, and the sea.
Most tourists come for the beaches. Valtos is one of the longest beaches, popular for its clean water and proximity to the town. Kastro Point nearby is famous among surfers for its excellent surfing conditions.
Vikos Gorge
According to the Guinness World Records, it is one of the deepest gorges in the world in relation to its width.
Its depth reaches up to 1000 meters, while at some points, its width is no more than 1100 meters. It was formed by the Vikos stream, which carved the gorge between the limestone and dolomite rocks over millennia.
It can be traversed on foot, but this is a challenging hike that takes 5-7 hours.
Patras
Greece’s third-largest city, located on the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula, by the Patraikos Gulf.
Among its attractions are the Turkish-era fortress towering over the city and the magnificent Saint Andrew’s Cathedral. Another landmark is the monumental bridge built in 2004, connecting Peloponnese with Central Greece, which arches over the Gulf of Corinth near the city.
Patras is famous for its carnival, which is one of the largest and most spectacular events in the country, featuring colorful parades, masquerade balls, and fireworks.
Delphi
One of the most important religious centers of ancient Greece, founded on the slopes of Mount Parnassos at about 700 meters above sea level.
Delphi was famous for the Oracle of Apollo, where the priestess Pythia conveyed the god’s prophecies to those who sought advice. The prophecies were often enigmatic and ambiguous, greatly influencing the political and personal decisions of the ancient Greeks and surrounding peoples.
It is not only famous for its religious and cultural significance but also for its beautiful natural environment. The site is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its unique historical and cultural value.
Kalamata
A city located on the southern part of the Peloponnese peninsula, by the Messenian Gulf, is famous for its olives and beautiful beaches.
Its history dates back to ancient times. It preserves numerous historical remnants, including the ruins of a 13th-century Crusader castle that towers over the city. The Cathedral of the Holy Apostles is one of the most important religious buildings.
In terms of gastronomy, it is notable for its extra virgin olive oil, local cheeses, and fresh seafood. There are many taverns to choose from where these delicacies can be sampled.
Nearby is the Taygetos mountain range, offering excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. Among the beaches, the most well-known is Kalamata Beach, known for its crystal-clear water and pebbly-sandy shores.
Monemvasia
And finally, we have a lesser-known yet stunningly beautiful small town!
This medieval fortress town is located on the Peloponnese peninsula. The town is built on a small rock island emerging from the sea, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. This is where its name comes from, meaning „single entrance” in Greek. It is often referred to as „the Greek Gibraltar„.
Throughout its rich history, Monemvasia has been home to many conquerors, from the Byzantines to the Venetians and the Ottomans. All these cultures have left their mark on the town’s appearance, architecture, and culture.
It consists of two parts: the Lower Town, which stretches along the seaside, and the Citadel or Upper Town, located on top of the rock island. The Lower Town’s narrow, winding streets and traditional stone houses typically evoke the Middle Ages. The Citadel offers a magnificent view and houses a significant Byzantine monument, the Hagia Sophia church.
