No matter what “unforgettable travel experience” means to you, you will find it in Greece. A traveler’s paradise, evolving through compositions and contrasts, turning your trip into valuable memories.
Below you will find my top 12 most important places and sites, which you should visit at least once.
12. The Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands represent an exceptional treasure of exquisite swimming coves and pristine beaches.
Where shall I begin? Navagio Beach, Voutoumi Beach, Myrtos Beach, Gidali Beach, or Porto Katsiki?
It is indeed quite challenging to select just one. The Ionian Islands are renowned for their exotic lush greenery and breathtaking emerald waters that will captivate you. Rest assured, you will be compelled to return for more.
11. Cape Sounio
The 444 BC Temple of Poseidon, located at the edge of Cape Sounion, is perhaps one of the best sites in all of Greece. I can assure you that a visit to the temple’s ruins at sunset will leave an indelible mark on your cherished memories. With its rich history, the temple served as one of the most significant strategic points for Athens during the Golden Age.
10. Monemvasia
Surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia occupies a strategically significant location. Its castle was constructed to be invisible from the mainland to avoid enemy attacks and is considered one of the oldest inhabited castle towns. The Acropolis of Monemvasia is a must-visit historical treasure of remarkable beauty. Strolling along the town’s walls, the Byzantine churches, and the narrow streets will feel like a trip back in time. Perhaps, with my own eyes, one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.
9. Delos Island
Regarded as the birthplace of the immortals. According to Greek mythology, the island is dedicated to the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. The whole island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, with ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. A visit to Delos offers an experience akin to traversing an open-air museum.
8. Vikos Gorge
Lies on the southern slopes of Mount Tymphe, with a length of about 32 km. Vikos Canyon is a miraculous creation of nature and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. Home to rare plants and flower species, more than a hundred bird species, and numerous rare butterflies, amphibians, and reptile species. Nature lover or not, do yourself a favour and add this place to your bucket list.
7. Olympia
Renowned as the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece nearly 3,000 years ago, Olympia is an unmissable place to visit if you are a history buff. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ancient Olympia was a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of Zeus. With impressive exhibits, magnificent temples, and athletic facilities where the ancient Olympic Games took place, it is enough to transport you back in time and give you a glimpse of the sanctuary’s former glory.
6. Knossos Palace
From the Bronze Age, Knossos is the largest archaeological site of the preserved Minoan palatial centers. Home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur, the palace is strongly connected to Greek mythology—namely, the tale of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, where Theseus killed the beast, and the story of Daedalus and Icarus. The Palace of Knossos dates back almost 4,000 years. From remarkable architecture with elegant wall paintings to sophisticated bathing pools, you will discover the lost civilization of the Minoans.
5. Sarakiniko
Located on Milos Island, Sarakiniko, with its moonlike landscape, is one of the most spectacular beaches you will find in all of Greece. An extraordinary combination of chalk-white rocks, smoothed and shaped by time, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach was formed as such due to fossil layering and volcanic eruptions that can be traced back to activity millions of years ago.
4. The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Considered one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece. This is the most significant monument of medieval history on the island of Rhodes. Erected as a Byzantine citadel in the late 7th century, it is considered perhaps the most well-preserved castle in Greece. The most interesting part—the historical museums of the Palace—will transport you to the island’s medieval history.
3. The Akrotiri Prehistoric City
The site of a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement on the volcanic island of Santorini, Akrotiri is considered one of the most important and impressive prehistoric settlements in the Aegean and the entire Mediterranean. Excavations that began in 1967 revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic Age (4500 BC). It is literally a time capsule that shines a light on Santorini’s past.
2. Meteora
An extraordinary combination of giant cliffs with a complex of monasteries built on top of them. Meteora has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is truly an exquisite place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Monasteries hanging on top of these giant rocks and the scenery will leave you truly speechless at first sight.
1. Last but not least, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum
The former temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was built in the mid-5th century BCE and is considered an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece. It stands proudly as a monument to democracy, wealth, and cultural preeminence. The Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009, offers exhibits that provide an awe-inspiring look into ancient Greece and the incredible achievements of its civilization.
Photo 1 by Janette Speyer on Unsplash
Photo 2 by Adrien Delforge on Unsplash
Photo 3 by Theo Topolevsky on Unsplash
