Greece (the Hellenic Republic) is a small country teeming with tourist destinations and activities loved by travelers. Some top things to do in Greece are:
- Visiting ancient sites, such as the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi, and Delos
- Touring old churches and monasteries, such as those of Meteora and Mount Athos
- Doing island hopping in the Cyclades (Santorini and Mykonos) and the Sporades (Skiathos and Skopelos)
- And sunbathing on beaches of Zakynthos (Navagio), Corfu, and Sithonia
This short list, however, is just a cherry atop a cake. And there is much else you can do during your trip to the Hellenic Republic in terms of sightseeing and enjoying yourself. So, let's get to it and see where exactly you need to go and why to make your trip to Greece memorable.
Table of Contents
1. Visit the Acropolis of Athens for an Ancient Greece Tour
The Acropolis of Athens is the top attraction of the Greek capital. Assuming the top of a limestone hill, it boasts some of the greatest remains of ancient Greece. Besides, the archaeological site overlooks the city, surrounding mountains, and the Aegean Sea.
While there, explore:
- Parthenon, a Doric temple and the Acropolis's principal landmark
- Erechtheion, an Ionian temple famous for Caryatides—female statues supporting the porch
- The remnants of Propylaea—a monumental entrance to the sacred hill
- And the Ionian Temple of Athena Nike—a small ancient structure made of Pendeli marble
While you are about it, relish the views from this vantage point. And some Athens top tourist points of interest (POIs) you'll recognize are:
- Ancient Agora, the downtown of the old city and the birthplace of democracy
- Theater of Dionysus, the first theater in history
- Remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
- The Hellenic Parliament and National Garden next to Syntagma Square
- And Panathenaic Stadium made entirely of marble
2. Explore Sky Soaring Meteora Monasteries in Thessaly
UNESCO-designated Meteora is another top attraction you shouldn't miss during your trip to Greece. The site consists of six Orthodox monasteries that overlook the nearby settlements, a valley, and mountains from the tops of sandstone rocks of different heights. So, if you ever wanted to feel like you are floating in the air, go to Meteora in the Thessaly region.
In the past, there were dozens of working monasteries. And today, only Grand Meteoron, Varlaam, Holy Trinity, Saint Stephen, Rousanou, and Nicholaos Anapafsas remain. Except for Saint Stephen, you'll need to put some effort into getting to others, which involves climbing up and down.
When you enter a property, observe colorful frescoes, artifacts, and beautiful gardens. And remember to draw your breath once in a while as you survey varied landscapes.
You shouldn't need more than 15 minutes to get from Kalambaka and Kastraki—the settlements at the base of the rocks—to Meteora monasteries by car. In that regard, parking lots are available near each. Lastly, monasteries aren't far from one another, so consider strolling to relish the scenery in full.
3. Walk Old Corfu Town Cobbled Streets, Squares, and Alleys
Corfu Town, the capital of the namesake Ionian island, is a port of call for cruise ships. And its Old Town center is among the main reasons for that.
The historic district boasts cobbled streets and alleys winding in various directions. As a result, you might find getting out a challenge once you wander in. However, you won't mind since you'll have a great time strolling lanes packed with fashion and souvenir stores, bars, taverns, and art galleries.
Moreover, you get to appreciate eclectic architecture from the times when the Venetians, French, and British ruled the island. Along the way, don't miss:
- Liston, a pedestrian street with colonnades next to Spianada, the town's largest square
- Theater (Dimiarchiou) Square, boasting a few eye-pleasing structures and a lot of greenery
- And Saint Spyridon Church, whose Venetian-style tower with the red dome is among the city's dominating landmarks
4. Explore Ancient Remains of Delphi in a Mountain Setting
Visiting Delphi, one of the best ancient Greek archaeological sites, is also among the top things to do in Greece. In the past, the place was an advanced settlement where Delphi Oracle resided. Moreover, the site occupies the hillside of Mount Parnassus, one of the country's most beautiful landscapes.
Some key Delfi attractions are:
- The Sacred Way, taking visitors from the gateway to the Temple of Apollo
- The remains of the circular Athena Pronaia Temple, featuring three standing Doric columns
- Several fluted pillars of different heights marking the place where Apollo's Temple once stood
- Athenian Treasury, built to house the city's votive offerings to the oracle
- The Theater and the Stadion where the Pythian Games took place
- Delphi Archaeological Museum, showcasing one of the leading ancient Greek art collections in the world.
5. Enjoy Beach Hopping on Sithonia Peninsula, Halkidiki
Next, go to Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki to spend your holiday on heavenly beaches. Located in the north Aegean Sea between Kassandra and Mount Athos, Sithonia abounds with organized and secluded beaches. And there are so many of them that you'd need months to check them all out.
North Sithonia is your ideal holiday destination if you fancy sandy and pebble beaches in a lush environment. In case you prefer sunbathing and swimming in coves edged by barren hills, you are looking for South Sithonia. And for good measure, delight yourself with emerald waters in the north and turquoise in the south.
In addition, let's mention some of Sithonia's top-rated beaches:
- Northeast: Karidi, Fava, Bahia, Megaportokali, and Sarti
- Northwest: Kalogria, Lagomandra, Elia, and Spaties
- Southeast: Sykia, Kriaritsi, Mamba, and Klimataria
- Southwest: Tristinika, Destenika, Porto Carras, and Porto Koufo
6. Navagio, Zakynthos—Swim and Sunbath on Shipwreck Beach
When speaking of Greek beaches, one, in particular, comes to mind. And that would be Navagio Beach on Zakynthos Island in the Ionian Sea. If you ask why, that is one of the world's most photographed beaches, for starters.
Also, you probably know Navagio as Shipwreck Beach because of a stranded derelict smuggler ship. And it is accessible only from the sea unless you are a big fan of parachuting or rock scaling. Either way, you'll have a great time taking photos by the vessel and swimming in deep, turquoise waters.
If you don't have your yacht, take a taxi boat. Those operate from Cape Skinari—the island's northernmost point—to Navagio Beach regularly in summer.
But you should be aware of one thing!!!
Waves from the open sea grow rough sometimes. Thus, you better postpone your excursion to Shipwreck Beach and Zakynthos's west coast if this is the case.
7. Island Hop the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, etc.)
The Cyclades archipelago, consisting of approximately 220 islands, is an island hopper's paradise. Located southeast of Athens and east of the Peloponnese, it boasts scenic islands with attractive beaches. Moreover, recognizable white houses with blue domes you've seen in postcards are from this group of islands.
Unlike their architecture, each Cycladic island has a unique character. And some of the largest and the most famous ones are:
- Santorini—a nature's masterpiece roughly resembling a half-moon Besides, you'll love its red-, white-, and black-sand and pebble beaches
- Mykonos—the party capital of the Aegean Sea, with beaches for every taste.
- Delos—one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, on par with Athens' Acropolis and Delphi.
- Naxos—boasting the highest peak of the archipelago and a few Venetian fortresses.
- Ios, whose Marangari Beach was featured in the "Le Grand Bleu" (The Big Blue) movie from 1988 with Jean Reno.
8. Watch Sunsets From Oia Village on Santorini Island
If you are in a romantic mood, one place in the Cyclades stands out. And that would be Oia Village, located in the northwestern corner of Santorini.
There are two spots travelers gather at for this occasion. These are Old Oia Castle, perched atop a cliff, and the Sunset Windmill. It goes without saying that you'd hardly be alone at these places.
But, all is not lost.
For a romantic sunset experience in two, go to the hill behind the village. It is your best chance to have these enchanting moments only for yourselves.
But, if this proves to be impossible, there are other places you could check out. And those are Akrotiri Lighthouse, Ammoudi Bay, Imerovigli, and stairs connecting Fira (Thera) and Scala.
9. Get Through the Corinth Canal on a Cruiser, Boat, or Yacht
So, there are many rewarding activities to enjoy on both sides of the Greek mainland. And you can shorten the time to get from one to another. Take a shortcut via the Corinth Canal near Athens and enjoy a unique experience while sailing between the Ionian and Aegean seas.
The human-made canal is around 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) long, separating Peloponnese from Attica and North Greece. Furthermore, it is between 69 and 82 feet (21 and 25 meters) wide and 26 feet (8 meters) deep. Finally, the cliffs rising from the canal's sides are up to 79 meters high.
As you sail through the Corinth Canal, admire the contrast between emerald and turquoise waters and limestone walls. While doing so, keep your distance between your catamaran or yacht and other vessels, especially cruisers.
However, if you prefer to stick to a private boat, check out the Crossing the Corinth Canal article. As for the related fees, take a look at the official price list (you are most likely in the ST category).
Also, consider anchoring your boat in Posidonia, on the canal's northwestern end, or Isthmia, on the southeastern. Then, go to the nearest bridge and take a look at the waterway from above. If you wish to feel the surge of adrenaline while enjoying bungee jumping from the bridge, go to Isthmia.
10. Epidaurus—Check out the Ancient Theater’s Acoustics
Visiting UNESCO-listed Epidaurus is also one of the top things to do in Greece among foreign travelers. The hotspot of this archaeological site is its ancient theater, renowned for outstanding acoustics and preservation. In addition, you should tour the nearby museum exhibiting antique objects found in the old city.
Epidaurus Theater is still in use, despite its age. For example, if you had come to Epidaurus in August of 1960, you'd enjoy Maria Callas's performance. Moreover, Melina Mercouri, a famous Greek actress of her time, performed there.
And here's what you need to do to check the venue's acoustics!
Come with a friend and climb the top (55th) row, leaving them in the circular orchestra (stage). Once you get there, you should hear what your companion whispers. So, be careful about what you are saying while around.
Besides, the remains of Tholos and the Sanctuary of Asklepios—the god of medicine—are some other on-site remains. Yet, not much has left of them.
Top Things to Do in Greece Conclusion
In conclusion, Greece is a southeast European country brimming with engaging activities. Thus, let's summarize what we have pointed out so far:
- First, we mentioned places where you can trace the nation's past, whose influences shape the present
- Second, we revealed scenic beaches and landscapes
- Furthermore, we specified where you should go to enjoy scenic views with your mouth wide open
- And where you wouldn't mind getting lost if shopping is your passion, among everything else
But that's it only for the moment. Thus, check back to learn what other top things you can do on your trip to Greece now and then. Among others attractions, we'll cover:
- Skiathos Island, where Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan filmed Mamma Mia (2008)
- Myrtos on Kefalonia, Porto Katsiki on Lefkada, and other exceptional Ionian Sea beaches
- Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games
- Attractions of Thessaloniki, the second major Greek city
Finally, feel free to send us a message if you need travel consulting.
