Greece is a lovely place in Europe known for its fascinating history. There are countless places here that you have to see. The ancient archaeological sites, the sandy beaches, and the balmy Mediterranean climate make Greece one of Europe’s most sought after tourist destinations. It is not just its capital Athens that is a tourist spot. People who visit Greece catch a ferry to visit the islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, to name a few.
Best Places To Visit In Greece
Besides the capital, Athens, top things to see on the mainland include Ancient Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora. But most people come here to catch a ferry to the islands; Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, and Crete are the most popular.
1. Acropolis, Athens
The Acropolis is considered to be the symbol of not only Greece and Athens but also the western civilization. The tourist attraction is a mound which houses three wonderful temples which date back to the 5th century BC and is in the heart of modern day Athens. It has a two and a half kilometer long walkway which connects the foot of the Acropolis to the other ancient attractions of the city which include the Roman Forum, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Kerameikos. The walkway is called the Archaeological Promenade. It also has the Parthenon which has a total of 58 columns These columns are decorated with ornate pediments and support a roof.
2. Acropolis Museum, Athens
The Acropolis Museum was opened in 2009 and is a tourist magnet in Athens. It was beautifully designed with a modern glass and steel structure providing for comfortable and airy placing of the artifacts by Bernard Tschumi, a Swiss architect. One can find ancient artifacts of Acropolis here. Some of the things here are a must see including Moschophoros from the 6th century BC, the Caryatids and the Parthenon marbles which are highly controversial. The former is a statue of a young man who on his shoulder carries a calf.
3. Santorini
Santorini which houses the famous Fira and Oia cliff top towns is considered to be the most dramatic island of Greece. These beautiful towns overlook the sea, in the west coast. The towns have a lot of boutique hotels with infinity pools and are a real attraction for couples’ weekend getaways, honeymoons and weddings. Some of the things to in these romantic destinations are sunbathing, and swimming at the beautiful and volcanic sand beaches located in the east coast and south coast. It also houses the Akrotiri which is the site housing the Ancient Minoan settlement. The settlement is buried under lava from a volcano that occurred about 3,600 years ago. One can find travel by catamarans and ferries here from the port of Athens and the island also has an airport.
4. Mykonos
Mykonos, with its famous boutique hotels and the sophisticated and classy restaurants for sea food and the live music venues, is the most glamorous place for a visit in Greece. You have to see the popular tourist magnet Paraportiani, which is a church and the beautiful and sandy beaches along the south coast. You can reach it by both bus and taxi boats from the Mykonos town. The island is also a magnet for international celebrities. It also has its own airport. Mykonos is connected to Rafina and Piraeus, the port of Athena by ferries and catamarans.
5. Delphi
The main island of Greece has a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the Delphi. This is a site which was very sacred to the ancient civilization. It was built looking out to a magnificent ravine on the Mount Parnassus’s lower slopes. People used to come here to worship Apollo who is the god of prophecy, music, healing and light. They used to ask for advice from the oracle. The place is in ruins with many temples and stadiums that are from long back between the 8th century BC and 2nd century AD. Delphi which is 180 kilometers from Athens also has the Delphi Museum and Archaeological Museum. They display a spectacular set of finds from this historical site.
By now, you must be getting ready to book your flight, are you? Do comment on your trip when you return.e
Holy CRAP excuse my language but Greece is so breathtaking. I have a lot of placed I’d like to go, but I’d be another level of disappointed if I never got to see Santorini in person.
Santorini is always favourite place. Have to visit atleast once in lifetime.
Indeed it is breathtaking. In fact, a European tour is something you have to plan at least once in your life.