Greece is a popular summer holiday destination for a good reason. It’s location in the South of Europe ensures warm and sunny days. But not only that, there’s just so much rich history, stunning natural landcapes, great food and and vibrant culture.
Why visit Greece?
For history nerds especially, Greece is a treasure trove of exciting locations that allow you to dive deeper into history, look at archeological findings, sites and ancient ruins, and marvel at some of the world’s most famous landmarks and monuments, including the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
But besides man-made structures, nature has so many other gems in store for the curious traveller.
Not surprisingly, thanks to its extensive coastline, Greece is famous for its many sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and idyllic island landscapes in places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.
Foodies will find plenty of palate-pleasing dishes as well. The classics, of course, are moussaka, tzatziki, and souvlaki.
So, regardless whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, food or the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, sightseeing in Greece is always fun.
And you don’t have to do an all-inclusive trip or backpack your way through it. Especially as a solo traveller, you can take advantage of many tour packages that help you meet other people and get expert guidance on the best hotspots and local must sees around Greece.
Athens
Obviously, the capital of Greece is a must see in itself. There is just one temple next to one another. And did you know there are tons of cats?! I actually made a video dedicated to the stray cats of Athens (and it’s goofy).
Even if it’s the classic sight in Athen, the Acropolis is something you definitely should not skip. It is so worth it, especially for catching a sunset vibe and seeing the lights pop up all over town. The former temple complex resides on a hilltop and was once the centre of ancient Athens. Now, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason.
Next, we have the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage, Athena. And yes, the city was named after her.
If you want to learn more and see artifacts, step into one of Athens’s numerous museums and cultural institutions, for example the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum.
Athens is a great start for your Greek adventure! And if you visit during off season, it’s not too busy and you can enjoy seeing the sights with less of a crowd.
You can also take the ferry to nearby islands, such as Aegina, which you can see in these three photos.
Chania Town, Crete
Greek has many islands and Chania Town is a city located on one of these, namely on the island of Crete.
It is known for its well-preserved Old Town, a historic cente filled with narrow, winding streets, charming buildings and beautiful seaside views, making it a perfect spot of amazing holiday photos.
Fun fact: Did you know that you can book me as your go-to travel photographer wherever the wifi is? Through an app I can take remote photos with your own phone, which means hands-free and candid shots that make your holiday even more memorable.
Like Athens, Chania Town is famous for its rich cultural heritage and comes with a variety of museums and historical sites on it’s fascinating past.
In particular, check out the Venetian Harbor, which dates back to the 13th century, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Chania, which is dedicated to the history of the region spanning from prehistoric times to the Byzantine era.
Apokoronas, Crete
If you stay in Chania, you should head out to Apokoronas, a region located in the northwestern part of the, which stuns with its natural beauty around traditional villages.
Take a breather between hikes on pristine beaches, and then stop by historic sites, such as the medieval village of Vamos, the charming seaside village of Almyrida, and the beautiful beaches of Kalyves and Georgioupolis.
Rethymnon, Crete
Another day trip around Crete should be to the town Rethymnon. Its key feature a historic Old Town.
You can learn more about its history and the preserved buildings at the local museums and historical sites. A few that I want to mention are the Fortezza, a 16th-century Venetian fortress, and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon, which looks at the history of the region between prehistoric times and the Ottoman era.
Hersonissos, Crete
Another Crete island town is Hersonissos. It’s more on the touristy side due to the sandy beaches and Beach Water Park, a popular destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Perfect for hot summer days!
Hersonissos is also sought out for its nightlife and as a result features a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer a lively atmosphere, especially during high season in the summer months.
The Greek town also makes for a great base if you want to explore the surrounding area, like the ancient ruins of Knossos and the city of Heraklion, which are both located nearby.
Santorini
One of the most instagrammable and, at this point, cliché must sees in Greece is Santorini. You know, the place with all the white buildings and blue roofs overlooking the azure waters below.
Santorini is a beautiful Greek island located in the Aegean Sea and can be visited on a day trip or be a nice base for more Aegean island hopping.
Besides the architecture, it’s known for unique volcanic landscapes and dramatic cliffs, on which villages, such as Oia and Imerovigli, rest. You gotta take in those sweeping views over the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Here too, you can also enjoy Greek culture and history as there are different ancient sites and museums, including the ancient city of Akrotiri, which dates back to the Bronze Age. Next, there’s the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, which dives deeper into the island’s history and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up nature, you can make your trips easier by booking a multi-day Europe tour Package that leads you to various hotspots around the area and has something to offer for every travel taste.
Mykonos Town
Another Greek island worth visiting is Mykonos Town on the island of Mykonos in Greece.
This spot gets tourists who want to soak up the colourful nightlife after sunset and beautiful beaches during the day.
The most popular beaches for sunbathing and partying alike are Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach.
More than that, Mykonos Town should be on your list if you appreciate charming architecture since Mykonos has those unique white-washed buildings and cobbled streets that make for great photo opportunities.
And again, the town is a great base to go on day trips, such as to the ancient ruins of Delos and the beautiful beaches of Ornos and Psarou.
Tsilivi
Also touristy is Tsilivi, a resort located on the island of Zakynthos.
Here too you can find beautiful beaches, including Tsilivi Beach and Banana Beach, which are popular destinations for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Tsilivi boasts a vibrant atmosphere and comes with a variety of bars, restaurants and shops that offer a lively scene, especially during the well-visited summer months.
When staying here, you should visit the stunning cliffs of the Shipwreck Beach and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos for scenic hikes.
Meteora
You’ve probably heard of Meteora, the fascinating geological formation in central Greece. You can locate it near the town of Kalambaka.
There are so many gorgeous monasteries here. They are built on top of towering rock formations and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Monasteries of Meteora you should keep on your radar are the Great Meteoron, the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, and the Holy Monastery of Rousanou. Not only are they wonderful to perceive but are considered some of the most important religious sites in Greece and were consequently made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors to Meteora can take guided tours of the monasteries, hike the surrounding trails, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the rock formations.
Thessaloniki
One of the most well-known historic towns in Greece is Thessaloniki. The coastal city has a different flair than Athens, feels more modern but still has gorgeous vantage points from which you can catch sunsets and take in views over city and ocean.
There’s a lot of restaurants for food loving travellers to check out before you head out into the night for parties.
It also is a great location to go on day trips around the region and nearby islands.
