The main attractions of Greece. The best sights of Greece with a photo and description All about Greece Attractions

All the splendor of a holiday in Greece is difficult to convey in words. This is an incredibly beautiful country! The hot Mediterranean climate provides a wonderful beach holiday, a rich history is reflected in the great centuries-old monuments, and Greek cuisine is exquisite and unique dishes. Below we have prepared an overview of the main attractions in Greece must-see for tourists.

1. Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is the most famous ancient landmark in Greece, the construction of which, according to some sources, was laid in the 7th century BC. e. Once upon a time, the Acropolis was decorated with many magnificent sculptures, some of which have been preserved and are in the best museums in Europe. Nowadays, regular restoration work is underway on the territory of the Acropolis, but this does not prevent the place from being the hottest tourist spot in Athens.

The greatness and personification of Ancient Greece - this is how the Parthenon can be briefly described. The temple was erected in 432 BC, and today it is recognized as a symbol of the country and is located in its capital on the territory of the famous acropolis. Outside, the temple is surrounded by fifty columns, and inside there is a statue of the goddess Athena, which has been preserved over the past millennia, which is made of gold and ivory. The facade of the building is decorated with many images of mythical creatures and heroes, as well as celebrations of the ancient Athenians. Millions of tourists come to Greece every year to look at this monument of History itself.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens was built with the aim of overshadowing all the shrines of the world that existed at that time and becoming the greatest temple of all times and peoples. After a rather long time, which took to build the structure, the idea was nevertheless brought to life. That's just time was merciless to the great architectural monument - the temple lasted only three hundred years, while it was under construction for six hundred. Nowadays, tourists can only admire the ruins of the temple, which are one of the most valuable cultural and historical sights of Greece.

4. Agora

Agora is a place that for many centuries was the main trading square of Athens, and today has become a popular attraction in the capital of Greece. Here is the ancient temple of the god of fire - Hephaestus. By the way, the building is one of the best preserved ancient Greek buildings. In translation, Agora means "to gather", and it is not surprising - since ancient times this place has been the center of public meetings, city festivals and large auctions. In addition, in past centuries, the Agora housed a theater stage, which at that time was the center of public attention, given the love of the ancient Greeks for the theater. Today this place is filled with shops and shops - its purpose as a center of trade and entrepreneurship has survived to this day.

The Theater of Dionysus is not just an architectural one, but the oldest of all existing theaters, it is already 2.5 thousand years old. Immortal works of such figures of ancient art as Sophocles and Euripides were staged on its stage. Athenian celebrations and theatrical competitions were also held here.

6. Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is a treasure trove of antiquities. The exposition of the museum is the largest in the country and includes over 20 thousand items from different eras. Legendary sculptures, ancient household items and valuable archaeological finds are just a small part of the huge collection. The museum also houses a library with ancient scrolls and documents. This is a very interesting place to visit in Greece!

7. The sunken city of Olus

Acquaintance with Greece and its sights cannot do without a visit to the island of Crete. One of the main ones is the ancient city of Olus. Unfortunately, it has not survived to this day (completely sunk), but this fact does not prevent the city from attracting many tourists every year.

- the second famous architectural landmark of the Greek island of Crete. The first time the palace was built 4 thousand years ago, but after three hundred years it was damaged by an earthquake. The structure was rebuilt again, and now we can see what remains of it to this day. This monument was repeatedly described in ancient legends. The walls of the palace are decorated with images from the lines of legends and covered with symbols, some of which have not yet been translated.

What is also located in Crete, is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Greece. This is the longest gorge in Europe - its length is 18 kilometers. The incredible beauty of Samaria is given not only by the rocks, but also by the rich local flora. About 450 species of plants grow here. There are two routes for exploring the territory for visitors: one of them is a full tour of the entire gorge, which will take 6-8 hours, the other is faster, but it will bring less pleasure from visiting such a beautiful place.

One of the most ancient and valuable monuments for Greece is the Temple of Pythian Apollo in Delphi, built in the 6th-4th centuries BC. Around this building there are many legends and legends. According to one of the legends, the temple was erected on the mountain slopes of Parnassus, in the habitat of an ancient deity. Subsequently, the priests repeatedly proved their connection with Apollo by releasing the birds into the caves and asking God to kill them. Birds fell dead, inhaling poisonous gases from cracks in the earth's crust, and the locals no longer doubted the power of the god and his priests.

11. Rhodes fortress

The Rhodes fortress is the main and record holder among European castles. It is not distinguished by its ancient origin, because it was built in the Middle Ages. But this is the longest fortress in Europe - its length is 4 kilometers. Tourists, passing inside, pass many gates guarding the structure. The walls of the castle are literally strewn with the symbols of knightly coats of arms. Rhodes fortress became a UNESCO heritage.

When thinking about what places to see in Greece, it is worth highlighting the Acropolis in Lindos. This is an incredibly beautiful place, not to mention its historical value. The city itself is about 3 thousand years old, the Acropolis - only a little less. The best view of the surroundings extends from the highest point, the road to which is quite long. You can go through it on a donkey or on foot. On the way up there are stone fountains still full of water and taverns where you can taste local cuisine.

13. Walls and gates of the city of Rhodes

The defensive line of Rhodes, consisting of the walls and gates of the fortress, has been well preserved to this day. While visiting this place, you will be able to walk along the fortification, get into the bastions and towers, and also get inside some gates (there are eleven of them, but not all of them are open). Each part of the fortress has its own unique features, which can also be found.

14. Blue Caves of Zakynthos

This amazing natural landmark of Greece is ranked among the most beautiful places on the planet. Everything is beautiful here: rock arches created by nature; crystal clear water; bewitching grottoes and, captivating the heart, picturesque views. It is best to go here at sunrise or sunset, because it is at this time that the sun plays with the waters of the Blue Caves - the crystal glass of sea waters, combined with a rich palette of solar colors, creates unique pictures that nature itself paints.

One of the islands of Greece - Kos - was once ruled by the knights of the Order of St. John. This marks an entire era. Many buildings of the Order have survived to this day. One of them is the Castle of the Knights of St. John. The appearance of the building has been well preserved to our time, which cannot be said about the internal structure, however, many tourists visit this island. A big plus is that you can look at the possessions of the knights for free.

One of the symbolic sights of Greece is the windmills on the island of Mykonos. They can be seen on all postcards and brochures related to the island and even Greece in general. This miracle is located in the main village of the island - the eponymous Mykonos (also called Hora). Initially, mills were used to grind flour, but over time, the need for this disappeared. Now here is a museum, the doors of which are open to visitors all summer.

17. Monasteries of Meteora

There is a landmark in Greece, which is practically unparalleled in any corner of the planet! We are talking about the monasteries of Meteora, which are famous for their location on rocky peaks. Translated from Greek, "meteora" means "hanging in the air." Indeed, the structures erected in the 10th century have only a small area of ​​sheer cliffs under their foundation. Eighteen years ago, the monasteries of Meteora became part of the heritage of UNESCO. Traveling in Greece, it would be unforgivable not to visit this beautiful place!

An important place among the attractions of the island of Corfu is occupied by the Cathedral of St. Spyridon, who is its patron. Inside the temple are the relics of Spyridon Trimifuntsky, in the miraculous power of which both the inhabitants of the island and all of Greece are sure. In addition, many of the tourists also believe in it. In order to see the relics with their own eyes, visitors to the cathedral will have to stand in line for many hours. It is believed that those who managed to venerate the relics of Spiridon can count on his help in business, especially in the financial sector. There are also many legends about their miraculous power.

19. Old fortress of Kerkyra

The real excitement among tourists in Greece is caused by the Old Fortress of Corfu, which was built in Corfu at the time when it belonged to the Venetians. After that, the island passed into the hands of the Italians, who decided to make the fortress impregnable. For this, a ditch was dug between the island and the cape, on which the defensive structure was located, and it was possible to get into it only by a bridge. But the idea of ​​the Italians was not crowned with success, because as a result, the fortress was no longer needed by either the troops or the locals, and the bridge was completely used by suicides. Today, tourists are interested in those surviving bastions and ruins that remained of the fortress, and according to legend, on the bridge you can hear the groans of souls of suicides who do not know peace.

Greece is known for its natural beauty and fascinating history. Greece's sights and ancient archaeological sites, countless islands, sandy beaches and mild Mediterranean climate make it one of Europe's top tourist destinations.

What to see in Greece

Tours to Greece

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow

You can get to the main iconic places on your own, but it's still better to go on an excursion in Greece - the prices are very reasonable, usually around 20-25 euros per person. Photos of the sights of Greece are the main topic of tourist photo reports.

Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis is a symbol of Athens and Greece, and indeed of the entire Western civilization. It rises in the heart of the modern capital, it is crowned with three magnificent temples dating back to the 5th century BC. The most famous and most characteristic is the Parthenon, originally made up of 58 columns supporting the roof and decorated with ornate pediments and a frieze. Here passes the so-called archaeological Promenade - a 2.5 km long path that goes around the foot of the Acropolis and connects it with the city, as well as other main ancient attractions of Athens - the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

How to get there. The most convenient way to get to the Acropolis is by metro. Nearest stations: Acropoli, Syntagma Square or Thissio. There are signs in the subway that will take you to the archaeological area. Be careful: Monday is a day off. Opening hours - from 8:00 to 20:00. In winter, there is a 50% discount on the ticket (10 euros instead of 20). Don't forget sunscreen and comfortable shoes - after all, this is a fairly large and high-lying place, bathed in sun.

Monasteries of Meteora, Thessaly

Monasteries of Meteora - one of the most unusual sights that you just need to see in Greece - this is the mountain range of Pindus on the plain of Thessaly, where the centuries-old monasteries of Meteora ("Soaring in the air") are located on smooth stone rocks in the form of huge bizarre pillars. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, six of them are currently open to the public. One has to climb several flights of stone steps carved into the rock to reach each monastery. Inside, you'll find flickering candles, antique icons, and Byzantine frescoes. The opening hours of the monasteries may vary: to visit all six monasteries, you need to spend at least a couple of days. The closest city to Meteora is Kalambaka.

How to get there. The most convenient way to go on an excursion to the monasteries of Meteora is by car. If you do not plan to rent a car, then Kalambaka can be reached by train or bus. Further from Kalambaka, you can take a taxi to any of the monasteries or take a local bus to Kastraki, and from there you can go on foot.

Delphi, Phocis

Delphi is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, this place was sacred to the ancients, who came here to worship Apollo (the patron of light, prophecy, music, and healing) and seek advice from the Oracle. Delphi is made up of the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater and a stadium dating from between the 8th century BC. BC e. and II century. n. e. Nearby is the Archaeological Museum, which holds an impressive collection of unique finds.

How to get there. Delphi is located 180 kilometers northwest of Athens. The most convenient way is to take a bus from the bus station. A ticket costs about 14-16 euros, buses run on schedule. Tickets to the museum and excavations cost 12 euros, in winter there is a 50% discount. Opening hours: from 8:30 to 15:00.

Mykonos Island

Mykonos has become famous as the most glamorous among the Greek islands and one of the best tourist attractions in Greece. Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a labyrinth of small streets and whitewashed houses. It is also known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, as evidenced by its huge number of bars and nightclubs. The island is especially popular among world celebrities.

How to get there. Mykonos is connected to the land by ferries and catamarans to Athens (ports of Piraeus and Rafina). The average price for a ferry from Athens to Mykonos is 160 euros one way. In summer, the price can rise to 220 euros. Travel time - 4.5 hours.

Santorini island

How to get there. Santorini has an airport, which is 6 km from the city of Fira. You can also visit the archipelago by boat - a ferry from Athens will cost about 60 euros, travel time is 4 hours. Sometimes the road by plane is even cheaper than the ferry - 40 euros for half an hour.

Knossos Palace, Crete

How to get there. There are two airports in Crete - Chania International Airport named after Ioannis Daskalogiannis and Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis". Flights from Russia most often arrive in Heraklion.

Navajo beach, Zakynthos

The most famous attraction, his calling card, is Navajo Beach, the "Shipwreck". It is located in the northwest of the island, in the Smuggler's Bay. In 1980, the smugglers, pursued by the police, ran aground their ship, the Panagiotis, and escaped. The ship was washed ashore by a storm, where it is still rusting. You can get to the beach only by boat - it brings and takes away tourists according to the schedule. The beach is surrounded by sheer white cliffs. A long and steep staircase leads to the top, but the climb is worth it - the view is simply amazing. From here, base jumpers like to jump with parachutes.

How to get there. There is an airport on the island of Zakynthos (Zakynthos). Flights from Athens arrive here twice a day. Travel time - about 45 minutes, price - about 65 euros. By water, the island can be reached by ferry from the port of Kyllini (it can be reached from Athens by bus or taxi). Ticket price - 9 euros, travel time - about 1.5 hours.

Acropolis, Lindos

In Lindos, there is a magnificent acropolis, from the observation deck of which a wonderful view of St. Peter's Bay opens. The Acropolis stands on a hill, which can be reached on a donkey. The town of Lindos itself consists of snow-white buildings, the streets are paved with pebbles, decorated with fountains.

How to get there. There is an international airport on the island of Rhodes. From the airport you need to take a taxi to the bus station (it is located in the city center, near the port) and there take a bus to Lindos. Travel time is about an hour, ticket price is about 5 euros.

Fortress, Rhodes

In ancient Rhodes, which is also called the "city of knights", you must definitely see the beautiful Rhodes fortress. The main building is the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John. Severe walls with towers, moats, spacious halls for feasts - all this is worth your attention.

How to get there. There is an international airport on the island of Rhodes. The historic center of the city, where the port is located, is located within walking distance from the bus station, which can be reached from the airport in a few minutes.

Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John. Rhodes, Greece.

If you do not know why Greece is called the cradle of civilization, you should definitely visit its sights. The ruins of ancient temples, amazing historical and architectural monuments show tourists how prosperous this state was. But the modern beauties of Greece also attract visitors - this is nature, beaches, and delicious local dishes. Don't know what to see in Greece? Especially for you, we have compiled a list of popular places in this country, which included the most interesting sights of Greece.

What to see in Greece first

The centuries-old and eventful history of the country has become the reason that there are a lot of attractions here. They are able to organize an acquaintance with numerous tourist attractions - you can agree with them upon arrival or in advance, telling about your preferences.

1. Acropolis of Athens (Athens)

The Acropolis has always been and still is the hallmark of Athens. This truly magical place is visited annually by thousands of tourists who want to see the most interesting sights of Greece with their own eyes.

The Athenian Acropolis was able to withstand many natural disasters and destructive wars. Neither cataclysms nor people managed to destroy the historical building, which strikes the imagination with its incredible forms and grandeur.

The first temples of the Acropolis were laid during the archaic times. After that, large-scale development of the hill began. At first, this place was the residence of the king. Over time, it began to acquire architectural forms that have remained practically untouched to this day. So gradually the Acropolis turned into a small town.

The sculptures that were located in the Acropolis, for certain reasons, were replaced by exact copies. Their originals are now in various museums in Europe. Now, instead of a majestic building, there are only ruins. Architects are trying to restore individual elements of the most significant objects. It will take them many years to complete this project.

2. Panathinaikos (Athens)

In the heart of Athens, there is a unique stadium of its kind, which is known to the world under the name of Panathinaikos. Tourists pay special attention to this sight of Greece. The oldest building was built of white marble. After the restoration of the destroyed elements, the first Olympic Games were held at the stadium, which are recorded in modern history.

Travelers who are wondering what to visit in Greece should definitely visit Panathinaikos. In ancient times, the Panathenaic Games, which were considered the most important festival in Athens, were held in this stadium.

The capital reconstruction of the stadium was carried out two centuries ago, immediately after its excavation. The work carried out was sponsored by the figure Zappas. He also financed the Olympic competitions in 1870 and 1875.

At the moment, Panathinaikos is used not only as a venue for sports competitions. The stadium also hosts various concerts and exhibitions dedicated to Greek culture. Therefore, while visiting this attraction, guests of Athens can not only enjoy the views of the stadium, but also get to know its history better.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens)

The list, which contains the sights of Greece, would not be complete if it did not include the temple of Olympian Zeus. It is so large that it even exceeds the legendary Parthenon in size. Its construction continued for 650 years. If you believe the famous myths, then the temple was built on the site of the sanctuary of the progenitor of the Greeks Deucalion.

Inside the architectural structure were two huge statues. The first was made of ivory and gold. She personified the god of Olympus Zeus. The second was created in honor of Emperor Hadrian, who actively participated in the construction of the temple. Unfortunately, both statues were destroyed.

If the traveler does not know what to see in Greece, then he should immediately go to Athens to visit the legendary temple of Zeus.

Now the attraction is not in the best shape. Only one part of the temple has survived. According to assumptions, the structure was destroyed as a result of a strong earthquake. Also, it was probably dismantled for building materials.

The corner of the temple of Zeus that has survived to this day consists of fourteen separate columns, two of which stand separately, and one is in a fallen state.

4. Palace of Knossos (Crete)

At the beginning of the last century, the Palace of Knossos was excavated and partially reconstructed, which occupies a leading position in the ranking of "The Best Attractions in Greece". Today it is one of the most visited places in the island of Crete, which is loved by many tourists.

The Palace of Knossos is considered by historians to be the center of the Minoan civilization, which during the years of its prosperity was the most developed state in the world. The palace consisted of more than 1300 rooms - it is not difficult to guess that it occupied a huge area. At least 12,000 people could freely accommodate in his chambers. According to the legends, Knossos in those days was the property of King Minos, whom many people know from the myths about the famous Labyrinth and its eternal inhabitant, the Minotaur.

The palace of Knossos had to be rebuilt several times, as it suffered greatly from earthquakes, tsunamis and fires. Two centuries ago, its large-scale reconstruction began. Archaeologist Evans, who discovered this attraction, was able to restore part of the legendary palace.

Today, tourists are given the opportunity to enjoy the unique architecture of that time. Evans did a good job of restoring the palace. Therefore, it is difficult for the guests of the island to understand which of the existing buildings are the remains of an ancient structure, and which were recreated by the efforts of an archaeologist.

5. Temple of Apollo (Delphi)

In the city of Delphi, as in other resort areas, you can see interesting sights of Greece. Here is the Temple of Apollo. All the inhabitants of the country had to collect money for its construction. Also, the rulers of neighboring states donated a large amount to the project. The rectangular building was decorated with many pillars. Six of them were located on the facades, and fifteen were on the sides of the temple.

Many local excursions include a visit to this picturesque corner. Unfortunately, the temple of Apollo has not survived to this day in its original form. Some of its parts had to be constantly restored due to collapses. During the restoration, the architects were guided by the previous building plan, which provided for the preservation of the shape and number of pillars.

Outside the temple, you can see unusual friezes that are dedicated to the war of the centaurs with the Amazons. All the sculptural compositions of this place were created in violation of the classical form and proportions, due to which they attract the attention of tourists.

For a long time, tourists did not know about the existence of the temple of Apollo, as it is far from the main cities of Greece. However, over time, it has become an important architectural monument of this region.

Check out the beautiful places in Greece in this wonderful video!

6. Navagio Beach (Zante)

Guests of the island of Zakynthos who are interested in the sights of Greece should definitely visit the unique Navagio beach. Travelers can get here only by ship, as this place is hidden from prying eyes.

Tourists who do not know what to see in Greece will be happy to visit Navagio, the pearl of these lands. The local beach is covered with golden sand washed by crystal clear water. This is a real piece of paradise, which you will never want to say goodbye to.

Navagio is also called the island of shipwrecks. This is because in the past a ship of smugglers sank here. It is still not known exactly why this happened.

The beach will delight travelers who want to take a break from noisy cities. Indeed, in these parts there is not even the slightest sign of civilization. Here a person begins to experience a certain isolation from the outside world, which fills him with peace and harmony. Navagio gives its guests a unique opportunity to merge with virgin nature.

If you are going to sunbathe, do not forget to bring sunscreen and a panama hat. There is no other way to protect yourself from the sun's rays, since in clear weather there is absolutely no shade on the beach. So tourists should take care of personal comfort in advance.

7. Monasteries of Meteora (Kalambaka)

In the northern part of Greece, near the city of Kalambaka, there is a unique place called Meteora. It is distinguished by its beauty and unusual history of appearance. In addition, there are several monasteries here.

Under the influence of natural phenomena over many millennia, huge stone pillars were formed, the height of which is from 300 to 600 m. Many of the modern climbers will not dare to climb such rocks, but this did not stop the hermits from building temples there.

The sights of Greece rightfully include the monasteries of Meteora. Six of them are currently active: four for men and two for women. It used to be difficult to get to such places. You could climb a sheer cliff using a ladder, or you could be lifted in a basket with a winch. Now steps are made in the rock for a safe ascent.

The monasteries are open to pilgrims and tourists from April to September and from November to March. Arriving for the weekend, you can visit all the monasteries, spending about an hour in each of them.

Restoration work has made old frescoes available for viewing. In the monasteries there are souvenir shops where you can buy something for memory. The monasteries of Meteora can be safely included in.

8. Lion Gate (Mycenae)

Mycenae is one of the most ancient cities in Greece. When planning a trip to this country, do not miss the opportunity to visit it. Excavations in the vicinity of Mycenae reveal more and more new treasures, one of them is the Lion Gate . Tour guides will definitely tell the history of this building.

Greek cities have their own peculiarity - they were built on a hill and protected by a powerful wall. The wall surrounding Mycenae was 900 m high and 6 to 10 m thick. The Lion Gate served as the main entrance. For their construction, four blocks weighing up to 20 tons each were used. They were pre-processed, fitting to each other in size. Above the gate was a bas-relief with lions. According to some assumptions, he appeared a little later. Unfortunately, the heads of animals have not been preserved to this day. But, according to archaeologists, they were made of gold and looked at those who entered the gate. The lions were not chosen by chance - they were considered a symbol of the Mycenae dynasty, which ruled at that time. The building dates back to the 13th century BC.

9. Ancient Olympia (Peloponnese)

If you are looking for what to see in Greece , visit Ancient Olympia - the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. You can come here at any time of the year. In winter, you will have the opportunity to visit interesting places, and in summer, you can also add relaxation on the beach.

Ancient Olympia is currently a nature reserve with museums and ancient temples located on its territory. It is better to start acquaintance with places located in the open air. Here it will be easy to feel the power of former buildings, including temples to Zeus, erected in 470-456 BC. e., and Gera. The remains of the latter are considered the oldest and date back to 1096 BC. e.

In ancient times, people came here not only for the sake of competitions, but also to worship the gods. Near the temple of Hera there was a stadium where competitions were held. The Olympic flame before the start of the games is lit here today. To the west of the temple you can see the ruins of the Philippeion, a round building framed by columns. Construction started by Philip II and completed by his son Alexander the Great. Not far from this place are the ruins of the administrative building of Ancient Olympia.

10. Mount Olympus (Thessaly region)

One of the most famous sights of Greece - Mount Olympus - is located right on the picturesque coast of the Aegean Sea, in Thessaly. In reality, Olympus would be easier to call the three mountains. The highest mountain range includes three peaks at once: Mitikas, Skolio and Stephanie. Each of them rises above ground level by almost 3000 meters.

The highest peak is Mitikas. It has a height of 2917 meters and breaks off into the picturesque abyss of Kazan. It is not surprising that the gods of ancient Greece chose this picturesque place as their place of residence. The “Throne of Zeus” is still preserved here - the top of Stephanie looks like a luxurious throne.

Today, the sights of Greece are hard to imagine without the mountains of Olympus. They are a National Reserve and are under the protection of UNESCO. The status of the National Park was assigned to these beautiful places in 1938. In 1981, UNESCO named the mountains of the gods of Greece "Part of the World Natural Heritage". The mountains received another status in 1985. Then they were recognized as part of the "Archaeological and Historical Heritage".

The national park invites tourists to enjoy the exquisite natural scenery. The mountains today are inhabited by mountain goats, hedgehogs, deer, squirrels, wolves, wild boars, foxes. You can climb Olympus with the help of special lifts. Peaks are independently conquered by climbers.

Sights of Greece: what else to visit while in Greece

Absolutely all travelers talk about how amazing they are, and you can be one of them by simply studying the list of the most interesting sights before traveling. Photos and descriptions will become important criteria when choosing where to go after arriving in the territory of Ancient Hellas.

11. Santorini Island (Aegean Sea, Cyclades Archipelago)

This small island is considered one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Greece. Legends say that in ancient times, Santorini broke away from Libya as a result of a natural disaster or was created from a special piece of land broken off from this country by the gods. Assessing what to see in Greece, you must definitely include the island of Santorini in this list.

The finds of geologists confirm this legend. The island has become a reminder of an ancient geological catastrophe. Pompeii of the Aegean Sea was called Santorini by the French geologist F. Fouquet. Scientists have established that the tectonic fault that singled out this beautiful territory occurred in the Tertiary period.

An ancient advanced civilization existed on the island, buried by a volcanic eruption around 1500 BC. This catastrophe in those ancient times destroyed many cities of Crete.

The sights of Greece without this island would not be so romantic. Today Santorini continues to be a volcano. Moreover, the largest active volcano on the planet, the eruptions of which gradually made the general outlines of Santorini crescent-shaped. The island will delight tourists with beautiful landscapes and an incredibly pleasant climate.

12. Palace of the Grand Masters (Rhodes)

The Palace of the Grand Masters belongs to the legendary historical monuments of Greece, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first owners and builders of the Palace were the legendary knights of the Order of St. John - the Hospitallers.

They ruled Rhodes from 1309 to 1522. That is over 200 years. It was from the Palace of the Grand Masters that these two centuries ruled virtually the entire territory of the Eastern Mediterranean. 19 masters sat here, on whose will all the decisions made by the Hospitallers depended.

The beautiful island of Rhodes was previously the center of power in this territory. The Palace of the Grand Masters was erected on the site of the former temple of Helios and the Byzantine fortress that replaced it. During the time of the Templars, the pompous and luxurious palace was used as a venue for ceremonial receptions and negotiations.

Today, two major exhibitions are constantly operating in the palace at once. One tells about the times of the Crusaders. Looking around the second, you can learn about the life of the inhabitants of the island in antiquity. The exposition occupies more than 205 halls.

13. Windmills of Mykonos (Cyclades)

Windmills are one of the main attractions and hallmarks of Mykonos. When the ship is just approaching the shores of the island, you can see a breathtaking sight of rotating windmills.

The first mention of mills was found in the notes of travelers who visited Greece in the 12th-13th centuries. Even then they amazed with their grandeur and beauty. This is not surprising, because the construction of such buildings required the same amount of effort as the construction of a huge sailing ship. Another important detail was the careful selection of the place for their construction. Typical for this area are mills in the form of rounded towers built of stone. For the roof, straw was most often used.

In ancient times, there were more than 600 mills. They worked almost around the clock. The favorable location of the island contributed to the successful flour trade. Now there are only 7 of them left, and even those are not used for their intended purpose. They have exhibition halls, restaurants and cafes that everyone can visit. One of the mills is used as a hotel where tourists can spend an unforgettable time on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

14. Melissani Cave Lake (Kefalonia Island)

The Greek island of Kefalonia is famous for its various architectural monuments and amazing nature, which attracts tourists. What to visit in Greece and where you should definitely visit is of interest to many vacationers. The main attraction is the lake in the Melissani cave. The water in it is so clean and transparent that you can see that it is at a depth of ten meters.

The existence of the cave was discovered relatively recently, when a shepherd accidentally found it. This happened in 1951, after which excavations began in this place, and since 1963 the cave and the lake were open to everyone.

The approximate size of the cave is 160x40 m, its entire territory is occupied by a lake. After the earthquake, part of the arches was destroyed, as a result of which a hole appeared at the top, which illuminates the cave. Another unusual phenomenon is the water, which is both salty and fresh. Salt water is brought by the current from the Ionian Sea, located 14 km.

Archaeological excavations have revealed that in ancient times this place was used to worship Pan, the god of fertility and shepherding. There is also a legend that the appearance of the lake is associated with the unrequited love of the nymph Melissane for the god Pan. Her shed tears turned into water. According to tradition, couples who visit this place should join hands and lower them together into the water so that love is long and strong. And those who have not yet found their half are advised to wash themselves with lake water.

To enjoy all the beauty of the lake, you first need to go through a narrow corridor and get to the pier. It is best to do this at noon.

15. Butterfly Valley (Rhodes)

One of the most amazing places on the island of Rhodes is the Butterfly Valley. The locals gave it their name - Petaloudes. This amazing reserve is located 30 km from the city of Rhodes and is a park near the gorge.

What to see in Greece and what place will be remembered for a long time? If you ask such a question, be sure to visit the reserve. Only here you can observe such a fantastic spectacle as myriads of multi-colored night butterflies flocking. They are attracted by the smell of styraxes. During the day, they usually sleep, perched on the branches of bushes or styrax trees. And a sharp sound or awkward movement is enough to wake up the red-winged beauties.

Butterflies gather during the mating season from May to September. At this time, they should not be disturbed. For tourists who are hungry for new discoveries and knowledge, a museum has been created in the reserve.

In addition to butterflies, here you can see lizards basking in the sun or some rare birds. They like to sit near waterfalls or on rocks.

You can get to the Valley of the Butterflies by climbing the path leading up the mountain. The journey is not easy, and it is better to prepare comfortable shoes in advance. For those who make it to the top, another surprise awaits - the opportunity to visit the seventeenth century monastery built by Alexander Ypsilanti.

16. Achillion Palace (Gastouri village)

Limitless opportunities for travel, endless sea expanses, picturesque mountains, breathtaking gorges conceal northern Greece on its lands. The sights of the north, however, are not limited to nature alone. On the island of Corfu, in the capital of Kerkyra, there is an architecturally significant monument - Achillion Palace, built at the end of the 19th century. The complex has a second name - "the palace of the sad empress", which is associated with the history of the acquisition of these lands by Empress Elizabeth, who survived a number of family tragedies and found solace in the tranquility of the picturesque region. In the palace garden, the princess, inspired by mythology, placed a number of sculptures of ancient Greek gods, and decorated the interior of the palace with wall paintings and carved furniture, the decor of which reproduces the images of mythological characters. After a tour of Achillion, from the shores of Corfu you can sail straight to the Italian shores and visit the sights of Italy - here the two countries are separated from each other by just a hundred kilometers of sea space.

17. The ancient Greek city of Delphi (Phocis region)

If you study the sights of Ancient Greece briefly, without having the opportunity for a long tour, you should definitely visit Delphi - this is the ancient Greek religious center, the birthplace of numerous myths and legends, and now a major archaeological reserve. The ruins of former structures rest on the slope of Mount Parnassus, 10 kilometers from the Gulf of Corinth, at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. It's hard to believe, but the age of the ancient city is more than 3 millennia! Its rich history can be traced in such archaeological sites as the temple of Apollo with the Delphic Oracle, the Treasury of the Athenians, the temple of Athena Pronaia, the stadium, the amphitheater, the ancient gymnasium. After wandering through the many ruins, you can head to the local museum of ancient Greek culture or go 1.5 km from the ancient city to a miniature town where there are hotels, restaurants and other amenities for guests.

18. Aquarium of Crete (Gourne)

When choosing the sights of Greece for children, the travel itinerary should definitely include a trip to the island of Crete, to the town of Gourne, which is famous in the tourist environment for its giant aquarium, which is a complex of structures with huge tanks, where you can see a wide variety of marine fauna. In total, there are 60 exposition containers, in which about 2.5 thousand different marine organisms, represented by about 250 species, live. The design of the tanks most closely repeats the natural topography of the seabed, which creates the feeling of being somewhere in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. A walk through the complex, equipped with beautiful lighting, turns into an exciting journey through the depths of the sea, which arouses genuine interest in both children and adults.

19. Medieval city of Rhodes

The historical treasure of Greece is the medieval city of Rhodes, an invaluable open-air museum. In this city, everything from walls and gates to fortresses and temples keeps the rich history of the city and Greece as a whole. Rhodes was founded in the 5th century BC. and over its long history, it has experienced a series of bright events that have left their mark on urban architecture. In general, the city consists of 2 parts: one of them is modern, with a developed tourist infrastructure, the second is ancient, the so-called Old Town. What can be seen today in the Old City is a series of buildings dating back to the Middle Ages: powerful walls with 11 entrances, of which only 5 remained in working condition, the oldest synagogue in the country of the 16th century, the vast Rhodes fortress from the time of the Knights Order, the church St. Panteleimon of the 14th century, the Acropolis with the remains of an ancient theater, and finally, the Colossus of Rhodes - more precisely, what was left of the monument to the ancient Greek god Helios.

20. The ancient city of Mistra (Sparta)

In the southernmost part of mainland Greece, the region of Laconia, there are two prominent ancient Greek cities - Sparta and Mystra. And if even people who are far from traveling have heard about the first, only researchers and a few tourists traveling within the Peloponnese are familiar with the second. Mistra, founded by the Crusaders in the 13th century, is located on the steep slopes of the Taygetos mountains. Now it is an abandoned ghost town that has kept intact the most valuable historical monuments for many centuries - the remains of houses, fortifications, churches, monasteries and the ruins of a medieval castle on a hill. Today Mystra is a small village that can be reached by car or bus from Sparta in a matter of minutes. In order to get to the protected archaeological zone, you will need to climb up from the settlement along one of two paths, one of which leads to the Upper City, the second to the lower buildings.

21. Holy Mount Athos (Halkidiki Peninsula)

For any Christian, the holy Mount Athos is a place full of the deepest meaning. This is the land of monasticism, a kind of state within a state, living according to its own spiritual laws. For example, the monks here use the old-style Julian calendar, and their monastic republic is not subject to secular power, but to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. This land is called the lot of the Most Holy Theotokos - the Virgin Mary guards the rest of the monastic brethren. Twenty male monasteries operate in the bosom of untouched Athos nature, among which one is Russian. An important point: only men can set foot on the holy land, and for this they will have to obtain special permission. But do not forget that the land of Athos is divided into two parts - religious and ordinary, where women can also come. Since the coastline of the Halkidiki peninsula goes deep into the Aegean Sea for 20-30 km, countless beaches are concentrated here.

22. Acropolis of Lindos (Lindos)

For those who travel to Greece for the first time and have limited time, we recommend that you make an itinerary of what to see in Greece in a week. It should include the most iconic, iconic places that will form a general portrait of this Balkan country. And they should certainly include the city of Lindos, located on the island of Rhodes not far from its capital. According to historical data, the ancient city was founded in the 12th century BC. Here, on top of a hill, is the Acropolis, to the ancient buildings of which a long staircase with many spans leads. The entire ancient city is located on several levels: interesting objects of the first level include the relief rock carvings of the Podium and the ship, the second is the knight's fortress and the temple of Roman times, the third is the Portico and the ruins of the Byzantine church, and the last is the temple of Athena of Lindia.

23. Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia Island)

The Greek island of Kefalonia also has its own interesting places that are valued for their pristine natural beauty. These include Myrtos Beach - a cozy and secluded sandy corner by the sea, hidden among huge hills overgrown with greenery. Myrtos is one of the most picturesque and ecologically clean beaches in the world. The strip of sandy beach has a rounded shape, and from its western part in the evening there are excellent views of the sunset. Despite the original appearance, Myrtos is well equipped for relaxation - there are sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, bars, although the other part of it still remains untouched by civilization, representing an ideal place for complete isolation, silence and solitude. You can get to the beach along an asphalt road that leads to the coast itself, where there is a small parking lot.

24. Venetian harbor of Chania (Crete)

About 3 thousand islands surrounding the Balkan Peninsula are island Greece . The sights of Crete make a huge contribution to the treasury of the country, due to the huge number of memorable places and interesting objects collected on this island. The Venetian harbor of Chania is one of them. It was built in the 14th century during the period of Venetian rule, and today is the heart of the Old Town of Chania. Only a few of the old Venetian fortifications remain today, the best preserved is the Firkas Bastion, as well as the covered docks, the customs building, and finally, the recognizable symbol of Chania - the Egyptian lighthouse. Today, the harbor is one of the favorite places to relax - there are many bars, restaurants and cafes scattered along the coastline, sitting in which you can not only taste Mediterranean cuisine, but also admire the beautiful sea panorama.

25. Samaria Gorge (Lefka Ori Mountains)

Often, a trip to the cult places of Greece takes place in the bustle and constant travels, which it is desirable to dilute with a more relaxing holiday - for example, going to the island of Crete, where there are such non-tourist places in Greece that are famous for their pristine nature, with its inherent atmosphere of calmness and detachment. One of these places is the Samaria Gorge, located in the Lefka Ori mountain range. It has the official status of a national park, and there are several hiking trails of varying difficulty, saturated with the fantastic beauty of these places. Most of the gorge is made up of thickets of pines, oaks and cypresses, and more than 400 species of plants, mostly endemic. The total length of the gorge is about 13 kilometers, the height you need to climb varies from 200 to 1000 meters, and in general this unforgettable hike will take about 6 hours.

Next to Greece is an ideal country for a budget holiday - Bulgaria. While in Greece, consider visiting this country as well. Read about and plan your next trip to Europe!

Greece is a country in Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, Libyan and Mediterranean Seas. The oldest of European states with amazing culture and the greatest heritage of the past.

Greece attractions

Greece is visited by a large number of tourists to get acquainted with the history immortalized in monuments and historical sites. Tours are very popular. Excursions in Greece are available at any time of the year, but it is preferable to come here in the spring. During this period, there is no sweltering heat and little rainfall. Greece has a developed transport infrastructure, you can travel on it by public transport. You can also rent a car and see historical places by going on a road trip around Greece.

In the northern and southern Greek capitals, Athens and Thessaloniki, the sights of mainland Greece are located.

Note! The center of tourism in Greece is Athens.

Athens is an ancient city, on its territory there are about 200 different museums and the Athenian Acropolis. Plaka is the oldest historical area, located at the foot of the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. At the top of a flat-topped rocky hill is the temple of Nike Apteros, the Erechtheion and the famous Parthenon.

The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved cathedrals of Ancient Greece.

The Temple of Zeus is the largest in Greece. One corner survived from the temple, consisting of 14 columns crowned with Corinthian capitals, 2 separate columns and one fallen down.

Parthenon of ancient Greece

The panorama of Athens opens from Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in the area. At the top of the hill is St. George's Chapel and an open-air theater where musical performances are held.

The jewelry museum of Ilias Lalaounis contains jewelry from different eras. The collection contains more than 4,000 exhibits: various jewelry, decorative items made of precious metals and small sculptures.

The Archaeological Museum of Athens has collected more than 20,000 exhibits from different eras: ancient ceramics, figurines, household utensils, bronzes and more.

Interesting! In the center of Athens there is a unique stadium known as Panathinaikos. The oldest building was built of white marble. After the restoration of individual destroyed elements, the modern Olympic Games were held at the stadium.

Thessaloniki has its own acropolis with the remains of the temples of the gods of Ancient Greece. You can visit the archaeological museum in the center, not far from the embankment, a few hundred meters from the famous White Tower. The museum contains finds from different periods of the history of Thessaloniki. Here you can take a journey into the history of ancient Macedonia, starting from the end of the 6th century BC. e.

Not far from the Archaeological Museum is the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Its huge 11 halls tell in detail about the life of the Byzantine Empire. The museum presents about 3,000 unique relics, representing the intricacies of the formation, heyday and decline of the Byzantine Empire.

The famous White Tower of Thessaloniki

The famous White Tower, the symbol of Thessaloniki, has undergone many bloody events. It was built by the Byzantines and served to protect the coastal zone from sea raids.

St. Demetrius is considered the patron saint of the people of Thessaloniki. The five-nave Christian basilica of St. Demetrius was erected in his honor.

Other brief top descriptions of attractions

On the territory of Greece, a huge number of Orthodox churches have been preserved, the most famous of them being the monasteries of Meteora. In the northern part of Greece, near the town of Kalambaka, on top of giant rocks, there is a complex of six active Orthodox monasteries. The place of hermitage has been known since the eleventh century. Climbing a steep cliff used to be problematic, now steps are made in the rock for safe ascent. The monasteries are open to pilgrims and tourists from April to September and from November to March.

On the eastern peninsula of Chalkidiki is the Orthodox shrine of Athos. The Athos peninsula stretches for 50 km in length, up to 12 km in width. There are 20 ancient monasteries resembling medieval castles and many hermit huts scattered on sheer cliffs.

Note! Visiting the monasteries is possible only for adult males of any religion. Women and children are prohibited from approaching closer than 500 m to the shore. For the wives and children of visitors, free campsites are provided on the neighboring peninsula.

In the middle part of Chalkidiki, Sithonia, there is also something to see. Exotic trips include a visit to Turtle Island. Kelyphos, shaped like a turtle in the sea, covered with pine and olive trees, with steep cliffs and caves. The sea near the coast strikes with the richness of natural fauna and flora. You can see colorful corals, seahorses, moray eels, sea anemones and scorpion fish.

Meteora Greece

It is difficult to imagine the sights of Greece without the mountains of Olympus. They are a National Wildlife Refuge. Mount Olympus is located in the northwestern part of the National Park. Thessaloniki is the closest place to Olympus. The height of Olympus is 2917 meters - the highest peak in Greece. Around the mountain there is a national park with the richest flora and fauna.

Mycenae is the center of archaeological sites of the Bronze Age. The ancient ruins are located two kilometers from the modern town of Mycenae. The ruins of the palace with the famous Lion's Gate.

Sparta is an ancient place, known for the feat of 300 Spartans, who held the onslaught of thousands of Persian armies in the 5th century BC. BC e. Its main attractions are the ruins of Ancient Sparta located in the vicinity. In ancient times, Sparta was known not only in Greece, but throughout Europe.

Olympia is the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, where the Olympic Games have been held for many centuries. The ancient stadium and today the place of lighting the Olympic flame and the pilgrimage of tourists.

Note! The most important of the towns in ancient Greece at the beginning of AD. e., Corinth, became one of the main centers of missionary activity of the Apostle Paul.

In ancient times, Epidaurus was the sacred hospital of the ancient world. A well-known attraction is the beautifully preserved ancient theater with unique acoustics, which is still operating today.

Regions of Greece

Fascinating excursions with sightseeing can be made to the resorts of Greece.

On Rhodes there is a fortress - a religious building of antiquity. Here was one of the eight Wonders of the World, the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue of the ancient Greek sun god Helios. For many hundreds of years, the fortress reliably protected from Muslims. Acropolis of Rhodes - a place where the ruins of the temple of Apollo, an amphitheater, a stadium have been preserved.

Interesting! The Palace of the Grand Masters was erected on the site of the former temple of Helios and the Byzantine fortress that replaced it. The luxurious palace was used as a venue for ceremonial receptions and negotiations. Today, the palace has two major exhibitions that tell about the times of the crusaders and about the life of the inhabitants in antiquity. The exposition occupies more than 205 halls.

Rare museums and historical monuments are located in Crete, not far from the capital of Heraklion.

On this territory, at the beginning of the last century, the Knossos Palace was excavated and partially restored.

The palace is considered the center of the Minoan civilization, which during the years of its prosperity was the most developed state in the world. The castle consisted of more than 1300 rooms. The palace of Knossos had to be rebuilt several times, it was destroyed by earthquakes, tsunamis and fires.

Knossos palace

The Samaria Gorge is the largest in Europe, with a length of about 18 kilometers. The eponymous national park is located on the territory of the gorge.

Ancient Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The Pythian Games were held here - pan-Greek festivities in memory of the victory of Apollo over Python. The stadium where the Pythian Games were held has survived to this day. It was built of limestone from Mount Parnassus. The stadium accommodated about 7 thousand spectators.

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo, an important architectural monument of this region, date back to the 4th century BC. e.

Greece is beautiful because lovers of various nightclubs, a secluded beach holiday or sightseeing pastime can go here.

Winter is well suited for lovers of skiing and carnivals. Spring is an ideal time for a sightseeing holiday: the air is not yet heated, everything is blooming and fragrant, everything is conducive to walking. From May to October is the best time to travel to Greece for a beach holiday. National cuisine is one of the healthiest and is famous for its variety of flavors and generous portions.

The monuments of history and architecture found on the territory of Greece show how prosperous this state was. By visiting its sights, you can learn and see why Greece is called the cradle of civilization.

Despite all the economic and political problems, Greece never ceases to attract and amaze travelers with its incredible natural beauty, ancient cultural monuments, biblical legends, luxurious resorts and the hospitality of the locals.

Large and detailed map of attractions in Greece in Russian. Click to enlarge photo.

Another small tourist map of Greece in Russian.

Video: Sights of Greece. Top 10. More videos at the end of the article.

01. Athens is the cradle of Hellenic culture, which reached its peak two thousand years ago. This is the youngest capital of Europe, which at the same time is one of the oldest cities in the world. The names of the great tragedians Sophocles, Euripides, famous philosophers Socrates, Aristotle, orators Demosthenes, Pericles, Cleon are associated with the unique city. The main attractions include the old city, the port of Piraeus, the center of Athens and its suburbs.

02. Lake Melissani is an incredibly beautiful cave lake on the island of Kefalonia. They say that nymphs once lived here. The underground reservoir is illuminated through the dome of the cave, creating a unique play of light and darkness.

03. Mount Olympus is a mythological symbol of Greece, located in Thessaly. According to legends, this is a sacred place where the ancient gods lived, led by the sky god Zeus. Today, the national reserve is widely known in the world as a natural monument with a huge variety of unique plants and animals.

04. Santorini Island (Thira) is the largest island of the archipelago of the same name and a popular tourist destination. The main city of the island - Santorin, is located amphitheatrically on a hilly slope. Its symbol is the snow-white temple of Agios Minas.

05. The island of Rhodes is the pearl of the Mediterranean. In the western part it is washed by the Aegean Sea. Known for its architectural and natural monuments.

06. Mount Athos is a monastic state in Greece, a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. They say that the Mother of God herself rules the "Holy Mountain", purifying the thoughts and souls of people. The community includes 20 monasteries. Visiting is allowed with special passes only for men.

07. Samaria Gorge - 18 km gorge, located on the island of Crete. The national reserve is popular with hikers. Remains of temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis were found here.

08. Theater of Delphi - the main attraction of the ancient city of Delphi, located on the famous Mount Parnassus. Dated II Art. BC. The archaeological reserve includes a theater, a stadium, a portico gallery, treasuries of the Sithnians and Athenians, and other structures.

09. Monasteries - Meteora - a large monastic center in Greece, located on the tops of the mountains of Thessaly. Founded in the 10th century. Some rocks reach a height of 600 m and resemble pillars suspended in the air.

10. Parthenon - the main temple of ancient Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Monument of ancient culture, located on the Acropolis. The famous master Phidias was engaged in the sculptural decoration of the building. It is an example of a Doric temple made of Pentelic marble.

11. Lindos is a small town on Cape Krana in the southeastern part of the island of Rhodes. It is a unique archaeological site represented by the Acropolis.

12. Sparta - once an ancient Greek policy in the Evrota valley (south of the Peloponnese peninsula). A classic example of an ancient oligarchic state. Today here you can see the preserved fragments of ancient buildings, the Acropolis, the theater.

13. Mykonos Island is part of the Cyclades archipelago, which is often called the island of windmills. There are many windmills, winding streets with snow-white houses and pelicans. According to the legends, Mykonos is the home of the gods.