map of tourist attractions in greece

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Discover Greece as you have never seen it before. Here are 4 new maps to print. A holiday in Greece offers you an encounter with both ancient history and wonderful beaches, promising a unique journey. Make the most of our travel guide to make getting around easier, and don’t miss our local guide to the hidden corners of Greece. Take a look at all our maps to make the most of your trip. Discover our maps to plan your trip in the best possible way.

Greece and its islands are steeped in history. Its ruins are a witness to its prestigious past. And from Athens to the Cyclades, lovers of scenery, sun, sea and sand will not be disappointed.

Overview of 8 tourist regions

Central greece.

Wrongly, central Greece is often ignored. Here you will find Delphi, an archaeological site essential to any trip to Greece.

This archipelago of a dozen islands, Rhodes and its superb medieval city among them, is the gateway to the East.

Ionian Islands

These western islands are more populated. A fertile land of lush vegetation, olives, orchards and vineyards.

Islands of the North and the Aegean Sea

It is here that ouzo is made in time-honoured fashion. The spectacular scenery and hidden beaches are a delight.

Northern Greece

Discover Thessaloniki, a relaxed city that is also at the cutting edge of the arts. Mount Olympus, home of the gods, benefits from a milder climate than the rest of the country.

The Cyclades

Famed for their pristine white-walled villages, small fishing ports, bays of limpid water and breathtaking scenery, the Cyclades are a little corner of heaven on earth.

THE PELOPONNESE AND ATTICA

At its heart is Athens with its plethora of ruins, temples and archaeological sites that bear witness to its exceptional ancient past.

The Saronic Islands

Each of these islands has its own special features, its own heritage, and seaside resorts. Aegina’s innumerable pines are a surprise.

Attractions maps

Greece is the Mecca of the ancient world and the majority of its unmissable sites are the ruins steeped in history. Artistic and cultural treasures, archaeological sites, ruins and temples symbolise the country. For nature lovers the fine sandy beaches and deserted bays of the Greek Islands are a delight. Between its natural riches and cultural wealth, Greece has everything for a unique trip.

Routes and distances maps

Regular flights from London to Athens are available, taking around three and a half hours. The road network on mainland Greece is well developed and allows easy access to remote villages. For short journeys take the car. For longer journeys, or if you are in a hurry, internal flights are reliable. If you are planning to visit the islands, several ferry companies provide crossings throughout the day in summer. Be warned, most don’t operate in the low season.

Map of my secrets places

comprehensive tourist maps for busy professionals

Ultimate tourist map of athens .

This comprehensive tourist map of Athens includes all the top sites in Athens that you won’t want to miss. You’ll also find restaurants, shops, and rooftops on this map of Athens. 

Tourist Map of Athens 

Table of Contents

Theatre of Dionysus

Theatre of herodes atticus , acropolis museum, roman agora of athens, temple of the olympian zeus, arch of hadrian, panathenaic stadium, stoa of attalos, museum of ancient agora, areopagus hill, mount lycabettus, monastiraki square and flea market, monument to the unknown soldier , varvakios central municipal market.

Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece. Most importantly, Athens is a treasure trove of ancient history . It’s considered one of the oldest cities in the world with a recorded history surpassing 3,000 years! 

The best way to get to Athens is to fly into the city’s international airport. It’s a 25-minute taxi ride outside of Athens downtown. From Athens, you can take a ferry or a brief flight to many Greek island destinations like Santorini or Naxos islands. 

Check out our hotel guide to Athens.

Athens has a temperate Mediterranean climate year-round. The summer months bring crowds of tourists as well as hotter temperatures . The warmest month is August. Even in the fall and winter, temperatures rarely fall below 50°F. If you plan to visit in Athens during late Spring and early fall, you’ll ditch the masses but enjoy warmer weather. 

The best thing to do in Athens is learn about the ancient world. Many of the tourist attractions on this google map of Athens are ancient ruins and historic sites . Some of the most memorable Athens activities involve touring an ancient site like the Acropolis or Pantheon. 

How to Use This Map: If you click the tab at the top left corner, you’ll be able to select specific layers. Click the checkmark to select or hide specific categories.

Save This Map: Click the brackets in the top right corner to expand the map in full view. It will open in a new tab. Under the map title, right of the map description, there is a star. Click this star and the map will be saved to your Google account  in Google Maps. You can access it later from your computer or device. On desktop, go to Google Maps and click ‘Your Places,’ and ‘Maps.’ On app view, select ‘Saved, scroll down and click ‘Maps.’

If you’re wondering what to do in Athens, take a look at the blue pins on this map. The blue pins mark the Athens tourist attractions. We’ve also mapped the best restaurants in Athens for tourists – including formal establishments, casual pastry shops, and local fast food joints. The green pins identify the best places to eat in Athens. While you’re in Athens, you must try a spanakopita, souvlaki and fresh greek salad. 

Consider a gourmet food tour through Athens. 

Also, drinking local wines is something you must do in Athens. Greece is an important wine-growing region in Europe. It’s most famous for white wines, especially of the Assyrtiko varietal. The purple pins will help you find rooftop bars with phenomenal views as well as wineries . 

Ancient World

You’ll notice that many of the top sights in Athens are ancient ruins. They’re featured prominently on this Athens sightseeing map. Athens is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy . 

One can not truly understand modern society without appreciating the history of the ancient world. That’s why ancient ruins are some of the best things to see in Athens. Scientists have discovered evidence that the earliest humans lived in the region of present-day Athens as early as 7 – 11th Century BC. It’s also quite incredible that the land has been continuously inhabited by humans for a period lasting 5,000 years! 

With such an impressive history of human habitation, it’s no wonder that many Athens Greece tourist attractions have incredible stories and unmatched historic significance. Read on to learn more about the ancient sites on this Athens tourist attractions map.

The Acropolis is one of the most noteworthy destinations on this map of tourist attractions in Athens Greece. It is the most complete ancient Greek monument complex in existence . The word acropolis comes from “acro” meaning highest point and “polis” meaning city.

The Acropolis was a city on a hill, a fortification. Many of the ruins you’ll see at the Acropolis were built around the 5th Century BC . They were built in honor of the Athenian’s victory over the Persians at that time. 

The Acropolis is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site . So, visiting the Acropolis is one of the unforgettable things to do in Athens Greece. Many of the important historical places in Athens are found here. Most notably, be sure to check out the Theatre of Dionysus, Theatre of Herodes Atticus, Temple to Athena Nike, Parthenon, and the Acropolis Museum. 

The Parthenon is located on top of the hill. You’ll pass by a few other important places on this Athens attractions map while you climb to reach it. 

Pay attention to the Theatre of Dionysus. It’s one of the important Athens tourist destinations. This is the earliest theatre on record, and it’s considered the birthplace of modern theatre . Plays were performed for celebration and entertainment. During its time, it could accommodate some 17,000 spectators! 

The theatre evolved over centuries, and much of what has been restored comes from Roman times. As only some sections have been restored, you can imagine that it was larger in its day. It was dedicated to the god Dionysus who presided over wine, partying, and debauchery. If you are a drama lover, visiting the Theatre of Dionysus is one of the things you must do in Athens Greece. 

The Theatre of Herodes Atticus was built in 161 AD and hosted up to 5,000 spectators for music performances. Much of the original theatre was destroyed in 267 AD. Although, it was artfully restored in the 20th Century. 

Learn about Greek mythology while touring Athens. 

It’s a must-see! Athens Festival takes place here every year. It’s considered a huge honor to have an opportunity to perform at this venue. The list of artists who have had the privilege includes Frank Sinatra, Sting, and Elton John. 

The Parthenon is a must-see in Athens . It was a formidable temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It’s considered one of the most important surviving buildings of the ancient world , and it’s one of the important tourist sites in Athens. 

A   little-known fact about the Parthenon is that it was turned into a mosque in the 15th Century following the Ottoman Empire’s conquest over Greece. Unfortunately, the Ottomans also hid explosives here during the 18th Century, and enemy attacks by the Venetians accidentally ignited the explosives causing severe damage to the monument.

Check out this top-rated tour of the Acropolis historical site and museum. 

Thus, it was not inclement weather and natural forces that caused damage to many of Athens famous places – rather warring peoples and human intervention. 

Visiting the Acropolis Museum is one of the top things to do in Athens. It’s a gorgeous modern museum featuring archeological discoveries from the Acropolis site . You’ll find it at the base of the Acropolis hill. There are over 4,000 unique objects on display at any time.

The Parthenon Gallery, in particular, tells a troubling history. You’ll find a reconstruction of the Parthenon’s original cella with distinct pieces missing. They were hacked off violently, stolen from Greece, and currently displayed at the British Royal Museum. 

Another unique archeological site on this city map of Athens is the Roman Agora. This is another one of the remarkable Athens attractions. It was the site of an open-air marketplace in the 1st Century AD. 

There was a large courtyard lined with shops and columns. There was a fountain and the famous Library of Hadrian was built nearby . At one time, this was the commercial and administrative heart of Athens. This is why it is one of the top things to see in Athens. 

Be sure to visit the Library of Hadrian. You’ll gawk over the massive Corinthian columns . The library was quite lavish. It had reading rooms, lecture halls, and a decorative pool. 

Much of the Roman Agora site was destroyed over the years following the Ottoman invasion . 

Explore Plaka, Monastiraki and many ancient Greek sites by e-bike. 

The Ottoman Turks built houses, workshops, and mosques on top of the Roman Agora. One of such mosques is still in existence. The Fethiye Mosque is one of the unique tourist attractions in Athens – revealing a troubled history of sparring nations. You can easily identify the Fethiye Mosque from Monastiraki Square .

National Garden 

The National Garden is one of the best places to visit in Athens. It’s one of the interesting Athens sites because it is a massive green space where you can discover remnants of ancient history. 

Originally built as a royal garden for Queen Amalia in 1840 , over 500 plants and animals were imported to give this garden prestige. Be sure to visit the duck pond and turtle ponds. 

Later in 1878, Zappeion Hall was built in the Neoclassical style . The property was used as an Olympic village in the 1896 summer games. Be sure to walk by Zappeion Hall, it’s a stunning building and one of the Athens top attractions.

At the National Garden, you can view the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian . Work on the Temple of Olympian Zeus started in the 6th Century BC but wasn’t completed until the 2nd Century AD. It lay largely untouched for over 300 years! 

After its completion, it was considered one of the largest temples of ancient Greece . It had 104 imposing columns (of which only 15 remain standing today). In Greek mythology, Zeus was considered the ruler of the sky and father to all gods and people.

While visiting the National Garden, you must check out the Arch of Hadrian. This is one of the more instagrammable attractions in Athens Greece. Be sure to snap a photo under the arch.

It is believed that the arch was built to commemorate the arrival of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century AD. 

Join a sunset bike tour through Athens.

The monument was made of marble sourced at Mount Pentelicus . This is the same marble that was used to build the Parthenon. The arch was positioned above an ancient road that lead from the Acropolis towards the Athenian Agora or marketplace. 

Feel like an Olympian. Join a work out class at the Panathenaic  Stadium.

The stadium was originally built in 330 BC to host athletic events like wrestling and chariot racing. It was painstakingly rebuilt in 1896 in honor of the Olympic games. The Panathenaic Stadium is the only arena in the world built entirely of marble . It ’s a really spectacular place to explore. Climb to the top, and you’ll c atch a glimpse of the Acropolis and Mt Lycabettus . 

This is one of the most unique ancient Greek sites in Athens . Places to visit from 159 BC aren’t typically this put together. The building was reconstructed in the 20th Century . Inside, you’ll find the Museum of the Ancient Agora. 

Visit the Agora and Acropolis sites with a small group. 

The Museum of the Ancient Agora is one of the often missed tourist attractions in Athens Greece. It features the archeological findings of the Agora site . There are remnants from as far back as the Stone Age. There are also unique artifacts about the history of democracy. You’ll discover bronze objects, sculptures, jewelry, coins , and pottery. It’s one of the best museums in Athens Greece. Top attractions in Athens like the Museum of the Ancient Agora offer relief from the hot, mid-day August sun . 

Visiting Delphi is one of the most unforgettable things to do near Athens Greece. Delphi isn’t technically one of the attractions in Athens. It’s a 3-hour drive outside of the city. Although, it’s certainly worth your time.

Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site , and it’s considered one of the wonders of the ancient world . To the ancient Greeks, this was the center of the world. Rulers, politicians, and other elites traveled from far and wide to visit the Delphi. 

Take a day trip to Dephi from Athens. 

Delphi was the seat of the ancient oracle who foretold prophecies and influenced many important events in history . Today, you can explore the massive monument complex and learn more about the unbelievably advanced society that took place here. Also, be sure to check out the Delphi Museum. 

Near the monument is a small town with shops and restaurants. The town and complex sits on a breathtaking piece of land overlooking mountains and valleys . The drive to Delphi is something you won’t forget! While it’s not technically one of Athens sights, it’s well worth visiting. 

If you drive to Delphi, be sure to sure to visit Samartzis Estate Wines for a tour and tasting.

Scenic Places

Besides archaeological sites, you’ll find many other scenic places on this tourist map of Athens Greece. Exploring cute neighborhoods and panoramic viewpoints is one of the fun things to do in Athens. 

You’ll find shopping, dining, and entertainment in Athens neighborhoods like Plaka and Anadiotika. The most spectacular 360° views of Athens are at Areopagus Hill and Mt Lycabettus. 

Check out the Plaka neighborhood on this map of Athens Greece. It’s one of the historic neighborhoods . It’s also called the ‘neighborhood of the Gods’ since it is adjacent to the Acropolis and other archaeological complexes. You’ll find many other tourist places in Athens near Plaka.

Plaka’s tiny, winding, cobblestone streets and Neoclassical-style buildings are sights to see in Athens. This neighborhood was built around the ruins of the ancient Agora of Athens (the Greek, not Roman one). 

Plaka is one of the must-see places in Athens. It’s also one of the best places to go shopping. You’ll find jewelry shops, marble distributors, fashion boutiques, and leather goods stores. A marble statue makes a fabulous souvenir and stylish addition to your home . 

Besides Athens sightseeing, you’ll also be able to enjoy drinking and dining in Plaka. Brettos is one of the oldest bars in the city . The Pantheon Bakery is a great place to try a traditional Greek Pie. 

The Anafiotika neighborhood is another epic spot on this touristic map of Athens. It’s a tiny subsection of Plaka , and one of the nicest Athens sights to see. Anafiotika is located on the northeast subsection of the Acropolis hillside. 

The name ‘Anafiotika’ comes from the 19th Century when the Bavarian King Otto ruled Greece. He commissioned builders from the island Anafi to come to Athens and build his palace. In the 20th Century, part of the neighborhood was destroyed to make way for archaeological excavations. 

While this is one of the iconic places to go in Athens,  only about 40 houses remain in Anafiotika . Over the years, the government has bought more and more property for research purposes. The most distinct feature of the neighborhood is that it was built in the traditional Cycladic architectural style . 

Getting to appreciate Cycladic architecture is one of the top things to do in Athens Greece. Cycladic architecture is marked by white cubic houses with flat roofs . Many of these houses face the Southeast to take advantage of the sun. The thick walls protect from dry heat and harsh winds. 

Many homeowners take gardening seriously. If you awake early enough, you’ll spot the locals watering their lush flowers. Anafiotika is one of the most romantic Athens Greece tourist spots. One of the most romantic restaurants in Anafiotika is Psaras Tavern . 

Areopagus Hill is of the Athens must-see attractions. It’s one of the most popular sunset spots on this walking map of Athens. The Areopagus hill is a collection of rocks just northwest of the Acropolis. 

The name Areopagus comes from ancient times – perhaps as early as the 5th Century BC. The ancient Athenians had official meetings and tried cases on this hill , especially judicial matters about homicide and religious matters. 

In legends, the Gods also used this spot for court proceedings. Ares, the God of War, was said to have been tried at Areopagus Hill for the murder of Poseidon’s son. 

Areopagus Hill is an Athens must-see! From the top of Areopagus Hill, you’ll discover some of the most spectacular 360° views of the city. It’s one of the unforgettable things to see. Athens Ancient Agora is just below, and you can also spot the Byzantine church of Aigoi Apostoloi, the Temple of Hephaestus, and (more impressively) the Parthenon . 

The Areopagus Hill is one of the top attractions in Athens Greece that isn’t overrated. Don’t miss this! 

Mount Lycabettus is another one of the scenic places on this Athens tourist map with attractions. The top of Mt. Lycabettus sits at 900 ft in elevation. The hike to the top can be somewhat strenuous, but the views are well worth it!

The hike is just under a mile long , but steep. The hike takes you down a scenic winding path that features local wildflowers. If you prefer not to walk, you can easily hail a taxi to drive you to the top. Alternatively, you can take a small tram to the top . Although, it travels through the hill, so there aren’t any scenic views from the tram.

Once you reach the top of Mt Lycabettus, you’ll quickly realize why this is one of the top tourist attractions in Athens. The best time to visit is just before sunset . You’ll be able to gaze out across the horizon and see the Acropolis monuments lit up beautifully. 

At the top, you can also visit St. George Church – another Athens tourist attraction. St. George Church has a really neat viewing platform that you can visit. They also have a cafe that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to make reservations in advance if you want to dine at the upscale Orizontes restaurant. 

Cultural Sites

There are several more attractions worth your time on this map of Athens tourist sites. Witnessing the changing of the guard at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, or shopping at the Monastiraki Flea Market are important things to do in Athens. 

Food is another important way to experience the culture of Greece. Attractions in Athens like the Varvakios Central Market are typically visited during local cooking classes. Consider booking a cooking class in Athens for a more memorable foodie experience . There are a few culinary schools on this map of tourist attractions in Athens Greece. 

One of the most impressive things to see in Athens is Monastiraki Square from a rooftop bar. Your options include A is for Athens, 360 Cocktail Bar, and Anglais Athens . Having a glass of Greek wine while overlooking the sprawling city is one of the activities in Athens that you won’t want to miss!

We brought back this sculpture of Diana, goddess of the hunt. She looks great in our master bath!

Afterward, wander through the Monastiraki Flea Market. It’s one of the most popular Athens tourist spots. It’s not really a ‘flea market,’ since brand new goods are sold. This is the best place to find souvenirs! You can find jewelry, pottery, marble statues, and other neat trinkets. 

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is another important spot on our tourist map of Athens city. It is an empty tomb that is dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. Specifically, it honors the soldiers that fought in Greece’s War of Independence or the Greek Revolution.

The Greek Revolution took place between 1821 to 1829 when the Greeks revolted against the Ottoman Turks . Before this time, the Ottomans occupied Greece for about 400 years. As you explore the sights in Athens, you’ll see that many of them have been shaped by the history of the Ottoman occupation . The best example of this is the Parthenon which was damaged and significantly influenced by this conflict. 

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is located in Syntagma Square. It’s one of the recommended places to visit in Athens Greece. The design of the monument is inspired by Art Deco.

Be sure to visit the Monument to the Unknown Soldier when you can view the changing of the guard. Changing of the guard takes place every Sunday at 11 AM . Watching this ritual is one of the best things to do in Athens Greece.  The soldiers are a special branch of the Hellenic army called Tsoliades. They are important symbols of bravery for the Greek community. 

The Varvakios Central Market is one of the unconventional Athens Greece sites. It’s one of the Athens Greece attractions that you will likely visit if you are taking a cooking class . 

The Greek Kitchen offers one of the top cooking classes in Athens. It’s down the street from the Varvakios Central Market. If you take a class at the Greek Kitchen, you’ll enjoy a guided experience through the Varvakios Market. 

Book a cooking class with rooftop views in Athens. 

Varvakios market is where locals shop for locally-grown produce, artisan meats, and fresh-caught fish. This is one of the lesser-known places to experience sightseeing in Greece. Taking a cooking class is one of the fun things to do in Athens Greece . Learn how to make regional favorites like spanakopita, dolmades, and tzatziki. 

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Greece tourist map

You can find on this page the Greece tourist map to print and to download in PDF. The Greece tourist attractions map presents the monuments, museums, parks and points of interest of Greece in Europe.

Map of Greece travel

The Greece tourist map shows all tourist places and points of interest of Greece. This travel map of Greece will allow you to easily plan your visits of landmarks of Greece in Europe. The Greece tourist map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Greece attracts more than 17.5 million people each year, contributing 15% to the nation Gross Domestic Product. Greece has been an attraction for international visitors since antiquity for its rich and long history, Mediterranean coastline and beaches. In 2005, 6,088,287 tourists alone visited the city of Athens, the capital city as its mentioned in Greece tourist map.

In 2009, the country welcomed over 19.3 million tourists, a major increase from the 17.7 million tourists the country welcomed in 2008 as you can see in Greece tourist map. The vast majority of tourists in the country are from within the European Union (12.7 million), followed by those from the Americas (0.56 million), Asia (0.52 million), Oceania (0.1 million) and Africa (0.06 million). In the year 2007, more British people visited the country than any other nationality, numbering 2.61 million in total, making up 15% of the country tourists for that year alone.

The most-visited region of Greece as its shown in Greece tourist map is that of Central Macedonia in northern Greece, near some of the most popular attractions in the country such as Halkidiki, Mount Olympus, Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and Greece second-largest city, Thessaloniki. In 2009, Central Macedonia welcomed 3.6 million tourists, or 18% of the total number of tourists that visited Greece that year, followed by Attica (2.6 million) and the Peloponnese (1.8 million).

Greece attractions map

Map of Greece tourist attractions

The Greece attractions map shows all monuments and sightseeing of Greece. This tourist attractions map of Greece will allow you to easily discover monuments, museums ans places to visit of Greece in Europe. The Greece attractions map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

In Greece, there are over sixty Islands, historic sites-four thousand years, beautiful beaches, and the towering mountains as its mentioned in Greece attractions map. There are a wide variety of attractions in Greece you can exploration. Greece is one of the most popular tourist places in the world. Throughout Greece, there are many historical ruins that are the remnants of ancient civilizations, and various churches and medieval buildings. Greece offers absolutely stunning getaway for everyone.

Santorini is the attractions in Greece that is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of islands of Greece. This place is famous for its fantastic scenery, stunning sunsets, white houses are often laundered. Mykonos attractions popular among cosmopolitan islands of Greece and was widely acclaimed as one of the tourist attractions in Greece. In ancient times, Delphi as you can see in Greece attractions map is home to the shrine and oracle of Apollo in the religion of Greece. The ancient theater of Delphi was built on a hill, which gives the audience the view throughout the sanctuary and spectacular views. Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece.

Acropolis is a rocky mound rising in the heart of modern Athens, crowned by three magnificent temples dating from the 5th century BC. The Acropolis Museum is one of Athens most-visited tourist attractions. One of Greece top tourist destinations as its shown in Greece attractions map, Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of the mainland. One of the most unusual things to see in Greece has to be the Thessaly Plain, where bizarre rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Metéora. Lying on the Aegean Sea, close to Turkey, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Home to gorgeous scenery both above and under the sea surrounding it, Zákynthos (Zante) island is another top tourist destination in Greece.

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The 13 best places to visit in Greece this summer

From sprawling cosmopolitan cities to breathtaking beaches, here's where to add to your Greece bucket list

Photograph: Shutterstock

When you’re sitting at your desk and dreaming of a holiday, you’re probably dreaming about Greece. Greece is pretty much what dreams are made of, after all, and it’s got the whole package; golden sands, blue waters, and enough of it to go again and again and never get bored. 

But Greece’s top islands and cities all offer something different. You’ve got the cosmopolitan metropolis of Athens , the Instagrammable white and blue houses of Santorini , and the hugely underrated island of Aegina just waiting to be explored. Whatever your style, here are the best islands, cities and towns to visit in Greece this summer. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏝️  The most  beautiful Greek islands 🏨 The best  hotels in Greece 🏛 The best things to do in Athens 🧿 The best things to do in Mykonos

Demetrios Ioannou  is a writer and photographer from Athens.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Where to visit in Greece

1.  athens.

Obviously, if you’ve heard anything about Greece, you know about its beautiful capital Athens. Athens is that perfect mix of traditional but trendy, ancient but modern, full of nature but cosmopolitan at the very same time. Here you’ll find huge, open roads covered in restaurants and bars, but coming off them are tiny little cobbled side streets to explore. Old buildings give way to fascinating galleries. You can grab an ouzo and pitch up at a beautiful outdoor cinema, looking up at the stars. Plus you’ve simply got to see the Parthenon at least once in your life. Athens is a sprawling, incomparable beauty that is like no other. Add it to your bucket list. 

Why go?  Europe’s oldest capital and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is crammed with several thousands of years of history and is as unmissable as any great Euro city. 

Discover Athens: 🧿  How to spend a weekend in Athens 📍  The best  things to do in Athens 🥙  Really good  restaurants in Athens 😎  Explore  Kypseli, Athens’s coolest neighbourhood

2.  Aegina

A little over an hour away from the port of Piraeus, the island of Aegina is the closest to the Greek capital and a popular destination for tourists and locals. In 1827, after the Greek Independence War had ended, it served as the first capital of the newly founded Greek state for a while. Today, the island is mostly famous for pistachios, chock-a-block full of pistachio trees, and thought to be the best in the world for the stuff. It’s worth visiting the famous Aphea Temple, dedicated to goddess Athena, the Saint Nektarios Monastery and the nearby uninhabited Islet of Moni, where wild peacocks and deer stroll uninterrupted. 

3.  Crete

You’ll need a car to explore Greece’s biggest island, but if you’re after golden beaches, crumbly old towns, world-class museums and UNESCO Heritage sites,  Crete  ticks every box. Chania in the west is the liveliest part of the island, while Sitia in the east is famed for its pristine coves and sandy beaches – a perfect rural and picturesque escape. Nature seekers could hike Samaria, Europe’s longest gorge, culture hunters should track down the Minoan palaces, and kids are guaranteed a good time at the island’s countless waterparks.

Why go?  Much more than just an all-inclusive beach holiday hotspot, Crete is a mish-mash of fabulous stuff to see, do, eat and drink. 

Discover Crete:

📍  The best things to do in Crete

4.  Zakynthos

Better known as Zante, Zakynthos draws a party-ready crowd to its notorious Laganas nightlife strip, but this sunstruck Ionian isle – known by the Venetians as ‘the flower of the East’ – is also blessed with some of the Med’s most beautiful scenery. This includes the spectacular Shipwreck Beach, whose bright-blue waters hemmed in by sheer white cliffs can only be reached by boat, and Zakynthos Marine Park, home to slippery seals and savvy turtles. It’s truly wild – in multiple senses of the word.

5.  Santorini

The scenery in  Santorini , one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, seems crafted by the Greek gods: whitewashed villages crown the island with views over its majestic coastlines, rural vineyards span huge stretches inland and the beaches are black, red, and out of this world. There’s a ridiculous amount for explorers, foodies and culture vultures to discover, from archaeological sites to swimming spots and brilliant wine and food. And trust us: this place is  even  more beautiful IRL than it looks on the ’gram.

Discover Santorini:

📍  The best things to do in Santorini 🏨  Amazing hotels in Santorini 🏖️  Where to stay in Santorini  

6.  Tinos

Famous for its carved marble-fronted buildings – and, increasingly, its burgeoning food scene – Tinos is yet another jewel in the Cyclades archipelago. To get there, you’ll need to fly to Mykonos and catch a ferry. It’s worth the journey: some of the best Greek wines are produced here, and chefs from all over Europe have opened restaurants among its sage-scented hills. Most are situated in the main town of Chora – we recommend the traditional Greek menu at Thalassaki.

7.  Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos is also one of the least explored – which means you can expect secluded sandy beaches and a low-key, laidback atmosphere that’ll make the pressures of everyday life feel worlds away. Packing an incredible amount of variety into an incredibly small space, this is a place where you can venture up into tiny high-flung mountain villages or laze on an endless chain of silky sand beaches away from the madding tourist crowds.

8.  Corfu

Italianate villages, ornate palaces and romantic beaches are on the cards if you visit the lush island where the Durrell family once lived. With its sundry influences left by past invaders,  Corfu  is a place where you can drink ginger ale with your Greek salad, stroll streets packed with Byzantine and Venetian architecture and meet modern-day monks in Paleokastritsa’s spectacular medieval monastery. And after a hard day’s sightseeing and stuffing your face, you’ll obviously want to jump straight into the Ionian Sea – never not a stunning shade of turquoise blue.

Discover Corfu:

📍  The best things to do on Corfu

9.  Rhodes

Way back when – and we’re talking way, way back –  Rhodes  was home to the Colossus, one of the world’s Seven Wonders. An earthquake may have destroyed that ol’ thing in 226BBC, but the island’s Unesco world heritage-classed old town is still steeped in charm and history – thanks to a series of dazzling topsy-turvy medieval inns and fourteenth-century knight’s houses that stand to this day. Head outside the city, and the mountain villages and cliff-top towns you’ll come across are just as magical as any fairytale location. And with plenty of chic shops, decent restaurants and lively bars, you’re guaranteed some modern magic, too.

Discover Rhodes:

📍  The best things to do in Rhodes 🏨  Amazing hotels in Rhodes

10.  Kastellorizo

At the edge of Greece, right opposite the Turkish coastal town of Kaş, you'll find Kastellorizo (aka Megisti), the island furthest from the Greek capital. It's a flight or a boat ride away from the island of Rhodes in Dodecanese, and though it's a bit of a journey to the island, it's absolutely worth it. This is a remote paradise with colourful buildings, seafood for days and seriously chilled out vibes. Plus, it has a fascinating history – make sure to visit the castle of the Knights Hospitaller overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the glorious 4 th century BC Lycian tomb below it. The fort-monastery of Agios Georgios of the Mountain also boasts one of the best views on the island (you just need to get up 315 steps first).

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15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

From charming beach towns to idyllic islands, these places to visit in Greece are all the vacation inspiration you need.

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Let’s make one thing clear: No matter where you go in Greece , you’ll have a good time. The Mediterranean nation is filled with spectacular places to explore, from its historically rich cities to its charming inland towns, and, of course, across its famed islands . But if you need a little help narrowing down where to go next, here are 15 best places to visit in Greece. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

As both Greece’s capital and the nation’s largest city, Athens deserves at least a day or two of exploration. Visitors can head to popular attractions like the  Acropolis and Parthenon, but more modern neighborhoods like Exarchia, known for its bohemian flair, are worth checking out, too.

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There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, but one gaining more attention by the minute is the positively quaint Milos . Accessible via direct flights from Athens, this island is the place to go for total rest and relaxation. Come to explore desolate beaches tucked in between craggy cliffs, dine on octopus in cafes that are sprinkled across the island, and enjoy quiet evenings sipping local wine while watching the sun dip into the azure waters.

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Looking for a more lively atmosphere? Head to Mykonos, an island known for always being a good time. Also accessible via direct flights from Athens, Mykonos is the place to be during the summer for beachside parties that stretch long into the night (and often into the next day, too). Of course, there’s more to the island than just parties. It's home to its fair share of gorgeous beaches and historical sites, including Kato Mili, a row of four massive windmills built by the Venetians in the 16th century.

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History buffs will love the town of Delphi, located about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Athens. The community was home to the Oracle of Delphi , which people from all over the Mediterranean traveled to see. Here, visitors can still explore the Temple of Apollo's remains, along with several ancient theaters and stadiums preserved through the millennia.

Admire waters a shade of blue you never knew existed in the Halkidiki region, located in northern Greece. This area is best known for its gorgeous beaches, which come with equally alluring soft sand, so you can lounge about all day.

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Find even more historical delights, visit Epidaurus, at the northeastern end of the Peloponnese. It’s beloved by archeology buffs for its Ancient Theatre , built in the fourth century B.C. to honor the god of medicine, Asclepius. And its still a place where visitors can watch live performances in the summer.

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The seaside community of Gythio is admittedly quiet, but it's by far one of the best places to visit when you need to get away from it all. Filled with colorful homes and golden-sand beaches, Gythio is also favored for its sea turtles that come and lay their eggs.

Lara_Uhryn/Getty Images

For unbelievable views, pay a visit to Meteora, located in Thessaly. The area is made up of massive rock formations reaching toward the sky. Inside the gorgeous formations sit several monasteries , which made their way onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

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Sifnos, a small island reachable by ferry from Athens, is another spot known for its relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it's filled with so many beaches, you can find a large patch of sandy shoreline all for yourself, even in the height of summer.

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Mix in island time with a quick geology lesson on Kefalonia. The island, located west of the mainland, is home to the Drogarati Cave , which comes with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the ceiling and jutting out from the sea floor, respectively.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Want to get a taste of Italy and Greece all in one go? Make your way to the stunning, romantic island of Corfu. Thanks to its proximity to its neighboring European nation, the island comes with plenty of Italian influence, reflected in its architecture, food, and way of life.

Thessaloniki

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Find an urban escape in northern Greece with a visit to Thessaloniki. This port city is filled with historic sites like the White Tower of Thessaloniki and Arch of Galerius, along with world-class restaurants and contemporary art museums that will leave you inspired.

Messolonghi

Stamatios Manousis/Getty Images

Get a different sea view in Messolonghi, located on the western coast of Greece. This town sits on a serene sea lake, with many who live here still making a living off fishing in the area. And though the town has great historical significance (especially around the Greek Revolution), it’s still an under-the-radar gem for international tourists.

Make one more historic stop at Olympia , this time for a lesson in sports history. Located on the western side of the Peloponnese, Olympia was the site of the very first Olympic Games. Visitors can visit the ancient stadium and the temples of Zeus and Hera all in one trip.

Posnov/Getty Images

Head to the eastern Peloponnese to the beautiful city of Nafplio. As Visit Greece explains, the myth behind the town is that it was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon. Today, it's filled with ancient sites, including monuments and castles galore, all worthy of exploring on your next Greek vacation. Get packing !

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Tourists warned of ‘particularly dangerous’ summer as fires rage in Crete and Kos

W ildfires have broken out on the Greek islands of Zakynthos, Chios, Crete and Kos, as authorities warn this summer could be “particularly dangerous” following a prolonged drought.

In the Metohi area of Western Chios, tourists received alerts on their phones on Monday ordering them to evacuate due to the nearby wildfire. Residents and tourists in Kos took refuge in sports centres as a wildfire reached the seaside village of Kardamena, while an estimated 1,195 acres of forest have been burned on Zakynthos.

In recent weeks Greece has endured its earliest ever heatwave , with temperatures exceeding 43C recorded at central and southern weather stations. The country defines a heatwave as a period of temperatures exceeding 38C.

During a cabinet meeting this week, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “It is a summer which is expected to be particularly dangerous [for wildfires]... the most difficult times are still ahead of us.”

“We have had an exceptionally difficult June regarding weather conditions, with high levels of drought and unusually strong winds for this season.”

Here is everything you need to know about wildfires in Greece, whether it is safe to visit, and what to do if you want to cancel your holiday.

Where are the wildfires right now?

The popular tourist islands of Chios, Zakynthos, Crete and Kos have experienced wildfires in recent days. Hundreds of firefighters, assisted by aircraft and helicopters, have worked to put out blazes on the islands.

Clare Smith, 38, who is on holiday with her family at a resort near Kardamena, Kos, told Sky News the situation “got significantly worse” through the course of Monday with “thick plumes of black smoke” billowing into the sky.

“It’s really windy here, it will be like a tinderbox,” she said. “The sky is covered in smoke. You feel like you’re in the apocalypse, or some sort of war film.”

On the island of Serifos, in the Western Cyclades, firefighters contained a fire that started in low vegetation on June 29 but spread due to intense winds. The fire damaged homes, storehouses and holiday cottages.

As well as the wildfires on the islands, there have been two severe wildfires reported south of Athens.

How can I see where exactly the fires are?

Google Maps is a helpful resource for tracking the location of wildfires. While not 100 per cent accurate, the company uses a combination of SOS alerts, satellite sources and public alerts to draw an outline of the affected area. It also gives an estimate of how many acres have been burnt.

Google advises that the impacted areas are approximate, and advises users to check official sources for more information.

Which Greek islands had the worst wildfires last year?

In 2023, severe wildfires raged across Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean, forcing the evacuation of thousands of tourists on popular holiday islands including Rhodes, Evia and Corfu.

Rhodes was particularly badly hit. The island declared a state of emergency, and Jet2 and Tui cancelled flights to the island over safety concerns. Dozens of hotels across Rhodes – including in Kiotari, Gennadi, Plimiri, Lardos, Lindos, Pefkoi and Vlicha – were either directly affected or closed due to the wildfires last year.

Is it safe to travel to Greece?

It is important to remember that summer wildfires are common in Greece, and are usually brought under control by helicopters and planes which launch seawater over the affected area.

Following the record year for wildfires, Greece has started using drones for early warning detection of wildfires, with increased coordination between authorities and volunteer firefighters. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not updated its advice to Greece. However, it does have existing advice on wildfires in the country .

The FCDO says: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October,” and advises avoiding leaving litter (particularly glass), to ensure all cigarettes are properly extinguished, and not to light barbecues. Tourists are advised to call 112 if in immediate danger.

British holidaymakers are also advised to follow @112Greece on X (formerly Twitter) and to register for alerts from the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service (in Greek).

I want to cancel my holiday – can I get a refund?

If you decide to cancel your package holiday within six weeks of departure, you will be subject to a 90 to 100 per cent cancellation charge. The exception is if the FCDO updates its advice to warn against all but essential travel to the destination – if this is the case, your tour operator is legally obliged to either bring you home or cancel the trip and issue a full refund.

If you have booked your flights and accommodation independently, you will need to turn to your holiday insurance if you are unable to travel safely due to a wildfire.

According to travel insurance specialist PJ Hayman, many policies will typically include some form of natural disaster or catastrophe cover, which should reimburse any cancellation or curtailment costs associated with fire, normally including pre-booked accommodation. It should also cover additional travel and accommodation costs caused by having to react to a fire in an emergency. 

Note that the extent and details of cover will vary by policy, and some cheaper ones may not have exclusions or low limits. And be aware also that if you take out travel insurance after a fire has already started, you are unlikely to be able to make a successful claim.

My holiday has been affected – can I claim compensation?

You will not be able to claim compensation if your holiday is cancelled due to wildfires. This is because these qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” beyond the control of operators and airlines. If your holiday is cut short as a result of fires, write to your tour operator to outline the proportion of your holiday that you missed. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, take it up with either ABTA  or AITO who have dispute resolution services, or go through the Small Claims Court.

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Map shows ‘apocalyptic’ wildfires spreading across Greece

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‘Apocalyptic’ wildfires have been ravaging Greece , including tourist hotspots Kos, Chios and Crete.

Weeks of searing heat and drought have turned parts of the country into tinderboxes, with locals and tourists evacuated as firefighters battle scores of blazes.

Large swathes of Greece, especially areas along the coast, have a ‘high’ or ‘very high risk’ of wildfire outbreaks, according to forecasters .

In the Aegean island of Kos, a wildfire broke out in Antimachia early Monday afternoon as strong winds pushed it towards the holiday resort Kardamaina.

Some 10,000 residents and tourists were evacuated, spending the night in schools, stadiums and hotels in Antimachia, Mastichari and Marmari Ekathimerin reported .

‘Kos is being tested,’ said South Aegean regional governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos according to Greek radio station Skai 100.3 .

‘Kos will emerge victorious from this great challenge.’

Clare Smith, 38, was holidaying with her family when she saw ‘thick plumes of black smoke’ rising into the sky.

‘The sky is covered in smoke. You feel like you’re in the apocalypse, or some sort of war film,’ she told Sky News .

Brian McAteer, who had flown in from Glasgow for a holiday, spent ’13 hours on the turf’ of a football stadium as the fire raged only 4km away.

‘But we had to get out,’ he said, claiming it was ‘one toilet to 7,000 people’. Photographs from others sheltering in the stadium show people sleeping on cardboard boxes and yoga mats.

‘Totally inhumane and a total s**tshow,’ added McAteer.

Holiday operators say anyone affected by the wildfires should follow the guidance of their hotels and local officials and alert them if they have been evacuated.

The UK Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to Greece but warns that ‘wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable’.

Kos mayor Theodosis Nikitaras said evacuees faced an ‘extremely difficult’ night, sharing a photograph of hundreds of people sleeping inside a football stadium in Antimachia on Facebook.

But as ‘another day dawned’, Nikitaras confirmed the once rapidly advancing fire is ‘now under control’. Guests are now ‘returning safely to their hotels’.

‘The efforts of all who operated during the night were superhuman,’ he said of firefighters and volunteers.

Fire officials said the fire was contained at 6am, with the main road to Kardamena reopened. The last of the flames have been ‘surrounded’ by firefighters.

The fire in Chios continues to burn after first erupting at around 11am yesterday in the Metohi area. A man, 63, has been arrested on suspicion of arson for allegedly starting the inferno by burning crops on his farm.

He will appear in court today and was fined nearly €9,000.

In Crete, exhausted firefighters are battling the fire for a second day as water-scooping helicopters fly above them. While still burning, the blaze has been restricted to a ravine.

Nearly 1,2000 acres of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, was scorched by a wildfire on Sunday.

Dozens of wildfires flared across the weekend. Two large forest fires broke out on Sunday and gobbled up 24 acres of woodland, houses and cars in Attica, not far from Athens.

Another fire broke out in a recycling factory in Ritsona near the island of Evia, with black smoke from burning tyres and discarded mattresses filling the sky.

Houses, businesses and chapels in Serifos, meanwhile, were torched by a fire on Saturday.

While those have since been tamed, three more wildfires were sparked yesterday.

For Greece, wildfires are becoming an annual occurrence. The country is one of many straddling the Mediterranean and Middle East that are seeing their climates dry far faster than most of the world as climate change worsens, researchers say .

Scenes of exhausted firefighters battling blazes as water-scooping helicopters soar above them is a preview of what is to come, they say, as lands like Greece are ‘among the most affected by forest fires’.

Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis knows this all too well. ‘We have had an exceptionally difficult June regarding weather conditions, with high levels of drought and unusually strong winds for this season,’ he said Monday.

‘It is a summer which is expected to be particularly dangerous [for wildfires],’ Mitsotakis said, adding: ‘The most difficult times are still ahead of us.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Urgent evacuation order issued in Greece over raging wildfires in 38°C heat

MORE : Greece’s Blue City is a ‘breathtaking’ seaside town you’ve probably never heard of

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Crete

By Touropia Editors · Last updated on August 15, 2020

Stunning Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, and also the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It boasts gorgeous beaches and mountains and is dotted with quaint villages. During the Bronze Age, this beautiful island was the home to the Minoan civilization, which is considered to be the first advanced European civilization, so there are also many historical attractions in Crete. Besides Minoan ruins, visitors can also still see the remains of Ancient Greece, the Venetian era, and the Ottoman period scattered around this island today.

10. Arkadi Monastery [SEE MAP]

The Arkadi Monastery was the site of one of the most tragic incidents in Crete’s history. In 1866, the Cretan residents, who were then under Turkish rule, decided to revolt. At one point during the rebellion, more than 940 Greeks, mostly women and children, took sanctuary in the monastery. The Turks lay siege to the monastery for three days and were finally able to break into its gates. At that point, the refugees decided to end their lives rather than be taken prisoner, and blew up barrels of gunpowder, which ended up killing hundreds of Turks and Cretans. The incident sparked sympathy and worldwide attention for the plight of the people of Crete. The monastery, which has been around since about the 12th century, was restored in 1870.

9. Rethymnon Old Town [SEE MAP]

The old town of Rethymnon (or Rethimno) is located in the midst of the modern city and features a rather unique blend of Venetian and Crete architecture. Rethymnon was established in 1204, after the Venetians had conquered Crete, so most of the remaining buildings in the old town area are of Venetian creation. The Old Town’s narrow streets and its small Venetian harbor are wonderful for walking, shopping, enjoying dinner at a small tavern and taking in Rethymnon’s remarkable architecture. Travelers will want to check out the nearby Fortezza Castle, which was built in 1590, and sits on a low hill in the middle of Rethymnon.

8. Agios Nikolaos [SEE MAP]

Situated on lovely Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos offers visitors a mix of the modern and the traditional. It is a medium-size port town that is extremely picturesque and has some style and charm, which it exploits to the full. The town’s Lake Voulismeni, which is lined with charming small cafes and boutiques, has been the subject of a number of legends. One myth is that the goddess Athena used to bathe in this almost perfectly circular body of water. Another legend claims that this beautiful lake is bottomless. Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most popular tourist destinations.

7. Elafonisi Beach [SEE MAP]

While all of Crete’s beaches are beautiful, there is something very special about the beaches that can be found on the island of Elafonisi. Located in South-west Crete, Elafonisi is separated from Crete’s shores by a very shallow lagoon. In fact, it is so shallow that visitors can easily walk the 200 meters (650 feet) to the island. The waters around this island are crystal clear, and its sand ranges from sparkling white to a soft pink hue. This island’s beaches are very popular with locals and visitors, so it can be a bit crowded in some areas. Travelers who want to avoid the crowds can just walk a little farther in, where they’ll find plenty of nice, quiet spots.

6. Spinalonga [SEE MAP]

Spinalonga is an island fortress on the southwestern entrance to the Gulf of Elounda. It used to be part of the nearby Peninsula Spinalonga, however in 1526, the Venetians cut a canal through it to separate the two. The island was also fortified and, for many years, was the first line of defense for Elounda. From 1903 to 1957, Spinalonga, was used as a leper colony for people from all over Greece who were suffering from the disease. Today, Spinalonga is just a short boat ride away from both Elounda and Agios Nikolaos and is popular with tourists, who come to the island to see the remnants of the abandoned leper colony, the fortress and numerous old structures. However, visits to this island are limited to a few hours, as there are no accommodations on Spinalonga.

5. Heraklion Archaeological Museum [SEE MAP]

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum enjoys the reputation of being one of the most important museums in Greece, especially when it comes to its collection of Minoan artifacts and artwork. Visitors to this museum can enjoy seeing fragments of the original frescoes from the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum also has exhibits dedicated to all of the periods of Crete prehistory and history, up until the late Roman periods. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddess, the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco and the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. In addition, the artifacts found in this museum were all discovered in Crete.

4. Balos Lagoon [SEE MAP]

One of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Balos Lagoon is located near the town of Kissamos. Sandwiched between the small island of Imeri Gramvousa and Crete itself, the beach is accessible by boat or car. Visitors are greeted with a stunning vista created by an outcropping of rock that is surrounded by pink sand and blue and turquoise water. This is arguably the most photographed natural attraction in Crete, which causes tourists to visit in massive numbers. The months of July and August are the busiest.

3. Chania Old Venetian Harbor [SEE MAP]

This harbor was built between the years 1320 and 1356 by the Venetians and was an important trade center until the early 20th century. The harbor could not accommodate larger ships, so the port was eventually abandoned by big vessels in favor of Souda’s harbor. Today, though, Chania’s old harbor is still used by smaller boats and yachts. The harbor’s crowning jewel is its lighthouse, which was built by the Venetians around 1595 to 1601, and is one of the oldest in the world. Most people come here to enjoy a stroll through the harbor, sip their coffee or have breakfast with a view of the lighthouse or enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and ouzo shops.

2. Samaria Gorge [SEE MAP]

Some sites require more effort to enjoy than others, and Samaria Gorge is one of those. Located in the National Park of Samarai in the White Mountains, this stunning gorge is a ten-mile downhill hike that ends at a black-sand beach in Agia Roumelli on the Libyan sea. It passes through forests of ancient cypresses and pines, then cuts between vertical cliffs through the mountains. Depending on a person’s speed and fitness level, this hike can take between four to seven hours. At the end of the trek, most hikers hire a boat to take them to Chora Sfakion.

1. Palace of Knossos [SEE MAP]

Located some 5 km (3 miles) south of Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is the most important and best known Minoan site in Crete. Knossos is also often associated with the legend of the Athenian hero Theseus killing the Minotaur. The great palace was built gradually between 1700 and 1400 BC, with periodic rebuildings after destruction until it was devastated once and for all by fire. Knossos incorporated numerous rooms such as the Throne Room, named for a large chair that is built into the wall, facing several benches. The main function of the palace is still under debate. It could have been used primarily as an administrative or a religious center.

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