10 Must-Visit Places in Greece

Known for its plethora of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, sunny beaches, tasty cuisine and friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder that Greece is among the best travel destinations in Europe. But the reason tourism exists in the first place is that it is truly beautiful here.

Often, you'll find that beauty on the many islands scattered about, spread like little gems in the seas surrounding the Greek peninsula. Each offers its own share of breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes and cultural delights.

There is a wealth to explore. From the Ionian islands in the west - including Kefalonia and Corfu - to the Aegean Sea, including Mykonos, Santorini, Kos and Rhodes, among others. Then there is the pre-Hellenic Minoan culture of Crete in the south.

Back on the mainland, there is a scene worthy of the gods. The Meteora monastery, the ruins of Delphi and then, most famous of all, the capital Athens and its iconic Parthenon. Here's a look at the best places to visit in Greece:

10Cape Sounion

Located at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, Cape Sounion is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The remains are perched on the promontory, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The site is a popular day trip for tourists from Athens, with the sunset over the Aegean Sea, seen from the ruins, a much sought-after sight.

9Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the Macedonian region of northern Greece. Lively festivals, social events and a vibrant nightlife make this city the cultural capital of Greece. Made up of a historic centre and a commercial district, Thessaloniki offers both ancient and new attractions, from the Byzantine walls, the White Tower and the Turkish baths, to the colourful food markets, museums and art galleries. Thessaloniki's nightlife is second to none. From small tavernas to nightclubs and other entertainment venues, Thessaloniki has it all.

8Zagori

Zagori is a region of great natural beauty, with dramatic geology and two national parks, in north-western Greece. Dense forests and rugged mountains are carved by powerful rivers and dotted with traditional villages, many of them with large stone houses dating back to the late 18th century. The best way to enjoy the area is to hike the many trails linking the villages. The most accessible and rewarding goal is the wonderful Vikos Gorge.

7Halkidiki

Halkidiki is a trident-shaped peninsula near the city of Thessaloniki, with excellent beaches. The three separate peninsulas can be summed up as follows: Kassandra has the nightlife, Sithonia has the beaches and Athos has the monks. Being closer to Thessaloniki, Kassandra is more built-up, while the quieter Sithonia has campsites, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Both are popular among Greek and Eastern European tourists. Much of the easternmost peninsula belongs to the monastic community of Mount Athos. It is reachable by boat and open only to male pilgrims.

6Peloponnese

The Peloponnese, shaped like a large leaf, was traditionally called Morea, meaning mulberry leaf. Located in the southernmost region of Europe and Greece, the Peloponnese is a vast peninsula connected to the mainland by the Rio-Antirrio bridge. Exchanged with classical Greek temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and Mycenaean palaces, the Peloponnese echoes the ancient cultures and events of its long history. Among these ancient ruins is Olympia, where the first Olympic games were held in honour of Zeus.

5Delphi

Second only to the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece. Located about two and a half hours from Athens, along the slopes of majestic Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once revered by the ancient Greeks as the centre of the earth. Dedicated to the god Apollo, Delphi was an important oracle. In ancient times, people came to this sacred place to ask the priestess for advice on a wide range of subjects, from agriculture to relationships and politics. Among the ruins and significant structures of Delphi are the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the theatre and the hippodrome that once hosted the events of the ancient Pythian Games.

4Meteora

The Greek word meteora means "suspended in the air", and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise more than 1,200 feet (366 metres) into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in northern mainland Greece. What makes these cliffs even more thrilling are the historic monasteries perched along their summits. Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, the Meteora monasteries were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.

3Crete

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a spacious land of pleasant contrasts, where landscapes range from splendid coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees. Lively metropolitan cities spread out beyond quiet villages centred on open-air cafes. Steeped in history, Crete still preserves archaeological traces of the numerous civilisations that have inhabited it through the centuries.

2Athens

Inhabited for over 3000 years, Athens is known as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. The city presents a confused mix of historical and modern features. Athens is famous for its archaeological ruins and monuments such as the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the ancient Agora and the Theatre of Dionysus, just to name a few. However, Athens isn't only about ancient ruins. This vibrant city is also an important centre for business, culture and nightlife.

1The Greek Islands

The beautiful and exotic Greek islands attract crowds of tourists every year, making them one of the most important travel destinations in the world. With more than 2,000 islands to choose from, you might initially be bewildered by their number and variety. From splendid beaches, ancient ruins, colourful harbours and active volcanoes, the Greek islands have it all.

Part of the Cyclades group, Santorini is among the most picturesque islands and certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece. Also part of the Cyclades, Mykonos presents a modern, cosmopolitan society, combined with traditional white houses and labyrinthine streets. Located in the Aegean Sea near the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is the capital and largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago, famous for its great beaches and its historical significance. The northernmost of Greece's Ionian islands, Corfu was controlled by many foreign powers, particularly Venetian and British, which is reflected