Greece Attractions

If you are planning a getaway in Greece, there are plenty of sights that you absolutely must see. We have compiled the top 15 attractions in Greece and provide you with important information and tips about the Acropolis, Olympia, and more!

Greece is a paradise for all who enjoy sightseeing during their vacation. Countless impressive ancient temples, museums with historical artifacts, and many other attractions in Greece testify to the country's past. The legacies of great philosophers and Greek gods adorn this popular travel destination. The millennia-old history is omnipresent, and the sights of Greece are a must for amateur historians, archaeologists, and all other enthusiasts. Join us on the journey to visit the Grand Master Palace in Rhodes, the Athenian Agora, the Vikos Gorge, and many other highlights of Greece.

1. Acropolis | 2. Meteora Monasteries | 3. Plaka

4. Ruins of Delphi | 5. Olympus

6. Corinth Canal | 7. Olympia | 8. Agora

9. Grand Master Palace | 10. Navagio Beach

11. Santorini | 12. Olympieion | 13. Vikos Gorge

14. Mount Athos | 15. Colossus of Rhodes

High above the city of Athens stands the most famous sight in Greece: the Acropolis. The ruins of the former city fortress are the city's landmark and a jewel of ancient architecture that you must visit during your Greek vacation.

The Acropolis consists of several buildings that sit on the 512-foot-high city rock and were constructed between 467 and 406 BC. One of the most important buildings is the Parthenon, which honors the goddess and patroness Athena. As you make your way to the foot of the Acropolis, which translates to 'high city,' you will arrive at the Theater of Dionysus. This is where drama was born, and the ruins are definitely worth a visit. In 1986, the Acropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here in our travel magazine, you can find more information about the Acropolis in Athens.

• Get your online tickets for the Acropolis here

Travel Guru Tip: The best time to visit is in the morning when it is still quiet and not too hot in the summer. If you want to see the Acropolis in all its beauty, you can climb Filopappou Hill. From there, you have an unparalleled view of the majestic fortress.

If you want to know what it feels like when you can hardly believe your eyes, you must visit the Meteora Monasteries in Greece. The monasteries were built on sandstone and appear to be floating above the surrounding gorges. Six of the monasteries you can visit are still inhabited.

Even though many tourist buses come relatively close to the monasteries, you should be prepared for stairs. Be grateful that they exist, because back then, the monasteries were only accessible by rope ladders. The Metamorphosis Monastery is the most significant of the suspended structures between earth and sky. It is the first Meteora monastery built in the 14th century. The rock on which it stands is an astounding 1,968 feet high. Monks still live here today. However, you should also have the other suspended monasteries, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, on your radar and pay them a visit. Here you can find some interesting information about the Monasteries of Meteora.

• Get your online tickets for the Meteora Monasteries here

Travel Guru Tip: If you are not physically fit, you should visit the monasteries by rental car, as they are sometimes far apart. If you stay several days, you can visit the monasteries on foot and enjoy beautiful hikes.

A unique attraction in Greece is the shopping area of Plaka. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the capital, Athens. Even today, the special flair of antiquity is palpable in Plaka.

The narrow alleys and the partially colorful facades will transport you back in time. However, many parts of Plaka are restored, making this area of the old town one of the most popular in all of Athens. Stroll through the narrow streets, browse the shop windows, take a seat in one of the cozy taverns, and gaze upon the Acropolis above you. A highlight in Plaka is also the central market on Evripidou Street. Here, transactions happen much like in the East! Plaka can be explored on foot without worries; no cars are allowed in this neighborhood.

One of the most famous and mystical sights in Greece is the Ruins of Delphi. Legends and myths surround this place like no other.

The sacred site was once a destination for many visitors who asked the oracle at the Temple of Apollo about their future. But it is not just the mythology, but also the location that makes the Ruins of Delphi a sight that belongs on our list. The sacred site is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus amidst a beautiful mountain panorama. From the archaeological site, you can look down at the Gulf of Corinth. It takes about two hours by car from Athens, and three hours by bus to Delphi. Get off at the Agios Nikolaos metro station, and from there it's just a ten-minute walk to the ruins.

• Get your online tickets for the Ruins of Delphi here

Travel Guru Tip: On certain days, you can visit the oracle for free: March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, October 28, and on the first Sunday of each month from November 1 to March 31.

Not only man creates remarkable sights; nature is an artist too and has created Olympus. Greece's highest mountain range is an attraction particularly appealing to hikers and nature lovers.

The highest peak of this legendary mountain is Mytikas at 9,570 feet. Climb the mountain of the gods, and you will have accomplished something that many only dream of. Numerous hiking trails lead you through the unique flora and fauna, which led to Olympus being declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981. Alternatively, there are areas where you can also do mountain biking. If the weather is nice, you can go swimming in the Ourliass gorge and be close to nature. For a cultural diversion, consider visiting the Agios Dionysios Monastery.

• Get your online tickets for cool tours to Olympus here

You may wonder how a canal can be a sight? The Corinth Canal certainly qualifies, given that it greatly facilitated shipping many years ago.

Although the Corinth Canal is only 3.9 miles long, it shortens the sea route by 202 miles. The waterway connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. Thus, ships no longer had to sail around the Peloponnesian peninsula. Because the canal is not particularly wide (about 79 feet at its widest point) and deep (about 26 feet), only smaller vessels can pass through. Due to this limitation, the significance of the Corinth Canal has diminished. Nevertheless, you should not miss this attraction and view the canal from a sightseeing ship.

• Get your online tickets for cool tours to the Corinth Canal here

Travel Guru Tip: If you suffer from seasickness but are not afraid of heights, you can stand on the bridge and así get an impression of the Corinth Canal.

If you are on the Peloponnese, you cannot pass by another attraction in Greece: Olympia. The ancient city was the site of the world-famous games. Among the temple ruins, you will also find the Temple of Zeus.

Back in the day, the temple was the largest in all of Peloponnese; today, it is considered a masterpiece of its time. You shouldn't miss the ruins of the Hera Temple either. It is one of the oldest temples in the country and once housed statues of Hera and Zeus. By the way: The Olympic flame is still ignited on the Hera Altar near the temple, and the torch relay begins here.

Travel Guru Tip: On certain days, you can visit Olympia for free: March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, October 28, and every first Sunday from November 1 to March 31.

Agora translates to marketplace. In the 2,000-year-old Agora, the citizens of ancient Athens would gather to trade, discuss, vote, decide, or simply to socialize. All this shows how important the Agora was in the past. When you visit the site, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant activities of a long-past era.

One of the most important structures you can see here is the Temple of Hephaestus. It is very well preserved, even the best-preserved temple in all of Greece. Excavations of the colonnades and the Hadrian Library, which is just a few minutes' walk from the Temple of Hephaestus and whose construction was commissioned by the Roman Emperor, are further remains that bring you closer to antiquity. Visit the former economic, political, and social center of Athens and be amazed.

• Get your online tickets for the Athenian Agora here

Travel Guru Tip: On certain days, you can visit the Agora for free: March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, October 28, and on the first Sunday of each month from November 1 to March 31.

If you are vacationing in Rhodes, the Grand Master Palace must be on your list. This building dates back to the 14th century and provides cultural variety in your beach vacation in Rhodes. After its completion, the palace served as the seat of the Knights of St. John.

In the 19th century, the palace was used as a prison. After destruction due to an explosion, it was renovated in the 20th century, and some areas were expanded. Well-preserved original remains of the original palace are only the entrance area and the round towers. In the citadel, you will find the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. Inside the palace, you can view some of the numerous rooms and historical furnishings.

• Get your online tickets for the Grand Master Palace in Rhodes here

Travel Guru Tip: Instead of driving and parking in a paid parking lot, it is best to go on foot. Just walk to the end of the Knight's Street in the Old Town, and you'll find the palace.

Navagio Beach is perhaps the most visited beach in Zakynthos. Why? On one hand, the location is phenomenal, as the cove is surrounded by impressive cliffs.

On the other hand, there is the shipwreck here, which is considered the island's landmark. Additionally, the thousands of photos travelers share of this cove online add to its fame. At Navagio Beach, you can take a swim in the crystal-clear sea, sunbathe on the white sand next to the famous shipwreck, and you can also go to the platform to see parts of the cove from a different perspective. For an unobstructed view of the cove with its shipwreck, you should hike up the hill to the right of the beach. You do not need climbing or hiking experience, and the ascent takes only a few minutes.

• Get your online tickets for cool boat tours and more to Navagio Beach here

Santorini is an island considered the pearl of the Greek islands. It is actually a bubbling volcano that is inhabited.

Here you will find the classic motifs that adorn numerous postcards. You must see the coastal village of Oia, where the white houses have round, blue domes. You should also visit the capital, Fira, which offers breathtaking views. Cozy taverns, Greek delicacies, and cliffside hotels with infinity pools make Santorini a truly special sight in Greece. A must-do on Santorini: experience the sunset! It is said that Oia has the most beautiful sunsets in the world! More Santorini tips with plenty of inspiration and excursions can be found in our travel magazine.

• Get your online tickets for cool tours on and to Santorini here

The Olympus mountain range, the historic site of Olympia - the only thing missing in this series is the Olympieion, the Temple of Zeus in Athens. The remains of the temple are located near the Acropolis. So when you visit the buildings at the highest point of Athens, you can also visit the Olympieion.

This way, you can visit many sights in Greece without detours. From the temple, which was considered one of the most powerful in antiquity in Greece, only some of the columns remain today. When you stand before them, you can imagine why the Olympieion was one of the most powerful temples. The columns rise an impressive 56 feet high.

• Get your online tickets for the Olympieion here

Travel Guru Tip: If you want to see the Olympieion along with the other sights in Athens, you can purchase a combo ticket for a total of €30. It includes entry to many other sights in Athens.

If you prefer naturally formed attractions in Greece, you should head to the Vikos Gorge.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the deepest gorge in the world (measured by the ratio of width to length) and is therefore a must for every hiking enthusiast. This natural wonder is located in the Pindus mountain range, which lies in northwestern Greece. Look forward to almost untouched nature, as not many tourists have discovered the beauty of this gorge yet. Here you will find breathtaking hiking trails and routes that will reward you at the end with an unforgettable view. With a bit of luck, you can spot vultures and eagles here. But be careful: The Vikos Gorge is a total of ten kilometers long, between 328 and 3,609 feet deep and is certainly not entirely easy to conquer! The Vikos-Aoos National Park, the Veli Rock, and the Paraskevi Monastery are popular hiking destinations in the area.

Athos is the third finger of the Chalkidiki peninsula. The holy mountain of the same name, which gives Athos its name, rises an impressive 6,670 feet high. But the uniqueness lies in its distinctiveness. Athos is an autonomous monastic republic, which has no parallel in the world. However, there is a catch:

Most travelers can only see the beautiful monasteries from the boat. Only those who have applied far in advance for a visa that has been approved can enter Athos. However, not everyone can obtain a visa. According to an old tradition, women are not allowed to enter Athos. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. If you don't get a shady spot on the boat, it's essential to protect yourself from the Greek sun.

• Get your online tickets for a cool boat tour to Athos here

In ancient times, the Colossus of Rhodes was a bronze statue honoring Helios, the Greek sun and city god. It rose more than 100 feet high, and it took about twelve years to build this massive statue. Unfortunately, the statue collapsed during an earthquake in 227/226 BC. What remains are myths and stories, along with the question of where the Colossus of Rhodes supposedly stood. Even though the statue was leveled to the ground, a trip to the Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town is worthwhile. After all, this is where the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is said to have stood. And here you can even imagine how the colossal statue supposedly stood with wide legs over the harbor entrance.

Besides the top 15 attractions in Greece, there are many other attractions and highlights. It's no wonder that Greece is such a popular vacation destination. If you also want to dive into the history of Greece and see with your own eyes the cradle of Europe and the birthplace of democracy, you will find the best offers here.