With clear blue waters all around, Greece has 2000 islands amongst which only 160 reside. It has everything that a traveler could pray for, beginning from great culture and history, large mountains, golden beaches, and ancient remains. Along with the history, the taste in music, food, and many festivals where one can relive and lose themselves in the ancient might of Greece.

Places to Visit in Greece

Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island just 200 km away from mainland Greece. The place was formed after a large volcanic outburst that formed a caldera. Santorini is famous for its destination weddings, astounding views, stunning sunsets, and an active volcano. The red beach, white beach, and black pebble beach in Kamari are some sites that should not be skipped.

It is a site of one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in the history of humankind: the Minoan eruption which is believed to have led to the downfall of the Minoan civilization. The small island offers a rich variety of landscapes – including sunsets, beaches, and villages. Visit classical architecture in Mesa Gonia holding the ruins from the 1956 earthquake.

Pyrgos is another famous village with its majestic old houses, remains of several Byzantine churches, and the  Venetian castle. The major settlements on the island include Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli, Fira (Phira), Oia, Emporio, Pyrgos, and Therasia. Akrotiri is a major archaeological site, with ruins from the Minoan time. The island was ranked as the world’s best island by many magazines and travel sites.

Places to visit: Fira, Oia, Perissa, Akrotiri, etc.

Athens

Famously known as the “Birthplace of Democracy”, Athens is the largest city, as well as, the capital city of Greece. With its tale of about 7000 years, a mixture of important and the modern world can be seen everywhere the city. It is a significant destination to witness the former force of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.

The city of Athens is circled by 4 big mountains: Mount Parnitha to the north, Mount Aigaleo to the west, Mount Hymettus to the east, and Mount Pentelicus to the northeast. The earliest settlers came here over 7000 years ago. Generally, it became a center for rulers to establish their territories, having the honor of being the cradle of Western civilization, with any aspect of the ancient Greek lifestyle and governance still being applied today.

The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is unquestionably the city’s most treasured and important monument. Within this citadel lies a bunch of still-standing majestic structures, all displaying the famous ancient Greek form of architecture that reveals stories of the city and its people at the top of its grandeur.

Even today, the city bursts with culture and color, maintaining its vibrancies. Cafes are open till 3:00 – 4:00 by great food, particularly some mouthwatering, fascinating Mediterranean cuisine. There are several choices for shopping ranging from colorful bazaars to suburban malls. Its emphasis on the global map makes it a prime destination for nightlife. With an active transport system, traveling to this great city is not a trouble at all.

Places to visit: Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, etc.

Mykonos

Famous as “The island of the winds”, Mykonos is another beautiful Greek island situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea.

The island, also identified as the island of the winds is highly famous among party enthusiasts, as it offers one of the best nightlife on the continent. The destination is also famous among the LGBT community as it offers many gay beaches and clubs. Mykonos is one of the most visited islands in the Aegean Sea.

Places to visit: Little Venice, Paraportiani Church,  Archaeological Museum Of Mykonos, Paradise, etc.

Crete

Famous as the land of beautiful beaches and party lifestyle and the largest island in Greece area-wise, Crete is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea parting the Aegean from the Libyan Sea.

Crete is not just sand, sea, sun, and mountains but a place full of shopping locations, cultural heritage, nightclubs, and beautiful infrastructure. Crete was once the center of the Minoan civilization which is regarded as the oldest civilization of Europe. Crete is mountainous from west to east.

The island also contains beautiful lakes, rivers, and lagoons and is circled by a large number of islands. If there is a contest among the most beautiful islands in the world, the island of Crete will surely be a major contender for the prize.