It’s not always true that places are as nice as they look on postcards. There are times when places look worn out and overdone. When it comes to Greece, “sometimes” doesn’t matter.
As the place where modern civilization began, Greece continues to honor and teach about its amazing past. Its beautiful islands are still just as appealing as ever.
You’ve seen pictures of the churches with their domes and small streets cut through them, with bougainvilleas covering them in white flowers. A dangerous height separates it all from the blue waters below. From this spot, you can see the town just as well as from the other side.
1. Crete
Crete, one of the best islands in Greece, has beautiful beaches all around it. There is a huge sense of calm on the golden (and sometimes pink) sands that are lapped by blue water. There are more than 300 beaches to choose from, such as the well-known Elafonissi, Balos, and Preveli.
Villages, small towns, and delicate cities are traditionally beautiful beyond the beaches. Chania’s old town makes you feel like you’re back in the golden age of Venice. Agios Nikolaos also gives you a real look into the lives of people who live there.
Crete has a lot of history, and there are still archaeological signs of the many societies that lived there over the years. It’s also a big island with a lot of different landscapes that make it interesting. There are rough mountains and rolling farmland with olive trees all over the place.
Crete is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, and it’s also the biggest, so you can still find your little piece of paradise. Unless you go to Balos Lagoon during busy times.
If you go further inland, you’ll find Lassithi. It has towns next to important archaeological sites and a plateau full of windmills all around it.
2. Rhodes
Rhodes is a great choice for Santorini if you can’t make it to both. It has everything good about the Greek Islands. Rhodes is a great place to visit because it has an acropolis, whitewashed houses, churches with domes, 300 days of sunshine, and delicious food.
During their trips, all travellers are locked in a complicated dance with the weather gods. But Rhodes almost always has sunny days. It’s called the “Island of the Sun,” and you can sleep to the sound of the waves and watch the sun go down.
Explore Rhodes’ Old Town when you’re not getting a tan. The streets of this European town, which is one of the oldest still inhabited, tell stories of being ruled by both Italy and Turkey. Mosques, churches, and public baths that are hundreds of years old can be found on cobblestone streets.
The food is delicious, and the wine from this island is great too. Both of them make the day better and make you more eager to explore tomorrow.
3. Meteora
A lot of people love the islands off the shores of the mainland. But Meteora gives you a lot of reasons to stop your journey across the Aegean.
One of the most interesting places to visit in Greece is this town in the north. The Pindus Mountains are beautiful, with their tall rock walls making a scene that looks like it belongs in another world. Its center is the Meteora Monasteries, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
These temples were built between the 1400s and 1600s. They are perched on the edge of these cliffs. With a setting like this, it’s easy to see why the residents felt a strong call from God.
In the Ottoman era, monks who were being persecuted for their religion would use ladders and ropes to get to the temples. All you have to do, though, is follow a road that has been cut out to get to heaven. Great Meteora is the biggest, and along with its past, it has views that you will never forget.
4. Epidaurus
Epidaurus is beautiful right from the start, with its peaceful nature and deep blue seas of the Saronic Gulf. The town is pretty far away, especially compared to ancient times when Epidaurus grew into a center for new science.
The theatre in Epidaurus is incredibly well-preserved and goes back to 330 BC. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine. At its peak, the town’s healing center would host wonderful shows that the patients would watch. The old theatre still puts on shows all summer long, carrying on a tradition.
Discover the Palaia Epidavros, also known as the Old Town, when you’re not taking in the history and beauty. You can walk along the streets that lead to the water, where boats float and busy taverns are located.
5. Corfu
Corfu, which is in the Ionian Sea, is a beautiful mix of Venetian style and Mediterranean sun. The island is full of green scenery. The beaches are lined with swaying pines, and there are historic places all over.
Venetian food and French rule in the 19th century can be found in Corfu’s Old Town. This is what led to the creation of the lively Liston. Along with the biggest town hall in the country, this street is full of great restaurants that you can walk down.
After that, take a bridge over the water to get to Vlacherna Monastery. The monastery is a small, whitish building from the 1600s that sits on its island. Another one-of-a-kind place is Palaio Frourio, an old Venetian castle.
After days of walking around and working off all that pasta, days at the beach are a great way to rest. You can choose between Rovinia and Acharavi. The first one has beautiful scenery, blue waters, and pebble beaches. The quiet, shallow water around Archaravi is great for lying back and floating.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the must-visit destinations in Greece?
Greece has many interesting places to see, but Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Meteora are five that everyone should see.
Q2. Why visit Athens?
The city of Greece, Athens, is a place with a lot of history and culture. Visit famous sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis, and learn about old history at the Acropolis Museum.
Q3. What makes Santorini a top destination?
People love Santorini for its beautiful sunsets, whitewashed houses with blue domes, and clear water. People can enjoy beautiful settings, unique beaches, and a lively nightlife.