17 top things to do in greece
Greece is an expanding and diverse paradise with adventures new and old seemingly everywhere you turn. Immerse yourself in a history that extends almost as far back as modern civilization itself. Traveling the same awe-inspiring terrain as centuries of countless myths and legends makes you feel as though you’re not just exploring a country but the history of an entire culture.
No matter where you find yourself in Greece, you’re guaranteed to find something that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Massive mountains and great gorges rise and fall throughout the country. Immaculate beaches that seem to stretch for miles on petite plots of paradise known as the Greek Islands. Athens, with its rich and storied history combined with the new, delicious, growing food scene. The mesmerizing Greek sunrise painted behind breathtaking natural pillars of Meteora. When you see these incredible, best views in the world, you truly get the sensation that there’s more to Greece than just what’s in front of you.
Keep scrolling to see the TOP THINGS TO DO IN GREECE!
1.) Beloi Viewpoint Hike
Overlooking Vikos Gorge from this hike is one of the most underrated things to do in Greece while also being one of the best things to do in Greece. The Beloi hike brings the best view of the deepest gorge in Greece as it extends far into the horizon. Deep green foliage covering the walls and floor of the canyon, followed by a river cutting through the center, is another of the many beauties found in Greece.
Pro tip- Bring a good pair of shoes. Although the hike isn’t very long (about 1-hour round trip), some sections have big, uneven rocks.
2.) Lefkada Beaches
Of all the idyllic beaches in Greece, those in Lefkada are among the best. Be it the gorgeous towering white cliffs of Porto Katsiki beach. The expansive beachfront seems to stretch for miles in Egremni Beach. The crystal clear waters of Ammoussa beach great for snorkeling, and many more. Check out the best beaches in Greece to help you find which of the dreamy Lefkada beaches are right for you!
Pro tip- Venturing down to the beaches at night makes for undisturbed and unmatched views of the night sky.🌌
3.) Athens
As the capital of Greece, Athens is home to many of the best things Greece has to offer. Rich history nearly as old as time itself. Unbelievable restaurants serving delectable meals. Numerous shops selling handcrafted items. And plenty of sights that won’t soon be forgotten.
4.) Kefalonia Island Caves
Large or small, well-regarded tourist attractions or secluded hidden gems, water-filled pools or rooms of barely dripping stalactites. Take a boat trip through the large open-top and water-filled Melissani cave. Descend into the depths of the cavernous Dragorati Cave, or sit in serenity at the forgotten oasis of Zervati Cave. When it comes to unique and alluring caves, Kefalonia has it all and then some.
Pro tip- The best caves can be found near the town of Sami.
5.) Ancient Olympia
Step foot onto the birthplace of sports. All of the entertaining sports we have today can be traced back to the Olympic games, the first sports competition in history nearly 2800 years ago! Today, you can walk through the entire town, full of ruins and ancient structures, even the original field where the Olympics were held.
Pro tip- Stop by the museum to see the large collection of excavated artifacts.
6.) Monasteries at Meteora
Perched atop natural stone pillars hundreds of feet above the ground, these ancient places of worship make for an incredible sight. Nearly a thousand years ago, monks settled in Meteora, and to this day, they can be found living in the monasteries, still calling this beautiful area home.
Pro tip- Watching the sun rise over these legendary monasteries from the main observation deck is one of the best things to do in Greece!
7.) Run The Original Marathon
Be part of the most famous race in history! Every year, thousands begin in the Marathon Municipal Stadium in Marathon, racing to the finish at the historic Panathithinaiko Stadium within the heart of Athens. Running from city to city, you can feel as though you’re racing through ancient Greece like Pheidippides in the marathon origins.
Pro tip- You don’t have to wait for the annual marathon. You can run solo whenever you want!
8.) Explore As Many Greek Islands As You Can
Greece is home to thousands of unique islands, each with its own exciting areas and secrets to explore. Anything from the large and diverse Crete island, the popular retreat of Corfu, the pearly white buildings of Santorini, and so many more to discover! Whether you’re looking for small day retreats or expansive islands fit to be their own country, the Greek Islands have it all.
Pro tip- Try Corfu, Lefkada, Crete, and Kefalonia to see the best the Greek Islands have to offer!
9.) Temple Of Poseidon
A short drive from Athens, you can find the sturdy pillars of this monument built for the god of the sea. Constructed in 444-440 BC, the temple is fittingly found right on the coast, overlooking the waves of the Aegean. Seeing the bright white marble next to the deep blue ocean makes for both a historical and visual delight!
Pro tip- Don’t miss the many plaques around the temple showing the area’s history.
10.) Check Out The Great Food Scene In Athens
Athens may not be considered a culinary hotspot, but after seeing the many fantastic offerings, that’s sure to change. Greek delicacies like iced doughnut bites, aka loukoumades. Seafood so good it rivals any country. And, of course, the best gyros in the world. The food here in Athens is so good it will have you asking for seconds before you finish the first!
Pro tip- See the best restaurants in Athens and all of Greece! (COMING SOON)
11.) Take In A Greek Sunrise Over Beautiful Scenery
Sunsets are usually thought of first, but when it comes to Greece, sunrises are king. Watching the starry night sky transform as the sun begins to rise, waking the whole country to life is unbeatable. Not to mention, sunrises are much less crowded than sunsets.
Pro tip- Main observation deck (Meteora), Areopagus Hill (Athens), and Mt Pantokrator (Corfu) are just a few of the best spots to watch the sunrise! 🌅
12.) Vouliagmeni Lake
Swim like the locals in this watery retreat just outside of Athens. Greek mythology says this oasis was created by Apollo thousands of years ago as a gift. Today, this emerald colored lake is the premier spot to soak in the sun or wade in the legendary Vouliagmeni waters.
Pro tip- If you stand still in the water, tiny fish will swim up and eat the dead skin right off you!
13.) Corinth Canal
In the shadow of Acrocorinth sits an idea nearly 2000 years in the making. At 4 miles long and only 70 feet wide, this man made canal was first attempted during the Roman Empire. It wasn’t until 1893 that the first ship made its way down the canal.
Pro tip- Stand on one of the few bridges to look to the water 170ft below. If you’re lucky, you might see a ship squeezing its way through.
14.) Crete Island
By far the largest of the Greek Islands, Crete can feel like a country on its own. Explore the vast morphing island, from the mountainous Samaria Gorge to the dozens of incredible beaches. All with perfectly pink Oleander flowers decorating your journey through the island. You can also find Crete’s own rich ancient and more recent history. Touring artifacts of the ancient Greek civilization, to Crete’s seldomly talked about history of WW2.
15.) Acropolis And Acropolis Museum
Built as a temple to Athena the goddess of war millennia ago. It now stands as an icon watching over all of Athens. Its massive pillars make it easy to see why the Acropolis was the crown jewel of ancient Greece. Down the hill, you can find the Acropolis Museum, filled with thousands of artifacts from the same archaeological site. When seeing these 2 spots in person, the scale and significance are undeniable.
Pro tip- Visit the nearby Areopagus Hill at night to see the Acropolis lit up
16.) The Most Beautiful Church In Greece
Agios Ioannis Kastri, nicknamed the Mamma Mia chapel, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots on Skopelos Island and in the country. After climbing roughly 200 steep rocky steps up the cliff to reach the peak overlooking the waves, you will see why this picture perfect church is featured in the Mamma Mia movie. And if you’re looking for your own dream wedding spot, you too can get married here!
Pro tip- Check out the nearby Agios Ioannis beach for a calm, relaxing cove with a great view of the church!
17.) Nydri Waterfalls
The Greek Islands are full of surprises, and this 2 stage waterfall is perfect proof. Off the beaten path, the watery oasis is one of the best hidden gems of Lefkada! During the day, you can feel free to swim in the light blue pools or just admire the falls. However, it’s nighttime when this spot really turns to magic. Seeing the starry night sky crest over the falls is something that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
Pro tip- Stop nearby at Rachi, the best restaurant in Lefkada.
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