The land of Greece is infused with ancient mythology and if you like archeology, history, art, and philosophy then a trip to this fascinating country is not to be missed. Greece is made up of a series of idyllic islands surrounded by jet-blue seas and covered in dainty white buildings, and you will also find crumbling ruins, engaging museums, and pretty coastal towns aplenty.
From throbbing cities like Athens to a slower pace of life in little villages by the sea, Greece is a mosaic of different experiences and landscapes and one of the world’s largest open-air museums.
Main Highlights
- Tour the Acropolis.
- Visit the world heritage site Delphi
- Feel the peace in Corinth Canal
1. Climb the Olympus
Mount Olympus is probably one of the most famous mountains in the world and if you are a fan of Greek mythology then this is not to be missed off your itinerary.
If you want to climb the mountain then you will need to travel to Litochoro where you can trek part or all the way to the top depending on your ability and fitness levels.
Mount Olympus is known in Greek mythology as the spot where Zeus sat on his throne as well as the place where Hades ruled the Underworld, so as you climb you can imagine the legends that are interconnected with this mountain.
2. Santorini
Santorini is also known as the island of Thira and is the haven of honeymooners looking to get away from it all in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Santorini is known for its picture postcard good looks which see it covered in traditional Cycladic homes which gleam white under the hot Greek sun and contrast beautifully with the deep blue seas and churches.
Walking around the island gives you the chance to take in all the spectacular architecture here and because the landscape is formed by a volcanic crater you can expect some of the most spectacular views in all of Greece.
3. Delphi
Delphi has the claim to fame of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the top attractions in Greece.
Delphi sits on the sides of Mount Parnassus and was a popular pilgrimage spot in the days of old for those who would come here to pay homage to Apollo, the ancient Greek god of healing, music, light, and prophecy.
Followers would come here to seek guidance from the Oracle at Delphi and nowadays you will find temples, an impressive stadium, a theater, and delightful ancient ruins.
Delphi is located around 180 kilometers away from the capital city of Athens, so this makes it a good place to come if you want to get out of the city and explore a different area of Greece.
4. Acropolis Museum
One of the most popular modern attractions in Athens is the Acropolis Museum which opened in 2009. You will know the building when you see it as it’s made of cutting-edge glass and steel and houses some of the most famous artifacts in Greece.
Some of the signature pieces in the museum include the Moschophoros which is a statue of a man with a calf on his shoulders and the Parthenon marbles.
The museum is also known for its cafe which has a terrace that looks across to the breathtaking Acropolis.
Located in the charming Thissio neighborhood of Athens is the Hephaestus Temple.
5. Hephaestus Temple
As with all temples in Greece, this one is dedicated to the gods, in this case, Hephaestus who was the god of fire, and Athena, the goddess of pottery and ancient crafts.
The temple dates from 450 BC and sits atop Agoreao Koronos Hill.
Designed by the same architect who worked on the Pantheon, Hephaestus Temple is known for its pretty columns and its Pentelic and Parian marble decorations.
You will also find friezes and sculptures dotting the building which is said to be one of the most historically important in all of Greece.
6. Corinth Canal
One of the most amazing feats of engineering in Greece is the Corinth Canal.
It took centuries to build and was started by Nero, the ancient Roman emperor, before finally being finished under the French as late as the 19th century.
The canal is sliced into a section of rock and spans 6 kilometers with sides that soar up to 90 meters.
The canal is still in working order and you can catch ships traveling if you happen to be here at the right time.
One of the other main attractions on the canal is the Zulu Bungy Jump which is certainly not for those who don’t have a head for heights but is also an amazing way to take in all the majesty of the canal.
7. The Acropolis
Dominating the skyline of the capital city of Greece, Athens, is the Acropolis.
If you are in Greece then this is probably the number one attraction not to miss the complex, made from glittering marble, used to be the site of the famous statue of Athena who was also the goddess of Athens.
Anyone remotely interested in ancient architecture can marvel at the Doric columns and the spectacular temples and the Acropolis is lined with pathways that let you walk around at your leisure and enjoy the highlight of this monument which is the stunning Parthenon.
