Greece attractions

This 14th-century Venetian fortress is a striking sight in Corfu, sitting atop the promontory between the Gulf of Kerkyra and Garitsa Bay and separated from the mainland by the Contrafossa moat. Today, the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) is home to a Byzantine art collection, Church of St. George, and panoramic lighthouse.

The Megalopotamos River runs through this cliff-hemmed canyon for almost 1.8 miles (3 kilometers before flowing out into the Libyan Sea at Preveli Beach, a scenic stretch of palm-shaded sand. The Kouropa and Xiron Mountains rise up on either side of the gorge, adding to the dramatic natural scenery, while birds of prey circle overhead.

The bright turquoise waters of the Greek Islands have inspired many a postcard, but perhaps no spot is more idyllic than the Blue Caves of Zakynthos. Visit these sea grottoes, carved by thousands of years of erosion, on a day cruise or a short boat excursion from the island’s port towns to bask in the glow of the cobalt-blue water that creates a magical reflection on the caves' pale stone walls.

One of the homes of the Muses in myth, 8,061-foot (2,457-meter) Mount Parnassus (Parnassos) is one of the star attractions of Parnassos National Park. Activities on offer run the gamut from skiing and snowmobiling to hiking, climbing, and mountain biking, but most travelers experience it only on a visit to the ancient site of Delphi.

The third-largest settlement on the Greek island of Crete, the port town of Rethymno (Rethimno) has been occupied since the Late Minoan period. Its Venetian- and Ottoman-era old town—a knot of narrow, flower-bedecked lanes overlooked by a fortified Venetian castle—oozes history and character. A series of sandy beaches stretch out along the coastline to the east.

One of the most-visited Greek islands, crescent-shaped Santorini is served by multiple cruise lines. While the island has two ports, the Port of Santorini (Athinios Port)—located midway along the island on the caldera side—is the only one that serves passenger liners. Athinios connects Santorini to Athens and islands such as Mykonos, Milos, and Therasia.

The beautifully preserved walled old town, the historic core of Rhodes, is the oldest continuously inhabited medieval city in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The medieval center is still encircled by its original fourteenth century fortification walls, which took more than 200 years to construct.

Situated in a valley surrounded by dramatic mountains, Lake Kournas offers a picturesque alternative to Crete’s many beaches. It’s the only freshwater lake on the island, and its warm, turquoise, spring-fed waters reflect the rocky peaks above like a mirror. Summertime visitors come to swim, boat, or just loll on the beach.

Standing at 2,619 feet (798 meters, the pine-clad peak of Profitis Ilias is one of the highest on Rhodes and offers sweeping views over the island's Aegean coastline. Head to the top to admire the scenery and explore the hiking trails, drink from the Koskinsiti spring, and visit the Monastery of Fountoukli’s historic St. Nikolaos Chapel.

Paradise Beach is one of Mykonos’ most well-known stretches of sand, with two main beach clubs offering umbrella and sunbed rentals. By day, this popular beach is a water sports hot spot, with swimsuit-clad revelers enjoying banana boat rides, Jet Ski jaunts, Flyboard and parasailing adventures, and scuba diving excursions. Come late afternoon, its legendary party scene gets going as fun-seekers flock to the beach bars and clubs for music, dancing, drinking, and fun.

A rocky promontory jutting into the caldera, Skaros Rock soars 65 feet (20 meters) into the sky, cutting a striking silhouette that can be seen as far as Fira and Oia. One of Santorini’s most memorable natural features, this black lava-rock cliff is an ideal vantage point for admiring the sunset over the Aegean Sea and Kameni islands.

It took 20 years, four architects, and marble from scores of demolished Byzantine churches to finish the ornate Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Mitropoli). Today, the cathedral is the official seat of the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Athens, and ranks among the most important churches in Greece. It’s worth stopping by to admire its frescoed interiors, while taking in the range of priceless icons, tombs, and relics.

The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil (Mouseio Elias kai Ellinikou Ladiou pays homage to Greece’s most important crop, offering an informative take on the cultural and economic importance of olives. Learn about the production of olive oil, soap, and other by-products and choose from a selection of local olive oils in the shop.

Built as a summer residence by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1890, Achilleion Palace in the village of Gastouri is among the top attractions on the island of Corfu. Visit the palace designed by Italian architect Raffaello Caritto in a Pompeian style to see paintings and sculptures of mythical gods, including art dedicated to Achilles.

Discover one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites during a visit to the ruins of Archanes. Along with learning about the area's history and seeing evidence of aqueducts, a reservoir, and a theater, you'll see more personal remnants, such as ancient musical instruments, pottery shards, and cooking pots, at this archaeological site and museum.

Adjacent to the UNESCO-listed site of Olympia, the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games follows the founding and development of the Olympic games. Displays exhibit sporting objects, sculptures, and artistic representations, and cover key events such as javelin throwing, chariot racing, and wrestling.

At the western edge of Greece's Peloponnese Peninsula, Katakolon Cruise Port’s deep waters makes it one of few Greek ports able to accommodate the world's largest cruise ships. It’s also the gateway to ancient Olympia, the flame and founding place of the Olympic Games, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

Recognized with the prestigious Blue Flag award, sweeping, golden Kalafatis Beach (often written Kalafati Beach is Mykonos’ water sports epicenter. Choose between activities from scuba diving to windsurfing to stand-up paddleboarding and water skiing—or soak up the rays on one of Mykonos’ quieter stretches of sand.

Each summer, thousands of colorful butterflies congregate in the humid Petaloudes Valley, earning it the nickname Valley of the Butterflies. It’s one of the island’s most remarkable natural attractions, where you’ll find several species of the winged beauties, as well as the only natural Oriental Sweetgum forest in Europe.

Stately Kotzia Square (Plateia Kotzia) is lined with some of the most elegant 19th-century neoclassical buildings in Athens, including the City Hall and the National Bank of Greece. A modern fountain marks the center, while a small archaeological site situated in one corner features the remains of tombs and an ancient road. Lively pedestrian streets fan out in all directions, offering plenty of options for shopping and dining, while the busy Athens Central Market is just a short walk away.

Perched at the end of the breakwater, the Venetian Lighthouse—constructed around 1570 when Chania was under the control of the Republic of Venice—is the most striking building on the town’s Venetian Harbor. One of the oldest lighthouses in the world, its spectacular architecture makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Colorful fishing boats and elegant yachts bob in the waters off Mikrolimano, the most picturesque harbor in the busy Piraeus port area. Lined with waterfront cafés and restaurants, this charming stretch of coastline draws Athenians for walks along the promenade and seafood feasts overlooking the water. It retains the relaxed atmosphere of a far-flung Aegean island.

Located in southwestern Crete, Imbros Gorge is the second most popular gorge on the island. A less strenuous and less crowded alternative to the more famous and imposing Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge offers beautiful scenery and some spectacularly narrow sections along a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer stretch suitable for hiking.

Venice ruled Crete for more than 400 years and built Chania’s scenic port during the 14th century. Today, the Old Venetian Harbor is the beating heart of Chania Old Town, with restaurants, bars, and stores nestled beside landmarks from the Venetian Lighthouse to the Firkas Fortress, Grand Arsenal, and Hassan Pasha Mosque.

More than just a major transit hub, Syntagma Station is a unique archaeological destination. Athens is built on foundations that date back more than 9,000 years, so it was no surprise that the city revealed a perfect chronological timeline of artefacts when the metro system was first built. Many of these are now displayed at the station, tracing history from a prehistoric necropolis to classical Greek, Roman, and Byzantine remains, including mosaics, urns, and other treasures.

Stretching for around 3 miles (5 kilometers), dark-sand Kamari Beach is sandwiched between the blue Aegean waters and the mountain peak of Mesa Vouno. With a bar- and restaurant-lined promenade behind it and lots of facilities nearby, it’s one of the best places to park yourself for a day of relaxation.

A Byzantine architectural gem and one of Thessaloniki’s main attractions, the UNESCO-listed Church and Crypt of Ayios Dimitrios is a highlight of city sightseeing tours. Built in the fourth century, the basilica was transformed into a mosque during Ottoman rule, but a few original features remain, including mosaics and frescoes and a subterranean crypt.

Most visitors come to Ano Mera, in the interior of Mykonos, to see the Byzantine Panagia Tourliani Monastery, fronted by an ornate bell tower with triple bells. Its interior is perhaps even more impressive, with carved marble and wood, Byzantine frescoes, crystal chandeliers, a gilded pulpit, and a wooden altar screen with scenes from the New Testament.

Located in northern Crete, Amazonas Park is a small, privately-funded animal park and rescue center focused on the conservation of endangered wildlife. In addition to domestic and local animals such as donkeys and goats, Amazonas Parks also features animals from South America, including parrots and monkeys.

The fortress-like Arkadi Monastery (Moni Arkadiou) is perched on a hilltop plateau surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, while Crete’s highest peak, Mt. Ida, looms in the distance. Picturesque and architecturally impressive, with fairy-tale turrets and a dramatic bell tower, the monastery is also a symbol of the Cretan struggle for independence.