20 Interesting Things To Do In Greece

Mainland Greece

1. Temple of Apollo, Delphi, Athens

Delphi is located about 80 kilometres (49.7 miles) from Athens. In ancient mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of eagles, and it became a seat of power. Ultimately, the Temple of Apollo was built to indicate that this was the centre of the earth. The temple was destroyed due to an earthquake way back in time, but the ruins still stand tall today and draw a lot of visitors. Another interesting thing that you could do here is to take pottery classes that are conducted by Polytropon. With a short class, you can learn about ancient Greek ceramic pottery in addition to having some mythological lessons!

An entry fee of 9 EUR (9.90 USD) is charged per head. The ruins are closed on public holidays; the regular opening hours are from 8 am to 7 pm during the summer and from 8.30 am to 3 pm during the winter. It is advised to avoid visiting this place during the winter months, however, since Delphi is located in the mountains.

2. Ancient Agora of Athens

The Agora was the seat of justice and power in Athens in ancient times. The place where democracy was born in Greece, it was a bustling marketplace as well as where people met to talk about politics, trade, commerce, daily life, and other topics. It is open daily from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm in the summer and closes at 3 pm in the winter. An entrance fee of 4 EUR (4.40 USD) is charged per person.

3. National Archaeological Museum, Athens

This museum houses a lot of artefacts from various archaeologically significant locations around Greece. The artefacts date back to the Greek historical period and right up to recent times. It contains an interesting mix of old and recent items. This will make for an exciting trip for children, students, and adults who are fascinated in history. The museum is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day except on public holidays and it charges an entry fee of 10 EUR (11 USD) per person over the age of 18. Minors under the age of 18 can enter for free upon showing ID. Additionally, entrance is free on certain days, do check the website to make sure you use this option!

4. Temple of Hephaestus, Athens

This temple is a well-preserved icon of Greek history. The temple is dedicated to Hephaestus, who is the patron god of fire, metal works, and craftsmanship. You will find a number of pottery workshops around the temple. It is said that the condition of the temple today is good because it has been used by various people for diverse purposes all throughout the years.

The museum is open every day from 8.30 am to 6 pm in the winter, and from 8 am to 8 pm during the summer months. An entrance fee of 12 EUR (13.30 USD) is charged per head and you admission fee also covers visiting a few other temples and tourist spots in Athens for a time period of 48 hours.

5. Mt. Lycabettus, Athens

This is a cretaceous limestone hill located in the Athens, Greece. It is located at the centre of the city and it makes for a memorable trip. Walk up the hill to get the best views of the city. Walking up is free, or you can take the funicular train to go up the hill from Kolonaki.

6. Mt Athos, Thessaloniki

This mountain is also a peninsula in northern Greece and it is commonly referred to as Holy Mountain. It is said to be home to one of the oldest surviving monastic communities in the world. So, if you are a woman, it might not be possible to visit this place. Men, need to have the proper papers to go there, so do check in advance.

7. Ruins of Mystras, Sparta

1/2 Mystras fortress3

2/2 Ruins in Mystras

Mystras, or Mistras as it is commonly known, contains some evocative ruins close to the ancient town of Sparta. The ruins include fortresses, monasteries, palaces, and churches. Atmospheric and intriguing, the ancient former capital sits on the gentle slopes of Mount Taygetos.

8. Meteora, Thessaly

1/2 Meteora 2 evlahos

2/2 Meteora

The Meteora is a huge monolithic limestone rock formation in Thessaly, Greece. In 1988, this place was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlights here are the rock formations and the patterns that have been made due to weathering over several decades and centuries. Along with these formations, the monasteries are an important part of this region. Some important monasteries include the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam.

9. Cape Sounion, Attica Peninsula

This headland is located about 69 kilometres (42.9 miles) south of Athens on the Attica Peninsula. It is famous for the Temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek Mythology. This is a popular day-trip spot for tourists from Athens, especially to catch the sunset at the cape.

10. Dense forests of Zagori

The name Zagori comes from the word Zagora, meaning “place behind the mountains”. It is a very apt name for this forest! Zagori has almost everything that Greece is known for: history, nature, and culture. It is located in the Pindos mountain range. There are great hiking trails here and if you get that adrenaline rush at the mention of “hike” you must visit this place and hike on one of these trails. It is the ultimate hiking destination in Greece, having unlimited opportunities for hikers and nature-lovers alike to explore. Do visit the Vikos Aoos National Park in the Zagori region and you will be pleasantly surprised.

The Islands

11. Elafonisi Beach, Chania, Crete

This beach is located in the south-western part of Crete, which is one of the largest and most populated islands of Greece. The feeling of having a Mediterranean holiday is what Elafonisi Beach is known for. This beach is very popular among tourists and locals alike, as a day-trip destination. Late October to April is an ideal time to visit this place, to avoid the tourist crowds! Admire the pink-coloured coral sand and pristine, crystal clear water. It looks like something out of a movie or from the pages of a glossy travel brochure! You can get to the beach on foot, thanks to the shallow waters. To reach here, you can take a bus from Chania city, drive down, or even take a boat ride!

12. Balos Beach and Lagoon, Chania, Crete

Balos Lagoon is located about 56 kilometres (34.8 miles) from Chania. The beach at Balos is said to be the most photographed one in Crete. This beach is famous for its natural beauty, including its turquoise-blue waters. Since this is a popular beach, you should avoid visiting in July and August when it is teeming with people. Coming to the beach early in the morning is a good idea to enjoy the beauty at the start of the day.

13. Old Venetian Harbour, Chania, Crete

The Venetian Harbour at Chania is almost a trademark of the city. The architecture around the harbour is stunning; it feels like it still bears scents from the past, pulling every visitor into history, offering a perfect blend of East and West. An evening stroll by the harbour during summer will be very romantic for you and your partner. A beautiful spot, do be sure to visit this place when on Crete; words sometimes fail to explain the experience!

14. Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete

This museum is located in Heraklion on the island of Crete. It is one of the biggest and best museums in Greece with regards to the Minoan civilization of Crete. Exhibits include vessels, figurines of goddesses, and jewellery that was worn during the Minoan era. The museum is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. An entry fee of 10 EUR (11 USD) is charged per person.

15. Samaria Gorge, Crete

Samaria National Park is a well-known tourist destination at the south-western end of Crete. One of its most interesting features is its gorge. The gorge was created by a small river running between the 2 mountains, Lefka Ori and Mt Volakias. The opening of the gorge is subject to a lot rain. At times, it is always open, but in the case of heavy rain or bad weather, it is closed to the public. You have to pay an entry fee of 5 EUR (5.50 USD) for adults. Children can enter free. Be warned that you will have a lot of walking to do, so wear appropriate gear.

16. Sunset in Oia, Santorini

One of the best things to do in Greece is to catch a sunset from the village of Oia. This village is just a few kilometres from Fira, on the island of Santorini. The view is breathtaking, and the colours of the setting sun falling on the village’s houses are even more enthralling. It truly is an experience that has to be absorbed; words fail to describe it!

17. Hike from Fira to Oia, Santorini

The hiking trail from Fira to Oia is an interesting one, and it is recommended for tourists to understand the Greek way of life, the architecture, the culture, and more. The entire trail is dotted with interesting tourist stops, including chapels and villas. It takes anywhere between 2.5 hours to 5 hours for the entire hike, depending upon how long you stop at each point and rest. Don’t forget to get a view of the volcano!

18. Village of Lindos, Rhodes

Lindos is a medieval village located on the Greek island of Rhodes. There are only a handful of inhabitants; tourists often easily outnumber the residents! Lindos has both beaches and history, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. There are a good number of eateries / restaurants and places to stay, as well as terrific places to explore. So be sure to make this Lindos a part of your itinerary.

19. Kleftiko Beach, Milos

This beach is home to some interesting rock formations that can be accessed and reached only via the sea. There is a legend that says that the caves on this beach were a pirate hideout eons ago. You can reach the beach by foot after an energetic hike from Milos. Just reaching this place offers adventure too! Do be aware that snakes abound in the area where you will hike, so wear appropriate footwear and clothes and be alert! What’s a trip without some adventure and thrills though?!

20. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

This beach is located in a region called Pylaros, on the island of Kefalonia, which, in turn, is located in the Ionian Sea.It is said that the sediments at the beach are made up of marble and you can find round white pebbles all over the beach. Myrtos Beach is said to be one of the most dramatic beaches in the world and it is another of Greece’s must-visits.