Maybe you first saw Greece in movies like Mamma Mia or read about it in the many books that trace its mythology. Well, wherever you made the discovery, Greece is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. An affordable vacation spot, this country has the longest coastline in Europe so if you love beaches and the ocean view, you’re in for a real treat. Known for its hospitality, as you mingle with the locals you’ll feel like you’re right at home. The food is to die for and the nightlife in Greece thrives every day. Greece is the perfect destination for your much-needed quality time; take advantage of its beauty and stay in one of the top yoga retreats and Airbnb vacation rentals here. Visit the country to find out things Greece is famous for.
1. Mount Olympus
A wonderful place to visit during your trip to Greece is the country’s highest mountain, Mount Olympus. It sits close to the Gulf of Thermai on the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea. The mountain has a total of 52 gorges and peaks, with Mytikas being the highest at 2,917 m (9,570 ft). In Greek mythology, the mountain served as the home of the Greek gods. In 1938, Mount Olympus was registered as a National Park. Slope tours and mountain climbing are two of the most popular activities for tourists in the area, with the starting point being in the town of Litochoro.
2. Athens
Of course, this list will not be complete without Athens. This historic city that’s been a center for philosophy and arts is the capital of Greece and it is said to be the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization due to its significant impact on the political and cultural landscape of Europe. Some of the best places to visit in the city if you are on a history trip are the Acropolis, the Daphni Byzantine monastery, and the Ancient Agora. The neighborhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika are also popular among tourists because of their cozy village ambiance.
3. Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes (Tower of Winds)
Located in the Roman Agora in Athens is the Tower of the Winds, also known as the Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes. It is a marble clocktower that was said to be the first meteorological station in the world. Also unofficially called Aerides, the tower features a water clock, a wind vane, and a sundial. The Tower of the Winds stands about 12 meters (39 ft), and while it was said that Andronicus of Cyrrhus built it in 50 BC, there are sources that indicate that it might have been constructed in the 2nd century BC.
Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes (Tower of Winds)
Address: Roman Agora of Athens, Aiolou, Athina 105 55, Greece
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4. Sanctuary of Delphi
The Sanctuary of Delphi served as a religious sanctuary that is dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It is located in Phocis, an ancient region in Greece, specifically in the southwestern area of Mount Parnassus. This ancient and sacred precinct was home to Pythia, a major oracle who served as a consultant imparting wisdom and helping with significant decision-making during the ancient classical world. In modern times, it is currently an archaeological site and was registered as part of Parnassos National Park in 1938.
5. Ouzo
If you want to get a taste of Greece when it comes to alcohol, there’s no better drink to try than ouzo. It is a type of aperitif, an alcoholic beverage served before a meal, that has been flavored with dry anise. It is widely consumed in Greece as well as Cyprus. If you’ve never had a sip of this tasty beverage, its flavor profile is similar to sambuca and pastis which are both anise-based liquors. Ouzo was said to have been created by monks on Mount Athos during the 14th century. As of October 2006, ouzo is exclusively a Greek product after the country won the right to the label under the Protected Designation of Origin scheme of the European Union.
6. Marble
From sculptures dating back to the third millennium BC during the Aegean Early Bronze Age to modern times, marble has always been part of Greek history. Some say that Greece is all about marble. For sculptors, marble acted as a blank canvas with which they created many breath-taking pieces. Today many such marbles sculptures are revered by people all around the world. Many historic buildings in Greece, especially temples, were also made from marble. For those who visit, it is important to check out these marble creations to truly understand Greece.
7. Acropolis of Athens (from USD 37.95)
What is Greece known for that is a huge part of our history? Located in the city of Athens, Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel that contains the remains of several important buildings, such as the Parthenon. Being an important historical site, the Acropolis is a must-visit spot for all tourists. A walk through the entire area gives people the chance to not just appreciate the architecture that was prevalent in different times but also learn about the rich past of Athens and its many kings. One can marvel at the Parthenon, the temple of Nike Athena, Dionysus Sanctuary, and more. At the end of the day, tourists can enjoy the view from the summit of the Acropolis, one that looks over the entire city.
Athens: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
Duration: 105.0 minute
8. Olives
Just like marble, olives also hold some amount of historical significance to the Greeks, stories of their origin rooted in mythology. According to the stories, there was a time when Athena and Poseidon fought for control over Athens, a dispute they decided to resolve by giving the people of the city a choice. They would get to pick which God would be their patron. While Poseidon created horses, Athena gave the people of Athens the olive branch, promising them that with the trade of olives, their economy would only grow. Now, olives are part of the day-to-day lives of Greeks. Their homes are centred around olive trees and they use the oil for various tasks. Those who visit are bound to find a new-found appreciation for olives.
9. Greek language
An independent branch of the Indo-European family, Greek has the longest documented history of any language. It plays a role not just in the history of the Western world but also Christianity. Important works like ‘Illiad’ and 'Odyssey’ were canonically written in Greek and then later translated into other languages. The foundational texts for many scientific fields like astronomy and mathematics were initially written in this language as well. Seeing how Greek plays a role in the foundation of everything that we love and adore, why not take the time to learn this language and delve deeper into history and the origin of things?
10. Greek beaches
A country with the longest coastline in Europe, what’s the point of visiting Greece if you don’t take the time to head down to the beach? With so many beaches stretched across its expanse, no matter where tourists choose to stay, a beach is bound to be close by, just waiting for them to drop by. And if a perfect day by the beach is what you seek, be sure to visit Greece during summer days when the weather is just perfect. The best spots to hit up are Crete, Paros, Kefalonia, and Mykonos.
11. Feta cheese
One of the interesting things about Greece is that it pioneered some of the best food we know today. Made from sheep’s milk, Feta is a brined curd cheese that originated in Greece and slowly become famous all over the world. The crumbly cheese used in salads, sandwiches, pastries and more, is loved not just for its delicious taste but also because of how healthy it is compared to other cheeses. Easy to digest, this cheese is good even for people who are slightly allergic to dairy and it also has a lower fat content. Good in fats and calcium, Feta is also a good source of protein as well as rich in vitamins. A cheese made since the 8th century B.C. why would you want to miss out on feta while you’re in Greece?
12. Santorini (from USD 205.93)
For ages, Santorini has been a popular vacation spot because of its sunkissed, whitewashed homes, churches with cerulean domes and a breath-taking view of the Aegean sea. Despite being prone to volcanic eruptions, people flock to Santorini because of everything the island has to offer. One of the most famous spots is Santorini Caldera that was formed by one such eruption and is said to be home of the mythological city of Atlantis. If a view is what you seek then the perfect places would be the village of Oia and the village of Imerovigli, the most photographed locations. Don’t forget the churches around here either.
Santorini: Private Highlights Tour by Minibus
Duration: 315.0 minute
13. Mykonos (from USD 53.11)
Nicknamed “The Island of the Winds”, Mykonos is the party animal of the family. Home to beaches with white sand, secluded coves and blue water, those who visit Mykonos always find themselves spending the day under the sun before getting ready for the night. Despite the parties that go on until dawn, there is much more the island has to offer. In the past, St. Ioannis used to live in Mykonos and his Church can still be found there along with the cell where he used to live. Make sure to head down to the village of Ano Mera and visit the many farms that populate the island. Do not miss the scenic monasteries such as Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Taste local delights as you roam through the open-air markets. Also, plan getaways to hidden beaches of the island like Kalo Livadi. If you’re interested in learning more about the people of the island and their history, make a trip down to the abandoned mines where lignite was found at one point.
Mykonos: Farm, Ano Mera Village, and Beaches Guided Tour
Duration: 4.0 hour
14. Temple of Hephaestus
Dedicated to the ancient god of fire, Hephaestus and the goddess of wisdom, Athena, Temple of Hephaestus is the most well-preserved temple in Greece. Built around 450 B.C., the temple was designed by Iktinus, an architect who also worked on the Parthenon. Being as old as it is, the temple has a rich history, once being the sight of a church for Saint George Akamatsu. Under the rule of King Otto, the temple served as a museum and remained one until 1934. The Temple of Hephaestus is a sight to behold not just because of its architectural beauty but because of the different time periods it represents. For those wanting to learn more about Greece, this is a sight that should not be missed.
Temple of Hephaestus
Address: Ancient Agora of Athens, Athens 105 55, Greece
15. Meteora (from USD 107.54)
Another famous spot in Greece, Meteora is a rock formation most well known for being home to one of the largest Eastern Orthodox Monastries. Originally twenty-four, six of the monasteries are built on the natural pillars and hill-like boulders that dominate the area. Holding a spot in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, each monastery in Meteora symbolizes not just an important era but also showcases different architectural practices. And the best way to visit Meteora is via train. During the trip, not only do you get to relax but also enjoy the landscapes that Greece has to offer.
Athens: Meteora Day Trip in English/Spanish & Optional Lunch
Duration: 13.5 to 14.0 hour
Understand the importance of Greece with just one trip
Since the olden times, Greece has offered a lot to the world, from food to ideas, that built that science that we learn and appreciate today. There is something about Greece that has intrigued everyone at some point. But curiosity can’t simply be sated by information from the internet. The only way to actually understand the country and its people is to head down to Greece yourself. Bask under the sun, appreciate unique architecture and lose your worries at scenic beaches, the ones you only heard about in stories. After all, no stories can actually do justice to the beauty of Greece.
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