You Won't Regret These 10 Best Places In All-Time Classic Greece

1. Acropolis, Athens

Also known as the ‘Sacred Rock’ of Athens, this historic site is one of the most important in the world - a symbol of Athens itself. With tons of tourists attracted to it every year, the rock of Acropolis sits several other monuments from the Greek Antiquity. Built in the 5th century BC, the most stunning of the monuments on the Acropolis is none other than the Parthenon, the most magnificent of the bunch. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, many other buildings around the world have been inspired by the Parthenon for its intricate architecture and style. Other monuments that sit on the sacred rock of Acropolis include the Propylaea built by Mnesicles during Pericles administration, the Temple of Athens Nike that was built over the same period by Kalikrates, and the Erechtheion temple that was built during the golden Age. Feel free to feast your eyes on the other statues, all displayed in the new Museum of the Acropolis.

Acropolis of Athens

Address: Athens 10558, Greece

Price: from 5.32 USD for tickets to the Acropolis Museum

Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm daily

Access: main entrance on the west side

Contact: +30 210 3214172

Website: Acropolis of Athens

2. Temple of Apollo, Delphi

The Temple of Apollo is one of the most important structures in all of Delphi. According to the legend, the first temple of Apollo at Delphi was made of laurel branches, the second made of beeswax and feathers, and the third of bronze. The fourth was then built by the legendary architects Trofonios and Agamedes aided by the God Apollo himself. Now, the Temple of Apollo has six columns at the end and fifteen at the sides. Stone-built and marble-clad, the temple was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake in 373 BC. The existing temple now was built with generous donations from the Greeks and was not completed until after the Third Sacred War, in 330 BC. Though the temple has been partially restored, some important fragments of the temple are now displayed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Visitors should visit the museum to get a bigger overview of the history and backstory behind this marvelous sight.

Temple of Apollo

Address: Delphi 330 54, Greece

Price: from 6.39 USD for adults during the non-tourists season, 12.77 USD for adults for the tourist season

Opening Hours: 9am - 3pm daily

Access: located at the centre among the number of imposing ruins that are interspersed on the Southern slopes of the Parnassos mountain

Contact: +30 2265 082312

Website: Temple of Apollo

3. The Hoppy Pub, Thessaloniki

An essential place for beer lovers, The Hoppy Pub is one that has introduced international and regional beers to Thessaloniki. In fact, the beer here isn’t enjoyed - it is worshiped. Though no smoking is allowed in the pub, customers that fancy a smoke can take the tables outside. Be sure to expect rock music and live football - the norms for a famous draft beer pub. Besides a collection of bottled beer - with rare pieces too - there is also a continuously updated list of 12 taps which the owner George will so happily take the time to explain to you. Try also the fruity IPAs (India Pale Ale), with a plate of cheese and sausages, to complement the flavours.

The Hoppy Pub

Address: Nikiforou Foka 6, Thessaloniki 546 21

Price: from 3.19 USD for pints of 0.3L

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm - 2.30am, Sunday 5pm - 12am, closed on Mondays

Access: in a narrow street just a “hop” from the White Tower

Contact: +30 231 026 9203

Website: The Hoppy Pub

4. Akrotiri, Santorini

The Akrotiri Archaeological Site used to be one of the major cities and ports of Aegean during the Middle-Late Bronze Age (20th-17th century BC). It was a bustling city of 20 acres with a stunning social structure, public roads, sewerage, sanitary engineering, and multi-storey buildings. The buildings of Akrotiri were mainly built with stone from the quarries of Thira, with pebbles and gravels used for the walls and floors. The buildings were unique and impressive, a magnificent and impressive structure which many depended on. There were close to 5000 vessels of various types and sizes, tools, figurines, ritual objects and furniture that came to light during the excavations - a clear sign that the place had a great settlement. However, in the last quarter of the 17th century, a severe earthquake forced the inhabitants to abandon the wonderful city. Many tried to escape, but the volcanic eruption that took place after did not really help. Still - come visit the remains of a once amazing city at its peak, at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site.

Akrotiri Archaeological SiTsinaswts78te

Address: Akrotiri 84700, Greece

Price: from 12.77 USD for a basic ticket

Opening Hours: Winter - Tuesday tο Sunday 8am - 3pm, close on Mondays, Summer - 8am - 8pm daily

Access: catch the bus from Fira towards the Akrotiri and get off at the second last stop. Then, walk a few metres to the gate followed by 100 metres to a huge roofed excavation site.

Contact: +30 2286 081939

Website: Akrotiri Archaeological Site

5. Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos Island

On the northwest coast of Zakynthos lies one of the most famous beaches in Greece. A stunning beauty which will blow you away, the Shipwreck Beach can only be accessed by boat and nothing else. Still, tons of tourists still flock there every holiday, which shows that a visit to this beach is a definite worth it. Tourists planning to enjoy the sea and breeze are reminded to bring all necessities with them as there are no facilities in the secluded bay. As it is usually very crowded, it is best to visit the beach at 3 pm or very early in the morning, when there aren’t so many visitors. An antique shipwreck sits on the golden coast of the beach - which is probably how the amazing beach got its name. Many say that the ship was shipwrecked in 1980 after hitting rocks while being pursued by the Greek Navy who suspected it was carrying contraband cigarettes.

Shipwreck (Navagio) Beach

Address: Anafonitria 291 00, Greece

Price: from 22.67 USD for a basic boat ticket

Access: drive to Cape Skinari, at the very top of the island. Then, get a smaller boat to sail to the Blue Caves and to the Shipwreck beach

Website: Guide to Shipwreck, Navagio, Beach

6. Temple of Zeus & Hera, Olympia

Olympia, the sanctuary of Zeus and the mother of the Olympic Games, is a landscape of great natural beauty. Named after Mt Olympus - the abode of Zeus, this historic site has certain highlights we should take note of when visiting.

The Temple of Hera was the first temple erected in Olympia around the end of the 7th century. The temple was also a treasury, with a statue of Hermes and a gold-and-ivory table where the winners were awarded their wreaths. In the past, women were not allowed to participate or even watch the Olympic Games, but now the Temple of Hera is the starting point of the Olympic Torch Relay.

The Temple of Zeus isn’t falling anywhere behind either. Built between the 470 and 456 BC, the Temple of Zeus is located at the most prominent spot of the sanctuary. It was the largest temple in the Peloponnese and became a model for all subsequent Doric temples. It is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the chryselephantine statue of Zeus by Pheidias. Apart from these major highlights, also check out The Philippeion, The stadium of Olympia, and The Bouleuterion.

Archaeological Site of Olympia

Address: Olympia 270 65, Greece

Price: a very small fee is needed to enter the site

Opening Hours: 1 Apr - 31 Oct Mon - Sun, 8am - 8pm, 1 Nov - 31 Mar Mon - Sun, 8am - 3pm

Access: cross a bridge over the Cladeus river

Contact: +30 2624 - 22517

Website: Archaeological Site of Olympia

7. Palace of Grand Master of Knights of Rhodes, Rhodes

Originally built on the firm foundations of the Temple of the Sun God (Helios), this palace was the residence of the governor and his officials during the medieval times. Constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John, this magnificent palace is well-known for its spherical towers and arched gate. It was huge and boasted about 158 rooms, all decked with exquisite furniture from the 16th and 17th century. Be sure to feast your eyes on the Grand Reception Hall, the Waiting Room, the impressive ballroom, the elegant Music Room, and the Medusa Mosaic. The interior yard is also beautifully adorned with many statues of the Greek and Roman empire. Although this majestic building was destroyed by explosives in 1856, it has been restored and now belongs to the Greek State. Make sure to explore the interesting museums inside, as well as the various exhibitions and performances that frequently take place.

Palace of Grand Master of Knights

Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece

Price: from 3.19 USD - 9.58 USD for a basic ticket to get in

Opening Hours: May – Oct, daily 8am –7.45pm; Nov – Apr, Tues – Sun, 8am –3pm, closed on Mondays

Access: located at the end of the Street of the Knights in the Old Town of Rhodes

Contact: +30 2241 365270

Website: Palace of Grand Master of Knights

8. Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Mykonos Island

One of the most popular and photographed churches in Greece, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani is unique in a way that it is five-in-one. Built 500 years ago, feast your eyes on the five different churches than span across two different levels. The churches weren’t built all in one go but built gradually over the years. In fact, the first four churches are built on ground level while the newest edition on top.

The name of the impressive white-washed church also literally translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate”, as the entrance of the church was found near the Kastro area. Though it is not allowed for tourists to enter the church, many still visit for its beautiful structure and compelling history.

Church of Paraportiani

Address: Mikonos 846 00, Greece

Price: free admission for all

Opening Hours: open 24/7

Access: situated in the neighbourhood of Kastro, in the town of Chora

Website: Church of Paraportiani

9. Achilleion, Corfu Island

One of the most famous sights in Corfu, the Achilleion was built in 1890 by Empress Sisi of Austria. She named the palace Achilleion after getting inspired by her favourite hero in the Greek Mythology - Achilles. The palace was designed by Italian architect Raffaele Caritto. One of Empress Sisi’s most favourite statues is The Dying Achille located in the palace’s gardens. Adorned with many monuments and paintings that depict the ancient times, wander through the palace walls and discover the beauty and splendour that comes with architecture so fine. After Empress Sisi’s death, Achilleion has been converted into a summer residence for German Kaiser Wilhelm II, a military hospital by French and Serbian troops, and a military headquarters during World War 1. Now, the palace is a well-known museum filled with many tourists every holiday. Be sure to check out the antique furniture and stunning art, as well as the amazing view from the palace gardens.

Achilleion

Address: Achillion, Achilleio, Greece

Price: from 8.51 USD for the basic entrance fee

Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm daily

Access: 10 km south of the town of Corfu, on the top of the village of Gastouri

Contact: +30 2661 056210

Website: Achilleion

10. Meteora Monasteries, Meteora

From the early Christian times, the Meteora have often been associated with absolute isolation, a place where these breathtaking Greek Orthodox monasteries stand. Meteora is a must-visit for anyone interested in spectacular landscapes, wonderful artefacts, and priceless wall paintings. In 1988, the monasteries were awarded the UNESCO award. Despite only having six active churches with nuns living in them, choose between each glorious monastery to discover more about the Christian beliefs and values. Or simply marvel at the beautiful architecture and wonderful interior these monasteries hold.

Meteora Monasteries

Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece

Price: from 3.19 USD for a basic ticket

Opening Hours: different timings for different monasteries. Check the website for more details

Access: perched above the town of Kalambaka

Contact: +30 24320 78455

Website: Meteora Monasteries

Groove along in Greece!

A marvelous city with an even more marvelous culture, explore the ancient sights and delicacies that Greece holds. Whether you are a fan of history or not, we can’t deny that the mythology and history behind this historic city are as beautiful as the sights itself.