Greece has it all.
Majestic ruins, gorgeous beaches with translucent water, and cobblestone streets winding past colorful houses.
Whether you’re visiting the mainland or the islands, there is no shortage of things to see, do, and eat.
From a monastery built in the mountains to a volcano you can literally climb inside, these photos represent just a few examples of what makes Greece worth visiting.
When you think of Greece, the Parthenon is probably the first picture that comes to mind. A visit to Athens to see the remnants of Greece’s Acropolis is an absolute must.
Nearby, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an amphitheater that was built in the second century, is a stunning relic of the past. Music and theater performances are still held at the venue.
While in Athens, make a stop at its Central Market to experience the «agora» (marketplace), an integral part of Greek culture. It’s a place for locals to stock up on fresh fish, meat, and fruit, and catch up on gossip.
Athens isn’t the only place with gorgeous ruins. In Olympia, you can visit the site of the ancient Olympic Games, which date back to 776 B.C.
To see an entire region of beautiful old architecture, head to the Mani in Greece’s Peloponnese, where stone houses are staggered across a hilly landscape.
Or marvel at what’s left of the ancient city of Sparta, in Laconia, also in Greece’s Peloponnese.
For a mixture of crumbling and modern architecture, the port city of Thessaloniki is a fun place to visit. It has a picturesque waterfront, loads of restaurants and bars, and a thriving student population.
Each of the Greek islands has its own distinct character. One of the most popular islands, Santorini, is known for its idyllic tiers of white-washed houses and phenomenal ocean views.
The town of Oia, on Santorini, has become particularly famous. It has a reputation as the ultimate place to go to watch the sun set. It’s also the dreamy backdrop to Alexis Bledel’s summer romance in «The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.»
The Greek islands have appeared in other movies, too. Kefalonia was used as the location for «Captain Corelli’s Mandolin,» based on the book by Louis de Bernières.
They’re also home to spectacular beaches. Zakynthos’ Navagio Beach — sometimes called Shipwreck Cove thanks to the rusty ship sitting on its shore — is certainly a unique place to sunbathe.
Rhodes’ Agios Pavlos Beach has some incredible views of the ruins in the ancient town of Lindos.
Crete’s Elafonissi Beach is considered one of the best coastal stretches in Europe.
The fishing village of Kouloura on Corfu has a striking seafront.
While you’re there, head to the town of Corfu (yes, it has the same name as the island it’s on) for a dose of small town charm.
The Greek islands are full of natural treasures as well. On the island of Thassos, you can see your toes in the crystal clear water of Giola, a natural rock pool.
On Nisyros, adventurous travelers can literally climb into the crater of an active volcano (it last erupted in 1888).
And if you’re really into volcanoes, Milos is the island for you. A build-up of eroded volcanic rock has left parts of its coast looking almost other-worldly.
If volcanoes are too risky, hike through Butterfly Valley, a nature valley on the island of Rhodes.
Take a leisurely lunch at a taverna, like this one in Crete. Ask locals to find the best seafood taverna, pull up a chair (preferably with an ocean view), fill your plate with kalamari and grilled octopus, and order a Greek coffee to finish.
You’ll also want to grab some souvlakia — grilled skewers of pork or chicken, often served tucked into pita with salad.
And for dessert, pick up some loukoumades, syrupy fried dough balls usually sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts.
After all that eating, walk down cobblestone streets — like this one on Mykonos — and pass by whitewashed houses with colorful doors.
While you’re in Mykonos, don’t pass up the ultimate Instagram opportunity: the island’s windmills at sunset.
Many of Greece’s churches and monasteries are well worth visiting — like the Monastery of Agios Savvas on Kalymnos.
There’s even a cluster of monasteries 1,300 feet high in Meteora, in mainland Greece.
And there are tons of cool castles. This fortress, on the tiny island of Spinalonga near Crete, is just one example.
If you end up souvenir shopping, try to support local artisans and pick up a handmade memento, like these hand-painted ceramic plates.
To fully immerse yourself in Greek culture, go to a live bouzouki (Greek guitar) performance.
And check out a Greek dancing show, like this one in the town of Pefkohori in mainland Greece. If you’re feeling brave, you could even give it a go. Opa!
