10 Best Things to Do in Greece

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Last updated:
30.09.2021

Grecian mythology is inseparable from its ethnic diversity. If you enjoy history, archeology, art, and philosophy, visiting Greece is a highly worthwhile experience. Located among idyllic islands surrounded by crystal-clear seas and adorned with cute white buildings, Greece also boasts crumbling ruins, engaging museums, and attractive coastal towns to explore.

Greece offers a wide range of experiences and landscapes, making it one of the world's largest open-air museums. You can experience lively cities like Athens as well as slower-paced life in various villages by the sea. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to the seed of democracy and dance in its lands? Here we've come up with the top activities in Greece you should definitely try. Let's do it!

Greece view
Greek Fact
Greece’s official name is the Hellenic Republic. It is known as Hellas or Ellada.

1. Visit the Acropolis

In Greece, there are countless Acropolises, but Athens' Acropolis is the most notable and heavily visited. When planning a trip to Greece, don't miss the chance to view this stone complex, made up of numerous stands of glittering marble, which was the site of the famous statue of Athena, also known as the goddess of Athens.

The Acropolis is deservedly put in the list of top things to do in Athens. It has wide walkways that make it easy for anyone interested in ancient architecture to stroll around and take in the breathtaking Parthenon, an important monument to ancient architecture.

Acropolis
That's interesting!
16 of Greece sites are based on cultural criteria such as the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Medieval City of Rhodes. The last 2 (Mount Athos and Meteora), are considered to be heritage sites for their cultural and natural significance!

2. Climb Olympus Mountain

If you are a fan of Greek mythology, than a trip to Mount Olympus should be on your itinerary. The first step for reaching the mountain's peak is to visit Litochoro, where you can hike part or all of the way, depending on your fitness level and ability. The mythology surrounding Mount Olympus tells how the spot at its summit belonged to the 12 Olympians, including Zeus the father of the gods,and Hades, who ruled the Underworld.

As you climb these historic slopes, you can imagine the legends this mountain holds. To get even more deeply imbued with the myths about the Greek gods, we recommend going to Olympia and admiring the historical venue of the first Olympic Games.

“Olympus”

Quick Olympus Mountain Facts

  • Location: Greece
  • Elevation: 2,917 m (DKK)
  • Prominence: 2,355 m
  • First ascent: August 2, 1913
  • First ascenders: Christos Kakalos, Frédéric Boissonnas, Daniel Baud-Bovy

3. Try famous Levadeian “souvlaki”

How many times have you experienced 'wow' when you walked into a new place? Livadeia is where this breathtaking experience happens for many visitors. Despite being less popular than other Greek cities, Livadeia is still worth visiting. You can get from Athens to Livadeia by train in just one hour. Livadeia is home to excellent souvlaki, so don't miss tasting this famous Greek version of fast food. Also called small kebabs, this dish is most often prepared from pork. Less often, chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey is used. The meat is strung on wooden skewers the size of a long toothpick. Such skewers in Greece are called suvla. It is from them that the name of the dish originated. This traditional Greek food served here is famous throughout Greece but is especially well-known here in Livadeia.

“Olympus”
Odysseus's Meal
Meat roasted on spits is already mentioned by Homer in "Iliad", Aristophanes and Aristotle.

4. Hold Aristotle's foot

According to legend, the bronze statue of Aristotle stands on the square of the same name in Thessaloniki has a magical quality: anyone who rubs the left foot of the statue will gain the wisdom and knowledge of Aristotelian philosophy.

Visitors come here to rub the philosopher's foot to become more intelligent, take lovely pictures, and admire the views of Thessaloniki. One of the best things to do in Greece is to explore the country on a trip by Greece trains.

“Aristotle”
Kings' Teacher
Alexander the Great was tutored by Aristotle. Aristotle also taught Ptolemy and Cassander, who were eventually crowned kings.

5. Sail along the grottoes to the Bay of Navagio

Navagio Beach is located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos island and is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It is the best-photographed beach in Greece due to its famous sandy cove. The beach was initially called Agios Georgios, and after the MV Panayiotis went adrift in October 1980, it was turned into an impromptu ship graveyard. A stunning setting of white sand and marble cliffs makes sunbathing and swimming at Navagio Beach an unforgettable experience.

“Navagio”
Zakynthos History
Zakynthos has been inhabited from at least the Paelolithic and later Neolithic Age as some archaeological excavations have proven. The island was important during the Mycenaean period, being mentioned three times on Linear B tablets from Pylos, Messenia.

6. Wander around the island of Santorini

As soon as you step onto the shores of Santorini, you are immediately drawn to this idyllic setting for romance. A beautiful volcanic landscape, the picturesque architecture (the white houses cut into the cliffs in Oia and Fira), the capturing views of the blue water from the cliffs, or the spectacular sunsets every evening are the main factors that draw tourists to Santorini.

On your way to this island, pay attention to more attractions and exciting places highlighted in Greece tours. Mykonos, Crete, and other significant destinations welcome their guests and are a gift of bright, everlasting memories!

“Santorini”
Santorini's Architecture
Santorini’s buildings have the typical greek architectural style and are shaped as strikingly white cubes, although many of the buildings were destroyed by an earthquake in 1956.

7. Admire Meteora Monasteries

Famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, Meteora is full of religious architecture. As a result of the invasion by the Turkish army, the local monks were forced to flee to Meteora. Meteora is one of Greece's most spectacular religious sites since there were once over 20 monasteries there. Today, there are six monasteries in Meteora. The ancient rock formations in the Meteora area are rumored to offer one of the most haunting and beautiful landscapes in all of Europe. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of ancient boulders and monolithic pillars.

“Santorini”
TIP:
When visiting Meteora Monasteries, shoulders must be covered and long pants or skirts need to be worn

8. Visit Minotaurus Palace

Are you aware that the Minotaur's labyrinth is much more than just a simple legend? The mythical Minotaur, a half-bull, half-man creature, might have lived in the maze of Knossos, one of the largest towns in Crete, located not far from the Creatan capital – Heraklion. This city was an important political, religious and economic center that exploited the nearby river to develop its trade. The best thing to do in Crete is to visit the beautiful Palace of Knossos. In the legend, Zeus was hidden on this hilltop by his mother Rea to protect him from his father Cronus, who desired to devour him.

Apart from its size, the palace is impressive for its diversity of materials and the beautiful decorations still found in its rooms. "Bull Jumping" and "The Prince of Lilies" are two of the most renowned wall paintings at Knossos, whose colors have been preserved to this day. "Queen's Baths" are also notable for their modern sewage system and beautifully decorated interiors.

“Knossos”
The mythical side of Knossos
In the myths, Minos had a son, Androgeus, who won every game in a contest to Aegeas of Athens. The other contestants became jealous of Androgeus and killed him. This then caused Minos to declare war on Athens. However, he offered the Athenians peace if they sent seven young men and seven virgin maidens to Crete every nine years. These were to be sacrificed to the Minotaur.

9. Sunbath at Mykonos’ Psarou Beach

On your Greek journey, pay particular attention to Psarou Beach in Mykonos – one of the most famous beaches in Greece, renowned for its blue lounge chairs. There is always a vibrant party atmosphere, plus there are bars and restaurants on the beach to help you enjoy your drinks and food as well as dancing the night away. This is not one of the cheapest places to visit in Greece, and you'll see, just offshore, the views of impressive superyachts, which give you an idea of how wealthy the locals are.

“Mikonos”
"Windy" Fact
Mykonos’ nickname is The Island of the Winds due to the strong Meltemi winds that blow often but it may also be referred to as the Queen of the Cyclades.

10. Dance and have fun on Skopelos

Movies like Mamma Mia feature stunning views of this film star island, though you might not be familiar with its name. In addition to the gorgeous views, Amanda Seyfried's Sophie was to be married at the chapel of Agios Ioannis Kastri, perched more than 300 feet above the Aegean Sea, with its 100 steps leading to its entrance carved into the rock. Skopelos island offers a fantastic amount of miscellaneous extravaganzas, from noisy nightclubs and bars to peaceful places where you can feel the vibes of the philosophy heritage, the sounds of the sea, and the soft shore breezes.

“Skopelos”
The Land of Wine
Perhaps because of the legend of its founding by the son of the god of wine – Dionysos, the island was known throughout the ancient Greek cities of the Mediterranean Sea for its wine

In conclusion, it is worth saying that there is no such place as Greece in the whole world. A unique, beautiful, diverse, mythical and unique country that impresses the imagination with its historical heritage, rich culture, age-old traditions, and delicious national cuisine. In the Greek lands, you will have the opportunity to visit ancient Sparta, taste the traditional drink ouzo, have fun with friendly locals, and get a lot of pleasure from traveling. Every second spent here turns into a happy memory for a lifetime. So discover the expansiveness of Greece and experience this Mediterranean land of legends!