The 12 Most Beautiful Greek Places you have to visit

Greece is a treasure chest of beauty, with its landscapes painted with the vivid hues of wildflowers nestled around ancient ruins, the elegant silhouettes of towns influenced by Venetian heritage, and the medieval grandeur of places like Rhodes. Or perhaps, the charm of Hydra's harbor will linger in your memory. The country's beaches offer a spectacle of white sand contrasting with the Aegean Sea's dazzling blues. Amidst rugged mountains, natural ports, and awe-inspiring volcanoes, Greece's scenery is endlessly captivating.

Here, we unveil the top 12 most beautiful greek places, sculpted by both nature and human hands.

1. The Acropolis of Athens

Discussing Greece's beauty without mentioning the Acropolis in Athens would be incomplete. Home to the Parthenon, this iconic ancient site stands as a symbol of Europe's rich history, comparable in fame to the Colosseum in Rome. Despite Athens' bustling nature, the Acropolis majestically oversees the city from its limestone hilltop.

The journey to the top takes you through fragrant Mediterranean pines and ancient marble paths. At its peak, the remnants of this historical stronghold, coupled with panoramic views stretching from the Athenian Riviera to Mount Parnitha, are simply awe-inspiring.

Make a point to visit the Acropolis Museum to delve deeper into the site's history and enjoy the museum café's terrace, offering the finest views of the Acropolis itself.

2. Hydra Town, Hydra

Among the myriad of Greek islands, Hydra stands out as a gem in the Saronic Gulf, a stone's throw from Athens. It's a favored retreat for the elite of Athens and globetrotters alike, attracted by its vibrant artistic community, which has included celebrities like Leonard Cohen and Sophia Loren.

Hydra Town, the island's heartbeat, captivates visitors with its stunning port. Beyond a few scattered settlements, hiking trails, and pristine beaches, life on the island revolves around this bustling harbor. The port, set in a natural crescent, is adorned with seafood restaurants and cafes, framed by a labyrinth of streets lined with neoclassical mansions once belonging to seafaring captains.

3. Rhodes Old Town, Rhodes

Rhodes, the Dodecanese islands' crown jewel, has been a pivotal center since ancient times due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its historical significance is marked by the legacy of the Colossus of Rhodes, a marvel of the ancient world. However, it was the arrival of the crusading knights in the 14th century that led to the construction of the magnificent Rhodes Old Town, now recognized as Europe's largest active medieval town.

From 1309 to 1522, the island served as the Knights Hospitaller's stronghold, a bastion against Ottoman expansion. The knights left behind an impressive walled city, showcasing gothic architecture and a living museum ambiance. Its streets are adorned with Greek castles, mosques, squares, and gardens, all overseen by the grand Palace of the Grand Master, the knights' former headquarters.

4. Temple of Poseidon, Sounion

The Temple of Poseidon, dedicated to the god of the sea, stands atop a hill on the Athenian Riviera's tip, about an hour's drive from Athens. The site's Greek ruins offer stunning views over the Aegean Sea, enriched by the legend associated with this location. According to mythology, King Aegeus leaped to his death from these cliffs, mistaking his son Theseus' return as a defeat due to the black sails on his ship, a tragic event that purportedly named the Aegean Sea and is believed to create Greece's most beautiful sunsets.

5. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

Navagio Beach, possibly Greece's most photographed beach, is nestled on Zakynthos' northwestern shores in the Ionian Sea. Its name, which means "shipwreck," comes from the MV Panagiotis, which found its final resting place here in 1980. The true story of the shipwreck is debated, but its presence has certainly made this beach a globally recognized marvel.

Accessible only by sea or a challenging descent down steep cliffs, the beach's white sands and turquoise waters create a paradise-like setting, with the wreck providing a dramatic contrast and a unique backdrop for photographs.

6. Corinth Canal, Corinth

The Isthmus of Corinth has always been a strategic but challenging barrier for Greece, a nation of mariners. The idea of carving a canal through this land to connect the Aegean and Ionian Seas dates back to the 7th century BC, with attempts by historical figures including Julius Caesar. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the Corinth Canal was finally completed, a monumental effort mostly accomplished by manual labor.

Though it never achieved its full commercial potential due to its narrow width, the canal is an engineering marvel, especially viewed from the pedestrian bridge that spans it, offering a bird's-eye view of this ancient dream realized.

Despite the limitations in its use due to the canal's size constraints, it remains an awe-inspiring engineering achievement, particularly when observed from the pedestrian bridge situated some 170 feet above, providing a commanding view of the waterway below. Experiencing this marvel from a boat offers an even more extraordinary perspective, with the canal's narrow walls seemingly within arm's reach at certain points.

7. Old Venetian Harbor, Chania

Nestled within one of Crete's most picturesque villages, the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania stands as a testament to the island's rich history, drawing visitors from around the globe. Constructed between 1320 and 1356 during Venetian rule, Chania became a pivotal Mediterranean trading and maritime hub.

The harbor's design, featuring a perfect semicircle, is lined with buildings that echo the architectural styles of Venice, rather than those typically found on a Greek island, comprising elegant, colorfully painted townhouses.

This enchanting locale is not only home to one of the world's most renowned lighthouses but also boasts a collection of chic boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The warren of streets behind the waterfront invites exploration, promising a glimpse of stunning sunsets that embody the quintessence of Greek beauty.

8. Canal d'Amour, Corfu

Perched above the Ionian Sea, the Canal d'Amour (Love Channel) on Corfu is a small beach ensconced between rock formations, renowned for its breathtaking romantic allure. Local lore suggests that any man who swims here is destined to find his true love. While this may be a fanciful notion, the Canal d'Amour remains one of Greece's most enchanting spots, competing with many others for the title of the country's most romantic destination.

9. Oia, Santorini

Santorini, with its dramatic cliffside villages overlooking a submerged volcanic caldera, epitomizes the stunning beauty for which Greece is celebrated. Oia, in particular, captures the imagination with its iconic white buildings and blue-domed churches, precariously perched above the deep blue Aegean.

While Fira is known for its luxury and Imerovigli for its breathtaking infinity pools, Oia stands out as Santorini's jewel. Positioned at an elevated vantage point, its bars and cafés offer views that stretch across the sea towards Crete and Africa, making it a prime spot for witnessing the island's famed sunsets.

The village's narrow lanes, boutique shops, and gastronomic delights invite leisurely exploration. Oia is also the spot to capture the postcard-perfect shot of a blue-domed church set against the backdrop of the caldera, a scene that attracts photographers from around the world.

10. Theater of Epidaurus, Epidaurus

In a nation adorned with ancient theaters, Epidaurus's theater is unparalleled in grandeur. Capable of seating 16,000 spectators, its exceptional acoustics eliminate the need for amplification. Visitors can test this acoustic marvel themselves by listening from the uppermost seats to sounds originating from the stage.

Beyond its architectural and engineering significance, the theater evokes a deep sense of historical continuity, offering a window into the experiences of countless individuals who have shared this view over centuries.

A visit to Epidaurus is incomplete without attending one of the summer performances held in this ancient venue, set amidst gardens dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, further enriching the experience with the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

11. Old Town, Corfu

Exploring Corfu's Old Town, distinguished by its two fortresses, ranks among the top experiences in Greece. The Venetian-era "Old Fort," dating back to the 15th century, is strategically positioned on an islet, separated from the town by the man-made Contra Fossa canal. From its summit, one can enjoy panoramic views that encompass the mainland, the Albanian coast, and the rooftops of Corfu's Old Town, with the "New Fort" standing as a younger counterpart, constructed between 1576 and 1645 to deter Ottoman invasions.

The captivating Old Town lies between these two fortifications, its streets a blend of Byzantine and Venetian architectural styles, lined with upscale shops, art galleries, and the vibrant Jewish quarter. The basilica of the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, dating to the 1580s, houses the relics of the island's patron saint, adding a spiritual dimension to the rich cultural tapestry of Corfu.

12. Little Venice, Mykonos

Mykonos, famed for its sophisticated nightlife and as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, continues to enchant visitors just as it did for celebrities in the 1950s. The island's port area, with its iconic windmills and stylish establishments, retains its unique charm.

Little Venice, a quarter of Venetian-era buildings with colorful balconies and terraces overlooking the harbor, stands as a testament to the island's Venetian legacy. While Venetian influence is common across the Greek islands, Little Venice is unique for its buildings that almost touch the sea.

Today, these historic structures house trendy galleries and bars, making Little Venice the perfect spot to enjoy Mykonos's picturesque beauty with a cocktail in hand, embodying the quintessential Greek experience.

How much do you want to SAVE on your trip?

When you find your ideal destination in this article, check out the best exclusive DISCOUNTS and OFFERS to organize it.

FLIGHTS

HOTELS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

TRAVEL GEAR

Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Conclusion: Plan your trip to the most beautiful greek places!

For those captivated by Greece's unparalleled beauty, exploring these destinations offers a journey through a land where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine, promising an unforgettable adventure. Discover the luxury of Greek cruises with Celebrity and embark on your Aegean odyssey.

If you want to read other articles similar to The 12 Most Beautiful Greek Places you have to visit. You can visit the category Europe.