If you’re looking for a travel destination that has it all— stunning scenery, a rich history, great food, and friendly locals—then Greece should be at the top of your list. This beautiful country has something to offer everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed city break. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the 10 top tourist attractions in Greece. From the world-famous Acropolis in Athens to the idyllic beaches of Mykonos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Greek getaway today!
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece. It is an ancient citadel located on a hill in Athens, Greece. The Acropolis is home to several ancient buildings, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis also offers stunning views of the city of Athens.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is one of Greece's most iconic landmarks, and a visit to Athens would not be complete without seeing it. The temple was built in the 5th century BC to honor the goddess Athena and is one of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in the world. The Parthenon is located on the Acropolis, a hill in the center of Athens, and from here you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.
The Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece. The temple was built in honor of the king of the gods, Zeus. The temple is located in Olympia, in the western Peloponnese. The temple was built in the 5th century BCE. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in the 6th century CE. The temple was rebuilt in the 8th century CE.
The Ancient Agora
The first stop on our list of top tourist attractions in Greece is the ancient agora. The agora was the center of public life in ancient Athens and was the site of many political, philosophical, and artistic debates. Today, the ruins of the agora are a popular tourist destination, as they offer a glimpse into the everyday life of ancient Greeks.
The ancient agora was designed by the architect Ictinus and was built in the 5th century BC. It consisted of a large open space surrounded by stoas, or porticoes. The stoas provided shelter from the sun and rain for those gathered in the agora, and also served as shops and offices for government officials. The most famous stoa is the Stoa of Attalos, which has been restored to its original glory and houses a museum.
Within the agora were several important buildings, including the Temple of Hephaestus, the Tholos (a circular building used as a meeting place), and the Bouleuterion (the meeting place of the Athenian Council). The agora was also home to Socrates' statue, which can still be seen today.
The ancient agora is open to visitors every day from 8am to 7pm. Admission is free for EU citizens, while non-EU citizens must pay a small fee.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, located in the heart of Rome, was once the center of political life in the city. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with its ruins providing a glimpse into the past.
The forum was originally built during the reign of Julius Caesar and was used as a marketplace and meeting place. Over time, it became the site of some of Rome's most important temples, including the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Vesta.
During the Middle Ages, the forum fell into disrepair and was largely forgotten. It wasn't until the Renaissance that interest in the ancient site was revived. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the forum and imagine what life was like in Rome centuries ago.
The Athens National Archaeological Museum
The Athens National Archaeological Museum is Greece's largest archaeological museum and one of the world's greatest museums. It houses over 11,000 exhibits from all over Greece, dating from the Neolithic period to the Roman Empire.
The museum is located in the heart of Athens, near the Acropolis. It is a short walk from Syntagma Square and the Acropolis metro station. The museum is open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Admission is €12 for adults, €6 for students and seniors, and free for children under 18.
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. The mountain is home to the 12 Olympian gods of Greek mythology and is also the site of the ancient Olympic Games. Today, Mount Olympus is a popular hiking destination for tourists from all over the world.
Delphi
According to legend, the Oracle of Delphi was the site of the world’s first oracle. The most famous oracle in ancient Greece, she was consulted on everything from love and marriage to war and politics. Her advice was sought by everyone from kings and queens to ordinary citizens.
The Oracle of Delphi was said to be a woman who could channel the gods and give accurate predictions. She was located in the temple of Apollo at Delphi, which was built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The temple was an important pilgrimage site for Greeks from all over the country.
Delphi is also home to other ancient ruins, including the Temple of Athena and the Treasury of Athens. The town itself is picturesque, with narrow streets and traditional Greek architecture. Visitors can explore the archaeological site, visit the museums, or take a hike in the surrounding mountains.
Mycenae
As one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Mycenae is a must-see for anyone interested in history. The site is located just south of Athens and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Mycenae was the capital of the Kingdom of Mycenae in the Bronze Age. The kingdom was one of the most powerful in ancient Greece and dominated much of the region. The site is best known for its massive fortifications, which include the Lion Gate, an iconic image of ancient Greece.
Other notable features of Mycenae include the beehive tombs, which were used to bury members of the royal family. The site also has a number of palaces and temples, which provide insight into the wealth and power of the ancient kingdom.
Epidaurus
Epidaurus was an ancient Greek city located on the Argolid Peninsula in the northeastern Peloponnese. The city was famous for its healing asylums and temples dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius. In the 4th century BCE, Epidaurus was one of four cities that formed the League of Corinth. The city's sanctuary, known as the Asklepieion, was once a popular destination for pilgrims seeking cures for their ailments.
The archaeological site of Epidaurus is located within the modern town of Ligourio. The site includes the ruins of several temples and other buildings, including the Sanctuary of Asclepius, which covers an area of approximately 1 hectare. The sanctuary consists of a series of terraces that lead up to the Temple of Asclepius, which stands on the highest point of the site. Other notable features at the site include a theater with a capacity of 12,000 spectators and a stadium that could seat up to 20,000 people.