697 Best Sights in Greece

The last and smallest of the Minoan palaces to be unearthed, Zakros is still an impressive site of over 150 rooms. It probably acted as a religious and administrative center, and also as a gateway to the East and to Africa, a view supported by an elephant tusk and Canaanite jars found on-site. Initially built circa 1900 BC and destroyed by fire around 1450 BC, the excavations were some of the most important in Crete as the palace had been preserved over time, untouched by robbers. The artifacts are displayed in the Archaeological Museums of Sitia and Heraklion.

An hour's hike away is the barren beauty of the valley that leads from Ano to Kato Zakros. Numerous caves dug into the sheer sides were the burial ground for the Minoan inhabitants of the area, leading to the gruesome name today—Gorge of the Dead.

A sprawling Minoan town, formerly known as Roussolakkos, is currently being excavated by archaeologists. Palaikastro is missing any Knossos-type drama; here, for instance, there is no large palace structure, but you get a strong sense of everyday life amid the stony ruins of streets, squares, and shops.

Nearby, Chiona and Kouremenos beaches make for pleasant diversions after clambering over the excavations.

North of Molos, past low hills, fertile fields, and the odd farmhouse, a dirt road leads to this historical beach where ruins from a Neolithic fortress and settlement have been discovered. The beach has cool, crystal waters and sandy shores that offer a sense of privacy. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: nudists; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking.

Whether in harsh sunlight or under floodlights at night, this mighty fortress is a beautiful sight, with red-stone bastions and flights of steps that zigzag down the 700-foot-tall cliff face. You can drive up the less-precipitous eastern slope, but if you are in reasonable shape and it isn't too hot, try climbing the stairs. Most guides will tell you there are 999 of them, but 892 is closer to the mark. From the top you can look down on the Old Town, the Gulf of Argolis, and the entire Argive plain.

Built by the Venetians between 1711 and 1714, the Palamidi comprises three forts and a series of freestanding and connecting defensive walls. But little good did it do them. The Palamidi fell to the Turks in 1715 after only eight days, allegedly because the Venetians assumed the fortress was impregnable and saw no need to garrison a large number of troops within the walls. In 1840, following the declaration of Greek independence, the Palamidi's Miltiadis bastion was converted by the Greeks into a fearsome prison that was used well into the 20th century. Its inmates included the revolutionary war hero Theodore Kolokotronis, on a charge of high treason that was later rescinded. His cell is indicated by a sign.

The spectacular ruins of a Byzantine-era castle and the settlement that once surrounded it crown the wooded hilltop of the impossibly steep road climbing south of modern-day Pyli. It was once the capital of the island yet barely a fraction of its visitors make the effort to see it. They're missing out. The 10-minute hike from the parking lot through the thickly wooded hillside isn't too arduous, though little explains what you're seeing, or where you're going. A junction divides the route to the old village and that of the castle, where its archways and walls still stand. The former route leads past a scattering of stones to the marvelous Taverna Oria, which has good food and incredible views over the area and ruins.

Even the classical Greeks recognized the beauty of this palm grove at the eastern end of the island, which is unique in Europe. It stood in for the Caribbean in a famous television commercial for a chocolate bar, and it's easy to see why. Indeed, the sandy stretch with nearby islets in clear turquoise water is such a stunner that many bus tours come all the way east just to show off the sand and palms, so Vai can get jammed in the summer. If the sand in front of the grove of 5,000 palms is too crowded, follow the path south over the headland to a slightly less crowded cove, Psili Ammos, or better still head north to Erimoupolis, overlooked by the ancient kastro of Poli Itanou. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

The name Achiropiitos means "made without hands" and refers to the icon representing the Virgin that miraculously appeared in this 5th-century Byzantine church during the 12th century. An early example of the basilica form, the church has marvelous arcades, monolithic columns topped by elaborate capitals, and exquisite period mosaics of birds and flowers. It is the second-oldest church in Thessaloniki and probably the oldest in continuous use in the eastern Mediterranean. An inscription in Arabic on a column states that "Sultan Murat captured Thessaloniki in the year 1430," which was the year the church was converted temporarily into a mosque.

The name Chalkeon comes from the word for copper, and the beautiful Virgin of the Copper Workers stands in what is still the traditional copper-working area of Thessaloniki. Completed in 1028, this is one of the oldest churches in the city displaying the domed cruciform style and is filled with ceramic ornaments and glowing mosaics. Artisans and workers frequently drop by during the day to light a candle to this patron of physical laborers. Inside the sunken walls is a pretty and well-tended garden. The area around Panagia Chalkeon has many shops selling traditional copper crafts at low prices.

Just below Moni is one of Naxos's most important churches, Panagia Drosiani, which has rare Byzantine frescoes from the 7th and 8th centuries. Its name means Our Lady of Refreshment, because during a severe drought all the churches took their icons down to the sea to pray for rain but only the icon of this church got results. The fading frescoes are visible in layers: to the right when you enter are the oldest—one shows St. George the Dragon Slayer astride his horse along with a small boy, an image usually only seen in Cyprus and Crete. According to legend, the child fell into a well and our intrepid saint fatally struck a dragon to rescue him. Opposite him is St. Dimitrios, shown killing barbarians. The church is made up of three chapels—the middle one has a space for the faithful to worship at the altar rather than in the nave, as became common in later centuries. Next to the altar is a very small opening that housed a secret school during the revolution.

With its distinct red roof, this is one of the most important Byzantine churches. Restoration work has uncovered five layers of frescoes from the 6th through the 13th century, and the church has remained alive and functioning for 14 centuries. According to tradition it was named Protothronos because it was the first to be built on Naxos.

Enter this spacious cave and descend 95 steps to the tiny church of Panagia Spiliani (Virgin of the Grotto). Half church, half cavern, this most unique landmark is also called Kaliarmenissa ("for good travels"), as it houses an antique icon of the Virgin Mary that, according to legend, was stolen from Samos and carried to a far-off land. Miraculously, it fell from the boat during the journey and broke into pieces, all of which washed ashore back on Samos. A pool in the grotto, once the sanctuary of a Roman cult, is considered to contain miracle-working water, and some have posited that it was here that Pythagoras taught and held discourse with his peers.

This walled compound in the village center was founded in the 12th century to house an icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the work of St. Luke, and it remains a popular place of pilgrimage, with many walking the 27 km (16 miles) from Mytilini on August 15. Built into the foundation are shops whose revenues support the church, as they have through the ages. The church museum has a little Bible from AD 500, with legible, elegant calligraphy.

The modern Greek Orthodox cathedral is a major landmark. It's worth a look inside for a view of the frescoes by local artist Christoforos Asimis. You will quickly note how the local priests, with somber faces, long beards, and black robes, look strangely out of place in summertime tourist-jammed Fira.

A fine golden-sand beach with bright waters, Panormos caters to all kinds of beachgoers. Nudists head to the far south for peace and quiet, but there's an all-day beach bar and restaurant, Principote, that offers music, food, and drinks to the left; it's popular with couples and singles. This is a great spot when the southern winds attack; otherwise it's positioned to get the full brunt of the northern island winds. Water-sports equipment, umbrellas, and chairs are available for rent. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: nudists; swimming.

The sandy beach fronts the lovely fishing village of Panormos, which at one point was the island's main harbor. Located north of Tinos Town, most visitors also make it a point to visit the nearby inland village of Pirgos or beach-hop to little beaches to the east and west of Panormos Beach. When the island winds are right, windsurfers take on the waters. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: swimming; windsurfing. 

The modest home of one of Greece's finest writers, Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851–1911), lauded by some as "the Greek Dostoevsky," is filled with his modest furniture, personal belongings, and vintage photographs. The author's native Skiathos played a prominent role in his essays, short stories, and novels, as did his Greek Orthodox faith and simple rural life. Several of his novels have been translated into English, including the internationally acclaimed The Murderess.

The beach that brought tourism to the island in the 1960s is no longer the beach of hippies but famous the world over for its party scene. Young, fun, international crowds hop straight to Paradise Beach where there's music, dancing, clubbing, and drinking at most hours of the day, but beach parties typically pick up around 4 pm and go on well into the next morning with people dancing on tabletops, including sexy male and female models hired to get things moving. When partiers take a break, sun beds and umbrellas are available for lounging, and a full line of restaurants and fast-food options provide nourishment. Scuba diving and water-sport rental shops are open for business. The bus from Mykonos Town frequents the beach often at the peak of summer. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers.

Small and stunning, and surrounded by a picturesque rocky coastline that juts out against a sparkling turquoise bay, Paraga Beach—sometimes also spelled Paranga—is not only pretty, it is also one of Mykonos’s liveliest party beaches. Several bars and beach clubs organize events every summer attracting a young, international crowd that gathers to mingle, dance, and drink. Hotels, rooms, a minimarket, and a large campground surround the beach. Umbrellas and chairs are available to rent at any of the beachside tavernas and cafés. A footpath to the east leads to neighboring party beach, Paradise, or offers you another view of the sea; it's about a 10-minute walk. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: partiers.

This large sandy beach is surrounded by a few shady trees, but umbrellas are available for rent in the summer season. The clear turquoise water gets deep fast, making it ideal for swimming. There are a couple of beach clubs on-site that add a little beach-party fun. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming.

The city's castle was built out of the ruins of the area's ancient acropolis in the 6th century, though it was shaped by countless invaders, with Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman invaders having the most influence. It became the administrative center for the city from the medieval era onwards, and was in use right up until the end of World War II. A long flight of stone steps ascends toward the Kastro from the southern edge of the Old Town, and views from its ramparts of the shimmering ships negotiating the harbor stirs even the most travel-weary.

According to the Greek traveler and geographer Pausanias, the most ravishing odeon in Greece, second only to the Herodeion of Athens, is that of Patras. Having been rediscovered in the late-19th century, it was restored in the 1960s and, until recently, remained in use as a venue for productions of the Summer Arts Festival (mid-June–mid-September), which were still staged in its well-preserved theater until recently. You can still admire this building from the street, but ongoing renovations mean it was closed at the time of writing and will be for the foreseeable future.

Want to see a tableau of Ali Pasha's legendary murder? Head to this museum to be shocked and amused, by turns, by its collection of historical Epirote waxwork figures from the past 2,500 years, all leading players in more than 30 historical "settings," including streets, mountains, caves, churches, and more. All the figures were sculpted in wax by artist Pavlos Vrellis, a local legend who embarked on this endeavor at the ripe age of 60. His studio is on the premises, a modern building that has stayed true to Epirotic architectural style.

Pelekas Beach could be two separate strands, and indeed there are two access roads down the long steep hill. The busy southern section is overlooked by the huge Mayor Pelekas Monastery hotel complex with its satellite bars and restaurants. As you walk north, the development dwindles a little, and at the far northern end you can find a few patches of sand and pebbles bereft of commercialization. Most amenities, such as sun beds and water sports, are clustered in the vicinity of the hotel. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; water sports. Best for: sunset; walking.

Industrial development in the region during the late 19th century necessitated the building of a railroad linking Volos to the picturesque Milies, 27 km (17 miles) east. Constructed  by Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, father of the famous painter Giorgio de Chirico, it was wrecked by retreating German troops and subsequent earthquakes, so today only the latter half of the line remains open, connecting Ano Lechonia with Milies. The train itself, an old-school steam locomotive nicknamed "Moutzouris" ("smudgy") chugs along at a tepid 19 km (12 miles) per hour, which is the perfect speed for taking in the stupendous views of the Pagasitiko Bay. Trips normally take 1½ hours each way, stopping for 15 minutes in Ano Gazea.

The ancient village ruins and its museum—both best known for their intricate, artful, and beautifully preserved floor mosaics, mainly of mythological scenes—are on either side of the main road toward Edessa (where waterfalls invite a possible further trip). It's best to first get an overview at the Archaeological Museum, which contains a model of the 4th-century BC dwelling that stood across the road, as well as fascinating artifacts of Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age settlers, some as old as the 7th century BC. Note also the unique statuette of a horned Athena (apparently influenced by Minoan Crete), the statue of Alexander sprouting the horns of Pan, and the adorable sleeping Eros (Cupid), reproductions of which can be bought at the gift shop. Descriptions are sparse, but the attendants, pointedly not experts, are happy to share what they know.

In 1914, two years after the Turks' departure, the people who lived on the land were moved to a village north of here, and excavations of the archaeological site began. These include portions of the walls; the sanctuaries of Aphrodite, Demeter, and Cybele; the marketplace; a cemetery; and several houses. In 1987, on a small rise to the north, the remains of the palace came to light; at present there is a restoration program at the site.

The cave's passageways, discovered in the early 1940s by locals hiding from the Nazis, extend for more than 1 km (½ mile) under the hills. You learn about the high caverns and multihued limestone stalagmites during the 45-minute guided tour in English. Printed English-language information is also available. Be prepared for the many steps you must walk up on the way out. At the information center you can see some of the paleontological finds from Perama and learn more about the geology of caves. Bus No. 16 from Ioannina's clock tower gets you here.

Separated from Kamari Beach by a huge slice of rock, Mesa Vouno, Perissa is almost identical, but that mountain helps to protect it from the meltemi winds. It is a long, black-sand beach that is popular with the summer crowds and where a lively beach resort town has grown to appreciate the view. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Pretty much an extension of Perissa Beach, Perivolos features the same famous volcanic black sand but with just a tad fewer restaurants, beach bars, and cafés, making it a quieter beach enclave to seek out most times of the year. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

It lives up to its name in all but one important regard: its star attraction isn't actually butterflies. In summer the Callimorpha quadripunctaria, a red- and black-speckled species of day-flying moth known as the Jersey tiger, cluster by the thousands around the low bushes of the pungent storax plant, which grows all over the area. In recent years the number of moths has diminished, partly owing to busloads of tourists clapping their hands to see the creatures fly up in dense clouds—an antic that causes the creatures to deplete their scant energy reserves, thus disturbing them and affecting their reproduction activities (needless to say, it's probably best not to do this). Access to the valley involves an easy walk up an idyllic yet crowded trail through a pretty wood, past a stream and ponds; don't miss the lower half of the trail behind the car park. There are several refreshment points on the route—the best option with the tastiest meals is Butterfly Restaurant Bar, at the end of the downhill trail, which overlooks yet more beautiful green valleys. You must visit at the right time of year to see the moths, typically mid-June to mid-September. Outside of this season, it still makes a pleasant walk, albeit void of moths.

The Jersey tiger moth returns year after year to mate in Petaloudes (Butterflies Valley), a lush oasis of greenery in the middle of this dry island. From May to September, you can watch them as they lie dormant during the day, their chocolate-brown wings with yellow stripes still against the ivy leaves. In the evening they flutter upward to the cooler air, flashing the coral-red undersides of their wings as they rise. A notice at the entrance asks visitors not to disturb them by making a noise or shaking the leaves.