The attractiveness of Greece is not only in the white beaches and warm sea. Here is a huge number of ancient monuments of architecture and nature. One vacation is not enough to explore all the attractions of this unique country. Therefore, we recommend in general terms to get acquainted with the most popular places and choose those that need to be visited first.
Sights of Greece in photos and descriptions
Many tourists tend to visit Athens. No wonder. Many architectural monuments significant for the culture of the country are located here. The main place in the city was and remains the Acropolis. From Greek, the name translates as "upper city." The structure is a reinforced fortress, which in ancient times was a shelter for residents from enemies in case of war. Now in the Acropolis are the temple of Athena and Niki, also Erechtion and numerous sculptural ensembles. All this can be viewed in one place, so tourists from all over the world flock here.
The age of these structures has more than 2500 years. You will have to walk a lot here, so for a tour it is recommended to choose comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Of the modern buildings in the Acropolis is a museum, which stores the details of architectural elements, ornaments, bas-reliefs and borders. Some of these archaeological finds are exhibited in the British Museum.
The National Archaeological Museum in Athens offers to see a collection of unique works of art. The extensive exhibition includes a statue of Zeus, 2 meters high in bronze; a statue of a young woman discovered in the ceramics of Ceramics; the head of the goddess of health Hygiea; the golden mask of Agamemnon and other items of cultural value.
Another architectural monument of ancient Greece was the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is located in the heart of Athens. Its construction was completed in 456 BC. For a long time this temple remained the largest, and for its creation they used marble from Mount Pantelus. Near the Acropolis are other popular attractions. You can reach them on foot.
Islands of Greece and their attractions
Numerous hiking trails in Greece lead to the islands. They are located in three seas and surround the peninsula, protecting it from invasions of enemy troops. The easiest way to reach most of the islands is by connecting flights. This can be done from Solonikov or Athens airports.
Crete
The Greek islands themselves can be considered landmarks due to their authenticity. In the Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest island. The location of the island allows you to visit the volcanic Santorini and admire the views of Greece. The easiest way to travel around the island is by regular buses.
To appreciate the ancient beauty is to go to the mysterious palace of Knossos. This is all that remains of the great Minoan civilization. Even deeper into the history of the region, you can immerse yourself in Heraklion in the picturesque Archaeological Museum. Visit Rethymno need for the spectacle of a huge and durable defensive fortress. From there you can see a stunning view of the city and the coast.
Attention deserves the mountain monastery of Arcadia. He justifiably bears the title of the most beautiful place on the island. The walls of the monastery were built in the 5th century, and they keep the mysterious atmosphere of calm and ringing silence.
In addition to the architectural monuments on Crete, the scenery is also pleasing to the eye. Great beaches will showcase the fusion of three seas and all shades of blue in the water. Elafonisi beach will surprise tourists with pink sand. The picturesque landscape opens at Lake Kournas and at the eighteen-kilometer gorge of Samaria.
Santorini Island
Once this island was an active volcano. It was his fatal eruption that destroyed civilization on the nearby sharp, as well as the very source of fiery lava. Over the time, snow-white cities appeared on the brink of the deceased giant. It is recommended to visit the capital Fira, as well as the neighboring town of Imerovigli. On the beaches of Kamari and Perissa you can see the stunning black sand, as a reminder of the once active volcano. Akrotiri beach is covered with red sand, and Aspiri is white.
Going down into the mouth, you can find evidence that the volcano once came to life - a number of hot springs. They go straight into the sea and paint the water red. In the city of Ea, you can finish this amazing day of adventure by meeting the sunset on the observation deck.
Rhodes
The main attraction of the island remains its eponymous capital. A powerful fortress wall has retained an oriental atmosphere inside the city. Only a few Christian churches, and the picturesque palace of the Great Masters stand out brightly. The port Mandraki looks colorful. Here is one of the seven wonders of the world - the Colossus of Rhodes. The island has a no less picturesque town of Lindos, radically different in style. It is fully designed in the Greek style. Here you can walk along neat streets and reach the top of the hill, where the Ancient Acropolis and Knight's Castle are located.
Also worth seeing are the ruins of ancient temples located on Filerimos hill, the monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary. Peacocks live there. In the town of Profitis Ilias, you can see the cottage Mussolini. The valley of butterflies will not leave anyone indifferent. Here, among the streams of waterfalls, hundreds of gentle creatures of various shades are fluttering.
Kos Island
This island is one of the smallest in Greece. Nevertheless, there is something to see. The ancient ruins of the Ancient Agora attract tourists from all over the world. You can study in detail the Roman villa, the fortress of the Knights-Ioanites, city mosques, the ruins of Asklepion - the oldest hospital in the world.
Zakynthos
For tourists, the most attractive and interesting place in the city was the port of Navajo. Here a ship in distress settled right on the beach. Blue caves also deserve the attention of the guests of the island for its picturesque. Tourists should visit the local zoo and, having plunged into the depths of the sea, to get acquainted with the sea turtles. Cultural and spiritual hunger can be satisfied by exploring the monasteries of Anafonitria and Agios Georgios.
Kefalonia
This island can be called the most distinctive among the Greek places. Here everything is present, not yet adapted to the needs of the tourism business. In this lies the highlight of this corner. The main attractions are located right in the middle of the island. One of them is the picturesque Drogarati cave with its huge hall and hundreds of stalactites in the vaults. The second major attraction is the underground lake Melissani. It was discovered after the cave ceiling collapsed. The third place of tourist attention was the white beach Myrtos. In addition, guests of the island have more than to please the eye: winding roads along spruce forest walls, charming small towns and villages.
There is still a large number of amazing places and objects in Greece that deserve attention. Each of the objects is unique. Every day spent in this magical country will result in new knowledge and emotions. Tourists come to Greece for years and every time they find more and more exciting new places.
