5 Cities You Must Visit While on a Trip to Greece

Greece, the country of the south-east of Europe, is the place where ancient history perfectly fuses with the beauty of the modern world and provides an impressive diversity of the cultural background, mythology, and unbelievable beauty of nature. Whether it is discussing the ruins of the ancient times or the glittering waters of the Mediterranean, Greece amazes tourism by its varieties.

It is a place where all sunrises appear to have come up centuries of myth — where deities used to stroll Mount Olympus and philosophers put the principles of thought down. Aligning to its spectacular coasts and sun-kiss islands as well as its mountain villages and ancient ruins, Greece provides its visitors with both mythological and modern experience. The atmosphere vibrates with the sounds of the past – marble temples, olive gardens and folk music pouring out of local tavernas – fused with the beat of modern urbanism, without any trouble.

The country of Greece is perennially beautiful as the cities are full of history, rich cultures, and natural beauty. Be it due to archeological marvels, or to spend some relaxing time on the soft sands of sun-kiss beaches, you will have a memorable experience with Greece.

Here is a list of places that you cannot leave your trip to Greece without –

1. Athens

Its capital city is Athens and the center of ancient Greek history. Athens is a very cultural city, since it is the birthplace of the democracies, philosophy and drama. The top most attraction of Athens, the Acropolis is towering above the city, visible at almost all angles. It is an ancient citadel that houses the Parthenon, a magnificent temple where Athena, the goddess was worshipped and one could view the whole metropolis and even have a glimpse of the golden age of Greece.

There is creativity and color in Athens beyond its ruins. Stroll through the neighborhood of Plaka, a labyrinth of neoclassical pebbled streets, artisan stores and smelly tavernas with souvlaki and baklava. Monastiraki Flea Market is ideal to find the antique, jewelry and local crafts whereas the Psiri District unveils the artistic spirit of Athens, street art, jazz cafes, and rooftop cafes with a view of the Parthenon glowing at night.

The Acropolis Museum is a must not to be missed as it bears thousands of relics that were discovered in the Acropolis and provide a close relationship to the city’s history. Athens is simultaneously a historical museum and a living breathing organism that grows and develops, one foot in the ancient world and the other one stepping into the modern world with his/her head held up high.

2. Santorini 

Santorini is dramatic with its cliffs, the fifty shades of white constructions and the dream of couples on a honeymoon. It is one of the most photographed destinations in the globe, a Cycladic island whose whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches stand over the sparkling Aegean Sea on volcanic cliffs.

There is a volcanic history about the island that makes it special. Do not overlook the Akrotiri Archaeological Site which is a flawlessly maintained Bronze Age town that was buried in volcanic ash following a huge eruption – and is sometimes compared to Pompeii. Here, you are going to walk between ancient streets and frescoed walls in which you will realize how sophisticated this Minoan civilization was in the past.

When you are there, go to the Red Beach with its striking crimson cliffs, or to Kamari Beach, the one of the volcanic black sands. Now that it is evening, head to Oia, where the sunsets are a legend. The sky changes to pink and purple and dips down in reflection over the caldera – a scene so lovely, it is divine.

To add an additional bourgeoisie, one of the cliffside restaurants of Oia, with superb Greek wine and seafood, should be eaten, with the most romantic view on the planet. Santorini is not a place; it is a feeling, one that you will not forget easily after coming out of its shores.

3. Thessaloniki 

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece that is full of both old and new spirit. It is a city of East-West blend – Byzantine churches and Ottoman hammams and waterfront promenades are vibrating with young life.

Start at the Rotunda of Galerius, an enormous Roman building that was a church and a mosque throughout the centuries. Next, go to the White Tower, the iconic picture of the city, where one has a panoramic view of the Thermaic Gulf and the city below with its red roofs.

Thessaloniki is also where the Archaeological Museum is located where you will find all the treasures of the Macedonian kingdom, such as gold wreaths and sculpture which explains the glory of the ancient Greek. But Thessaloniki is more than a history-filled place and it is also a cuisine heaven. The Ladadika District of the city boasts of its tavernas and meze bars whereby you may sample fresh seafood, grilled octopus and bougatsa, a pastry that is local and is stuffed with cream or cheese.

This place is a hotspot when it comes to night life with the rooftop bars and live music and cultural events. The city is very vibrant up to the early hours of the day. The beauty of Thessaloniki is in its contradictions, in the fact that it is a big cosmopolitan center and at the same time it preserves traces of ancient essence.

4. Rhodes 

The biggest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes, is the place where mythology collides with medieval magic. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing one of the most preserved medieval cities in Europe with its cobblestone streets, fortress walls and mythical background.

Old Town of Rhodes is encircled by old walls and makes one feel that they are going back in time. Stroll through the Street of the Knights, see the Palace of the Grand Master, and dream over the clinking of the armor of the crusaders, who here used to walk. A mixture of the Gothic, Ottoman, and Italian influences enriches the city; each street of the city comprises visual delight.

Other than the old city, Rhodes has gorgeous beaches and seashores. Visit Lindos, a lovely village topped with its Acropolis above a blue bay. Tsambika and Anthony Quinn are the ideal location in which to sunbath, snorkel or even enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

The place is also full of legends, the legends of ancient sun gods, the legends of medieval knights and making it the place where history, mythology, and leisure are perfectly merged.

5. Corfu 

The green-filled, Venetian, and cosmopolitan city of Corfu has its place in the island. Perched beautifully on the Ionian Sea, the scenery of Corfu is a fusion of olive trees, blue waters and beautiful castles which remind of the past empires.

The living museum of Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Sightseeing site with pastel colored buildings, flower laden balconies and winding alleys. Visit the Old and New Fortress that was constructed by the Venetians to protect the island. They are separated by the Liston Promenade, which takes its inspiration from the Rue de Rivoli of Paris, and where cafes can be found where you can have a taste of Greek coffee and observe the world passing by.

To those who want peace, go to Kassiopi or Sidari where rocky beaches and crystal-clean waters are perfect in swimming, water sports, and boat trips. Sidari Canal d Amour is a path created by wind and waves and is claimed to lead everlasting love to the couples who swim in the Canal making it a perfect legend to this romantic Island.

Another attraction is the cuisine of Corfu, a mixture of Greek and Italian foods. Have pastitsada (meat spiced pasta) or sofrito (meat cooked in white wine and garlic), both of which are local delicacies and demonstrate the rich cultural mix of the island.

A Promise on Beauty and Time

Since the eternal grandeur of Athens to the sunset-coloured cliffs of Santorini, since the colourful soul of Thessaloniki, the ancient medieval charm of Rhodes, and the romantic beauty of Corfu Greece is a patchwork of experiences, threaded through by myth, history, and natural beauty.

And here is a story in every city: of gods and warriors, philosophers and poets, dreamers and lovers. Greece is not only a country to visit but also to feel. It has blue oceans, warm welcome and a rich history, and with each turn, you are guaranteed to experience a new line in your travel history.