Top 3 Cities in Greece
The most beautiful places in picturesque Greece
With its breathtaking coastlines, picturesque islands and hospitable culture, Greece offers an unrivalled variety of experiences. The country is a paradise for travellers looking for ancient ruins, turquoise waters and culinary delights.
The lively cities such as Athens impress with their sights and nightlife. The sun-kissed islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes will enchant you with their charming villages and dreamy beaches. Discover authentic Greece in the picturesque alleyways of the islands, immerse yourself in the azure Aegean Sea and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Greeks.
In this article, we present our TOP 3 of the most beautiful cities with the top sights in Greece.
Interesting facts about Greece
- One of the most spectacular sights in Greece are the Meteora monasteries in the Pindos Mountains. The 24 monasteries and hermitages are a particularly impressive sight in foggy weather, as they look as if they are floating in the air.
- Official language: Greek
- The Ionian Islands in north-west Greece are popular destinations for extended beach holidays. The most famous of the islands is Corfu.
- One of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos, is home to the paradisiacal Navagio Bay, which is famous for the shipwreck of the Panagiotis that stranded there.
- Mykonos Town on the island of Mykonos is also known as Little Venice due to its picturesque, colourful houses.
- If you are looking for the white buildings with blue roofs that you see in numerous holiday catalogues, you will find them on the island of Santorini (also known as Santorini, Thira or Thera). Santorini is also an ideal place to watch spectacular sunsets.
- The Vikos Gorge in Greece holds the record for the deepest gorge in the world.
Top 3 Cities in Greece
Athens
Greece's capital Athens was the centre of ancient Greece. The traces of this period can still be recognised throughout the city.
This is why Athens, with its many ancient sites, is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in antiquity, and probably the most famous ancient building in Greece is the Acropolis of Athens. In ancient times, the Acropolis was the name given to the city fortifications, which were usually located on the highest hill of a city.
The Acropolis in Athens is made up of several important temples, including the Parthenon, which was dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the Erechtheion for King Erichthonios, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is open to visitors. Anyone interested in the history of the building should visit the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill.
If you want to escape Athens for a day trip, the route along the coast to the west is a good option. From here, you can reach the Peloponnese peninsula via the famous Isthmus of Corinth. Two important cities on the peninsula that are easily accessible by car from Athens are Corinth and Mycenae.
To the south-east of Athens, Cape Sounion is ideal for a day trip. There you can not only see the remains of the Temple of Poseidon, but also enjoy a magical view of the sun setting over the sea in the evening.
Summary: The capital of Greece is a mixture of ancient history and modern culture. The Acropolis and the Parthenon are just some of the impressive sights the city has to offer.
Rhodes
The city of Rhodes is located on the island of the same name in the Aegean Sea. With over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, the island of Rhodes is one of the sunniest regions in the whole of Europe. It is therefore not surprising that it is popular with tourists from all over the world as a destination for swimming and beach holidays. However, Rhodes has even more to offer than white sandy beaches, picturesque cliff landscapes and sparkling light blue water.
Rhodes Town is best known for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Remains of the more than 30 metre high statue of the sun god Helios no longer exist today, as the Colossus was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC.
Other buildings from antiquity and the Middle Ages are still well preserved in Rhodes. These include, for example, the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and the Palace of the Great Masters. The city's Archaeological Museum displays other interesting archaeological artefacts from all over the island.
Animal lovers will also get their money's worth on the island of Rhodes. In the Valley of the Butterflies, numerous native animal species can be observed in their natural habitat - including, of course, the butterflies that give the island its name. The Farma of Rhodes petting zoo, where you can not only see camels, lemurs and numerous other animals, but even touch them, is located in the immediate vicinity of the Butterfly Valley.
Summary: The island of Rhodes and the town of the same name on it attract visitors with their culturally significant historical sites, medieval fortresses and beautiful beaches.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is a small town on Crete which, along with Rhodes, is one of the most popular Greek islands. The town is located on Lake Voulismeni, which boasts a long promenade along the shore. There are numerous bars and tavernas here where you can end a long day's holiday on the beach in a relaxed, Greek atmosphere.
In addition to its impressive beaches, the island of Crete is particularly known for its mountain landscapes. In addition to high mountains such as Psiloritis, the island is also home to deep gorges such as the Samaria Gorge, which is particularly popular with hikers.
The region around Agios Nikolaos also has a lot to offer those interested in history and archaeology. In the town itself, for example, is the church of Agios Nikolaos, to which the town owes its name. About an hour's drive from the town are the remains of the ancient town of Knossos, which is now best known for the Knossos Palace.
The largest city on Crete is also located close to Knossos: Iraklio or Heraklion. In addition to numerous historical sights such as the Lion Fountain or the Koules harbour fortress, you can also take a closer look at the colourful animal inhabitants of the Mediterranean in the Cretaquarium.
Summary: Agios Nikolaos and the island of Crete are the ideal holiday destination for anyone who wants to complement their beach holiday with hikes and excursions to archaeological sites.
Conclusion: A Holiday between Culture, History and Relaxation
Greece offers endless relaxation and at the same time significant cultural sites to explore. Immerse yourself in the history of ancient temples, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy the sunny atmosphere. Greece promises an unforgettable holiday that touches all the senses and wins hearts forever.
Have you been bitten by the travel bug and want to experience Greece for yourself?
► Here you can find more information about the toll regulations in Greece so that you are optimally equipped for your trip.