Welcome to triptogreece.info! Travel website about Greece, where you will find all the information you need to organize your trip for free: main attractions to visit, places of interest, how to move by plane or boat, main airports, best beaches in Greece and its islands, areas to sleep, recommendations for hotels, apartments and accommodation in general, typical dishes, travel tips. The best excursions and tours in Spanish to enjoy your trip to Greece.
What to see in Greece and the Greek islands
Greece is one of the European countries that offers the largest number of tourist attractions, ideal for lovers of history, culture and nature. Greece or also called the Hellenic Republic is located in the southeast of Europe.
Greece offers its visitors a perfect mix of wonderful archaeological sites from ancient Greece, mysterious temples and ruins from the past, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the isolated rock monasteries of Meteora, Delos and Olympia. Without forgetting important museums, islands with turquoise and crystalline blue waters that will make you live a true dream. Greece's tourist offer is really huge and will satisfy all your travel needs!
Greece is a perfect mix of different flavours: mythological legends with their gods and armies led by heroes, great philosophers, incredible starry nights, waterfront taverns and islands where you can dance until dawn, views of the Parthenon and windmills. windmills of Mykonos, the Tiryns stones and cruise ships in the caldera of Santorini, the old town of Rhodes, as well as the churches of Thessaloniki and the oracle of Delphi, Mount Olympus, the coast of Peloponnese and some of the most remote islands that have managed to avoid being swallowed up by mass tourism. There are so many things to see in Greece!
The capital of Greece is the wonderful city of Athens, but the country also has a beautiful island territory made up of no more and no less than six thousand islands, the most famous of which are Crete, Rhodes and Santorini.
The Greek influence in the West is so important that its culture, which arises in the period from 776 a. C. until 146 a. C. marks a before and after in universal history.
Greece is one of the most popular European destinations for tourists, who mainly come to the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, the Ionian Islands and the Cyclades. Another of the highly visited attractions in Greece are its ruins, such as the Acropolis in Athens and Delphi, an archaeological site located in the south of the country and declared a World Heritage Site. Other sites of interest are the Sanctuary of Olympia, located in Elis where the Olympic Games were held in antiquity, and the city of Knossos on the island of Crete.
Without a doubt, a country that will amaze you!
On this website you will find all the information to organize your trip to Greece! Let's see the 20 main attractions to visit in Greece, including its most important cities, islands, parks and most beautiful towns to visit in Greece.
1. Athens
Athens is known worldwide as the cradle of great artists and philosophers of Antiquity and is the great business card of Greece, in addition to being its capital, it is a city with more than 3,000 years of history and one of the most impressive places to visit. Athens is located on the Attica peninsula, bordered on the south by the Saronic Gulf; to the west, with Mount Egaleo; to the northwest, with Mount Parnés; to the northeast, Mount Pentelic; and finally, to the east, with Mount Imitós.
Without thinking twice you should visit the Acropolis, a World Heritage Site by Unesco, it is the remains of what was the ancient Parthenon, which is the most important Greek jewel. This is located at the top of the city along with other temples 20 minutes from Syntagma Square.
Essential, it is also to know the Greek Parliament, stroll through Syntagma Square; visit the Plaka neighborhood; get to know the Benaki and Kolonaki Museum; visit the Temple of Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium; enter the National Archaeological Museum, climb the hills of Filopapos and Thisio, enjoy a visit to the Central Market, get closer to the ancient Agora; visit Monastiraki, a neighborhood located in the old town; and visit the Acropolis Museum.
If you get a chance, watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the side of Syntagma Square. The guards are known as "evzones", they guard the monument 24 hours a day and make the change every hour on the hour.
Enjoy the views from Mount Lycabettus, the ideal place to see Athens!
For more information about Athens we invite you to visit our dedicated articles:
- What to see in Athens
- What to see around Athens
- Where to stay in Athens? Best hotels and apartments
- The best 8 Museums in Athens to visit – Hours, tickets, prices, location
- Best Tours and Excursions in Athens – In Spanish
- How to get to Athens? By plane, boat, bus or car
2.- Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and is the capital of the Macedonia region, 500 kilometers north of Athens. It is a port city located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Most of the city center was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917, the area was rebuilt taking on a more modern look.
Thessaloniki has an oriental air that is reflected mainly in the magnificent church of Agia Sofia, which is located in the square of the same name. This square has beautiful gardens.
Some historical Byzantine-style buildings that you will find are the church of Agios Dimitrios, dedicated to the patron saint of the city; the Church of the Twelve Apostles (Dódeka Apostoli), dating from 1310-1314; the church of Agia Katerini, from the end of the 13th century and the Vlatadon Monastery, where you can see beautiful peacocks in its gardens.
While buildings such as the Bey Hamam, the city's Turkish baths, remain from the Ottoman influence; the Hamza Bey Dazmí, a mosque from the year 1468, and the Bezesten, next to which you will find the market.
The Roman vestiges could not be missing, such as the archaeological complex of the agora and the Arch of Galerius or Kamara, one of the symbols of Thessaloniki.
We also recommend you visit the palace complex of Galerio Máximo, which is located next to the picturesque Plaza Navarino.
Do not miss our dedicated articles:
- What to see in Thessaloniki, what to do, where to sleep and how to get there
- Where to stay in Thessaloniki? Best hotels and apartments
- How to get to Thessaloniki?
3-.Santorini
Santorini is an island located in the Cyclades Archipelago and a world-renowned and highly visited place due to its beauty. It has a very particular crescent shape, which originates from a volcanic eruption.
Santorini has charming and beautiful villages, beautiful white-fronted houses with their roofs and windows painted a vibrant blue color, and spectacular cliffs. In idyllic Santorini you can immerse yourself in its waters, enjoy an unforgettable sunset, visit its archaeological sites, admire the view of the surroundings from one of its viewpoints or encourage yourself to walk its trails.
In Santorini everything revolves around La Caldera, where the landscape is truly unique. You can walk to Fira and then to Imerovigli, then find the path to Skaros which goes into La Caldera, if you climb the rocks you will have a view from another world. We also recommend visiting Oia, its northernmost city.
The best time to visit Santorini is spring, from April to early June, and early autumn. Keep in mind that in September and early October the temperatures are still good and you will still be able to dive into the waters.
To get to this wonderful island, you can travel by ferry from the Piraeus Port in Athens. A trip on the most expensive lines takes about 4 hours, the cheapest ones take about 7 hours. Another option is to hire a tour that includes several islands.
Our articles dedicated to the beautiful island of Santorini:
- What to see in Santorini
- The 10 best beaches in Santorini
- Best Excursions and Tours in Santorini
- Where to stay in Santorini – Best areas, hotels in Santorini
- Hotels in Santorini – With Panoramic view and pool
- How to get to Santorini – By plane or by boat
4.- Mykonos
Mykonos or Mykonos, like Santorini, is part of the Cyclades archipelago. It is located in the heart of the Aegean Sea between the islands of Naxos, Paros, Syros and Tinos, 150 kilometers east of Athens. It is a small island very famous for the beauty of its natural landscape and its beautiful white houses. It is also known as a very lively place with a very vibrant nightlife.
If you want to get to know the island, you can start by visiting its capital, Chora, and walk through its charming streets, visit the church of Panagia Paraportiani, walk through the old port and climb to the highest part and reach the Windmills. In Chora you will also find a little Venice!
If history and archeology attract you, you can visit the beautiful Panagia Turliani Monastery and the ruins of Portes.
Its main attraction is its spectacular beaches, including Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Elia and Kalafatis.
The best time of the year to visit Mykonos is at the end of spring and beginning of autumn, since the temperatures will still allow you to enjoy its waters, the prices of the hotels go down and the island is not so saturated with tourists, as it happens in the months of July and August. If you travel in the month of May you will be able to see beautiful poppies.
To get to Mykonos you can take a flight to Athens, then take a domestic flight or a ferry to Mykonos, departing from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. The ferry ride from Athens to Mykonos will take about five hours.
- What to see in Mykonos (Mykonos)
- TOP 5 Excursions to do in Mykonos (Mykonos)
- Where to stay in Mykonos? Best hotels and apartments
- How to get to Mykonos by plane or boat
5.- Delphi
Delphi is a mandatory stop for lovers of archeology and Greek history. It is located north of the Gulf of Corinth, on a plateau on the southern slope of Mount Parnassus, adjacent to the sanctuary of Apollo. Here you will find ancient ruins in the mountains of Delphi of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo and declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. But the great attraction was the Oracle inside, which, according to ancient beliefs, was a woman, called Pythia, who was the priestess of the temple. She was consulted on important issues and her answers conditioned the course of history.
In addition to the temple, you will also find a theater with a capacity for 5,000 spectators, the stadium and the museum in which the bronze figure of the Charioteer of Delphi stands out.
Other places worth visiting are the old gym; the Castalia spring, a place where the faithful purified themselves before consulting the oracle; and, the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, where you will see a tholos from the 4th century BC. C. If you want to see a summary of the history of the place, we recommend a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
The ruins are immersed in an extraordinary nature and you will find many paths that will invite you to walk them to enjoy the tranquility of the place. A tour that will amaze you will be to reach the Corycian Cave, 18 kilometers from Delphi.
To get to Delphi from Athens, you can take a bus at Terminal B which takes about 3 hours. The best way to get to Delphi is to rent a car and travel the 170 kilometers that separate Athens from Delphi on the E75 motorway. You can also take a bus from Athens, this journey will take you 3 hours, the service has daily departures. By train it is not possible, since Athens is not connected to Delphi by railways. Another quite comfortable alternative is to take a day tour from Athens that has guides in Spanish.
6.- Crete
Crete is the main island of Greece and is located about 95 km from mainland Greece, between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Because it is a large island, to get to know it properly you will need to spend several days on it.
Crete will give you beaches with crystalline waters, charming very old towns, nature, delicious gastronomy and archaeological sites.
You should start with Heraklion, its capital, and other places of interest, such as Elafonisi beach, the Samaria Gorge, the Moni Arkadiou monastery, the fortified city of Rethymno, the cities of Agios Nikolaos and Chania, the Sendoni cave, the site of Gortyna, the fishing village of Loutro, the palace of Knossos and the Byzantine frescoes in various churches such as the Church of Agios Georgios or the Church of Kritsa.
Visiting Crete in the months of July and August will ensure you a lot of sun since it is summer time, but you can also visit the island during the spring, in the months of May to June and in autumn, these are excellent times to visit Crete, since the weather is still good, hotel prices are falling and there is less influx of tourists.
To get to Crete the best option is by plane, because there are direct flights to Heraklion or you can make a stopover in Athens-Heraklion. You can also get to Crete using the ferry service at the port of Piraeus in Athens, the journey (depending on the type of boat) varies from 6 to 9 hours.
Crete is the ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation!
Do not miss our dedicated articles:
- What to see in Crete – Main attractions
- The 15 Best Beaches in Crete
- What to see and do in Rethymnon (Rethymno Crete)
- Where to stay in Crete? Best areas, hotels and apartments
- Best excursions and tours of Crete
- How to get to Crete? By plane or boat
Where to stay in Greece?
Finding the perfect accommodation is one of the most delicate and important parts of the trip. An excellent hotel in a strategic position could completely change your trip. Enjoying the panoramic views of Greece and its islands, the sunset, the breeze, the mountains and the beauty of life can all come from the ideal hotel. Where to stay in the main destinations in Greece? We have spent a lot of time studying each city, each area and the best hotels and apartments available. Read our dedicated posts to choose the best hotel in Greece!
- Where to stay in Athens? Best areas, apartments and hotels
- Where to stay in Santorini? Best cities, apartments and hotels
- Where to stay in Rhodes? Best areas, apartments and hotels
- Where to stay in Crete? Best areas, apartments and hotels
- Where to stay in Corfu? Best areas, apartments and hotels
- Where to stay in Mykonos? Best areas, apartments and hotels
- Where to stay in Karpathos? Best areas, apartments and hotels
- Where to stay in Thessaloniki? Hotels, apartments, hostels, best areas and nearby cities
More about Greece
If you want more information to organize your trip in Greece:
- Weather in Greece – Best time to travel to Greece
- How does the tourist tax work in Greece? How much and to whom do I have to pay it?
- Greece Map – Major Cities and Islands
- Public Holidays of Greece 2018
- Public Holidays in Greece 2019
Other interesting European destinations
If you visit Greece and want to know other areas of Europe, do not miss these wonderful destinations:
- What to see in Florence
- What to see in Milan
- Best areas to stay in Rome
- What to see in Positano in one or two days
7.- Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese, it is a large island that is 500 km from Athens and 100 km from the coast of Turkey and is very famous for its spas, ancient ruins and for having been occupied by the Knights of Saint John during the Crusades. In the historic center of the city of Rhodes there are two interesting medieval sites: Via dei Cavalieri and the Palace of the Grand Masters, with a castle-like structure.
Here you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the archaeological site of Kamiros, the theme parks and nightclubs of Faliraki, boat trips to the nearby island of Symi or walks through the inland forests. We also recommend going to Lindos, a very pretty city with little white houses that can be seen descending towards the sea. The west of the island offers ideal beaches for surfing.
The most visited beaches in Rhodes are along the eastern part of the island, as they suffer less from the blows of the Meltemi wind.
Rhodes is very easy to access as it has its own international airport with many low-cost flights. It is also possible to reach Rhodes by ferry from Athens or the main islands of Greece. Although it is a long journey and much more expensive than a direct flight or a connecting flight.
Walk the walls of the old city and enjoy a beautiful sunset at Monolithos castle!
Our dedicated articles:
- What to see in Rhodes – Towns, attractions and beaches
- Where to stay in Rhodes? Best areas, hotels and apartments
- How to get to Rhodes – By plane or boat
- 5 Best excursions and tours in Rhodes
8.- The Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are located on the west coast of the country in the Ionian Sea. It is a total of eleven islands of various sizes distributed on the western coast of mainland Greece. It goes without saying how beautiful they look in contrast to the blue of the sea that shelters them.
In these islands you will enjoy as much and much more, as its extraordinary nature, beautiful towns, a pleasant climate, incredible beaches and interesting archaeological sites. The islands, in general, allow you to enjoy the practice of sports, enjoy the hospitality of its inhabitants and participate in typical cultural activities.
The six largest are Zante, Ithaca, Corfu, Cephalonia, Lefkada and Paxos, while the smallest are Antipaxos, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni, Meganisi, as well as the group of deserted islands, the Strofadi, south of Zante.
9.- The Cyclades Islands
Crete has another set of wonderful islands, it is the Cyclades, they bear that name due to their circular arrangement around Delos. It is a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, located southeast of Athens, south of Attica and Euboea.
The most famous islands of the Cyclades are Santorini and Mykonos, we must tell the visitor that the Cyclades are made up of 39 islands, of which 24 are inhabited. We will name the most recommended ones since in addition to Santorini and Mykonos, you can enjoy spectacular moments in Delos, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, Syros, Milos, Tinos, Andros, Ios, Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros and the Small Cyclades, a group of small islands between Naxos and Amorgos.
The beauty of these islands has no comparison, with their houses painted white, their windows and doors blue; the beautiful Aegean sea; the shining sun, its pretty chapels with domed roofs, the windmills and charming little streets.
The fastest and cheapest way to get to the Cyclades is by plane, but it is important to note that not all of these islands have an airport, nor are there direct flights to Italy from all of the islands. For this reason, Santorini and Mykonos are the islands with the easiest access because in the summer months they are served by low-cost flights with departures from several Italian cities. The duration of the flight is about two hours. Sometimes it is less, depending on the airport from which they depart.
Paros has its own airport, but does not have a direct connection with Italy, for example. So there are two viable alternatives: you can take an international flight to Greece and from there reach your final destination by domestic flight or by ferry. These boats leave from the port of Piraeus in Athens, but there are also departures from the port of Rafina. We recommend you review the frequency of departures, which increase in summer and are less frequent for the smaller islands. Reservation is mandatory if you travel in high season.
10.- Olympia
Olympia is a city that is located in the Peloponnese Peninsula, it is the city where a myth that still lives is born: the Olympics. A suggestive destination that will make you relive the deeds of great athletes.
An essential is the Sanctuary of Olympia, the place where every year the Olympic flame lighting ceremony is held. Its archaeological zone is made up of temples that were dedicated to their gods. Like the Temple of Zeus, the study of Phidias, the Temple of Era or the stadium where the games were played almost 3,000 years ago. To learn about the history of Olympia we recommend a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Other important museums are: Museum of Excavation History, Museum of Ancient Games and Museum of Modern Games.
The archaeological site of Olympia is open all year, (it is closed at Easter, Christmas, Boxing Day and January 1). In the cooler seasons the number of visitors is lower and it is possible to visit it with more peace of mind. In addition, from November to March the entrance costs half.
A good choice to get to Olympia from Athens is to take a bus from Terminal A, a journey of just over 5 hours. Another more comfortable alternative is to do one of the tourist circuits through the Peleponese that include the city.
11.- Meteora
Meteora is a valley located in the north of Greece, it is a place with fascinating Monasteries on top of imposing polished rock pinnacles, immersed in a unique landscape. These monasteries were built over 600 meters more than seven centuries ago, being declared a World Heritage Site. They are, after the Parthenon, the most visited tourist attraction in Greece.
Only six of the 13 of these monasteries can be visited, they were built around a central patio presided over by the cells of the monks, the refectory and one or several chapels. In the center of the courtyard is the katholikon, which is the main church. These six monasteries are: Gran Meteora, Varlaam, Agías Varváras Rousánou, Agios Nikolaos, Aghia Triada and Agios Stefanos.
To stay in Meteora, the best option is the towns of Kastraki and Kalambaka, since they are quite close to the monasteries. To visit the Meteora monasteries from Athens, you can rent a car. By train it is best to book the direct service between Athens and Kalambaka, the journey time is 4h 30m. Another good alternative is hiring an excursion with a guide in Spanish. You get on them on foot, by bus or taxi.
12.- Corinth
Corinth is a city in southern Greece, 1 hour from Athens and is the gateway to the Peloponnese. It usually serves as a stop for tourists traveling on their vacations, well known for its famous canal with its 6 navigable kilometers, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. More than 10,000 ships and cruise ships pass through the canal each year to avoid sailing 400 km around Greece.
The truth is that the city of Corinth combines the charm and relaxed atmosphere of a town with the wide variety of things to do and see in a modern city. Its biggest attraction are the ruins of ancient Corinth where you will find the Temple of Apollo dating from 550 BC and the Acropolis located on the Acrocorinth mountain.
Among the things that the city offers you is to see the sculpture of Pegasus, in the Eleftheriou Venizelou square; visit the Apostolos Pavlos Metropolitan Church or take a walk along the coast where you will find traditional bars and taverns.
Corinth has extraordinary natural beauty, with its dense vegetation and beautiful lakes that are an example of exuberant nature.
Don't forget to visit Kalamia beach and Lake Doxa!
Getting to Corinth from Athens will take just 1 hour by road. The distance between the two cities is only 83 km.
13.- Epidaurus
Epidaurus is a small town located in the Argolis, the eastern part of the Peloponnese, the peninsula that forms the southern tip of mainland Greece and is linked to Attica by the Corinth Canal. It is 125 km from Athens and about 35 km from Corinth and Mycenae.
The city is famous for its extraordinary theater, where you can still see theatrical performances. The old theater is located about ten kilometers from the city center. It is surrounded by beautiful vegetation, is perfectly preserved and has spectacular acoustics. The theater dates from the 4th century BC and is located on the western side of Mount Cinortion, in addition, it was part of the complex of buildings that made up the temple of Asclepius (Greek god of medicine).
The sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius was considered the most important healing center in Greece. In this area you can also visit the ruins of the stadium and the Tholos, a circular white marble building. While, in the city, there is the archaeological museum that exhibits findings found in Epidaurus.
In order to get to the Theater by car you must take the highway in the direction of Corinth, exit at the intersection for Epidaurus that you will find after the canal and from there follow the indications. There are no direct buses or trains from Athens to the theatre, so you will need to take a bus to Epidaurus or Nafplio and then a local bus to the theatre.
14.- Mycenae
Mycenae is a Greek city located 90 kilometers from Athens and is another of the archaeological sites to visit in Greece. This place is half hidden in the arid hills of Argolis and has one of the most precious treasures of Greece: the ruins of Mycenae. In this site you can see the archaeological park with the ruins of ancient Mycenae and the archaeological museum.
Among the places found there are the Cyclopean walls and its Gate of the Lions: the Mycenaean Tholos; the Treasury of Atreus; the remains of the Palace of Agamemnon and the circular tombs with the remains of 19 people, known as the Tombs of the Kings, among which is also the Tomb of Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon.
The most practical is to arrive by car taking the highway from Athens to Corinth, continuing to Tripoli for about 25 km until you find the Nafplio junction. Continue straight until you find the Mycenae exit. The journey takes 2 hours. You can also take a bus from Athens to Nafplio, leaving approximately every hour. The duration of the journey is about two hours, once there you must take a bus to the archaeological park.
15.-Corfu
Corfu is one of the favorite Mediterranean islands for tourists, as it is the ideal destination for a dream vacation. Corfu is part of the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, which are located on the west coast of the country, in the Ionian Sea. Among them, Corfu is the northernmost, the closest to the Puglia shores.
On this wonderful island you will find a blue sea and beaches; ancient ruins; traditional taverns where you can dine on fish; lush vegetation and lots of entertainment. On the other hand, Corfu offers an interesting cultural tradition that perfectly completes a stay of nature and culture in one of the most beautiful Greek islands.
The entire coast of Corfu, from north to south, from east to west, is full of beaches for all tastes: sand, gravel, rock, tiny, kilometers long, lonely, crowded, for young people, for families, for couples.
Visit Paleokastritsa area with its charming bays, accessible by boat (water taxi) or the endless beaches of Ipsos and Dassia.
Corfu is one of the closest Greek islands to Italy, it is only 1h 30m away by flight and 7 hours by ferry. Connections to and from Italy are very good, with low-cost flights leaving from numerous Italian cities and ferries leaving from Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice.
16.- Hydra
The small island of Hydra or Idra is 20 km long and 6 km wide and its tourist fame is due to the aristocrats and wealthy Athenians who built their summer residence here. Also, it usually receives illustrious visits from the world of international entertainment, being chosen, in addition, as the setting for several films.
This beautiful island is a haven of tranquility, especially due to the fact that car traffic is prohibited. You must get around on foot, by bicycle or even by donkey. It is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands and it takes only two hours to get there by ferry from Athens. It is a paradise where you can completely relax, one of the best islands to visit in Greece
Hydra's beautiful beaches are small, some of them can be reached on foot, but many of the most beautiful beaches can only be reached by boat. Some of the most beautiful beaches are Kamini, Vilchos, Spilla and Bisti, among others.
For lovers of history and culture there are several museums: the Historical Archives Museum (dedicated to the naval history of the island), the Historical Museum (housed in part within the Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion), the Byzantine Museum and the Ecclesiastical.
Do not forget to visit its beautiful monasteries!
The month of August is usually quite crowded, especially in high season. The best months for a Hydra holiday are May, June and September, when temperatures are still high but prices and crowds are down. A special period to visit the island is Easter, recommended for those interested in learning about local traditions.
17. The Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is a true architectural gem and one of the best kept treasures on the island of Crete. The palace was built 4,000 years ago and was the political and cultural center of the Minoan civilization, which was the first European civilization. In fact, Knossos is considered the oldest city on the European continent.
Knossos is the most important Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. It is located in the central part of the island of Crete, 6 km from the sea and 5 km from Heraklion, on the Katsaba river.
Essential on your visit to the palace are the Throne Room and the Queen's apartments. The Throne Room is painted red, while marvelous frescoes have been discovered in the Queen's Megaron area.
This palace is open every day from 08:30 to 17:00, the last entry time at 16:30. Closed the following days: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 and 26.
For more information about ticket values, schedules and other details, access the following official link: https://knossos-palace.gr/
18.- The Samaria Gorge
If you like nature walks, this is the ideal place for you, since you can go hiking. The Samaria Gorge, also known as "Farangas", is located in the west of Crete, between the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and Mount Volakias along the Omalos River, it has the longest canyon in Europe with its 16 kilometers of length. Walking this path is undoubtedly an experience that you will not forget, since you will enjoy wonderful landscapes. This tour can last between 3 to 6 hours.
The Samaria Gorge begins in Xyloskalo, 1,227 meters above sea level, and empties into the sea in the town of Agia Roumeli, in southern Crete. The widest part of the gorge measures 150 meters, and the narrowest part 3 meters.
Since 1962 it has been a protected National Park, for its endemic botanical species and for being a refuge for the wild Cretan goat, known as Kri Kri, it was proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 2003.
The most practical is to take a bus that will pick you up at your hotel and take you directly to the park. There are several public buses to go from Chania to the Samaria Gorge that leave every day for Omalos, getting off at Xylóskalo, at the entrance of the Samaria Gorge. It is also possible to arrive by ferry to Agia Roumeli.
19.- Symi Island
Symi Island is a very beautiful place located in the Aegean Sea in the Dodecanese archipelago, 41 km north of the coast of the island of Rhodes.
Blue water and colorful houses are the first thing you will see coming from the sea, Symi Island is a beautiful place for your vacation.
The capital of the island is called Symi, which is divided into Ano Simi and Kato Poli. At the highest point of Ano Symi you can admire the castle of the Knights of Saint John and in the port you will find the elegant neoclassical buildings
The island has many beautiful beaches, you will have to choose a few or stay long enough to see them all. Among them are Yialos, Ped Studio, Emborios, Marathounda, Nanou, Agia Marina and Nimos. And what about visiting an islet traveling in the caicchi? You can get close to the islets of Nimos, Sesklia, Artikonisi, Koulountro, Troubeto, Chondros, Plati, Oxia, Diabates, Marmaras.
Some places of historical interest that you will find are the castle of the Knights of San Juan; the Archangel Michael Monastery; Pontikokastro, a stone circle near Yialos or Sotiris Megalos Monastery.
Symi does not have its own airport and to get to the island you must take a boat from the port of Piraeus, in Athens, the trip lasts from 11 to 16 hours. You can also get there by taking a flight to Rhodes. You can reach Symi by sea from Naxos, Astypalea, Mykonos, Leros, Parmos, Santorini, Amorgós, Syros, Kalymnos, Kos, Nisiros and Tilos.
20.- Zagori
In Zagori you will find stone villages, bridges and monasteries, architectural masterpieces, culture, history and nature. It is a spectacular place where you can enjoy high mountains, virgin forests and impressive ravines. A wild and fascinating landscape.
This region is a collection of villages, cleverly constructed bridges and rock-cut monasteries. An uncontaminated and evocative place, an ideal destination in all seasons.
You will be able to discover its beauty walking through the Vikos gorge listening to the roar of the Voidomanti river and admiring the grandeur of Mount Timfi.
The villages of this region, collectively known as "Zagorohoria" are connected by paths, bridges and stone stairs, such as Aristi, Monodendri, Vikos, Dilofo, Kapesovo, Tsepelovo and Kipi. You will fall in love with every cobblestone alley. The most famous bridges are those of Kokori and Kalogeriko, the latter with its undulating triple arch.
To get to Zagori you can take a flight from Athens to Giannina and then finish the journey by car on the A5 motorway.
Greek islands to visit
If you want to know more about the best Greek islands to visit, don't miss our dedicated posts:
- What to see in Santorini
- What to see in Mykonos
- What to see in Crete
- What to see on the island of Corfu
- What to see and do in Paxos
- What to see in Rhodes
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- Greek Islands – How many are there and which ones to visit?
How to get there and how to get around in Greece?
The best option to get to Greece is by plane, either from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, or the rest of the world. This is due to the large number of airports and international connections. It will not be difficult to connect considering that in Greece there are 28 airports.
It is also possible to get to Greece by boat, or if you want to take a Mediterranean cruise or transfer from Italy, Turkey or Croatia. There are also the ferries or ferries, which are connected to the Greek and Italian ports. Ferries depart from points such as Venice, Ancona, Brindisi, Bari and Trieste for the Greek ports of Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu.
If your option is the train, Greece is part of the Interrail circuits (for residents in Europe) and Eurail (for non-European citizens). If you want to arrive in Greece by train, it is advisable to check the duration of the trip and the type of train. The best thing would be to arrive by plane (with low-cost companies) and continue the journey by train. This way you save time and money. The train also allows you to make stops and not make such a tiring direct trip.
Another option by land is the car and the bus. By land there are connections with Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia. Furthermore, there is a bus service linking Athens with Tirana, Sofia and Istanbul, and Thessaloniki with Sofia.
If you visit other European countries or travel outside of Europe, the best option to get to Greece is without a doubt by plane. Greece has 15 international airports and many small airports for internal transfer. After the plane, the boat is the best option, especially in summer. From Italy, Croatia, Turkey or Cyprus.
If you want to know more you can read our dedicated posts: