10 Best Places to Visit in Greece – Travel Video

Known for its plethora of ancient ruins, whitewashedvillages, sunny beaches, tasty cuisine and friendly atmosphere, it is no wonder thatGreece ranks among Europe’s top travel destinations.

Greece is made up of a mountainous mainlandand hundreds of islands where each one offers its own share of stunning landscapes, historicsites and cultural delights.

Here’s a look at the best places to visitin Greece: Number 10.

Cape Sounion Situated at the southernmost tip of the Atticapeninsula, Cape Sounion is best known as the site of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea.

The remains are perched on the headland, surroundedon three sides by the sea.

The sunset over the Aegean Sea, as viewedfrom the ruins, is a sought-after spectacle.

The site is also a popular day-excursion fortourists from Athens.

Number 9.

Thessaloniki Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largestcity and the capital city of the Macedonian region of Northern Greece.

Lively festivals, social events and a buzzingnightlife make this city the cultural capital of Greece.

Comprised of a historic city center and commercialdistrict, Thessaloniki offers both old and new attractions from its Byzantine walls, White Tower and Turkish baths to colorful food markets and museums.

The city’s nightlife is unmatched.

From small tavernas to nightclubs and otherentertainment venues, Thessaloniki offers it all.

Number 8.

Mykonos Mykonos is famed as a cosmopolitan destinationamongst the Greek islands.

Mykonos Town is a stunningly picturesque Greektown with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed houses.

Although the streets are lined with smallshops, boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants, Mykonos Town has not completely lost its identity.

Thanks to strict building regulations itstraditional Cycladic architectural style and character has remained firmly intact.

Number 7.

Halkidiki Halkidiki is a trident-like peninsula nearthe city of Thessaloniki, sporting excellent beaches.

The three separate peninsulas can be roughlysummarized as follows: Kassandra has the nightlife, Sithonia has the beaches and Athos has themonks.

Being closest to Thessaloniki, Kassandra ismore built-up, while the more quiet Sithonia has campgrounds, hidden coves and clear waters.

Both are popular with Greek and Eastern Europeantourists.

Much of the easternmost peninsula belongsto the Mount Athos monastic community.

It’s accessible by boat and open to malepilgrims only.

Number 6.

Peloponnese Shaped much like a large leaf, Peloponnesewas traditionally called Morea, which means mulberry leaf.

Located in the southernmost region of bothEurope and Greece, Peloponnese is a wide peninsula connected to the mainland by the Rio-Antirriobridge.

Interspersed with classical Greek temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and Mycenaean palaces, the peninsula echoes theancient cultures and events from its extensive history.

Among these ancient ruins is Olympia, wherethe first Olympic Games were hosted in honor of Zeus.

Number 5.

Delphi Second only to the Acropolis, Delphi is Greece’smost popular archaeological site.

Located about two and half hours from Athensalong the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once revered by theancient Greeks as the center of the earth.

Dedicated to the god, Apollo, Delphi was animportant oracle.

In ancient times, people would come to thissacred spot to inquire of the priestess for advice on a wide range of topics from farmingto relationships and politics.

Significant ruins and structures include theTemple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the theater and hippodrome that once hosted eventsof the ancient Pythian Games.

Number 4.

Meteora The Greek word meteora means “suspendedin the air, ” and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise more than1, 200 feet into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the northernGreece.

What makes these cliffs even more inspiringare the historic monasteries perched along the summits.

Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, the monasteries at Meteora were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom fromreligious persecution.

Number 3.

Crete The largest of the Greek islands, Crete isa spacious land of pleasing contrasts where landscapes range from stunning coastline torugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees.

Bustling cities spread beyond to quiet villagescentered around outdoor coffee shops.

History lovers will want to explore the manyhistoric and archaeological sites that dot the island such as Knossos Palace, which datesback to the Minoan civilization.

Number 2.

Athens Inhabited for more than 3, 000 years, Athensis widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.

The city presents a confusing blend of historicaland modern features.

Athens is famous for its archaeological ruinsand monuments such as the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Theatreof Dionysos just to name a few.

However, Athens is not just about ancientruins.

This bustling city is also an important centerfor culture and nightlife.

Number 1.

Santorini Part of the Cyclades, Santorini is famousfor its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, the white-washed houses, and its very ownactive volcano.

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a marriageof Venetian and Cycladic architecture, whose white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes, while clinging on the edge of a high cliff.

If you arrive by sea you can take a cablecar up from the port or alternatively take a trip on a mule up the 588 zigzagging steps.

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