Top picks in Greece

Editor's Choice: Greece

This selection highlights diverse Greek landmarks across Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. It includes the 17th-century abandoned Monastery Katholiko built into a cave, the pink-hued sands of Elafonisi Beach, and the 14th-century Venetian harbor of Heraklion. Historical sites range from the Byzantine Moni Thari with its preserved frescoes to the abandoned 14th-century village of Old Perithia. Cultural stops include the Banknote Museum in Corfu and the Ottoman-era Yiali Tzami mosque in Chania, reflecting the region's complex architectural and economic history.

Editor's Choice: Greece — Map

Wouter Hagens / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Yiali Tzami

The Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque or Yalı Mosque is a former Ottoman mosque and exhibition hall in Chania, Crete, Greece.

Joanbanjo / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Banknote Museum

The Banknote Museum of Alpha Bank is a museum located in Corfu, Greece.

Frente / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

C

Monastery Katholiko

Abandoned 17th-century monastery on the Akrotiri peninsula of Crete. Built into a limestone cave, it is dedicated to Saint John the Hermit and accessible via a hike through the Avlaki Gorge.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

D

Tsambika Monastery

A small Byzantine church situated 300 meters above sea level on Rhodes. Accessed by climbing 350 steps, it is a pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility and offers views of the eastern coastline.

Bruce Markos / CC-BY-SA

E

Old Perithia

A deserted village located between Kassiopi and Acharavi. Buildings from 14th century are abandoned yet still there for you to explore.

//www.kastra.eu / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Castle of Palaiokastro

Venetian fortress ruins located west of Heraklion. Built on three levels of a rocky hill, the site includes remains of ancient walls, storage rooms, and the church of Agios Markos.

B.psycha / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Elafonisi Pink Beach

A protected Natura 2000 site in southwest Crete known for its pink-tinted sand, caused by crushed seashells. The area features a shallow lagoon and rare flora, including sea lilies.

Tango7174 / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Old Venetian Harbour

A 14th-century harbor in Heraklion featuring the Koules Fortress. Originally built by the Republic of Venice for maritime trade and defense, it remains a central landmark of the city's waterfront.

Kospapkoz / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Prasonisi Lighthouse

An 1890 lighthouse at the southernmost point of Rhodes. It stands on a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar that is often submerged by the meeting of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.

Oleg Chalov / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Moni Thari

A 13th-century Byzantine monastery dedicated to Archangel Michael, located in the forests of Rhodes. It features significant hagiographies and frescoes dating from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Other Lists

Greece's Absolute Essentials Best Beaches Ancient Greek Heritage and Museums Authentic Greek Eateries Ancient Greek Wonders Greek Castles and Forts Historic Christian Sites Monuments and Memorials