Must see places in Greece

Greece's Absolute Essentials

This collection spans Greece’s archaeological and cultural evolution, from the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri on Santorini to the 5th-century BCE monuments of the Athenian Acropolis. It highlights architectural milestones like the Parthenon and the Theatre of Dionysus alongside Venetian-era fortifications in Crete and Corfu. Visitors can explore the marble heights of the Areopagus, the medieval alleys of Corfu Old Town, and modern landmarks like Syntagma Square. Each site represents a distinct era, including Byzantine influence, Ottoman history, and the neoclassical collections of the Benaki Museum.

Greece's Absolute Essentials — Map

A

Acropolis

Ancient citadel featuring iconic Greek temples and ruins, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A.Savin / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Parthenon

Ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, known for its classical architecture and historical significance. It is a major archaeological site and symbol of ancient Greek heritage.

C

Erechtheion

Ancient Greek Ionic temple known for its asymmetrical design and classical architecture. It is a significant archaeological site and part of a UNESCO World Heritage area.

Tilemahos Efthimiadis / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Temple of Athena Nike

Classical Ionic temple built in the fifth century BCE, dedicated to Athena as the goddess of victory, featuring historic friezes and notable Greek architecture.

Giovanni Dall'Orto / Attribution

E

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

Ancient Greek circular monument built in the Corinthian order, serving as a memorial and historical ruin.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

F

Theatre of Dionysus

Ancient Greek open-air theatre located on the south slope of the Acropolis, known for its classical architecture and archaeological significance.

Tilemahos Efthimiadis / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Ancient Roman stone theatre renowned for its classical architecture and cultural significance. It hosts concerts and festivals in an open-air setting.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

H

Ancient Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a village on the island of Santorini in Greece. It is located 15 kilometers south of the capital Fira, built on the slopes of a…

Ian Pitchford / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

Corfu Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this picturesque old town has history reaching back to 8th century BC.

J

Koules

The Koules or Castello a Mare is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Lukáš Nevosád / CC-BY-SA

K

Fortezza Fortress

The Fortezza is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete, Greece. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and was captured by…

Κλέαρχος Π. Καπούτσης / Attribution

L

Skaros

Climb this rocky hill which used to be a fortress in the past and enjoy a panoramic view of Santorini and the Aegean Sea.

Mstyslav Chernov / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Firostefani

This village is a perfect place for a walk down its steep streets. You'll be rewarded by nice views of Fira.

//www.flickr.com/photos/ajbear/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

N

Areopagus

Marble hill that used to serve as the seat of an institution called the Council of the Areopagus, which functioned as a court long before…

C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

Syntagma Square

Central historic square featuring a large water fountain and green areas. Known for its proximity to significant buildings including the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Dkoukoul / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Tomb of Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, in front of the Old Royal Palace.

Dimboukas / CC BY-SA 3.0

Q

Benaki Museum

Founded by a Greek Collector Antonis Benakis, this museum displays collections of historic and artistic artefacts.

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