What Is Greece Famous For? Top 22 Places and Things to do

The cradle of western civilization and birthplace of democracy, Greece is famous due to its natural beauty and interesting culture that it carries.  Being one of the sunniest places in the world, Greece receives almost 250 days of sunlight in a year.

Wonderful beaches, cliffs that overlook crystal clear water, archaeological sites, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate make this place a prime tourist spot.

Read this article to end your search of what Greece is famous for.

A dream vacation spot for many, Greece's culture and art is quite influential and attracts many tourists worldwide.  If you are planning to travel to this place, you must carry a generous amount of cash in the country’s official currency. This will save you from unnecessary hassles. As of November 2022, EUR 1 equals INR 85.36.

Here is a list of the famous places you can visit here:

1. Acropolis

Acropolis is a rocky mound, an ancient citadel, and is a symbol of western civilization rising in the centre of Athens.  It consists of three breath-taking temples that date back to the 5th century B.C.  Amongst them, the best destination is Parthenon, which comprises 58 columns.  It supports a roof-like structure and is designed with a frieze and pediments.  Surrounding the foot of Acropolis are the Roman Forum, Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

2. Santorini

Santorini is famous for west coast cliff-top towns - Oia and Fira.  These fascinating towns tend to hang over a calm and pleasant deep blue sea-filled caldera. The towns contains whitewashed cubic structures filled with boutique hotels and plush pools where tourists like to spend their vacations.

Apart from this, Santorini welcomes tourists to sunbathe and swim in black volcanic sand beaches on its east and the south coasts.  You can also visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement submerged under lava some 3500 years ago.

3. Mykonos

One of Greece’s most captivating island destinations in the Aegean Sea is surely Mykonos.  Turquoise skies, golden beaches, and bright, glamorous white buildings are some attractions that will make you fall in love with this place. Attracting a lot of energy and a diverse crowd, you will find many boutique hotels, great seafood eateries, and several live music destinations.

Furthermore, if you wish to spend quality time in seclusion, visit the north beaches. But move to the south beaches if you want to indulge in jet-skiing, windsurfing, horseback riding, and parasailing.

4. Delphi

An ancient city lying northwest of Athens, and the seat of the most important Greek temple of Apollo, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  It is located on lower mounds of Mount Parnassus, which overlooks the alluring ravine.

Once a sacred location for the pilgrims who came to worship Apollo, Delphi is built with ruins of several temples and consists of a theatre and stadium that dates back to the 8th and 2nd centuries BC. In addition, you can find the Delphi Archaeological Museum displaying a praiseworthy collection from this site.

5. Corfu

Another famous destination Greece is known for is Corfu, one of the top tourist attractions.  Located in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of the mainland, Corfu Town, capital of Corfu, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Visit the place to explore picturesque pedestrian-only streets surrounded by 16th-century fortresses and traditional cafes.

The most popular and common beach situated 25 km away from Corfu Town is Paleokastritsa, located on the west coast. While exploring away from Corfu Town, you will find the rough limestone rocks descending into the azure sea in the north.

6. Meteora Monasteries

The only way to enrich your spiritual feelings is to visit the mystical Meteora monasteries perched on the rocky mounds. A visit to this place will surely offer you an extraordinary experience amidst nature's grandeur that beautifully blends with history and architecture.  A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989, you have to climb several stone steps to reach every monastery.

Moreover, it comprises a large set of rock pillars with the monasteries built in sandstone.  This makes you experience a surreal landscape you will not find anywhere in the world! Well, the nearest town is Kalambaka, where you will find several affordable stays and family-run restaurants.

7. Rhodes Town

The largest island amongst twelve Dodecanese islands, lying comfortably on the Aegean Sea, is Rhodes.  The capital, Rhodes Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of several high-rise boutique hotels on its northern and eastern fringes.  Several tiny villages and resorts dot the rest of the shores of this island.

Furthermore, you will enjoy the car-free pebbled streets as you venture out to explore this city on foot. In addition, you can go on a boat excursion to some nearby attractions, including the serene coastal towns of Marmaris and Lindos lying on the Turkish coast.

8. Zakynthos

One of the exotic islands comprising nature, beaches, villages, and endangered sea turtle Caretta Caretta, Zakynthos is located 16 km off Peloponnese's western coast in Ionian Sea. Zakynthos (Zante) offers picturesque views above and under the sea, which attracts a huge number of tourists annually.

Apart from that, this destination houses a world-famous Shipwreck beach and some stunning Blue Caves.  Inside the caves, you will experience a magical world as blue-colored sky reflects on these cave walls reflecting a glow. Snorkelling and scuba diving are some most common water activities you can indulge in here.

9. Samaria Gorge

One of the top attractions on the island of Crete, Samaria Gorge, runs approximately 10 miles to the shores of the Mediterranean.  It offers exclusive hiking trails and hence is a top attraction for adventure seekers. Considered to be one of the most impressive national parks, Samaria Gorge is on the tentative list of UNESCO.

However, you require walking five to seven hours to visit the gorge inside this park.  Therefore, wear a good pair of hiking shoes and ensure to drink a lot of water during your trek to this place.

10. Nafplio

Another romantic city in Greece is the beautiful Nafplio, located in eastern region of Peloponnese. It is a popular weekend destination in Greece where you can enjoy a dream trail to explore this mystical medieval town.

Alongside enjoy walking on its lovely pebble stone streets, traditional neoclassical buildings, and Turkish fountains. Nafplio became the first capital of Greece in the year 1828 and later became the capital of Athens in 1834. Do not forget to explore the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress and the nearby attractions, including Epidaurus Theatre, Tiryns, and Ancient Corinth.

11. Thessaloniki

With unique experiences, attractions, and Byzantine churches, you will find numerous choices in Thessaloniki.  Greece's second-largest city after Athens, overlooking the Aegean Sea, this place is a mix of culture. It serves as an exclusive crossroad due to its strategic position near Bulgaria and Turkey.

Furthermore, the main attractions enlisted are the Triumphal Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, White Tower, and the exquisite Byzantine Museum. One of the famous things in Greece, you can wish to have a wonderful day trip to Mount Olympus, which is the highest mountain in Greece.

12. Corinth Canal

As you pass by the breathtaking highway 8 near to Peloponnese Peninsula, ensure to stop at the Corinth Canal area.  Please park your car near the destination and walk on the bridge to praise the builders' craft as they managed to dig deep down to build a canal. Then, you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride from one end of the canal and back.

13. Mount Olympus

Home to God Zeus, Mount Olympus lies between Athens and Thessaloniki and is a major attraction for adventure seekers. The impressive height of 2918 metres serves as the top recreation location for tourists during summer. Most people choose the Priona trail, which is about a two-day, one-night route to trek the mountain.

Apart from that, you will find an unparalleled and marvellous view atop, completely matching your effort. Ensure to carry hiking clothes and shoes and have enough water during the hike to enjoy the taste of adventure.

14. Palace of Knossos

Located south of Heraklion, near the north coast of Crete, the Palace of Knossos is one of the top attractions in Greece.  It was once a political centre of the Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age.  This important archaeological site has been wonderfully restored as it allows walking trails that make their way past the alleys and the buildings. Do not miss the wonderful paintings on the large structures near the walkways of Europe’s oldest city.

15. Mycenae

One of the favourite destinations in the south of Athens lies the citadel of Mycenae.  If you have a fetish for Greek history, explore the impressive Lion Gate located at the edge of the hill. The gate is made of wonderfully inlaid stones, which will surely catch your attraction.

In addition, this is the place where the renowned mask of traveller Heinrich Schliemann was found. Finally, if you want to enjoy some shade under the sun, explore the mystical dome of the Treasury of Atreus.

16. Paros

If you are looking to spend your vacation away from the busy islands, travel to Paros.  You will find the beautiful whitewashed cities on the waterfront and people enjoying the pleasant climate. Moreover, a blend of traditional Cycladic architecture, serene beaches, mystical rural villages, and monuments, Paros boasts an amazing natural landscape!

Apart from the popular tourist destinations, Greece is well-known for its culture and the culinary delights that it offers. Here is a list:

17. Greek Delicacies

Food in Greece is delicious and healthy and comprises Mediterranean delights that are based on healthy olive oil, seafood, and fresh vegetables. Middle East and Turkish cuisine influences Greek cuisine massively and offers a range of delicacies to its tourists. You will find souvlakia which is a snack in Greece, much similar to kebabs.

Further, you can have Souvlaki with bread, salad, and tzatziki sauce. Next comes Ouzo, a popular drink in Greece with a strong flavour.  It is an alcoholic drink made from grape juice. Additionally, you can taste meze and retsina, which are the best things Greece is known for in terms of food!

18. Olives and Olive Oil

A list of what Greece is famous for would be inadequate if one does not mention it's the top-quality olive oil that it is renowned for.  They come from choice olives which are globally famous. The largest producer of edible oils, Greece boasts various types of olives that are unique in taste and quality.  Therefore, people use it in almost all Greek dishes, including the iconic Greek salad.

19. Feta Cheese

The list of popular things in Greece will be incomplete without the mention of the world-famous feta cheese.  This soft and salty white cheese made by combining goat or sheep milk comes in various types.  The feta cheese is there in many sweet dishes and delicacies in Greece as it is rich in calcium and is very nutritious for health.

20. Olympic Games

A global event held every four years, the first Olympic Games happened in Greece around 776 B.C.  It was organised in honour of the Greek God Zeus since the Greek people thought participating in this game was a way to please the Gods. Moreover, they thought this would bring prosperity.  Greece is famous for being the host country of the 2004 Olympics held in summer in Athens.

21. Theatre

The concept of theatre originated in Greece, where the idea of tragedy or 'deux ex machina’ evolved. It is a Latin term for 'god of the machine' where God himself would sometimes appear to find a solution to a problem in a story.  Here, an actor played the character of God, where he was suspended from the air with the help of a machine.  Therefore this term emerged as 'deux ex machina.'

One such theatre is Theatre of Epidaurus, located in Peloponnese region of Greece, which is a well-preserved site.

22. Festivals

There is hardly any week in Greek that goes without an event or a festival.  You will find a lot of contemporary festivals drawing a large number of crowds from around the globe. One renowned festival that attracts tourists is Rockwave festival, Greece's famous music event.

Then comes Athens Epidaurus festival, Greece's premier cultural festival running throughout the summer.  You can further enjoy the August Moon festival, Thessaloniki International Film festival, and Orthodox Easter festival.

So, now you have a list of what is Greece famous for!  So, plan your vacation accordingly and list down the things that you would like to experience here.  If you want to add more activities to the list, try to visit Greece during the summer as you get to indulge in several activities near the beach.