Tourism is a huge part of Greece’s economy and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, it’s growing dramatically. There are so many beautiful and best tourist cities in Greece and each one offers something different for tourists to enjoy.
Greece is a beautiful country, with a rich historical and cultural heritage. It’s also a place that is home to some of the world’s best beaches and food. If you’re traveling to Greece, you have lots of options for where to stay. Here are our top picks:
- Acropolis of Athens 5th-century B.C. hilltop temple monument
- Meteora UNESCO-listed monastery complex
- Parthenon Iconic 5th BC Athenian temple ruins
- Santorini Fira, Oia, beaches & volcanic features
- Mykonos Beaches, nightlife & Mykonos town
- Delphi Ancient site of Temple of Apollo
- Archaeological site of Mycenae Classical Greek city & temple ruins
- Olympian Zeus Ruined temple
- Knossos Palace Rebuilt ancient palace of King Minos
- Old Venetian Port of Chania Lively port city with historic monuments
Also Read Best Tourist Cities In Turkey: Top Attractions & Things To Do
Here are the top best tourist cities in Greece
If you’re looking for a more affordable vacation spot with plenty of sights and activities, then check out some of these best tourist cities in Greece:
Athens
Athens is the capital of Greece and the country’s biggest city. The city has been called the “most beautiful” in the world by many travel magazines. It has a rich history, with more than 2,000 years of history and culture. Athens is also home to many important monuments, including the Parthenon and many others.
The city has many things to see and do, including the Acropolis Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Greece; the National Archaeological Museum; the National Gallery of Ancient Art; several museums dedicated to Greek mythology; and many more!
There are also lots of restaurants and bars in Athens that offer excellent food at reasonable prices. Many people come to Athens for its nightlife as well! There are several bars and nightclubs that are open until late at night every weekend during summertime when tourists flock to this area because it’s warm enough outside for people to go out without wearing jackets or sweaters (but not too hot).
Top Attractions in Athens, Greece
- Acropolis of Athens 5th-century B.C. hilltop temple monument
- Acropolis Museum Ancient treasures in contemporary venue
- Areopagus Hill Ancient supreme court on a hilltop site
- Parthenon Iconic 5th BC Athenian temple ruins
- Olympian Zeus Ruined temple
- National Archaeological Museum Ancient Greek art & archaeology museum
- Ancient Agora of Athens Iconic Greek ruins with a museum
- Panathenaic Stadium The world’s only white marble stadium
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus Ancient stone theater with performances
- National Garden Scenic park with archeological remains
- Byzantine and Christian Museum Collection of frescoes & artifacts
- Museum of Cycladic Art
- Erechtheion Iconic temple of ancient Greece
- Hadrian’s Library Ruins of ancient Roman library
- Benaki Museum
- Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora) Ruins of an ancient agora with columns
- Philopappos Monument Monument ruins from the 2nd century
- Plaka Acropolis temples & family-run tavernas
- Theatre of Dionysus Ancient tiered performance arena
- Syntagma Square Iconic square named after its district
- Temple of Hephaestus Ancient
- Mount Lycabettus Landmark hill with an amphitheater
Santorini
For the most part, Santorini is a beautiful and picturesque island. It is located in the Aegean Sea, which is just off of Greece.
The island has many things to do for tourists and culturally unique place. There are beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing on the sand. There are also many restaurants that serve up delicious food and drinks. Visitors can also go shopping or participate in activities like horseback riding or hiking tours.
The town of Oia is a popular destination with tourists because it offers beautiful scenery and rich culture, breathtaking views of the sunset at nightfall. Visitors can also go to Fira if they want to see where some scenes from Mamma Mia were filmed!
Top Attractions in Santorini, Greece
- Akrotiri Ruins of a prehistoric village
- Ancient Thera Ancient mountaintop city with ruins
- Museum of Prehistoric Thera Prehistoric artifacts from local digs
- The Heart of Santorini Heart-shaped hole in the rock with sea views
- Oia Castle views & Naval Maritime Museum
- Red beach Rocky beach is surrounded by red hills
- Pyrgos Kallistis Santorini of the Past & steep vineyards
- Órmos Ammoúdi Cliff and beach
- Kamari beach Vibrant black-sand beach with eateries
- Nea Kameni Nea Kameni Volcanic Park & hot springs
- Santo Wines Winery with tours & a patio with a view
- Three Bells of Fira
- Imerovigli Skaros Rock & elegant clifftop dining
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination in Greece. It is the second-largest city in Greece and has a population of over 300,000 people.
There are many reasons to visit Thessaloniki. There are many historical sites such as the Byzantine Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki that showcase ancient artifacts from all over Greece.
The city also has a lot of natural beauty such as Aristotelous Square, Seih Sou and Axios National Park with Mount Olympus being one of its most famous features.
In addition to this there are many museums, restaurants and beaches that can be visited on holidays in Thessaloniki!
Top Attractions in Thessaloniki, Greece
- Arch of Galerius Ancient monument
- White Tower of Thessaloniki City history exhibit in landmark tower
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki Large, notable archaeological museum
- St. Demetrios Church
- Aristotelous Square Waterfront public square with cafes
- Axios National Park, lagoon, wetland, estuary, and river
- Botanical Garden Stavroupolis
- Seih Sou Wild birds, forest walks & Olympus views
- Mount Olympus
- Cathedral Church of Agia Sophia of Thessalonica Iconic orthodox church with lots of art
- Atatürk Museum House-turned-museum of Turkey’s founder
- Vlatadon Monastery A 1300s church with religious relics
- Church of Panagia Chalkeon Byzantine church with verdant surrounds
- Roman Forum of Thessaloniki Roman forum dating to 2nd century
- Heptapyrgion of Thessalonica Byzantine-era fortress with 10 towers
- Ladadika area Museums, film festival & buzzy nightlife
- Ano Poli Quaint eateries & historic monuments
- Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki Local Jewish history & Holocaust exhibit
- War Museum of Thessaloniki Exhibits on WWII, Sofia Vembo & more
- Agia Sofia Square Architecture and monument
Mykonos
Mykonos is a beautiful island of Greece. It is a popular tourist destination and offers many attractions for visitors.
The most popular attraction of Mykonos is Delos, which is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It was here that the first Olympic games were held in 776 BC. The other prominent attraction on the island includes the Mykonos windmills, which are built in 1892 to generate electricity for the town, Agios Ioannis beach, and Panormitis monastery.
If you are looking for a place to visit on your Greece vacation, then Mykonos will not disappoint you with its stunning natural beauty and rich culture.
The beaches in Mykonos are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece with their white sand and clear water. The island has a lot of hotels that offer a variety of accommodation options to tourists. Apart from the beaches, tourists can also visit the Old Town of Mykonos or explore other parts of the island by renting bikes or scooters.
Top Attractions in Mykonos, Greece
- Panagia Paraportiani Whitewashed 17th-century church complex
- Super Paradise Beach Club Upbeat, gay-friendly hotel & beach club
- Armenistis Lighthouse Hilltop lighthouse with scenic views
- Paradise Beach Lively beach resort with buffet dining
- Archaeological Museum of Mykonos Exhibits of ancient pottery & sculpture
- Elia Beach
- Monastery of Tourliani Storied church with a religious museum
- Playa Ornos Bustling beach with lounge chairs & bars
- Aegean Maritime Museum of maritime history on the Aegean
- Ano Mera Panagia Tourliani monastery & chic cafes
- Agios Sostis Beach Small & tranquil sandy beach
- Flour Mills of Mykonos Historic windmills set against the sea
- Matogianni Hotel
- Paraga Beach and camping
Rhodes island
The ancient city of Rhodes was one of the most powerful cities in Greece and it became an important trade center for the Eastern Mediterranean region. The city was also home to many famous philosophers and mathematicians including Archimedes and Euclid.
The island is known for its beaches such as Elli Beach, its medieval town, and ancient ruins like the Castle of Monolithos Medieval castle ruins, Acropolis of Rhodes, and the Colossus of Rhodes.
Rhodes was one of the most powerful cities in the world during its time and it was one of the largest trade centers in antiquity.
Top Attractions in Mykonos, Greece
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes Rebuilt a 14th-century castle & museum
- Acropolis of Rhodes Historic site of an ancient settlement
- Street of the Knights of Rhodes Famed medieval street with knights’ inns
- Mandraki Marina & Port
- Archaeological Museum of Rhodes Historic Rhodian archaeological museum
- Lindos Acropolis Ancient clifftop ruins & ocean views
- Castle of Monolithos Medieval castle ruins with scenic views
- Butterflies Valley Nature reserve & a butterfly attraction
- Church of the Virgin Mary Tsambika (Kyra Psili) Hilltop monastery with sea panoramas
- Elli Beach Well-known beach for sunbathing
- Saint Athanasios Gate Storied gateway in a fortified city wall
- Symi Isle is known for its harbor & pilgrimage site
Final Words about Greece
Greece is a popular vacation spot for good reason. There’s no shortage of interesting cities and towns to explore, beautiful beaches, lush green countryside, and delicious food. There’s something here for everyone, even if you’re not an enthusiast of ancient ruins or the ancient birthplace of democracy. If this guide has helped inspire some travel to Greece, that would make us very happy. Enjoy all that the country has to offer!
It’s not just tourists who are interested in the country. Many foreigners are hoping to simply retire there, leaving behind the more stressful aspects of life. Greece is the most desired destination for Brits looking to retire overseas—a trend that shows no signs of stopping.
I hope this blog has inspired you to learn more about Greece and its wonderful culture, food, and people. There are some travel guides that inspire me a lot to explore and write this blog. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, it truly is a special place. I would love to return someday. Hopefully, you’ll be able to visit one day as well!
FAQs
What are the best cities in Greece to visit?
Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. There are many beautiful places to visit, but picking the best city to visit in Greece can be a difficult task. This article will help you decide which city to visit by comparing and contrasting some of Greece’s top tourist destinations.
Athens is a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital with an ancient history and a lively nightlife scene.
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and has a rich history as well as being home to the country’s largest port.
Mykonos is known for its iconic windmills, incredible beaches, and vibrant nightlife scene.
Crete features beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes that have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
What is the most visited city in Greece?
This is a very broad question, but if you are looking for the most popular tourist destination in Greece, then Athens would be the answer.
There are many reasons why Athens has been voted as the number one city to visit in Greece. The first being that it is one of the oldest cities in Europe and it offers some of the best ancient architecture and museums. Athens also has a rich history and culture that can be explored through its museums, galleries, and archaeological sites which gives visitors an insight into how life was like back then.
What is the prettiest city in Greece?
The prettiest city in Greece is Athens. The city has a lot of history, culture and architecture that is worth seeing. It is also a great destination for those who want to enjoy the sun and the sea.
The most popular tourist attractions in Athens are Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Zeus. In addition to these, there are many other beautiful buildings that tourists can visit such as Theatre of Dionysus and Panathenaic Stadium. The city also has a lot of museums which offer a variety of exhibits from ancient Greek art to modern art pieces.
What part of Greece is good for tourists?
The Peloponnese is a region in the southern part of Greece, on the Peloponnesian Peninsula. It is surrounded by the Ionian and Aegean seas.
The Peloponnese is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
The region has many beautiful beaches, mountains and historical sites. There are also plenty of attractions to see for those who want to explore off the beaten path.
For those who are looking for a more active holiday, there are plenty of sports to enjoy in this part of Greece such as hiking, climbing and cycling.
