There is no country in the world that is as fascinating as Greece. Greek mythology, enchanting natural beauty, rich history, delicious food, you name it, they have it.
One of the best ways to explore this incredible country is by discovering some of the most famous landmarks in Greece. But expectedly, the country is flooded with significant landmarks – from temples to acropolis to ancient monuments.
That is why we have written this guide on the 30+ most famous landmarks Greece is known for, so you can spend your time wisely when planning your epic Greece trip.
We will also share a map of the landmarks we will cover at the bottom, as well as some tips for visiting them.
Enjoy!
Most Iconic Landmarks In Greece
1. Parthenon
The Parthenon is undoubtedly one of the most famous, if not, the most famous Greek landmark. Situated in the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon is built to honor goddess Athena, whom the people believed to be a patroness of the city.
A temple built with some of the best marble between 447 and 432 B.C., the Parthenon represents the peak of ancient Greece. This ancient Greek landmark has withstood thousands of years of war, destruction, and natural weathering, but still stands resiliently at the top of Athen’s acropolis today.
To see this important building from Classical Greece, it is recommended that you visit early in the day to avoid the long queues at the ticket office. In fact, we highly recommend you to book a skip-the-line tour, so you can avoid the crowds AND have a professional guide to show you around.
- Entrance Fee: 20 Euros or 10 Euros depending on the season
- Location: Athens 105 58, Greece
2. Acropolis of Athens
Suggested By: Dymphe of Dymabroad
One of the best landmarks in Greece is the Acropolis of Athens, a world-famous ancient citadel in the capital of the country. Perched on a hill in the city center, this present-day UNESCO Heritage Site was home to some of the most important buildings of ancient Athens.
The most famous of which is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the patroness of the city, Athena. Visitors also mustn’t miss the ancient Theatre of Dionysus, Propylaea, and Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Near the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum where visitors will find various artifacts from ancient Greece and the Acropolis.
Because the Acropolis is one of the best things to do in Athens, make sure you visit early in the day to beat the crowd and the midday heat. It is recommended to have a guided tour to tell you about the myths and tales of ancient Athens.
Entrance Fee: 20 Euros or 10 Euros depending on the season
Location: Athens 105 58, Greece
3. Meteora
Suggested By: Haley of Haley Blackall Travels
600 meters above ground, perched on the top of tall steep rocks are the monasteries of Meteora, located above the small town of Kalabaka in central Greece.
One of the best views in Greece, the ancient Orthodox buildings are a spectacular view of their own. Today, there are six active monasteries that house stunning artifacts and wall paintings and hold residence to a small number of Byzantine monks and nuns.
Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1988, the monasteries of Meteora are one of the most famous landmarks in Greece and make for a great adventure.
Start your visit at the bottom of the ascension trail in Kalabaka, which takes you to the Holy Trinity Monastery. The trail takes approximately 45-60 minutes and is considered a moderate fitness level (easy for avid hikers).
Once you’ve visited the top of the monastery and sat to experience the views, venture further along the trail to the Monastery of Varlaam and Great Meteoran Holy Monastery with stops for viewpoints along the way. The panoramas are breathtaking. The round trip back to Kalabaka should take 6-7 hours.
It is recommended that you stay in Kalabaka the night before visiting Meteora, but visiting from Thessaloniki or Athens on a day trip is doable if you have a guided tour.
- Entrance Fee: 3 Euros per monastery (18 euros for all 6)
- Location: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece
4. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the most remarkable landmarks in Athens, as it is a monument dedicated to “Olympian” Zeus, a god that is seen as the head of all Olympian gods.
This Greek temple started construction in the 6th century BC during the Athenian tyrants, who envisioned it to be the greatest temple of all time. It finally finished construction in the 2nd century A.D. during the Roman period, more than 600 years later.
At the time, it had a total of 104 impressive columns and was the largest temple in Greece.
Sadly, shortly after its completion, it was pillaged in a barbarian invasion and reduced to ruins. The remains were further used as construction material for buildings and other projects. Nowadays, only 16 of the original columns remain, but they are enough to leave you amazed.
- Entrance Fee: 6 Euros
- Location: Athens 105 57, Greece
5. Blue Dome Churches of Santorini
Featured in numerous postcards of Greece, the Blue Dome Churches of Santorini are some of the most iconic landmarks of Greece. Situated against the glistening Aegean Sea, a visit to these Blue Dome Churches is a must on any Santorini itinerary.
The most famous Blue Dome Churches, the Agios Spiridonas (Saint Spyridon) and Anasteseos (the Church of the Resurrection), are situated in the town of Oia. Visitors that are picked a nice place to stay in Oia might even see them from their accommodation!
Why are the domes in Santorini painted blue? During the rule of the Greek junta from 1967 to 1974, the government set out to uniform the landscape by painting the buildings all the same color. The colors that they decided on were blue and white, the same colors as the Greece flag.
The Blue Domes Church, especially the ones in Oia, are excellent locations to watch the sunset. Don’t miss the opportunity when you are in Santorini!
6. Panathenaic Stadium
Suggested By: Alice of Adventures of Alice
The Panathenaic Stadium is a fantastic place to visit in Athens, Greece. The stunning architecture of the stadium and its rich history make it well worth a visit.
It serves as a monument to the Olympics, being the stadium to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the very first Olympic games. Plus, it’s the stadium where the Olympics was revived after a 400-year break!
To this day, the stadium is 2,586 years old, built by a man named Anastasios Metaxas. He built it from pure marble, making it the only stadium in the world to be built from only white marble.
You can get there by driving or walking, depending on how close you are to the stadium. The entrance fee is €5 for adult entry, €2.5 for students or adults over 65, or free for people with disabilities or children under the age of 6 (at the time of writing).
- Entrance Fee: 5 Euros
- Location: Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece
7. Theatre of Dionysus
The Theatre of Dionysus is one of the most iconic ancient Greek theatres in Athens. Built in the 6th century BC, the Theatre of Dionysus is capable of hosting 17,000 people at once.
Dedicated to the Dionysus, the Greek God of Fertility, the theatre was used for all kinds of performances – from festivals to plays. It is believed that classical Greek plays were first performed here.
Sadly, the theatre lost popularity in the Byzantine Period and was no longer used. It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that the theatre was excavated and restored to its original condition.
The Theatre of Dionysus is located on the south side of the Acropolis of Athens. Visitors to the Acropolis of Athens mustn’t miss this important ancient Greece landmark!
- Entrance fee: 20 Euros or 10 Euros depending on the season
- Location: Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece (Inside the Acropolis of Athens)
8. Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora of Athens was a special place in ancient Greece. The word “Agora” translates into “congregate”, and the Agora of Athens was a place where citizens of ancient Athens could come together and meet, chat, and bond.
The Ancient Agora of Athens was a place where famous thinkers and philosophers such as Socrates, Protagoras, and more would come together and share ideas. It was a place where citizens would discuss any kind of issue, voice their concerns, and come up with a collective solution.
The Agora is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of modern democracy and is a gathering place for every kind of people – the poor, the affluent, philosophers, blacksmiths, and so on.
The most famous landmark in the Ancient Agora of Athens is the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the most well-preserved temples from ancient Greece.
The Ancient Agora of Athens has an entrance fee of 10 Euros to enter, but a combination ticket including the renowned Acropolis can be purchased to save money if you do intend to visit both.
- Entrance Fee: 10 Euros or 5 Euros depending on the season
- Location: Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece
9. Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
The Temple of Poseidon is located in the archaeological site of Sounion at the southernmost tip of the Attic Peninsula. The temple is majestically perched over a rocky outcrop at Cape Sounion, surrounded by water on 3 of its 4 sides.
The Temple of Poseidon was one of the most incredible monuments from the Golden Age of Athens (approximately 480 to 404 BC).
Dedicated to the god of the sea, the Temple of Poseidon is built from local marble. It is believed the original design looked like the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora of Athens.
Originally, this famous Greek monument had a total of 34 columns, but only 15 of those remain today. Nonetheless, with its picturesque location, it is a landmark that will have you mesmerized.
To get to the Temple of Poseidon from Athens, travelers can take a KTEL public bus from Athens. The trip takes about 2.5 hours one-way. For extra comfort, we recommend a guided tour with a professional and private transport!
- Entrance Fee: 10 Euros (Fee for the entire archaeological site of Sounion)
- Location: Cape Sounio, Sounio 195 00, Greece
10. Archaeological Site of Mycenae
Though the archaeological site of Mycenae might not be as well known as other famous Greek landmarks, it is certainly one of the most influential. This UNESCO Heritage Site is located in the Regional unit of Argolis in the North-East Peloponnese and was one of the greatest cities in the Mycenaen civilization.
A civilization that dominated the Eastern Mediterranean world from 15th to 12th century B.C, the Mycenaen is the root of classical Greek culture. Mycenaean culture has influenced arts, politics, literature, and more. The town was even mentioned by the famous poet Homer.
Since the ancient ruins of Mycenae is much older than the landmarks of ancient Greece, the archaeological site does not have any high-rising temples like they do in Athens. Visitors will find remains of houses, cisterns, public buildings and more.
When visiting the archaeological site, don’t miss out on a visit to the Archeological Museum of Mycenae, where most of the artifacts excavated there are showcased.
Because Mycenae is located far from Athens, the best way to visit is to take a day trip guided tour from Athens or rent your own car.
- Entrance Fee: 12 Euros or 6 Euros depending on the season
- Location: Mykines 212 00, Greece
11. Chania Old Town
Suggested By: Peta and Jonas of Exit45 Travels
Chania old town, located on the northwest coast of Crete, is definitely one of the must-do things when visiting the island of Crete. It is also one of the most photographed spots on this Greek island for a very good reason.
A stroll along the picturesque streets of the old town clearly demonstrates how years of history can shape a city’s unique vibe. The Old Venetian Port is the best illustration of this and you will see examples of Cretan, Venetian and Ottoman architecture blended together.
Chania is best visited during the warmer months of May to September. At this time you will experience the full benefit of all the cafes, restaurants and taverns with Cretan food specialties. Enjoy relaxing on the beach, discovering well-preserved historical Greek monuments from different time periods, or visiting the numerous museums.
While Chania is the second-largest city and one of the best places to stay on Crete, most of its landmarks are within easy walking distance of each other.
Top Tip: Phyllo Bakery & Mediterranean Delicacies is one of the best bakeries in Chania. This is the best place to try a traditional Cretan breakfast.
12. Acrocorinth
Suggested By: Ania of The Travelling Twins
Acrocorinth is one of the main things to visit when you are in Corinth, an ancient city in Greece. It is a fortified hill located above ancient Corinth. Acrocorinth has been occupied since prehistoric times till the early 19th century.
To get to Acrocorinth, you need a car or comfortable walking shoes as the fortress is located quite high. Huffing and puffing while climbing up to see the fort will be reward with undisturbed panoramic views of Corinth, Corinth Gulf.
Plus, you can imagine why the fortress was hard to conquer. The massive walls and location on top of the hills made the fortress almost impenetrable.
The current shape of Acrocorinth is a result of Roman, Macedonian, Franks, Venetian and Turks. Inside, you can find Venetian towers, ruins of the old Greek temples and Ottoman mosques.
The best time to visit Acrocorinth is in the morning when is still not so hot.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Location: Corinth 200 07, Greece
13. Monastiraki Square
Suggested By: Raluca of Travel With A Spin
Monastiraki (small monastery) Square is located north of Plaka and next to the busy junction of Ermou and Athinas.
Being the oldest surviving square, it witnessed the evolution of the eternal city since ancient times. Not many places showcase the complexity and multi-faceted character of Athens like Monastiraki Square.
The Ottoman-era Tzistarakis Mosque faces the small orthodox church of Virgin Mary Pantanassa, a remnant of the Byzantine times. The pillars of Hadrian’s Library, built in the 2nd century AD also add to the architectural diversity.
Several modern and neoclassical buildings around the square represent the modern era, strongly contrasting with the historic buildings. The square is like a miniature representation of the mix of cultures that passed through this land over time.
Here one can find traditional taverns selling souvlaki, modern cafés, genuine Greek art pieces, as well as cheap and cheesy imitations. Every other day a different street-performance act takes place, from folk to jazz, beat-boxing or break-dancing. If you are in Athens at night, you will find the Monastiraki Square filled with energy and entertainment.
The entire shopping district around was named after it. Monastiraki Square can be easily reached by metro, as it’s the main transport hub.
14. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is another one of Athen’s most famous landmarks. Located in the Acropolis of Athens, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus might look similar to the Theatre of Dionysus, a similar structure with tier seating.
However, the purpose of an Odeon is slightly different than that of a theatre. An Odeon’s intent is mainly for musical performance while a theatre is commonly used for staging drama.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built in 161 AD, centuries after the Theatre of Dionysus. It was built by a Roman citizen in memory of his loving wife. At the peak of its time, the Odeon had a maximum capacity of 5,00 audience.
Unfortunately, like all things in ancient Greece, it was destroyed and left in ruins. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was renovated in 1950, nearly 1700 years after it was invaded in 267 AD.
Similar to visiting Athen’s Acropolis, the best way to do it is early in the morning and with a skip-the-line ticket. That way you can avoid the massive crowds and the debilitating midday heat Greece is known for.
- Entrance Fee: 20 Euros in Summer, 10 Euros in Winter (Fee for the Acropolis of Athens)
- Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece (Inside Athen’s Acropolis)
15. Akrotiri Lighthouse
By: Kerry Hanson of VeggTravel
If you’re wondering what landmarks to add to your Santorini Itinerary, then make sure you consider the Akrotiri lighthouse. Located at the southern tip of the island, not only is the lighthouse impressive to look at, but the panoramic views surrounding it are incredible.
The Akrotiri lighthouse is interesting as it is designed in a more cubic style than a lot of traditional lighthouses. This wonderful piece of architecture is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, dating back to 1892.
Situated on the rocky cliffs that surround the Aegon ocean, you can enjoy the views over the sea, or explore the intricate rock formations. This location is also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Greece as you are away from the hectic crowds that gather in Oia.
There is a café nearby which has a beautiful viewpoint over the nearby clifftops, so grab a coffee or a smoothie and enjoy the views.
Unfortunately, you cannot enter the lighthouse.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Location: Thera 847 00, Greece
16. White Tower of Thessaloniki
The White Tower of Thessaloniki is arguably the most iconic landmark in Thessaloniki, the capital of the Macedonia Region. A symbol of the city, the White Tower stands boldly on the waterfront of Thessaloniki.
Surprisingly, this star of Thessaloniki is not a landmark built by the Greeks. It was built by the Ottoman empire in 1430 after Thessaloniki was captured by the Ottomans. The location was previously a fortification built by the Byzantine around the12th century.
During the Ottoman period, the White Tower was used as a prison and place for mass executions. It earned its infamous name “The Tower of Blood” at that time.
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Greece reclaimed the “White Tower” in 1912. The structure was slightly remodeled and whitewashed, and the finished product is what can be seen today.
Nowadays, the White Tower of Thessaloniki features exhibits that showcase the long and rich history of Thessaloniki. It is an unmissable attraction when visiting Thessaloniki.
- Entrance Fee: 6 Euros or 3 Euros depending on the season
- Location: Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece
17. The Archaeological Site of Delphi
The UNESCO Heritage archaeological site of Delphi is one of the most interesting sights in Greece. Located in the town of Delphi, the Delphi ruins was once an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, the god of sun and protector of evil.
Greeks believed that Delphi was the center of the world. According to Greek mythology, Zeus sent out two eagles, one heading west and one heading east, and they met up at Delphi.
The archaeological ruins of Delphi is home to two important Greek landmarks – the temple of Apollo and Athena Pronaia (which literally means Athena before the temple). It is believed that those two temples were built in the late 7th century BC.
After numerous natural disasters, wars, and political issues, the temples and statues of Delphi were destroyed. In fact, in the 7th century AD, the village of Kastri grew over the ancient ruins of Delphi.
Visiting Delphi is easy. From Athens, there are public buses that go directly to the town of Delphi. From there it is a 1-kilometer walk to the ruins.
However, it is worth noting that you will arrive in Delphi at midday, even if you take the earliest bus. It might be best to stay one night in Delphi just so you can visit the site in the morning or late afternoon.
Alternatively, you can find a day trip guided tour to Delphi from Athens, which will include a comfortable transfer and a knowledgeable guide.
- Entrance Fee: 12 Euros or 6 Euro depending on the season of visit.
- Location: Delphi 330 54, Greece
18. Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus
The Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus is considered one of the best remaining ancient theatres from Greece. Built in 340 BC, this impressive theatre is capable of housing around 13,00 spectators.
The Epidaurus Ancient Theatre is often praised for its excellent acoustics, beautiful construction, and perfect symmetry. In fact, it is so well-constructed that the theatre is still presently used for performances, namely the annual Epidaurus Festival.
Without the use of any sound amplification, the last row (55th row) is capable of hearing the entertainer loud and clear. It is an incredible phenomenon that still amazes me today.
The Ancient Theatre of Askelpieion isn’t the only monument at the archaeological site of Epidaurus. It is believed that Asclepius, the son of Apollo, possessed healing powers. Here travelers will also find the Sanctuary of Asklepios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ancient Theatre of Askelpieion is located about a 2-hour drive from Athens, where you can do a day trip from. Public buses run from Athens to Nafplion and pass through Epidaurus. Hiring a rental car in Athens is always a good option.
- Entrance Fee: 12 Euros/6 Euros (Depending on the season)
- Location: Epidavrou, Tripolis 210 52, Greece
19. Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is an iconic sight on the island of Rhodes and is one of the best castles in Greece you can visit.
Often simply called the Kastello, it stands at the top of the old medieval city on this Greek island and has played an important part in the history of Rhodes.
The original palace dates back to the 7th-century as a Byzantine citadel but was occupied by the Knights Hospitaller starting at the beginning of the 14th-century. The palace was quickly changed from a citadel to an administrative center and a palace for their Grand Master.
Then in 1522, Rhodes was captured by the Ottoman Empire who converted the palace into a commanding center and a fortress. After the fall of the Ottoman and the occupation of Rhodes by the Italians, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes was reconstructed again to what you can see today!
Nowadays, the palace is home to numerous museums that detail the medieval history of Rhodes. The inner courtyard features exemplary architecture and stunning construction. It is truly a castle of dreams!
- Entrance Fee: 6 Euros or 3 Euros depending on the season
- Location: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece
20. Archaeological Site of Delos
Suggested By: Kathryn Bird of Biker Girl Life
Some of the most famous ruins in Greece can be found on the island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enchanting island, once one of the most sacred places in Ancient Greece, is home to multiple temples which worshipped a variety of Gods.
The island is commonly found in Greek mythology and, if you believe the legends, Artemis and Apollo were born here. It was also a port, so there is plenty to see and experience during your visit, despite the somewhat barren landscape.
The island is easy to reach from Mykonos and only takes a couple of hours across the water. Once there, the ruins are split into four sections along the coast and it’s fairly easy to travel between them.
Most people opt to take a tour- it’s well worth it for the information you’ll get from the friendly guides, who point out things you would never have noticed. There’s also a wonderful museum full of treasures worth visiting.
There is no accommodation on the island, so you need to travel there and back in one day. There are restaurants and toilets, but it can be a long day in the hot sun, so be sure to pace yourself and drink lots of water. Also, remember to bring a hat!
- Entrance Fee: 12 Euros/6 Euros (Depending on the season)
- Location: Delos 846 00, Greece
21. Minoan Palace of Knossos
Suggested By: Claire of ZigZag On Earth
If you are heading to the magnificent island of Crete in Greece, a must-visit place is the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
Legends say that this palace is supposed to be the home of legendary King Minos and the Minotaur Labyrinth. More importantly, Knossos is the symbol of the Minoan Civilization which flourished during the Bronze age between 2700BC and 1400BC.
It included some technological advancements such as the first underground clay pipes for sanitation and water supply. Historians believe that Knossos is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Visiting the Palace of Knossos is easy, especially if you are staying in Heraklion. Taking a taxi is the easiest way to get there from Heraklion but budget travelers can also opt for the bus.
- Entrance Fee: 15 Euros or 8 Euros (depending on the season of visit)
- Location: Φειδίου 8, Iraklio 714 09, Greece
22. Church Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Suggested By: Paulina of Paulina On The Road
The Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani is situated in the capital of Paros, Parikia. This landmark is also known as the Church Of Hundred Doors as the millennials believe that the church has 100 doors among which 99 are visible.
There is an unexplained belief that the hundredth door will open when Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) becomes Greek again.
This Byzantine church of Paros is iconic because it is one of the best-preserved Christian Churches in the country and among the most important landmarks of Parikia. The church was built by Saint Helen in the mid 4th century.
According to the belief of local residents, Saint Helen made this Church as a vow to her mother. She was also recognized as Constantine The Great.
The church is located a few meters from the port of Parikia. The travelers can reach the Central Bus station of village Parikia and take a five-minute walk to reach the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
Alternatively, affordable rental cars are available from the airport of Paros!
- Entrance Fee: None
- Location: Prompona 18, Paros 844 00, Greece
Best Natural Greek Landmarks
1. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
Suggested By Kerry Hanson of Adrenaline Junkiez
Nestled between towering cliffs and pristine Mediterranean waters is one of the most stunning natural landmarks in Greece, the Navagio Beach. While Greece is not foreign to breathtaking beaches, the Navagio Beach has something that makes it unique, a shipwreck.
Navagio Beach, also sometimes referred to as Shipwreck Beach or “Smugglers Cove”, is home to the wreck of the coaster MV Panagiotis. Combined with the waters and cliffs, it is truly one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
However, visiting this gem in Greece is no easy task. Navagio Beach is located on the coast of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Surrounded by sheer cliffs, the only way to feel the soft sand and refreshing water is with a boat tour.
Visitors that hire a rental car will only be about to look at Navagio Beach from a lookout point, as there is no path that connects the top of the cliffs to the beach.
2. Kleftiko
Suggested By: Marjut of The Smooth Escape
Situated on the remote southern coast of Milos Island, Kleftiko Bay is one of the most iconic natural landmarks of Greece. With multiple sea caves, arches and white rock formations jutting out of the turquoise sea, the scenery at Kleftiko is truly spectacular.
Because of the rock pillars and small islets, this bay was the preferred hiding spot for the pirates of the Aegean Sea for many centuries.
The easiest way to reach Kleftiko Bay is to take a boat tour from Adamas, the largest town on the island. Since visiting Kleftiko is one of the most popular things to do in Milos, you can expect to share the bay with several other tourist boats.
But since the bay is quite large, you’ll always be able to find a secluded swimming spot and a cave to explore. Make sure to bring a snorkeling mask because there’s plenty of amazing marine life to see here as well.
As an alternative to the boat tour, you can also hike to Kleftiko. For that, you’d need to rent a car or an ATV and drive up to the mountains in southwestern Milos. From there, it’s about a 45-minute hike to Kleftiko Bay.
3. Elafonisi
With its pink sand and fifty shades of blue waters, the Elafonisi Beach is hand down the most iconic beach in Crete, if not, all of Greece. Its natural beauty has been featured a countless number of times in magazines, publications, and blogs (now this one).
Located on the southwestern tip of Crete, Elafonisi is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Chania. Enjoy a day of swimming in see-thru waters and tanning on the soft sand with a mojito in your hands. It is pure paradise there.
Though now social-media famous, Elafonisi is not like the typical touristy beaches where you will find enough umbrellas and lounge chairs to upset the fire department. It is an internationally natural reserve so most of the area on the beach is protected.
At Elafonisi is also a natural ocuring sandbar. At high tide, it is completely submerged and the Elafonisi Island becomes somewhat disconnected from the main island. This is another reason why you should visit Elafonisi.
Elafonisi is far from the big cities of Crete such as Chania and Heraklion. The best way to visit is to rent a car from Chania and take a 1.5-hour drive to Elafonisi. There is free parking at the beach.
4. Vikos Gorge
Though Greece is more commonly known for its pristine beaches, there are other types of noteworthy natural landmarks, such as the Vikos Gorge. Located in the Pindus Mountains of Northern Greece, the Vikos Gorge stretches for about 20 kilometers.
With a range of 120 to 490 meters in depth, the Vikos Gorge is absolutely stunning. However, that isn’t even its most spectacular feature. The gorge’s width ranges from 400 meters to just a few meters at its narrowest part.
This feature has earned its place in the Guinness Book Record as the world’s deepest gorge relative to its width.
Hiking the Vikos Gorge is the best way to experience the side of Greece’s nature. The hiking path takes you through numerous vistas and small traditional villages.
5. Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus is one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in Athens, Greece. Rising 277 meters above sea level, Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in Central Athens.
This limestone hill is known to offer some of the most glorious sunset and sunrise views and a must-visit on any Athens itinerary.
To get to the top of Mount Lycabettus, visitors can either hike for about an hour or take the Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway that connects the neighborhood of Kolonaki with the top of Mount Lycabettus.
Jaw-dropping panoramic views aren’t the only things that await you at the top of Mount Lycabettus. Visitors can also dine at the sensational Orizontes Restaurants, which is nicknamed “the terrace of Athens”.
Lastly, don’t miss a visit to the Chapel of St. George.
6. Mount Olympus
As the highest peak in Greece, Mount Olympus is one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks. Located about 80 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki, Mount Olympus is a popular day trip for travelers looking to escape city life.
Though the highest peak in Greece, that is not what Mount Olympus is most famous for.
In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is the home of all Greek Gods. A place with gorgeous palaces built from marble and gold, it is where Zeus and his sister-wife Hera ruled all of the gods from.
Formed by constant forces of wind and rain, Mount Olympus now rises an elevation of 2,917 meters above sea level. It is also home to Greece’s National Park since 1938 and a World Biosphere Reserve.
7. Melissani Cave
Located on the island of Kefalonia, The Melissani Cave is one of the most picturesque spots in Greece. In Greek mythology, the Melissani Cave was known as the Cave of the Nymphs.
The Melissani Cave wasn’t discovered until 1951, when a cave collapsed and revealed the turquoise lake underneath. In the excavations of 1952, objects such as oil lamps and figurines were found, indicating that this cave was sacred at one point in history.
Travelers can only visit this Ionian gem on a guided boat tour. Depending on the time you visit, the light coming through the cave makes the water look so transparent that the boats look like they are floating.
The tour starts by going through a dark cave with unique stalagmites and stalactites. After a short journey, you reach the open lagoon, where the natural light rushes in and illuminates the beautiful lush scenery around you.
8. Balos Beach
No trip to Greece is complete without enjoying its soft-sand beaches and refreshing waters, and there is no better place to do so than Balos Beach. Balos Beach is located approximately 17 kilometers away from Kissamos and 56 kilometers from Chania on the island of Crete.
With its erotic landscape, turquoise waters, and stunning natural beauty, Balos Beach is straight out of a fairytale. The sea is very shallow, which allows many shades of blue to exist.
Because it is located on the southwestern tip of Crete, getting to this dreamy landmark in Crete is no easy task. Driving there is no easy task as the road conditions are far from the best. It is better to take a boat tour from Kissamos or Chania. However, if you are visiting Crete in the peak summer months, expect a big crowd.
9. Porto Katsiki Beach
Port Katsiki Beach is located on the Ionian Island of Lefkada. Situated at the southwestern tip of Lefkada, arriving at Port Katsiki Beach is no easy task.
The small strip of pebbly beach is surrounded by a sheer cliff on one side and Greece’s iconic blue waters on the other. It used to be only accessible by goats because the path from the top to the bottom of the beach is so steep. Nowadays, a stairway brings guests from the parking area at the top of the cliff to the beach.
There are also boats that bring visitors to Port Katsiki from the town of Nydri, but those only let you stay on the beach for an hour or so. It is much better to drive here and take the scenic staircase down.
During the summer, sunbeds and umbrellas are quite common here. There is also a tavern at the top of the cliff that will “deliver” food to patrons on the beach. Don’t leave Lefkada without seeing Port Katisiki!
10. Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Greece. Situated adjacent to the village of Kournas in Crete, the beautiful lake is easily reachable by car from Chania.
The turquoise freshwater of Lake Kournas is not only ideal for swimming, but it is also home to many wildlife species such as turtles, geese, eels, crabs and more. Visitors can also rent a small canoe and canoe across the expansive lake to get away from the crowds.
The village of Kournas is perched on a hill next to Lake Kournas. Visitors that just want to admire the breathtaking beauty of Lake Kournas can do it from one of the many vantage points from Kournas.
Famous Greece Landmarks Map
Above is a map encompassing all the most important landmarks of Greece. As you can see, there is something to discover in every corner of Greece.
We personally love maps because they give us a sense of how far each attraction is away from another. That way, we can plan our itinerary properly and maximize our time there. We hope this map of the major landmarks in Greece helps you accomplish the same thing.
Tips For Visiting Greece
- Do Your Research Before You Go: There is literally something to do in every corner of Greece. Before you go, make sure you have a carefully planned itinerary so you can optimize your time and not miss on anything!
- Get Ready For “Greece Time”: Punctuality isn’t a popular thing in Greece. Generally, Greeks have a very laid-back attitude (which we love and hate) that could result in a bit of tardiness. Whether that is waiting for your food in a restaurant or taking transportation, always allow a little leeway.
- Be Careful When Driving: Athens is notoriously known for aggressive drivers. Though the islands of Greece are better for driving, some of the roads aren’t as nice. Either way, because you are in a foreign country, be extra careful when driving in Greece.
Best Time To Visit Greece
Greece is a popular all-year-round travel destination, but it is certainly more popular during the warmer months. If you have been following along in our Greece landmark guide, you will notice that most of them have two different admission fees.
During the warmer months, usually between the 1st of April to the 31st of October, visitors will have to pay the full price for entrance. In the cooler months where tourism isn’t at its peak, most attractions will offer a reduced admission fee, usually at 50 percent of the original price.
If you are planning a Greece trip, then you might want to consider visiting during the “off-season”. Not only will you find more affordable accommodations and smaller crowds, you will also get cheaper entrance to most places of interest in Greece!
If you have to visit during the warmer months, make sure you get to the landmark as early as possible to beat the crowd!
Greece Landmarks FAQs
What Is The Most Famous Landmark In Greece?
Without a doubt, the most famous landmark in Greece is the Acropolis of Athens. This ancient citadel sits at an rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and is home to some of the greatest historical buildings, such as the Parthenon and Temple of Athena Polias
What Is Greece Known For?
Greece is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and is known for its amazing cultural legacy. It is home to some of the most iconic ancient monuments and ruins. The country also has a long and preserved history of art, philosophy, science, medicine and mathematical achievements that laid the foundations of western civilization. In addition to its ancient sites, Greece is well-known for its beautiful islands and stunning beaches in the Mediterranean Sea.
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This concludes our post on the 30+ most famous Greek landmarks. We hope you have found something that interests you!
Any questions? Leave a comment below!
