What to See in Greece: 10 Cities to Visit

Greece attracts travelers with its seas, ancient landmarks, and cities where different historical eras coexist side by side. The country boasts a rich, multi-layered culture, a thriving contemporary art scene, and a vibrant culinary tradition, and the locals are known for their hospitality—a concept the Greeks call “philoxenia.” Travel + Leisure recently highlighted the best places to visit in Greece.

Which Greek cities to choose for your trip, what to see there, and what to do—we’ll cover all that in this article.

Planning a trip to Greece and not sure which city to start with?

A travel guide from the Visit World portal will help you plan your itinerary and choose which sights to see.

Which Greek cities are worth visiting?

For a trip through Greece, consider these ten cities across different regions of the country. Athens and Thessaloniki blend ancient landmarks with modern city life. Kavala, Kastoria, and Ioannina are located in the north and are ideal for trips to lakes and mountains. Nafplio and Kalamata are in the Peloponnese. Rhodes, Chania, and Corfu let you combine a vacation on the islands with exploring historic cities.

• Athens: the Acropolis, museums, and nightlife;
• Thessaloniki: Roman landmarks and gastronomy;
• Kavala: a 16th-century aqueduct and beaches;
• Kastoria: Lake Orestiada and the mountains;
• Ioannina: Lake Pamvotida and trips to mountain villages;
• Nafplio: Venetian architecture and the Bourtsi Fortress;
• Kalamata: olive oil, the castle, and the beach;
• Rhodes: the medieval Old Town;
• Chania: the Venetian harbor on Crete;
• Corfu: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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What is there to see in Athens besides the Acropolis?

Many tourists pass through the Greek capital on their way to the coast, but it’s worth setting aside at least one day to explore Athens. The city’s main attraction is the millennia-old Acropolis, one of the world’s most important historical sites. Among contemporary attractions, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, with its exhibition galleries, stands out. For an evening out, the Gazi district is a great choice, as it’s home to many nightclubs.

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Thessaloniki: What to see in northern Greece?

Thessaloniki is located in northern Greece and combines ancient history with a vibrant urban life. The historic center is home to many ancient monuments, some of which were part of the palace complex of the Roman emperor Galerius. To explore the city’s past, be sure to visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

Another reason to visit Thessaloniki is the local cuisine. The city offers a wide selection of regional dishes and local wines.

Photo: Adobe Stock

Kavala: the aqueduct, the Acropolis, and the Krinides mud baths

Kavala is located on the northern Aegean coast, on a hillside. The city attracts visitors with its beaches, scenery, and blend of ancient history and modern life. The main attraction is a 16th-century aqueduct nearly 1,000 feet (about 300 m) long. A visit to the Acropolis of Kavala will help you understand the city’s history.

From June through September, it’s worth taking a trip from Kavala to the Krinides Mud Baths. This is a full-service spa center with a large pool filled with therapeutic clay.

About the underrated islands of the Mediterranean — read here.

Kastoria: A Getaway on Lake Orestiada

Kastoria is a city in northern Greece, located about a two-hour drive west of Thessaloniki. It sits on the shores of Lake Orestiada, between the Grammos and Vitsi Mountains. People come here for a peaceful getaway: there are many boat rental spots along the shore, and from the waterfront, you can watch local fishermen head out onto the lake every day.

The shoreline is best explored on a bike tour. The route runs along the lake’s shore and allows you to discover lesser-known spots.

Photo: Expedia

Ioannina: What to See in Northwestern Greece?

Ioannina is situated on the shores of Lake Pamvotida and is ideal for travelers interested in nature and outdoor activities. The city features a Byzantine castle, a picturesque historic center, and lively neighborhoods. The lake’s scenery has long inspired artists, and the city itself serves as a convenient base for exploring the country’s northwestern region.

Just one or two hours by car from Ioannina are villages considered among the most beautiful in Greece. Among them are Metsovo and Zagorochoria, with their mountainous landscapes and stone houses.

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Nafplio: What to See in the Eastern Peloponnese?

Nafplio is a seaside town in the eastern Peloponnese with plenty of Venetian architecture. Here, it’s worth strolling through the old streets, sipping strong Greek coffee at a café in the square, and taking a boat to the Bourtsi Fortress. This itinerary is ideal for travelers interested in history and architecture.

A promenade stretches along the coast, connecting the harbor to the lighthouse and leading to Arvanitia Beach. For lodging, you can choose a guesthouse; some of them are housed in former mansions.

Photo: Magnific

Kalamata: The Olive Oil City of the Peloponnese

Kalamata is known for its olive oil production and is a great destination for a city getaway in the Peloponnese. The city is best explored by strolling through its winding cobblestone streets. Among the sights are a medieval castle and the Gallery of Contemporary Greek Art.

You can spend the day at the city’s main pebble beach or take a tour of an olive grove.

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Rhodes: What to See in the Old Town?

The city of Rhodes is a must-visit for travelers interested in the era of the Crusades. It is divided into the New and Old Towns, and it’s worth setting aside one or two days here before exploring the rest of the island. The main attraction is Knights’ Street, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world. The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the historic building of the Knights’ Hospital.

In the city, you can also explore the old Jewish quarter and the Hafiz Ahmed Aga Library, which houses a collection of rare Islamic texts from the Ottoman Empire.

Photo: iStock

Chania: What to See in Crete?

Chania is located on Crete, Greece’s largest island. The city is known for its Venetian harbor and Old Town, where Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture blend together. Here, it’s worth strolling through the cobblestone streets, visiting the Maritime Museum of Crete, and browsing the local boutiques. Chania is famous for its leather goods, so you can pick up a bag or a pair of shoes here.

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Corfu: A UNESCO-Listed Old Town

The city of Corfu is located on the eastern coast of the island of the same name. Its Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its historic architecture. While strolling around, be sure to explore the fortresses, visit the central market, and check out Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece. Set aside some time for Kampiello, one of the Old City’s oldest neighborhoods with its narrow streets.

Important! When traveling to several cities in Greece, it’s convenient to have a ready-made itinerary. The tour guide from the Visit World portal will help you plan your trip: choose cities, identify sights to see, and allocate time between the mainland and the islands.

Get your travel guide on the Visit World website and head to Greece with a well-thought-out travel plan!

Reminder! Earlier, we wrote about 7 countries with a mild climate that you can visit year-round.

Photo: Magnific

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