20 Beautiful & Famous Landmarks in Greece Worth Seeing

All The Landmarks in Greece You Shouldn’t Miss!

Of all my favorite countries in Europe, Greece is by far at the top of the list. With a total of 6 times, it’s also my most-visited country in general and the number is sure to increase.

And even though I’ve been there that often, I’ve only seen a minimal part of the country’s beauty. With a size of more than 130 km², Greece is obviously not a place you go two or three times and then you’ve seen everything.

It takes a lot more visits to discover every corner of it.

Thank goodness I’m not the only one who’s totally in love with this gorgeous European country. I found many other Greece lovers & travel addicts who helped me compile this list of 20 beautiful landmarks in Greece that will make you want to book a flight there right away.

Enjoy!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

Famous Landmarks of Mainland Greece

1. Acropolis of Athens

Recommended by me

Undoubtedly THE most iconic one of the best landmarks in Greece is the Acropolis of Athens. So no matter how many days in Athens you have, this site needs to be on your itinerary!

Located on a rocky hill above the city, the ancient citadel is home to the remains of various ancient buildings of historical and architectural importance.

Altogether, there are more than 20 interesting sights at the Acropolis, including the world-famous Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and the Erechtheum.

Some of the earliest artifacts at the Acropolis date back to the Middle Neolithic era, making them more than 10,000 years old!

A regular entrance ticket for adults costs €23.50 whereas citizens of the European Union younger than 25 can enter for free. You can also join a guided walking tour to get the best information about the Acropolis.

In summer (April-October) the site is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm whereas in winter (November-March) it closes at 5:00 pm already.

Since the Acropolis is Athens’ tourist magnet number one, make sure to go there early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Plus, the temperatures are way more bearable in the morning, especially in summer!

Tours you might find interesting:

2. Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion

Recommended by Jamie of Travel Addict

The ancient Temple of Poseidon dates back to 440 BC and is one of the great Greek landmarks.

The position of the temple, overlooking the entrance of the Saronic Gulf, was meant to honor Poseidon, God of the Sea.

For modern visitors, the location is conveniently close to Athens and provides the backdrop to one of the most stunning sunsets in Greece.

The importance of the Temple of Poseidon spans the test of time and even Lord Byron’s name is carved into the columns from the 19th century.

Sounion is a 1.5-hour drive from Athens itself, and there are many companies who will take you for a day trip or watch the famous sunset. The best driving route will take you along the southern coast of the peninsula, which is a beautiful scenic drive.

Tours you might find interesting:

Entry to the Temple costs €10, though there are several admission days throughout the year. It is open from 9:30 am to sunset year-round, and the last entrance time is 20 minutes before sunset.

When visiting just the temple, allocate an hour for your visit, but when visiting for sunset give yourself longer to enjoy the atmosphere.

There are various hotels and restaurants in the area if you choose to extend your trip and stay two or three days in Athens. Moreover, beautiful beaches like Keratea or Paralia Anavissou are nearby.

3. Temple of Apollo, Delphi

Recommended by Zoe of Together In Transit

For a beautiful and famous temple in Greece, find yourself visiting the Temple of Apollo in Delphi.

This mainland location can be found alongside the Mount Parnassus mountains only 2.5 hours away from Athens. 

Delphi became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 and you can see many historical ruins here, such as the Delphi Stadium, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Delphi Theatre, all unique and amazing to walk around. 

However, the Temple of Apollo is the highlight of Delphi thanks to its prominent position looking down on the village and its central location. Initially, the temple had 15 columns at the sides and six columns at the ends.

Many of the ruins that you can explore these days are leftovers from an earthquake in 373 BC and other destructive events in the past. However, some sections have been restored and can now be viewed with your own eyes. 

There are guided tours you can join for understanding the fascinating history. Otherwise, a single ticket for an adult costs €12, which includes the entrance to the small museum too.

It’s best to either visit when they open at 8:30 am or an hour or two before closing times, as the ruins are less busy then.

Tours you might find interesting:

4. Theater of Epidaurus

Recommended by Chris of Around The World With Me

The Ancient Theater of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

The Epidaurus site is essentially an ancient sanctuary that was dedicated to the Greek god of medicine. It features a massive amphitheater from 340 BC as well as temples, stadiums, and a museum. 

The entire site is impressive, but most people come to see the amphitheater. The theater is remarkably well-kept for being almost 2400 years old. In fact, it still hosts concerts to this day. It’s said to have the best acoustics of all ancient amphitheaters in Greece.

The theater is an impressive structure and once inside the gates, you’re free to explore every inch of it and the surrounding sanctuary. 

Entry to Epidaurus will cost you €12 (€6 in winter) and it’s open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (closes at 5:00 pm in winter). You’ll need at least two hours to properly explore the site.

From Athens it’s a little less than a two-hour drive, making it an easy day trip. Or better yet visit as part of a longer road trip around the incredible Peloponnese peninsula, a region of Greece most people skip in favor of the islands.

But once you visit Epidaurus you’ll be itching to visit the other amazing archaeological sites on the Peloponnese! 

Tours you might find interesting:

5. Monasteries of Meteora

Recommended by Chris of Amateur Traveler

One of the most interesting sites on mainland Greece is the Meteora site near the town of Kalabaka.

Starting in the 11th century, a series of 24 monasteries were built in the area. Because of the threat of invasion, some of these monasteries were built at the top of rock spires.

When danger came, the monks could pull up the ladders and be safe. Six of these monasteries are available to visit but these days, you can access them by bridges and stairs.

The area is listed as a European UNESCO World Heritage site because of both, the beautiful area and the uniqueness of the monasteries.

A local guide can also point out the various caves and niches where hermits lived starting in the 9th century before the construction of the monasteries. 

Baby Boomers may remember when one of these monasteries was featured in the Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.” This is the only movie that was filmed in or inspired by Meteora.

Meteora is about a four-hour drive northwest of Athens.

Visiting Meteora can easily take half a day to a full day.

Tours you might find interesting:

6. Corinth Canal

Recommended by Izzy of The Gap Decaders

As you road trip around Greece, the chances are high that you’ll cross the Corinth Canal.

This historic feat of engineering splits the Corinth Isthmus, the narrow strip of land between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, and joins the beautiful Aegean and Ionian Seas.

The Corinth Canal was first dreamt up by the Roman emperor Nero, but work on the canal didn’t actually start until 1882, and it was opened in 1893. The canal has towering limestone walls 92 meters high, but the canal is only 21 meters wide at sea level!

Nowadays, the vast passenger ships are too wide to fit through the canal, and it has only been used for small craft in the last decade or so. 

In February 2021, there was a large landslide near the center of the canal, and it has remained closed ever since, with no date in sight of when it might re-open.

If you want to stop and see the stunning turquoise canal up close, take exit 9 from the E94 to Loutraki, if you’re coming from Athens. 

You will cross the Corinth Canal over the old bridge before coming to a large parking area with tavernas and shops, where you can stop and take a short walk back over the bridge.

7. Archaeological Site of Mycenae

Recommended by Camille of Everything Yoga Retreat

Located near Mykines in Argolis, the archeological site of Mycenae is one of the most important landmarks in mainland Greece. 

The famous Greek author Homer celebrated Mycenae as the seat of King Agamemnon, who led the Greeks in the Trojan War. Because of that, the site played a very important role in the development of Greek culture. 

Today, the archeological site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. It contains several excavations including the treasury of Atreus, the Lion Gate, and the tomb of Clytemnestra.

Mycenae is also home to a fascinating museum where you’ll get a good overview of the history of the old city and how the site was excavated. 

In winter, Mycenae is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. However, between April and August, the site is open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Tickets to Mycenae cost €12 in the high season, and only €6 in winter (November to March). 

The site is quite large and there is a lot to see. To make the most of your time there, you should allow at least two hours for your visit. 

8. Archaeological Site of Olympia

Recommended by Shandos of Travelnuity

The Archaeological Site of Olympia is tucked away on the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece, far away from the other major attractions of the country.

However, thanks to the site inspiring the modern Olympic Games, it is one of the most well-known sites of Ancient Greece.

The archaeological site of Olympia was a major religious sanctuary, primarily dedicated to Zeus, with over 750 significant buildings on the site.

However, the most popular spot to visit is the former Stadium, a field with sloping sides, where you can still imagine the ancient games taking place every four years in Classical Antiquity, just like in the modern era.

Some of the other most interesting remains include the Temple of Zeus (which once housed a giant statue of Zeus), the Leonidaion (used for lodging by the athletes), and the Pelopion (the tomb of a quasi-mythical king). 

Olympia is on the edge of a small village of the same name, with plenty of restaurants and cafes, plus a few small hotels.

The site is open daily except on public holidays, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm during the summer, with shorter opening hours in winter. The current entrance fee is €12. Allow about two to three hours to explore the site. 

Like most archaeological sites in Greece, dogs are not allowed to join you, if you are traveling in Greece with your dog. 

Tours you might find interesting:

9. New Castle of Pylos

Recommended by Elena of Travel Greece, Travel Europe

In the Bay of Navarino, Peloponnese there are a total of two castles.

The newest addition, known as Neokastro which translates as the New Castle, was initially built in 1573 by the Ottoman Turks. The six-towered castle rises right over the port of Pylos.

This well-preserved fortification features the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ which dates back to the 16th century. Initially built as a mosque, it was later converted into a church during the Venetian rule (1685-1715).

On the grounds of the castle, visitors will find the Archaeological Museum of Pylos, as well as the exhibition of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities located in the Pashas building, and the exhibition of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities in the Makrigiannis bastion.

Visitors can spend at least an hour or more discovering the grounds of this historical monument. During the summer months, the castle is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.

The price of a full ticket is €6 and the special ticket package that allows entrance to other archaeological sites in the surrounding area is €15. 

Famous Landmarks on The Greek Islands

10. Akrotiri, Santorini

Recommended by Kylie of Between England and Iowa

Akrotiri is a famous Greek landmark located on the island of Santorini. It is an ancient prehistoric village that was buried by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, similar to Pompeii in Italy.

In 1967 excavation started on the Akrotiri site and it still continues to this day. It’s housed in a building, protecting it from the elements. The entrance costs €12 for adults and the site is open from 08:30 am – 1:30 pm and is closed on Tuesdays.

Visitors are able to wander through the streets and around the village via raised platforms.

It gives a small glimpse of what life may have been like thousands of years ago. Buildings have been uncovered as well as various artifacts such as pots and vases.

Akrotiri can be reached by bus or for something a little different, explore Santorini by ATV. Akrotiri is 10.5km from Fira and takes around 20 minutes to drive there.

There is a large car park opposite the site and ATV parking is €3. A visitor to Akrotiri can be done within one or two hours, leaving plenty of time to discover the rest of the island too!

Tours you might find interesting:

11. Oia, Santorini

Recommended by Allison of Eternal Arrival

One of the most iconic landmarks in Greece is the picturesque whitewashed village of Oia on Santorini. It’s the most iconic photo motive of the island and is often featured on postcards.

The beautiful cliffside village of Oia at the northwestern tip of Santorini has become a must-see while visiting the island, as it offers the most stunning sunset views you can imagine.

The sunset colors change as they wash over the canvas of whitewashed houses and the water is simply spectacular. There’s no better sunset spot in Europe!

You can stay in Oia or you can visit it for a day trip, but make sure you spend at least one sunset there. There are also some wine tours in Santorini that include a sunset stop in Oia!

You can grab a drink at one of the restaurants for a sit-down view, or you can make your way to the Oia Lookout Panoramic Viewpoint at the Oia Castle, which has one of the best sunset vantage points.

One of the best ways to experience this landmark is by taking a hike along the coast of the island from Thira, the largest city on the island, to Oia. Seeing the sunset in Oia at the end of the hike is a reward that makes every step worth it!

Tours you might find interesting:

12. Windmills of Mykonos

Recommended by Kriszti of She Wanders Abroad

Mykonos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and it’s no wonder why. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.

But Mykonos is also home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks, including the windmills that have become one of the most famous landmarks in Greece.

Having been blessed (or cursed?) with very strong winds, the windmills were an important part of the island’s history, helping to power the island’s mills and, later, serving as a key part of the Mykonos’s defenses.

Today, there are only a handful of windmills left on the island, but they remain one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mykonos.

This is especially true for the 5 windmills that stand in Little Venice, which is one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos for first-time visitors. Watching the sunset by the windmills is incredibly popular so don’t miss it when you’re visiting the island.

If you’re looking to visit a quieter windmill, take the short hike up from Mykonos Town to Boni’s Windmill. It’s also a great sunset spot and provides an amazing panoramic view of the town and the sea.

Tours you might find interesting:

13. Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos

Recommended by Paulina of Ukeveryday

Shipwreck Beach, also known as Navagio, can be found in the northern part of Zakynthos.

It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world that you cannot miss during your holiday in Greece. The best way to get there is with a guided tour which also includes exploring Blue Caves and other amazing places in Zakynthos.

Navagio Beach is well-known for its stunning blue sea and the shipwreck at the beach. You can admire this beautiful Greek landmark from 200-meter-high cliffs or the boat. Sailing along the coast is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos.

Panoramic views of Shipwreck Beach are fantastic, however, this place is also very popular. The queues to the viewing platform can be long so make sure to arrive there in the early morning to avoid crowds.

You can also visit Shipwreck Beach just before sunset as it is one of the most photogenic places in Greece.

Tours you might find interesting:

14. Church of 99 Doors, Paros

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Panagia Ekatonotapiliani, often known as the Church of 100 Doors, is situated at a small distance from the port of Parikia. It is one of the special landmarks in Greece because it is a well-preserved example of Paleo-Christian monuments.

The church was originally built by Saint Constantine who was the first emperor of Constantinople. It has had many influences from different emperors and has gone through various retouches.

Ekatontapiliani means the Church of 100 Doors. Beliefs say that the church has 99 doors and the 100th door will open when Constantinople becomes Greek again.

There are a lot more beliefs connected to this church and that is what makes this landmark even more worth visiting.

Travelers can get there by car rental and explore the cathedral without an entry fee. However, admission to the museum inside is €2.

The church is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and it is worth spending at least two hours here.

You can look for where to stay in Paros as there’s a lot more than Paros has to offer. For a nice stay, you can choose Akoriti Hotel.

15. Sarakiniko, Milos

Recommended by Martina of PlacesofJuma

One of the most extraordinary natural landmarks in Greece is definitely Sarakiniko, a fantastic coastal landscape and also one of the most beautiful beaches in Milos.

Really unique is the extremely charming stretch of coastline that enchants a surreal-looking lunar landscape. The rock is grayish-white and the ambiance with the deep blue sea colors forms a backdrop as if from another world.

The white coast was formed from the strong north winds and the roaring waves.

The white volcanic rock inspires with the most amazing shapes and so photographers from all over the world come to Milos to shoot there their best pictures.

Not only that, but the coastal stretch also is also perfect for cliff jumping and sunbathing. In addition, there is a tiny sandy beach right in a small bay that is said to have once been a pirate hideout.

You can find Sarakiniko on the north coast of Milos Island. Parking is free of charge, and there is also no entrance fee! Another plus is, that this landmark is accessible to everyone at any time.

And don’t worry if you don’t know where to stay in Milos, there are plenty of options for every budget!

Tours you might find interesting:

16. Klima Village, Milos

Recommended by Mary of Be Right Back by Mary

One of the most famous landmarks in Greece hides on the coast of Milos, one of the quieter Greek islands.

 Klima, a small fishing village, is known for its colorful two-story fishing houses standing on Klima’s waterfront. This small village played a big part in the island’s exporting and importing history.

It is now a charming and quaint village attracting tourists who are looking to slow down and enjoy island life for a few hours. 

You will find Klima a few kilometers away from Trypiti. To get there, you will need to fly or ferry to Milos Island and then drive to Klima. There is a parking lot right at the entrance of the village which makes it easily accessible.

You can also take a taxi or a bus to the village. 

Besides admiring the colorful fishing houses, Klima also features a small beach, local shops with homemade souvenirs, and a restaurant on the beach which is perfect to grab a drink at sunset!

It is recommended to stay about two hours in the village which makes Klima the perfect stop on your way back from the beach. 

Klima is free to access and the best time to visit is spring or summer.

17. Minoan Palace of Knossos, Crete

Recommended by Karen of Are We There Yet Kids

Widely believed to be the oldest city in Europe, Knossos on the island of Crete is steeped in history, myth, and legend.

Once the capital of the Minoan Civilisation, the original Palace dates back to 1,900 BC. Excavation work began on the Palace in the early 1900s by British archeologist Arthur Evans.

Legend has it that Knossos was home to King Minos who kept a minotaur in a labyrinth on the site. Much of Greek mythology has links to the Palace such as Theseus and Ariadne and the minotaur.

Regardless of the legends, the ruins are absolutely stunning and a trip to the Palace of Knossos is a must-do when exploring Crete.

The bright red, renovated pillars protecting stunning frescoes located all over Knossos stand proudly against the lush green surroundings. Popular attractions on-site include the ancient throne room, royal villa, and the famous charging bull fresco.

A Palace of Knossos visit will take around two hours to complete. Tickets are currently €15 for adults and €8 for children.

Opening hours vary throughout the year, over the popular summer months it is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.

Knossos is around a 15-minute drive from the center of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

Tours you might find interesting:

18. Lindos Acropolis, Rhodes

Recommended by Leslie of Backpackers Thailand

The most significant and spectacular ancient site on the Greek island of Rhodes, the Acropolis of Lindos includes the temple of Athena Lindia (built around 300 BC), the Propylaia (which dates back to the 4th Century B.C.), the Hellenistic Stoa (built around 200 BC), the Castle of the Knights of St John (built around 1317), and other impressive monuments.

If you’re traveling from Lindos village, you can either walk uphill to the site or go on mules. More and more tourists choose to go on foot, as it’s an ethical option and doesn’t require animal labor.

Rhodes International Airport is less than an hour’s drive from Lindos, which is the island’s most popular tourist destination. You may travel from the airport to Lindos by taxi, car rental, or bus.

The Acropolis can be discovered in between one to three hours, depending on how many monuments you’re interested in exploring. Tickets for the Acropolis of Lindos cost €12 for adults or €6 for children and it’s open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Make sure you have the proper footwear and a bottle of water on hand. It’s recommended to wear hiking knee braces as you will have to walk up and down the hill.

However, the views from the top are absolutely worth it!

Tours you might find interesting:

19. Grand Master Palace, Rhodes

Recommended by Alyse of The Invisible Tourist

Its tall circular towers visible from afar, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is one of the unmissable landmarks in Greece.

Located in the heart of Rhodes’ medieval Old Town, the palace dates back to the 14th century and was built by the Knights of Saint John.

With an entry fee of just €6, visitors will be treated to two exhibitions on the lower floor, ancient Rhodes and Medieval Rhodes, displaying ancient pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts found in the local area.

Carefully placed throughout the palace’s grand interior are various sculptures depicting figures in Greek mythology. There is little doubt that visitors will be left in awe by the opulence of the palace for its time.

But perhaps the palace’s most impressive features are the stunning mosaic floors. In intricate detail, these Hellenistic mosaics represent goddesses popular in ancient Greek culture.

In the 1930s, the mosaics were moved to the palace from the nearby island of Kos during restoration works.

Finally, the geometric black-and-white courtyard makes for a great photo opportunity. Open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, historic landmarks such as these are one of the many reasons to visit Greece!

20. Amarandos Cove, Skopelos

Recommended by me

Last but not least, another one of the most beautiful landmarks in Greece is located on the lovely island of Skopelos.

Unlike many other places mentioned in this post, Amarandos Cove is not known for its ancient history. The rocky cape south of the small fishing village Agnontas became famous because it was used as a filming location for Mamma Mia I.

The sea cliff with the two lonely trees – often seen in photos – became the symbol of Skopelos.

To get there, you need to follow a steep, dusty, and uneven road off which you’ll find many private beach areas to relax.

If you have a rental car, the best is to park it next to the main road and walk the rest of the way which takes you around 20 minutes.

You can easily spend an entire day picnicking, snorkeling, and sunbathing at Amarandos Cove. It’s also possible to hire a boat and sail past the white cliffs.

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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals!

Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, thus I book an Airbnb every now and then.

Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.

Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.

Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.