Located in Southeast Europe, Greece is a country that many travelers put on their list of places to visit. This country is rich in cultural history and is known for its significance in shaping Western Civilization.Many travelers, especially ones that have a limited amount of time, struggle to narrow down what cities they should visit on their journey to Greece.
There are so many wonderful cultural experiences to enjoy and plenty of natural beauty to see. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, here are five of the cities you’ll want to consider.
Athens
Athens ranks high on the list of most travelers since it is the capital city of Greece and the largest city in the country. Though it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, there are plenty of things to do in Athens.
Those that go won’t want to miss out on visiting the Acropolis. This area sits on a hill above the city and contains the remains of ancient buildings, including the Parthenon. The Acropolis is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world, so it is little wonder that the area is a popular tourist destination.
There are also several museums to visit through Athens, including the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and is considered the entertainment capital of northern Greece. It also has cultural significance. From cafes, bars, streets filled with shopping locations, museums, and plenty of other entertainment areas, Thessaloniki is ideal for tourists that are looking to experience vibrant cultural life.
A favorite location for many in Thessaloniki is the Ladadika District. This area is walkable and is full of restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a perfect location for those who want to sample the cuisine in Thessaloniki.
Those who want to get an amazing view of the city will want to head to the Eptapyrgio Castle, a fortress that overlooks the city. It can be visited day and night.
Chania
Those that are looking to visit a coastal city might want to consider Chania, which is located on Crete (the largest of the Greek Islands). Chania has two unique parts of the city – the Old Town and the modern city.
The Old Town, which overlooks the sea, is full of traditional streets and historical buildings. There are also restaurants, stores, and hotels located throughout the streets. Also, Chania’s harbor is located in the Old Town.
The Old Town is a popular tourist destination, while many of the locals live and work in the modern city. Even still, there are still historic locations worth visiting in the city. These buildings include Eleftherios Venizelos’s House and the Church of Evangelistria.
Nafplio
Another seaside town to consider is Nafplio, which is considered one of the most romantic cities in Greece. It is only about two hours away from Athens, making it a good location for those looking to take a day trip.
During the summer months, many enjoy walking along the seaside promenade or hitting up one of the beaches in the area. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes located near the beaches, so tourists can easily spend the entire day enjoying the sun and sand.
There are also several castles and fortresses to visit. Those looking for spectacular views should head to the Palamidi Castle or the Akronafplia Fortress. The Bourtzi, located on an island, is another popular destination.
Fira
Those looking to experience breathtaking views on a Greek Island will want to consider Fira, which is the capital city of Santorini. While it might not have as much to do as some of the other cities mentioned here, the breathtaking views and chance to explore island life are well worth a visit.
Getting to Fira is an experience itself. Those that arrive at the port will have a chance of walking up the mountainside, the practical choice of taking a cable-car, or the exciting option of going up by donkey.
There are several museums to visit throughout the city, including the Santorini Archaeological Museum, which contains various historical artifacts from the island that dates back to the 5th century.
Final thoughts
Those that only have a limited amount of time in Greece will want to visit some of the major cities in the country, such as the ones mentioned above. However, those with more time available to them will also want to schedule some day trips to the smaller villages and towns to experience everything the country has to offer.
