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If you do not know why Greece is called the cradle of civilization, you should definitely visit its sights. The ruins of ancient temples, amazing historical and architectural monuments show tourists how prosperous this state was. But the modern beauties of Greece also attract visitors – this is nature, beaches, and delicious local dishes. Don't know what to see in Greece? Especially for you, we have compiled a list of popular places in this country, which included the most interesting sights of Greece.
What to see in Greece in the first place
The centuries-old and eventful history of the country has become the reason that there are a lot of attractions here. Guides in Greece can organize acquaintance with numerous tourist attractions – you can agree with them upon arrival or in advance, telling about your preferences.
1. Acropolis of Athens (Athens)
< img title="Greece Top 25 Attractions" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/dostoprimechatelnosti-grecii-top-25-ed2a9df.jpg" alt="Greece Top 25 Attractions" />< /p> Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis has always been and still is the hallmark of Athens. Thousands of tourists come to this truly magical place every year who want to see the most interesting sights of Greece with their own eyes.
The Acropolis of Athens was able to withstand many natural disasters and destructive wars. Neither cataclysms nor people managed to destroy the historical building, which strikes the imagination with its incredible forms and grandeur.
The first temples of the Acropolis were laid during the archaic times. After that, large-scale development of the hill began. At first, this place was the residence of the king. Over time, it began to acquire architectural forms that have remained practically untouched to this day. So gradually the Acropolis turned into a small town.
The sculptures that were located in the Acropolis were replaced by exact copies for certain reasons. Their originals are now in various museums in Europe. Now, instead of a majestic building, there are only ruins. Architects are trying to restore individual elements of the most significant objects. It will take them many years to complete this project.
Official website: http://odysseus.culture.gr
2. Panathinaikos (Athens)
Antique Panathinaikos Stadium in Athens
In the heart of Athens, there is a unique stadium of its kind, which is known to the world under the name of Panathinaikos. Tourists pay special attention to this sight of Greece. The oldest building was built of white marble. After the restoration of the destroyed elements, the stadium hosted the first Olympic Games recorded in modern history.
Travelers who are wondering what to visit in Greece should definitely visit Panathinaikos. In ancient times, the Panathenaic Games, which were considered the most important festival in Athens, were held in this stadium.
The capital reconstruction of the stadium was carried out two centuries ago, immediately after its excavations. The work carried out was sponsored by the figure Zappas. He also financed the Olympic competitions in 1870 and 1875.
At the moment, Panathinaikos is used not only as a venue for sports competitions. The stadium also hosts various concerts and exhibitions dedicated to Greek culture. Therefore, while visiting this attraction, guests of Athens can not only enjoy the views of the stadium, but also get to know its history more closely.
Official website: http://www.panathenaicstadium.gr< /p>
3. Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens)
The ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
The list, which contains the sights of Greece, would not be complete if it did not include the temple of Olympian Zeus. It is so large that it even exceeds the legendary Parthenon in size. Its construction continued for 650 years. According to the famous myths, the temple was erected on the site of the sanctuary of the progenitor of the Greeks, Deucalion.
Inside the architectural structure were two huge statues. The first was made of ivory and gold. She personified the god of Olympus Zeus. The second was created in honor of Emperor Hadrian, who actively participated in the construction of the temple. Unfortunately, both statues were destroyed.
If a traveler does not know what to see in Greece, then he should immediately go to Athens to visit the legendary temple of Zeus.
Now a landmark is not in the best condition. Only one part of the temple has survived. According to assumptions, the structure was destroyed as a result of a strong earthquake. It was also probably taken apart for building materials.
The corner of the temple of Zeus that has survived to this day consists of fourteen separate columns, two of which stand separately, and one is in a fallen state.
4. Knossos Palace (Crete)
Reconstructed by Evans from the ruins of the fragments of the Palace of Knossos
Throne Room at Knossos Andy Montgomer
Wall painting of the bathroom with dolphins and flying fish in the Palace of Knossos
At the beginning of the last century, the Palace of Knossos was excavated and partially reconstructed, which occupies a leading position in the ranking of “The Best Attractions in Greece”. Today, it is one of the most visited places on the island of Crete, which is loved by many tourists.
The Palace of Knossos is considered by historians to be the center of the Minoan civilization, which during the years of its prosperity was the most developed state in the world. The palace consisted of more than 1300 rooms – it is not difficult to guess that it occupied a huge area. At least 12,000 people could freely accommodate in his chambers. If you believe the legends, Knossos in those days was the property of King Minos, whom many know from the myths about the famous Labyrinth and its eternal inhabitant, the Minotaur.
The palace of Knossos had to be rebuilt several times, as it was hit hard by earthquakes and tsunamis and fires. Two centuries ago, its large-scale reconstruction began. Archaeologist Evans, who discovered this attraction, was able to restore part of the legendary palace.
Today, tourists are given the opportunity to enjoy the unique architecture of that time. Evans did a good job of restoring the palace. Therefore, it is difficult for guests of the island to understand which of the existing buildings are the remains of an ancient structure, and which were recreated by the efforts of an archaeologist.
5. Temple of Apollo (Delphi)
Sacred place of Ancient Greece Temple of Apollo in Delphi
In the city of Delphi, as in other resort areas, you can see interesting sights of Greece. Here is the Temple of Apollo. All the inhabitants of the country had to collect money for its construction. Also, the rulers of neighboring states donated a large amount to the project. The rectangular building was decorated with many pillars. Six of them were located on the facades, and fifteen were on the sides of the temple.
Many local excursions include a visit to this picturesque corner. Unfortunately, the temple of Apollo has not survived to this day in its original form. Some of its parts had to be constantly restored due to collapses. During the restoration, the architects were guided by the previous construction plan, which provided for the preservation of the shape and number of pillars.
Outside the temple, you can see unusual friezes that are dedicated to the war of the centaurs with the Amazons. All the sculptural compositions of this place were created in violation of the classical form and proportions, due to which they attract the attention of tourists.
For a long time, tourists did not know about the existence of the Temple of Apollo, since it is far from the main cities of Greece. However, over time, it has become an important architectural monument of this region.
Check out the beautiful places in Greece in this wonderful video!
6. Navagio beach (Zante island)
Navagio beach on the island of Zakynthos
Guests of the island of Zakynthos who are interested in the sights of Greece should definitely visit the unique Navagio beach of its kind. Travelers can get here only by ship, as this place is hidden from prying eyes.
Tourists who do not know what to see in Greece will be happy to visit Navagio, the pearl of these lands. The local beach is covered with golden sand washed by crystal clear water. This is a real piece of paradise that you will never want to say goodbye to.
Navagio is also called the island of shipwrecks. This is because in the past a ship of smugglers sank here. It is still not known exactly why this happened.
The beach will delight travelers who want to take a break from noisy cities. Indeed, in these parts there is not even the slightest sign of civilization. Here a person begins to experience a certain isolation from the outside world, which fills him with peace and harmony. Navagio gives its guests a unique opportunity to merge with unspoilt nature.
If you are going to sunbathe, do not forget to bring sunscreen and a panama hat. There is no other way to protect yourself from the sun's rays, since in clear weather there is absolutely no shade on the beach. So tourists should take care of their personal comfort in advance.
7. Meteora Monasteries (Kalambaka)
The complex of Meteora monasteries on the tops of the cliffs of Thessaly
In the northern part of Greece, near the city of Kalambaka, there is a unique place called Meteora. It is distinguished by its beauty and unusual history of appearance. In addition, several monasteries are located here.
Under the influence of natural phenomena over many millennia, huge stone pillars were formed, the height of which is from 300 to 600 m. Many of the modern climbers will not dare to climb such rocks, but this did not stop the hermits from building temples there.
The sights of Greece rightfully include the monasteries of Meteora. Six of them are currently active: four for men and two for women. It used to be difficult to get to such places. You could climb a sheer cliff using a ladder, or you could be lifted in a basket with a winch. Now steps have been made in the rock for safe ascent.
The monasteries are open to pilgrims and tourists for visiting from April to September and from November to March. Arriving at the weekend, you can visit all the monasteries, spending about an hour in each of them.
Restoration work has made old frescoes available for viewing. In the monasteries there are souvenir shops where you can buy something for memory. The monasteries of Meteora can be safely included in the list of the most beautiful places on our planet.
Official site: https://www.visitmeteora.travel
8. Lion Gate (Mycenae)
Lion Gate of the Acropolis in Mycenae
Mycenae is one of the most ancient cities in Greece. When planning a trip to this country, do not miss the opportunity to visit it. Excavations in the vicinity of Mycenae reveal more and more new treasures, one of them is the Lion's Gate. The guides will definitely tell the story of this building.
Greek cities have their own peculiarity – they were built on a hill and protected by a powerful wall. The wall surrounding Mycenae was 900 m high and 6 to 10 m thick. The Lion Gate served as the main entrance. For their construction, four blocks weighing up to 20 tons each were used. They were pre-processed, fitting to each other in size. Above the gate was a bas-relief with lions. According to some assumptions, he appeared a little later. Unfortunately, the heads of animals have not been preserved to this day. But, according to archaeologists, they were made of gold and looked at those who entered the gate. The lions were not chosen by chance – they were considered a symbol of the Mycenae dynasty, which ruled at that time. The structure dates back to the 13th century BC.
9. Ancient Olympia (Peloponnese)
Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese
If you are looking for what to see in Greece, visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. You can come here at any time of the year. In winter, you will have the opportunity to visit interesting places, and in summer, you can also add relaxation on the beach.
Ancient Olympia is currently a nature reserve with museums and ancient temples located on its territory. It is better to start acquaintance with places located in the open air. Here it will be easy to feel the power of former buildings, including temples to Zeus, erected in 470-456 BC. e., and Gera. The remains of the latter are considered the oldest and date back to 1096 BC. e.
In ancient times, people came here not only for the sake of competitions, but also to worship the gods. Near the temple of Hera there was a stadium where competitions were held. The Olympic flame before the start of the games is lit here today. To the west of the temple you can see the ruins of the Philippeion, a round building framed by columns. The construction was started by Philip II and completed by his son Alexander the Great. Not far from this place are the ruins of the administrative building of Ancient Olympia.
10. Mount Olympus (Thessaly region)
Mount Olympus in Thessaly
One of the most famous sights of Greece – Mount Olympus – is located right on the picturesque coast of the Aegean Sea, in Thessaly. In reality, Olympus would be easier to call the three mountains. The highest mountain range includes three peaks at once: Mitikas, Skolio and Stephanie. Each of them rises almost 3000 meters above ground level.
The highest peak is Mitikas. It has a height of 2917 meters and breaks off into the picturesque abyss of Kazan. It is not surprising that the gods of ancient Greece chose this picturesque place as their place of residence. The “Throne of Zeus” is still preserved here – the top of Stephanie looks exactly like a luxurious throne.
Today, the sights of Greece are hard to imagine without the mountains of Olympus. They are a National Reserve and are under the protection of UNESCO. The status of the National Park was assigned to these beautiful places in 1938. In 1981, UNESCO named the mountains of the gods of Greece “Part of the World Natural Heritage”. The mountains received another status in 1985. Then they were recognized as part of the “Archaeological and Historical Heritage”.
The National Park invites tourists to enjoy the exquisite natural scenery. The mountains today are inhabited by mountain goats, hedgehogs, deer, squirrels, wolves, wild boars, foxes. You can climb Olympus with the help of special lifts. Peaks are conquered by climbers on their own.
Official site: http://www.olympusfd.gr/us/infos.asp
Sights of Greece: what else to visit while in Greece
Absolutely all travelers talk about how amazing excursions in Greece are, and you can become one of them simply by studying the list of the most interesting sights before traveling. Photos and descriptions will become important criteria when choosing where to go after arriving in the territory of Ancient Hellas.
11. Santorini Island (Aegean Sea, Cyclades archipelago)
The beautiful and romantic island of Santorini
This small island is considered one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Greece. Legends say that in ancient times, Santorini broke away from Libya as a result of a natural disaster or was created from a special piece of land cut off from this country by the gods. Assessing what to see in Greece, you must definitely include the island of Santorini in this list.
The finds of geologists confirm this legend. The island has become a reminder of an ancient geological catastrophe. Pompeii of the Aegean Sea was called Santorini by the French geologist F. Fouquet. Scientists have established that the tectonic fault that singled out this beautiful territory occurred in the Tertiary period.
Further, the appearance of the island was supplemented by the activity of volcanoes, which made it round. By the way, local residents often call their place of residence in this way – Round Island.
An ancient advanced civilization existed on the island, buried by a volcanic eruption around 1500 BC. This catastrophe in those ancient times ruined many cities of Crete.
The sights of Greece without this island would not be so romantic. Today Santorini continues to be a volcano. Moreover, the largest active volcano on the planet, the eruptions of which gradually made the general outlines of Santorini crescent-shaped. The island will delight tourists with beautiful landscapes and an incredibly pleasant climate.
Official website: http://www.santorini.net/
12. Palace of the Grand Masters (Rhodes)
View from the sea to the Palace of the Grand Masters (Castello) on the island of Rhodes Carlo Pelagalli
The main entrance to the palace of the Grand Masters sailko
Interior of the main hall of the Palace of the Grand Masters Szilas
The Palace of the Grand Masters belongs to the legendary historical monuments of Greece, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first owners and builders of the Palace were the legendary Knights of the Order of St. John – the Hospitallers.
They ruled Rhodes from 1309 to 1522. That is over 200 years. It was from the Palace of the Grand Masters that these two centuries ruled virtually the entire territory of the Eastern Mediterranean. Here 19 masters sat, on whose will all decisions made by the hospitallers depended.
The beautiful island of Rhodes was previously the center of power in this territory. The Palace of the Grand Masters was erected on the site of the former temple of Helios and the Byzantine fortress that replaced it. During the time of the Templars, the pompous and luxurious palace was used as a venue for ceremonial receptions and negotiations.
Today, two major exhibitions are constantly operating in the palace at once. One tells about the times of the Crusaders. Looking around the second, you can learn about the life of the inhabitants of the island in antiquity. The exposition occupies more than 205 halls.
13. Windmills of Mykonos (Cyclades)
Mykonos – the island of windmills
One of the main attractions and visiting card of the island of Mykonos are windmills. When the ship is just approaching the shores of the island, you can see a breathtaking sight of rotating windmills.
The first mention of mills was found in the notes of travelers who visited Greece in the 12th-13th centuries. Even then they amazed with their grandeur and beauty. This is not surprising, because the construction of such buildings required the same amount of effort as the construction of a huge sailing ship. Another important detail was the careful selection of the place for their construction. Typical for this area are mills in the form of rounded towers built of stone. For the roof, straw was most often used.
In ancient times, there were more than 600 mills. They worked almost around the clock. The favorable location of the island contributed to the successful flour trade. Now there are only 7 of them left, and even those are not used for their intended purpose. They have exhibition halls, restaurants and cafes that everyone can visit. One of the mills is used as a hotel where tourists can spend an unforgettable time on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
14. Melissani cave lake (Kefalonia island)
The purest cave lake Melissani on the island of Kefalonia
The Greek island of Kefalonia is famous for its various architectural monuments and amazing nature, which attracts tourists. What to visit in Greece and where you should definitely visit is of interest to many vacationers. The main attraction is the lake in the Melissani cave. The water in it is so clean and transparent that you can see that it is located at a depth of ten meters.
The existence of the cave was discovered relatively recently, when a shepherd accidentally found it. This happened in 1951, after which excavations began in this place, and since 1963 the cave and the lake were open to everyone.
The approximate size of the cave is 160×40 m, its entire territory is occupied by a lake. After the earthquake, part of the arches was destroyed, as a result of which a hole appeared at the top, which illuminates the cave. Another unusual phenomenon is the water, which is both salty and fresh. Salt water is brought by the current from the Ionian Sea, located 14 km away.
Archaeological excavations have revealed that in ancient times this place was used to worship Pan, the god of fertility and shepherding. There is also a legend that the appearance of the lake is associated with the unrequited love of the nymph Melissane for the god Pan. Her shed tears turned into water. According to tradition, couples who visit this place should join hands and lower them together into the water so that love is long and strong. And those who have not yet found their half are advised to wash themselves with lake water.
To enjoy the beauty of the lake, you first need to go through a narrow corridor and get to the pier. This is best done at noon.
Official website: https://kefaloniaisland.org/sights/melissani-cave/
15. Butterfly Valley ( island of Rhodes)
Tropical Wildlife Park – Rhodes Butterfly Valley
One of the most amazing places on the island of Rhodes is the Butterfly Valley. The locals gave it their name – Petaloudes. This amazing reserve is located 30 km from the city of Rhodes and is a park near the gorge.
What to see in Greece and what place will be remembered for a long time? If you ask such a question, be sure to visit the reserve. Only here you can observe such a fantastic spectacle as myriads of multi-colored night butterflies flocking. They are attracted by the smell of styraxes. During the day, they usually sleep, perched on the branches of bushes or styrax trees. And a sharp sound or awkward movement is enough to wake up the red-winged beauties.
Butterflies gather during the mating season from May to September. At this time, they should not be disturbed. A museum has been created in the reserve for tourists who are hungry for new discoveries and knowledge.
In addition to butterflies, here you can see lizards basking in the sun or some rare birds. They like to sit near waterfalls or on rocks.
You can get to the Valley of the Butterflies by climbing the path leading up the mountain. The journey is not easy, and it is better to prepare comfortable shoes in advance. Those who make it to the top will have another surprise – the opportunity to visit the seventeenth century monastery built by Alexander Ypsilanti.
16. Achillion Palace (Gastouri village)
Aerial view of Achillion Palace in Corfu
Marble sculptures of the Muses in the courtyard (peristyle) of the Achilleion Palace
Unlimited travel opportunities, endless sea, picturesque mountains, breathtaking gorges are hidden in northern Greece. The sights of the north, however, are not limited to nature alone. On the island of Corfu, in the capital of Kerkyra, there is an architecturally significant monument – Achillion Palace, built at the end of the 19th century. The complex has a second name – “the palace of the sad empress”, which is associated with the history of the acquisition of these lands by Empress Elizabeth, who survived a series of family tragedies and found solace in the tranquility of the picturesque region. In the palace garden, the princess, inspired by mythology, placed a number of sculptures of ancient Greek gods, and decorated the interior of the palace with wall paintings and carved furniture, the decor of which reproduces the images of mythological characters. After a tour of Achillion, from the shores of Corfu you can sail straight to the Italian shores and visit the sights of Italy – here the two countries are separated from each other by just a hundred kilometers of sea space.
17. The ancient Greek city of Delphi (Phocis region)
The ruins of the theater in the ancient Greek city of Delphi
If you study the sights of Ancient Greece briefly, without having the opportunity for a long tour, you should definitely visit Delphi – this is the ancient Greek religious center, the birthplace of numerous myths and legends, and now a major archaeological reserve. The ruins of former structures rest on the slope of Mount Parnassus, 10 kilometers from the Gulf of Corinth, at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. It's hard to believe, but the age of the ancient city is more than 3 millennia! Its rich history can be traced in such archaeological sites as the temple of Apollo with the Delphic Oracle, the Treasury of the Athenians, the temple of Athena Pronaia, the stadium, the amphitheater, the ancient gymnasium. After wandering through the many ruins, you can go to the local museum of ancient Greek culture or go 1.5 km from the ancient city to a miniature town where there are hotels, restaurants and other amenities for guests.
18. Aquarium of Crete (d Gourne)
People watch the shark in the Annatsach Aquarium of Crete
When choosing the sights of Greece for children, you should definitely include a trip to the island of Crete, to the town of Gourne, which is famous in the tourist environment for its giant aquarium, which is a complex of structures with huge reservoirs, where you can see a wide variety of representatives of marine fauna. In total, there are 60 exposition containers, in which about 2.5 thousand different marine organisms, represented by about 250 species, live. The design of the tanks most closely repeats the natural topography of the seabed, which creates the feeling of being somewhere in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. A walk through the complex, equipped with beautiful lighting, turns into an exciting journey through the depths of the sea, which arouses genuine interest in both children and adults.
Official website: https://cretaquarium
19. Medieval city of Rhodes
Panoramic view of the medieval buildings of the city of Rhodes
The historical treasure of Greece is the medieval city of Rhodes, an invaluable open-air museum. In this city, everything from walls and gates to fortresses and temples keeps the rich history of the city and Greece as a whole. Rhodes was founded in the 5th century BC. and over its long history, it has experienced a series of bright events that have left their mark on urban architecture. In general, the city consists of 2 parts: one of them is modern, with a developed tourist infrastructure, the second is ancient, the so-called Old Town. What can be seen today in the Old City is a number of buildings dating back to the Middle Ages: powerful walls with 11 entrances, of which only 5 remained in working condition, the oldest synagogue in the country of the 16th century, the vast Rhodes fortress from the time of the Knights Order, the church St. Panteleimon of the 14th century, the Acropolis with the remains of an ancient theater, and finally, the Colossus of Rhodes – more precisely, what remains of the monument to the ancient Greek god Helios.
20. The ancient city of Mistra (Sparta)
Metropolis – one of the oldest monasteries of the medieval city of Mistra
In the southernmost part of mainland Greece, the Laconia region, there are two prominent ancient Greek cities – Sparta and Mystra. And if even people who are far from traveling have heard about the first, only researchers and a few tourists traveling within the Peloponnese are familiar with the second. Mistra, founded by the Crusaders in the 13th century, is located on the steep slopes of the Taygetos mountains. Now it is an abandoned ghost town that has kept intact the most valuable historical monuments for many centuries – the remains of houses, fortifications, churches, monasteries and the ruins of a medieval castle on a hill. Today, Mystra is a small village that can be reached by car or bus from Sparta in a matter of minutes. In order to get to the protected archaeological zone, you will need to climb up from the settlement along one of two paths, one of which leads to the Upper City, the second to the lower buildings.
21. Holy Mount Athos (Halkidiki Peninsula )
One of the twenty “ruling” monasteries on Mount Athos in Greece
For any Christian, the holy Mount Athos is a place full of the deepest meaning. This is the land of monasticism, a kind of state within a state, living according to its own spiritual laws. For example, the monks here use the old-style Julian calendar, and their monastic republic is not subject to secular power, but to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. This land is called the lot of the Most Holy Theotokos – the Virgin Mary guards the peace of the monastic brethren. Twenty male monasteries operate in the bosom of untouched Athos nature, among which one is Russian. An important point: only men can set foot on the holy land, and for this they will have to obtain special permission. But do not forget that the land of Athos is divided into two parts – religious and ordinary, where women can also come. Since the coastline of the Halkidiki peninsula goes deep into the Aegean Sea for 20-30 km, countless beaches are concentrated here.
22. Acropolis of Lindos (Lindos)
Remains ancient temple of Athena of the 4th century BC on the southern edge of the acropolis in Linda
For those who travel to Greece for the first time and have limited time, we recommend that you make an itinerary of what to see in Greece in a week. It should include the most iconic, iconic places that will form a general portrait of this Balkan country. And they should certainly include the city of Lindos, located on the island of Rhodes not far from its capital. According to historical data, the ancient city was founded in the 12th century BC. Here, on top of a hill, is the Acropolis, to the ancient buildings of which a long staircase with many spans leads. The entire ancient city is located on several levels: interesting objects of the first level include the relief rock carvings of the Podium and the ship, the second is the knight's fortress and the temple of Roman times, the third is the Portico and the ruins of the Byzantine church, the last is the temple of Athena of Lindia.
23. Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia Island)
The exotic beach of Myrtos on the picturesque island of Kefalonia
The Greek island of Kefalonia also has its own interesting places that are valued for their pristine natural beauty. These include Myrtos Beach – a cozy and secluded sandy corner by the sea, hidden among huge hills overgrown with greenery. Myrtos is one of the most picturesque and ecologically clean beaches in the world. The strip of sandy beach has a rounded shape, and from its western part in the evening there are excellent views of the sunset. Despite the original appearance, Myrtos is well equipped for recreation – there are sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, bars, although the other part of it still remains untouched by civilization, representing an ideal place for complete isolation, silence and solitude. You can get to the beach along an asphalt road that leads to the coast itself, where there is a small parking lot.
24. Venetian harbor of Chania (Crete)
Venetian harbor in the city of Chania in northern Crete
About 3 thousand islands surrounding the Balkan Peninsula are island Greece. The sights of Crete make a huge contribution to the treasury of the country, due to the huge number of memorable places and interesting objects collected on this island. The Venetian harbor of Chania is one of them. It was built in the 14th century during the period of Venetian rule, and today is the heart of the Old Town of Chania. Only a few of the ancient Venetian fortifications remain today, the best preserved is the Firkas Bastion, as well as the covered docks, the customs building, and finally, the recognizable symbol of Chania – the Egyptian lighthouse. Today, the harbor is one of the favorite places to relax – along the coastline there are many bars, restaurants and cafes, sitting in which you can not only taste Mediterranean cuisine, but also admire the beautiful sea panorama.
25. Samaria Gorge (Lefka Ori Mountains)
Hiking trail on the territory of the Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete
Often, a trip to the places of worship in Greece takes place in the bustle and constant trips, which it is desirable to dilute with a more relaxing holiday – for example, going to the island of Crete, where there are such non-tourist places in Greece that are famous for their pristine nature, with its inherent atmosphere of calmness and detachment. One of these places is the Samaria Gorge, located in the Lefka Ori mountain range. It has the official status of a national park, and there are several hiking trails of varying difficulty, saturated with the fantastic beauty of these places. Most of the gorge is made up of thickets of pines, oaks and cypresses, and more than 400 species of plants, mostly endemic. The total length of the gorge is about 13 kilometers, the height you need to climb varies from 200 to 1000 meters, and in general this unforgettable hike will take about 6 hours. Near Greece is an ideal country for a budget holiday – Bulgaria. While in Greece, consider visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Bulgaria and plan your next trip to Europe!