Greece Visa

A visit to a country with a history which is almost four thousand years old is guaranteed to provide a memorable trip and this is exactly what Greece will do. Walking through the streets in even the smallest towns and villages you will come across ruins and reminders of the country’s first inhabitants. What is particularly significant about Greece is that because it is so old, the ruins that are there date from so many periods throughout history.

And, of course coupled with the wonderful historical sights are the thousands of Mediterranean beaches. Scuba divers in particular are attracted to the seas around Greece because up until very recently diving in so many areas was prohibited for archaeological reasons. Now it provides an amazing experience as there is every possibility that you may even uncover a wreck for the very first time. As well as allowing you to do your own explorations, however, it also means that even for those of you who just want to swim in unspoilt waters; there are endless opportunities to do so. A land of myths, legends, beautiful coasts, and ancient remnants of its golden age and earlier civilizations, Greece is far more than holiday islands, ouzo, and sculptures. As one of the world’s top 20 travel destinations, its mainland and islands shimmer in the summer sun and echo to the sound of traditional Greek music. Crammed with attractions and things to do, Greece still sees 90 percent of its high season visitors from Europe, but is fast becoming a major destination for travel aficionados across the world.

Its premier attractions are world famous for their association with the Minoan, Mycenaean, and Ancient Greek periods, immortalized in the works of great poets, playwrights, and philosophers almost 2,000 years ago. Exploring Knossos on Crete, Mycenae in the Peloponnese, and the treasures of Athens are all-time favourites with visitors. The country’s not all ancient ruins, however, and modern draws such as great beaches, fun water sports, adventure and outdoor activities, and waterside tavernas all have their place in the perfect Greek getaway.

The Greek people are among the world’s most welcoming, friendly and helpful, dispensing their renowned hospitality to all with open arms and hearts. Whether you’re staying in a five-star resort or a locally-owned beachside b & b with a few rooms to rent, you’ll be immersed in the community in no time. Eating out and accommodation are both a good value for the money.

There’s a huge choice of destinations spread across the mainland and the Greek islands, catering for every style of vacation, from beach-hopping to history buffs. Travel between the islands is easy by ferry boat from the mainland ports, and most historic sites are centered in the immediate area of a prominent center of town.

The 3,000-year old Mycenae and Tiryns are set within an easy drive of Epidaurus’s magnificent theater and the Sanctuary of Asclepios, and Delphi and Olympia are within a day trip from Athens. Ancient Mount Athos and its crow’s-nest monasteries, perched on soaring cliff-tops, lie in the north of the country on the Chalkidiki peninsula.

Touring the many attractions Greece has to offer is best done by road or ferry, as rail services are sparse. Renting a car gives visitors the freedom to drive to remote sites since the local bus only stops at the nearest village, a long, hot walk from the landmarks. Aside from the twisting mountain roads, driving doesn’t present many problems, although in rural areas, domestic animals such as donkeys and goats may consider the roads their exclusive property! Bus travel is relatively inexpensive and, except in remote rural areas, is comfortable and air-conditioned. Ferries connect all the main islands with Piraeus, making for easy, scenic trips.

Places to visit in Greece

1. Santorini

Probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Greece, Santorini is the diamond of the Aegean. Thousands are drawn to the beauty of this island every year and leave knowing that there is nowhere else like it.
This spectacularly beautiful place is one of the most scenic in all the Greek Islands. Picturesque and world renowned, Santorini must be seen to be believed. Take a dip in the turquoise waters, walk around the beautiful villages and dine in the fine restaurants, Santorini will steal your heart. From its volcanic beaches and whitewashed houses to its incredible sunsets and scenery, Santorini is most definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece.

2. Nafplio

Shaped over the centuries by many different cultures, today Nafplio is the playground of the Athens elite. The Ottomans, Byzantines, Venetians and many more have all left their mark on this little seaside metropolis. Citadels and fortresses dot the hillsides giving Nafplio an enticing charm. This friendly and patriotic town was once the capital of Greece, as many of the locals will happily tell you. As well as history, Nafplio also offers some great restaurants and beaches where you can kick back and relax.
Explore the narrow and winding streets of the town and marvel at the architecture. Stroll along the esplanade and dine on some of the finest seafood, while million dollar yachts bob in the harbour next to you. Nafplio is one of the most romantic towns you will ever visit.

3. Corfu

Corfu is an island located off of the northwest coast of the country. Along with its rich cultural heritage, the island also boasts rugged mountains and some of the best beaches in Greece. Corfu definitely is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece.
However, if the throngs of tourists are not your thing, isolated beaches stretch along the winding coast of Corfu. With so many beautiful beaches on offer, it is very easy to find your own perfect piece of paradise. Along with white sandy beaches there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu old town. Here you can find the remains of the Venetian builders and also anti-pirate castles from an age gone by. All in all Corfu is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and there are endless things to do in Corfu.

4. Knossos

A short car or bus ride from the Cretan capital Heraklion, lies the Minoan ruins of Knossos. This relic of the Bronze Age was once home to the mighty Minoan civilization which dominated the region over 5000 years ago.
The ruins of Knossos are the best preserved bronze age relics in the whole of Greece and are an incredible sight to see. Along with beautiful mosaics and fine pottery there is also the hall of kings. The hall of kings is where the legend of the Minotaur and Labyrinth was played out. The ruins of Knossos are a must when visiting the Island of Crete. The history of Greece stretches far back into the mists of time and Knossos is a great place to roll back the mist to catch a glimpse of the past. Knossos stands proud as one of the best places to visit in Greece.

5. Zakynthos

Home to some of the Greek Islands’ best nightlife, Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Mediterranean. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches and huge chalk-white cliffs, all give Zakynthos its signature beauty.
The island is also home to one of the most photographed spots in Greece, the incredibly beautiful Shipwreck Cove. Otherwise known as Navagio beach, this alone makes Zakynthos a must visit destination. The centre of the Island is less explored than the coastline, with fir trees and olive groves adding to the island’s charm. Zakynthos is also one of the Greek Islands’ biggest party spots. So if you are looking for some great nightlife along with idyllic beauty, Zakynthos is a place that ticks all of the boxes. There are so many things to do in Zakynthos, you’ll never be bored.

6. Athens

There are few cities on earth which can boast history of the kind that Athens can. The birthplace of democracy and accredited as the founder of Western civilisation, this is a city which stretches across the ages. This throbbing and vibrant place is a must when visiting Greece.
Athens overflows with Greek culture and is filled with spectacular sites like the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus. Also do not forget to visit the Plaka district. This little suburb of Athens is located just below the Acropolis and is a splendidly beautiful spot. Stroll among the cobbled streets and take in all of the handicraft shops and restaurants. Athens is a city which defies the ravages of time and is just another of the incredible places to visit in Greece. When you’re visiting Athens, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to authentic food. Make sure to check out these best restaurants in Athens, and get ready to watch your waistline grow.

7. Rhodes

The Island of Rhodes, located off of the south-western coast of Turkey is one of the Greek Islands’ most visited spots. Rhodes caters to all tastes, from backpackers to the rich and famous, all a drawn to this teardrop in the Aegean.
Boasting some of the best swimming spots in Greece, Rhodes has the perfect mix of quaint towns, pristine beaches and archaic history. Whether you want to party the night away in Faliraki or relax in luxury at one of the many 5 star hotels, Rhodes covers every angle. As you have noticed by now, Greece is the perfect blend of paradise and history with Rhodes being no different. The island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. This kind of history, along with the incredible scenery, nightlife and swimming spots make Rhodes one of the best places to visit in Greece.

8. Meteora

Next up is something a little different. Meteora is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece, and Europe as a whole. Located in the heart of northern Greece, Meteora is home to some of the world’s most spectacular Orthodox churches.
Meteora is one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that has been given a double status. UNESCO gives two different world heritages status, one for art and one for nature. The stunning bluffs and hoodoos of Meteora has received both. This is a land where fingers of stone reach for the heavens, with Orthodox monasteries perched precariously on the tips. A land where people live in the sky and still worship God with a passion of a bygone age. Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, Meteora is a place which will make you gasp in wonder.

9. Delphi

Here is another destination for the history lovers. Delphi, the religious centre of the ancient world still clings on even today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place which drew even kings, to hear the words of the Oracle.
The Oracle of Delphi has been etched into Greek history and the priestess of Apollo’s words has echoed through the ages. The Temple of Apollo still stands and is one of the highlights of Delphi. Along with the Temple of Apollo there is also the Athena Priene, a theatre and an ancient stadium. Take a stroll among the ruins and transport yourself back to a time when Delphi echoed with the cries of the Oracle and kings bowed before the Temple of Apollo. Delphi is certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece.

10. Skyros

Located in the centre of the Aegean, Skyros is known for its beautiful beaches, jagged coastline and seaside villages. Steeped in tradition and still relatively untouched, Skyros is a great choice for an idyllic getaway.
Where the north is all rolling farmlands and pine forest, the south is characterized by arid hills and rocky shorelines. Skyros has managed to fly under the radar for a long time and does not attract the masses of tourists like many of the other Greek Islands. If you do make it to Skyros, keep an eye out for the legendary wild horses of the island. For millennia Skyrian horses have roamed the island, unfortunately however they are becoming fewer and fewer. Who knows how much longer you will be able to see these majestic beasts in the wild.

11. Olympia

Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is another of the places to visit in Greece which is carved into history. Located in the hallowed Valley of the Gods, it is still possible to see the ancient stadium and training grounds of the Olympians.
Along with the stadium and training grounds, the UNESCO accredited Olympia also boasts some of the best preserved monuments and temples in all of Greece. These hallowed monuments are dedicated to the great gods of old such as Zeus and Hera. Located in the rugged hills of the Peloponnese, the Valley of the Gods is an awe inspiring place. Along with Olympia itself, the valley also has some incredible hiking and mountain bike trails and is situated close to the spectacularly beautiful Alfos River Valley. All of this combined, makes Olympia and the Valley Of The Gods one of the best places to visit in Greece.

12. Skiathos

Skiathos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. Best known for its beach and nightlife, Skiathos has blasted onto the itinerary of many travelers in recent years. With crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, along with some incredible night spots it is easy to see why. Despite the influx of tourism, the island has lost none of its beauty. With over 60 gorgeous beaches and hiking trails through rolling pine forests, Skiathos is a nature lover’s dream. Along with the natural beauty of the island, there is also Skiathos Town which caters perfectly for tourists. Nice restaurants spill out onto the streets where you can sit and dine the evening away as the sun slowly dips into the Mediterranean.

13. Halkidiki

Just south of the city of Thessaloniki lies the peninsula of Halkidiki. This very well could be Greece’s best kept secret. Home to some of the best stretches of sand in northern Greece, the Halkidiki peninsula has a perfect blend of modern luxury and archaic tradition.
The Halkidiki peninsula is split into three fingers which splay out into the Aegean. There are the Golden sandy beaches of the Sithonia headland, the resorts and restaurants of Kassandra and finally the mysterious Athos. Athos is home to some of the most stoic monastic communities in Greece and is traditional in the extreme. When combined, all three headlands of the peninsula come together to create the perfect retreat. Halkidiki for the time being is still relatively crowd free. How long this will last however is unknown, visit soon before the word is out.

14. Mycenae

Finally, we have a city which dominates the myths and legends of old. The walls of Mycenae were so high that the ancient Greeks credited their creation to the Cyclops. The city of Mycenae comes from a time before Greece and features in tales such as the fall of Troy. It’s most famous ruler was the mighty King Agamemnon himself. Separating history from myth is very difficult at Mycenae as the city was at its most powerful over 3500 years ago. Mycenae lies way off the beaten tourist path and will take you to a part of the country which few tourists get to see. Without doubt Mycenae is one of the great archeological sites of Greece and will leave visitors awestruck at the engineering prowess of the ancients. A visit to Mycenae will not disappoint, located to the south of Corinth, the ruins lie in the heartlands of the ancient legends of old. The culture, scenery and history all come together to make Mycenae one of the country’s must see destinations.