This article lists the top 10 tourist destinations in Greece.

Greece is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations due to its rich history, picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and welcoming locals. The natural attractiveness of this place, however, is what draws visitors here in the first place. That kind of beauty is frequently to be found on the numerous islands that dot the waters around the Greek peninsula like so many tiny jewels. And while they all have beautiful scenery, interesting landmarks, exciting nightlife, and fascinating culture, each one is unique in its own way.

Those are plentiful, so go digging! From Kefalonia and Corfu in the western Ionian Sea to Mykonos, Santorini, Kos, and Rhode Island in the eastern Aegean Sea. Crete, in the south, is home to the pre-Hellenic Minoan culture. Once you return to the mainland, you will find breathtaking natural beauty at every turn. Meteora Monastery, Delphi Archaeological Site, and finally, Athens, home to the world-famous Parthenon The top attractions in Greece are as follows.

No. 10: Cape Sounion [SEE MAP]

Cape Sounion, the southernmost point of the Attica peninsula, is most well-known as the location of the ruins of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.

Resting on a headland with water on three sides, the ruins are completely isolated. Sunset over the Aegean Sea, as seen from the ruins, is a sought-after spectacle, making the site a popular day-trip destination for tourists from Athens.

9. Thessaloniki [SEE MAP]

Northern Greece's Macedonia is home to the bustling metropolis of Thessaloniki. Due to its abundance of cultural events, lively festivals, and pulsating nightlife, this city has been called "the cultural capital of Greece."

Attractions in Thessaloniki range from the ancient (Byzantine walls, White Tower, Turkish baths) to the modern (vibrant food markets, museums, art galleries). Nightlife in Thessaloniki is unparalleled. Thessaloniki has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, and other places to have fun.

8. Zagori [SEE MAP]

Zagori is a mountainous region in northwestern Greece known for its stunning geology and two national parks. The rugged mountains and thick forests are cut by raging rivers, and the landscape is dotted with quaint, historic towns, many of which are home to grand stone mansions from the late 18th century.

To get the most out of the region, hike along one of the many trails that link the towns. The spectacular Vkos Gorge is the easiest and most rewarding destination to reach.

7. Halkidiki [SEE MAP]

The Halkidiki peninsula is shaped like a trident and is located close to Thessaloniki. The nightlife is in Kassandra, the beaches are in Sithonia, and the monks are on Athos, three distinct peninsulas.

Kassandra is more developed due to its proximity to Thessaloniki, while Sithonia is more peaceful and features campgrounds, hidden coves, and clear waters. Travelers from Greece and Eastern Europe frequent both. The monks of Mount Athos own much of the peninsula's easternmost portion. Travel there requires a boat, and only male pilgrims are permitted to enter.

6. Peloponnese [SEE MAP]

Morea, which literally means "mulberry leaf," was the traditional name for the Peloponnese because of its resemblance to a large leaf. Peloponnese is a large peninsula in the extreme southwestern corner of both Europe and Greece, linked to the rest of the country by the Rio-Antirrio Bridge.

Peloponnese's long history is reflected in the region's many historic landmarks, including Greek temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches, and Mycenaean palaces. Olympia, site of the original Olympic Games named after Zeus, is among these historic sites.

5. Delphi [SEE MAP]

After the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi is the most visited ancient site in all of Greece. Delphi, which is about 2.5 hours away from Athens and situated on the foothills of the majestic Mount Parnassus, was once considered by the ancient Greeks to be the very center of the world. Oracle of Delphi, Greece, was revered for its association with the god Apollo.

People from all walks of life, including farmers, lovers, and politicians, would visit this holy site to seek counsel from the priestess. Important historical buildings that once hosted the ancient Pythian Games can be found in Delphi, including the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, and the theater and hippodrome.

4. Meteora [SEE MAP]

The spectacular cliffs that rise over 1,200 feet (366 meters) above the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central Greek mainland are called meteora, which means "suspended in the air" in Greek.

Ancient monasteries perched on the cliff tops add to the awe-inspiring beauty of these cliffs. The monasteries at Meteora date back to the 14th and 16th centuries, when monks looking for seclusion and protection from religious persecution constructed them.

3. Crete [SEE MAP]

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is home to a wide variety of scenic landscapes. These range from breathtaking coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees.

Massive urban areas surrounded by bucolic towns whose main attractions are outdoor cafes. Crete is a historical treasure trove, with archaeological remnants of its many ancient civilizations.

Crete Lodging: Where to Lay Your Head

2. Athens [SEE MAP]

Athens has been continuously inhabited for over three thousand years, earning it the reputation as the genesis of Western culture and democracy. The city is an enigma, with its features both ancient and cutting-edge. The Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and the Theatre of Dionysos are just a few of the many well-known ruins and monuments in Athens.

There's more to Athens than just its ruins, though. This busy metropolis is also a major hub for commerce, culture, and partying.

What Hotels to Choose in Athens

Islands of Greece (1) [SEE MAP]

Attracting a large number of tourists each year, the Greek islands are a popular tourist destination. They might be overwhelmed at first by the more than 2,000 islands they have to choose from. The Greek Islands are a paradise for travelers, boasting everything from beautiful beaches to ancient ruins to vibrant harbors to even active volcanoes.

Santorini, one of the Cyclades, is arguably the most photogenic Greek island. Mykonos is a Cycladic island with a modern, cosmopolitan culture that coexists with the island's traditional whitewashed homes and winding alleyways. Rhodes, the largest and capital island of the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea not far from the coast of Turkey, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful beaches and rich history. Corfu, the largest of the Greek Ionian Islands, has been influenced culturally and aesthetically by many different countries over the years. This is especially true of the Venetians and the British.

An Athens-based road map

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