10 Must-See Places on Mainland Greece

Discover one of the world’s oldest cities as you roam the ancient neighborhoods of Athens and grasp the city’s fascinating history at every turn.

Enjoy local tavernas, take part in rich Greek traditions, and visit famous sites such as the architectural marvel that is the Acropolis. Athens is a bustling European city that invites all to explore at a leisurely pace. It’s easy to get around by foot or car.

Serving as the gateway to the numerous breathtaking islands, among them Santorini, Athens is usually the first stop on a Greek itinerary and it is worth spending time there to appreciate the Top 6 Things to Do in Athens & Santorini.

Highlights: The Acropolis and Parthenon • Plaka • Syntagma Square • Areopagus Rock • Byzantine and Christian Museum

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Learn more: Athens and Santorini Vacation Packages & Tours

This sacred highlight of mainland Greece stands out as a must-see on any Greek itinerary, boasting ruins and temples that intrigue visitors.

A sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo, it was the Oracle of Delphi who gained the most fame, predicting future events and being consulted often by great leaders, such as Alexander the Great and the renowned dramatist, Sophocles.

Just a short transfer and day trip from Athens, Delphi will, in some way, transport you back in time as you trace history in the ruins and landmarks of Ancient Greece.

Highlights: Temple of Apollo • Delphi Museum • Mount Parnassus • Great Views of Gulf of Corinth • Athena Pronea Sanctuary

Recommended length of stay: 1 day

A natural mega rock formation located in central Greece, where six orthodox monasteries teeter on the edge of boulders, Meteora is a superb mainland place to see in Greece.

The Pineios River flows below and pathways on the majestic mountains allow hikers to traverse this wonderland, passing ruins and witnessing nature intertwine with spirituality in a unique part of the world. Marvel at the sheer cliffs of Meteora, discover caves, and spend some time in silence as you take it all in.

Exploring Meteora is one of the Top 8 Things to Do in the Peloponnese with Family, an exciting and inspiring addition to your custom, family-friendly Greece trip.

Highlights: Monasteries of Meteora • Stone Bridges near Trikala • Cave of Theopetra • Magical kikes from Kastraki • Pinios River trails

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

The first capital city of modern Greece, Nafplio is a quaint beach town located on the coast in the Peloponnese.

Its main town square buzzes with restaurants and bars, and narrow alleyways offer a walk through history as you discover shops and treasures that tell the tale of this beautiful city. Over the years, it became an important seaport, with the Castle of Bourtzi standing guard at the entrance of the harbor, a medieval fortress that is a highlight of the region.

As one of the 10 Most Romantic Places in Greece for Couples, Nafplio is a must-see on mainland Greece to visit with your partner.

Highlights: Castle of Bourtzi • Climb the Palamidi Castle • Archeological Museum • Karathona Beach • Sail the Nafplio Coastline

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Olympia is one of the most important archeological sites in Greece and is the place of the ancient Olympic games, said to have been created as a festival in honor of the god Zeus. Serene surroundings make way for ruins that date back to the Bronze Age and of course, a highlight of any visit is the ancient Olympic stadium.

Visit the Olympia Museum to see artifacts that have been uncovered in the area and experience the pleasure of unraveling Greek myths, one of the Top 7 Things to Do in Greece.

Highlights: Ruins of the Temple of Zeus • Ancient Olympic Stadium • Museum of Olympia • Doric Temple of Hera

Recommended length of stay: 1 day

Cited to be the birthplace of Asklepios, the Greek god of healing, in the ancient world, Epidaurus was said to be the most important center for curing ailments of all kinds and was visited by many who came from far and wide.

One of the best-preserved ancient Greek structures has to be the Epidaurus Amphitheater. This limestone masterpiece has the most incredible acoustics and if you stand in the center, sound will be carried up to the very back row.

Highlights: Epidaurus Amphitheater • Asklepieion (Sanctuary of Asclepius) • The Abaton • The Tholos (Circular Building)

Recommended length of stay: 1 day

Mystras is a fortified city, a breathtaking settlement set within castle walls, located close to the famed city of Sparta. In Byzantine times, it once served as the capital of the Despotate Morea and was noted to be the second-most famous city after Constantinople.

Surrounded by small rivers and lakes, and a spectacle of cypress and pine trees, medieval Mystras is simply stunning, lying fixed in place upon Taygetos Mountain, above a modern-day village.

Highlights: Palace of Despots • Archaeological Museum • Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos • Caves of Keadas

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Located in northeast Peloponnese is one of ancient Greece’s most historical sites, Mycenae. According to Greek legends, Perseus instructed Cyclops to build walls out of blocks that no human could lift, creating a fortified citadel upon the fertile plains of Argolis.

The main entrance is guarded by the Lion’s Gate and visitors are encouraged to spend time discovering excavated Grave Circle A, one of the key archaeological sites in Mycenae.

Highlights: Ruins of the Cult Center • Palace of Mycenae • Grave Circle A • Lion’s Gate • Marvel at the Citadel Walls

Recommended length of stay: 1 day

Accessed by boat only, connected to the mainland by a small strip of land, and visible only from the sea, Monemvasia is a fascinating castle-like town standing peacefully on an island off the east coast of the Peloponnese.

Views from the top across the vast sea are breathtaking and a feeling of romance abounds around every corner. Walk cobbled streets and relish the feeling of being transported back in time in one of Greece’s most captivating locations.

As one of 11 Hidden Gems in Greece to Visit, Monemvasia is a must-visit part of the mainland that inspires travelers far from the beaten path and crowded parts of Greece.

Highlights: Elegant mansions • Byzantine Church of Agia Sofia • Church of Christ Elkomenos • Walk the medieval castle walls

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Comprising 46 villages taken straight out of a fairytale, its name translated to mean “area behind the mountain”, Zagorohoria is one of the most scenic and breathtaking places to visit in mainland Greece.

It can be found in the mountains of Epirus and fascinates with fantastical monasteries, stone houses, and bridges, with the village of Papigo one of the most beautiful and popular. Rivers and gorges complete this dreamy scenery, with monuments and museums rounding off the spectacular destination.

Highlights: The Bridge of Klidonia • The Gorge of Vikos • The Village of Papigo • Lake of Drakolimni • Monastery of Agia Paraskevi

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Hidden gems in the shape of beach towns, mountainous medieval monasteries, fortified cities, and ancient Grecian finds, it’s worth spending time exploring mainland Greece on Greece Vacations & Tours. Combine history with relaxing as you take a step back in time, before hitting one of the country’s many idyllic beaches.

For more insight on travel in Greece and ideas to help you plan your trip, explore our Greece Travel Guide.