Choose from 159 Fun Things to Do in Greece
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Acropolis of Rhodes
Keeping watch over the northeastern tip of the island, the remains of the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes dominate the skyline of Rhodes city from atop the hill of Ayios Stefanos. Although lacking the typical fortification walls of other ancient acropolis, the Hellenic city of Rhodes is notable for its architectural flair, seamlessly blending the buildings and sanctuaries into the natural landscape. As one of the most accessible and evocative of all Rhodes’ ancient sites, touring the acropolis makes a popular excursion for those staying in the modern city.
Today, parts of the site are still being excavated, but the viewable ruins paint a striking portrait of the former city. The undisputed star of the acropolis is the grand Temple of Apollo, exquisitely restored and partially reconstructed as part of the Monte Smith Park, which crowns the hill. Other notable ruins include the remnants of an 800-capacity Roman Odeion theater; the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, featuring gigantic column drums and Doric style porticos; and traces of the 3rd century BC Hellenistic stadium, which once hosted the legendary Alioi Festival Games.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open Site
From $ 1,053
Ancient Mycenae
Squeezed between two hills on the arid plains of the northeastern Peloponnese, fortified Mycenae was the major settlement in the powerful Mycenaean civilization that held political and cultural sway over the Eastern Mediterranean from the 15th to the 12th century BC. The Bronze Age city is regarded as the home of the legendary Agamemnon and is UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its profound cultural influence upon later Greek civilizations.
Covering around 32 hectares and at its peak with a population of around 30,000, the ruins at Mycenae were excavated in 1874 by Heinrich Schliemann, who also worked at Troy. Highlights include the Lion Gate, the main entrance into the citadel carved with figures of mythical lions; the Treasury of Atreus – also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon; the scant remains of the Royal Palace; and the Cyclopean Walls, whose massive stone blocks are all that remain of the original fortifications. The true showstoppers, however, are the grave circles, believed to be the burial sites of Mycenaean royalty thanks to the numerous precious gold, silver, bronze and ivory artifacts excavated around the tombs, including a gold funerary mask Schliemann believed to be the mask of Agamemnon. Many antiquities discovered at Mycenae are now on show at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens but the smart, white museum next to the citadel still has three halls stuffed with pottery, burial urns, clay figurines, fragments of fresco and a replica of the death mask of Agamemnon. A model of the ancient site can be found just outside the museum.
Practical Info
Mykines. Open daily 8am–7.30pm. Admission adults €3, seniors, students and under 18 €1.50. At 90 km (56.25 miles) south of Athens, it is best accessed by car or bus from Athens in around 90 minutes.
Address: Mykines, Peloponnese 21200, Greece
Hours: Daily 8am–7:30pm
Admission: Adults €3: Seniors, students and under 18: €1.50
From $ 98
Adrianou Street
Adrianou Street is one of the main roads in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens, Greece. It is the oldest commercial street in Athens still in continuous use and with the same layout, direction and use since antiquity. It runs from Thesseion in the Monastiraki flea market towards Hadrian's Arch in the Roman Agora, and it is the largest street in Plaka. The street is located below the Acropolis and is lined with restaurants and cafes.
There are also lots of shops along this road where you can find factory-made items as well as handcrafted pieces sold in shops owned by the artists. It's a popular place to shop for jewelry, postcards, crafts, antiques, and more. Since it is a pedestrian street, it is a good place for a leisurely stroll while exploring the neighborhood. It's also a great place to have dinner with a view of the Acropolis and soak up the atmosphere of ancient Athens.
Practical Info
Adrianou Street is located in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens north of the Acropolis. To get there take the metro to the Monastiraki station.
Address: Adrianou Street, Athens, Attica, Greece 10555, Greece
From $ 37
Anafiotika
Sprawling up the northern slopes of the Acropolis and peeking above the rooftops of Plaka, Anafiotika is a tiny enclave of steep, cobbled alleyways lined with squat, whitewashed stone houses reminiscent of villages in the Greek Islands. The area was developed by skilled craftsmen from the Cycladean island of Anafi, who arrived in Athens in 1843 to work in the building boom that followed independence from the Hellenic Republic. Taking advantage of an ancient decree that allowed people to keep their property if they could build it between sunset and sunrise, the islanders worked on grand neo-classical palaces by day and their own cramped quarters by night.
Part of Anafiotika was torn down in the 1950s and now only around 50 of the artisan dwellings remain, tucked between the miniscule churches of Agios Georgios tou Vrachou and Agios Simeon, both also the work of the Anafi islanders. Their descendants still live in their mini-homes, amid splashes of color from scented gardens and balconies awash with bougainvillea and pots of scarlet geraniums.
Practical Info
Anafiotika is part of pedestrianized Plaka. Take the metro to Monastiraki or Acropoli.
Address: Athens, Greece
From $ 20
Achillion Palace
Located in the village of Gastouri on the island of Corfu, Achillion Palace was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1890. Designed by Italian architect Raffaello Caritto, the palace was built in a Pompeian architectural style and features paintings and sculptures of Achilles throughout. Among the sculptures is the famous Dying Achilles in the center of the palace gardens, sculpted by the Greek Ernst Herter.
After Empress Elisabeth was killed, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II bought the palace and used it as a summer residence. During World War I, it was used as a military hospital and during World War II, it was used by the axis powers as a military headquarters. Eventually, it was turned over to the control of the Hellenic Tourist Organization and today it is a museum with certain rooms and the gardens open to the public. Without a doubt, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Corfu and provides excellent views of Corfu city to the north and of the rest of the island to the south.
Practical Info
The village of Gastouri is located about 10 kilometers south of Corfu city and numerous taxis, tours and buses run between the village and the city throughout the day. The palace is generally open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Address: Gastouri, Greece
Hours: Daily 8am-7pm
Admission: Adults €7
From $ 45
Ancient Olympia
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Olympia in the Peloponnese is world-renowned as the location of the first Olympic Games of the classical world, which were held in in 776 BC; they subsequently took place every four years for almost a thousand years before being disbanded in the fourth century AD. However, the story of Olympia goes back much further, as for centuries it was the holiest and most celebrated shrine in ancient Greece. Pilgrims came from across the Empire to worship Zeus — the father of all Greek gods — and his wife Hera in the temples and shrines of the Atlis (Sanctuary of the Gods).
Excavations at Olympia began in 1829 and today the vast complex is scattered with cracked paving, mounds of stone, crumbling statuary and fractured temples. Only one column remains of the Temple of Zeus, but that is enough to grasp the sheer size of the original building. The temple of Hera is better preserved and it is here that the Olympic flame is still lit before it journeys across the world. Among the jumble of ruins are civic buildings and guesthouses that served ancient pilgrims, plus the stadium, hippodrome, wrestling school and gymnasium where Olympic athletes worked out.
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia is one of the most important in Greece; highlights include a scale model of the ruins, pediment carvings from the Temple of Zeus and a statue of the messenger god Hermes by Praxiteles, one of the most important sculptors of ancient Greece, whose work also adorned the Acropolis.
Practical Info
Archea Olimpia, Greece. Open daily 8am–8pm. Admission site only: adults €6, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €3; combined site and museum: adults €9, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €5. West of Athens in the foothills of Mount Kronios, Olympia is best reached by car; the journey is 187.5 miles (300 km) and takes around four hours via the A7. It is often visited as part of a multi-day tour of classical Greece, and cruise ships visitors from the nearby port of Katakolon can arrange private tours of Olympia.
Address: Archea Olimpia, Pyrgos, Elis, Peloponnese, Greece 270 65, Greece
Hours: Open daily 8am–8pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors, Students and Children: €3
From $ 92
Aegean Maritime Museum
Those with an interest in Greece’s nautical history will find a trove of fascinating exhibits at the Aegean Maritime Museum, housed in a traditional 19th-century mansion in the heart of Mykonos Town. The nautical theme starts before you even step inside, with the museum courtyard dotted with cannons, anchors and ship helms, while inside the displays are crammed with model ships, maps and navigational instruments, shipping documents, and ancient coins.
Among the many highlights is a gigantic lighthouse lantern, impressively restored to its 19th-century glory, which stands in the museum garden alongside a collection of larger artifacts and sailors’ gravestones recovered from around Mykonos.
Practical Info
The Aegean Maritime Museum is located on Enoplon Dynameon Street in Mykonos Town and is open daily from April to October from 10:30a-1pm and 6:30pm-9pm. Adult admission is €4.
Address: 10 Enoplon Dynameon Street, Mykonos 846 00, Greece
Hours: April-Oct: Daily 10:30am-1pm & 6:30pm-9pm
Admission: Adults: €4
From $ 587
Archaeological Museum of Delos
In Ancient Greek mythology, the tiny Cycladean island of Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis; in thanks for the safe delivery their mother vowed to make the island the richest community in Greece. And so it came to pass.
Delos was first colonized in around 1100 BC as a sanctuary to Apollo. By 456 BC the island was under Macedonian control and many of the surviving monuments of this vast, open-air museum date from that era, as its community of 25,000 people became a powerful trading port in the eastern Mediterranean. However, Delos lost its strategic importance in the first century BC and was gradually abandoned.
Excavations began there in 1873 and one of the wonders of the ancient world was unearthed from the UNESCO-listed site covering 235 acres (95 hectares) — only 62 acres (25 hectares) have been uncovered so far — of temples, sanctuaries, villas, palaces, amphitheaters and baths. The most famous of the Delos ruins is the Terrace of Lions, a row of marble lions that guarded Apollo’s sanctuary. Today nine replicas stand in their place, while five originals are found in Delos Archaeological Museum, which has nine galleries displaying finds from the archaeological excavations including mosaics, fragments of marble and stone torsos and heads as well as ivory and bronze reliefs, all dating from the seventh to the first century BC. As well as the marble lions, highlights of the collection include a bronze mask of Dionysos, wall paintings depicting boxing matches and great feasts, and a giant marble statue of Apollo. Considering this is one of the most important classical sites in the world, there is little interpretive information among the Delos ruins, so visit the museum first for an understanding of the history and importance of the island.
Practical Info
Delos, Mykonos. Open Apr–¬Oct 8am–8pm; Nov–Mar 8am–3pm. Admission adults €5, seniors, students & children younger than 19 €3. Delos is accessible by twice daily boats from Mykonos. Additional services run from Tinos and Naxos in summer.
Address: Delos, Cyclades, Greece 846 00, Greece
Hours: Open daily Apr–Oct 8am–8pm; Nov–Mar 8am–3pm
Admission: Adults: €5; Seniors, Students & Children younger than 19: €3
From $ 42
Acropolis of Lindos
An important site in ancient Greece, the Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most important historical monuments on the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese Islands. Parts of the site were built more than 2,500 years ago, and this remarkably well-preserved ruin draws tourists from all over the world.
The Basics
The island of Rhodes has been inhabited for many thousands of years, and it played an important role in ancient Greek civilization. Among the historical sites on the island are the Acropolis of Lindos, 28 miles (45 kilometers) south of modern-day Rhodes city. Sitting on a hill above the town, the Acropolis showcases architectural elements from different historical eras.
The ruined buildings that make up the site include the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, the gateway and monumental staircase of the former Sanctuary, and a covered colonnade (known as a stoa) that once measured 285 feet (87 meters) and contained 42 columns. Many visitors choose to take part in a guided tour to learn more about the historical context of the ruins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the Acropolis of Lindos is via paid ticket.
- The attraction is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
- The site is open to the elements and can get very hot in summer—bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and sturdy shoes.
- Enjoy panoramic views over the town and surrounding area.
How to Get There
The Acropolis is on a hilltop outside the town of Lindos. Access is only possible from the town on foot (or via donkey ride), and the climb to the top is steep and strenuous.
When to Get There
The Acropolis of Lindos is open year-round. From April 1-Oct. 31, opening hours are 8am-8pm, and from Nov. 1-March 31, opening hours are 8am-3pm. The midday sun can be scorching in Greece, so plan to visit early in the morning or later in the day if possible.
Visit the Palace of the Grand Master
If a trip to the Acropolis leaves you with a taste for more history, head to the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes city. Built for the Knights of Rhodes in the 14th century, the fortified castle was a citadel of the Knights Hospitaller, a medieval Catholic military order. In the 20th century, it was used by Mussolini as a summer residence before being turned into a museum.
Address: Greece
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Acropolis Museum
Until the 17th century, the Acropolis survived largely intact but since then a gunpowder accident, a Venetian bombing and tourists have taken their toll. After the creation of the Greek State, it was decided that a museum was needed to protect the heritage of Ancient Greece. The first museum was begun up on the Acropolis in 1865 but it quickly became inadequate. Finally, in 2007, the new 25,000 square meter (6.2 acre) museum near the base of the Acropolis opened.
Today the Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos) houses original pieces from the temples of the Acropolis, protecting them from further deterioration, while also giving their historical context. In the Parthenon Gallery, the famous marble frieze is recreated with both original marbles and casts of those pieces held elsewhere, such as the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum.
The Archaic Gallery has statues which pre-date even the Acropolis itself, and the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis shows pots, children's toys and other things used by the early settlers in everyday life.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the historic district of Makrygianni, only a few hundred meters from the Acropolis itself. The entrance is on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. The Akropolis station of the Metro is close to the museum. Trolley and bus routes also pass nearby.
Address: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens 11742, Greece
Hours: Tues - Sun 8am - 8pm. Closed Mondays, Jan 1, Mar 25, Easter Sunday, May 1 and Dec 25 - 26.
Admission: Adults: € 5
From $ 6
Ancient Akrotiri
Akrotiri came to an abrupt end in approximately 1613 BC with a catastrophic volcanic eruption that buried the Bronze Age settlement in a carpet of ash. Beginning in 1967, excavations of the Minoan town revealed buildings, drainage systems, and pottery, but no human remains or gold valuables, indicating locals had time to flee before disaster hit.
The Basics
The historic highlight of Santorini, Ancient Akrotiri is often visited on islandwide sightseeing tours by bus, minivan, or private vehicle. While the settlement can be explored independently, it’s more rewarding to go with a guide who can provide some context to the ruins.
Some Santorini tours combine a guided visit to Akrotiri with trips to picturesque Greek towns and villages such as Oia, Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio; free time for swimming and sunbathing at stretches such as Perissa Beach or Red Beach; and wine tastings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nicknamed the Pompeii of the Aegean, Akrotiri is a must for ancient history buffs.
- The excavations are covered by a protective ceiling structure, which provides shelter from the hot Santorini sun.
- With level, wooden boardwalks overlooking the excavated site, Akrotiri is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Ancient Akrotiri is situated on the southern tip of Santorini, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Fira. During the summer, local KTEL buses run several times daily from Fira to Akrotiri Beach.
When to Get There
Ancient Akrotiri is busiest during the summer months (June through August). Get here early in the day to experience it at its quietest. Between November and March, take advantage of free entry to the site on the first Sunday of every month.
Delve into Ancient Santorini
Visitors with an interest in the ancient history of the island will want to prioritize Ancient Thera, which showcases ruins dating from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Several museums, including the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum (both in Fira), display objects unearthed from Akrotiri and beyond, while the Santozeum Museum (also in Fira) features frescos from the Bronze Age site.
Address: Greece
From $ 40
Academy of Athens
The lovely Neoclassical Academy of Athens was built in the mid 19th century during the post-independence re-flowering of Greek culture and is home to the national institutes for sciences, philosophy, fine arts and humanities, following in a tradition first established by Plato in around 387 BC. It is part of a triumvirate of neighboring buildings known as the ‘Neoclassical Trilogy’ designed by Danish architects Theophil and Christian Hansen and encompassing the National Library and the University of Athens. With a marble façade, the main entrance is through an ornamental colonnaded portico topped with sculptures on the carved pediment representing the birth of Athena and flanked by statues of Athena and Apollo standing on slender columns – all are the work of sculptor Leonidas Drossis in the 1870s and are guarded by two philosophical-looking sculptures of Plato and Socrates.
The Academy’s imposing marble assembly hall is decorated with murals of the Prometheus legend, painted by German artist Christian Griepenkerl. Alongside its 23 research departments, it also houses the Ioannis Sykoutris Library, where rare editions and manuscripts are preserved. Members of the Academy are elected for life and part of its work is to award intellectual works as well as publishing books and journals. It is not open to the public.
Practical Info
Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue 28 (also called Panepistimiou Avenue), Athens. Metro Line 2 to Panepistimiou.
Address: Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue 28 (also called Panepistimiou Avenue), Athens, Attica, Greece 10679, Greece
Hours: Not open to the public
From $ 39
Acropolis
An archaeological wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the world's most instantly recognizable landmarks, the Acropolis is the star attraction of ancient Athens. Dramatically perched on a jagged clifftop—the so-called sacred rock of Athens—the ruins overlook the modern city and date back to as early as 510 BC.
The Basics
The Basics
The Acropolis complex is one of the most visited attractions in Greece, included on most Athens city sightseeing tours and often combined with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum or other Ancient Greece sites, such as Epidaurus, Cape Sounion, and the Temple of Poseidon. The best way to explore the ruins is on a guided city walking tour, taking in highlights such as the iconic Parthenon, Propylaea (Propylaia), the Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Acropolis
It's impossible to miss the Acropolis of Athens—you can see it from just about anywhere in the city, and the easiest way to get there is on foot. Alternatively, the closest metro stations are Thesion, Monastiraki, and Acropolis. Ticket booths are located at the foot of Acropolis Hill, on both the north and south sides, from where it's a short walk uphill to the archaeological site.
- Choose between a standard entrance ticket and a multi-attraction ticket that includes access to the Theatre of Dionysus, Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library, and the Roman Agora.
- Admission lines can take up to two hours in peak summer, so it's best to book ahead.
- The Acropolis provides little shade—bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water if visiting in the summer months.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.
- Most areas of the archaeological site are wheelchair accessible; a lift is located on the northwest side.
It's impossible to miss the Acropolis of Athens—you can see it from just about anywhere in the city, and the easiest way to get there is on foot. Alternatively, the closest metro stations are Thesion, Monastiraki, and Acropolis. Ticket booths are located at the foot of Acropolis Hill, on both the north and south sides, from where it's a short walk uphill to the archaeological site.
When to Get There
The Athens Acropolis is open all year round, but it can get extremely busy in the summer months. This is also when Athens is the hottest, with temperatures around 85°F (30°C) in July and August. To avoid the crowds, arrive in time for opening at 8am or after 5pm, when most of the day-trippers and cruise passengers have already left. Travelers on a budget might prefer to visit in winter—ticket prices can be reduced by up to 50% from November to March.
The Athens Acropolis is open all year round, but it can get extremely busy in the summer months. This is also when Athens is the hottest, with temperatures around 85°F (30°C) in July and August. To avoid the crowds, arrive in time for opening at 8am or after 5pm, when most of the day-trippers and cruise passengers have already left. Travelers on a budget might prefer to visit in winter—ticket prices can be reduced by up to 50% from November to March.
Where to Enjoy the Best Views of the Acropolis
Find a prime view of the Parthenon at the top of Mars Hill; capture the archaeological site in its entirety from Filopappos Hill, located just southwest of the Acropolis; or gaze out over the Acropolis and the surrounding city from Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens. The clifftop ruins are at their most atmospheric at night—choose a rooftop bar or restaurant in central Athens for a great view of the illuminated Acropolis.
Address: Athens Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Hours: April–Oct: Mon 11am–7:30pm; Tues–Sun 8am–7:30pm; Nov–March daily 8:30am–3pm
Admission: Adult €20, Child €10
From $ 15
Agora of Athens
The political and social heart of the ancient city of Athens, the famous Agora of Athens (or the Forum of Athens) is one of the city's most important archeological sites -- the remainder of the civic center and marketplace where Greek democracy was first brought to life.
Today, the ruins are regarded as the best-preserved example of an ancient Greek agora, standing to the northwest of the Acropolis between the hills of Areopagus and Kolonus Agoraios. Dating back to the 6th century BC (before which it was used as a residential area), the vast area was originally laid out by Peisistratus and featured an elaborate drainage system, a series of fountains and a temple devoted to the Olympian Gods. Later additions included the temples of Hephaestus, Zeus and Apollo, a series of altars and a concert hall, before the agora was finally abandoned after a Slavic invasion in the 6th century AD.
Today, the fragments of the once glorious marketplace provide important clues to the former political, civic and economic center of the ancient world, most notably the beautifully preserved Hephaiston temple and the shopping center of Stoa of Attalos, which now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
Today, the ruins are regarded as the best-preserved example of an ancient Greek agora, standing to the northwest of the Acropolis between the hills of Areopagus and Kolonus Agoraios. Dating back to the 6th century BC (before which it was used as a residential area), the vast area was originally laid out by Peisistratus and featured an elaborate drainage system, a series of fountains and a temple devoted to the Olympian Gods. Later additions included the temples of Hephaestus, Zeus and Apollo, a series of altars and a concert hall, before the agora was finally abandoned after a Slavic invasion in the 6th century AD.
Today, the fragments of the once glorious marketplace provide important clues to the former political, civic and economic center of the ancient world, most notably the beautifully preserved Hephaiston temple and the shopping center of Stoa of Attalos, which now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
Address: Greece
Hours: Summer (4/01 - 10/31) 8:30am - 7:30pm daily; Mon 11am - 7:30pm. Winter (11/01 - 3/31) 8am - 2pm daily.
Admission: 4 EUR
From $ 20
Aqualand Corfu
Aqualand Corfu is the island’s biggest and most popular water park and offers themed zones catering for all ages, carefully watched over by qualified lifeguards. Stretching over an area of 130,000 sq ft (12,000 sq m) landscaped with lawns and mature maple trees, it is a family paradise of water rides and slides, lazy rivers and 15 swimming pools for a day of fun in the sun.
Toddlers up to the age of four can enjoy shallow bathing pools with water showers, playing splashy games on Fantasy Island and exploring the Caribbean Pirate Adventure Pool. There’s a dedicated family area (kids must be aged eight and over) with giant slides, Jacuzzis, a lazy river and a wave pool. Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks from six extreme water ride ranging from the spiraling Hydrotube to the hair-raising Free Fall Plus, which plunges vertically for 80 ft (24 m) into deep water.
Facilities include plenty of free sunbeds and parasols for shade and lockers to hire for a small charge of €5; there are changing rooms and showers as well as food outlets scattered throughout the park and stores selling sun lotion, rubber rings and pool toys.
Practical Info
The water park is open May–Oct daily 10am–6pm. Admission for adults is €35; children are €25 for the two-day pass. One day pass for adults is €27; seniors & children aged 5–12 are €19; aged five and younger go free. Aqualand is three miles (5 km) from Corfu Town. For public transportation, take no. 8 bus from San Rocco Square. The park can also be visited as part of a half-day shore excursion from the cruise-liner port in Corfu Town.
Address: Agios Ioannis Corfu, Agios Ioannis Parelion, Corfu Town (Kerkyra), Corfu 491 00, Greece
Hours: May–Oct daily 10am–6pm
Admission: One day pass: adults €27; seniors & children aged 5–12 €19
From $ 39
Agios Gordios
Agios Gordios is a small village on the west coast of the island of Corfu and can be a great base from which to explore the island by either bicycle or car. Surrounded by mountains, olive groves and cypress trees, the village also features sandy beaches, charming pastel colored homes and a variety of restaurants, bars and shops. At the beach, you will find canoes and boats for hire, as well as a diving center and other water sports. Sunbeds are also available.
From Agios Gordios, you can reach three nearby villages on foot, each within two kilometers. Kato Garouna is a traditional village more than 400 years old, sitting just below Panteleimonas Mountain, which provides great views of the surrounding area. Pentati sits high up on a hill above the famous Ortholithi rock, also providing spectacular views. Sinarades is another traditional village which features a historic folklore museum displaying items from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Just a 20-minute drive away is the Aqualand water park, with pools, water slides, bouncy castles, a large Jacuzzi and a games arcade.
It is also possible to take a day trip from Agios Gordios by boat to Butrint in Albania.
Practical Info
Agios Gordios can be reached in about 45 minutes by buses running regularly from Corfu city. Alternatively, a taxi from Corfu city should cost around 25 Euros and may be a bit faster.
Address: Agios Gordios, Greece
From $ 69
Acqua Plus Water Park
Just a short drive from the beaches of Heraklion, Acqua Plus Water Park is the largest and most popular water park in Crete. With more than 50 different slides, games, and activities, the park has plenty to do for all ages and preferences, from daring water slides to a scenic lazy-river cruise.
The Basics
Acqua Plus Water Park entrance tickets include access to all the park’s attractions, and shuttle transportation is available from locations all around Crete. Inside, the park is split into two main sections, with one area suited for younger kids and the other for older children and adults, although visitors can move freely between the two.
Things to Know Before You Go
- On-site facilities include lockers, free sunbeds and parasols, free Wi-Fi, and a selection of cafés and restaurants.
- Coded bracelets are issued to each visitor at the park’s entrance and can be used to purchase items at the shop and restaurants. Payment can be made by cash or credit card at the end of your stay.
- Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Free parking is available on-site.
- There are swimming areas and activities suitable for all ages, but some slides and activities have height restrictions.
- The park and pools are wheelchair accessible, but not all of the activities are suitable for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Acqua Plus Water Park is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Hersonissos along the north coast of Crete. Shuttle buses run to the park from towns all around the island, including Heraklion, Hersonissos, Plaka, and Agia Pelagia, and include hotel (or near-hotel) pickup. Alternatively, you’ll need to drive or take a taxi.
When to Get There
Acqua Plus Water Park is open from May to October, but the busiest time is in peak season (July and August), when opening hours are also extended. If you’re driving, plan to get there when the park opens at 10am to secure a parking spot and head inside before the shuttle buses arrive.
Family Fun at Acqua Plus Water Park
Adrenaline seekers can tackle extreme slides like the Tsunami, the Extreme Kamikaze, or the Black Hole; race against each other on the Multirace Slides; or take a spin in the Spacebowl, before relaxing in the Hydromassage pool. For younger kids, there’s a selection of smaller slides, including a mini Hydrotube. If you want a break from the water, other options include a fish spa, henna tattoo parlor, pool tables and table tennis, and massage service.
Address: Crete, Greece
Hours: Open May - September
Admission: Adults: €27, Kids: €17
From $ 31
Ancient Kamiros
One of the three Doric cities mentioned by Homer that once reigned over the ancient island of Rhodes, the ancient city of Kamiros stretches along the northwest coast of the island, in the shadows of Mt Akramytis. Kamiros was once one of the most prominent cities in the Dodecanese islands, thriving off local figs, wine and oil production, and the first Rhodian city to cut its own coins. The city joined forces with neighboring Lindos and lalysos to form the modern day city-state of Rhodes in 5th century BC, but was eventually deserted and abandoned.
The Hellenistic ruins of Kamiros were first discovered in 1929, unearthing traces of the 3rd Century BC city, which had mysteriously buried over time. Today, archeological finds from Kamiros can be found on display in the Louvre, the British Museum and the archaeological Museum of Rhodes, but the remains of the agora, temple and reservoir still stand on the ancient site.
Wandering through the ruins, it’s possible to envision the grandeur of the former city. Built on three levels, the city was crowned by the hilltop Acropolis, offering spectacular views along the coastline, and leads down to the Hellenistic temple, Doric Fountain-house, Agora and Peribolos of the Altars.
Address: Greece
Hours: Tues-Fri: 8am - 7:40pm
Sat-Mon: 8am - 2:40pm
Admission: € 4
From $ 147
Anthony Quinn Bay
Who would have thought that a small, rocky bay hidden on the coast of Rhodes island would be the subject of a court case, but that’s exactly what happened in the 1990s, when the local government decided to revoke the rights of the bay’s namesake. Named in honor of actor Anthony Quinn, who fell in love with the secluded beach whilst filming the 1961 hit The Guns of Navarone in Rhodes, the bay was gifted to him in thanks for putting the island on the map. Later however, as Quinn progressed with plans to transform the space into an arts and film center, the ‘gift’ was taken away, causing friction between the actor and his beloved second home.
Today, the bay still keeps its name and makes a popular spot for beachgoers, who can be found sprawled on deckchairs along the small, pebbled beach. With an expanse of shallow emerald green water framed by dramatic coastal rocks, this is one of the island’s most undeniably picturesque beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing or simply watching the sunset. The bay’s clear waters and rugged coastline also make it a great destination for snorkeling, with colorful reefs running along the rocks and waters teeming with fish.
Address: Greece
From $ 81
Ancient Thira
The archaeological site at Akrotiri may be closed, but fortunately you can get your fill of excavations at the site of Ancient Thira. There’s a mix of ruins to explore, including Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine remnants, excavated in the 1890s. Take a tour to identify the different structures – temples, houses, the market (agora), theater and gymnasium.
At its height, this was a thriving center, with dramatic sanctuaries hewn into rock, temples, an impressive theater and porticoed administrative buildings. The central area is the Agora, the old commercial hub, encircled by temple sanctuaries ringing the city. There are also ancient cemeteries here, unearthed since the 1960s.
Don’t miss the views over the coast while you’re here.
At its height, this was a thriving center, with dramatic sanctuaries hewn into rock, temples, an impressive theater and porticoed administrative buildings. The central area is the Agora, the old commercial hub, encircled by temple sanctuaries ringing the city. There are also ancient cemeteries here, unearthed since the 1960s.
Don’t miss the views over the coast while you’re here.
Practical Info
Ancient Thira is on the island’s west coast, on the hilly promontory just south of Kamari Beach.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open Nov 1 - Mar 31, 8:30am - 3:00pm
Admission: Adults: € 5
From $ 319