Choose from 159 Fun Things to Do in Greece
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Athens Numismatic Museum
Now supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Athens Numismatic Museum first opened in 1834 and has been relocated several times during its lifetime; its present resting place is the Iliou Melathron (Palace of Iliou), a late 19th century Neo-classical mansion that was once home to German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who discovered Troy. The house, designed by Ernest Ziller in 1881, is as big an attraction as the museum and is surrounded on three sides by manicured gardens full of replicas of classical statues. Inside, a series of grand apartments are filled with highly patterned marble floors, elaborately painted ceilings and wall paintings reflecting Schliemann’s interest in ancient civilizations.
The museum itself is dedicated to rare coins, weights, stamps, medals and gemstones from across the world, mostly donated to the collection by wealthy Greek benefactors. Thematically displayed in a series of lavish apartments are rare and ancient coins from Hellenistic, Roman, medieval and Byzantine times, as well as modern coins from European states. With more than 500,000 artifacts in total, this is one of the most important numismatic museums in the world, with great rarities in the collections including gold coins dating back to Alexander the Great in 356 BC and to the Egyptian Pharaoh Ptolemy I in 305 BC. The library of some 12,000 books is also available for research purposes.
Practical Info
Iliou Melathron, Eleftheriou Venizelou (Panepistimiou) 12, Athens. Open Mon 1pm–8pm, Tue–Sun 9am–4pm. Adults €6, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €4. Special price for admission to National Archaeological Museum, Byzantine & Christian Museum, Epigraphic and Numismatic Museums: adult €15, concessions €8. Take the metro to Syntagma Square; from there the museum is a short walk.
Address: Iliou Melathron, Eleftheriou Venizelou (Panepistimiou) 12, Athens, Attica, Greece 106 71, Greece
Hours: Open Mon 1pm–8pm and Tue–Sun 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors, Students and Children younger than 18: €4
From $ 38
Byzantine & Christian Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum is housed in the lovely Neo-Classical Villa Ilissia in the Athens suburb of the same name; it was built in 1848 as the residence of Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, the philanthropic US-born Duchess of Plaisance. Having had an architectural facelift in 2004, the museum has one of the best displays of Byzantine icons and mosaics on earth. Its priceless exhibits are laid out chronologically to trace the development of early Christian and Greek Byzantine culture from the 4th century onwards, drawing on more than 25,000 treasures from across the Greek world including religious statuary removed from ruined churches in Attica. Among the Coptic priestly vestments, pottery, the frescoes, armor and fragmented mosaics is a world-beating collection of more than 3,000 glittering Byzantine icons. Modern-day religious art in Greece is covered in a series of ever-changing temporary exhibits.
Allow at least two hours to visit this well-curated, well-lit gallery, with multi-lingual labeling and displays spread over several floors. It’s often crowded in summer so get there early in the morning. The Byzantine and Christian Museum sits next door to the War Museum of Athens and close to Aristotle’s Lyceum, the remains of one of the three major academic gymnasia of ancient Athens, which is a pleasant park for a stroll among olive trees and scented rosemary bushes. Further treasures from Greece’s Classical past are on show at the National Archaeological Museum.
Practical Info
22 Vassilissis Sofias Ave, Athens. Open Tue–Sun 9am–4pm. Admission adults €8, seniors & students €4, children younger than 18 go free. Take the metro Line 3 (blue) to Evangelismos or walk from Syntagma Square. Several galleries in the museum’s permanent exhibition are currently closed, with no fixed date for their reopening.
Address: 22 Vassilissis Sofias Ave, Athens, Attica, Greece 106 75, Greece
Hours: Open Tue–Sun 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults: €8; Seniors & Students: €4; Children: Free
From $ 38
Aristotelous Square
The hub of civic activity in Thessaloniki is Aristotelous Square, which was designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard in 1918 after the devastating fire of 1917 that destroyed much of the city center. Sitting on the waterfront just off Nikis Avenue, the square was designed to mimic the vast and grandiose open plazas found in many European maritime cities – such as the Praca do Comercio in Lisbon – and to move away from the chaotic layout of Ottoman Thessaloniki towards an ordered town development plan. Today most of the monumental mansions that line the piazza were rebuilt in the 1950s and renovated again in the early 21st century. It is one of the biggest and most impressive squares in Greece, offering a view of Thermaikos Gulf to the southwest and up the grand boulevard of Aristotelous to the gardens of Platia Dikastirion.
Thessaloniki is northern Greece’s party town and New Year sees crowds spilling into Aristotelous Square for the countdown to midnight before they pile into late-night clubs and bars to celebrate until sunrise. The square is also a popular spot for social events and festivals throughout the year; during the recent unrest concerning Greece’s financial position within the EU, many protests and political rallies also took place here.
Practical Info
Nikis Avenue, Thessaloniki. Open 24/7 free of charge and best
accessed on foot along seafront Nikis Avenue; it’s a five-minute walk from Thessaloniki train station.
Address: Nikis Avenue, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia 54623, Greece
From $ 46
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
The site of the Ancient Olympic Games in Olympia in the Peloponnese was lost to time and earthquake until 1875 when excavation began to uncover the ancient stadium (which could seat 20,000), the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera (where the Olympic Flame is still lit from the sun), and many other important buildings.
Today they are only ruins, foundations and columns mainly but still of great interest and one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece.
Adjoining the site is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which contains some of Greece's most valuable historic artifacts found in the Altis or sanctuary to Zeus. The museum is famous for its sculpture collection including Nike who was said to come down from the sky to hand a palm leaf to the victors. The large terracotta collection is also renowned and this modern museum is a great way to get a feel for how it was to be at those ancient games.
Today they are only ruins, foundations and columns mainly but still of great interest and one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece.
Adjoining the site is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which contains some of Greece's most valuable historic artifacts found in the Altis or sanctuary to Zeus. The museum is famous for its sculpture collection including Nike who was said to come down from the sky to hand a palm leaf to the victors. The large terracotta collection is also renowned and this modern museum is a great way to get a feel for how it was to be at those ancient games.
Address: Greece
Hours: Sun-Mon: 9am-4pm; Tues-Sat: 8am-6pm (last entry 15 minutes prior to closing)
Admission: Varies
From $ 92
Church and Crypt of Ayios Dimitrios
Thessaloniki is home to one of the world’s largest caches of Byzantine architectural treasures, thanks to the city being ruled by Constantinople from the fifth century AD to the 13th. The empire’s legacy can be seen in what’s left of the city walls; in the many Byzantine churches; in Latomou Monastery and, most importantly, in the church and crypt of Ayios Dimitrios. Named after the city’s patron saint, the Christian martyr Dimitrios, the church started life as a small temple – itself built over the
remains of a Roman baths complex – in the fourth century and under Byzantine rule it took its present shape as a five-aisled basilica, built of stone with layers of arcaded windows and two stumpy towers. In the Middle Ages Thessaloniki became part of the Ottoman Empire; in 1493 Ayios Dimitrios was transformed into a mosque and its original Christian frescoes and mosaics were plastered over. It remained a mosque until the liberation of the city in 1912, but burnt down five years later. Restoration
took several decades and the church finally reopened in 1949, with only a few surviving relics of its original decoration, including the glittering seventh-century mosaics around the altar. The subterranean crypt was rediscovered after the 1917 fire and houses the silver reliquary of St Dimitrios as well as a museum showcasing early Christian and Byzantine sculptures, coins and fragments of pottery rescued from the blaze.
Practical Info
Agiou Dimitriou Street 97, Thessaloniki. Open: basilica daily
8am–10pm; crypt Mon 1.30pm–7.30pm; Tue–Thur, Sun 8am–7.30pm; Fri 9am–11pm. Admission free. No shorts or sleeveless shirts. Best reached on foot in about five minutes from the railway station.
Address: Agiou Dimitriou Street 97, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia 54631, Greece
Hours: Basilica: Daily 8am–10pm; Crypt: Mon 1.30pm–7.30pm; Tue–Thur, Sun 8am–7.30pm; Fri 9am–11pm
From $ 29
Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Surrounded by the boutiques and bars that have made Mykonos the Aegean’s most stylish and sophisticated Greek island, the flower-bedecked Church of Panagia Paraportiani is a highlight of a wander through the town’s picture-perfect Little Venice. The island’s most famous and most photographed church is made up of four whitewashed chapels, topped by a further bright white chapel on the upper storey, reached by an external staircase. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the church once guarded the entrance to the town’s castle, long since destroyed.
The multi-layered nature of the church gives it a unique shape, rising from the squared-off white chapels on the ground level to the domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top. Don’t miss the chance snap a photo of the church, standing out in brilliant white against the deep blue sky of the Aegean.
The multi-layered nature of the church gives it a unique shape, rising from the squared-off white chapels on the ground level to the domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top. Don’t miss the chance snap a photo of the church, standing out in brilliant white against the deep blue sky of the Aegean.
Practical Info
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is in Chora (Mykonos Town), the island’s main hub. The church is in the historic Little Venice quarter, on the southern side of the port overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Only one of the ground-floor chapels is open to the public.
Only one of the ground-floor chapels is open to the public.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
From $ 113
Corfu Town
The capital of the Greek island of Corfu, Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Twin fortresses, known as the Old Fortress and the New Fortress, stand atop two hills overlooking the old town, where you’ll find cobbled lanes strung with clotheslines, squares, museums, and an astonishing number of churches for a city of its size.
The Basics
Corfu Town is a charming place for a shop or a wander, and among the best places on the island to delve into local history. The town is a common stop-off on day tours of the island, which typically combine a guided walking tour of the city with stops at the likes of Achillion Palace, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa, Kanoni, and some of the island’s beaches.
For history buffs exploring independently, there are several interesting museums, including the Antivouniotissa Museum, which displays Byzantine artwork and artifacts, and Corfu Living History, a waxwork-filled townhouse showcasing life on the island in the mid-19th century.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Corfu Town is a must for history buffs and souvenir shoppers.
- Wear sturdy shoes for strolling around Corfu Town as many of the streets are cobbled.
- The narrow streets, cobblestone surfaces, and stepped entrances of the old town make wheelchair access difficult.
How to Get There
Corfu Town is situated on the east coast of the island. Travelers arriving by cruise ship usually dock at a port just over 1 mile (2 kilometers) west of the old town, and local buses and shuttle buses run between the two. Local blue bus 15 travels between Corfu Town and the airport, about 1 mile (2 kilometers) southwest of town.
When to Get There
Corfu Town, particularly the historical core, is busiest between June and August. As a visit requires some walking and the midday heat can be intense, it’s best to come either early in the morning or in late afternoon. Note that some restaurants and shops close for a siesta between around 3pm and 5pm.
What to See and Do in Corfu Town
Part of the pleasure of Corfu Town is simply wandering about and seeing what you happen upon, whether a quiet back alley or a bustling square. There are several sights in Corfu Town worth seeking out, including the Corfu Museum of Asian Art, which displays everything from Chinese ceramics to Japanese samurai armour. Elsewhere, the arcade-lined Liston promenade is a good place to shop, while Spianada Square is ideal for people-watching.
Address: Corfu, Greece
From $ 69
Avenue of the Knights (Ippoton)
Running down from the hilltop citadel to the commercial port and crowned by the dramatic Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, the historic Avenue of the Knights (or Ippoton) takes the prize for Rhodes’ most famous street. The noble heart of the Old Town of Rhodes, this was the street where the knights lived and held meetings, and it remains one of Europe’s best-preserved examples of a medieval street.
Strolling the cobblestone thoroughfare effectively evokes the atmosphere of medieval Rhodes, with its narrow walkway cocooned by a wall of honey-colored stone buildings and monumental archways. Lining the 600-meter-long avenue are the Inns of the Tongues, the dining and meeting houses of the Knights, each divided by language, or ‘tongue’, according to their origins and signed with stone-carved codes of arms.
Address: Greece
From $ 533
Corinth
With its spectacular mountainside setting looking out over the Gulf of Corinth, the ancient city of Corinth is one of the most impressive in the Peloponnese. The remarkably preserved Roman ruins are the star attraction for visitors, while the modern town of Corinth sits on the coast, a short drive from the famous Corinth Canal.
The Basics
Most visitors head straight for the archaeological site of ancient Corinth, where the most memorable monument is the Doric Temple of Apollo, which dates back to 540 BC. Other highlights of a walking tour include the Peirene Fountain, the ancient theater, the Peribolos of Apollo, and the Roman Odeon.
It’s possible to explore on a half-day tour from Athens, but full-day tours often combine a visit to Corinth with the nearby acropolis of Acrocorinth, the Byzantine monastery of Daphni, the ancient city of Mycenae, or the seaside town of Nafplio.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to visit the Corinth archaeological site, which includes entry to the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore ancient Corinth; the archaeological site has uneven and hilly terrain.
- Some parts of the site are accessible for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility, but the ground is pebbly in parts and assistance may be required.
How to Get There
Corinth is located along the coast of the Gulf of Corinth on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Cross the Corinth Canal if you’re driving from Athens. Buses run from Athens to the modern town of Corinth, and there are also direct trains from Athens airport. From Corinth town, regular buses run up the short distance to the ancient city, around 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) away.
When to Get There
It’s possible to visit Corinth year-round, but the busiest period is during the summer months of July and August. Making an early start is advisable, but not only to escape the crowds—the ruins offer little shade and the midday sun can be unbearably hot.
Corinth Canal
Linking mainland Greece to the Peloponnese Peninsula, the Roman-built Corinth Canal is an impressive feat of engineering. A hugely important navigational route during the 19th century, modern cruise or freight ships no longer use the narrow isthmus connecting the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf today. However, the dramatic cliffs provide a thrilling backdrop for sightseeing cruises, and the canal bridges are a popular spot for bungee jumping.
Address: Corinth, Greece
From $ 54
Chania Old Town
Located on Crete’s northern coast and framed by a backdrop of looming mountains, the history port city of Chania is one of the island’s most picturesque destinations. Chania’s Old Town is its greatest draw, with its labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, scenic seafront promenade, and beautifully preserved Venetian, Turkish, and Jewish quarters.
The Basics
The best way to explore Chania Old Town is on foot; take a guided walking tour to admire the historic architecture and immerse yourself in local life. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group or private tour. Or, combine a sightseeing excursion with a food and wine tasting tour, and sample Mediterranean specialties such as mezedes (appetizers) and raki (a traditional drink).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available in the Old Town district.
- Chania is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to plan your route in advance as the cobblestone lanes can be a challenge for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Chania is located on Crete’s northern coast, just west of Heraklion. A ferry runs daily between Chania and the Piraeus port in Athens. You can also travel by plane and arrive at Chania International Airport, located nine miles from the city center.
When to Get There
Summer is the most popular time to visit, and the city can get crowded during this time. Visiting during low season means fewer crowds and the possibility of cheaper prices, but many attractions and restaurants close during the winter months.
What to See in Chania Old Town
Bars and restaurants line the waterfront alongside attractions such as the bubble-shaped Mosque of Hassan Pasha and the Venetian Great Arsenal with its brightly painted replica Minoan boat, built for the Athens Olympics in 2004. The district is surrounded by remnants of old Venetian fortifications, and a maze of narrow streets stretch inland from the Venetian harbour, filled with handicraft shops, cafés, and historic holy sites such as the striking Etz Hayyim Synagogue. Nearby, 1821 Square (Platia 1821) is the main hub of Chania Old Town, home to the Greek Orthodox chapel of St Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos), as well as a number of bars and restaurants that spring to life in the evening hours.
Address: Chania, Greece
From $ 81
Cape Sounion
Greek legend says that the king of Athens jumped from a cliff into the water below, forever tying his name–Aegeus–to the Aegean Sea into which he fell. Cape Sounion is where he is said to have jumped.
Cape Sounion sits at the southernmost point of mainland Greece outside Athens. In addition to the promontory's legendary importance, there are also ancient ruins you can visit nearby. There is a Temple of Poseidon dating from the 5th century B.C.E., into which the poet Lord Byron reportedly carved his name in 1810. Because of its geography, Cape Sounion is also a popular spot from which to watch the sun set into the sea.
Archaeological work continues today at Cape Sounion, but the area is more commonly known as a retreat from Athens. Many wealthy Athens residents keep second homes here, and many of the day-trippers to Cape Sounion are Athenians–not just foreign tourists.
Practical Info
Cape Sounion is roughly 76 miles from Athens by bus, and there are many day tours to the area from Athens. Bus tours typically start arriving at midday, so if you can arrange to be there earlier in the morning you'll have a better chance of seeing the temple ruins without the crowds.
Address: Cape Sounion, Greece
From $ 52
Chrissi Island
Measuring just 4.35 miles (7 kilometers) long and 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) at its widest point, Chrissi Island, also known as Gaidouronisi, is small but undoubtedly lovely. This protected nature reserve off Crete’s south coast is blessed with pristine beaches, shallow snorkel-friendly waters, and swaths of old cedar forest.
The Basics
Chrissi Island is a popular day trip from Crete, with visitors coming here to relax amid unspoiled surroundings. Departing from Heraklion and Ierapetra, day tours typically include boat transport to and from Chrissi Island, and free time on the island to do as you wish. Lounge on the pink-tinged sands—the result of crushed shells—or explore the island’s scant Minoan ruins and a 13th-century chapel. The island’s calm shallow waters also lend themselves well to snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chrissi Island is a must for beach lovers.
- A small tavern is located on the island, but prices can be high so you may want to bring your own food and snacks.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
How to Get There
Chrissi island is situated about 9 miles (14.50 kilometers) south of Ierapetra, on the Greek island of Crete. Boats run from the quay in Ierapetra.
When to Get There
Boats depart from around mid-May through October. If you’re coming here for beach time, the best weather is usually between June and September. The island sees the most tourists arrive in July and August. During these months, arrive early in the day to get in ahead of the crowds.
The Beaches of Chrissi Island
Most boats pull into a small harbor near Chrissi Island’s South Beach, where you’ll find umbrellas, cedars, and shallow waters for swimming. Just a short walk from the harbor is Belegrina Beach, where gorgeous pink-tinged sands (caused by the many shell fragments broken up into them), are met by translucent waters. Walking west from here, you’ll reach the secluded beach of Hatzivolakas; swim shoes are advised here as the seabed is rocky.
Address: Chrysi Island, Greece, Greece
From $ 64
Blue Caves
The bright blue, turquoise waters of the Greek Islands have inspired many a postcard, but it is difficult to imagine a more beautiful spot than the Blue Caves of Zakinthos, an island with a unique landscape of steep coastal cliffs, green valleys and many gulfs and beaches.
Carved by thousands of years of erosion and changes in geology, the Blue Caves are most famous for the color of the water in the deepest sections, which glows particularly brightly in the morning hours. The reflection of the clear blue waters on the white stone walls of the caves creates an almost surreal environment that can be seen on a boat cruise of the area.
Practical Info
The Blue Caves are located on the northern part of Zakynthos, east of Cape Skinari. They can be reached via boat cruise.
Address: Ionian Islands, Greece, Greece
From $ 42
Balos Beach and Lagoon
Bridging the gap between the wild Gramvousa Peninsula and the idyllic Cape Tigani, Balos Beach is a startlingly blue lagoon, framed by jagged sea cliffs and pristine pink and white sand beaches. A pocket of paradise, Balos Beach is one of Crete’s most photographed natural beaches.
The Basics
The best way to experience the natural beauty of Balos Beach, is on a boat trip, which affords stunning views of the lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea. A typical full-day tour begins at Rethymnon, Georgioupolis, Kolymbari, or Chania. Continue on to discover the caves around Kissamos Bay, the beautiful beaches of Gramvousa Island, and Imeri Gramvousa fortress, before diving in to swim in the lagoon’s turquoise waters.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Between April and October, visitor facilities include restrooms, a beach café, and sun beds.
- Visitors arriving by road are required to pay a small entrance fee to enter the Balos Reserve and parking area.
How to Get There
Balos Beach is located along the Gramvousa Peninsula on the northwest coast of Crete, around 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Chania and 11 miles (17 kilometers) from Kissamos. Daily ferries run from Kissamos port to Balos, but it’s also possible to arrive by 4WD, following a dirt road from Kaliviani along Cape Gramvousa.
When to Get There
Summer is the most popular time to visit Balos Beach, though the small beach can get crowded—especially in July and August. For peace and quiet, make an early start and arrive before the crowds descend upon the lagoon.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at the Balos Lagoon
The Balos Lagoon is a Natura 2000 reserve, where monk seals and loggerhead sea turtles might be spotted. It’s a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling, and scuba diving—another popular activity around the lagoon—includes the possibility of exploring the underwater wreckage of an English landing craft.
Address: Balos, Crete, Greece
From $ 72
Corfu Cruise Port
The main port on the sun-soaked Greek island serves as a gateway to the pristine beaches of the coastline, the verdant mountainous interior, and Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembarking cruisers can experience Mediterranean beaches, traditional Greek gastronomy, and historic sites.
The Basics
Cruise ships arriving in Corfu dock at Neo Limani (New Port) in Corfu Town. Shore excursions often include guided walking tours of Corfu Old Town, covering sights such as Spianada (Esplanade) square, the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), and ornate 16th-century St. Spyridon Church. Some shore excursions incorporate other island highlights, including 19th-century Achillion Palace, built by Empress Sisi of Austria, and the village of Paleokastritsa, known for its beach and 15th-century Venetian monastery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Corfu shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the cruise port.
- Corfu shore excursions typically last for 5–6 hours and allow you to see not only Corfu Old Town, but also other attractions scattered around the island.
- Note than many restaurants and shops close for a siesta between 3pm and 5pm.
How to Get to Corfu Town from the Corfu Cruise Port
The cruise port is situated just over 1 mile (2 kilometers) west of Corfu Old Town. Local buses connect the port with the town of Corfu, and many cruise ships docking here run shuttle buses to the center of town too. Taxis are available at the cruise terminal, and the walk to town from the cruise port takes 20–30 minutes.
Port Information
The terminal at the cruise port is well equipped with passenger facilities, including an ATM and car rental agencies. A tourist information kiosk can be found on Spianada square.
Address: Xen Stratigou 2, Kerkyra, Corfu 49100, Greece
From $ 105
Arkadi Monastery
Perched on a 500-meter high plateau with a backdrop of hillside vineyards, ancient olive groves and the distant peak of Mt Ida, it’s easy to see why the Arkadi Monastery draws so many visitors. The unique building, with its blend of Renaissance and Greek style architecture, fairytale turrets and dramatic central bell tower, has the presence of a fortress rather than a church, and behind its attractive façade lies a long and bloody history.
Built in 1587 on the site of a 13th-century Byzantine church, Arkadi Monastery is most famous for its role during the 1866 rebellion, when around 900 women, children and guerrilla fighters took refuge in the monastery and were held under siege by Turkish troops. Despite holding out for nine days, the monastery eventually fell to the Turks, but today, the monastery is treasured as a National Monument and an important reminder of the fight for Cretan independence.
Practical Info
Arkadi Monastery is located in central Crete, 25 km southeast of Rethimnon and is open daily from 9am-6pm.
Address: Crete, Greece
Hours: Daily: April-May, Sept-Oct 9am-7pm; June-Aug until 8pm; Nov until 5pm; Dec-March until 4pm
From $ 93
Delos
Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can't miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos, the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Travelers can see firsthand where the ancients lived and clamber over the ruins they left behind. Held sacred as the mythological birthplace of Apollo, Delos was at the heart of the ancient world as an important religious and commercial center, reaching its zenith in the Hellenic period around the 5th century BC.
The huge site sprawls along the island’s west coast, from the stadium in the north to the old trading warehouses to the south. Standouts include the Sanctuary of Apollo temples and the Terrace of the Lions. The remains of private houses surround the semicircular theater, and the site includes several agoras, monuments, sanctuaries and temples. You can see finds from the excavations at the site museum, including the original lions from the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. Another must-do is the climb up nearby Mt Kythnos for views over the island, sea and site.
The huge site sprawls along the island’s west coast, from the stadium in the north to the old trading warehouses to the south. Standouts include the Sanctuary of Apollo temples and the Terrace of the Lions. The remains of private houses surround the semicircular theater, and the site includes several agoras, monuments, sanctuaries and temples. You can see finds from the excavations at the site museum, including the original lions from the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. Another must-do is the climb up nearby Mt Kythnos for views over the island, sea and site.
Practical Info
Delos lies a 30-minute sail southwest of Mykonos, only 5km (less than 1 mile) away. You can take an organized tour to Delos, or catch a boat from Chora Mykonos. Factoring in the return boat trips, stays on Delos are a maximum of six or seven hours.
You can’t stay overnight on Delos, which has been uninhabited since 478 BC. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic and bring all the essentials, including a sunhat and walking shoes.
You can’t stay overnight on Delos, which has been uninhabited since 478 BC. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic and bring all the essentials, including a sunhat and walking shoes.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open Tue – Sun: 8:30am-3pm
Admission: Adults: € 5
From $ 42
Chania Archaeological Museum
Tucked behind the façade of the former Venetian church of St Francis, Chania’s Archaeological Museum can be visited as part of an electric Trikke tour of its charming Old Town. Displays cover the periods from Neolithic and Minoan to late Roman times, and exhibit treasures found during excavations around the town and across western Crete.
The collections are elegantly displayed under the soaring vaulted ceiling of the church’s nave and include models of ships, clay seals, battered Classical statuary and a bust of Emperor Hadrian. Highlights are a bird-shaped Minoan drinking vessel dating from 3000-2300 BC; gold discs from a Neolithic burial site, thought to be from the 9th century BC; an almost-complete mosaic of Dionysos and Ariadne, which was uncovered during building work in Chania and dates from the 3rd century AD; and a charming clutch of carved animals. The Mitsotakis Collection, donated to the museum in 2000, is also on display and encompasses Minoan pottery and jewelry.
The Turkish Fountain in the courtyard outside the museum originally stood in Eleftherios Venizelos Square down by Chania’s Venetian harbour.
Practical Info
Open Tue–Fri 8am–7pm; Sat–Sun 8.30am–3pm. Admission for adults is €2; seniors, students and children is €1. The museum is best reached on foot in the pedestrianized old town. Chania can be reached by daily ferry from Piraeus in Athens, and by plane via Chania International Airport, which is 9 miles (14 km) from the town center.
Address: 28 Halidon Street, Chania, Crete 731 00, Greece
Hours: Tue–Fri 8am–7pm; Sat–Sun 8.30am–3pm
Admission: Adults: €2; Seniors, Students and Children: €1
From $ 34
Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum competes with the Acropolis Museum and National Museum of Archaeology as one of the top three museums in Athens. It was established in 1930 by wealthy philanthropist Antonis Benakis in his neo-classical family mansion opposite the National Gardens, and he kick-started the collection by donating nearly 40,000 pieces of Byzantine and Islamic art to the museum. Further donations from private collectors over the decades swelled the exhibitions and resulted in the museum being extended several times.
Following a revamp in the early 21st century, the oriental and Islamic art was moved to thesatellite Museum of Islamic Art in Kerameikos and there is also an annexe on Pireos Street in the newly trendy district of Rouf, showcasing all that’s best on the Athens contemporary art scene. The Benaki Museum itself now concentrates solely on Greek history from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 through the formation of the Greek state in 1821 and on to the 1922, when the defeat of the Greek army in the Asia Minor Disaster led to the massacre of thousands of Greeks living in Turkey and the displacement of a million more. Showpieces among the museum’s fine collections are rare 17th-century embroidery from Cyprus, vivid traditional costumes from mainland Greece and weaponry from the independence struggles of 1821.
Practical Info
Benaki Museum: 1 Koumbari Street; open Wed & Fri 9am–5pm, Thur–Sat 9am-12am, Sun 9am–3pm, admission €7 (concessions €5 students and seniors); free on Thursday until March 2016. Take Metro line 2 or 3 to Syntagma.
The Museum of Islamic Art is open Thur–Sun 9am–5pm. Admission €7 (concessions €5 students and seniors); free on Thursday until March 2016. The new Benaki Musemat 138 Pireos Street is open Thur & Sun 10am–6pm, Fri & Sat 10am–10pm. Admission depends on exhibitions but is around €4.
Address: Koumpari 1, Athens, Greece
Hours: Wed & Fri 9am–5pm, Thur–Sat 9am-12am, Sun 9am–3pm
Admission: €7
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Attica Zoological Park
For more than 10 years Attica Zoological Park has been the premier destination for wildlife education and conservation in Athens. Travelers can venture through the lush grounds for an up close look at birds, mammals, reptiles and insects from around the world.
Whether it’s exploring the grey hornbills and spurred tortoises of Africa, checking out one of the fun-filled shows at the Marine Mammals’ Educational Center, or traveling back in time on a visit to the interactive Dinosavropolis, there’s something for everyone at this favorite stop for families on holiday in Athens.
Practical Info
The zoo is located in At Yalou, Spata. It’s accessible via Bus Lane 319. Insiders say the zoo is busiest on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so travelers looking to avoid crowds should plan to arrive earlier or later on Sundays.
Address: At Yalou, Spata, Athens, Greece
Hours: Daily 9am-sunset
Admission: Adults €15, Children 3-12 €11, Children under 3 free
From $ 116