Choose from 159 Fun Things to Do in Greece
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 159 listings.
Monastery of Profitis Ilias
The monastery of Mount Profitis Ilias is perched on the mountain of the same name, the highest point on Santorini at 1,853 ft (565 m) above the Aegean Sea in the south of the island. Built in the early 18th century out of sizeable stone and resembling a fortress, the monastery was dedicated to the prophet Elijah and initially enjoyed great wealth. It once also functioned as a secret school of Greek culture during the dark days of Turkish occupation of the country, but its power began to decline in 1860 and it was badly damaged by the earthquake in 1956. Today Profitis Ilias is successful once more; its three domed church has become a museum hosting an exceptional and significant collection of Greek Orthodox icons, early, hand printed books and bibles, wrought-iron artwork, wooden carvings and elaborately embroidered clerics’ robes. The resident monks put on displays of traditional carpentry, shoemaking, local cooking and wine making as well.
The monastery courtyard and gardens are a popular spot to watch Santorini’s fabled sunsets and it is possible to see right to the hilltop village of Oia from the top of Profitis Ilias. Panoramas also take in the patchwork of plains and vineyards sit in the mountain’s lee, sheltering the young vines from hot winds blowing in from North Africa.
Practical Info
Pyrgos, Santorini. Open Apr–Oct daily 10am–4pm. Admission €3. A long hike up hill or best accessed by car or guided tour from Fira up an extremely winding road. Dress appropriately, covering legs and shoulders.
Address: Pyrgos, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece 847 00, Greece
Hours: Open daily 10am–4pm Apr–Oct
Admission: €3
From $ 40
Little Venice
Situated in Chora Mykonos (aka Mykonos Town), the waterfront quarter of Little Venice is one of the island’s top sunset-viewing spots. Rows of whitewashed old fishermen’s houses—now occupied by bars, shops, and restaurants—back onto the seafront, their brightly painted red and blue balconies jutting out over the water.
The Basics
Named for its Venetian-style housing, Little Venice is one of Chora Mykonos’ most picturesque quarters. Guided walking tours of Mykonos Town often include a visit to Little Venice, as do shore excursions, which typically add other must-see sights on the Greek island, such as Kalafatis Beach on Mykonos’ southeast coast and Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera. Cruises departing from Chora Mykonos often sail by Little Venice, offering unobstructed views of its wooden balconies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Little Venice is a must for sunset-watchers and photographers.
- Browse the shops of Little Venice, which sell everything from clothes to crafts to souvenirs.
- If you plan on having dinner here, book ahead. Terrace tables quickly fill around sunset.
How to Get There
Little Venice is situated in Chora Mykonos on Mykonos, one of Greece’s Cyclades Islands. The easiest way to get there is on foot. From the windmills (Kato Milli), follow the road leading toward the sea.
When to Get There
Little Venice is postcard-perfect at any time of the day, but especially so at sunset. Plan a sunset cocktail or dinner to fully enjoy the seafront view. From the afternoon on, Little Venice tends to be busy—the later it gets, the livelier it becomes. For a quieter experience, come early in the morning instead.
Nearby Sights in Mykonos
After wandering Little Venice, take some time to explore the rest of Chora Mykonos. Take photos of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, whose gleaming whitewashed exterior contrasts with the blue of the sky and the Aegean Sea. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos to examine ancient artifacts from Delos, and peruse the Aegean Maritime Museum to view nautical memorabilia, including old maps, ship models, and navigation equipment.
Address: Greece
From $ 44
Koules Fortress
Situated at the end of the Heraklion’s inner harbor near the Old Harbor jetty is the Koules Fortress. Koules is the Turkish name for the fortress but the Venetians dubbed it the Rocco al Mare and the Castello del Molo in the 16th Century. It was a defensive mechanism, which stopped the Turks for 22 years and then became a Turkish prison for Cretan rebels. The harbor is now a drop off point for commercial and passenger ferries; the inner harbor is a concrete maze of apartments that now forms modern Heraklion.
The exterior is impressive, decorated with three stone lions of St. Mark (a symbol of Venetian imperialism), as well as embankments and cannonballs that will transport you to another century. Inside, you can find art exhibitions. Music and theatrical events are held on the upper level. Make sure to make your way to top for impressive views of the harbor. A thorough visit should take about an hour.
The exterior is impressive, decorated with three stone lions of St. Mark (a symbol of Venetian imperialism), as well as embankments and cannonballs that will transport you to another century. Inside, you can find art exhibitions. Music and theatrical events are held on the upper level. Make sure to make your way to top for impressive views of the harbor. A thorough visit should take about an hour.
Address: North end of 25 Avgoustou, Heraklion, Crete 71202, Greece
Hours: Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun 8:30am - 7pm; Nov-Mar, daily 8:30am - 3pm.
Admission: Adult: 2 EUR
From $ 17
Katakolon Cruise Port
At the western edge of Greece's Peloponnese Peninsula, Katakolon’s deep waters makes it one of few Greek ports able to accommodate the world's largest cruise ships. It’s also the gateway to ancient Olympia, the flame and founding place of the Olympic Games, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
The Basics
The most popular day trip destination from Katakolon is ancient Olympia, 20 miles (32 kilometers) east. Shore excursions typically take in the highlights of the archaeological site, including the Temple of Zeus, the palaestra gymnasium, the archaeological museum, and the Olympic stadium, which held the first Olympic Games in 776 BC.
Those staying in Katakolon can visit the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, enjoy a wine tasting at the Mercouri Winery, relax at Agios Andreas beach, or browse the many tourist shops along the main street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Direct trains and buses run from Katakolon to Olympia.
- Taxis are available right outside the cruise terminal.
How to Get to Katakolon from the Katakolon Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock right in the center of Katakolon, and it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the shops and restaurants of the town, as well as Plakes Beach.
Port Information
The euro is the currency used in Greece. Greek is the official language here, but English is also widely spoken. You’ll find restaurants with free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and currency exchange houses along the main street in Katakolon town.
Address: Katakolou, Katakolon 27100, Greece
From $ 112
Kolonaki Square
The epicenter of modern-day Athens, Kolonaki Square is the most fashionable spot for a coffee break in the city, located right at the heart of the upmarket Kolonaki district. Nestled in the shadows of Mount Lykavettos, the leafy square offers an idyllic setting and its many terrace cafés are brimming with locals during the summer months.
This is the place to sip a cappuccino at a glitzy café, spot Greek celebrities and socialites, and browse the designer boutiques of adjoining streets like Anagnostopoulou and Patriarchou Ioakim. The square is also buzzing with activity in the evening hours, when the neighborhood’s many restaurants, bars and nightclubs fill up with Athens’ most glamorous.
Practical Info
Kolonaki Square is located in the Kolonaki district of Athens, around 2km northeast of the Acropolis.
Did you know? Kolonaki (Column) takes its name from the ancient column that stands beneath the trees in the center of the square.
Address: Kolonaki Square, Athens, Greece
From $ 21
Medieval City of Rhodes
The historic core of Rhodes is its walled Old Town, and the medieval city of Rhodes is so beautifully preserved that it is now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Renowned as the oldest continuously inhabited medieval city in Europe, it not only offers an atmospheric introduction to medieval Greece, but its labyrinth streets and towering palace make it the perfect place to start a walking tour of Rhodes.
The medieval center is still encircled by its original 14th century fortification walls, which took over 200 years to construct and are dotted with gateways and watch towers. Enter through the northern Eleftherias (Liberty) Gate and you’ll find yourself in Simis Square, characterized by its striking medieval architecture and home to the Hellenistic ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite. Nearby, the lively cafes and souvenirs stores of Ippokratous Square and Sokratous street are the main tourist hubs, providing a central point from which to explore the Old Town’s many attractions.
The undisputed star of the Old Town is the dramatic hilltop Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, an unmistakable 14th-century castle, built by the Knights of St John. Leading down from the palace, the stone-paved Avenue of the Knights (Ippoton) is the city’s most famous medieval street, where the Knights once lived, and the nearby Archaeological Museum of Rhodes provides further insight into the island’s long and varied history. Also in the Old Town, the Folk Art museum and the Byzantine Museum are worth a visit, and the old Jewish quarter is home to the Kahal Shalom Synagogue and Museum. Additional sights include the Turkish Library and the Mosque of Suleiman, remnants of the 1522 Turkish invasion of Rhodes.
Address: Greece
From $ 64
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
A vast canyon burrowing between the Kouroupis and Xiro Oros mountains, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge is among Crete’s most dramatic natural attractions – running for almost 3 km along the Kourtaliotiko River. Starting out from the village of Koxare, the scenic canyon winds through the cliffs to join the Libyan Sea coast, where it forms a glistening lagoon fringed by the sandy beaches and verdant palm forests of the Preveli Palm Beach.
Most visitors choose to follow the road along the top of the canyon, enjoying the views over Kourtaliotiko Gorge and stopping to clamber down into the gorge and explore the many caves, streams and waterfalls, as well as the historic Church of St. Nicholas, perched on the hillside.
Practical Info
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located 22 km south of Rethymnon in central Crete.
Address: Greece
From $ 83
Lion Square & Morosini Fountain
Lion Square is a central hub for both tourists and locals. It is a great place to people-watch, have a pastry at one of the many cafes or check out the historic Morosini Fountain. During the period of Arab rule (9th-10th century AD), the square was the largest slave market in the Eastern Mediterranean. In Venetian times (13th-17th century), Lion Square was the site of the Palace of the Venetian Duke of Crete and is also known as the Ducal Palace, where the Duke and his two councilors decided the fate of Heraklion and its people. The Ducal Palace was a two-story building with verandas and vaulted areas on the ground floor which were rented out as shops on the north side of the square. Now, it is home to many souvlaki shops where late night revelers convene.
Morosini Fountain, built in 1628, was commissioned by Francesco Morosini while he was governor of Crete. It is one of the most famous surviving monuments given from the Venetians. In practical terms, the fountain --which spurts water from four lions into eight marble troughs--offered a solution to supplying Heraklion with water at the time, providing 1,000 barrels of water a day. The lion is not connected to water but used a symbol of Venetian power.
The lobes of the fountain are decorated with scenes from Greek mythology carved in relief, mainly mythical water beings such as Tritons (son of mythical God Poseidon), dolphins and nymphs. At the center of each lobe were the coats of arms of the Doge, the Duke, the Councilors and Morosini himself.
Morosini Fountain, built in 1628, was commissioned by Francesco Morosini while he was governor of Crete. It is one of the most famous surviving monuments given from the Venetians. In practical terms, the fountain --which spurts water from four lions into eight marble troughs--offered a solution to supplying Heraklion with water at the time, providing 1,000 barrels of water a day. The lion is not connected to water but used a symbol of Venetian power.
The lobes of the fountain are decorated with scenes from Greek mythology carved in relief, mainly mythical water beings such as Tritons (son of mythical God Poseidon), dolphins and nymphs. At the center of each lobe were the coats of arms of the Doge, the Duke, the Councilors and Morosini himself.
Address: Lion Square, Heraklion, Greece
From $ 59
Memorial House of Mother Teresa
The Memorial House of Mother Teresa stands in the center of Skopje, the city the missionary was born in and called home until she was 18. Built to the east of Macedonia Square on the land where the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church once stood, and where Mother Teresa was baptized, the house opened to the public in 2009.
Travelers can visit to explore the museum and its displays of life-like sculptures depicting Mother Teresa and her family, including the one of the humanitarian as a 10 year old sitting on a stone and holding a pigeon. Exhibits also include memorabilia such as letters, awards, relics and photographs, while an upper-level glass-walled chapel holds mass twice a week. Visitors can head to the gift shop on the main floor to browse books and Macedonian souvenirs. The memorial house also occasionally hosts cultural exhibits.
Practical Info
The Memorial House of Mother Teresa is on one of the main streets leading out of Macedonia Square in the center of the city and is easily accessible on foot from most central Skopje hotels.
Address: Macedonia Street (Ulitsa Makedonja), Skopje, Macedonia
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From $ 13
Meteora
The towering vertical cliffs of Meteora have provided a protected place to pursue spiritual contemplation for centuries. The first hermit monks lived up in caves, but eventually 24 Byzantine monasteries were built (six function today) atop the imposing rock. Part natural wonder, part manmade marvel, the dramatic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction in Greece.
The Basics
Travelers come to Meteora to visit the six operational monasteries and walk the many trails in the area. To get the most out of your visit, book a tour, which will offer historical context. Full-day tours depart from Athens or Thessaloniki to Meteora, or you can make your own way to Kalampaka to enjoy a half-day group, private, or sunset tour. Adventurous travelers can also embark on a hike or do a rafting trip down the River Ionas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and prepare to walk—all but one of the monasteries is reached by steep steps.
- Visitors to the monasteries must have their shoulders and knees covered, and wraps are provided at the entrance.
- The best options for restaurants and cafes are in Kalampaka, so bring a packed lunch if you plan to spend the day.
- Be sure to check the opening days and times of the monasteries in advance as they vary.
- Plan to visit two or three monasteries on a day tour—to visit all six, you will need a 2-day tour.
- St. Stephen's Monastery (Agios Stephanos) is the only wheelchair-accessible monastery.
How to Get There
Meteora is located in Thessaly, about 220 miles (355 kilometers) northwest of Athens, and is accessible by road from the towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki, just to the south. Guided tours often start from Athens, while direct buses and trains run to Kalambaka from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Delphi.
When to Get There
The monasteries are open year-round, but each is closed on a different day, so it’s important to plan ahead. July to October are most popular, and to avoid the crowds, opt for a morning tour. Out-of-season visitors encounter lower entrance fees and fewer crowds, while hikers might come in May or June, before the heat arrives.
Meteora’s Big Six
Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries were built by Eastern Orthodox hermit monks who settled in the area in the ninth century. Most visitors make a beeline for the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, the largest, oldest, and highest, located at around 2,000 feet (615 meters). There’s also Varlaam Monastery, founded in the 14th century by Hosios Varlaam; the dramatically situated Holy Trinity Monastery; Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, renowned for its spectacular frescoes; 16th century Monastery of Rousanou; and the most easily accessible monastery, St. Stephen’s.
Address: Kalampaka, Greece
Hours: Open daily; some monasteries have restricted schedules
Admission: €3 per monastery
From $ 63
Maritime Museum of Crete
The Firkas Fortress at the entrance to Chania harbor was built during the Venetian occupation of Crete between 1204 and 1669; it was originally used as a barracks and prison and has housed the island’s Maritime Museum since 1973.
Spread over two floors of the museum are 13 chronological displays starting with models of ships from Prehistoric times, passing through ancient navigational equipment, and ending with models of destroyers and landing craft from Greece’s modern-day naval fleet. Highlights along the way include plunder from ancient shipwrecks, such as amphorae and cooking utensils; reproductions of Minoan galleys; a Bronze Age trireme; and a model bridge from a World War II torpedo boat. A section is also given over to the German invasion of Crete in 1941, illustrated with photographs and personal testimonies.
There’s a small exhibition of shells showcasing the diversity of Mediterranean sea life and a well-stocked library of maritime books. A visit to the museum is easily combined with a walk around Chania’s Venetian Harbour or can be visited as part of an electric Trikke tour of its Old Town.
Practical Info
Open Apr–Oct daily 9am–4pm; Nov–Mar daily 9am–2pm. Admission for adults is €2; students is €1; children less than 6 go free. The museum is best reached on foot although there is some parking in the area. 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: Akti Kountourioti, Chania, Crete, Greece
Hours: Apr–Oct daily 9am–4pm; Nov–Mar daily 9am–2pm
Admission: Adults €2; Students €1; Children less than 6 go free.
From $ 34
Mandraki Harbour
Mandraki Harbour has been in use since ancient times and was formerly the military port of Rhodes; it was protected from attack by gigantic chains across its narrow mouth and later by the impregnable bulk of the Fort of St Nicholas, built in 1467 and still watching over the marina. Over the centuries the harbor was also a successful and rich trading port but these days its role in Rhodes life is entirely peaceful; a fetching clutch of billionaires’ super-yachts bob in the marina alongside traditional fishing boats and a multitude of tour boats, which depart every day in summer to visit islands off the coast of Rhodes – including Symi and Nisyros – as well as ferrying visitors to local beaches and on diving trips.
The harbor mouth, reputedly bridged by the Colossus of Rhodes in classical times, is now guarded by bronze statues of Elafos and Elafina – the deer that symbolize the island – atop slender stone columns; little remains of Mandraki’s commercial past except three corn mills lined up along the breakwater, where merchant ships once offloaded grain. Nowadays the quays are packed with late-night bars and cafés and floating restaurants have taken the place of cargo ships; a new addition to the Mandraki landscape is the Nea Agora (New Market), built in ornate style by the Italians in the 1930s.
Practical Info
Rhodes Town. Open 24/7. Best accessed on foot.
Address: Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes Town, Rhodes 851 00, Greece
From $ 58
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
Athens is known for its good taste and classic style. Visitors to this ancient city can find all of this and more on a trip to McArthurGlen Designer Outlets. Here, hundreds of designer brands unite under one roof to provide both travelers and locals with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. High-style items can be found at roughly 70 percent off ticket price and open-air cafes, boutiques and tasty restaurants mean it’s easy to make a day of it. McArthurGlen is even home to an adventure playground, complete with slides, games and a carousel, which is sure to keep little ones happy, too.
Practical Info
The outlets are located about 30 minutes from the center of Athens in Building Block E71 in Spata. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Address: Block E71 Gialou, Spata, Athens, Greece
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
From $ 116
Megalo Kavouri
Megalo Kavouri, which means big crab, is one of the two main beaches in the coastal town of Vouliagmeni about 12 miles from Athens, Greece. The second beach is called Mikro Kavouri. Some parts of the beach are sandy while others are pebbles, and there are several coves. Megalo Kavouri has a large sandy cove with shallow water. The roads near the beach are lined with palm trees, providing welcome shade in the hot summer months. The beach is a popular choice for sunbathing, swimming, and other water activities due to the safe waters and the amount of space on the beach. The beaches in Vouliagmeni are consistently awarded the EU blue flags for environmental excellence.
Megalo Kavouri has plenty of beach facilities, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. Several restaurants, cafes, and fish taverns that serve local Greek cuisine are located near the beach. There are lots of hotels and resorts in the area as well. Often people will play beach volleyball and other beach games at Megalo Kavouri. In Vouliagmeni, visitors can see the ruins of the temple of Apollo Zoster as well as other ruins dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
Practical Info
Megalo Kavouri can be reached by public bus from Athens. There is no entrance fee to use the beach.
Address: Vouliagmeni, Greece
Hours: Daily
From $ 103
Kotzia Square
Kotzia Square is located in central Athens, Greece and is lined with neo-classical buildings from the 19th century. One of the buildings here is the City Hall of Athens, which is decorated with busts of famous Athenians such as Pericles and Solon. Another impressive building on the square is the National Bank of Greece. The square was built in 1874 and was originally called Loudovikou Square. The current name is for a former Athens mayor, Konstantinos Kotzias. This square was the starting and finishing point of the men's and women's road race events during the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Ancient ruins and antiquities were discovered here, and now you can see them on display in the center of the square. Tombs, a small building, and part of an ancient road are all on display, reminding us of the long history of this city. In the areas surrounding the square, visitors can find pedestrian streets with plenty of shopping and several restaurants and cafes, some right on the square with outdoor seating.
Practical Info
Kotzia Square is surrounded by Efpolidos Street, Athinas Street, Kratinou Street, and Aiolou Street. To get there, take the metro to Omonoia Square and walk a few minutes south.
Address: Kotzia Square, Athens, Attica, Greece 10551, Greece
From $ 23
Marathi Beach
Comprising two sandy stretches extending from either side of a pier, Marathi Beach overlooks the vivid blue waters of Souda Bay and the White Mountains of Chania. The beach is well sheltered from the elements, meaning the waters are waveless and calm. Traditional tavernas near the sand serve fresh fish to hungry beachgoers.
The Basics
Marathi Beach is a prime sunbathing and swimming destination. Some Crete sightseeing cruises anchor at the beach, giving participants free time to stretch out on the sand, enjoy a typical Cretan meal at the nearby tavernas, or splash around in the shallow waters. Stand-up paddleboarding tours also pass through Marathi Beach, as do scuba diving tours, which typically focus on dive sites near the pine-topped island of Palia Souda, about 1,640 feet (500 meters) offshore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Marathi Beach is a must for families, with shallow, swim-friendly waters.
- Sun umbrellas and loungers can be rented on the beach for a small fee.
- Several beachside tavernas here serve traditional Cretan dishes and Greek fare.
How to Get There
Marathi Beach is situated on the Akrotiri peninsula on Crete’s west coast, about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the city of Chania. Local KTEL buses travel between Chania and the beach several times a day during the summer season.
When to Get There
Marathi Beach is popular among local Greek families, who often flock here on the weekend. To see it at its quietest, go midweek instead. The best months to visit are between June and October, when the sea is typically warm enough for swimming.
Ancient Minoa
Northeast of the beach lies a small ancient archaeological site known as Minoa. Featuring ruins dating back to the Roman era, the site is thought to have been under the control of the ancient city of Aptera, situated on the far side of Souda Bay, and to have served as one of its two ports during ancient times.
Address: Crete, Greece
From $ 68
Manto Mavrogenous Square
Looking out over the Old Port and marking the entrance to historic Mykonos Town is Manto Mavrogenous Square—the lively epicenter of the quintessential Greek Island destination. A popular starting point for walking tours, the square boasts handicraft shops, restaurants, and cafes along its seafront promenade, while its white-painted, blue-shuttered buildings make for a pretty photo opportunity against the ocean backdrop.
At the heart of the square stands its namesake monument, an unassuming statue of Manto Mavrogenous, the Greek war heroine famous for her role in the Greek War of Independence.
Practical Info
Manto Mavrogenous Square is located by the Old Port in Mykonos Town.
Address: Serakonta, Mykonos Town 846 00, Greece
From $ 44
Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
The ornate Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Great Mitropolis Cathedral) is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin and was 20 years in building, finally being consecrated in 1862; it is the official seat of the Archbishop of Athens, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church. The skills of four architects and marble from scores of demolished Byzantine churches were utilized in building the cathedral, which was commissioned by King Otto of Greece and constructed in ornate neo-Ottoman style with twin spires; although this is the most important church in Greece, where kings were crowned and royal dynasties married and buried, it has been under scaffolding for many years. Its three-aisled interior is in Byzantine style, covered with frescoes and priceless icons, and packed with tombs and relics of Orthodox saints.
In the piazza facing Great Mitropolis stands a statue of Archbishop Damaskinos, the World War II hero who saved thousands of lives by fighting against the deportation of Greek Jews by the country’s Nazi occupiers.
Practical Info
Located in Metropolitan Square (Plateia Mitropoleos), the cathedral is open daily from 7am to 7pm. Mass is held at 6.30am on Sunday. Metro Lines 1 and 3 can be taken to Monastiraki.
Address: Metropolitan Square (Plateia Mitropoleos), Athens 10556, Greece
Hours: Daily 7am–7pm
From $ 37
Malia
It might not be as famous as the Palace of Knossos, but in its day Malia was a thriving Minoan city with an impressive palace complex.
These days, however, Malia is perhaps better known for the resorts and Ibiza-style nightlife of the site’s neighboring Malia town.
The seafront palace and town were destroyed by the earthquake that also toppled Knossos, and the ruins you can see on a tour of the site today were built following the disaster.
Walking around the compact site you’ll see the central courtyard of the palace, its ceremonial steps, storage rooms and workshops. One of the excavations reveals an impressive residence with a luxurious bath.
Some of the ancient sculptures and relics unearthed from Malia have been relocated to Heraklion’s archaeological museum. Perhaps the most beautiful and best known is the lovely pendant of golden bees holding drops of honey.
These days, however, Malia is perhaps better known for the resorts and Ibiza-style nightlife of the site’s neighboring Malia town.
The seafront palace and town were destroyed by the earthquake that also toppled Knossos, and the ruins you can see on a tour of the site today were built following the disaster.
Walking around the compact site you’ll see the central courtyard of the palace, its ceremonial steps, storage rooms and workshops. One of the excavations reveals an impressive residence with a luxurious bath.
Some of the ancient sculptures and relics unearthed from Malia have been relocated to Heraklion’s archaeological museum. Perhaps the most beautiful and best known is the lovely pendant of golden bees holding drops of honey.
Practical Info
Malia and the town of the same name lie 34km (21 miles) east of the capital, on the coast.
The site lies 3km (1.5 miles) east of the township of Malia, connected by taxi and bus services.
The site lies 3km (1.5 miles) east of the township of Malia, connected by taxi and bus services.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open: Tue - Sun, 8:30am - 4pm
Admission: Adults: 4 euro
From $ 60
Mikrolimano
Mikrolimano is the harbor area in Piraeus, a short distance away from Athens, Greece. The harbor has plenty of fishing boats and a yacht marina with luxury yachts and smaller pleasure boats, and the area is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The atmosphere feels a bit like being on one of the islands while still being just a few minutes outside of Athens. Many Greek films have used Mikrolimano due to its beauty and atmosphere.
Some people come for the charming harbor itself, but most people come to splurge on a nice seafood dinner or lunch at one of the high end restaurants. The seafood here is not cheap, and it is usually sold by the kilogram, so keep in mind that 1 kilogram equals about 2.2 pounds. If fish isn't your thing, you can still come here for the views and the experience and order steak, grilled meat, or a number of other local dishes.
Practical Info
Mikrolimano is located in Piraeus, about five miles from the Acropolis in Athens. To get there, take the metro to Piraeus and then the #20 trolley to Mikrolimano and go down the set of stairs until you reach the harbor.
Address: Akti Koumoundourou, Piraeus, Attica, Greece 18533, Greece
From $ 346