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Choose from 159 Fun Things to Do in Greece

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Though originally constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John, the current Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a Mussolini-era reconstruction built after the original was destroyed by a 19th-century explosion. The lavish palace now serves as a museum displaying furniture, statues, and ancient mosaics.

The Basics

Visitors can explore parts of the palace interior, including the courtyard and interior rooms. Among the highlights of the collections held within are Greek and Roman floor mosaics taken from the Dodecanese island of Kos. The palace can often be seen during walking and Segway tours of Rhodes, with some longer sightseeing excursions including entrance to the palace and exploration of Rhodes Old Town, the Acropolis of Lindos, and the Acropolis of Rhodes.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a must for history buffs.
No cafe or shop is situated within the palace, but lots can be found in the surrounding Old Town.
Much of the palace, as well as Rhodes Old Town in which it is situated, present challenges to wheelchair users, with steps and uneven cobbled surfaces.

How to Get There

The palace is situated within the medieval center of the city at the top of the Street of the Knights (Ippoton). The best way to get there is on foot. The palace is just a short walk from Mandraki Harbour and the KTEL East Side bus terminal.

When to Get There

The palace is busiest during the tourist season, which runs from April through November, particularly when cruise ships are in port. Even then, the palace is rarely crowded, and it’s likely you’ll get some respite here from the busy streets of the surrounding Rhodes Old Town.

What Else to See in Rhodes Old Town

In addition to the palace, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes—which displays ancient treasures dug up from sites all around the island—is also situated in Rhodes Old Town. Also of note is the Street of the Knights, the 14th-century home of Rhodes former rulers: the Knights Hospitaller. Then there’s the Turkish Quarter, where you’ll find the 16th-century Suleiman Mosque, built to celebrate the Ottoman win over the Knights of Rhodes.

Greece

Varies

From $ 68

Panathenaic Stadium (Panathinaiko Stadio)

Athens was the site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896, but the stadium where the events took place - the Panathenaic Stadium - predated those games by many hundreds of years.

The Panathenaic Stadium (also called Panathinaiko Stadio) we see today was built on the remains of a 4th century B.C.E. stadium, which was a refurbished version of a 6th century B.C.E. stadium. It retains its original name, built for the Panathenaic Games in about 566 B.C.E., although the original seating was wooden. In 329 B.C.E. it was redone in marble.

In 1869, the entire site was excavated and renovated, and in 1896 it was the setting for the first modern Olympic Games, when roughly 80,000 people packed into the white marble stands. Today, the stadium holds about 45,000. When Athens hosted the 2004 Olympics, the Panathenaic Stadium was the location for the marathon finish line.

Practical Info

The Panathenaic Stadium is located in central Athens, just southeast of the National Gardens. Admission is €3 for adults and €1.50 for students and seniors. Children under age six get in for free. The entry fee includes access to the site, an audio guide, and the right to run on the track. In fact, you can join Athenians who do their morning jog around the historic track from 7:30-9am. The stadium is open from 8am-7pm during March-October, and from 8am-5pm during November-February.

Athens, Greece

Vary

Adults: €3

From $ 23

Paradise Beach

By day, Paradise Beach is a water sports hot spot, with swimsuit-clad revelers enjoying banana boat rides, Jet Ski jaunts, and scuba diving excursions. Come late afternoon, its legendary party scene gets going as fun-seekers flock to the beach bars and clubs for music, dancing, drinking, and fun.

The Basics

Paradise Beach is one of Mykonos’ most well-known stretches of sand. During the day, people come here to sunbathe, try watersports, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Some beach-hopping Mykonos tours stop here, while scuba diving tours also set off from Paradise Beach.

Later on, Paradise transforms into one of Greece’s most notorious party beaches, as the bars and clubs on the beach fling open their doors. Some beach clubs, such as Paradise Club and Cavo Paradiso, host sets from big-name DJs.

Things to Know Before You Go

Paradise Beach is a must for those who want to experience this Greek island’s legendary party scene.
While the beach is family-friendly by day, it can be a bit too loud and rowdy for children as night draws in.
Drinks, food, umbrellas, and loungers are all available at the beach.

How to Get There

Paradise Beach is situated on Mykonos’ southwest coast, about a 20-minute drive from Mykonos Town. Buses run between Mykonos Town and Paradise Beach, though the schedule changes depending on the time of year. Water taxis also run from Platis Gialos beach throughout the day, but service typically stops in the early evening.

When to Get There

If you want a laid-back beach experience or a few chilled-out drinks, come during the day. If you want to experience the wilder side of Paradise Beach, arrive in late afternoon. The party typically gets started between 4pm and 6pm and lasts until the wee hours.

Mykonos’ Other Beaches

Mykonos has lots of beautiful beaches to explore. Not far from Paradise Beach, you’ll find its neighbor, Super Paradise Beach, which boasts golden sand, clear waters, and a party atmosphere. For a family beach, try Agios Ioannis, which looks across to Delos, or Paraga Beach to the west of Paradise. Northwest of Paradise Beach, discover low-key Psarou Beach, where you can try outdoor activities such as windsurfing and waterskiing, or just chill out in one of the chic beachside restaurants and bars.

Greece

From $ 139

Oia

Perched on the steep edge of the caldera, looking out over the glittering Mediterranean, Oia (pronounced “ee-yuh”) is famed for its dreamy sunsets. Oia is also one of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, with its striking white buildings, blue-domed churches, and atmospheric cave houses burrowing into the volcanic rock.

The Basics

Oia is a popular inclusion on Santorini sightseeing tours, shore excursions, and boat tours, and most excursions time their visit to catch the sunset. Combine a tour of Oia with nearby attractions like the archaeological site of ancient Akrotiri or the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, a visit to traditional villages like Pyrgos or Fira, or a Santorini wine tasting. Alternatively, set sail around Thirassia island, enjoy snorkeling at Red Beach, or take a soak in the hot springs on Nea Kameni island. Then, sail past Oia on a sunset cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants in Oia.
The hilly streets of Oia can be challenging for wheelchair users; it’s best to organize accessible transport and accommodation in advance.
Summertime temperatures can soar in Oia so wear sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring along plenty of water.

How to Get There

Oia is located at the northwestern tip of Santorini island, about 6.5 miles (11 kilometers) north of Fira. Without your own transport, the easiest way to visit Oia is with a guided tour. However, it’s also possible to arrive by taxi or take the local bus from Fira. Hikers can also walk the coastal trail between Fira and Oia, a scenic 3- to 4-hour walk along the top of the caldera.

When to Get There

There’s no doubt that the most atmospheric time to visit Oia is at sunset and the small village can be suddenly overrun by crowds at dusk. To experience the quieter side of the village, plan to spend a night at one of Oia’s boutique hotels or visit during the winter months, when you’ll have the sunset to yourself.

A Walking Tour of Oia Village

Oia’s beautiful architecture and vast ocean views are best enjoyed on a walking tour, and the maze of narrow streets are full of shops, art galleries, and cafés. Stop to visit the tiny Naval Maritime Museum, admire the historic captains’ houses, and explore the ruins of Oia’s Venetian Fortress, then follow the 300 steps from the top of the caldera down to the fishing port of Ammoudi.

Greece

From $ 58

Parliament Building (Vouli)

Bordering the east side of Athens’ focal Syntagma Square, the Parliament Building was completed in 1842 as the royal residence of Otto, the first king of the newly independent Greece. The vast and rather severe Neoclassical palace was designed by German architect Friedrich von Gärtner but was badly damaged by a fire in 1909, when the Royal Family decamped to the Crown Prince’s Palace nearby. It was not until 1932, eight years after the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1924, that Parliament moved into Von Gärtner’s splendid building, from where its 300 representatives, elected for four years, have directed the country ever since. The Main Library is open to the public and other areas of the Parliament Building can be viewed by pre-booked guided tour.

One of Greece’s most important monuments, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was inaugurated on Greek National Day (March 25 1932), the centenary of independence from Turkey, sits outside the Parliament Building. It attracts tourists in their throngs to witness the hourly spectacle of the Changing of the Guard by kilted soldiers from the Evzones (Presidential Guard); a more elaborate ceremony, with marching bands, is held every Sunday at 11am.

Practical Info

Syntagma Square, Athens. Main Library open Mon–Fri 9am–2pm, 5.30pm–8.30pm; Sat 9am–2pm. Guided tours are available Mon–Fri 9am–8pm by advance arrangement. Take Metro Lines 2 or 3 to Syntagma Square.

Syntagma Square, Athens, Attica, Greece 10021, Greece

Main Library open Mon–Fri 9am–2pm, 5:30pm–8:30pm; Sat 9am–2pm. Otherwise by pre-booked guided tour.

From $ 39

Panagia Tourliani Monastery

Ano Mera is the second-largest settlement on Mykonos, and as far from the island’s party-crazy reputation it is possible to get. A whitewashed cluster northeast of Mykonos Town (also called Chora), life rumbles on here as it has done for centuries. There’s a daily fresh produce market in the village square and Ano Mera is popular with local families for leisurely Sunday brunches in traditional tavernas. The village’s chief claim to fame is the 16th-century whitewashed monastery of Panagia Tourliani and its church, which is fronted by an intricate marble bell tower and ornate triple bells.

Founded in 1542 by monks from the neighboring island of Paros and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the monastery’s Byzantine styling is apparent in its red dome and its layout around a fountain-filled courtyard. The interior of the church is awash with elaborate Byzantine decoration in marble, green and gold Byzantine frescoes, carved wood, incense burners and crystal chandeliers among which precious icons flash and sparkle. A fresco of Jesus covers the cupola and the pulpit is covered with gilding and portraits of the Apostles; the wooden altar screen (iconostasis) is carved with scenes from the New Testament dating from 1775, studded with icons and patterned with flowers in red, gold and green. There’s also a small museum displaying richly embroidered vestments and the monastery’s original bells.

Although a regular bus service runs from Chora to Ano Mera, the village and its monastery can also be visited on 4x4 or scooter tours of Mykonos.

Practical Info

Ano Mera, Mykonos. Open daily 9am–1pm, 3.30pm–7pm. Admission €1. The monastery is 5 miles (8 km) from Chora, the main town on Mykonos. There is a limited public bus service between Chora and Ano Mera.

Ano Mera, Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece 846 00, Greece

Open daily 9am–1pm and 3.30pm–7pm

€1

From $ 35

Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)

The Old Fortress is a Venetian fortress in Corfu Town on the Greek island of Corfu. It covers the promontory between the Gulf of Kerkyra and Garitsa Bay and is separated from the mainland by a moat known as the Contrafossa. The western tower of the fortress was fortified by the Byzantines in the 12th century and is known as the New Castle, while the eastern tower is known as the Old Castle. The old town of Corfu initially grew within the walls of the fortress, which was used to fight off three Ottoman sieges, in 1537, 1571 and 1716. None of the Venetian era buildings have survived, so most of those existing today were built by the British.

The most famous fortress on the island of Corfu, the Old Fortress today houses the public library of Corfu and the Hellenic Music Research Lab of Ionian University, as well as the small church of St. George, built in 1840. The grounds are often used for art and culture exhibits and the top of the fortress provides great views over Corfu Town.

Practical Info

To reach the Old Fortress, walk from Corfu town across the iron bridge that crosses the Contrafossa. The entrance is in front of the Liston, near the Esplanade.

Kerkira, Corfu, Greece

Daily 8:30am-7pm

Adults €4

From $ 22

Paleokastritsa

According to legend, the Greek village of Paleokastritsa (Palaiokastritsa) is where Odysseus was shipwrecked and met Nausicaa in Homer’s epic tale the Odyssey. It’s a suitable setting for mythical romance, with a string of beaches, olive groves, and cypress forests set against the glittering Mediterranean Sea.

The Basics

Located on Corfu’s northwest coast, Paleokastritsa is usually included on most island tours or Corfu shore excursions. The island’s small size makes it easy to visit Paleokastritsa along with highlights such as Corfu Town, Achilleion Palace, and the Hill of Kanoni. Most Paleokastritsa tours make a beeline for the hilltop Monastery of Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa, which offers panoramic views of the coastline.

Things to Know Before You Go

Paleokastritsa is a must-see for beach, culture, and history lovers.
Bring sun protection; temperatures can reach over 86°F (30°C) during summer.
The beaches of Paleokastritsa have showers, sunbeds, and parasols for rent, and there are plenty of places to purchase food and drinks.
Dress modestly if you plan to visit the monastery.

How to Get There

Paleokastritsa is located on Corfu’s northwest coast, roughly 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Corfu Town. Buses run regularly between the two towns and take around 40 minutes, but if you plan to explore the surrounding villages and beaches, it’s a good idea to join a guided tour or organize private transport.

When to Get There

Summer (July through August) is the island’s busiest season, so arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach. Shoulder season (April through May or September through November) is a particularly good time to visit, when temperatures are still ideal for swimming and there are fewer crowds. During winter the water is typically too cold to swim, and many hotels and attractions may be closed.

Exploring the Beaches of Paleokastritsa

The coastline around Paleokastritsa is lined with sand and pebble beaches and the cool water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and watersports. Boat trips around the bay allow you to cruise around small caves and rock pools, while during summer speedboats and water taxis hop between beaches.

Paleokastritsa, Greece

From $ 49

Perivolos Beach

Imagine a stretch of slate grey sands fringed by startling turquoise waters and hemmed in by sea cliffs, and you’ll understand why Perivolos is one of Santorini’s most popular beaches.

The island’s longest black sand beach is not only undeniably photogenic, but it’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, with cool calm waters, and thatched parasols and sunbeds lining the waterfront. Perivolos Beach is also notable for its lively atmosphere, with beach bars dotted along the seafront, volleyball nets set up along the sand and ample opportunities for water sports, including jet skiing and windsurfing.

Many tours of Santorini Island include a stop at Perivolos beach and visits are often combined with nearby Perissa beach. Active travelers can even hike or cycle the beach road between Perivolos and Perissa, a scenic 5km promenade that affords dazzling views along the coast.

Practical Info

Perivolos Beach is located on the southeast coast of Santorini island, around 2km south of Perissa.

Santorini, Greece

From $ 40

Pelion

With its traditional mountain villages, blue flag beaches and rambling forests, the Pelion Peninsula serves up some of Greece’s most unspoiled natural landscapes, and you might even recognize it from the big screen – 2008 hit movie Mamma Mia! was filmed there. Curling south from Volos, the 32km-long peninsula is one of the undisputed highlights of Greece’s Aegean coast, dominated by the rugged Pelion Mountain – the fabled ‘Mountain of the Centaurs’.

As well as laying claim to some of Greece’s best beaches, the Pelion peninsula offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, with a network of scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding trails passing through the forests and olive groves, and skiing possible in the winter months. Exploring the villages is another popular pastime – admire the pretty whitewashed houses with their grey slate roofs in Makrinitsa, stroll the idyllic beaches of Tsagarada, or tuck into traditional cuisine in Portaria.

Practical Info

The Pelion Peninsula is located between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea in central Greece.

Pelion, Greece

From $ 1,332

Ornos Beach

The soft, sandy beach at Ornos is found on the southwest coast of Mykonos, draped around a sheltered bay with clear, calm and shallow water that is safe for family swimming and a popular anchorage for yachts. Thanks to its proximity to Mykonos Town, it is busy every day with a mixture of youngsters and families; sun loungers and parasols are available for a small fee and it is backed with a generous supply of seafront restaurants, tavernas and shops as well as cozy apartments, villas and several luxury hotels in what was once a traditional, whitewashed fishing village. Water sports facilities available at Ornos include water-skiing, diving and windsurfing, with equipment for hire and lessons for all skill levels.

Several boat cruises around Mykonos and sailing trips to Delos depart from Ornos Beach; water taxis near Platis Gialos also offer trips to other beaches on the island, including Psarou, Agrari, Elia and Super Paradise.

Practical Info

The beach is two miles (3.5 km) south of Mykonos Town and can be accessed by bus (there are frequent connecting services), car or taxi. It is is also within walking distance of Mykonos Town.

Ornos, Mykonos, Cyclades Islands 846 00, Greece

From $ 101

Olympic Stadium

Greece is where the Olympic Games began in the 11th century BC, as a festival dedicated to the god Zeus. The first modern Olympics was held in Athens in 1896 in the Panathinaiko Stadium, a 4th century BC stadium which was restored for the games. When Athens won the right to hold the 2004 games, people wondered if the chaotic and polluted city could make it work; they did. The result was a rebuilding program which re-invigorated the city and its transport system.

The Olympic Stadium of 2004 was originally built in the early 1980s for the European Olympic Championships and was remodeled by famous architect Santiago Calatrava for 2004. It seats around 70,000 and is now home to the major Athens football clubs and concerts. The stadium is called Spiros Louis Stadium after the winner of the 1896 marathon.

Practical Info

Bus X14 from Syntagma Square takes about half an hour to reach the stadium. The closest train station is Irini on metro line 1.

Spirou Loui, Athens 151 23, Greece

Check official site for event times. Tour reservations are available only for groups of 15 or more people

Adults: €3

From $ 23

Nea Kameni

Centered around a ruggedly beautiful volcanic crater, the small island of Nea Kameni offers a dramatic photo opportunity, with its dark cliffs sculpted from lava rock and natural thermal waters tinted orange by the mineral-rich seabed. Floating off the coast of Santorini Island, Nea (New) Kameni and neighboring Palea (Old) Kameni lie at the heart of the mostly-submerged Santorini caldera, and are Greece’s newest volcanic islands - Nea Kameni dates back just 425 years.

Reachable only by boat, Nea Kameni makes a popular choice for cruises from Santorini Island, with visitors free to explore the unique volcanic landscape and bathe in the natural hot springs, legendary for their healing and rejuvenating minerals.

Practical Info

Nea Kameni is located off the west coast of Santorini Island in the Greek Cyclades islands, and is only reachable by boat.

Nea Kameni, Greece

From $ 40

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Herodes Atticus was an aristocratic and wealthy Greek who funded several great building projects in ancient Athens, including the Odeum (also Odeon or Herodeion), which he commissioned in 161 BC in memory of his wife. Found at the bottom of the southern slopes of the Acropolis, it was a concert hall with 32 rows of seating around a semi-circular, tiled stage and covered with a wooden ceiling to aid acoustics. Able to accommodate an audience of 5,000, the Odeum’s three-story exterior was adorned with four vast arches and decorated with statues of the muses.

Destroyed in 267 AD by Germanic invaders, the Odeum was neglected until the 1950s, when refurbishment saw the seating and stage restored. It is today a popular open-air venue thanks to its spectacular setting underneath the Acropolis and the venue for many magical summertime open-air concerts and staging of classical plays as well as the Athens & Epidarus Festival from June through August.

Practical Info

Dionysiou Areopagitou. Concert opening times and prices vary according to event, otherwise open daily Apr–Oct 8am–8pm; daily Nov–Mar 8am–3pm. Admission (also to the Theater of Dionysus) is €2 or included in an Acropolis ticket. Take the metro to Monastiraki or Acropoli.

Athens 105 55, Greece

€2

From $ 23

Old Venetian Harbor

Chania’s spectacular Venetian Harbour is a symbol of the town’s rich and varied history, built between 1320 and 1356 when it was first under control of the Republic of Venice. Made of butter-colored stone and with its walls stretching for just under a mile (1.5 km), it provided sheltered waters and safe anchorage and was originally a thriving trading port with berthing room for up to 40 galleys. A breakwater was constructed to the north of the harbor to protect the ships from storm damage, and on this St Nicholas Chapel and bastion were built. During Venetian times condemned criminals were executed on this spot. The Firkas Fortress (now the Maritime Museum of Crete) at the entrance to the harbor was built with the dual purpose of safeguarding Chania from invasion and housing Venetian troops.

However the most striking of the edifices along the Venetian Harbour is the lighthouse (no public access), which dates from around 1570 and looms majestically skywards at the harbor entrance to this day. It is Chania’s most-photographed monument and was restored to its original splendor in the 1840s; the lighthouse is magical when illuminated at night.

Today, the Venetian Harbour offers mooring for local fishing boats and pleasure craft; in summer it is a romantic spot to stroll and then enjoy eating and drinking in the many harbor-side restaurants, tavernas and ouzo shops. Even in winter, it’s usually warm enough to sit outside in a café while sipping coffee and enjoying the Cretan sun.

Practical Info

Best accessed on foot. 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.

Eleftherios Venizelos Square, Chania, Crete, Greece

24/7

From $ 19

Palace of Knossos

Once the glorious capital of Minoan Crete and one of the most powerful cities in the eastern Mediterranean, ancient Knossos is a place steeped in legend. Today, it’s Crete’s largest and most important archaeological site, crowned by the hilltop Palace of Knossos—built around 2000 BC—and revealing a fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the earliest European civilizations.

The Basics
The Palace of Knossos is one of the most popular attractions in Crete, but its immense size, little signage, and complex history means it’s worth visiting with a local guide. The best way to explore is on a guided walking tour, taking in highlights of the Minoan palace such as the Central Court, the Throne Room, the Tripartite Shrine, the Grand Staircase, and the Queen’s Hall.

Choose between a standard entrance ticket or a combined ticket that includes access to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Plan to spend around two hours at the archaeological site, excluding wait times.
Ticket lines can be long in peak season—arrive early or book a skip-the-line tour to maximize your time.
Knossos Palace provides little shade, so you should bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water if visiting in the summer months.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.
Many parts of the archaeological site are wheelchair accessible; entrance is free for visitors with disabilities.

How to Get to the Palace of Knossos
Knossos is located 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Heraklion in the north of Crete and is reachable by public transport and taxi from the city. Most visitors opt for a tour from either Heraklion or Rethimno (just over an hour’s drive away).

When to Get There
Knossos is open all year round, but the most popular months to visit are July and August. The site can get extremely busy, so arrive before opening at 8am or after 3pm if you want to avoid the crowds. Expect temperatures of up to 85°F (30°C) in midsummer.

Greek Mythology at Knossos Palace
Historic facts and Greek mythology intertwine at Knossos. While King Minos was believed to have been a real figure, the notorious Minotaur—the half-man, half-bull imprisoned in the palace’s labyrinth—and his creators, Daidalos and Ikaros, are characters of Greek legend.

Greece

Nov–May: 8am–3pm, Jun–Oct: 8am–7pm

Adults: € 6

From $ 59

Nisyros Volcano

The volcanic island of Nisyros lies north of Rhodes, a craggy, mountainous and fertile speck in the Aegean Sea. It forms part of the Dodecanese Islands along with Kos and Tilos, and is an unspoiled treasure that has so far dodged the onslaught of mass tourism.

The volcano that forms the greater part of Nisyros last erupted in 1888 but it is one of the most active in the region. Of the island’s six craters, Polivotis is the biggest, measuring 260 m (853 ft) across and reaching a depth of 30 meters (98.5 feet); it steams gently as gases bubble up from underground. Thanks to all this volcanic activity, thermal springs disgorge their sulfurous waters into the sea at several points around Nisyros; visitors flock to the spa at Loutra on the north coast to take advantage of their healing properties, while other hot springs are found at Thermiani and Avlaki.

Nisyros’s main town of Mandraki is tucked into hills on the northwest tip of the island, a charming waterfront sprawl of squat, white-washed houses and taverna-lined piazzas. Inland Byzantine chapels such as the Church of the Panaghia Faneromeni are scattered across the landscape, accessible by way-marked cycling and hiking trails, but the most startling of the island’s cultural remains is the Paliaokastro, high on a hilltop overlooking Mandraki. Dating from the fourth century BC, this was once a mighty acropolis and fort but now little survives except for fragments of the walls constructed out of volcanic basalt, although two towers have been recently remodeled out of rock surrounding the site.

Practical Info

Nisyros lies in the Aegean Sea north of Rhodes, with twice-weekly ferry services operating between the two islands; crossing time is around 3.5 hours.

Nisyros, Greece

From $ 52

Omonoia Square

Omonoia Square is a big square located north of the central market in Athens, Greece. It's the city's oldest square, and pictures show it was once a lovely square with lots of trees. However, it has been reconstructed several times in order to adjust for the introduction of cars and other vehicles. Six streets intersect at the square, making it a busy traffic hub. Buses, metros, and taxis can all be found here. There are no ancient ruins here like in other parts of the city, but the area surrounding the square is known for its bohemian vibe and cultural mix, and it is popular with students.

You can find affordable hotels, inexpensive restaurants and cafes, and other types of shops here. Nearby are several flea markets as well. The National Archaeological Museum is the most well known attraction located near Omonoia Square. Other important buildings include the Athens Art Gallery and the National Theater.

Practical Info

Omonoia Square is located where Athinas Street becomes 3rd Septemvriou. The transport stop here is called Omonoia.

Omonoia Square, Athens, Attica, Greece 10431, Greece

From $ 23

Parthenon

The star of Athens postcards and arguably the most impressive of all the city’s ancient ruins, the Parthenon stands proud atop the sacred rock of Acropolis, high above the modern city.

Built between 447 and 432 BC, the temple was dedicated to Greek goddess Athena and originally housed her cult image, a giant ivory and gold-plated statue by Fidias. The restored temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a striking reminder of the glory of Ancient Greece with its grand marble façade, classic Doric columns, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The site also serves as a fascinating chronicle of Athens’ history.

The Basics
The best way to visit the Parthenon is on a walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens, including neighboring ruins such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. First-time visitors to Athens can also combine a visit with a city sightseeing tour; a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion; or even a food tasting city tour. History buffs can tack on a tour of the Ancient Agora or a visit to the New Acropolis Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Parthenon is most often visited on half- or full-day city tours of Ancient Athens.
Come prepared for the weather, as the Parthenon is an indoor/outdoor experience.
Wheelchair lift available to the top of the Acropolis.

How to Get to the Parthenon
The Parthenon is located within the Acropolis on a hilltop in central Athens. Entry is via Dionysiou Areopagitou or Theorias, and the nearest underground train station is Akropoli.

When to Get There
The Parthenon is open from April to October, Monday 11am to 7:30pm and Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7:30pm, and November to March, daily from 8:30am to 3pm. As with most popular tourist attractions, you would do well to arrive when the doors open to beat the crowds.

An Awkward Encounter with England
In the early 19th century, when Athens was under Turkish rule, sculptures from the Parthenon were sold to Englishman Lord Elgin. The artifacts, nicknamed the ‘Elgin Marbles’ are now on display in London's British Museum, but they remain a point of contention for the Greek government, which still insists they should be returned.

Athens Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Varies

From $ 15

Philopappou Hills

The Acropolis is Athens’ most famous hill, but one that can’t escape notice (especially as you climb up to the Parthenon) is the nearby Philopappou Hill. This forested hill was once called Mouseion Hill, or “Hill of the Muses,” but has been known as Philopappou Hill since a monument of the same name was built atop the hill in the year 116 C.E. The monument and tomb, the most noticeable part of the hill when viewed from anywhere else in Athens, was for the Roman consul and senator Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos. He was a powerful and respected man in Athens, having lived there for many years, and was a prominent theater sponsor. The monument is a partial ruin today, but you can still see aspects of Philopappos’ life carved into the stone.

Lower on Philopappou Hill, you can also visit what some say is the cell where Socrates was imprisoned in 399 C.E. before he was executed. Many others contend the cell was in the Ancient Agora, but that doesn’t stop city officials from labeling the caves on this hill as “Socrates’ Prison.”

Practical Info

Access to Philopappou Hill is free, and there’s no admission fee to see the monument or the caves called Socrates’ Prison.

Athens, Greece

From $ 34