Greece: 10 Places to See - Athens, Delphi, Crete, Mykonos
Explore Greece's most iconic destinations across a 2,722 km route spanning ancient ruins, island paradises, and cultural centers. From Athens' Acropolis to Santorini's volcanic cliffs, this comprehensive tour covers mainland highlights including Delphi and Meteora alongside island gems like Crete and Mykonos.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Cape Sounion
- End
- Olympia
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Cape Sounion — Ancient Greek temple of Poseidon perched on a headland surrounded by sea on three sides, famous for spectacular Aegean sunsets.
- Kalambaka and Kastraki — Twin towns beneath towering rock pillars hosting ancient monasteries perched atop natural stone formations, creating a dramatic spiritual and geological landscape.
- Knossos Palace — Ancient Minoan palace complex on Crete dating to Bronze Age civilization, major archaeological site showcasing early Greek culture.
- Acropolis and Parthenon — Hilltop citadel crowned by the iconic fifth-century marble temple dedicated to Athena, symbolizing ancient Greek architectural and cultural achievement.
- Ancient Agora and Theatre of Dionysos — Classical marketplace and amphitheater complex where Athenians gathered for commerce, democracy, and theatrical performances during antiquity.
- Thessaloniki
- Mykonos — Cosmopolitan Greek island destination featuring picturesque whitewashed houses, tiny winding streets, and strict Cycladic architectural preservation.
- Halkidiki — Trident-shaped peninsula near Thessaloniki with three distinct areas: Kassandra for nightlife, Sithonia for beaches, and Mount Athos for monastic communities.
- Peloponnese
- Olympia — Ancient sanctuary in Peloponnese where the first Olympic Games were hosted in honor of Zeus, featuring classical Greek temples and archaeological ruins.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Cape Sounion for sunset viewing over the Aegean Sea from the ancient Temple of Poseidon ruins, a sought-after spectacle.
- Tip
- Cape Sounion is a popular day-excursion destination from Athens, making it easily accessible for a day trip.
- Food
- Thessaloniki offers colorful food markets and small tavernas alongside nightclubs and entertainment venues for dining and nightlife.
- Tip
- Mykonos Town features strict building regulations that have preserved its traditional Cycladic architectural style and character.
- Tip
- Halkidiki is a trident peninsula with three distinct areas: Kassandra has nightlife, Sithonia has beaches and quiet campgrounds, Athos has monasteries.
- Transport
- Mount Athos monastic community in easternmost Halkidiki is accessible by boat and open to male pilgrims only.
- Transport
- Peloponnese is connected to mainland Greece by the Rio-Antirrio bridge.
- Timing
- Delphi is located about 2.5 hours from Athens along Mount Parnassus slopes. It is Greece's second-most popular archaeological site after the Acropolis.
- Tip
- Meteora features historic monasteries dating back to 14th-16th centuries perched on cliffs over 1,200 feet high overlooking Kalambaka and Kastraki.
- Tip
- Crete's landscapes range from stunning coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside with olive trees, plus historic sites like Knossos Palace.
- Transport
- In Fira, Santorini, you can reach the port area via cable car or by taking a mule up 588 zigzagging steps.
- Tip
- Santorini features Venetian and Cycladic architecture, white-washed houses, dramatic views, stunning sunsets, and an active volcano.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Greece - Travel Video