What to see and where to go in Greece with children? Where to go in Greece

Arriving in this hospitable, bright, beautiful and such a diverse country, you understand that Greece really has everything! This country is rich in attractions, always welcomes guests and is ready to offer a lot of interesting things.

When going to Greece, think about the purpose of your trip. If you just sunbathe on the beach, you can pack your suitcase starting in May. The holiday season in subtropical Greece lasts until October. However, during this period it is too hot in the country, and there are a lot of tourists. So, for exploring historical sights and cultural recreation, it is best to choose April or October, when the number of tourists decreases and the temperature is set at the most comfortable level for walking around the city.

First of all, many tourists go to Athens to see the famous Acropolis, local museums and other interesting places. The island of Crete is also rich in attractions, with many legends and myths associated with it. This island allows you to combine a beach holiday with a cultural one, which is why it is especially popular among travelers.

What else is worth doing in Greece? Of course, try the local cuisine, rich in meat and seafood, appreciate the taste of Greek fruits and wine, taste coffee and sweets. You can't miss such famous places as Mount Olympus and Mount Athos, the ancient Palace of Knossos, the picturesque island of Rhodes and the Temple of Poseidon. In fact, it is simply impossible to see everything that Greece is rich in during one trip, so we will try to briefly talk about the most famous sights of this country.

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What to see in Greece?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

1. The ancient Greek city of Delphi

In ancient times, this city was the center of the country's social and religious life, and even today its ruins make a strong impression. All you can do is walk around and marvel at how skillful the ancient Greek builders were in creating such beauty, which also lasted for several millennia!

2. Medieval city of Rhodes

Previously, this port city was home to one of the seven wonders of the world - the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. And now tourists come here to see the Rhodes Fortress, which in the Middle Ages served as a safe haven for the Knights Hospitaller. The fortress is perfectly preserved and looks very impressive and powerful. You can also see the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, windmills and a number of other interesting objects.

3. Paleokastritsa Beach

This beach, 25 kilometers from Corfu town, is known not only for its exceptionally clear water and soft sand, but also for its rock caves, which every tourist is advised to visit. The bays in this area are incredibly picturesque, and the infrastructure is well developed, so the beach will be a good place for a family holiday.

4. Palace of the Grand Masters (Rhodes)

This palace-castle has 205 halls and rooms, each interesting in its own way. Tourists are advised to see the internal mosaic courtyard, the Hall of Music, Dance and Waiting, the Reception Hall, and the Hall of Byzantine Icons. Particularly impressive is the rich interior decoration of the rooms, among the decorations of which there are many antique vases, Greek amphorae and statues.

5. Acropolis of Athens

This hill in Athens is a must-see for every tourist. Indeed, how can you miss one of the most famous buildings of antiquity! The main objects of the acropolis are the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Nike, however, it will take more than one day to explore all the historical monuments of this place without exception.

6. Venetian harbor of Chania

Very nice and cozy place. During Venetian rule, a harbor was built in the old town of Chania, which today is replete with cafes and fish taverns. Here you can ride a horse along the cobblestone sidewalks or go on a boat trip. However, just admiring the beautiful view and historical buildings won’t hurt either.

7. Mount Olympus

Do you want to feel like a god, Zeus the Thunderer? Then be sure to go to Mount Olympus to look down on the whole world. The ascent will require some physical effort, although there are campsites and rest areas for tired tourists along the way. You can make the climb easier by taking a taxi for the first part of the journey.

8. Santorini Island

This island is rightfully considered the most beautiful in the world! Indeed, it is difficult to imagine something more beautiful than its snow-white houses, descending to the sea of ​​an incredibly pure azure color! The flow of tourists arrives on the island of Santorini in March and does not dry up until November. The island is considered an excellent place for a romantic wedding and family vacation.

9. Samaria Gorge

This is the largest gorge in Europe, which has become a national park. A visit to the Samaria Gorge is possible only as part of a tourist group; the walking route is designed to last at least four hours and will require considerable effort. However, the beauty of the untouched nature of this place will be a worthy reward for travelers.

10. Parthenon

You have definitely seen this ancient structure, if not in photographs, then in the guise of numerous buildings that have become its copies. These slender columns cannot be confused with anything! The Parthenon, of course, now cannot boast of its former greatness, however, it still looks like a striking example of ancient architecture. Work on its reconstruction continues.

11. Ancient city of Mystras

Built in the form of an amphitheater around the main fortress, the ancient city of Mystras truly looks like the “Miracle of the Seas”. Today it represents picturesque ruins, which are surrounded by equally beautiful nature. This open-air museum is protected by UNESCO. The Palaiologan Festival takes place here every year.

12. Melissani Cave Lake

Stunningly beautiful place. Imagine a mirror-clear surface of the water, picturesque rocks on the sides and the bright sun that breaks into the cave thanks to the dome destroyed by the earthquake. Boat rides and swimming in the Melissani cave lake will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Greece.

13. Myrtos Beach

Myrtom Beach has earned a reputation as the best in Greece. Its purest, snow-white sand evokes a strong desire to give up everything and just relax, basking in the sun and listening to the sound of the surf. The beach has a crescent forum and is located in a picturesque bay, so the waves are small. Tourists are offered various services, in particular, rental of umbrellas and sun loungers.

14. Monasteries of Meteora

Looking at these monasteries, which by some miracle “climbed” the inaccessible rocks, you begin to believe in higher powers. The Meteora monasteries have been in operation since the tenth century and have never been closed. Now on cliffs up to 600 meters high there are six operating Orthodox monasteries, male and female, for which certain days and hours are set.

15. Holy Mount Athos

A place where thousands of pilgrims flock from all over the world. Holy Mount Athos is a self-governing community of 20 Orthodox monasteries. Athos is revered as the earthly Destiny of the Mother of God. By the way, women are strictly prohibited from entering here! Violators even face criminal sentences. Men should observe strict dress code and follow established rules.

16. Acropolis of Lindos

This small town on the island of Rhodes is home to the second most important acropolis in Greece after Athens. The Acropolis of Lindos is famous for its unique petroglyph, on which an ancient Greek warship is carved. In addition, here you can see the remains of the temple of Athena Lindia and the residence of the Knights Hospitaller.

17. Mykonos Island

The small island in the Aegean Sea is known as a great holiday destination. The island of Mykonos, with a coastline of approximately 89 kilometers, has both cosmopolitan and family-friendly beaches. The most popular of them are Paranga and Agios Ioannis, which offer beautiful views of the island of Delos.

18. Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach is often depicted on advertising brochures of tourist operators - the place is incredibly beautiful and attractive. It is often called the “shipwreck beach” because the wrecked ship Panayiotis, which belonged to smugglers, still lies here. It is noteworthy that it is impossible to get to Navagio Beach, surrounded on all sides by inaccessible cliffs, by land.

19. Cape Sounion

This cape in the south of Attica is mentioned in Homer's Odyssey. People have long lived here, attracted by the favorable location of Sounion. On the cape there are remains of the sanctuary of Poseidon, near which an interesting archaeological exhibition has been created. In addition, the cape will delight tourists with its amazing views of the sea and nearby islands.

20. Plaka (Athens)

If you want to see Athens as it was many centuries ago, be sure to visit Plaka, the oldest district of the city. Walking along its winding streets with snow-white steps, you can see houses, some of which stand on the foundations of ancient buildings. Plaka is interesting for its taverns, wine cellars and souvenir shops.

21. Delos Island

This virtually uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea is mentioned in many myths and legends. On Delos there are ruins of the temples of Artemis and Apollo, as well as other traces of ancient civilizations. Also of interest are the House of the Dolphins, the Terrace of the Lions, the preserved market square, and the Doric Temple of Isis.

22. Lake Plastira

This lake has recently become a popular tourist destination, despite the fact that it is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. Lake Plastira not only serves as a source of fresh water for the surrounding settlements, but also beautifies the area. The clear blue water surrounded by green shores looks especially attractive.

23. Achilleion Palace

Built at the end of the 19th century, the palace is located near the city of Corfu and attracts tourists with many interesting works of art. Here you can see fancy furniture, as well as many statues of Achilles and paintings of him. The Achilleion Palace is surrounded by a beautiful park, which descends in steps to the sea.

Greece is a port of 4 seas: Aegean, Ionian, Mediterranean and Cretan. Its rich cultural heritage and favorable geographical location make it one of the most visited countries in the world, with Greece ranked 15th in the world tourism rankings.

Features of tourist holidays in Greece

Tourist seasons in Greece are divided into 3 types:

• Beach holidays lasting from May to October.
• Ski. Winter in Greece is the time of the ski slopes; it lasts in ski resorts from December to April.
• Shubtury. They are seasonal and reach their peak during seasonal sales in summer and winter.

Greece has a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Tourists with different wishes and financial capabilities will be able to determine what to see in Greece; the main thing is to choose the right tour. Thus, connoisseurs of a relaxing and elite holiday choose the island of Corfu, and a quiet family holiday - the island of Kos.

The sunniest holiday in Greece is on the island of Rhodes. Resorts located on the mainland are in no way inferior to their island counterparts, but are distinguished by a wider selection of excursion programs and a variety of attractions.

Most Greek beaches are sandy and entry is almost always free.

Greek cuisine is replete with dairy (especially cheese) and seafood, vegetables and fruits, olives and wine. Among meat dishes, the most popular are lamb and poultry, although pork and beef are not prohibited. And, of course, Greek salad, it’s worth trying at least for comparison.

Important! In Greece, drinking alcoholic beverages in public places is prohibited; you can be fined or even arrested for doing so.

Greece has more than 300 sunny days a year. In summer it is hot and dry here, and this is felt more strongly on the islands, while on the mainland the climate is somewhat milder, so high temperatures are more easily tolerated.

The infrastructure in Greece includes all types of transport: land, sea and air.

Hotels in Greece are graded not by stars, but by categories:

• deluxe - 5 stars;
• A - 4 stars;
• B - 3 stars;
• C - 2 stars.

And in Greece, the most romantic resorts offer picturesque wedding venues for lovers. A wedding on one of its unique islands or on the continent itself is a real fairy tale.

What to visit in Greece first

There is an unspoken list of places in Greece that you must visit. And the first of them is the Acropolis - a kind of visiting card of the country. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year to see this ancient landmark with their own eyes. The first temples of the Acropolis were founded in archaic times and, gradually expanding, turned into a small city. Now in its place there are majestic ruins, and sculptures of the Acropolis are exhibited in museums around the world.

Temples of the Acropolis

Then you can go straight to Panathinaikos Stadium. After restoration, the first recorded Olympic Games were held here. The building is in excellent condition; the stadium hosts sporting events and various concerts.

And then you can go to the Temple of Zeus. Its size exceeds even the famous Parthenon, and the construction of the temple took 650 years. And although now the Temple is not in the best condition, it would not be a bad idea to visit it.

Note! In Greece, it is prohibited to export from the country things recovered from the seabed. It is important to remember this when purchasing souvenirs and gifts. .

When visiting the island of Rhodes, a must see is the Palace of the Grand Masters. During the time of the Templars, the pompous palace was the center of ceremonial receptions and negotiations.

What to see in Greece on the mainland

The most beautiful places in Greece are spread throughout its territory. While vacationing on the mainland, tourists can see and visit a huge number of attractions.

In the city of Delphi, which is located north of Athens, its main star awaits vacationers - the Temple of Pythian Apollo. Despite the fact that the temple has not survived to this day in its original form, a visit to this beautiful place is included in most local excursions. Among other things, Delphi is famous for its well-preserved statues of athletes and its ancient stadium, built back in the 5th century. BC e. and the Ancient Delphic Theater, overlooking the Temple of Apollo.

Amazing views of Greece are complemented by the Meteora monastery complex. This place is distinguished not only by its beauty, but also by its unusual history. It was formed under the influence of natural phenomena; over many millennia, huge stone pillars were formed here, some reaching 600 meters in height. Climbing such rocks is dangerous even for climbers, which did not stop hermits from building temples on the tops of the pillars.

Temple of Apollo

Adjacent to this region is the famous Greek Macedonia - the birthplace of the great conqueror Alexander the Great. There is also the holy peninsula of Athos and a whole host of attractions with the prefix “must-see” - for example, the White Tower in Thessaloniki or the Petralona Cave, as well as the monasteries of Holy Mount Athos.

Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki) is currently considered the cultural capital of the country. This is a city with more than 4,000 years of history, bearing the imprints of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Cyril and Methodius were born here.

Note! The beaches in the vicinity of Solonniki are covered with sand mixed with tiny pebbles, and the coast is flat almost everywhere, this is important when vacationing with the family when there is a child.

When wondering where to visit in Greece when planning a trip, you should definitely include the Lion Gate of the Acropolis in the city of Mycenae in your list of places to visit.

Unforgettable landscapes of Greece

What else is interesting in Greece besides its historical and cultural values, beaches and endless blue sea? These are her landscapes.

Mount Olympus can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Surrounded by a national park, the mountain rises above the picturesque shore of the Aegean Sea, and the beauty located near Olympus defies description, because it was not for nothing that the Greek gods chose this place as their home.

Mount Olympus

Another amazing reserve is located on the island of Rhodes - the Valley of the Butterflies. This truly unique place will surprise even the seasoned tourist. Myriads of colorful butterflies, attracted by the smell of storax, intertwine into a magical dance. You can get here along a mountain path, and the journey is not an easy one, but tourists who reach the goal are in for another surprise - at the top there is a 17th-century monastery built by Alexander Ypsilanti.

Interesting! A map of Greek attractions would not be complete without the Peloponnese island. A visit to the Diru cave, replete with stalactites and stalagmites, will be remembered for a long time. For the incredible spectacle that opens up when exploring the Samaria Gorge, tourists are ready to go on even the most difficult route around the island of Crete. The landscapes of Greece are rich in variety; they truly have it all.

The most beautiful cities in Greece and their streets

Tourist Greece is rich in historical and cultural values. Both new and experienced travelers will always find something to see here.

When going to the island of Crete, you can’t help but visit its cities of Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno. Chania is the former capital of the island. The city is known for its magnificent architecture and intricate streets. Chania provides a unique opportunity to admire the historical heritage of Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian culture.

The town of Naxos, located on the island of the same name, boasts great natural diversity. In the city, Venetian mansions juxtapose with Catholic cathedrals and a museum filled with Cycladic figurines.

In the town of Molyvos on the island of Lesvos, hundreds of stone houses are located on the mountain slopes, forming an interesting network of streets, and the Eftalou hot springs are also nearby.

Chora and Mykonos are the most popular towns on Mykonos Island. Chora, for example, is famous for its picturesque alleys, closed to traffic; there are no cars at all. The city preserves the authenticity of the Cycladic culture, which slips through literally all the buildings.

What is the name of the most famous street in Athens? Controversial issue. Perhaps this is Adriana, which has preserved its layout from antiquity to the present day. Or maybe it’s the rows of fountains that decorate Athens Street, or Iera Odos Street, whose name means “sacred path.”

Note! One of the most beautiful towns in Santorini is Oia. It is he who is most often depicted in photographs describing the delights of a Greek holiday. Tourists are drawn here like a magnet by snow-white houses with blue domes, impressive landscapes, windmills and boutique hotels in caves.

The city of Rhodes is the capital of the island of the same name, and its Old Town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tourists can stroll along medieval streets fenced off with stone walls, or go to a pub or tavern with local flavor in the evening.

You can endlessly describe the beauty of Greek cities, but it’s better to see for yourself. In addition to those mentioned, there are also Monemvasia, Parga, Meteora, Nafplio, Lindos, Assos and Symi.

Adviсe:

• Photography of military installations is prohibited in the country.
• In Greece, there is a problem with respecting traffic rules, so when crossing streets you need to look around carefully to see if there are cars nearby.
• When departing from Greece, there is the possibility of a tax refund (TaxFree).
• It is better to bring money into the country on a card, in euros or rubles. For cashing out, the bank charges a commission of around 3-5%.
• Despite the fact that the crime rate in the country is low, it is better to keep your wallet “close to your body” when visiting markets.
• When visiting religious institutions, you must dress modestly, trying to cover your body as much as possible. The female half will have to exchange shorts and trousers for a long skirt, but there is no need to cover their heads.
• Smoking on the streets in Greece is prohibited by law. Although this does not bother anyone, the Greeks themselves smoke on the street. But you should know that the fine for smoking in the wrong place can range from 50 to 200 euros*.

The Greeks are a leisurely people, a week in Greece drags on like thick honey, slowly and languidly, and after spending a little time here, guests no longer want to rush somewhere. And they want to come back even more later, and they won’t be able to see everything in one go.

*Fine amounts are current as of January 2018.

Known for its abundance of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, sunny beaches, delicious cuisine and friendly atmosphere, Greece ranks among Europe's top travel destinations. Greece has both a mountainous mainland and hundreds of islands to offer travelers, where everyone gets their own share of stunning landscapes, historical sites, nightlife scenes and cultural monuments. We present to your attention a brief overview of the main attractions of this country. Here you will learn about what is worth visiting in Greece first and how to spend your time.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the Macedonian region of Northern Greece. Lively festivals, social gatherings and a buzzing nightlife make this city the cultural capital of Greece. Consisting of a historical center and commercial district, Thessaloniki offers both old and new attractions from its Byzantine walls, White Tower and Turkish baths, to colorful food markets, museums and art galleries.

Corfu

A popular sailing destination located in the Adriatic Sea, Corfu is the northernmost of Greece's Ionian islands. Steeped in Greek mythology, Corfu also reflects the varied cultural and architectural influences of the many foreign empires that ruled it over the centuries, from the Romans to the Byzantines, Venetians, British and French. The sights of Greece are displayed here in all their glory.

Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece due to its large beaches and historical significance. Situated in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is the capital and largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Rhodes is also regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in Greece due to its lush pine forests and countless brilliant flowers such as bougainvillea and hibiscus.

Peloponnese

Shaped like a large leaf, the Peloponnese was traditionally called Morea, meaning mulberry leaf. Located in the southernmost region of Europe and Greece, the Peloponnese is a wide peninsula connected to the mainland by the Rio Antirrio Bridge. Interspersed with classical Greek temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and Mycenaean palaces, the Peloponnese reflects the ancient cultures and events of its vast history. Read about the sights of the Peloponnese in a separate selection.

Mycenae

The buzzing nightlife scene and lifestyle-friendly atmosphere are just two of the many reasons that make Mycenae one of the most visited Greek islands. Situated in the Aegean Sea as part of the Cyclades island group, Mycenae is a modern, cosmopolitan society mixed with traditional whitewashed buildings, colorful verandas and labyrinthine streets.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a spacious land of pleasant contrasts, where scenery ranges from stunning coastline to rugged mountains and vast countryside dotted with olive trees. Bustling big cities have spread between quiet villages, centering around outdoor cafes. Steeped in history, Crete still bears archaeological traces of the many civilizations that inhabited it over the centuries.

Delphi

Second only to the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi is the most popular excavation site and tourist attraction in Greece. Situated approximately two and a half hours' drive from Athens along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once revered by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth.

Meteora

The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise more than 366 meters, overlooking the villages of Kalambaki and Kastraki in north-central mainland Greece. What makes these cliffs even more inspiring are the historic Meteora monasteries perched along the peaks. Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, these monasteries were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.

Athens

Inhabited for over 3,000 years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The city presents a confusing mixture of historical and modern features. Athens is known for its archaeological ruins and monuments, such as the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Theater of Dionysus - to name just a few of the attractions.

Santorini

Part of the Cyclades group, Santorini is among the most picturesque islands in the world and is definitely one of the top attractions in Greece. While Santorini is made up of numerous villages, the most famous are Fira and Oia, which cling to cliff sides overlooking the clear turquoise sea. Hundreds of steps zigzag up and the wind blows through these cobblestone alleys and whitewashed buildings with blue domed roofs.

It is the most popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you want to visit this place, you will find a huge variety of attractions: historical sites and more than 60 inhabited islands, whose history dates back more than four thousand years. As well as azure beaches and towering mountain ranges. And, despite the debt crisis and daily protests, it is more popular among tourists than ever.

Mount Athos - Mount Athos or "Holy Mountain"

Attraction Mount Athos or “Holy Mountain” is also a peninsula located in the northern part of Greece. There are more than 20 Orthodox monasteries on this mountain. Athos has the name “Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain” and entry into it is strictly controlled, only men have the right to do so.

Mystras (City of Mystras) - former capital of the Pelopennese

The city of Mystras is located near Sparta. In the Middle Ages it was the capital of the Peloponnese, and its rulers were from the family of the Byzantine emperor. The area was inhabited for a time, but was abandoned in 1832, leaving only striking medieval ruins amidst beautiful scenery.

Lindos (Lindos) - a well-preserved medieval city

- a medieval city located on an island with cobbled streets intersecting between snow-white houses. The Acropolis rises above the city, offering breathtaking views of the picturesque harbors and coastline. The beaches and St. Paul are just a short walk from the city center.

Samaria Gorge (Samaria Gorge) - the largest gorge in the world

The well-known Samaria Gorge is located in the southwest of the island of Crete. It is also the largest in the world and reaches 10 miles in length. Gorge hikes are extremely popular, with more than a quarter of a million tourists taking part each year. The entire walk takes from 4 to 7 hours and passes through forests of centuries-old cypress and pine trees. Then the passage narrows between steep cliffs, and the exit from the gorge is located near the village of Ayia Roumeli near the Libyan Sea.

Myrtos Beach - one of the best beaches in Greece

If you want to soak up the sun, Myrtos Beach is located in the northwestern part of Kefalonia and is known throughout the world for its incredibly beautiful water colors. The turquoise sea water contrasts with the snow-white pebbles that cover the beach. And the steep mountains and high cliffs against the backdrop of the beach decorate this place even more. Thanks to all this, Myrtos Beach has been chosen as the best beach in Greece a whopping 12 times!

Delphi Theater (Delphi) - one of the popular attractions in Greece

In ancient times, the city of Delphi was the most important religious center. But it was decided to build a theater there. The theater was built on a hill, from where the audience had a wonderful view of the temple and picturesque landscapes. The theater originally seated 5,000 spectators, but today it is one of the main attractions in Greece.

Meteora - an incredible complex of monasteries

Another amazing wonder of the world. Meteora (in other words "floating in the air") of central Greece is a complex of monasteries impressively perched on top of rocky cliffs. The very first monastery was founded back in the 14th century. Access to the monasteries was deliberately difficult, requiring either long ladders or large nets. Now all this has been replaced with modern means.

Mykonos (Mykonos Island) - the most visited Greek attraction

The island is widely known as one of the best Greek attractions. The largest town on the island is Chora, a picturesque town with a labyrinth of narrow streets. It is also known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and nightclubs.

Parthenon, Acropolis (Parthenon, Acropolis) - the most famous place in Greece

The Parthenon on top of the Athens Acropolis is also one of Greece's most famous landmarks, and a trip to the Acropolis is not complete without visiting this temple. Construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BC. and was completed only in 432. BC. During its long life, the Parthenon served as a temple, a church, a mosque, and even a gunpowder warehouse.

Santorini (Santorini Island) - the most romantic place

The island of volcanic origin is part of the Cyclades archipelago of the Greek islands. It is famous for its magnificent landscapes, stunning sunsets, snow-white houses and active volcanoes. The capital, Thira, is a reunion of Venetian and Greek architecture, with white stone-paved streets full of shops, taverns, hotels and cafes, while the city itself sits on the edge of a 400-metre cliff. An unforgettable experience. I recommend visiting there.

Greece, with its favorable climate, clear sea, and magnificent beaches, is extremely attractive for a summer holiday with children. But no matter how good a vacation on the soft sand by the warm sea is, you probably want to interrupt it from time to time with other entertainment and interesting excursions around the country.

Of course, there are plenty of famous antiquities, shrines, historical and natural monuments in Greece. They are scattered across numerous islands and the mainland of the country. You can choose to visit Thessaloniki or Kastoria, Kalambaka or Meteora, Athens, Delphi, the famous Argolis (Mycenae, Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion), Vergina, Thermopylae, Dion, Olympus, and explore ancient cities and legendary monuments.

In just a few days, taking a short sea voyage, you can visit the delightful islands of the Mediterranean (Mykonos, Patmos, Milos, Kos, Ios, Santorini, Crete). The duration of such cruises is from 3 to 7 days, and they depart from different ports. For example, to Santorini from the island of Crete, from Rhodes or Athens, the boat will go on other unforgettable journeys.

Many who find themselves in this sunny and hospitable country for the first time have a question: how to approach Greek sights and where to start? After all, even if you come to this country dozens of times, you still won’t be able to see everything with your own eyes. But among the attractions there are some that simply cannot be missed.

It remains to be understood which of all this variety will be most interesting to your child. Of course, you need to take into account the age of the children and the location of the resort.

Sights of Greece

Since many of us, when going to Greece, begin our journey around the country from its capital, Athens, it is simply impossible not to see its best places at the beginning of your journey or, on the contrary, when completing it.

Antique monuments of ancient Athens

The Athenian Acropolis, the Parthenon (a temple with a well-preserved central part with 50 columns), the grandiose Erechtheinon, a structure with columns in the form of sculptures of six beauties - caryatids, with partially preserved frescoes and mosaics, the temple of the goddess Nike, the Theater of Dionysus, the Roman Agora with the Tower of the Winds, The solemn Arch of Hadrian is a must-see place in Athens.

Interesting places to visit are the Acropolis Museum, a repository of priceless collections of antiquity and local artifacts, and the Panathenaic Stadium (still used as a sports facility), where the world's first Olympic Games took place. You can take a walk from the Acropolis to the Ancient Agora (once the political, administrative and commercial center of the country), and walk through the cozy Kolonaki Square.

Of course, the sights of Athens are far from the only thing that you can and should visit with children in Greece.

Peloponnese – the island of myths and legends

The main stops for tourists on this peninsula are:

• Mycenae with the preserved ruins of the palace with the famous Lion Gate
• Ancient Corinth, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo (only a few columns remain from it), a local archaeological museum with ancient finds
• Remains of ancient Sparta with numerous sanctuaries
• Legendary Delphi, erected as if on the steps of mountains
• Diru Cave with a huge underground lake
• Ancient Olympia with a partially preserved complex of buildings for the games and the ruins of the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Museum of History and the Archaeological Museum, the exhibitions of which tell about the emergence and holding of the Olympic Games in antiquity
• The fortified city of Monemvasia on a huge rock opposite the city of Gefira and the fortress of Mithras
• Nafplio (the first capital of Greece) with three fortresses: Akronapflia, Bourtzi and the largest in Greece - Palamidi.

30 kilometers from Nafplion is the sanctuary of Aesculapius in Epidaurus and the famous theater, which at that time could accommodate an incredible number of spectators. It still hosts performances based on ancient Greek tragedies on Fridays.

Impressions from the Greek mainland will not be complete if you ignore some of the famous sights of Greece.

Pieria

The picturesque region of Pieria, located under the slopes of the Olympus mountain range, stretches along the coast of the Aegean Sea and is declared a national park. The path to conquering Olympus (the abode of the Greek gods), from whose mountain peaks offers breathtaking views, begins in the village of Litocho. Here, at an altitude of 1000 meters, right on the slopes of the famous mountain, for some time you yourself can turn into a hero of an ancient Greek myth, taking part in a costume performance.

Climbing Olympus does not have to be done on foot. You can go up by car or use the ski lifts.

Kalambaki - the birthplace of the mythical centaurs and Meteora

This is another point that needs to be marked for visiting on the tourist map. An asphalt road leads from the town of Kalambaki to the Meteora monasteries (one of the shrines of Greece). The excursion is not easy, it takes the whole day, and from the foot of the valley you need to climb up the steps to a height of 300 meters.

Why is Meteora so famous? If we translate their name from Greek, “meteors” means “floating in the air.” In fact, this is the impression you get when you look at the massive rocks, on the very top of which, back in the 11th century, the first hermits built themselves a shelter, cut off from the whole world. Previously, it was possible to get there only by a suspended ladder, and food was delivered using carts, baskets and horse-drawn power.

6 medieval monasteries have been fully preserved and are still active. They contain icons, valuable frescoes, monastery antiquities, manuscripts and sacred vessels.

Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki

There are especially many historical monuments concentrated on the Greek mainland. And one of these main tourist centers is the city of Thessaloniki - the northern capital of Greece with an amazing collection of attractions: the defensive fortress of the White Tower (XV century), the Basilica of St. Demetrius, the statue of Aristotle, the Arch of Emperor Galerius (3rd century AD), the Roman Forum and agora, the Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia with unique interior and exterior decoration.

If your family vacation is taking place somewhere near this city, then at a minimum you should at least take a sightseeing tour with your children around this open-air museum city. With preschool children, in order not to get too tired and not overheat in the sun, you can travel around the historical center of Thessaloniki on a tourist train (it departs every hour from the White Tower). The tour lasts 45 minutes.

You can admire the city from boats (floating pub bars) that slowly sail along the bay. At this time, you can have a snack or drink a delicious drink. Boats also depart from the White Tower pier.

If you get tired of wandering the city streets, you can have fun with your children in interactive and educational museums. This is primarily the Museum of Byzantine Art and the Archaeological Museum.

With children interested in caves, archaeological antiquities, stalagmites and stalactites, you can go to the Petralona karst cave (50 km from Thessaloniki), in which the remains of the most ancient European were found. Not far from the cave is the Anthropological Museum with exhibits discovered during its excavations.

In the town of Stagira (Chalkidiki), the birthplace of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, there is a park-museum where you can also go with children.

Farm Platanorema

The farm, which is home to goats, sheep, horses, wild boars, donkeys, peacocks, pheasants and turkeys, ducks and geese, is located on the road to Athos near the town of Ierissos (Chalkidiki). You can not only feed animals and birds, but also, for example, ride a horse. You can also have a bite to eat in a restaurant with delicious food made from local products or relax in a mini-hotel.

Athos

The Orthodox shrine of Holy Mount Athos is also recommended for visiting. It is difficult to get into its territory (and impossible for women), but from the ship during a boat trip you can clearly see numerous monasteries.

Sights of the island part of Greece

This country is structured in such a way that some of it is made up of a whole scattering of various islands with a different climate, nature, with their own antiquities and historical attractions.

Sights of Crete

It is no coincidence that our tourists choose this sunny island with magnificent nature and clean beaches for a holiday with children. In addition to a wonderful holiday, Crete has a lot of other entertainment and activities for the whole family.

For a change, you can visit the most unusual places on the island and its best attractions:

• Knossos Palace near Heraklion and other objects of the Minoan civilization in Phaistos, Malia, Zakros
• Lasithi Plateau with its main attraction, the Cave of Zeus (Dikteon Cave)
• Lake Kournas with beautiful scenery and very clean water
• Samaria Gorge, which is also a national park with a variety of plant species growing in it
• Spinalonga Island
• Ancient cities of Rethymno and Chania
• Archaeological Museum of Crete with artifacts of Minoan culture.

One of the most interesting events that everyone who visits this island should definitely take part in is an excursion to Santorini from Crete. The excursion is one-day, but with kids it can be quite difficult and tiring.

Why does this island attract tourists from all over the world and what can you see in Santorini?

Firstly, people come here to see for themselves that the most beautiful views on postcards exactly correspond to reality. Secondly, this island with volcanic landscapes invariably attracts all tourists with its unusualness and beauty.

When traveling with children, it is worth considering that during the season the island will be simply overcrowded with tourists. The rest of the time, you can quite comfortably admire the rays of the setting sun on the slopes of the rocks, or find a place on one of the colorful beaches with red, white or black sand.

Medieval beauties of Rhodes

• The beautiful city of Rhodes with a medieval fortress built in ancient times to protect the island, the Palace of the Grand Masters with interesting mosaics on the floor of this ancient building and other attractions in the Old Town.
• The ancient city of Lindos is a friendly, small, noisy market town with St. Paul's Bay, where it is good to snorkel. With the delightful ancient ruins of the acropolis, which can be reached not only on foot, but also on a donkey (the latter, of course, is more interesting for children). It is better to go on this excursion in the late afternoon or in the morning and with a supply of water.
• Castles near Kritinia and Monolithos
• Doric city-states of Ialyssos, Kameiros.

An excellent place for family entertainment is the unique Butterfly Valley Nature Reserve and the Ostrich Farm located nearby. These places are interesting from the point of view of the opportunity to communicate with nature and animals. At the farm you can see the fleet-footed African ostriches and at the same time look into the mini-zoo.

Corfu Island

For vacationing family tourists, we can recommend a sightseeing tour to get acquainted with the sights and history of the island, which includes a trip on small boats along the Ionian Sea with a visit to picturesque caves, a visit to one of the olive oil factories (it is believed that Corinthian oil is the best in the world ).

In the capital of the island, Kerkyra, the Old Town of Corfu deserves attention with ancient temples and fortresses, architectural structures of different styles and cultures.

Kos Island

The island of Kos is the historical birthplace of medicine. In memory of Hippocrates, the ancient healer, a very old tree grows on the island - the Hippocrates plane tree. The attractions of the island are the ancient hospital - the Asklepion temple complex, the fortresses of the knights, archaeological excavations, and the ancient agora.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos, with lush vegetation and white pebble beaches, is interesting for its Venetian architectural structures, St. Mark's Square, the Venetian Fort Castro, the Cathedral of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, Navagio Bay with the “shipwreck beach”, the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari and Cape Keri, Byzantine churches and temples . At the national marine park, children can discover the fascinating underwater world and loggerhead sea turtles.

Water parks, aquariums and zoos in Greece

If desired, leisure time on vacation can be very varied and should not be reduced only to swimming and excursions to ancient ruins. This could be hiking to caves, waterfalls and gorges, observing animals, birds, fish in aquariums, zoos or in the wild in their habitats. As well as all sorts of children's entertainment and fun in the water parks of Greece located near the hotel.

The best among them is Waterland Water Park. This is a whole city of water entertainment on a huge territory with steep slides, a swimming pool with one and a half meter waves, a “crazy river”, a children’s pool, and a pirate city for young visitors in the suburbs of Thessaloniki. You can have fun here all day long.

If you are in this city with children, you can visit the Magic Park amusement park with many attractions and entertainment for all ages, a botanical garden and a cafe, which is spread over an area of ​​28 hectares.

The Thessaloniki Zoo offers the opportunity to spend a pleasant day with the whole family in the zoological park among the lush gardens and cedar forest, watching waterfowl and wild animals or simply strolling along its alleys.

In Crete, you can choose from one of the water parks: the fun WaterCity water park with 34 breathtaking attractions (Heraklion), Acqua Plus water park (30 km from Heraklion and 5 km from Hersonissos), Star Beach Water Park (30 minutes from Heraklion airport) , Limnoupolis Water Park (Chania). As well as the Aquaworld Aquarium (Hersonissos) and the Maritime Museum of Crete (Chania).

In Rhodes, entertainment awaits you in the Water Park (Faliraki), Aqualand in Corfu, Lido Water Park on the island of Kos.

Once again I am convinced of the truth of the catchphrase “everything is available in Greece.” Indeed, this country has everything for an amazing, comfortable, interesting family holiday. Having made fascinating excursions to historical places, learned the history of ancient civilizations, admired fabulously beautiful places and received a lot of positive emotions, you can consider yourself a success. And the impressions of the trip will remain in the memory of young travelers for a long time.