Ten Best Places to Visit in Greece

MGWRITE / Best of Greece Best of Greece /

The ten best places to visit in Greece include Athens, Thessaloniki, the Greek islands of Crete, Mykonos and Santorini, and sites like Epidavros and Delphi.

The ten best places to visit in Greece inevitably overlaps a little with our Top Ten Things to Do in Greece page, but there are some differences. For example, Athens is one of the best places to visit but seeing he Acropolis and Parthenon are among the best things to do. As another example, Crete is among our best places to visit but seeing Knossos and hiking the Samaria Gorge are among our top ten things to do.

Ten Best Places to Visit in Greece (in Alphabetical Order)

Athens

The Greek capital, Athens, would be number one in whatever order you listed the best places to visit in Greece. It makes a great weekend break destination, but a few days more is even better, to give you time to visit the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum, just for starters. We’ve sometimes spent weeks in Athens when researching guidebooks and stories, and have never run out of things to see and do. Be warned, though, that some people don’t take to Athens. It is noisy and busy, like any big city, and in summer it can be unbearably hot. But we love it. See our Athens page for more ideas.

Crete

Crete is different, there’s no doubt about it. It’s the biggest Greek island, and the most southerly of the main islands. The people say they are Cretans first and Greeks second, while the wonderful hospitality you find throughout Greece is doubled on Crete.

Crete also offers something for everyone. You can find busy beach resorts if that’s your thing, or quiet beaches if you prefer. There are dramatic mountain ranges, and deep gorges for hiking, like the Samaria Gorge. There are numerous important archaeological sites like Knossos and Phaistos, and there’s some of the finest food and wine in the country. What more could you ask? See our Crete page for more information.

Delphi

You can visit Delphi on a day trip from Athens, and if you have the time to do it then you definitely should. It’s the most important archaeological site in Greece, and as well as being historically fascinating it’s set in a beautiful location in the Parnassus Mountains, with sweeping views over miles of olive groves all the way down to the Gulf of Corinth.

Epidavros

It’s hard to choose between the many significant archaeological sites in the Peloponnese, like Mycenae and Ancient Olympia, but this time we’re choosing Epidavros. We had to miss it off our list of the Top Ten Things to Do, choosing Ancient Olympia instead, so let’s redress the balance. The ancient theatre at Epidavros is a remarkable sight, dating back to the 4th century BC. Remarkably, it is still used today, for performances every summer during the Athens and Epidavros Festival.

Meteora

There’s probably no more remarkable sight in Greece than the twisted rock formations that jut out of the Plain of Thessaly, and with the monasteries of Meteora built onto and into them.

Mykonos

It’s hard to choose individual Greek islands when they all have such different characteristics. Do we choose a personal favourite like little Symi, or somewhere fascinating like Corfu? They’re both contenders for a list of best Greek islands, but instead we let other Greek visitors make the choice and have opted for Mykonos. It’s undoubtedly lovely, and as one of the most popular of all Greek islands in terms of visitor numbers, it clearly has lots to offer.

Nafplion

The former Greek capital, Nafplion, on the Peloponnese, is definitely a personal favourite. It’s beautiful, charming, with a lovely waterside location, and it’s small enough for you to feel you’re getting to know it well. There are a few small but interesting museums, a couple of old fortresses (and a third on an offshore island), and good dining and shopping.

Pindus Mountains

If you like outdoors Greece and have a sense of adventure, then you could easily spend a week or two in the Pindus Mountains. There’s terrific hiking, including the Vikos Gorge, and there are characterful old mountain villages. There are also, after Mount Olympus, some of the highest mountains in the country.

Santorini

We’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t fallen in love at first sight with Santorini. As soon as you see those whitewashed villages clinging to the slopes of what was once a volcanic crater, you can’t fail to be charmed. As you stay longer you discover what there is to do on Santorini, and fall in love even more. Little wonder that it is one of the most visited of all the Greek islands, despite its fairly small size.

Thessaloniki

Greece’s second city has never been too much on the radar of visitors from overseas, which only adds to its appeal. You might visit for a day if you were having a beach holiday on nearby Halkidiki, but otherwise why would you choose a city break in Thessaloniki when you could go to Athens? There are lots of reasons, and if you have already visited Athens then give a thought to Thessaloniki.

That, then, is our list of the ten best places to visit in Greece. There really has to be something for everyone there!

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Ten Best Films Set in Greece

MGWRITE / Best of Greece, Crete, Greek Culture Best of Greece, Greek Culture /

See Greece picks the ten best films set in Greece with locations to visit including Athens, Meteora, Mykonos, Crete and Santorini.

Greece, with its ancient history, stunning islands, and dramatic landscapes, has long been a captivating backdrop for filmmakers. From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, these films not only tell compelling stories but also showcase the beauty and culture of Greece to the world.

Ten Best Films Set in Greece

Here are ten of the best films set in Greece, each offering a unique glimpse into this enchanting country.

1. Zorba the Greek (1964)

Director: Michael Cacoyannis

Stars: Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas, Lila Kedrova

Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, this iconic film tells the story of Basil, a buttoned-up English writer who travels to Crete to reopen a disused lignite mine. There, he meets Alexis Zorba, a larger-than-life, free-spirited peasant who teaches him about the joys and sorrows of life through music, dance, and a passionate embrace of the present moment. Their contrasting personalities lead to both humorous and poignant situations as they navigate the challenges of the mine, the local community, and their own inner struggles. The film is celebrated for its powerful performances, particularly Anthony Quinn’s portrayal of Zorba, and its unforgettable sirtaki dance sequence.

Specific Locations: The film was primarily shot on the island of Crete. Visitors can explore the city of Chania and the village of Kokkino Chorio in the Apokoronas region. The famous dance scene was filmed on Stavros Beach in the Akrotiri peninsula.

See it here: https://amzn.to/42PNie2

2. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Stars: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski

This joyful musical, based on the songs of ABBA, is set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. The story follows Sophie, a young woman about to get married, who secretly invites three men from her mother Donna’s past to the island, hoping to discover which one is her father. As the wedding approaches, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the island comes alive with vibrant song and dance. The film is a celebration of family, friendship, and finding your own destiny, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Greek islands.

Specific Locations: While Kalokairi is fictional, the film was primarily shot on the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos in the Sporades. Key locations include the stunning Agios Ioannis Chapel, where the wedding takes place, and Kastani Beach on Skopelos. Some scenes were also filmed in the seaside village of Damouchari in Pelion on the mainland.

See it here: https://amzn.to/4jEaCBg

3. Before Midnight (2013)

Director: Richard Linklater

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy

The third film in the “Before” trilogy, Before Midnight reunites Jesse and Céline almost two decades after their first meeting. Now a couple with twin daughters, they are vacationing in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The film follows them over the course of a single day as they walk, talk, and grapple with the realities of long-term relationships, love, and the passage of time. Through their raw and honest conversations, the film offers a poignant and often humorous exploration of the complexities of adult life and enduring romance.

Specific Locations: The film was shot in the Messenia region of the Peloponnese. Visitors can visit Kardamyli, a picturesque coastal village, and explore the area around the historic home of authors Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor, where much of the film is set.

See it here: https://amzn.to/43jIYnf

4. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001)

Director: John Madden

Stars: Nicolas Cage, Penélope Cruz, John Hurt, Christian Bale

Set on the Greek island of Kefalonia during World War II, the film tells the story of a forbidden romance between Pelagia, a spirited Greek woman, and Captain Antonio Corelli, a charismatic Italian officer who is part of the occupying forces. Despite the war raging around them and the deep-seated animosity between the Greeks and the Italians, their love blossoms amidst the stunning island scenery. The film explores themes of love, war, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Specific Locations: The film was extensively shot on the island of Kefalonia. Visitors can see locations like the village of Sami, which was partly rebuilt for the film, and the beautiful Antisamos Beach.

See it here: https://amzn.to/44Y0NcP

5. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

Director: Ken Kwapis

Stars: Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel

This heartwarming film follows the story of four best friends who are about to spend their first summer apart. They find a magical pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly and decide to share them, sending the pants to each girl as they embark on their separate adventures. One of the storylines follows Lena, a shy artist, who spends the summer with her grandparents in a small village in Greece. There, she experiences a cultural awakening and finds romance, with the breathtaking landscapes of the Cycladic islands serving as a stunning backdrop to her journey of self-discovery.

Specific Locations: Lena’s storyline was filmed on the island of Santorini. Visitors can explore the iconic white-washed villages clinging to the cliffs, like Oia, and enjoy the stunning caldera views.

See it here: https://amzn.to/44ZR0mw

6. Shirley Valentine (1989)

Director: Lewis Gilbert

Stars: Pauline Collins, Tom Conti

This charming comedy-drama tells the story of Shirley Valentine, a lonely Liverpudlian housewife who feels trapped in her mundane life. When her friend wins a trip to Greece, Shirley impulsively decides to go along, leaving behind her husband and routine. On the island of Mykonos, she finds herself and rediscovers her zest for life, particularly through her interactions with a taverna owner. The film is a touching and funny portrayal of one woman’s journey to liberation and self-acceptance in a beautiful foreign land.

Specific Locations: The film was primarily shot on the island of Mykonos. The beach where much of Shirley’s transformation takes place is Agios Ioannis beach.

See it here: https://amzn.to/4k7dSVs

7. The Big Blue (1988)

Director: Luc Besson

Stars: Jean-Marc Barr, Jean Reno, Rosanna Arquette

This visually stunning film is a fictionalized portrayal of the rivalry and friendship between two legendary free divers, Jacques Mayol and Enzo Molinari. While the film spans various locations, a significant portion of it is set in Greece, particularly on the island of Amorgos. The film captures the intense passion and dedication of free diving, as well as the profound connection between the divers and the ocean. The underwater cinematography and the dramatic Greek coastline create a truly immersive experience.

Specific Locations: Several scenes were filmed on the island of Amorgos. Visitors can find locations like the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, dramatically built into a cliff face, and explore the coastline that featured in the diving sequences, such as Agia Anna beach.

See it here: https://amzn.to/432tmTR

8. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

Director: John Glen

Stars: Roger Moore, Carole Bouquet, Topol

This James Bond adventure sees 007 on a mission to recover a top-secret British missile command system before it falls into the wrong hands. The mission takes him to various locations, including a significant portion set in Greece. Bond navigates the treacherous terrain of the Meteora monasteries and the beautiful island of Corfu as he races against time. The Greek locations provide a dramatic and memorable backdrop for the film’s action sequences.

Specific Locations: Key Greek filming locations include the stunning clifftop monasteries of Meteora, particularly the Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada), and various sites on the island of Corfu, including Corfu Town and the Achillion Palace.

See it here: https://amzn.to/3SpRtab

9. My Life in Ruins (2009)

Director: Donald Petrie

Stars: Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss

Georgia is a disillusioned Greek-American tour guide working in Greece. She leads a ragtag group of eccentric tourists around ancient ruins, feeling stuck in a rut. However, as she guides the group, she begins to see the beauty of her homeland through their eyes and finds unexpected romance and a renewed sense of purpose. The film is a charming and humorous exploration of rediscovering one’s roots and finding happiness in unexpected places, showcasing some of Greece’s most famous historical sites.

Specific Locations: The film features many iconic Greek archaeological sites. Visitors can visit the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient site of Olympia, and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, all of which were filming locations.

See it here: https://amzn.to/4m8eax8

10. The Two Faces of January (2014)

Director: Hossein Amini

Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Oscar Isaac

Based on the Patricia Highsmith novel, this stylish thriller is set in 1962 and follows a wealthy American couple, Chester and Colette MacFarland, who are traveling through Greece. They encounter Rydal, a young American expatriate working as a tour guide, who becomes entangled in their affairs when a detective investigating Chester shows up. A crime is committed, and the three are forced to go on the run across the Greek landscape, their relationships becoming increasingly strained and complex. The film uses the stunning Greek scenery to enhance the atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

Specific Locations: The film was shot in various locations across Greece, including Athens and the island of Crete. In Crete, specific filming took place in Chania and Heraklion.

See it here: https://amzn.to/44Y0fnh

These ten films offer a diverse cinematic journey through Greece, highlighting its varied landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Watching them can serve as a wonderful prelude to a trip to Greece or a nostalgic reminder of a past visit, allowing viewers to experience the magic of the country from their own homes.