Tourism in Greece traces its roots to ancient times. Cultural exchange took place between the Greek colonies of Magna Graeca and the young Roman Republic before Rome’s rise to dominance of the Western Mediterranean. Ancient Greece was one of Europe’s first urban civilizations, and the origin of much of the arts, language, philosophy, politics, and sports of western society.

Most of the tourists and tourism industry are concentrated in capital city Athens, Crete, *Santorini, Mykonos, *Rhodes, *Corfu, and *Chalkidice.

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World famous are the iconic *Parthenon in the bustling capital Athens and the splendid site of *Delphi (map), where the mighty emperors sought the prophecies of the most prominent oracle in the ancient Greek world.

There’s the temple of *Apollo at Bassae (map) and the gorgeous old city of *Rhodes, once overlooked by the Colossus of Rhodes. *Olympos National Park is the birthplace of our modern Olympic Games and the place from where the Olympic flame is sent around the world.

The many Eastern Orthodox monasteries of Meteora (map) are just stunning to look at, built high on natural sandstone rock pillars. At the small town of *Vergina (map) the ancient site of Agai was found, and many valuable artifacts were discovered in several untouched tombs, one of them being the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great.

Proudly situated on Mt. Taygetos is the ancient town of *Mystras (map), close to (and often mistaken for) ancient *Sparta.

The large island of Crete (map) is a highly popular tourist destination, with landscapes varying from great sandy palm beaches to snow-covered high peaks and stunning river gorges and a good deal of night life in its main tourist towns.

The volcanic island of *Santorini (map) is one of the most romantic picks and offers some spectacular views. Its whitewashed capital of *Fira (map) is dramatically situated on the edge of a 400m high cliff, overlooking a beautiful blue lagoon.

Tiqets is an online booking platform for museums and attractions that connects travelers worldwide with more ways to experience culture.

Beach & Island Tourism: The country’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, ranging from secluded coves to vibrant, bustling coastal resorts. With over 6,000 islands and islets, Greece offers a diverse range of island destinations. Each island has its own unique charm, offering distinct landscapes, architectural styles, and cultural traditions.

Popular destinations include Mykonos (map), *Santorini (map), Crete (map), Rhodes (map), Corfu (map), and *Zakynthos (map), among others. Beach tourism in Greece offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and relaxation. Island tourism allows visitors to immerse themselves in the island lifestyle, explore quaint villages, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Aegean and Ionian seas.

Cultural Tourism: Greece is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, making cultural tourism a significant aspect of the country’s tourism industry. Visitors can explore ancient archaeological sites, including iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens (map), the Palace of Knossos in Crete (map), and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi (map). Additionally, Greece is home to numerous museums, showcasing exceptional collections of ancient artifacts, Byzantine art, and contemporary works.

Gastronomic Tourism: Greek cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its flavors and traditional recipes. Gastronomic tourism allows visitors to indulge in authentic Greek culinary experiences, from savoring the famous Mediterranean diet to tasting local specialties such as moussaka, souvlaki, feta cheese, olive oil, and Greek wines. ⇒ Top 10 foods to try in Greece (bbcgoodfood.com)

Ktel Buses in Greece & the islands (greeka.com)

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BUS: You can get almost anywhere in Greece by bus, but some isolated villages may only have one or two buses per day ⇒ KTEL BUS.

TRAIN: The main train operator is TrainOSE (Hellenic Railways Organization), and they offer services connecting major cities and towns.

AIRPORT: Athens’ Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport, near the Athens suburb of Spáta, is the country’s largest, busiest airport and main hub.

FERRY: Ferryhopper: Ferryhopper is a comprehensive ferry booking platform that provides information on ferry routes, schedules, and ticket prices for various destinations in Greece. It covers a wide range of ferry operators and allows you to book tickets online.

Greek Ferries is another popular ferry booking website that offers information on ferry connections, timetables, and ticket bookings for Greek islands and mainland ports.

What is the taste of a tomato washed in sea water? How does it feel to jump from the highest cliff? Why dance with strangers? Find out here or just…come to Greece, this summer!

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Visas for Foreigners traveling to Greece. With regard to Schengen visas, you will find a description of the types of Schengen visa issued.

Travel website specializing in Greece. Greeka offers travel guides, hotel recommendations, transport, and useful tips for planning your trip.

Ferries.gr – the largest Greek ferries database. Find all Greek ferry companies schedules, connections, timetables & online tickets.