Greece Guide
Things not to miss
1 Hozoviótissa Monastery • Wedged into a sheer cliff-face with only its facade showing, this monastery is the pride and joy of rugged, friendly Amorgós, hikers' mecca of the Cyclades.
2 Sámos • Despite recent fires, Sámos remains arguably the most verdant and beautiful of the east Aegean islands.
3 Ósios Loukás • Decorated with vivid mosaics, Ósios Loukás monastery ranks as one of Greece's finest Byzantine buildings.
4 Monemvasiá • The heavily fortified medieval town of Monemvasiá shelters on the south flank of its island-like rock.
5 Samariá Gorge, Crete • The magnificent Samariá Gorge is the longest in Europe.
6 Haniá Old Town waterfront • Haniá, Crete's most lively town, displays intriguing vestiges of its Venetian and Ottoman past.
7 Yialós harbour • The mansions of Sými's picturesque harbour, built with wealth from the sponge trade, are part of an architecturally protected area.
8 Mount Pílio • Mount Pílio peninsula has it all: lush countryside, excellent beaches, characterful villages and some superb hiking trails.
9 Knossos palace, Crete • The most restored, vividly coloured and ultimately the most exciting of Crete's Minoan palaces.
10 Lindos acropolis, Rhodes • The Hellenistic acropolis of Lindos, high above modern Líndhos village, offers magnificent views along the length of Rhodes island.
11 Mystra • The Byzantine town of Mystra is the best-preserved and most dramatic site in the Peloponnese.
12 The Metéora • The exquisite Byzantine monasteries of the Metéora, perched atop pinnacles of rock, are mainland Greece's most extraordinary sight.
13 Petaní beach, Kefaloniá • A prime example of how Greece's extensive coast provides numerous opportunities for getting into the water, or just lying next to it.
14 Kérkyra (Corfu) old town • With its elegant Venetian architecture and fine museums, Corfu's capital is the cultural heart of the Ionians.
15 Delphi's Tholos • Delphi, site of the famous oracle, was believed by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the earth.
16 Mount Olympus • Believed by the ancient Greeks to be the home of the gods, Mount Olympus is Greece's highest and most magical mountain.
17 Préspa lakes • The eerily beautiful Préspa lakes are a haven for birds and other wildlife.
18 Monastery of Ayíou Ioánnou Theológou, Pátmos • Built in honour of St John the Divine, this huge monastery is a warren of interconnecting courtyards, chapels, stairways, arcades, galleries and roof terraces.
19 Fortifications of Acrocorinth • Acrocorinth is a huge, barren rock crowned by a great medieval fortress.
20 Skýros Town • Topped with a castle, the old town of Skýros is an architectural showcase, and hosts Greece's liveliest pre-Lenten carnival.
21 The Acropolis • Dominating Athens, the Acropolis is as fascinating as it is famous.
22 Náfplio • Elegant, Venetian-flavoured Náfplio covers a peninsula in the Argolid Gulf, culminating in the massive Palamídhi fortress.
23 Lion Gate, Mycenae • Imposing relief lions guard the main entrance to the Citadel of Mycenae.
24 Víkos Gorge • A hike through or around the Víkos Gorge is likely to be one of the highlights of a visit to the Zagóri region.
25 Windsurfing off Vassilikí, Lefkádha • Located in a vast, cliff-flanked bay, Vassilikí is one of Europe's biggest windsurfing centres.