12 Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are in Greece
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As a whole, Greece is a surreal place to visit. Almost everywhere you go, you’ll come across scenic coastlines with glorious sandy beaches and turquoise waters, historic ruins that tell the story of ancient Greece, and unique cultures. However, some places are more surreal than others.
Whether it be the landmark that now stands in place of the Colossus of Rhodes, the shipwreck at Navagio Beach, or the ancient Acropolis that stands tall above the capital, Greece has it all. To learn more, here are 12 surreal places you won’t believe are in Greece. The destinations on this list are the places you must see to believe.
Meteora, Kalabaka
You wouldn’t be the first person to see the monastery-topped rock towers of Meteora and think they were in Nepal or Tibet, not in Greece’s Thessaly region. Meteora is a monumental rock formation home to a vast monastery complex. One of the monasteries in Meteora is among the world’s largest steeply built Eastern Orthodox monasteries.
This mind-blowing site once housed over 20 monasteries from the 16th century. However, earlier monks first climbed the pinnacles in the 10th century to escape Ottoman attackers. Only several monasteries remain in Meteora, but they’re all very impressive. If you have the nerve, you can climb a winding staircase and cross a rope bridge to reach some of the monasteries.
Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
Navagio Shipwreck, Zakynthos
Towering verdant white cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, a glorious stretch of white sand beach, and an iconic shipwreck right in the middle of the beach, it could only be Navagio Beach on Zakynthos island. Photographs of Navagio Beach appear in travel magazines and on Instagram feeds everywhere.
Second only to Santorini, Navagio Beach is arguably one of the most photographed places in Greece, and it’s not hard to see why. The beach’s scenery alone is enough to impress, but the addition of the shipwreck gives the beach more mystery and intrigue. The shipwreck on the beach is called MV Panagiotis, and it’s believed to be a shipwrecked smuggler ship that was abandoned by its crew in bad weather in the 1980s.
Read also: Picture-Perfect Spots in Greece
The Palace of Knossos, Crete
Located in Heraklion on the island of Crete, the Palace of Knossos is where it all began. With a history dating back to approximately 1900 B.C., this palace is best known for being the largest Minoan palace in the world. The Minoans formed the first civilization in Europe.
As if the palace wasn’t interesting enough, the Minoans brought us myths and legends like the Minotaur. It takes something spectacular to stand out amongst the other amazing things to see in Crete, but the Palace of Knossos does just that. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is also there, where you’ll find many of the palace’s artifacts. Today, you can still walk around what remains of the palace.
Read also: Temple of Poseidon
Corfu Old Town, Corfu
Next, we have Corfu Old Town in Corfu. This Ionian island is jam-packed with history and culture, and there’s no better place to see it than in the Old Town. The French, British, Venetians, and Byzantines ruled over the island, so you can find their influences in the architecture.
Some of the most iconic sights are the Palace of St Michael and St George, the Liston, and the Spianada. However, the most impressive sight is the Old Fortress of Corfu, a 15th-century fortress featuring a network of tunnels, a chapel, and mosaics. The Campiello, the medieval heart of the Old Town, is also well worth visiting.
Read more: Corfu, Greece
Archaeological Site of Delphi, Delphi
Delphi and its archaeological sites are special for many reasons. Firstly, the archaeological site is home to a beautiful pan-Hellenic sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo. Secondly, Delphi was considered the center of the world by ancient Greeks. According to myth, the town was the meeting point of two eagles released by Zeus.
At the Archaeological Site of Delphi, you’ll find what remains of the ancient sanctuary, where the Oracle of Apollo would provide guidance to ancient Greeks. The remaining columns, theater, and breathtaking surrounding landscape are stunning. Walking around the site, you’ll imagine the religious ceremonies, games, and theatrical performances once held here.
Read also: Best Island Beaches in Greece
Mount Olympus, Thessaly
According to myths and legends, Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, was once home to Greece’s 12 ancient gods, “the Olympians.” This mountain and its rocky peak are 9,572 feet (2,918 meters) tall. Aside from being loved for its mythological significance, Mount Olympus is one of Europe’s landmark hikes.
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Approximately 10,000 people attempt the hike and scramble to the top of Mount Olympus yearly, but only some reach the top. The hike usually takes two days, including one night in a mountain refuge. Most of the ascent isn’t technical, but the Yosemite Decimal System categorizes the final stretch as a Class III rock scramble.
Read also: Hiking Trails in Greece
Archaeological Site of Olympia, Olympia
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Founded in the 6th century B.C., Olympia is an ancient site located on the Peloponnese peninsula. In the 8th century B.C., the original Olympic Games were hosted here. At the Archaeological Site of Olympia, travelers can explore the extensive ruins where the games were hosted.
Famous sights among the ruins include ancient athlete training areas, temples dedicated to Zeus and Hera, and a stadium. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of Greece’s most important museums, has exhibits from the site, including sculptures and statues of the gods. The museum’s most significant exhibit is a statue of Hermes made by the famous sculptor Praxiteles.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Getaways in Greece
Balos Beach, Crete
The Greek islands are famous worldwide for their beautiful beaches, transparent turquoise seas, and magnificent landscapes. One of the most mesmerizing beaches on the Greek islands is Balos Beach. Situated near Chania on the island of Crete, this beach offers travelers an element of Caribbean flair.
Balos Beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It has fine white sand, stunning scenery, and shallow turquoise waters. Across from the beach is Gramvousa Island, where a medieval castle can be found. At the beach, you’ll most likely spend your time relaxing, taking photographs of the scenery, and swimming in the sea. What’s not to like?
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in Greece
The Acropolis of Athens, Athens
Perched atop a cliff overlooking the capital city and a symbol of Western Civilization, the Acropolis of Athens finds itself on most bucket lists. However, while most people know what this iconic citadel looks like, you can’t appreciate its beauty or significance until you’ve seen it yourself.
Tourists flock to the Acropolis in their thousands to glimpse what remains of ancient Greek civilization. The citadel houses several significant ruins of historical and architectural importance, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. Other notable landmarks at the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike, the Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus, and the Theatre of Dionysus.
Read also: Famous Landmarks in Greece
The Colossus of Rhodes, Rhodes
On the island of Rhodes, you’ll find an ancient Old Town famed for its impressive architecture, winding narrow streets, and traditional Greek houses. This beautiful area is a joy to behold. However, one of the most surreal sights in the city is the landmark where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.
The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of The World, was a statue of the Greek sun god Helios. Built in 292 B.C., it stood 108 feet (33 meters) tall across the entrance to Rhodes’ harbor. Unfortunately, the statue collapsed during an earthquake in 226 B.C. Today, two pillars stand in its place, offering travelers a surreal sense of how impressive the statue must have been.
Read more: Rhodes, Greece
Melissani Cave, Kefalonia
Melissani Cave, also known as Melissani Lake or simply Melissani, is a fascinating cave located northwest of Sami on the island of Kefalonia. One of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, this cave contains a turquoise-colored lake, trees, and stalactites. In addition, the cave has a large opening covered in forest.
As you can imagine, this creates a beautiful picture. Tourists often visit Melissani Cave to row across the lake. Boat tours run throughout the day, offering a glimpse of the cave’s beauty. However, the most impressive sight can be seen at midday, when the sun perfectly lines up with the cave opening, lighting up the lake below.
Read also: Hidden Gems on Greek Islands
Oia, Santorini
The final place on our list is Oia in Santorini. This small cliff-top coastal town is famous for its whitewashed houses, incredible views, and fascinating attractions. However, you’ll likely know Oia more for its iconic tourist viewpoint. World-famous, Oia is the most popular place for iconic Santorini sunset photos framed by traditional blue domes and Greek windmills.
Despite becoming flooded with tourists, Oia is still a spectacular place to visit. The views are out-of-this-world, the local food is fantastic, and there are many things to look at. Aside from the town’s famous viewpoint, two of the most popular attractions in the town include the 19th-century mansion that houses the Naval Maritime Museum and the ruins of Oia Castle.
Read more: Santorini, Greece
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Oia at sunset is a breathtaking view. Makes me want to go back!
Wished the article on the Colossus of Rhodes went deeper into its historical context. Felt a bit surface-level.
The Acropolis is always crowded but so worth the visit. Early mornings are the best time to go.
totally agree. and try to visit in spring or fall to beat the heat!
balos beach is paradise on earth. can confirm.