15 of the Best Towns and Cities to Visit in Greece

From historic hillside cities to island destinations, these are 15 of the best towns and cities to visit in Greece.

An alleyway in Naufplio
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More than 27 million travelers made their way to Greece in 2022, visiting the country's gorgeous islands and coastlines, rural towns, and historic capital city of Athens. One look at its landscapes and it's easy to see why travelers dream of visiting Greece — but there's so much more to this Mediterranean nation. 

"Everyone knows that Greece boasts stunning crystalline waters that make you want to dive right in and historical sites that whisper tales of the past. Its culinary delights are a perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring its unique cultural riches and vibrant art scene, but what truly sets Greece apart is its people," Christos Stergiou, a travel advisor with True Trips, shared with Travel + Leisure. "Greeks have this incredible gift called philoxenia: hospitality taken to a whole new level. Our True Trips guests always describe the feeling of having new local friends who'll go above and beyond to make their journey unforgettable." 

Ready to plan your getaway? Here are 15 of the best cities to visit in Greece.

01 of 15

Athens

People looking at the Acropolis

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Yes, a visit to Athens feels obvious, because not only is it the capital city, but it’s also home to the international airport you’ll likely fly into on your visit. That said, Athens is well worth a trip in its own right, as it’s home to some of the most important historical sites on Earth, including the must-see Acropolis. Need more? Here’s how to spend one perfect day in Athens.

Related: The Best Times to Visit Greece

02 of 15

Thessaloniki

The Church of Saint Demetrius, or Hagios Demetrios , is the main sanctuary dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki, dating from a time when it was the second largest city of the Byzantine Empire. It is part of the site Palaeochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO since 1988.

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Thessaloniki, located in the northern part of the country, offers a blend of history and youthful energy that few cities can match. “I would recommend Thessaloniki for its long and epic history,” Peter Sommer, founder of Peter Sommer Travels, shared. “The historic center of Thessaloniki is filled with an extraordinary series of ancient monuments, many of them part of an imperial palace complex built by the Roman Emperor Galerius and vast in scope."

Sommer added that there are several museums to visit here, including the Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. “But history and archaeology aren’t the only reasons to come to Thessaloniki. It’s justly famed for its gastronomy,” Sommer added. “You can savor a huge selection of glorious local dishes and sample a cornucopia of excellent local wines.”

03 of 15

Kastoria

Kastoria (Kostur), Greece

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Drive two hours east of Thessaloniki to find another northern city worth exploring — Kastoria. The scenic city sits perched on Lake Orestiada between the Grammos and Vitsi mountains. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides on the lake with any number of outfitters lining the shores, or just watch the local fisherman go to work each day to reel in the catch. Or, book a tour with Adventures With Wine to bike the lake’s shoreline and see all the hidden nooks worth exploring. 

04 of 15

Ioannina

Aerial view of The castle town of Ioannina

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“Ioannina truly shines as a city that's a hidden treasure, especially for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers,” Stergiou shared of the city that sits on Lake Pamvotida. It’s a spot that has inspired many creative talents thanks to its epic vistas, but more than that, Stergiou explained, it’s a fantastic home base for exploring more of the northwest region of Greece. 

“In addition to the beautiful lake that stands proud as the city’s landmark, the Byzantine castle, the scenic historical center, and the lively neighborhoods, Ioannina is a gateway to countless incredible experiences within a drive of an hour or two. From there, you can take daily trips to some of the most beautiful villages in all of Greece, such as Metsovo or captivating Zagorohoria, filled with breathtaking landscapes and charming stone houses.” 

05 of 15

Kalamata

Image shows an olive tree field from the famous Kalamata region in southern Greece

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Kalamata, a city well-known for its olive production, is a place where travelers can get lost — in the best way possible. Come stroll its winding cobblestone streets, explore the castle, and visit museums like the Modern Greek Art Gallery for a well-rounded city escape in the Peloponnese region.

Related: This Less-visited Region in Southern Greece Has Idyllic Coastlines, Stunning Beaches, and Almost No Crowds

06 of 15

Kalambaka

Panorama of Holy Monastery Of St. Stephen on Metora and city of Kalambaka in Greece

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Kalambaka, a city located in central Greece, is famous for its unparalleled view of the stunning Meteora. The city sits at the base of the towering rock formations topped with historic monasteries that date back as early as the 11th century. The complex of monasteries is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can visit many for a small fee.

07 of 15

Rhodes

Rear view of woman staring at views of sea and Saint Nicholas fortress during sunset in Rhodes, Dodecanese Islands, Greece, Europe

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There are more than 6,000 Greek islands, and while many come with small populations, the island of Rhodes is positively metropolitan thanks to the city of Rhodes. Home to some 50,000 people, the city is famed for its ancient history and the duality of its New Town and Old Town. While there’s nothing wrong with New Town, Old Town is a walled-off time capsule to the past, and it's one of the largest remaining medieval settlements in Europe.

08 of 15

Nafplio

An alleyway in Naufplio

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Nafplio, located in the eastern Peloponnese, is a seaside dream packed with Venetian architecture to explore. As Alys Colayera, lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared, it’s a “great place to wander through the old alleyways, grab a strong cup of Greek coffee at a local coffee shop in the square, and take a boat to Bourtzi Castle if you are interested in architecture and history.” As for the name of the town, Visit Greece explained that it comes from its mythological founder, Nafplios, one of Poseidon's sons.

Related: The Ultimate Greece Packing List

09 of 15

Chania

Famous sandy beach of Falasarna at the north west of Chania, Crete, Greece.

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One more island city to explore is Chania on the island of Crete. It too is famed for its Venetian harbor and quaint old town. Explore its cobblestone streets, duck into museums like the Maritime Museum of Crete, and shop for souvenirs in its endless boutiques. Pro tip: Leather goods are famously great here, so go ahead and splurge on a bag or a pair of shoes. 

10 of 15

Larissa

Aerial shot of the city of Larissa, Greece

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While Larissa has a population of more than 130,000 people, it remains a place well in touch with Mother Nature. This city in central Greece is an agricultural hub, growing vegetables, grains, fruits, and more, so it's a great place to dig into some Thessalian cuisine. While in town, explore the Ancient Theatre of Larissa, dedicated to the god Dionysus, to learn more about the area's ancient history.

11 of 15

Corinth

Ruins of temple in Corinth, Greece

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History abounds in the southern city of Corinth, thanks to well-preserved ruins including the iconic Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth fortress. Just an hour from Athens, Corinth and the surrounding coastal towns make a perfect day trip from the capital city, says Colayera.

Related: 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

12 of 15

Piraeus

Mikrolimano, fishing port with colorful buildings and restaurants. Athens, Greece - Piraeus

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If you’re making your way to the islands, odds are you’ll pass through the port city of Piraeus. Dozens of ferries come in and out of the harbor each day, but before you board one, spend a little time exploring the city by visiting places like The Hellenic Maritime Museum, which showcases Greece's rich seafaring heritage.

13 of 15

Kavala

Kavala old town and the Byzantine fortress on the hill of Panagia, Greece

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Head north along the Aegean coast to Kavala, a hillside city with gorgeous beaches, sweeping vistas, and an exciting mix of ancient history and modern city life. You can’t miss its imposing aqueduct, which runs for almost 1,000 feet and dates to the 16th century. Once you’re done viewing that, head straight to The Acropolis of Kavala to learn more about this city’s fascinating history.

Related: 20 Best Beaches in Greece With the Bluest Water You've Ever Seen

14 of 15

Patras

Agios Andreas the landmark church and the metropolis of Patras on a beautiful day with perfect sky color and few clouds, Achaia, Peloponnese, Greece

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Find the party in Patras, a university port city in western Greece. Yes, of course, you’ll find history here, including inside the Archaeological Museum of Patras, which showcases goods from the surrounding region dating back to prehistory. But in Patras, you’ll also find a bustling (and modern) nightlife scene across several neighborhoods, including down Riga Feraiou Pedestrian Street, where you can snag a delicious bite of Greek food, too. 

15 of 15

Corfu Town

Cliff coastline of Corfu

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Explore one of the most beautiful places in Greece when you plot a trip to Corfu Town on the eastern coast of the island of Corfu. Here, travelers can explore the historic architecture that earned Old Town of Corfu a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Tour the fortresses, stroll through the town’s central market, and visit Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece.

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