# Greece: Top Tourist Destinations
Greece is a country that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for ancient history, stunning scenery, vibrant culture, or relaxing beaches, you will find it in this beautiful land. Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. Here are some of the top places to visit in Greece and why you should add them to your bucket list.
## Athens
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, and also one of the oldest cities in the world. It is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, art, and science, and home to some of the most iconic monuments of ancient civilization. The Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the city skyline, featuring the majestic Parthenon temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Acropolis Museum is a modern masterpiece that showcases the treasures and artifacts found on the hill. Other attractions include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the National Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Agora, and the Panathenaic Stadium. Athens is also a lively and cosmopolitan city, with plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and cultural events to enjoy.
## Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea that is famous for its breathtaking views, romantic atmosphere, and unique architecture. The island is shaped by a massive eruption that occurred around 1600 BC, creating a caldera that is filled with water and surrounded by steep cliffs. The villages of Santorini are perched on the edge of the caldera, offering stunning panoramas of the sea and the sunset. The most famous village is Oia, where you can see the iconic white houses with blue domes that are often featured on postcards. Santorini also has some of the best beaches in Greece, such as the Red Beach, which has red sand and rocks due to volcanic activity. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera, which displays artifacts from ancient times, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can swim in hot springs.
## Mykonos
Mykonos is another island in the Aegean Sea that is known for its glamour, nightlife, and party scene. It is one of the most popular destinations for celebrities, jet-setters, and young travelers who want to have fun and enjoy the sun. Mykonos has some of the best beaches in Greece, such as Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Psarou Beach, where you can find beach bars, clubs, DJs, and dancers. The island also has a charming old town, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and colorful doors. You can also visit the famous windmills that overlook the harbor, or take a boat trip to Delos Island, which is an important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
## Corfu
Corfu is an island in the Ionian Sea that has a rich history and culture influenced by various civilizations. It was ruled by the Venetians, the French, and the British before becoming part of Greece in 1864. As a result, Corfu has a distinctive architecture and atmosphere that blends different styles and traditions. You can see this in the Old Town of Corfu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features elegant buildings, fortresses, churches, and museums. You can also visit the Achilleion Palace, which was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria as a tribute to her favorite hero Achilles. Corfu also has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Greece, with lush green hills, olive groves, cypress trees, and sandy beaches.
## Zakynthos
Zakynthos is another island in the Ionian Sea that is famous for its natural beauty and wildlife. It is home to one of the most photographed beaches in Greece: Navagio Beach or Shipwreck Beach. This beach is only accessible by boat and features a stunning contrast between the turquoise water and the white sand. It also has a rusty shipwreck that adds to its charm and mystery. Zakynthos is also a nesting ground for endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), which lay their eggs on some of the beaches during summer. You can see these turtles in their natural habitat by joining a boat tour or visiting the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
These are just some of the top tourist destinations in Greece that you should not miss when you visit this amazing country. There are many more places to explore and discover in Greece that will make your trip unforgettable.