What is Greece known for? From ancient architecture to sandy beaches

Mention Greece and it conjures up images of crystal-clear waters crashing against sandy, sun-kissed beaches, ancient buildings, mythical Greek gods, and of course, the volcanic landscapes of gorgeous Santorini.

Whether it’s a family vacation, a honeymoon, or even a solo adventure—you’ll be amazed by the countless things to do here. Before you embark on your Greek adventure, here are the top 10 things that Greece is famous for.

The capital of Greece and the country’s largest city, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and is known as the birthplace of democracy, and the center of philosophy and the arts. It’s home to well-preserved architecture steeped in history, many cool and interesting museums, diverse cuisine, and bustling nightlife. Join a private tour to immerse yourself in the rich and inspiring history of this beautiful cosmopolitan city.

You can’t go to Greece and not be mesmerized by the ancient Greek architecture on display. One of these is the iconic Acropolis of Athens, which has been overlooking the city for the last 2,500 years. The Acropolis and its surrounding landmarks are a symbol of Greece and are constantly packed with travelers. Take part in a walking tour and skip the lines with a licensed archaeologist guide who will share expert knowledge on the area.

The first modern Olympic Games was held in Athens in 1896 when Pierre de Coubertin, a Frenchman, sought to revive the Ancient Olympic Games that originated in Olympia back in 776 B.C. The opening and closing ceremonies for the 1896 Games in Athens were held at the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble.

Santorini needs little introduction—it is one of the most iconic Greek islands, known for its white-washed buildings with striking blue domes, rugged cliffs, and magnificent sunsets. Besides the many observation spots that offer bird’s eye views of the surroundings, you can also visit many of the wineries in the area, discover snorkeling spots and hidden coves along its stunning coastlines on a cruise, or sail to a nearby islet to hike up to the crater of an active volcano.

Greece is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil—the country is home to 120 million olive trees, with countless locals involved in the olive oil business. 80% of Greece’s olive oil is extra virgin, meaning that its acidity does not exceed 0.8% and is loaded with antioxidants. You can join an olive oil tasting session to learn more about olive oil varieties, aromas, and olive oil and food pairings.

Greece also produces approximately 120,000 tons of table olives each year. Olive varieties here include the Kalamata olives with their deep purple hue and rich flavor and the pale green Halkidiki variety that’s perfect for stuffing with blue cheese or dried tomatoes.

Greek cuisine is influenced by Ottoman, Italian, and Middle Eastern cultures, and uses key ingredients such as meat, potatoes, lots of seafood, and of course, olive oil. Look forward to creamy moussakas (a potato-based dish with ground meat), souvlakis (grilled meat skewers) served with a tangy tzatziki sauce, and flaky baklavas to round off a satisfying meal.

Enjoy the diverse flavors of Greek cuisine on a walking food tour that takes you to local neighborhoods like Psyri in central Athens where they sell specialties such as koulouria (sesame bread), Greek salad, and meatballs.

Greek mythology has inspired countless video games, Hollywood movies, businesses, you name it. Greek gods and goddesses in these mythologies were said to live on Mount Olympus, an actual mountain in Greece that you can hike up. You might not find any Greek gods at the summit, but you’ll certainly catch some stunning views.

Greece is said to have invented many genres of theater, namely comedy, satire, and tragedy. Greek theater started as pageants in honor of Greek gods but evolved into thought-provoking plays that encouraged Greek men to think about their place in society. Many ancient Greek theaters are preserved to this day, including the Epidaurus Ancient Theater, where the acoustics are said to be so good that you can even hear a pin drop from the back seats.

It’s not a proper Greek holiday if you aren’t visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world—the country boasts thousands of miles of pristine, white coastlines beside the gorgeous Aegean Sea. Party it up at the vibrant beaches of Mykonos, head to St. Georges Beach on Naxos for wholesome family fun, or wind down at the relaxing Plaka Beach, also in Naxos.

Greece is also home to several unique beaches—check out the black sand beaches around Santorini and the pink sand of Elafonisi Beach in Crete.

Ancient Greek philosophers were some of the most influential figures in philosophy, helping to lay the foundation of Western thought and influencing our understanding of the world. They include Thales, the first Greek philosopher; Socrates, a founding father of philosophy; Plato, who was Socrates’ student, and Aristotle.

If you’re interested in Greek philosophy, this walking tour in Athens takes you to famous sights such as The Academy of Athens, Ancient Agora, and the Areopagus, where you will not only learn about these famous philosophers but also about ancient Greece and its myths.

More like this: