There can be no doubt that for lovers of ancient history and archaeology, a visit to Greece is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Especially when in a rural or remote area, travelling in Greece can feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, making you feel closer to its thousands of years of history.
It may not be as refined in some regions, but that’s the point. It feels ancient, and that is something of a rarity these days. It’s something we revel in every time we go back.
At the heart of this feeling of antiquity are the myriad archaeological sites that Greece is home to, and they are some of the most famous sites in the world!
For us, it’s unimaginable to think of visiting Greece and not visiting an archaeological site!
However, there are literally thousands of possibilities, which can make it difficult to decide which ones to visit, especially if your time is limited.
To help you, we’ve curated a list of the top twenty archaeological sites that are a must-see when visiting Greece.
Let’s get into it!
1. Acropolis of Athens: The Acropolis is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Greece. It's an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and home to several temples and other significant structures, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Parthenos. Be sure to also visit the new Acropolis Museum while you’re there. It is one of the most beautiful museums in Europe and the collection is filled with some of the most famous and important treasures from ancient Greece. To get your entry tickets, or book expert guided tours of this magnificent site, CLICK HERE.
2. Knossos: This archaeological site on the island of Crete was the center of Minoan civilization, one of the earliest in Europe. In Greek mythology, Knossos was the site of the palace of King Minos, the father of Ariadne, the princess who helped the hero, Theseus, escape the labyrinth beneath the palace where the latter slew the Minotaur. As the largest island of Greece, Crete may require a trip all on its own, but if you do find yourself there, the palace of Knossos is an absolute must! Book your tickets to visit Minos's ancient palace HERE.
3. Delphi: Known as the "navel of the world," Delphi was considered one of the most sacred sites in ancient Greece and was home to the famous oracle of Apollo. This is one of the most fantastic sites you can visit and its dramatic location on the mountainside, combined with the rich mythology and history of the place is unlike anything else you will visit. It is a definite must for anyone visiting Greece and can be visited as a day trip from Athens by car or bus. To book a day tour of Delphi from Athens, CLICK HERE.
4. Mycenae: This ancient city was the centre of the Mycenaean civilization and is famous for its imposing fortress walls and the Lion Gate. Few things have captured the human imagination more than the Trojan War, and as the proposed palace of King Agamemnon himself, Mycenae is just outstanding. When you visit, be sure to also visit the Treasury of Atreus and the Tomb of Clytemnestra which are both nearby.
5. Olympia: This is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, held every four years to honour the god Zeus, but there is so much more to this magnificent and extensive archaeological site. As one of the most sacred places in ancient Greece and the broader Greek world, and as home to the greatest of the Crown Games, Olympia is a must-see for anyone remotely interested in ancient history, mythology, and even athletics. The Archaeological Museum, as well as the Museum of the Olympic Games are both fantastic, so make sure you visit both. You may need a couple of days in Olympia to fully take it in, so check our Travel Resources page for our recommended accommodation.
6. Ancient Corinth: Once one of the most powerful cities in Greece, Ancient Corinth is now a fascinating archaeological site with many impressive ruins. This, despite the Roman destruction of this once-beautiful and thriving city. There is still a lot to see in Ancient Corinth, including the site museum, the magnificent ruins of the temple of Apollo, and the Agora. If you have time, you can drive up to the overlooking Acrocorinthos where there is a vast medieval castle and a view that will take your breath away.
7. Epidaurus: Home to the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece, Epidaurus was a major center for healing and worship. When you visit this place, make sure to visit the theatre, museum, and the healing sanctuary of the god, Asclepius. This is another place where history and mythology come together. If you time it right, you can see a performance in the great theatre while sitting beneath the stars. It’s an experience unlike any other.
8. Akrotiri: This Minoan settlement on the island of Santorini was destroyed by a volcanic eruption, leaving behind well-preserved ruins that offer insight into ancient life, including two-storey apartment buildings. This is not a large site, so it won’t take you long to visit. However, it is a wonderful change from the beach and shopping when on Santorini. If you need a cultural fix while visiting this beautiful island, this is the place to see. Book your entry tickets early HERE.
9. Ancient Messene: This well-preserved city in the south-western Peloponnese was founded in the 4th century BC and is famous for its impressive city walls. The site is vast and has a lot to offer, despite the fact that it is often overlooked by regular tourists in Greece. Get your 'ski;-the-line' tickets HERE.
10. Samothrace: Located on an island in the Aegean Sea, this archaeological site is home to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a major religious centre in ancient Greece dating back to the seventh century B.C.E. This north Aegean island has a lot to offer visitors who make the journey there.
11. Eleusis: This ancient city was home to the famous Eleusinian Mysteries, a secretive religious festival that was held in honour of Demeter and Persephone. For visitors to Athens, this is easy to get to as it is just outside the city. Eleusis was one of the most sacred sites in ancient Greece and the archaeological site is vast and interesting. In addition to the major ruins and on-site museum, you can also visit the gate to Hades where the God of the Underworld was said to have abducted Persephone, and the adjacent well, known as the ‘Tears of Demeter’, where the goddess is said to have wept for the loss of her daughter.
12. Vergina: This is the site of the royal tombs of the Macedonian kings, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. If you are visiting the north of Greece, this is a must-see. The tomb of Philip II is one of the great archaeological finds of the twentieth-century, and the site of Vergina is well worth a visit.
13. The Athenian Agora: This ancient marketplace was the centre of commercial and civic life in Athens and is home to many important ruins, including the intact Temple of Hephaestus and the restored stoa of Attalos which contains the on-site museum. This site is something of an oasis in the middle of Athens, a place where you can find a quiet spot in the shade of an olive tree to think on the great figures of history who walked in that place, exchanged ideas, and shaped ideas of western democracy and freedom. You get your 'skip-the-line' tickets, and tour tickets of the Athenian Agora HERE.
14. Delos: This small island in the Cyclades was a major religious and commercial centre in ancient Greece and is home to many well-preserved ruins. In Greek mythology, this was the birthplace of Apollo who was said to have been born beneath the towering palm in the middle of the sacred lake which is still there. You cannot stay on the island, so you must take a ferry from a neighbouring island like Mykonos. If you can make it to this most sacred place from ancient Greece, it is definitely worth the visit. It’s a true jewel in the sea! You can book your Delos cruise tickets from Mykonos HERE.
15. Sparta: This city-state was a major power in ancient Greece and is home to many impressive ruins, including the theatre and the temple of Athena Chalkioikos. There is less to see here than on other archaeological sites, but the setting is one that is out of this world with Mt. Taygetos towering over it. It is far, it is remote, and it obvious why the Spartans loved it. It is also the only city of ancient Greece that did not have walls. Why? Because it had Spartans! This is Sparta! When visiting, be sure to also check out the small sanctuary of Apollo just outside the city.
16. Brauron: This archaeological site is not on the average tourist’s radar, however, it is fascinating and unique. Brauron is the site of an ancient sanctuary of Artemis, not far outside of Athens. In mythology, this is where the goddess Artemis brought Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, when he sacrificed her to be able to sail to Troy. Unbeknownst to Agamemnon, the goddess had replaced his daughter with a deer to save the child. What is interesting about Brauron is that it was a sort of ancient orphanage where children participated in a strange sort of ritual in which they dressed and acted like bears. You can still see the sleeping cubicles of the children in the beautiful ruins. Be sure to visit the local archaeological museum while you are there to learn more.
17. Dodona: This is the oldest oracle site in Greece, and was dedicated to the god Zeus whose messages were deciphered through the rustling of the sacred oak tree there. This is less-visited by tourists because it is a bit farther afield, however, it is worth the journey though the dramatic countryside of central Greece to see the great theatre and sanctuary.
18.Tiryns: This ancient city in the southeastern Peloponnese, just outside the lovely city of Nauplion, is steeped in mythology, with ties to Bellerophon and Herakles. Tiryns is a very important archaeological site and its imposing cyclopean walls are a wonder to behold. It does not take long to walk the site, so it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are visiting Nauplion.
19. The Palace of Nestor: This palace in southwestern Greece was the centre of the Mycenaean kingdom of Pylos and is famous for its well-preserved frescoes. Nestor, of course, was one of Agamemnon’s older generals during the Trojan War, and a major figure in Homer’s Iliad. While there, you can also visit the recently discovered ‘Griffin Warrior Tomb’ which revealed an ancient warrior burial with some extremely beautiful artifacts.
20. National Archaeological Museum in Athens: Although not exactly an archaeological site, this museum houses the most important collection of artifacts from ancient Greece in the world, and should not be missed. The nice thing about it is that it contains finds from the most important archaeological sites all over Greece, so you get a full picture in one place. Room after room of this museum holds some of the most famous artifacts and pieces of ancient art you will ever see from statues in marble and bronze, to frescoes, pottery, jewelry, arms, armour and more from every age of Greek civilization. It can be overwhelming, but if you take it room by room, and focus on reading about the pieces that really catch your eye, you will get a lot out of this magnificent place. If you are in Athens, this is a must! Book your tickets to this wonderful museum by CLICKING HERE.
We hope that you’ve found this post informative and helpful.
There is of course, a lot more to see in Greece when it comes to archaeological sites. This list highlights some of the more impressive ones. However, wherever you go in Greece the chances are that there is an interesting archaeological site nearby, just around the corner. So, be sure to do your research and ask locals what there is to see. Who knows? You might find some hidden gems which you can visit without anyone else crowded around you.
Whenever you visit archaeological sites in Greece be sure to check opening times as some sites are closed on specific days. Mind the time of day as it can get very hot. Be sure to wear a hat and sun protection, and bring lots of water.
To make it more interesting for your fellow travellers or any children in your group, make sure to look up the stories from Greek Mythology that are associated with the place you’re visiting. It adds a whole other dimension to the site and really does bring it to life in a fascinating way.
Remember to check out our ‘Travel Resources’ page for travel deals, and recommendations around accommodation, food, site visits, and more!
Here’s to a magnificent journey!
Enjoy the adventure!
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