Greece is renowned for its sedate islands. Yet, stepping away from its fishing villages and beach-town resorts, the country’s cities are equally beautiful — and too often overlooked.
The most obvious candidate, Athens, is a jarring kaleidoscope of modern-meets-ancient, with marbled landmarks and residential skyscrapers like Apollo Tower. But travelers can deviate further from the standard package holidays and mainstream destinations. Branch out to mountain-backed Kastoria, laid on the shores of Lake Orestiada. Or skip the Athens Acropolis for the Acropolis ruins in Kavala. On the mainland and beyond, Greece has a rich assortment of cities for lucky tourists to visit.
This guide contains a carefully curated list of the best cities in Greece, plus some bonus recommendations of island “capitals.” Urban enthusiasts? These are the destinations for your itineraries.
How to Choose the Right City in Greece for Your Trip
Selection is key when planning a Grecian city break. The sheer variety in the country’s cities is not to be understated; a four-day break in Rhodes will provide a distinctly different experience to three days in Patras.
Culture, food, and tradition — these are all qualities that Greeks are known for — yet, each city has its own stamp. For instance, some cities in Greece have patron saints, like Athens’ Saint Dionysius the Areopagite. These saints are celebrated on specific days throughout the year; it’s easy to see how cities quickly scope out an individualistic sense of culture and identity.
Always reflect on the type of cultural experience you wish to achieve on a Grecian city break. Are you seeking lingering fishing heritage? Or days wiled away between crumbling columns of Ancient Greek ruins? That might spell the difference between a weekend in Volos versus a few days in Corinth or Athens. Evaluate the culture and research potential attractions of interest; a little extra delving goes a long way.
That’s without factoring in its geographical considerations, too. Decide whether mountainous terrain or coastline is best for your trip (it’s always worth researching the best beaches in Greece). Greece has a wealth of port cities, like Thessaloniki, but its higher altitude cities inland, like Kastoria, might be equally savvy choices in summer. Don’t rule out these inland options; mountainous cities tend to be cooler, and some have lakes for wild swimming in summer. On the flipside, in winter, these regions regularly see snow; skiing in Greece, anyone?
Lastly, question the accessibility of the destinations you’re considering. Greece is notoriously limited with direct international flights: many cities will require domestic transfers from Athens or Thessaloniki. Factor this into your decision, and evaluate potential overland travel, like European rail connections. Limited to a long weekend? Prioritize accessible cities or risk sacrificing a large percentage of your time for complicated transfers.
A Checklist To Consider
Narrowing down the best cities to visit in Greece is almost always subjective. That leaves lots of reflection for travelers plotting upcoming trips — what exactly do you want? And how do your expectations align with the Grecian cities available? We’ve covered the essential considerations, but let’s consolidate everything into a simple checklist:
- Do you have time for domestic transfers? Or do you require a city with direct international flights?
- Is swimming important? And if so, would you swim in lakes, or is your heart set on the ocean?
- What cultural experiences do you want?
- Are you envisioning a quaint or metropolitan aesthetic?
- What season are you visiting in? Do you want snow or sun?
Go ahead and scour the latest recommendations in luxury travel magazines. Seeking inspiration from trusted voices is an age-old strategy. Just utilize this information with care; ultimately, the most important voice is your own. Establishing your priorities and expectations is key for planning a satisfying trip.
Most Beautiful Cities in Greece
Looks aren’t everything, but there is something to be said for aesthetic Greek cityscapes. It’s impossible to resist the allure of Grecian history, culture, and architecture rolled into one. So, before diving into the official top ten, here are the prettiest cities in Greece — with some honorable town “capital” mentions. Call it an added bonus.
1. Kastoria
Why: Lakeside and mountain scenery with dramatic Ottoman architecture
Heading the top position of the most beautiful cities in Greece, Kastoria has been name-dropped a few times already. The Ottoman-style city sits on the shores of Lake Orestiada in Northern Greece and is scenically wedged in the shadows of the Grammos and Vitsi mountains. The natural scenery is stunning and provides real appeal for those considering a photogenic city as their next Greek destination.
The city itself sits on a peninsula jutting out into the lake, and it’s located a mere 30 km south of the Albanian border. Strictly speaking, it is possible to swim in Orestiada. However, swimming is rare; residents prefer to avoid immersing themselves directly in this natural body of water due to hygiene fears. Instead, take boat rides with local fishermen and walk (or cycle) the lake’s promenade.
2. Kavala
Why: A beautiful location on the Aegean coastline
Kavala is an overlooked hillside city in Northern Greece. Tucked up in the northeast corner of the Greek mainland, this beautiful destination has distinctive orange-roofed homes overlooking the Aegean Sea.
For those seeking a coastal city in Greece, Kavala has beautiful beaches and ancient history, with its own Acropolis and a dramatic aqueduct. Embrace coastal living on sandy beaches like Rapsani or Perigiali. Or educate yourself on Grecian architecture and regional tales.
3. Chania
Why: A beautiful (and multi-influenced) city on Crete
Skip Heraklion, and Crete gives you Chania. Chania might not be the island’s capital, but what it lacks in status, it makes up for in beauty. Chania’s cobbled streets are dreamily explored on foot, with a traditional old town and Venetian harbor to wander.
The island’s history is profound, and Chania itself is an ode to Crete’s mixed influences. Byzantine, Roman, Ancient Greek, Ottoman, Venetian, and even Arab rule was imposed on the island at various points in its lifetime. Soak up Chania’s stunning ocean views, but be mindful of its architecture. Chania isn’t just a pretty face.
4. Fira
Why: Santorini’s white and blue capital
Fira might be a “capital town,” but how could we possibly omit it? Fira has classic Cycladic architecture, with cubic-shaped houses that cling miraculously to steep cliff faces while overlooking never-ending expanses of blue ocean. The white-washed houses and blue church domes are an iconic color pairing. And while Oia might get a hefty portion of Santorini’s attention, the beauty of Fira is undeniable.
Enjoy the Cycladic colors (preferably from a private pool in white-washed Fira accommodation). Ensure you spot Nea Kameni, too; the active volcanic island makes for quite a dramatic view.
5. Corfu Town
Why: A UNESCO-listed old town with a maze of scenic shopping streets
Ready for another island “capital”? Not everyone wants a massive city for their Grecian getaway. If you’d like to balance the appeal of island life with urban culture, Corfu Town is a possible (and extremely pretty) solution.
Corfu Town is so beautiful that UNESCO swooped in to protect it. Unlike Santorini, Corfu’s capital has a warmer color palette of yellows and peach tones. The island’s capital acts as the historic heart of Corfu, with a port, old and new fortresses, and a maze-like Old Town. The Old Town holds the most magic; ancient streets are living and breathing, teeming with new life as tourists and residents alike go about their days. Walking the stone-slabbed alleyways is a constant assortment of retail surprises — soak everything up and pick up some souvenirs.
10 Must-See Cities in Greece by Interest
Grecian cities are chronically underappreciated. By now, we’ve established how you should select your next destination. We’ve also revealed some bonus recommendations, especially catered to those seeking beautiful cities across Greece. Are you ready for the big reveal?
Here is the final summary. This carefully cultivated list of ten contains the absolute must-see cities in Greece, enough inspiration to fuel many an amazing getaway. These are the cities that made the cut — with a brief note about what specific interests they cater to.
1. Athens
Why: The capital and historic hub
Athens wields a special type of significance. The city is hailed as the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, and even the first-ever marathon, when Pheidippides ran from Athens to Sparta. Modern tourists can visit the Acropolis, Agora, and the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
A stint in Athens is well-paired with onward travel to the Cycladic islands. The capital is a necessary stop for the vast majority of international travelers, who catch domestic transfers from the city to their final destination. Once you’ve browsed beautiful Mykonos villas for rent, why not book an overnight stopover in Athens?
2. Patras
Why: Extroverted culture
Patras is a coastal mecca of extroverted charisma. The city is situated on the northern coastline of the Peloponnese peninsula, with beaches like Agiias overlooking the Gulf of Patras. But it’s not its (albeit beautiful) location that earned its spot on this guide; Patras has some fantastic festivals.
The city is renowned for its quickfire calendar, the best of which is Patras Carnival, a notoriously tongue-in-cheek parade with colorful and comical figures.
3. Delphi
Why: Ancient history and stunning mountains
Less than 20 km inland from the south coast of Greece’s mainland, Delphi is a sneaky addition to the country’s top ten cities. Strictly speaking, this destination is a town of two halves: a modern Delphi and an ancient one. The latter was once the seat of the Oracle of Apollo, and visiting the Temple of Apollo is a non-negotiable activity for anyone with an interest in ancient history.
Set against a backdrop of stunning mountainous terrain, Delphi is situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Stay in the modern town, and spend your days hiking through precious ruins.
4. Thessaloniki
Why: A culturally flamboyant port city
Thessaloniki is not short on history. Travelers soak up its historical sites, including the Roman-built Rotunda and artifacts at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Yet it has a metropolitan flair, a modern flamboyance that gives it a younger, fresher feel.
Set on the northeast coastline of Northern Greece, Thessaloniki is a mega port city with excellent access to beaches along the Aegean seafront.
5. Volos
Why: Pelion Peninsula and Sporades Islands access
Fancy a Thessaloniki alternative? Volos is located a little further south along the northeastern coastline. Widely revered as one of the country’s largest cities, it has a serious claim to fame. Volos was the city where Jason and the Argonauts embarked to find the minotaur. It is the perfect city choice for anyone with an interest in Grecian mythology.
The large city is equally blessed with beautiful scenery. Velos sits in the shadow of Mt Pelion, and with its port, provides sublime access to the Sporades Islands.
6. Rhodes
Why: The capital of the largest of the Dodecanese islands and day trips to Turkey
The Dodecanese islands lie far from mainland Greece. Rhodes is the largest of them all and is situated just off the coastline of Turkey. Rhodes Town is a worthy suggestion for travelers intrigued by the concept of combining a visit to Greece with day trips to Turkey. Again, the island’s capital is smaller than other contenders on this list. However, the flexibility it grants visitors is unrivaled — spend a day in Marmaris or Dalaman, catching a ferry to the Turkish mainland.
Its same-named capital contains a UNESCO-protected old town and precious archaeological sites. Day trip to Turkey, visit the Acropolis of Rhodes and tour the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.
7. Kalamata
Why: Inherently cultured … with delicious olives
Patras isn’t the only city worth visiting on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Kalamata is situated on its southern coastline, with beaches facing the Messenian Gulf. The city is more than just a beautiful setting; Kalamata has seen multiple occupations. Walk its historic streets and note the architectural evidence of Byzantine versus Venetian influence. The cultural attractions are countless, including the Archaeological Museum of Messenia and the city’s 13th-century castle.
Above all, don’t forget to sample its olives. These purple fruits are actually protected by a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin); Kalamata olives must be grown in and around the city to be sold under that name.
8. Ioannina
Why: A beautiful lakeside city with Ottoman architecture
Ioannina is an inland solace in Northern Greece. A complete bubble of natural serenity, it sits on the shores of Lake Pamvotida and is backed by the craggy peaks of Pindos National Park. Embrace Ottoman architecture (including Kaloutsiani Mosque) or spend your days hiking along the lakefront or within the neighboring national park.
9. Corinth
Why: Complex ancient history
History enthusiasts will recall the name “Corinth.” The ancient settlement was once amongst the wealthiest and largest of Greece’s cities. The original location straddled the Peloponnese Peninsula’s isthmus, and its complex tale includes destruction (then reconstruction) at the hands of the Romans.
Today, the modern city sits on the northern shoreline of the peninsula, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. For those with an interest in archaeology and Greek history, it is the ideal base for sightseeing the neighboring historical sites. With such easy access to world-renowned ruins, it’s no wonder Corinth is amongst the best cities in Greece.
10. Nafplio
Why: The former Greek capital
Nafplio looks so serene that it borders on fantastical. The coastal city features a historic stone harbor, but its view is the real draw. Visitors enjoy stunning views of the Argolic Gulf, overlooking the floating Bourtzi castle (a Venetian structure in the middle of the harbor) and gazing out at snow-capped mountains on the opposite shoreline.
In the city streets, the architectural blend of Venetian and Ottoman design imposes a stamp of individuality. And above all, Nafplio was once the Greek capital — talk about a claim to fame. It’s a definite star of the Peloponnese Peninsula, and located on the southeastern shoreline, easily combined with a trip to Corinth.