Last updated: March 15, 2024
Greece is known for many things: sunshine, beautiful beaches, and more. But what really catches people's attention are Greece's historic sites. This is a country full of impressive architecture and ancient structures that have stood the test of time both on the mainland and on the islands.
To see all of the country's best historical sites, you'll need to rent a car and explore more than Athens has to offer. We've curated a list of the best ancient Greek sites to help you plan a history-themed trip. Check out this Greece itinerary for more ideas.
Best historical sites in Greece
1. Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens is perhaps the most famous of all the historic sites in Greece. This impressive ruins towers over the Greek capital and contains the remains of many ancient buildings, including the Parthenon, the Old Temple of Athena, and the Erechtheion. You can't come to Athens without visiting this place. To avoid the crowds, come here early in the morning and late in the evening.
address: Athens 105 58, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: €20 (US$24)
How to visit: Acropolis guided tour
Where to stay: Palace Acropolis Sofa
2. Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in Greece, was built in the 6th century BC. However, it was completed only 640 years later, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. During Roman times, the temple had 104 massive columns, 16 of which still remain today. The temple is located approximately 500 m (1,640 ft) southeast of the Acropolis and is part of an important archaeological site surrounded by Hadrian's Gate. Read more about things to do in Athens.
address: Athens 105 57, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: €6 – €12 (US $7 – $14)
How to visit: Athens Guided Tour
Where to stay: Royal Olympic Hotel
3. Rhodes Acropolis
Rhodes' most important historical site, the Acropolis of Rhodes, dates back to the Hellenistic period (3rd-2nd century BC) and dominates the western side of the city. These include major historic sites such as the Temple of Apollo and Nymphaea. Excavations have been underway since 1912, but the entire Acropolis has not yet been discovered.
address: Diagoridon 68, Rodos 851 00, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: free
How to visit: From Rhodes: Half-day trip to Lindos
Where to stay: Rhodes Park Suites & Spa
4. Ancient city of Kamiros, Rhodes
The ancient city of Kamiros, twice destroyed by earthquakes, still boasts some of Greece's most fascinating historical sites. Dating back to the 8th century BC, Kamiros has a varied history and was built on three different levels. Its buildings and monuments include the Agora (assembly place), the Stoa (covered walkway), and the Doric Fountain House.
address: Kameiros 851 06, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: €6 (US $7.08)
Where to stay: All Senses Nautica Blue Exclusive Resort & Spa
5. Grand Master's Palace, Rhodes
Also located in the town of Rhodes is the Grand Master's Palace, built in the 14th century.Day It was built by the Knights of Rhodes and used as a fortress when the island was occupied by the Ottoman Empire. After being largely destroyed by an explosion in 1856, the Italians rebuilt the building in a grand, medieval style.
address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: €9 (US$10.62)
How to visit: Medieval Village Guided Walking and Wine Tasting Tour
Where to stay: Rhodes Park Suites & Spa
6. Monolithos Castle in Rhodes
Monolithos Castle, an old fortress, towers over the town of Monolithos on a huge rock. Located 70 km southwest of the town of Rhodes, the castle was built in 1480 to protect the area from enemy attacks. You have to climb a narrow path to reach the castle, but it offers fantastic views of Purni Beach.
address: Ataviros 851 08, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: free
Where to stay: Thomas Hotel
7. Ancient Corinth, Corinthia
Corinth, just 78 miles from Athens, was an important city in ancient Greece. There are several ruins here, including the Temple of Octavia and the Temple of Apollo, but most of the remaining buildings are Roman rather than Greek. Over the years, much of the city has been destroyed by various earthquakes. However, Corinth is still a great place to visit.
address: Corinth, Greece (Google map location)
Admission fee: €8 (US$9.44)
How to visit: half day ancient corinth tour
Where to stay: Ephyra Hotel
8. Temple of Apollo at Delphi
You may have never heard of this ancient Greek site, but you've probably seen photos of it before. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi date back to the 4th century BC and have been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years, but towering columns still mark the area where ancient pilgrims once climbed. It's worth a visit to Delphi not only to see one of Greece's best historical sites, but also to explore the beautiful and atmospheric city.
address: Delphi 330 54, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: €12 (US $14.16)
How to visit: Ancient Delphi Full-Day Tour from Athens
Where to stay: Amalia Hotel Delphi
9. Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
One of my personal favorite historic sites in Greece, the Theater of Epidaurus is an ancient Greek amphitheater hidden on a hill of the same name, about a two-hour drive southwest of Athens. It is known not only for its large scale, which can accommodate 14,000 spectators, but also for its state-of-the-art acoustics, which were a technological innovation at the time.
The theater's 55 rows of limestone seats are precision-cut into a bowl shape into the hill. You can switch places with your travel partner and check out the acoustics for yourself. Near the amphitheater are the remains of a healing center where music was considered a major part of medicine in ancient Greece.
Admission fee: €6 – 12 (US $7-14)
How to visit: Epidaurus and Mycenae Day Trip from Athens
Where to stay: Electra Metropolis
10. Knossos Palace, Crete
The Palace of Knossos, now a Bronze Age archaeological site in Heraklion, was once the center of one of the world's most powerful civilizations. Numerous excavations from the 16th to 14th centuries BC have uncovered the foundations of various palaces here. Visiting this ancient Greek site was the highlight of our trip to Crete a few years ago.
address: Knossos, 714 09, Greece (google map location)
Admission fee: €6 (US $7.08)
How to visit: Knossos Palace entrance ticket and private guided tour
Where to stay: GDM Megaron Hotel