Greece Landmarks
Looking for the perfect balance of history, natural beauty, and adventure? Explore Greece’s hidden treasures with our expert guide, Rosie.
My name is Rosie, and I’m a proud native Chicagoan, where my husband and I currently live. Coming from a diverse cultural background myself, I feel incredibly lucky to have married into a wonderful Greek family. My husband Tim’s family is originally from a small village near Trikala, nestled in the heart of central Greece, and later immigrated to Canada, where they built a new life while holding on to their rich Greek traditions. My husband left Canada at 18 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. Over his 8-year journey, he lived in several places across Greece including Kalabaka, Athens, and Thessaloniki, and even served in the Greek army. These experiences have given him a profound connection to Greece and its culture, which he has shared with me since we started dating in 2020.
Meteora
Meteora is unlike any other place in the world. These towering rock formations house centuries-old monasteries that look like they’re floating in the sky. Located near Tim’s parents' villages Meteora is more than just a tourist spot for us—it’s a place where we reconnect with spirituality. Tim was stationed here when he played soccer in Greece so riding on a motorcycle through the winding roads with these formations in the background is nostalgic for him, and incredibly special for me.
Meteora is located about 4-5 hours from Athens, and you can easily book a guided tour or a comfortable bus trip to explore its breathtaking monasteries and landscapes in a day.
Panathenaic Stadium
Many people visit Athens primarily to explore the Acropolis but the Panathenaic Stadium is equally impressive and should not be missed! This historic,all-marble stadium is the only one of its kind in the world. Originally constructed in the 4th century BC it was later fully reconstructed in 1896 to host the first modern Olympic Games, making it a significant site for both ancient and modern history lovers.
When visiting the Acropolis, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. You can skip the line by purchasing tickets in advance online, which allows you to head straight in and fully enjoy the experience. After exploring the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium, head to a nearby rooftop bar or café for a well-deserved lunch and take in some stunning views from the top!
Sounion
Many people visit Athens primarily to explore the Acropolis and don’t even know that Athens has a stunning coast with attractions like Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon are equally breathtaking and should not be missed! Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon, built in the 5th century BC offers stunning panoramic views and a unique blend of history and natural beauty. It’s a significant site for ancient Greek history dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Greece’s coastal wonders.
For the best experience, plan your visit to Sounion in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch one of the most famous sunsets in Greece. I highly recommend renting a car from Athens as it is a 1.5-hour drive along the scenic coast. Along the way, you can make stops at some charming coastal spots like Glyfada for a bit of shopping or a coffee break, Vouliagmeni to visit its stunning lake, and Anavyssos for a swim.
Acropolis from Likavitos
The Acropolis is one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks, and this shot from Mount Lycabettus is one of my favorite views in Athens. Anytime someone visits Athens, I always recommend climbing Lycabettus for sunset and to take in the panoramic city views of the entire city. It’s moments like these that remind me of the incredible history that surrounds us in Greece. The Acropolis isn’t just a monument—it symbolizes the rich cultural heritage that shaped the world. From Lycabettus, you can take in the entire city and really grasp how big Athens truly is.