Greek Archaeological Sites: Acropolis of Athens More than any other monument, the Acropolis of Athens represents Classical Greek culture at its zenith. While modern Athens is not on my top list of places to visit in Greece, a stay of a few days is imperative to experience its ancient monuments and rich museums.

Greek Archaeological Sites

Delphi As a place of influence in ancient eastern Mediterranean affairs Delphi has no rivals. The Delphic oracles were received by Persian kings and Athenian leaders and they indirectly helped shape history as we know it. The landscape is fantastic, the ruins well preserved, and the site’s museum houses some of the most important artworks from ancient Greece.

Olympia The Olympic Games have evolved over the years to become the most spectacular show business in the world, and they travel every four years from one host country to another, but in Ancient Greece, all “civilized” cities gathered in ancient Olympia to participate in athletic competitions and cultural festivals.Thesaurus vast sanctuary lies in ruins, but the Epidaurus Theater itself is a visual treat. Perfectly preserved it is still used today for festivals and concerts.

Phaistos (Crete) while most travel guides would pick another Minoan palace (Knossos) as the best destination in Crete, my personal visits to both places have placed Phaistos in a special place in my heart. Phaistos felt much more genuine of a place, while Knossos –spectacular as it is– seemed a bit more contrived. If you do visit Crete, it is possible to visit both Knossos and Phaistos during one visit to Heraklion.

Vergina This unique archeological Greek Archaeological Sites /museum is well worth a visit to experience Macedonian culture. The tomb of Phillip II of Macedon has yielded excellent examples of artifacts which are exhibited under the Great Tumulus alongside the ancient tombs.

Some more ancient Greek places worth visiting:

1. Akrotiri (in Santorini)

The “Pompeii” of Greece. Akrotiri is the tiny prehistoric Cycladic settlement that was buried under ashes when the volcano of Thera erupted. The inhabitants seem to have had ample time to evacuate the island since no bodies were found during excavations. The town and the buildings themselves, however, have been preserved in remarkably good condition under the volcanic ash, and offer a real glimpse into the life and culture of the Cycladic civilization.

2. Dodoni (near Ioannina)

If you are staying in Southern Greece or one of the Aegean islands, Dodoni will probably be out of your way. It is located in the North East part of the mainland, nested in high mountains near Ioannina. The ruins and the oracle’s history are a delight, anchored by a most impressive and perfectly preserved ancient theater.

3. Mycenae

While the ruins themselves at Mycenae require much imagination to appreciate and understand, a visit to the citadel that dominated Mycenaean Greece is an imperative for those who have read the Iliad and want to see the place from where Agamemnon ruled bronze age Greece.