The 10 Biggest Cities in Greece: Are They Worth Visiting?
Greek islands are famous all around the world. They get all of the attention they deserve, and tons of tourists. However, the country’s cities are not that famous. We are not complaining! That’s one of the reasons why we love them.
We prepared this post about the country’s biggest cities. We live in Athens and have visited them all. Each is unique, vibrant, and for sure worth your time. Since not many tourists visit, you get to experience authentic Greek culture. Not only that, but all of them boast historic architecture, archaeology, nature, delicious food, and the warmest guests in Europe!
Athens
We consider Athens’ historical core the nicest in Europe. We are talking about the area around the Acropolis and Philopappos Hill. That is the neighborhoods of Monastiraki, Plaka, and Thissio. It’s mostly pedestrian and full of archaeological remains, museums, palaces, parks, taverns and bars.
Once done with the highlights, you have to explore Athens’ incredible street art and museums. As if that was not enough, the city has a long beach, a state of the art cultural center, several hills with epic views, gorgeous parks, and the coolest nightlife in Greece.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki was the last major Greek city liberated from the Ottoman Empire, back in 1912. It’s got the best Byzantine heritage in the country, and according to locals, the best food. We have friends there, so we visit frequently.
We love it because of its atmosphere. Locals are even friendlier than in Athens. There are tons of students. Its epicenter is Aristotelous Square. From there, you can walk for hours in search of historic architecture. The city’s downtown market is fascinating too. That’s the place to eat and drink like a local.
Patras
Patras is the largest city in the Peloponnese. It’s far smaller than the previous two. Granted, its center is not that interesting. You’ll see massive cruise ships parked there, but few tourists walking about the city. Don’t forget to check the Archaeological Museum, one of the best in the country
We love the city’s Roman Odeon, in the middle of a lovely park. It’s in great shape. The restaurants around it are our favorites in Patras. From there, it’s a short walk to Patras Castle. The 6th Century structure offers amazing views over the city and beyond.
Piraeus
Though Piraeus is attached to Athens, it feels like a different city. And it looks quite different too. We bike there every week from our home. Most tourists visit just to take the ferry to the islands. We believe the city is worth visiting.
The hustle and bustle of the port is fascinating. To experience local life, walk along pedestrian Sotiros Dios. However, our favorite walk is along the two marinas: Mikrolimano and Zeas. We always have lunch on a terrace overlooking the sea. A visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum is a must. Their bronze sculptures are superb.
Heraklion
Crete is our favorite Greek island. It’s like a mini Greece, with incredible beaches, archaeology, gorges, and layer upon layer of history. Pretty Heraklion is the island’s capital. We love walking about the Old Town admiring the historic architecture. It’s the area within the Venetian Walls.
The city has a couple of top tier universities, so the atmosphere is relaxed and upbeat. In particular in the new town, built outside of the walls. The city has a nice urban beach: Ammoudara. It’s a long stretch of sand only 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the center. You can walk an hour or take a short bus there.
Larissa
Honestly speaking, Larissa is probably the least attractive city on our list. That’s precisely why you should visit. You will most likely be the only foreigner in town. Thus, the city is the best one to experience the real Greece.
Larissa was an important city during the Ottoman Empire. It has two fascinating structures. The majestic 19th Century New Mosque was used as a temple till the 1920s. The city’s 3 Century BC theatre is in great shape and amongst the best in the country.
Volos
We always stop in Volos for a couple of days when on our way to Pelion Mountain or the Sporades Archipelago. The city is a major port to visit the eastern islands. We usually spend our time in the Old Town, behind the port.
Walking about the seaside promenade is a must. The city’s epicenter is the square in front of the Cathedral. It’s the best place to people watch. The city’s Archaeological Museum is a half an hour walk from the cathedral. It’s the oldest in the county. The building is as impressive as the collection.
Ioannina
You probably haven’t heard about Ioannina. It’s one of Greece’s best kept secrets. The city lies on a fresh water lake some 250 miles (440 km) northwest of Athens. Life in Ioannina happens around the lake and its countless parks.
The Old Town is within a byzantine wall that has two citadels! It’s absolutely beautiful and quiet. Fethiye Mosque, Kale Fort (the Acropolis of Ioannina) and the Byzantine Museum to the south face the lake. Also facing the lake but north are the Arslan Pasha Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.
Trikala
To be honest, we went to Trikala only once. It was love at first sight. The city is south of Meteora, at the foothill of the Pindus Mountain Range. Thus, it enjoys fantastic weather, including atmospheric winters. The Lithaios River runs through it. We walked for hours through numerous parks next to the river admiring the historic buildings.
The Byzantine fortress tops a hill next to the river. The 16th Century Osman Sah Mosque shares a park with Saint Constantine and Helen Church. It’s next to the river. To mingle with the locals walk along pedestrian Asklipiou Street all the way to the 1886 railway station.
Chalcis (Chalkida)
We take the train from Athens to Chalcis (Chalkida) frequently. In only 1.5 hours, we are in chilled, small, and very authentic Chalcis. The city and its beaches are popular amongst Athenians, so you will probably be the only foreigner in town.
Chalcis has two sections linked by a small bridge. One is on the continent and the other in Greece’s second biggest island, Evia. The city has a fortress on top of a mini hill, an ancient Jewish settlement, several Byzantine churches, and a 16th Century mosque.
