A popular continent with travellers, Europe is a great part of the world to explore. For many, Greece is Europe’s best place to stay, particularly if they have a strong interest in ancient Greece and the various ruins that populate the nation.
After all, thanks to much-loved movies like Troy, popular BBC documentaries like Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth, and games with an ancient Greece theme, such as Gates Of Olympus, the northeastern Mediterranean civilization intrigues millions of people around the world.
Alongside trying fresh and delicious Greek cuisine and frequenting some of the country’s pristine beaches, people want to explore a nation that is rich in history and associated with the movies they’ve seen and the games they’ve played.
Thankfully, for people with a strong interest in ancient Greece, there are a number of ruins that are well worth exploring. Let’s look at ten of them below.
10. Olympia Archaeological Site, Olympia – the site of the first-ever Olympic Games
The location where the first ever Olympic Games took place, Olympia Archaeological Site, offers a fascinating insight into the numerous sporting events that occurred. Providing a deep dive back in time, many of the ancient structures are still intact.
9. Temple of Poseidon, Sounio – dedicated to the God of the Sea
Dominating the landscape around it, the Temple of Poseidon is a glorious sight. Dating back to 400 BC, it’s dedicated to the God of the Sea, Storms and Earthquakes and makes for some truly spectacular images and videos.
8. Theater of Epidaurus, Epidaurus – one of the best ancient Greek ruins worth exploring
One of the most amazing options on the list, the Theater of Epidaurus is an ancient theatre that was responsible for entertaining audiences of around 16,000 people when it was in operation.
Offering amazing acoustics in a lush setting, it’s one of the most beautiful theatres on earth.
7. Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes – an impressive structure
Rhodes is a popular holiday destination, although it has risen to prominence with history lovers thanks to the Acropolis of Lindos, an impressive structure that overlooks the sea as it was said to help ancient Greeks spot any oncoming dangers.
6. Akrotiri of Thera, Santorini – Santorini’s most sought-after spot
Akrotiri of Thera is Santorini’s most sought-after spot, with this Bronze Age settlement becoming a must-visit location for tourists due to the volcanic ash that ruined this Minoan site.
5. Acropolis, Athens – one of the most famous options
One of the most famous options around and dedicated to Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Acropolis is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Athens. A beautiful temple, holidaymakers flock there to explore this familiar ancient site in the flesh.
4. Archaeological Site of Aigai, Vergina – the ancient royal capital of Macedon
Found around an hour away from Thessaloniki in the Pierian Mountains, this beautiful historical site is the ancient royal capital of Macedon, a place that hasn’t been long discovered and provides people with a unique location to witness that is filled with everything from temples to cemeteries.
3. Knossos, Crete – a show of wealth for the empire
The island of Crete is worth visiting anyway, but even more so if you’re able to arrange a visit to Knossos, a huge Bronze Age site that pulls in big numbers of visitors to the island.
The site was a show of wealth for the empire, while a number of myths are associated with it, like Minotaur.
2. Ancient Corinth, Corinth – a strategic city
A place many Christians visit, Ancient Corinth was a strategic city that mainly provided trade and housed large communities. Now, people flock there to see the temples, baths, forums and fountains that were left behind.
1. Panathenaic Stadium, Athens – made entirely of marble
Made entirely out of marble, Panathenaic Stadium in Athens is one of the most unique structures on the list. A large stadium that can hold up to 80,000 people, it has held numerous events throughout ancient Greek history, as well as the 1896 Olympics.
