10 Most Beautiful Churches in Greece to Photograph and Explore

Greece, with its millennia-old civilization and deep Christian roots, is home to some of the most spiritually and architecturally significant churches in the world.

From towering Orthodox cathedrals to quaint chapels perched on cliffs, churches in Greece are more than places of worship, they are living monuments that tell the stories of faith, resilience, and artistry.

This journey through ten iconic Greek churches will leave you spiritually and visually inspired.

1. Church of Panagia Kapnikarea – Athens

Source: wikipedia

Nestled amid modern shops on Ermou Street, this Byzantine-era church was built in the 11th century atop an ancient pagan temple.

Despite its modest size, it draws thousands of visitors each year due to its deep spiritual history and striking architecture.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location:Pl. Kapnikareas 3, Athina, Greece

• Distance from Porto Airport: 33 km (Athens Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 11 AM – 5 PM

• Contact Number: +30 210 322 4462

• Website: NA

• Email: NA

• Highlights: Built in the 11th century on ancient ruins. One of the finest preserved examples of Byzantine architecture in Athens. Houses intricate frescoes and religious iconography.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Avoid weekends if you want a quiet experience. Visit during weekdays for more personal reflection time.

• Accessibility: Easily accessible from central Athens. The church entrance has one step and narrow doors, not ideal for wheelchairs. No elevator or ramps are available.

• Visitor Tips: Dress modestly, as this is still an active place of worship. Avoid peak hours (12–2 PM) due to foot traffic from Ermou shoppers. Photography is allowed, but flash should be avoided. Combine your visit with a walking tour of Plaka or Monastiraki nearby for a fuller experience of Athens’ historic center.

2. Church of Agios Nikolaos – Mykonos

This picture-perfect chapel by the old port of Mykonos is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron of sailors. Its blue dome and whitewashed walls represent classic Cycladic beauty and spiritual devotion.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location:Near Old Port, Mykonos, Greece

• Distance from Porto Airport: 3.5 km (Mykonos Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 9 AM–7 PM

• Contact Number: +30 2821 052229

• Email: NA

• Website: NA

• Highlights: Located right on the Mykonos harbor. Celebrated for its December 6th feast day with maritime blessings. One of the most photographed churches on the island.

• Best Time to Visit: Sunset hours are perfect for photos. Early mornings are peaceful and spiritual. Visit during the annual feast day (Dec 6) to witness local traditions.

• Accessibility: Located on flat ground near the harbor, fairly accessible. Narrow interior space may be restrictive for wheelchairs. No formal disability facilities.

• Visitor Tips: Go at golden hour for spectacular lighting and fewer tourists. Light a candle, a cherished local custom. Don’t miss the view of the harbor from behind the chapel, where you can also enjoy a quiet moment amid the bustle of Mykonos town.

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3. Church of Saint George – Lycabettus Hill, Athens

Sitting at the summit of Lycabettus Hill, this small white church rewards visitors with panoramic views of Athens. It’s a popular spot for both reflection and romance.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Mount Lycabettus, Athens, Greece

• Distance from Porto Airport: 34 km (Athens Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 11 AM–8:45 PM (Sat closed)

• Contact Number: +30 21 0721 2206

• Email: NA

• Website: https://www.lycabettushill.com

• Highlights: Offers one of the best 360° views of Athens. Dedicated to Saint George the Martyr. Popular wedding venue.

• Best Time to Visit: Sunset for incredible views. Spring and early fall offer comfortable weather. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.

• Accessibility: Accessible by funicular from the Kolonaki area. Limited access for wheelchairs due to steps at the summit. Best to call ahead for mobility assistance.

• Visitor Tips: Bring water and a hat if you plan to hike up. Use the funicular if you prefer a more relaxed ascent. Don’t forget your camera – this is one of the most scenic church spots in Athens, especially as the sun sets over the Acropolis.

4. Church of the Holy Trinity – Meteora

Source: wikipedia

Perched dramatically on a cliff in the Meteora region, the Church of the Holy Trinity is one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring monastic sites. Dating back to the 14th century, it combines spiritual solitude with natural grandeur.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Meteora, Kalambaka, Greece

• Distance from Porto Airport: 225 km (Thessaloniki Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 10 AM–4 PM (closed Thurs)

• Contact Number: +30 24320 22220

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: NA

• Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for its appearance in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Built on a towering rock formation.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for soft light and fewer tourists. Weekdays are generally quieter.

• Accessibility: Requires climbing approximately 140 steep steps. Not suitable for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues. Bring appropriate footwear for rocky terrain.

• Visitor Tips: Wear modest clothing; shoulders and knees must be covered. Pack water and snacks, as there are no vendors nearby. Respect the monastic silence; this is still an active place of prayer and solitude.

Suggested Read: Must-Visit Temples in Greece: Temple Timings & Details

5. Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani – Paros

Source: wikipedia

Known as the “Church of a Hundred Doors,” this church is one of the oldest Churches in Greece, dating back to the 4th century. It’s a masterpiece of early Byzantine architecture.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Parikia, Paros Island

• Distance from Porto Airport: 10 km (Paros Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 7 AM–9 PM

• Contact Number: +30 22840 21243

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: NA

• Highlights: According to legend, it was founded by Saint Helen, the mother of Constantine. Contains ancient baptisteries and rare icons. Active place of pilgrimage.

• Best Time to Visit: August 15 (Feast of the Assumption) for a grand religious celebration. Late spring or early autumn for comfortable temperatures.

• Accessibility: Generally accessible with ramps and paved walkways. Wheelchair access to most parts of the church complex. Staff are available for assistance during peak times.

• Visitor Tips: Visit the Byzantine Museum located inside the church complex. Don’t miss the ancient marble baptistery, one of the oldest in Christianity. Ideal for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Morning visits are cooler and less crowded.

6. Cathedral of Saint Minas – Heraklion, Crete

Source: wikipedia

This is one of the largest Churches in Greece, dedicated to the patron saint of Heraklion. It’s a central place of worship and a marvel of modern Orthodox architecture.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Heraklion, Crete, Greece

• Distance from Porto Airport: 4.5 km (Heraklion Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 8 AM–8 PM

• Contact Number: +30 2810 282402

• Email: NA

• Website: NA

• Highlights: Construction was completed in 1895. The interior is adorned with vibrant frescoes and chandeliers. An important site during Easter and saint feast days.

• Best Time to Visit: Easter week for grand Orthodox ceremonies. Morning hours offer a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural light.

• Accessibility: Fully accessible with wheelchair ramps. Wide entrance doors and flat interior flooring. Nearby parking is available.

• Visitor Tips: Explore the nearby Saint Catherine’s Church with its icon museum. Admire the ceiling frescoes in silence; they’re spectacular. Respect prayer times, especially during services. Ask locals about Saint Minas, as his story is deeply tied to Cretan faith.

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7. Church of Saint Dionysius – Zakynthos

Source: wikipedia

This grand church is dedicated to the island’s patron saint and houses his relics in a silver sarcophagus. It is the spiritual heart of Zakynthos.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Zakynthos Town, Zakynthos Island

• Distance from Porto Airport: 4 km (Zakynthos Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 8 AM–9 PM

• Contact Number: +30 26950 48617

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://saintdenis.gr/en/

• Highlights: Baroque and Byzantine architectural fusion. Miraculously survived the 1953 earthquake. The site of island-wide celebrations every August 24.

• Best Time to Visit: August 24 for the feast of Saint Dionysius. Evening visits for a candlelit, peaceful atmosphere.

• Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps and wide doors. Wheelchair-friendly interior. The central location makes it easy to find.

• Visitor Tips: Don’t miss the ornate iconostasis and the saint’s relics. Visit during the feast for local music, food, and fireworks. Modest dress is advised. Return after sunset for a magical nighttime experience of the illuminated church.

8. Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos – Athens

Source: wikipedia

Also known as the “Little Metropolis,” this tiny 12th-century marble church sits next to the grand Metropolitan Cathedral. It features spolia (reused ancient materials) from temples and earlier churches.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Plateía Mitropóleos 8, Athina

• Distance from Porto Airport: 34 km (Athens Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 10 AM–5 PM

• Contact Number: +30 210 322 1308

• Email: NA

• Website: NA

• Highlights: Built entirely from ancient marble. Intricate stone carvings on the exterior walls. Used for weddings and baptisms due to its intimate size.

• Best Time to Visit: Combine with a tour of the adjacent cathedral. Morning visits are best for good lighting and fewer people.

• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible plaza and entrance. A very small interior may require some assistance. Easy walk from Syntagma Metro Station.

• Visitor Tips: Examine the exterior stones, each tells a different story from ancient times. This is a great photo stop with the Athens Cathedral in the background. Weekdays are less busy. It’s a quiet stop, perfect for a short rest during a walking tour.

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9. Church of the Seven Martyrs – Sifnos

This tiny chapel sits on a rocky outcrop jutting into the Aegean Sea, making it one of the most photographed churches in the Cyclades. It’s a short hike down from the village of Kastro.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Kastro, Sifnos, Greece

• Distance from Porto Airport: 7 km (Sifnos Heliport)

• Timings: Open 24/7

• Contact Number: +30 22840 31200

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: NA

• Highlights: Classic whitewashed dome with blue contrast. Dramatic coastal scenery. Popular for intimate weddings.

• Best Time to Visit: Sunset for stunning ocean views. Spring and autumn are best for hiking weather.

• Accessibility: Requires a short downhill hike. Not wheelchair accessible. Wear hiking shoes and bring water.

• Visitor Tips: Visit during golden hour for breathtaking photos. Walk slowly, some steps are steep and rocky. Don’t skip the nearby village of Kastro, which offers charming streets and sea views. The solitude here is perfect for peaceful reflection.

10. Church of Agios Spyridon – Corfu

This church houses the relics of Saint Spyridon, the island’s patron saint, and is the most important religious site in Corfu.

• Type: Orthodox

• Location: Corfu Town, Corfu Island

• Distance from Porto Airport: 2.5 km (Corfu Airport)

• Timings: Daily: 7 AM–8 PM

• Contact Number: +30 26610 39784

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://agios-spyridon.com/en/

• Highlights: Known for its red bell tower, Corfu’s tallest. Hosts four annual processions for the saint’s miracles. Rich Venetian influence in its design.

• Best Time to Visit: Easter and August 11 (the saint’s miracle day). Early mornings for quiet reflection.

• Accessibility: Fully accessible with flat pavement and interior. Centrally located in the Old Town. Wheelchair access is available.

• Visitor Tips: Don’t miss the tomb of Saint Spyridon inside. Wander through the nearby alleyways for charming Venetian architecture. Modest dress is expected; scarves are available at the entrance. A visit here pairs well with a trip to Corfu Fortress or Liston Square.

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FAQs

1. How many churches are in Greece?

Greece has over 10,000 churches and monasteries scattered across the country. From tiny roadside chapels to grand Byzantine cathedrals, churches are a deeply ingrained part of Greek culture and geography.

2. Can Christians pray in public in Greece?

Yes, Christians can freely pray in public in Greece. The country is predominantly Greek Orthodox, and religious freedom is protected by the Constitution.

3. Can Christians get married in Greece?

Yes, Christian marriages are legal and common in Greece. Orthodox Christian weddings are the most frequent, but Catholic and Protestant weddings are also performed. Foreign nationals can get married in churches, provided legal documentation is completed in advance.

4. What are the 4 largest churches in Greece?

Here are four of the largest and most prominent churches in Greece:

1. Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens – The main cathedral of the capital city.

2. Cathedral of Saint Minas (Heraklion, Crete) – One of the largest Orthodox churches in the country.

3. Church of Saint Andrew (Patras) – The largest church in Greece by capacity and one of the most important pilgrimage sites.

4. Monastery of Hosios Loukas (Boeotia) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scale and artistic significance.

5. Are there any Catholics in Greece?

Yes, there is a small but significant Catholic population in Greece, mainly located in Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Cyclades (e.g., Syros, Tinos). Catholic churches and parishes operate legally, and masses are held in Greek and other languages.

6. Can tourists attend church services in Greece?

Tourists are welcome to attend services in most churches across Greece, especially major cathedrals and historic chapels. It’s important to dress modestly, remain respectful, and follow service etiquette, such as standing quietly during prayers.

7. Do I need permission to visit a church in Greece?

No official permission is needed. Most churches in Greece are open to the public, and many even welcome casual visitors outside of service times. Monasteries may have stricter dress codes or limited hours, so it’s best to check ahead if visiting remote or religiously active sites.

8. Is there parking available at churches in Greece?

Yes, most churches in Greece offer parking. Urban churches may have limited space, but public parking is usually nearby. Rural churches and monasteries often provide ample on-site parking.