Have you ever had the opportunity to travel to Greece ? It is an exciting country of great beauty, offering sunshine, spectacular beaches, wonderful islands, breathtaking landscapes, villages with a special charm and, of course, a unique historical and cultural heritage in the world.
About two-thirds of Greeks live in urban areas. As you may have imagined, the largest urban center in the country is Athens (4 million inhabitants), followed by Thessaloniki (1 million inhabitants). The rest of the cities have much less population, although 8 more have more than 100,000 residents. Next we will talk about the 10 most important cities in this European country, taking into account the number of inhabitants. Can you come with us?
Athens
As you may have imagined, we are going to start by talking about Athens, the capital of Greece and the most populous city in the country, especially if we take into account its metropolitan area. With a history that spans more than three thousand years, it is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities. Also, you already know that it had a very important role in the development of democracy . It still preserves important archaeological remains, many of them of great importance.
Thessaloniki
The second most populous city in Greece is Thessaloniki (also known as Thessaloniki). Capital of the Central Macedonia region, it is a place of great historical, artistic and archaeological wealth . In fact, the Early Christian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Patras
We also have to talk about Patras, the largest economic, political, administrative and cultural center in western Greece. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that, by hosting two public universities and a technological institute, it has a large student population and, in addition, it is an important scientific and technological center.
Heraklion
The fourth most populous city in Greece is Heraklion, capital of Crete and of the homonymous outlying unit. It is one of the cities with the most history in the Mediterranean, although it has an urban character and offers a lively life in both winter and summer.
Laughter
Larisa or Larissa, capital of Thessaly, is an important agricultural, commercial and industrial center. Apparently, the city has been inhabited for about 12,000 years. According to legend, Achilles was born here and Hippocrates, the "father of medicine", died.
Volos
Also in Thessaly we find Volos, capital of the Magnesia prefecture, a city that is considered one of the largest commercial ports in Greece. Among its main points of interest is an important archaeological museum. In addition, very close are the ruins of the Neolithic city of Sesklo.
Rhodes
We also have to tell you about Rhodes, the main city of the island of the same name, which is located in the southeast of the Aegean Sea. It has been famous since ancient times for being the seat of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Also, you should know that its medieval city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Ioannina
Another quite populated city is Ioánina, also known as Yánena, Yánina or Jánina, capital of the periphery of Epirus. Among its main points of interest are the Citadel , the Aslan Aga Mosque, the Cathedral of St. Athanasius and the Island of the lake.
Chania
The ninth most populous city in Greece is Chania, which is located on Crete. Although it was bombed during the Second World War, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities on the island, especially for its Venetian port and the Mosque of the Janissaries.
Chalcis
Finally, we must talk about Chalcis, which was named in the famous poem The Iliad. Capital of the island of Euboea, it is linked to the mainland by two bridges . On the other hand, we want to comment that Aristotle lived his last year of life in this city.
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