The best museums Greece

This small museum in Pera Gialos traces the unique history of the island of Astipalaia from the Neolithic period to more recent medieval occupations, notably that of the Venetians. Among the finds on display from local excavations are pottery, tools and numismatics discovered at various sites on the island, including the kastro and the necropolis of Kylindra. The latter was dedicated to newborns and small children, as witnessed by the 3,000 or so funerary urns found on site.

This small museum is a rare gem for lovers of fossils, minerals and colorful crystals. It is a private collection amassed over 40 years by a passionate palaeontologist. The establishment is run by the Stamatiadis family: the collector and paleontologist father looks after the exhibits and provides information to visitors, while his wife warmly welcomes them and the son makes unique jewelry, which can be found in the shop-workshop next door.

Located in Horio, more specifically in the Agios Athanasios district, this interesting museum is housed in beautiful ^18th- and ^19th-century villas, whose magnificent pebble-mosaic courtyards and cool gardens can also be visited. The permanent exhibition traces Symi's history from prehistoric times to the maritime splendor of the ^19th century. The whole is magnificent and touching, in the image of the pearl of the Dodecanese.

In winter 2023, a new archaeological museum opened its doors in Megalo Horio, after several years of construction work. The immaculate, beautifully designed building is located at the entrance to the village, on the road leading to Livadia. It complies with environmental standards to limit its ecological impact, as Tilos is obliged to do! On display are the island's archaeological finds, including references to the ancient poet Irinna, a native of Tilos, gold jewelry from the Kena necropolis, and pottery excavated from the Garipa site (1600-1500 BC).

The folk museum project has been playing the Arlesian for many years, but in August 2023 a first exhibition was finally inaugurated, the first step towards a museum in its own right. For the time being, the exhibition is held in a renovated space within the kastro, next to the church of Saint-Georges. Here, you can discover some of the island's traditions, particularly in terms of clothing, song and music, dance and traditional festivities, the panygiria. The coming years should see this project take on even greater scope.

The collection of the archeological museum brings together the results of excavations in the region, like the museums of Heraklion or Hania. The sites in the Rethymnon region were found to be numerous and beautiful. The Department of Roman Antiques is particularly important. You will also admire a beautiful collection of sarcophagi with surprisingly well preserved painted decorations. In recent years, the main museum has been closed for work and some of the collections have been transferred to St. Francis Basilica in the old town.

The Folklore Museum of the small village of Neapolis was created thanks to the will of the locals to safeguard all these traces that can testify to the traditional life in Crete in the past. Thus, this nice little museum retraces the history of the inhabitants and their traditions through objects, fabrics, photos and agricultural techniques. Run by very active volunteers, visits can be arranged by appointment. Mr. G. Mavroidis and^Mrs. M. Kostaki will be happy to show you around the museum and act as your guides.

This small museum houses an interesting collection of archaeological finds from the island of Karpathos. It is housed in a historic building constructed during the Italian occupation, which served as the island's administrative headquarters. The tour is fast-paced, concentrated in three well-appointed halls that span the centuries between the Neolithic and Byzantine periods. Highlights include a replica of a Mycenaean tomb and an early Christian basilica.

Opened and enlarged in 2022, the Kastellorizo Museum of Puzzles and Enigmas is the first of its kind in Greece, and boasts the largest collection in the country. The museum is a private initiative of mathematician Pantazis Houlis, who goes out of his way to make the visit exciting for everyone. An interesting visit to plan with the whole family: young and old will happily break their heads to solve all sorts of riddles. Since 2021, the founder has organized an annual puzzle festival on the island: scientists and enthusiasts meet up in autumn.

The Kotsana Museum of Ancient Greek Technology is a small museum located in Athens. It features an exhibition on ancient Greek technology, with reconstructed interactive machines and guided tours. The museum also offers products for sale, such as lucky charms and historical objects.