Myths and Legends: Travel to Places Where Stories Come Alive

Myths and legends were my first introduction to travel. The fact that some of the places I read about were not real didn’t matter. Whether it was Atlantis, El Dorado, or Shangri-La, they made me want to discover the world. Luckily, there are many destinations in the world where you can indulge in local lore and tales.

The best destinations for myth and legend lovers are places where ancient stories still breathe in the air around you. You can feel the magic around you as you ponder if the stories of ancient gods, witches, fairies and monsters are real. Some trips take you to the wild landscapes or cities. Others take you back in time. Here are some of my faves to add to your bucket list.

What’s the difference between a myth and a legend?

People often mix up myths and legends, but they’re not the same thing. A myth is a sacred story that explains how something in nature works or how the world began. Think of Greek myths about why winter comes each year or how fire came to humans.

A legend is different. It’s a story about real people or places, but it gets bigger and more amazing as it passes from person to person. King Arthur was likely a real leader, but legends transformed him into a mythical king with a round table of perfect knights. Both shape cultural identity and are often tied to specific locations.

Why do some countries have more myths and legends than others?

Have you ever wondered why certain cultures and destinations are so rich in myths and legends? Whether it’s the Greek gods, Icelandic fairies or Chinese dragon kings, their stories make for a very cool travel experience. But while it might seem random, there are a few reasons why you will find more of these tales in some places.

• History and geographic isolation: Islands like Ireland developed rich collections of mythical creatures and tales because they were cut off from other places. Stories had time to grow without outside influence. The Irish kept their legends alive through songs and spoken tales for centuries. (Source: SpringerOpen)

• Ancient civilizations left behind more stories: Ancient civilizations like Greece, Egypt and India had writing systems early on. This ensured that these myths and legends were recorded, thereby preserving tales that might have been lost. These stories were passed down for generations and eventually studied, translated and retold around the world. (Source: World History Encyclopedia)

• Cultural and national identity: In many places, mythology is deeply tied to the language, history and customs that shape national identity. These stories and traditions help define and reinforce the collective values, beliefs and traditions. They also reflect a shared historical experience of a community. (Source: Myths and Cultural Identity’s Role, Cliffs Notes)

It’s also worth mentioning that while myths might seem more abundant in some places, the reality is that they are simply better preserved, politicized, or romanticized. Their survival often reflects power dynamics, cultural resilience and the accidents of history.  

Countries with a rich mythological heritage

Best destinations for myth and legend lovers

Since you can find myths and legends in all countries around the world, let’s look at those that have more of them than the rest.

Egypt

If you’ve ever seen movies like The Gods of Egypt or The Mummy, you know that Egypt is full of myths and legends. The land of pharaohs is filled with stories and iconography of ancient gods that influenced how ancient Egyptians lived, worshipped and built their temples. Some of the key mythological names to remember are Amun, Isis, Osiris, Horus, Anubis and Hathor.

• Valley of the Kings: Named after the 65 tombs of ancient pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamun, it’s the most famous archaeological site in the world. While many of them have been looted in antiquity, you can still find mythological scenes that depict beliefs about the afterlife. Explore the Valley of the Kings with an expert Egyptologist guide for an unforgettable experience.
• Great Pyramid of Giza: The pyramids have fascinated people for millennia. Were they built by humans, aliens, or something else? You can ponder all the mysteries of this wonder of the world on your pyramids tours.
• Luxor, Egypt: Luxor was once part of the ancient city of Thebes and is home to the Karnak Temple complex. During the Middle and New Kingdoms, it was used as the capital of Egypt. Dedicated to the god Amun, the temple offers a unique opportunity to step into Egyptian mythology.

Greece

Greece is probably the most famous destination for myths and legends. There is no denying that the land of the Greek gods, heroes and monsters is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a connection to the past. Whenever I’m in Greece, the idea of ancient gods causing chaos and amusing themselves by manipulating humans feels plausible. It almost feels like it could all be real.

• Mount Olympus:  The famed home of the legendary Greek gods where they feasted, fought and judged the humans below them. Think of it as the ultimate party, but with mythical beings. Experience it on a 2-day hike tour for yourself.
• Delphi:  Dedicated to Apollo, Delphi was once considered the centre of the ancient world. It was here that the famed Oracle gave out prophecies to those who sought answers. Those prophecies were said to influence the fates of empires and kings. Take a day trip from Athens to learn more.
• Crete’s Knossos Palace: Knossos was the home of the legendary King Minos and the Minotaur, the half-man and half-bull creature he kept in a labyrinth. It was said that King Minos fed the Minotaur with his enemies he trapped in the maze. Embark on your own immersive experience to discover the legend.
• Mycenae: Home of the legendary King Agamemnon, who led the Greeks against Troy in Homer’s epics. Upon returning to Mycenae from the war, he was killed by his wife, Clytemnestra and her lover. To be fair, she had a good reason—he killed their daughter as a sacrifice to the gods.

Italy

Ancient Romans were famously into myths and legends (especially those they incorporated from other cultures). They loved to build temples for their gods, but their stories were not limited to their deities. From myths about the origins of Rome to various emperors and everything in between, Italy holds its own when it comes to finding lore and superstition.

• Rome: One of the most famous myths and legends is the story of the brothers Remus and Romulus, abandoned at birth and raised by a she-wolf. According to legend, Romulus killed his brother and founded what would become Rome.  Learn more about Roman mythology on a walking tour on your next visit.
• Benevento: Known as the city of witches, Benevento was said to be the location where witches gathered under the famed walnut tree to practice their rituals and worship the devil.
• Devil’s Saddle, Poetto: The picturesque viewpoint near Sardinia’s Poetto beach is known as the Devil’s Saddle (Sella del Diavolo). It’s said that Lucifer was struck from his horse by Archangel Michael (after trying to claim this area for himself). The fall (his or his saddle?) created a promontory after hitting the water.
• Cyclopean Isles, Sicily: These rocky islands were said to be the home to the one-eyed giants called Cyclops. They forged Zeus’s thunderbolts in their island workshops.

Ireland

When I think of Ireland, castles, fairies and mythical gods always come to mind. There is something about this place that whispers myths and legends, making it feel like they could be real. If you want to experience places that blend folklore with nature, then you’ll love Ireland.

• Giant’s Causeway: This stunning stretch of coastline is made up of around 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns. They were formed by volcanic activity 50–60 million years ago or (if you believe the legend) by a giant named Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill).
• Newgrange: A Neolithic passage tomb built around 3200 BCE is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It’s aligned perfectly with the rising sun on the winter solstice. Newgrange (also known as Brú na Bóinne) was the home of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of god-like beings. It’s closely associated with Dagda, the father god, and his son Aengus, the god of love and youth.
• Hill of Tara: The Hill of Tara was once the spiritual and political heart of ancient Ireland, where high kings were crowned. It’s dotted with ring forts, burial mounds, and standing stones, including the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), which was said to roar when touched by the rightful king. Tara is tied to the goddess Ériu (from whom Ireland gets its name) and is seen as a gateway to the Otherworld—the realm of fairies and gods.

Norse Countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland)

The Nordic region gave us some of its most dramatic myths, which have been incorporated into popular culture. Vikings believed in powerful gods like Odin and Thor, as well as giants, dragons, and the end of the world, known as Ragnarok. Iceland preserved these stories in ancient sagas, while the dramatic landscape of fjords, volcanoes and Northern Lights will make you believe in supernatural forces.

Japan

Japanese myths and legends are the ones with which I’m the least familiar. They are alluring and filled with spirits and supernatural beings while blending ancient Shinto beliefs with Buddhist traditions. Japan’s landscape, filled with mystical mountains, rivers and forests, has a strong appeal that’s hard to deny.

China

China has over 5,000 years of recorded history filled with dragons, immortals and legendary emperors. Chinese mythology mixes Taoist philosophy, Buddhist teachings and ancient folk beliefs. When you look at the landscape of China, it’s easy to see the mythical beings that were said to live among them.

Transylvania, Romania

The mountains of Transylvania aren’t just Dracula’s home. This region mixes Romanian folklore with Bram Stoker’s vampire tales. Visit Bran Castle, often called “Dracula’s Castle,” though Vlad the Impaler never actually lived there. The real magic lies in local villages where people still believe in strigoi (restless spirits) and moroi (living vampires). Take guided tours through medieval towns like Brasov and Sighisoara to hear authentic vampire legends.

Troy, Turkey

Homer’s Iliad made Troy famous, but the real city has 10 layers of history. Walk through the ruins where archaeologists believe the Trojan War actually happened. See the wooden horse replica and imagine Greek warriors hiding inside. The nearby Gallipoli Peninsula adds another layer of legend – this time from World War I. Visit the Troy Museum first to understand which stories are myths and which might be history.

Kirinyaga (Mount Kenya), Kenya

The Kikuyu people call this mountain Kirinyaga, the “Place of Light.” They believe their god Ngai lives on its peaks and created the first humans here. According to legend, Ngai gave the Kikuyu people the land around the mountain as their eternal home. You can trek to Point Lenana or take day hikes through the forests where spirits are said to dwell.

Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

These stone ruins gave Zimbabwe its name, but local legends say the structures were built by ancestral spirits. The Shona people believe their ancestors still guard the site. Archaeological evidence shows it was actually a powerful African kingdom from 1100-1450 CE. Walk through the Great Enclosure and Hill Complex while guides explain both the historical facts and the spiritual beliefs that make this place sacred today.

The Black Forest, Germany

This dark woodland inspired the Brothers Grimm fairy tales you grew up reading. Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and Rapunzel are all supposedly said to have lived among these trees. Local legends speak of witches, forest spirits and the Wild Hunt, ghostly riders who chase souls through the night. Visit traditional villages like Gengenbach and Schiltach, then hike forest trails where every shadow might hide a fairy tale character.

Tintagel and Glastonbury, United Kingdom

Tintagel’s clifftop castle ruins are believed to be the location where King Arthur was supposedly born. Merlin’s Cave sits below the castle, accessible at low tide. The site mixes Celtic legends with medieval romance stories. Glastonbury, 100 miles away, claims to be where Arthur is buried and where Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail. Visit both locations to follow the complete Arthurian legend. Glastonbury Tor offers stunning views and sits on powerful “ley lines” that continue to attract spiritual seekers.

Final thoughts on destinations for myths and legends

You will find myths and legends all over the world. Some are more famous and well-known, while others are only known by the locals. While many of them may seem outlandish, they offer insight into the local culture, history and beliefs. I find them fascinating.

In many places, these myths and legends can feel real and almost tangible. You might sense a connection to a place you’ve never been to, and that’s what makes these destinations so fascinating. You don’t have to be a believer. All you need is a curious mind and a sense of wonder. Who knows what you’ll discover?