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15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

From charming beach towns to idyllic islands, these places to visit in Greece are all the vacation inspiration you need.

best sites to visit in greece

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Let’s make one thing clear: No matter where you go in Greece , you’ll have a good time. The Mediterranean nation is filled with spectacular places to explore, from its historically rich cities to its charming inland towns, and, of course, across its famed islands . But if you need a little help narrowing down where to go next, here are 15 best places to visit in Greece. 

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As both Greece’s capital and the nation’s largest city, Athens deserves at least a day or two of exploration. Visitors can head to popular attractions like the  Acropolis and Parthenon, but more modern neighborhoods like Exarchia, known for its bohemian flair, are worth checking out, too.

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There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, but one gaining more attention by the minute is the positively quaint Milos . Accessible via direct flights from Athens, this island is the place to go for total rest and relaxation. Come to explore desolate beaches tucked in between craggy cliffs, dine on octopus in cafes that are sprinkled across the island, and enjoy quiet evenings sipping local wine while watching the sun dip into the azure waters.

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Looking for a more lively atmosphere? Head to Mykonos, an island known for always being a good time. Also accessible via direct flights from Athens, Mykonos is the place to be during the summer for beachside parties that stretch long into the night (and often into the next day, too). Of course, there’s more to the island than just parties. It's home to its fair share of gorgeous beaches and historical sites, including Kato Mili, a row of four massive windmills built by the Venetians in the 16th century.

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History buffs will love the town of Delphi, located about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Athens. The community was home to the Oracle of Delphi , which people from all over the Mediterranean traveled to see. Here, visitors can still explore the Temple of Apollo's remains, along with several ancient theaters and stadiums preserved through the millennia.

Admire waters a shade of blue you never knew existed in the Halkidiki region, located in northern Greece. This area is best known for its gorgeous beaches, which come with equally alluring soft sand, so you can lounge about all day.

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Find even more historical delights, visit Epidaurus, at the northeastern end of the Peloponnese. It’s beloved by archeology buffs for its Ancient Theatre , built in the fourth century B.C. to honor the god of medicine, Asclepius. And its still a place where visitors can watch live performances in the summer.

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The seaside community of Gythio is admittedly quiet, but it's by far one of the best places to visit when you need to get away from it all. Filled with colorful homes and golden-sand beaches, Gythio is also favored for its sea turtles that come and lay their eggs.

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For unbelievable views, pay a visit to Meteora, located in Thessaly. The area is made up of massive rock formations reaching toward the sky. Inside the gorgeous formations sit several monasteries , which made their way onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

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Sifnos, a small island reachable by ferry from Athens, is another spot known for its relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it's filled with so many beaches, you can find a large patch of sandy shoreline all for yourself, even in the height of summer.

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Mix in island time with a quick geology lesson on Kefalonia. The island, located west of the mainland, is home to the Drogarati Cave , which comes with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the ceiling and jutting out from the sea floor, respectively.

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Want to get a taste of Italy and Greece all in one go? Make your way to the stunning, romantic island of Corfu. Thanks to its proximity to its neighboring European nation, the island comes with plenty of Italian influence, reflected in its architecture, food, and way of life.

Thessaloniki

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Find an urban escape in northern Greece with a visit to Thessaloniki. This port city is filled with historic sites like the White Tower of Thessaloniki and Arch of Galerius, along with world-class restaurants and contemporary art museums that will leave you inspired.

Messolonghi

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Get a different sea view in Messolonghi, located on the western coast of Greece. This town sits on a serene sea lake, with many who live here still making a living off fishing in the area. And though the town has great historical significance (especially around the Greek Revolution), it’s still an under-the-radar gem for international tourists.

Make one more historic stop at Olympia , this time for a lesson in sports history. Located on the western side of the Peloponnese, Olympia was the site of the very first Olympic Games. Visitors can visit the ancient stadium and the temples of Zeus and Hera all in one trip.

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Head to the eastern Peloponnese to the beautiful city of Nafplio. As Visit Greece explains, the myth behind the town is that it was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon. Today, it's filled with ancient sites, including monuments and castles galore, all worthy of exploring on your next Greek vacation. Get packing !

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Aegina, Greece

The 13 best places to visit in Greece

From sprawling cosmopolitan cities to breathtaking beaches, here's where to add to your Greece bucket list

Demetrios Ioannou

There are many beautiful countries in Europe, but there is nowhere like Greece . The white and blue houses. The mountain views. The glistening blue waters and the secret hidden coves. It’s sometimes barely believable that Greece exists, but it does! And the best part? It’s absolutely massive, and there’s so much to explore. 

Different Greek islands do different things, so if you’re making the trip, you should first figure out what kind of holiday you’re after. Are you looking for something beachy, nature-y or a bit more cosmopolitan? Lemon trees, sunset cocktails or pure, unadulterated clubbing? Whatever you're looking for, our local writer has picked the best islands, cities and towns to visit. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏝️  The most  beautiful Greek islands 🏨 The best  hotels in Greece 🏛 The best things to do in Athens 🧿 The best things to do in Mykonos

Demetrios Ioannou  is a writer and photographer from Athens.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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Where to visit in Greece

Athens

1.  Athens

Obviously, if you’ve heard anything about Greece, you know about its beautiful capital Athens. Athens is that perfect mix of traditional but trendy, ancient but modern, full of nature but cosmopolitan at the very same time. Here you’ll find huge, open roads covered in restaurants and bars, but coming off them are tiny little cobbled side streets to explore. Old buildings give way to fascinating galleries. You can grab an ouzo and pitch up at a beautiful outdoor cinema, looking up at the stars. Plus you’ve simply got to see the Parthenon at least once in your life. Athens is a sprawling, incomparable beauty that is like no other. Add it to your bucket list. 

Why go?  Europe’s oldest capital and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is crammed with several thousands of years of history and is as unmissable as any great Euro city. 

Discover Athens: 🧿  How to spend a weekend in Athens 📍  The best  things to do in Athens 🥙  Really good  restaurants in Athens 😎  Explore  Kypseli, Athens’s coolest neighbourhood

Aegina

2.  Aegina

A little over an hour away from the port of Piraeus, the island of Aegina is the closest to the Greek capital and a popular destination for tourists and locals. In 1827, after the Greek Independence War had ended, it served as the first capital of the newly founded Greek state for a while. Today, the island is mostly famous for pistachios, chock-a-block full of pistachio trees, and thought to be the best in the world for the stuff. It’s worth visiting the famous Aphea Temple, dedicated to goddess Athena, the Saint Nektarios Monastery and the nearby uninhabited Islet of Moni, where wild peacocks and deer stroll uninterrupted. 

Crete

3.  Crete

You’ll need a car to explore Greece’s biggest island, but if you’re after golden beaches, crumbly old towns, world-class museums and UNESCO Heritage sites,  Crete  ticks every box. Chania in the west is the liveliest part of the island, while Sitia in the east is famed for its pristine coves and sandy beaches – a perfect rural and picturesque escape. Nature seekers could hike Samaria, Europe’s longest gorge, culture hunters should track down the Minoan palaces, and kids are guaranteed a good time at the island’s countless waterparks.

Why go?  Much more than just an all-inclusive beach holiday hotspot, Crete is a mish-mash of fabulous stuff to see, do, eat and drink. 

Discover Crete:

📍  The best things to do in Crete

Santorini

4.  Santorini

The scenery in  Santorini , one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, seems crafted by the Greek gods: whitewashed villages crown the island with views over its majestic coastlines, rural vineyards span huge stretches inland and the beaches are black, red, and out of this world. There’s a ridiculous amount for explorers, foodies and culture vultures to discover, from archaeological sites to swimming spots and brilliant wine and food. And trust us: this place is  even  more beautiful IRL than it looks on the ’gram.

Discover Santorini:

📍  The best things to do in Santorini 🏨  Amazing hotels in Santorini 🏖️  Where to stay in Santorini  

Zakynthos

5.  Zakynthos

Better known as Zante, Zakynthos draws a party-ready crowd to its notorious Laganas nightlife strip, but this sunstruck Ionian isle – known by the Venetians as ‘the flower of the East’ – is also blessed with some of the Med’s most beautiful scenery. This includes the spectacular Shipwreck Beach, whose bright-blue waters hemmed in by sheer white cliffs can only be reached by boat, and Zakynthos Marine Park, home to slippery seals and savvy turtles. It’s truly wild – in multiple senses of the word.

Tinos

6.  Tinos

Famous for its carved marble-fronted buildings – and, increasingly, its burgeoning food scene – Tinos is yet another jewel in the Cyclades archipelago. To get there, you’ll need to fly to Mykonos and catch a ferry. It’s worth the journey: some of the best Greek wines are produced here, and chefs from all over Europe have opened restaurants among its sage-scented hills. Most are situated in the main town of Chora – we recommend the traditional Greek menu at Thalassaki.

Naxos

7.  Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos is also one of the least explored – which means you can expect secluded sandy beaches and a low-key, laidback atmosphere that’ll make the pressures of everyday life feel worlds away. Packing an incredible amount of variety into an incredibly small space, this is a place where you can venture up into tiny high-flung mountain villages or laze on an endless chain of silky sand beaches away from the madding tourist crowds.

Corfu

8.  Corfu

Italianate villages, ornate palaces and romantic beaches are on the cards if you visit the lush island where the Durrell family once lived. With its sundry influences left by past invaders,  Corfu  is a place where you can drink ginger ale with your Greek salad, stroll streets packed with Byzantine and Venetian architecture and meet modern-day monks in Paleokastritsa’s spectacular medieval monastery. And after a hard day’s sightseeing and stuffing your face, you’ll obviously want to jump straight into the Ionian Sea – never not a stunning shade of turquoise blue.

Discover Corfu:

📍  The best things to do on Corfu

Rhodes

9.  Rhodes

Way back when – and we’re talking way, way back –  Rhodes  was home to the Colossus, one of the world’s Seven Wonders. An earthquake may have destroyed that ol’ thing in 226BBC, but the island’s Unesco world heritage-classed old town is still steeped in charm and history – thanks to a series of dazzling topsy-turvy medieval inns and fourteenth-century knight’s houses that stand to this day. Head outside the city, and the mountain villages and cliff-top towns you’ll come across are just as magical as any fairytale location. And with plenty of chic shops, decent restaurants and lively bars, you’re guaranteed some modern magic, too.

Discover Rhodes:

📍  The best things to do in Rhodes 🏨  Amazing hotels in Rhodes

Kastellorizo

10.  Kastellorizo

At the edge of Greece, right opposite the Turkish coastal town of Kaş, you'll find Kastellorizo (aka Megisti), the island furthest from the Greek capital. It's a flight or a boat ride away from the island of Rhodes in Dodecanese, and though it's a bit of a journey to the island, it's absolutely worth it. This is a remote paradise with colourful buildings, seafood for days and seriously chilled out vibes. Plus, it has a fascinating history – make sure to visit the castle of the Knights Hospitaller overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the glorious 4 th century BC Lycian tomb below it. The fort-monastery of Agios Georgios of the Mountain also boasts one of the best views on the island (you just need to get up 315 steps first).

Thessaloniki

11.  Thessaloniki

Once the second city of the Byzantine Empire – and later a thriving Ottoman port city connecting east and west – Thessaloniki has only been part of Greece since 1912. And that really shows. This place doesn’t feel like Greece you see in tourist brochures: its central market, Kapani, has all the colour and chaos of an Istanbul bazaar, and much Ottoman architecture remains throughout the city centre – you can even visit the house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey, was born. The harbourside Ladadika area hums with some of the wildest, most fun nightlife in the Balkan peninsula, with most bars and clubs open until 6am and beyond. The old town is perfect for the aimless morning-after mooch – and the ouzo and  bougatsa  breakfast pastries in these parts are unrivalled.

Kalamata

12.  Kalamata

The city of Kalamata in the Peloponnese is home to the ancient ruins of Messenia, the picturesque Navarino Lagoon beach, and also those very famous olives you may recognise the name from. Few tourists venture to these parts, which is great news for you. To explore the wider region, base yourself at the Ant Farm – a beautiful farmhouse just outside the city, where you can stay in one of ten treehouses nestled within the olive trees.

Mykonos

13.  Mykonos

Dubbed the ‘Greek Ibiza’,  Mykonos  is where you’ll find world-famous DJs headlining superclubs while a jet-set crowd mingle on yachts and private jets. But this Cyclades island is not just for the uber-privileged: there are plenty of cute hotels, affordable gourmet restaurants and quiet corners still relatively untouched by the tourism industry. So when you’re done hanging out at the beach clubs and traditional tavernas, just follow the tangled web of dirt-smattered backroads – chances are, there’ll be a heavenly beach waiting at the end.

Discover Mykonos: 📍  The best things to do in Mykonos 🏨 Amazing hotels in Mykonos

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Best places to visit in Greece

best sites to visit in greece

Dana Facaros

Tuesday September 12 2023, 09:00am

Greek holidays are more popular than ever, with good reason. Its beautiful seas and beaches, gorgeous islands and mountains, traditional villages, historic cities, superb food and wine, extraordinary archaeological sites and nightlife, clear skies and starry nights all make for a country to return to again and again. Beyond familiar destinations such as Athens, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini, here are some of the best places to visit in Greece to match whatever kind of holiday you’re after — active or relaxing, as a family or couple, near major attractions or far from the crowds.

Main photo: sunset over Afissos on the Pelion peninsula (Getty Images)

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A woman hiking in Andros, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for walking Under the tourism radar, the island of Andros produced some of Greece ’s wealthiest shipping dynasties; its immaculate neoclassical main town, piled on a narrow peninsula, has lanes paved in marble. Beyond are beaches for every taste, some in arid landscapes, and a low-key resort at Batsi. However, the main lure on Andros is its miles of ancient footpaths, winding through the island’s densely wooded hills and mountain villages, all lush with romantic springs and waterfalls.

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The historic centre of Corfu Town, Corfu, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for dramatic landscapes Corfu has holidays covered, whether you want a designer villa on the idyllic northeast coast — the area made famous by the Durrells — or an affordable package break on golden sands. Nature? It has spectacular trails, especially around lush Mount Pantokrator, where the only sounds are bees and goat bells. Culture? Elegant Venetian-French-Georgian Corfu Town is full of it. There’s golf and even cricket, introduced in the 1800s when the Ionian islands were a British protectorate — along with a thirst for tzitzibira, aka ginger beer.

  • Best all-inclusive hotels in Corfu
  • Best things to do in Corfu

 Assos village in Cephalonia, one of the best places to visit in Greece

3. Cephalonia

Best for explorers You could just lounge on the broad sands of Lassi beach near Argostoli and drink chilled glasses of Cephalonia ’s crisp Robola wine, but Captain Corelli’s big island cries out for touring, amid vine and cypress-clad landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany. Three musts: drive up through the towering black firs of 1,628m (5,341ft) Mount Ainos and make the short walk to the top for jaw-dropping views; take a boat ride into the iridescent blue-purple cave lake of Melissani; and scramble down to the island’s eye-popping pin-up beach, the incandescently white Myrtos, wedged between soaring cliffs and the cobalt sea.

  • Best hotels in Cephalonia
  • Best villas in Cephalonia

Hydra, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for cosmopolitan stays As your boat pulls around the forbidding cliffs into port, the extraordinary vision of Hydra ’s cascade of stone sea captains’ mansions inevitably sets off a selfie scrum. Hydra is poor in beaches (many people swim off the rocks) and has donkeys instead of cars. But it’s been a  favourite haven of artists, writers and cool kids — ever since the 1957 film Boy on a Dolphin introduced Hydra, and a young Sophia Loren, to the English-speaking world. Leonard Cohen bought a house here in 1960 and met his beloved muse Marianne — a period beautifully evoked in Polly Samson’s A Theatre for Dreamers . 

Rock formations near Loutra Edipsou in Evia, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for “Old Greece” The country’s second-largest island, green, mountainous Evia is for explorers and lovers of Old Greece. It’s a mystery even to most Greeks, yet you can drive there in just over an hour from Athens airport. Eretria, one of the island’s top beach resorts and archaeological sites, is ten minutes or so further on. It’s a great base for seeking out old-fashioned villages and spas, including one of Greece’s finest, Loutra Edipsou, where the hot springs spill directly into the sea. Karystos in the south, known for its marble quarries, has splendid hill walks — aim for the mysterious dragon houses on Mount Ochi.

 Telendos island seen across the water from Masouri in Kalymnos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

6. Kalymnos

Best for rock climbing The island once famous for sponge fishers, Kalymnos has high-adrenaline thrills embedded in its DNA — they don’t celebrate Greek Easter with fireworks here, but with dynamite. If you’re a rock climber, its world-class precipices need no introduction. There’s superb diving around its reefs, wrecks, underwater volcanic crater and the surrounding islets — including the striking pyramid-shaped Telendos, opposite the beach town of Masouri. Kalymnos has the only fjord on the Greek islands and its big, buzzy capital, Pothia, in an enormous natural amphitheatre, is chock full of old-fashioned shops and kafenions (Greek cafés).

 The port in Aegina Town, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for combining with Athens You can see Aegina from the Acropolis — its proximity makes it the perfect island to combine with a city break in Athens . It has all the Greek island must-haves too — including fine beaches at Agia Marina and, on the islet of Moni, a nature reserve — plus something special: the exquisite 500BC Temple of Aphaia. Faded grandeur lingers in Aegina Town, which from 1827 to 1829 was the nation’s temporary capital. Today it’s perfect for sipping an ouzo, scoffing the island’s addictive pistachios and watching the world drift by, so close yet so far from the city.

  • Best things to do in Athens

The islet of Kastri, with its fifth-century basilica, seen from Kos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for families Sumptuous sandy beaches are the bread and butter for cosmopolitan, family-friendly Kos . But this island, birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, has been a resort for the world-weary since the 5th century BC, when it opened the Asklepion, its health centre and wellness spa. Even children love Kos Town, with its Crusader castle, Roman villas and an almost unbelievably huge plane tree, said to have been planted by Hippocrates himself. Don’t miss the unusual effervescent Bubble Beach or the sunsets over Zia.

  • Best hotels in Kos
  • Best villas in Kos

Best for ravines and waterfalls South of the Peloponnese peninsula, pretty Kythira used to be just too hard to reach for most (even local girl Aphrodite moved to more important Cyprus). Now improved air connections have made it possible to get there from the UK in a day. Go for old-fashioned Greek hospitality and the lovely white Cycladic-style Kythira Town, dotted with Venetian mansions. There are magnificent beaches and wild ravines — and don’t miss bucolic Milopotamos, where you can swim under waterfalls and pretend you’re in a shampoo ad.

  • The best quiet Greek islands

Loutra village in Kythnos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

10. Kythnos

Best for stepping back in time If you ever wondered what the islands were like in their 1970s backpacking days, head to Kythnos. The little island is as authentic and unspoilt as they come — mainly because the ferries that transport visitors here depart from Lavrio, which is further from Athens than Piraeus. But it has all the Cycladic essentials: a whitewashed main town bathed in radiantly clear light; sandy beaches (Kolona, a delectable isthmus of sand, would be packed out anywhere else); and blazing starry nights.

  • Best Greek islands for families

Sunset and kitesurfers in the sky above an old mill in Lefkada, one of the best places to visit in Greece

11. Lefkada

Best for water sports Thanks to a causeway, you can drive from Preveza airport in just over an hour into another world that is just as lush, wooded and dramatic as its near-neighbour Corfu. Lefkada has traditional mountain villages, such as lofty Katouna, but is also well endowed with sports-orientated resorts: hire a boat at Nydri to putter around the emerald islets in its bay, swim under towering cliffs at Porto Katsiki and Egremni, and test your windsurfing mettle at Vassiliki, blessed with some of the most reliable big gusts in Greece.

The Kalogeriko stone bridge on the Vikos Gorge in Zagorohoria, one of the best places to visit in Greece

12.   Zagorochoria

Best for trekking Western Greece’s Zagorochoria are 46 unique villages all built of stone, surrounding the Vikos Gorge — the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon. During Ottoman times, the locals were wealthy merchants; some of their impressive mansions are now charming hotels; their mule paths and fantastical bridges make for beautiful walks in the Tymphi mountains, aka the “Greek Alps”. Don’t miss the spectacular seven-hour trek down the sheer, steep-sided gorge, or bathing in the Papingo rock pools; in autumn the colours are magical. 

 Spartochori village in Meganisi, one of the best places to visit in Greece

13. Meganisi

Best for getting away from it all Little Meganisi, where pines grow all the way down to a perfectly transparent sea, is bathed in a mesmerising luminosity. This chic, get-away-from-it-all island, just off the coast of Lefkada, is surrounded by a dozen emerald islets. Meganisi has exceptional seafood tavernas by its two tiny ports, Vathy and Spilia, as well as gentle pebbly beaches and a long, whip-thin peninsula dotted with sea caves, including the yawning Papanikolis, used as a hideout for a Greek resistance submarine during the Second World War.

  • Best Greek island hotels

Rock arches at Kleftiko in Milos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for a colourful coast As a volcanic wonderland, Milos rivals Santorini, and although it’s increasingly popular — especially the fashionable seaside village of Pollonia — only a purist would call it spoilt. The island has the only catacombs in Greece. But what steals the show is its extraordinary coast — a photographer’s dream with 70 beaches in all shades (there’s even a sulphur-yellow one, Paliorema). You’ll also see bear-shaped sea rocks, as well as dreamlike caves and formations at Kleftiko and Sarakiniko that seem to be made of meringue. Elsewhere, intimate fishing ports are lined with syrmata — painted boat garages sculpted from volcanic tuff.

  • Best Greek islands to visit

Sahara beach in Naxos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for beaches and hiking Largest, tallest and greenest of the Cyclades, family-friendly Naxos doesn’t have the hip reputation of its neighbour Mykonos , but is all the better for it. Just beyond the sugar-cube maze of its main town stretch miles of sandy beaches. The hiking is exceptional, taking in lovely early Byzantine churches and Hellenistic towers. The white marble of the north has been quarried for 3,000 years; don’t miss the startling contemporary Cycladic figurines in the archaeological museum and the huge kouros statues at Flerio, Apollonas and Melanes — abandoned because of flaws in the stone.

  • Best all-inclusive hotels in Greece

Best for otherworldly atmosphere A dreamy otherworldliness lingers over the craggy little “Jerusalem of the Aegean” — where St John wrote his Book of Revelation. This atmosphere has since made it a bolt hole for anyone who wants to escape the world — Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks and Richard Gere included. Just above the port, Skala, you’ll find St John’s Cave (complete with his stone pillow) and the exceptionally lovely 18th-century main town, built by sea merchants. The fortified 11th-century Monastery of St John the Theologian is filled with rare Byzantine art. Come to Patmos to take quiet walks, swim in crystal waters and refresh your soul.

Gaios, the main port of Paxos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for olive groves and sea caves Just south of Corfu, tiny Paxos is for couples who want to snuggle among the ancient olive groves and lose all track of time. Vertiginous limestone cliffs soar over the west coast; pebbly coves scallop the east. The delightful pocket-sized main port, Gaios, is packed with tavernas and offers boats for touring Paxos’s sea caves, and making the short hop to its vine-covered sidekick Antipaxos, where a pair of outrageously beautiful Caribbean-style white beaches are kissed by a turquoise sea.

  • Best adult-only hotels in Greece

18. Spetses

Best for hanging out with the in-crowd Popular with weekending Athenians and the yachting set (its nickname is the “Greek Monaco”), pine-covered Spetses, one of the Saronic islands, is two hours from Piraeus port. The cobbled lanes of Spetses Town are lined with historic mansions that once belonged to leaders of the War of Independence that began in 1821, including the home of the indomitable female admiral Bouboulina. Cars are banned; horse-drawn carriages, bikes and scooters are the transport of choice. By day, hit the beaches along the road that encircles Spetses, passing the lone white villa that inspired John Fowles’s enigmatic novel The Magus . After dark, the seafront esplanade of Dapia sways to the sensuous rhythms of the latest Greek hits.

Best for ancient and medieval sights — and sunshine The Colossus statue, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, may be long gone, but its subject, the sun god Helios, makes his presence felt 300 days a year. Full of gently shelving beaches, fancy resorts and rich history — it was the powerhouse of the Aegean for centuries — Rhodes is a good bet even in winter. That’s the time to explore the island’s atmospheric medieval Crusader-Ottoman town, Grand Master’s Palace and three ancient cities, including exquisite Lindos, its acropolis teetering high over the sea.

  • Best hotels in Rhodes
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The island of Sifnos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for foodies When Greeks think of Sifnos, they think of food. Home of countless chefs, including Nikolaos Tselementes, who in 1930 published the influential Cooking and Patisserie Guide , the island is known for its restaurants serving specialities such as mastelo (lamb slow-cooked in a clay pot). But the arty-boho island has other tricks up its sleeve: brilliant-white cubist villages; paths meandering past its ubiquitous domed churches; and Venetian dovecotes and ancient towers. The beaches are divine, from the silky soft sands of Platis Gialos to idyllic Cheronissos way up north, with its two excellent tavernas.

  • Best hotels with swim-up rooms in Greece

Boats in the natural harbour of Blo in Skopelos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

21. Skopelos

Best for walking and relaxation Skopelos, like its neighbour Skiathos, served as a location for the film Mamma Mia! , but has since reverted to a tranquil way of life amid a thousand blues and greens, from its lofty pine forests to its pebbly beaches. The traditional architecture of red-tile roofs, colourful woodwork and balconies is charming; nightlife means sitting late outside a taverna. Hire a boat to explore the wild northeast coast and don’t miss the walk up the Mount Palouki peninsula, adorned with Byzantine monasteries and commanding spine-tingling views.

 Lalaria beach in Skiathos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

22. Skiathos

Best for beautiful beaches Fun-packed Skiathos is rightly renowned for having more than 60 heavenly beaches — the golden pine-backed crescent of Koukounaries and silver-pebbled, cliff-foot Lalaria are often named in Greece’s top ten. But there are secret ones to be found if you take one of the few roads through the island’s wooded interior. While hotels and villas sprawl along the coast (Troulos and Vromolimnos are also among the nicest beaches), Skiathos has only one real town, but it’s a doozy, crammed full of restaurants, bars and clubs for 30-pluses. Look out for Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, who are frequent visitors.

  • Best family hotels in Greece
  • Best hotels in Skiathos

Best for waterfront lunches Pretty, white Poros Town sidles along Greece’s “Grand Canal” — the hypnotic 365m-wide channel that separates the island from the Peloponnese; lazy boat-spotting from waterfront tavernas is a favourite pastime here. Otherwise you have fragrant pinewoods, little beaches such as the golden Askeli, and Daskalio, the islet where Eros was supposedly born, in Love Bay. For more, take a taxi boat across the channel to Galatas, hire a car and within an hour’s drive you’ll find ancient Troezen, birthplace of Theseus, and the theatre at Epidaurus, which reportedly had the best acoustics in the ancient world.

The harbour at Symi, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for a picture-perfect port Symi is only a short hop from Rhodes, but couldn’t be more different: small and arid, but endowed with a superb harbour. Here, Symi’s renowned shipbuilders and merchants built a spectacular neoclassical town in shades of lemon, tangerine and cherry-red, rising 500 steps up to a sky so blue that it seems to throb. A bus or taxi boat will take you to the beaches, and at night the lone town sparkles to life; sheltered, it stays warm until late as its lights dance across the still water of the port.

Livadia, the port and main village of Tilos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for wildlife Little Tilos takes great pride in being the most eco-friendly island in the Med. Located midway between Rhodes and Kos, it made history in 1997 when its environmentalist mayor banned hunting and made it a wildlife reserve, leading to an impressive rebound in its biodiversity. In 2020, thanks to the EU-funded Tilos Project setting up Greece’s first hybrid power station, it is self-sufficient for energy. That’s not one of the reasons you come — those are the birdwatching, the quiet, immaculate beaches and the convivial tavernas dotted around the port, Livadia.

Mylopotamos beach on the Pelion peninsula, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for year-round beauty Every season is lovely in Thessaly’s Pelion peninsula. Mythic home of the centaurs and the summer resort of the Greek gods, the Pelion is Greece at its most bucolic, criss-crossed with streams, cobbled mule paths, ancient plane trees and apple orchards, picture-perfect beaches below emerald cliffs and villages of handsome 18th and 19th-century mansions, many of which are now hotels. In spring, go for the wildflowers and apple blossoms; in summer, the beaches; in autumn, the amazing colour of the woodlands; and in winter, snow and winter sports on Mount Pelion and cosy nights by the fireplace. 

The Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, one of the best places to visit in Greece

27. Halkidiki

Best for glamorous resorts The great three-fingered peninsula of Halkidiki is northern Greece’s summer playground, although its easternmost end is anything but: this is Mount Athos, the world’s only monastic republic, off limits to women since AD885 (although everyone can take a cruise and see its fantastical Byzantine monasteries from the sea). Halkidiki’s western “fingers”, Kassandra and Sithonia, are laced with idyllic piney coves and sandy beaches — including 96 beaches flying the blue flag, more than any other municipality in Greece — and are graced with some of the country’s most glamorous resorts.

  • Best cruises in Greece

The village of Vathia in the Inner Mani, one of the best places to visit in Greece

Best for something completely different   Legend has it that when the Romans invaded Greece, the Spartans took refuge in the Mani, the middle prong of the Peloponnese. And it’s true that throughout history, the Maniots were tough hombres, constantly feuding from their fortified tower houses. In the westerly Outer Mani you’ll find lovely beach resorts such as Stoupa and Kardamili, but the rugged, arid Inner Mani, especially south of the spectacular Diros show caves, is another world altogether — savage and rocky, with villages such as Vathia, a mini San Gimignano of tower houses. And Cape Tenaro, at the Mani’s southern tip, was a main entrance to the Underworld in Greek myth.

  • Best holiday villas in Greece

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Inspired to visit Greece but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui  and  Jet2 Holidays . These are the best  tours of Greece from our trusted partners .

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Travel the Greek Way

30 Best Places to Visit in Greece in 2024

This post is about 30 of the best places to visit in Greece including both Greek island and mainland destinations. It is fair to say that Greece is a travel destination that ticks a lot of boxes:

  • Magnificent islands, sandy stunning beaches, nightlife
  • Fascinating ancient monuments of many historic eras & civilizations
  • Hiking destinations
  • Traditional mountainous villages and picturesque fishing settlements
  • Bustling cities
  • Top-rate Greek and international cuisine

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Astypalaia island

If you are planning your trip to Greece and this is your first time visiting the country then my post on the top 30 best places to visit in Greece will offer plenty of ideas.

Itinerary tip for the islands : If you only have a week or 2, and you would like to hop around the islands, you better stick to the same group of islands, to save time.

* Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. The commission comes at no additional cost to you.

best sites to visit in greece

Here are the best places to visit in Greece, separated for your convenience into regional groups as well as a Google map of the places mentioned. That way you can organize and plan your itinerary for Greece.

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Best Places to Visit in Greece (North)

1. thessaloniki.

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Thessaloniki seaside and White Tower at dusk

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and the financial center of the north of Greece. It is built around the Thermaikos Gulf, a modern vibrant city ideal if you love historical monuments and …food-tasting.

Thessaloniki was built in 316 BCE and it was a Byzantine and Ottoman center which is evident in the numerous monuments in the city. It is also one of the most popular and favorite culinary centers in Greece, renowned for its food and wine. Thessaloniki is a great base for visiting Chalkidiki, Meteora, and Olympus Mt.

Related Posts:

  • The Best Hotels in Thessaloniki
  • Top Things to Do in Thessaloniki
  • Open Markets Food Tasting Tour

2. Chalkidiki

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Posidi Beach in Chalkidiki

Chalkidiki is an area with three beautiful peninsulas – Kassandra (great for nightlife), Sithonia (stunning beaches), and the seaside town of Ouranoupoli and the famous monastic state of Mount Athos. It is the favorite vacation destination not only of the whole of northern Greece but also of the other countries of the Balkans.

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Athos Mt Monasteries

Chalkidiki is a stunning area to visit for beaches and history and one of the best places to visit in Greece. The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle who founded the Lyceum in Athens comes from Ancient Stagira in Chalkidiki. As Chalkidiki is quite an extensive area, you will need at least a week to explore and a private car.

Entrance Tip: Women are not allowed in the Athos Mt and Monasteries.

3. Prespes Lakes

Greece in Winter, Prespes Lake

248 km west of Thessaloniki, in the mountainous northwestern Macedonia part of Greece, you will find the National Park of the two Prespes lakes . The Prespes lakes are shared by three countries: Greece, North Macedonia, and Albania.

Greece in Winter, Agios Achilleios

Prespes Lakes is a virgin natural paradise, a beautiful wetland, and one of the best places to visit in Greece for nature, and bird watching (260 species of birds and 23 species of fish). Moreover, the coast of the lakes is dotted with gorgeous small settlements and historical monuments of archaeological interest.

Where Best to Stay in Prespes Dora’s House at Agios Germanos .

Travel Tip : When I visited Prespes we also went to Pisoderi Ski Resort, Florina town, and Nymfaio village where the brown bear shelter is.

4. Mount Olympus National Park

Hike Safely in Greece, Olympus hiking & trek

The National Park of Mount Olympus is probably the most famous Mt in Greece and according to Greek mythology, it was the home of the gods. Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the second highest in the Balkans. The highest peaks of the mountain are Mytikas (2.918 m.), Stefani (2.909 m.), Skolio (2.911 m.), and Skala (2.866 m.).

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Olympus Mt in spring with flowers

The National Park of Mount Olympus is not only an international hiking destination that is considered quite demanding in certain areas. It also contains a large diversity of flora and fauna, some of them unique. As it is a highly protected area (no camping or fishing), you can reach its shelters only on foot. If you are planning to reach Mytikas, then I strongly advise you to do so between May and October. Olympos is one of the best places to visit in Greece!

The best place to stay for Mount Olympus is the nearby Litochoro village at Mythic Valley Hotel .

Best Places to Visit in Greece (Central)

5. zagori, epirus.

best sites to visit in greece

Zagorochoria or Zagori may sound like it is one place but actually, it is a cluster of 46 lovely villages! It is located in the northwestern region of Greece amidst the mountains of Pindus in Epirus. In the summer of 2023, the area was listed in the UNESCO monuments list.

Zagorochoria is one of the favorite winter destinations among Greeks and gets busy in December, especially during Christmas. Some of the best things to do in Zagori are:

best sites to visit in greece

  • Walk the cobblestone villages full of traditional stone mansions. The most popular villages are Monodendri , Mikro, and Megalo Papigko.
  • Hiking at Aoos National Park.
  • Hiking Vikos Gorge (if weather permits it).
  • Hike at the Dragonlake of Tymfi.
  • Try the local cuisine and the famous milk, cheese, pumpkin, or sweet pies.

6. Parga, Epirus

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Parga town general view on a sunny day

Parga town is one of the best places to visit in Greece for couples. It is a beautiful, popular seaside tourist destination in western Greece. It has some lovely beaches like Sarakiniko and during summer, it is connected daily by ferry with Paxos, and Antipaxos , Corfu , and Lefkada.

Fifteen km from Parga lies the most important ancient monument of the region, the Necromancy of Acheron . Here the Ancient Greeks believed that the river Acheron was the Gates of the Underworld.

7. Meteora, Thessaly

best sites to visit in greece

Meteora is one of the top destinations in Greece for nature and culture!

The rocks are an extensive complex of gigantic sandstone rocks shadowing the local town of Kalambaka, 347 km north of Athens. There were initially 24 Monasteries founded by Greek Orthodox monks in the 14th and 15th century but today only 6 of them are working.

The Meteora Monasteries have been a UNESCO World Heritage Monument since 1988 and it is today the second most important monastic complex in Greece after Mount Athos Monasteries in Chalkidiki.

A monk in Meteora Monasteries

Meteora is one of the best places to visit in Greece if you love impressive natural scenery, monastic life, and religious art. For details on how best to get to Meteora and the schedule of the Monasteries read my dedicated post here.

8. Pelion, Thessaly

What best to do in Pelion Greece, Chorto seaside village

Pelion (or Pilio) is my favorite place in Greece. It is a large mountain (peninsula) between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea located halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki and my favorite place in Greece. It is full of chestnut forests, deep gorges with streams, and stunning beaches with authentic mountainous villages making Pelion one of the best all-year-round destinations in Greece.

best sites to visit in greece

Because of the dense forests and variety of terrain, Pelion is a paradise for outdoor activities. Its most popular part is the east Pelion facing the Aegean Sea. One of the villages Damouchari was one of the Mamma Mia Film Locations.

  • Related Article: A complete travel guide for Pelion

9. Delphi, Phocis

Best Places to Visit in GreeceL Delphi Oracle Apollo Temple ruins

Delphi is a spectacular, UNESCO-listed archaeological site where the mystical Oracle of Delphi was founded at a strategic point. The function of the site as a cult center of Apollo is archaeologically attested since 860 B.C. Delphi was built on the remains of a Mycenaean settlement. We know that the archaic temple of Apollo was constructed in 510 BCE along with the rest of the monuments.

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Iniochos charioteer Delphi Oracle museum

The Delphi Archaeological Museum houses some awe-inspiring ancient masterpieces. The modern 10-km far picturesque Arachova village offers complete touristic facilities and on top of Parnassos Mt, you can ski in the biggest ski resort in Greece.

Do not miss visiting the nearby UNESCO monument of Osios Loukas Monastery , a Byzantine masterpiece of the 11th century AD. Some call it, the most beautiful church in Greece.

Tour to Delphi & Meteora

Delphi and Meteora are often combined on a 2 or 3-day tour such as 2-Day Delphi and Meteora Tour from Athens . That way, you can see together two of the best places to visit in Greece.

Best Places to Visit in Attika

best sites to visit in greece

Athens is the ancient capital of Greece and the vibrant financial, commercial, and historical center of the country. It houses the spectacular archaeological site of Acropolis Hill and Ancient Agora, along with dozens of other monuments of all historical eras that you come across as you walk inside the city.

best sites to visit in greece

One of the best places to visit in Greece, specifically in Athens is Plaka and the Anafiotika. It is called that because they were built by sailors from Anafi island. In Athens, you can also visit two of the most significant museums in the world: the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.

Related Articles:

  • Best Acropolis View Hotels in Athens
  • The Ancient Agora of Athens
  • The Ottoman Monuments in Athens

11. Athens Riviera, Cape Sounion, and Temple of Poseidon

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon Evgenia of Travel the Greek Way

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is one of the most popular half-day tours from Athens, located at the northernmost point of Athens. You can get there taking the scenic road of Athens Riviera , 65 km by the beautiful Attika seaside.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

There you will reach the Sanctuary of Poseidon and its Temple, built between 444 and 440 BCE. The temple of Poseidon was part of the sacred triangle, along with the temple of Aphaia in Aegina and the Parthenon in Athens.

Cape Sounion is one of the best destinations in Greece to admire an important archaeological site and the spectacular sunset from it.

  • Athens Riviera
  • Athens Beach Hotels
  • Cape Sounion and Sunset Private Tour from Athens

12. Ramnous

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Ramnous archaeological site overview

Ramnous is located in the Marathon area of Attika, 55 km northeast of Athens center. It is one of the top destinations to visit in Greece if you love fortified ancient cities.

Most of the other famous Greek archaeological sites you visit, like the Acropolis of Athens or Epidaurus, were mostly sanctuaries dedicated to gods. Ramnous was a real town, with everyday chambers, soldiers to guard it, and fortifications as it was built at a strategic point, just like Sounion.

Ramnous Archaeological Site Fortess entrance with a sign and a woman

Ramnous offers an amazing opportunity for visitors to see how ancient Greek cities around 500 BC used to be. Furthermore, as the site is divided into two distinct areas, the top site includes the most important Temple of Nemesis in ancient Greece.

Related Article: Travel Guide to Ramnous Site

Best Places to Visit in the Peloponnese

best sites to visit in greece

Peloponnese is the southern mainland of Greece, home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites, lovely beaches, and authentic villages. Peloponnese needs a lot of time to be explored but as this is not always possible find below some of the best places in Greece for history and beaches!

13. Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplion (Argolis)

best sites to visit in greece

Argolis region is situated in the eastern part of the Peloponnese and contains some very popular and amazing sites:

  • The Mycenean Palace and Domed Tombs of Mycenae (UNESCO-listed)
  • The Sanctuary of Asklepios and the Theater of Epidaurus (UNESCO-listed)
  • The Mycenean Fortress of Tiryns
  • Argos and Tolo
  • Nafplio town, a gorgeous medieval town with 3 castles
  • Porto Heli and Spetses island

14. Monemvasia, Laconia

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Monemvasia rock and town from a drone

Monemvasia is a large Byzantine fortress on a rock that broke away after a great earthquake in 375 CE. Today it is connected to the mainland by a road of about 400 meters.

Monemvasia has medieval houses with arches on cobblestone alleys in front of the Aegean Sea, synthesizing a magical atmosphere.

Best Property to Stay in Monemvasia: Casa Felicia-The Castle Mansion .

15. Mystras, Sparta

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Mystras ruins and mountain views

6 km away from Sparta, the ancient kingdom of Leonidas, lie the Byzantine Castle ruins of Mystras a UNESCO-listed monument. Built in the 13th century AD by the Frankish, Mystras became the capital of the Despotate of Morea and an important center for the next 2 centuries.

Hike Safely in Greece, mystras and taygettus mountain in Greece hiking

The layout of the castle city is in three distinct zones, with a significant difference in altitude: Upper, Lower, and Outer Chora. In addition, there is the Acropolis at the top. Today Mystras is by far the most important Byzantine monument in Greece.

16. Kardamili, Western Mani

best sites to visit in greece

Kardamili is a beautiful, low-key seaside village with tavernas in picturesque little coves. As you stroll the village you pass by stone-built traditional houses, towers and turrets, cobbled streets and flowered courtyards.

Kardamili, set at the foothills of the Taygettus range is a fantastic destination in Greece, ideal to explore the stark and powerfully wild terrain of the area. Travel south to some spectacular villages such as Limeni, Areopoli, Gerolimenas, Caves of Diros, and Vathia to Porto Kagio.

Best Hotel in Kardamili: Salvia .

17. Voidokilia Beach

4-Day Peloponnese Tour: Voidokilia beach

Voidokilia beach, set on the southwestern Peloponnese on the Ionian Sea is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Shaped like the Greek letter Omega (Ω) and surrounded by gold, soft sand, and a Natura-2000 lagoon, this is one of the best destinations in Greece.

Best Places to Visit in Greece: The Mycenean Palace of Nestor in Pylos, Peloponnese

Voidokilia Beach is near Gialova town, a popular seaside town, the Mycenean Archaeological site of Nestor’s Palace , beautiful Pylos and Methoni villages.

The best hotel to stay near Voidokilia is Costa Navarino .

  • Related Article: Hiking Voidokilia Beach

18. Ancient Olympia

best sites to visit in greece

Ancient Olympia is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, another UNESCO-listed site. The ancient stadium marks the site where the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia were held. The stadium took its final form in the early 5th century BCE when the great Sanctuary of Zeus was built.

In the in-house Museum, you will get the chance to see some masterpieces of the Greek ancient world, such as the Hermes of Praxiteles.

The best hotel to stay overnight in Olympia is Hotel Europa.

Best Islands to Visit in Greece

Greece has about 6,000 islands and islets with about 100 of them inhabited with permanent populations ranging from 680.000 (Crete) and 152.000 (Rhodes) to 2 (Agios Minas Fournoi). That makes it hard to decide which island to go to if you are planning to travel to Greece for the first time.

So let’s jump to the best islands in Greece that I believe are amazing and you should visit:

19. Santorini, Cyclades

best sites to visit in greece

  • Santorini is a top destination in Greece famous for its stunning caldera views, mesmerizing sunsets, and a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
  • July and August are the busiest, hottest, windiest, and most expensive months on Santorini island. If possible, avoid those months.
  • There are dozens of things to do in Santorini but 3-4 days is enough to see the best of the island.
  • The best hotel in Santorini is Canaves Oia Suites & Spa .

20. Naxos, Cyclades

best sites to visit in greece

  • Naxos is ideal for family vacations. It is also large enough to never get bored with so many choices: traditional villages, ancient sites (Portara in the main town), stunning sandy beaches, hiking trails, and glorious food.
  • Check my dedicated post on Naxos’ best attractions here for more details.
  • The best family apartment in Agia Anna Beach is Sunday Studios .

21. Tinos, Cyclades

Best Places to Visit in Greece: A child walking under a dome with flowers in Tinos island

Tinos is a classic Cycladic whitewashed island with some of the most beautiful villages in Greece. It is an important pilgrimage center of Orthodox Greeks and it has 750 chapels and churches, 600 dovecotes, and 34 settlements, both Catholic and Orthodox. It has also the sanctuary of Poseidon, where pilgrims were purified before passing to the important island of Delos in Mykonos .

22. Chios, Northern Aegean Island

Best Places to Go to Greece in April, Chios Mastichochoria

  • Chios island is the home of medieval villages producing the famous mastic, of UNESCO Monastery of Nea Moni of Chios, the Castle City hanging over the cliff, and the spectacular nature and beaches from Kardamyla to Diefha.
  • From Chios, you can hop to Lesvos island which is 3 hours away by ferry.
  • Best medieval property to stay in Chios: St. George Sykoussis Traditional Residence .

23. Patmos Island, Dodecanese

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Patmos island alley with a church and red flowers

Patmos is a small but remarkable island, also known as the Jerusalem of the Aegean. You can visit the dark Cave where Apostle John wrote the Apocalypse and the UNESCO Mοnastery of John the Evangelist. Stroll the medieval villages of Gothic and neoclassic architecture and swim in the impressive Twin or Ligginou beaches.

The best place to stay is at Skala in Patmos at this gorgeous property: Patmos Eye Traditional Luxury Villas .

24. Astypalaia island, Dodecanese

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Astypalaia seaside village with whitewashed houses

Astypalaia is one of the most authentic islands to visit in Greece. Shaped like a butterfly, it will charm you immediately with its whitewashed villages, its picturesque main town laden with bougainvilleas, its Venetian Castle and the old windmills, the turquoise waters, and the peaceful fishing villages. Best place to stay: Ihthioessa Boutique Hotel .

25. Hydra Island, Argo Saronic

Best Places to Visit in Greece: Hydra's scenic port with yachts

Hydra is a cosmopolitan and classy island and a very popular yachting destination. A completely car-free island, it will stun you with its impressive architecture, the stone mansions, and the bougainvillea alleys. Hydra is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.

26. Skopelos island, Sporades

Mamma Mia Greece Locations, Skopelos beach

Skopelos is one of the greenest islands as most of it is covered by pine forests. It was the main location of the Mamma Mia film in Greece. If you love wonderful sandy beaches with turquoise clear waters and the green of the pine trees surrounding them, this is your island! Skopelos is also famous for its rich gastronomy.

Best place to stay: Villa Glysteri .

27. Lefkada Island, Ionian

Best Places to Go to Greece in April, Lefkada beach

Lefkada is a stunning island famous for its breathtaking beaches like Katsiki Beach (photo on the left) or the Egremni, a long, unyielding wall of cliffs, with bright translucent turquoise waters. It is connected to the mainland with a metallic floating bridge that you can cross by car. Best place to stay: Horizon View Apartment .

Best Places to Visit in Crete

Wherever you go on Crete Island will be stunningly beautiful, and you will have one of the best travel experiences in your life. Crete is the largest island in Greece and even if you spend a month on the island, you would have scratched just the surface.

If I had to choose only three locations in Crete then I would choose spectacular nature such as the Balos beach, the Samaria gorge, and the archaeological site of Knossos Palace.

28. Balos Chania Crete

Best Time to Go to Greece, Balos Lagoon Crete Chania

Balos Beach and Lagoon is located in the Chania region, in the northwest of Crete, and is one of the most impressive beaches in the world. It has white soft sand, but in some places, the sand has a special pink color, due to the crushed shells! Balos is an exotic and spectacular place with turquoise waters and a large variety of rare flora and fauna.

  • Related Post: What to do in Chania Crete

29. Samaria Gorge, Chania

Crossing Samaria gorge in Chania Crete

If you love hiking then Samaria Gorge is one of the top destinations to go to in Greece! The 15,9 km Samaria Gorge is a real gem of hiking. It makes a challenging downhill hike of 5-7 hours and at the end is the scenic seaside village of Agia Roumeli . It is open to hiking between May and November.

If you are traveling with a group of up to 8 people you can stay at the beautiful stone Villa Samaria in Omalos.

30. Knossos Palace, Heraklion

Best things to do on Crete island, Knossos Palace heraklion

The Palace of King Minos in Knossos in the Heraklion region is the largest of the preserved Minoan (2000-1350 BCE) palatial centers. Minoan four wings are arranged around a central courtyard, containing the royal quarters, workshops, shrines, storerooms, repositories, the throne room, and banquet halls. It is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Icaros.

  • 12 Best Things to Do in Heraklion
  • The Best Hotels and Villages on Crete Island
  • The Top Sites to Visit on Crete Island

Plan My Trip to Greece

Do you need a custom travel itinerary for Greece? Are you traveling solo, with your family or friends and need a tailor-made multi-day tour or a transfer within Greece?

If yes, please visit my dedicated Plan My Trip Page for a free itinerary!

I’d love to hear about where you’re spending your vacation this year, especially if you have any exciting travel plans! There are so many things to do in Greece and I hope that you get the chance to visit as many as possible. Till next time, Evgenia❤️

How to Get to Athens Port (Piraeus) from Athens Airport

Bus X96 Peiraias Port to Athens Airport

  • Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance) , which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7.
  • Metro : (€9) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
  • Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €40 to Athens, €55-60 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
  • Rent a car with Discover Cars to rent reliable new cars at affordable prices
  • You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece
  • Are you looking for domestic flights in Greece ? Check out the official Aegean Airlines Website.

Greece Travel Guides

  • Greece Packing List – What to pack for a 10-day trip to Greece
  • First Time to Greece – Most Important FAQ
  • Athens Hotels Near Acropolis
  • When is the Best Time to Go to Greece

Travel to Greece Information

  • ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
  • Booking.com : I use Booking.com because I can get the best deals on hotels and apartments, free cancellations, and great prices!
  • All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
  • FerryScanner to book f erries to the Greek Islands
  • Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
  • Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
  • Map of Athens Metro
  • Trains (Hellenic Train)
  • Public Buses KTEL
  • Get Your Guide : For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
  • Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100 – EMERGENCY NUMBER 112

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17 Best Places to Visit in Greece

Last updated on February 5, 2024 by Jamie Gambetta - 16 Comments

Sometimes countries simply don’t live up to the picture on the postcard. Sometimes places become overdone and tired. But “sometimes” doesn’t affect Greece.

Greece continues to preserve and showcase its incredible history as the birthplace of modern civilization. Furthermore, its charming islands remain as captivating as ever.

You’ve seen the pictures, the bougainvilleas awash with white, standing alongside domed churches spliced by narrow streets. It’s all placed precariously above azure seas. A place where the view of the town is as good as the one stemming from it.

Map of Places to Visit in Greece

Greece Map

The romanticism is rich. But the history of Greece takes it a step further. From Athens and Olympia to Meteora and Delphi, there’s no escaping it. And nor would you want to.

With the wealth of amazing places to visit in Greece, Europe’s top travel destinations lives up to its reputation. However, as you’ll see, there are still plenty of stunning destinations to discover.

In this post, we'll cover:

Naxos

As the largest island in the Cyclades , there’s much to discover on Naxos. Its interiors boast mountainous scenery dotted by lovely villages . As the altitude lowers, larger townships harbor rich history and pave the way to a gorgeous coastline and head-turning beaches.

The hikers among us will have an itch to stretch their legs and can do so with a trek to the summit of Mount Zas. As you savor the panoramic views at the peak, you’ll also be standing on the birthplace of Zeus.

Naxos Hora

In Naxos Town, you can explore a 13th century Venetian castle that protected the island from pirates. There are several other towns to explore, including the traditional Apeiranthos village and Filoti.

Whatever you decide, you must capture the sunset at ancient Portara, whose stone gateway from 500BC is like a portal into the gorgeous sunset.

16. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki

In the Macedonian region of northern Greece, Thessaloniki is a hub of culture. Spread throughout the nation’s second-largest city are exciting festivals and a nightlife that thrills into the early hours.

The old and the new collide gracefully here in Thessaloniki. The modern districts have evolved around the sightly old town. Byzantine walls, the renowned White Tower and revitalizing Turkish baths showcase the city’s ancient past. In the case of the White Tower, it reaches over 30 meters tall along the waterfront.

Arch of Galerius

On the other hand, there is a strong sense of community that spreads through the local (and colorful) food markets. Thessaloniki is celebrated as a foodie hub and one of the best spots in Greece for local cuisine. This is boosted by regional history with flavors stemming from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

The good vibes make their way into the afternoon tavernas and eventually Thessaloniki’s breadth of nightclubs and live venues.

15. Zakynthos

Zakynthos

Over two dozen beaches line the coast of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Islands . Navagio Beach, aka Shipwreck Cove, is one of the most photographed in Greece. And for good reason. Its marble white cliffs rise out of the ivory sands, providing a warm hug as you soak in the views of the turquoise sea.

This is just a taste of the wider island. Zakynthos’ craggy coastline is in contrast to many Greek islands. Most beaches are found in secluded alcoves, creating a unique experience for all travelers exacerbated by the lingering Caretta caretta turtles.

view of Zakynthos town from Argassi, Greece

Further inland are hilltop villages where you can find traditional monasteries. As the sun goes down, head towards Laganas , where you’ll find out why Zakynthos is garnering rep as a nightlife hub.

14. Olympia

Olympia

As the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia harbors worldwide significance. The town is shrouded in history and mythology, becoming the stuff of legends once the games resumed after 1,500 years.

In the Peloponnese , the original games began in Olympia and became its connection to Zeus. For a millennium, it brought the Greeks together and is now entirely enshrined as a World Heritage Site.

Once Greece fell under the rule of Roman Emperor Theodosius I, the Olympics ended. These grounds lay dormant for centuries until they were re-discovered in the 1700s. Today, you can explore Olympia and be taken back on a remarkable journey that connects the original games with the modern era.

Highlights include the Temple of Hera, which inspired the Olympic flame, the Temple of Zeus and, of course, the ancient stadium.

Plaka village on Milos island

Rich in ambiance, delectable cuisine and indigo harbors, Milos is a sensory nirvana. Set in the volcanic Cyclades Islands, Milos boasts an authentic charm thanks to its timeless aura.

Life here is laid back. Azure bays feature as many local fishing boats as they do opulent seafarers. This leads to colorful villages that provide warm welcomes and, naturally, some amazing restaurants.

Milos

On Milos, your mornings can begin by walking the quiet streets towards the sea. Here you’ll find colorful fishing villages that have been transformed into waterfront accommodations.

Later, complete your wake up with a dip in Sarakiniko beach that’s surrounded by glistening white volcanic rock and crystalline sea. If you’re up for it, jump off the cliffs or explore nearby caves.

Your afternoons can be spent sailing around Milos, which feels as if you’re floating on a cloud. Or you can explore the island’s ancient catacombs or discover the ruins of the island’s marble theater.

12. Vikos Gorge

Vikos Gorge

Just outside of Monodendri, Vikos Gorge is an unspoiled gem. Its remote location and thus absence of human influence has led to one of Europe’s most biodiverse landscapes. It’s home to the exceedingly rare Epirus, along with over 100 bird species, butterflies and an abundance of fish.

This all combines to create a rich living environment that elevates what is already the world’s deepest gorge. The deep division of the earth is almost biblical. Despite all of this, it remains a criminally underrated destination.

Viewpoints of the gorge are set throughout and your photos are made even more majestic by the surrounding peaks. When the water runs low, you can head down into the gorge to explore a place few have been before you. It’s here you can get up close to the electric blue water and nature that runs orange and burgundy in the autumn.

11. Halkidiki

Halkidiki

Halkidiki is a trident-like peninsula near the city of Thessaloniki, sporting excellent beaches. The three separate peninsulas can be roughly summarized as follows: Kassandra has the nightlife, Sithonia has the beaches and Athos has the monks.

Being closest to Thessaloniki, Kassandra is more built-up, while the more quiet Sithonia has campgrounds, hidden coves and clear waters. Both are popular with Greek and Eastern European tourists.

In Sithonia, you’ll find an array of bright white beaches where days can wash away under the warm Greek sun. The boats that linger offshore tempt you to sign up for a boat day, so you stick around a little longer.

At night, you can explore the vibrant headland of Kassandra. Here you’ll find a collection of great waterfront restaurants with fresh seafood and northern cuisine, plus some fun nightlife. But don’t go too hard, the third section is Athos.

Mount Athos

This traditional region is home to the Mount Athos monastic community, one of the three most important in Greece. It’s accessible by boat and open to male pilgrims only.

10. Mykonos

Mykonos

In the Cyclades Islands, Mykonos looks out to the vibrant Aegean Sea. It’s long been a stronghold of younger backpackers seeking that mix of eye-catching landscapes and plenty of after-hour shenanigans.

But there’s a reason for all of this. Regardless of your age, there’s still an abundance of reasons to visit. Mykonos Town is, after all, one of the most beautiful towns on the Greek islands with it’s white washed buildings and maze-like streets.

Mykonos Town

The famous golden sands of Mykonos are ever-welcoming. The crystal clear azure seas wash over you. From the water, you can gaze back on the townships laden with traditional Greek architecture and the horde of white that shines even brighter under the open sky.

Taking in the local cuisine, the tavernas, and waterfront bars are what attract most travelers to Mykonos. But the nearby island of Delos provides a contrast. Here you’ll find an archaeological site preserving the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.

Nafplio

Romance and Nafplio go hand in hand. Honeymooners flock to Santorini, that we understand. But for couples seeking unfettered beauty, Nafplio must be added to the menu.

In the Peloponnese, Nafplio was Greece’s first capital. Understandably, there’s architecture, layers of history, ample culture and now, a laid back atmosphere.

Nafplio Fortress

Atop the hills stand medieval castles. These are encased in stunning bougainvilleas that mix in with Byzantine churches, Turkish mosques and fountains and “newer” neoclassical structures. These flow out towards the glimmering water and you can explore them down a narrow maze of cobbled streets.

Along with being great for romantic walks, it’s easy to get around Nafplio on a bike. Traditional tavernas line the streets and with a touch of wine from the nearby Nemea region, it’s the perfect end to your day.

Delphi

The history in Greece never stops, and Delphi is just another example. But this town, close to the Gulf of Corinth, is different than most.

Located about two and half hours from Athens , Delphi was once revered by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. An important oracle, pilgrims and even kings would come from all over the country and trek up the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus.

It was here they would sit and listen to the Oracle of Delphi and the priestess of Apollo. These words remained etched in the timeline of Greece and today, you can discover the amazing remains of this place.

The centerpiece of the Temple of Apollo remains standing thousands of years later. Surrounded by mountains and deep valleys, it’s an incredibly moving sight. Add on the nearby stadium and a theater, the Athenian Treasury, and Delphi encapsulates the beauty of ancient Greece.

Corfu

In the Ionian Sea, Corfu is a brilliant blend of Venetian influence and Mediterranean sun. The island is flush with green scenery; the beaches are lined with swaying pines and historic sites lay throughout.

Through Corfu’s Old Town , you’ll find the influence of Venetian cuisine and the 19th century French rule, which led to the creation of the lively Liston. This is a pedestrian street laden with amazing restaurants along with the largest town square in the country.

Vlacherna Monastery

Afterwards, head over the water via a bridge to Vlacherna Monastery. On its own isle, the monastery is a small whitewashed structure built in the 1600s. This unique site is rivaled by Palaio Frourio, a historic Venetian fortress.

Days spent on your feet exploring and working off the pasta are rewarded by relaxing beach days. Rovinia and Acharavi are the two top options. The former with wondrous landscapes, azure seas, and pebble beaches. While Archaravi’s calm, shallow waters are the perfect place to lie back and simply float.

6. Epidaurus

Epidaurus

Enveloped in peaceful nature and the deep blue waters of the Saronic Gulf, Epidaurus is picturesque from the get go. The town is somewhat remote, especially in ancient times, when Epidaurus blossomed as a hub for progressive medicine.

Epidaurus’ amazingly well-preserved theater dates back to 330 BC and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine. At its height, captivating performances would take place and be watched by the patients at the town’s healing center. Tradition rolls on today, with the ancient theater hosting plays through the summer.

When you aren’t taking in the history and splendor, discover the Palaia Epidavros aka the Old Town. The streets guide you down the waterfront, where yachts float on the sea and local tavernas are rife with activity.

Meteora

The islands off the coast of the mainland receive much adoration. But Meteora offers plenty of reasons to halt your ventures across the Aegean.

This northern town is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece. Here you’ll find the captivating Pindus Mountains where the soaring rock faces create an otherworldly landscape. At its heart is the UNESCO World Heritage Meteora Monasteries .

Meteora Stairs

They were built between the 14th and 16th centuries and the monasteries are set on the precipice of these rock faces. Such are the surroundings, it’s no wonder why settlers felt such a call from God.

Back in the Ottoman era, monks, seeking freedom from religious persecution, would climb ladders and ropes to the monasteries. However, all you’ll have to do is follow a carved path towards the heavens. Great Meteora is the largest and along with its history, offers unforgettable vistas.

Rhodes

Encapsulating all that is good about the Greek Islands, Rhodes is the perfect alternative to Santorini (if you can’t visit both). With its own acropolis, whitewashed homes and domed churches, 300 days of sunshine and mouthwatering cuisine, Rhodes ticks all the proverbial boxes.

All travelers are locked in an elaborate dance with the weather gods throughout their trips. But when in Rhodes, you can all but bank on having a sunny day. Known as the Island of the Sun, you can bathe by the sea and set your watch to the vibrant sunsets.

Lindos

When you aren’t working on your tan, explore Rhodes’ Old Town . One of the oldest still-inhabited towns in Europe, the streets tell the tales of Italian and Turkish rule. Cobbled streets lead to mosques, chapels and public baths as old as time.

The food here is sumptuous and is matched by the island’s renowned wine. Both combine to top off the day, getting you more excited to explore in the ‘morrow.

Crete

One of Greece’s best islands, Crete , is surrounded by heavenly beaches. The golden (and sometimes pink) sands are lapped by turquoise seas and awash you with an immense sense of calm. There are, in fact, some 300 beaches to choose from, including the beloved Elafonissi, Balos and Preveli.

Beyond the beaches are classically gorgeous villages, small towns and dainty cities. The old town of Chania brings you back to the Venetian heyday. In addition, Agios Nikolaos provides a genuine glimpse into the life of locals.

Crete

Steeped in history, Crete still bears archaeological traces of the many civilizations that inhabited it down through the centuries. It’s also a spacious island of pleasing contrasts where landscapes range from rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees.

Beyond the objective beauty of Crete, is the handy knowledge that it’s the largest of the Greek’s islands and you can still find your own slice of paradise. That is if you avoid Balos Lagoon at peak hours.

Venture further inland to discover Lassithi, where villages stand alongside prominent archaeological sites and are surrounded by the windmill-laden plateau.

Athens

Inhabited for more than 3,000 years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The city presents a confusing blend of historical and modern features. Much has changed since classical times but for us travelers, it’s a chance to see the city as it was.

History abounds throughout Athens and it’s everywhere you look. It took over 700 years to complete the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It’s the largest in Greece and, just like the Parthenon, enough of the enormous columns remain to provide an incredible picture.

Afterwards, follow the footsteps of Socrates and see the Agora. This was the center of Athen’s civic life, where democracy first took flight. But perhaps the city’s best symbol of its past is the Acropolis and its insightful museum.

Monastiraki

With its past discovered, it’s time to return to the 21st century. Athens has a burgeoning coffee scene and a youth movement that has shifted the city’s culture for the better. This can be seen in its many cafes, its lively neighborhoods , its fresh galleries and events from outdoor cinemas to the Monastiraki Flea Market.

1. Santorini

Santorini

Travelers arriving from the water will enjoy the marvelous slow-burn of getting ever-closer to the beauty of Santorini . Vast cliffs roll out of the azure sea and are topped by a delectable spread of whitewashed buildings.

It’s an incredible sight and one that spurs you to explore the alleys that snake through the island’s towns like a thrilling maze. The fact that they all stand on the remains of a volcanic eruption makes the visual even more memorable. But there are many parts to Santorini. There are enchanting beaches, towns straddling the cliffside, captivating ruins and even countryside burned by lava flow.

Santorini path

The good news is, such is the size of Santorini, much can be done in a day. Fira , the island’s main town, is a veritable Greek fantasy. Traditional whitewashed buildings topped with accents of bougainvillea house amazing views, food and nightlife.

For history, you can’t pass up a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, ancient Thira and, later, Akrotiri. The latter shares similarities to Pompeii.

Greece Travel Video

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Reader interactions.

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January 13, 2024 at 6:50 am

The whole of Greece is beautiful, so many historical sites, beaches, hospitality and good food.

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April 24, 2018 at 1:53 pm

I’ll be in Greece for 2 weeks to visit my mom and I’ll try to see most of the country, been there once in Athens and it’s gorgeous. Can’t wait to go back . Flying from Florida it’s little long flight but so worthy.

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April 8, 2017 at 12:24 pm

Visited Greece with family last November. I fell in love with Greece after this trip. We visited Athens, Crete and Santorini. In Athens we stayed in Plaka and Monastiraki . Both are very central and close to all the sights. Crete is beautiful and a must see island. Santorini is another amazing Island. I would love to visit Greece again in future.

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October 21, 2016 at 5:58 pm

My parents were from Greece & we visited many times to visit my relatives. Greece is amazing as is the people food & sights. A must visit country

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May 30, 2016 at 9:13 pm

went to Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Delos and Crete last year… one of the best vacations I’ve ver been on!!!

The most beautiful was the island of Crete. Don’t miss it!

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February 24, 2016 at 10:03 am

i cant wait to visit Greece during the summer…it will be my first time… i am so excited to visit all these beautiful lslands….

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January 20, 2016 at 9:31 am

I have always dreamed of going to Greece! I love the white buildings and gorgeous blue seas. I’m a huge fan of Ancient Greek mythology so I really want to visit Delphi and Athens!

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November 11, 2015 at 6:31 am

There are so many other beautiful places to visit in Greece too. What about Kastoria 52100 in north-west Macedonia ?? It is one of the most beautiful towns of Greece.

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September 27, 2015 at 3:42 pm

My wife and I visit Loutraki of Corinth on a regular basis; Beautiful seaside and clean waters to swim in. Easy access to Athens and to Peloponese. Nafplion is also another beautiful city to visit. Ancient Corinth is interesting. Epidavros amphiteater is an architectural wonder because the acoustics are excellent without use of modern electronics.

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September 14, 2015 at 7:31 pm

Just recently returned from our first visit to Greece. Did a full day in Athen and then a night in Santorini and a week on the beach at Agios Prokopios on Naxos. Loved every bit of it. Naxos in particular is a perfect blend of beautiful beach, and intimate village with really wonderful restaurants. Quiet, more suited to those looking for a very relaxing visit.

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August 6, 2015 at 8:18 am

Greece is not only about beaches and history. There are some hidden gems that are waiting to be explored, You can hike at Zagori mountain as it mentioned, or trekking at Neda river, or cannoning at Samothrace island, or biking in islands or even skiing during the winter! Many and nice choices!

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October 5, 2014 at 5:43 am

Loved Corfu and Delphi. Piraeus not so much. Tomorrow in Athens. Will let you know

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July 25, 2014 at 4:10 pm

I wanna visit Greece with my hubby for our honeymoon…:)

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March 28, 2014 at 6:04 am

I would love to see Delphi and Athens for myself.

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December 21, 2013 at 10:49 am

Come and visit Lesvos island.

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July 9, 2013 at 7:55 am

Greece is truly a beautiful place filled with history, culture and breathtaking sights. I would love to see myself waking up with a grand view at Meteora.

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Visit Greece: Top 21 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 21 best things to do in greece (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Greece during your next holidays? You want to know more about the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, i have prepared this guide of the 21 best things to do in Greece , with all the must-see attractions of the country.

Discover Athens , the Peloponnese , the Cyclades ( Santorini ), the Dodecanese archipelago ( Rhodes ) and many more amazing places to visit during your trip.

So, where to go in Greece? What are the best points of interest?

Let’s find out!

  • 2. Peloponnese

4. Epidaurus

5. monemvasia, 9. the meteora, 10. thessaloniki, 11. the chalkidiki peninsula and mount athos, 12. the cyclades, 13. dodecanese islands, 14. ionian islands, 16. the vikos gorge, 17. euboea and the sporades, 18. the north aegean islands, 19. greece beaches, 20. discover greek gastronomy, 21. renting a boat in greece, greece tours, cyclades (greek islands), visit greece: the 20 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Greece, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this article.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

  • Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
  • Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
  • Itinerary:  6, 7 or 8 days in Greece  – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
  • Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
  • Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
  • Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
  • Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

Let’s start this Greece travel guide with Athens, the capital city.

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens turns out to be surprising. The modern city is built around ancient monuments , so urban atmosphere enthusiasts will find it as enjoyable as history and mythology lovers .

If you want to visit Greece or Greek Islands, there are strong chances you’ll be flying to or from Athens. That’s a good reason to spend 2 days in one of the must-see cities in Greece.

Here are Athens 10 best points of interest:

  • Acropolis:  major and iconic ancient site, it’s also the most visited of the city. Here you can admire the Parthenon, the largest Doric temple in Greece. It was built in homage to the goddess Athena Parthenos, patron and protectress of the city.
  • Acropolis Museum , a must-see to understand the Acropolis History and admire all its treasures.
  • Ancient Agora:  the political, social and administrative center of Ancient Athens.
  • National Archeological Museum  and its collection of Greek antiquities from the Neolithic to the classic period.
  • Panathenaic stadium built in the 4th century and restored in 1895 to host the first modern Olympic Games.
  • National Garden, Athens biggest public park. Relaxing and refreshing !
  • Syntagma   Square, house of the Parliament. There you can see the changing of the guard ceremony every hour.
  • Monastiraki neighborhood, famous for its Sunday flea market and its many souvenir shops.
  • Mount Lycabettus. You can walk or take the funicular to the summit to see a stunning view of Athens and the Acropolis.
  • Ermou street, for shopping lovers !

For more information about Athens, you should read our complete city guide: The 20 best things to do in Athens.  

Athens

2.  Peloponnese

To continue this list of the best places to visit in Greece , you should definitely visit  Peloponnese .

Located west of Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula is full of historical sites and archaeological vestiges. Over the centuries, many civilizations have settled there and shaped a landscape worth visiting.

Peloponnese best destinations:

  • Corinth Canal:  artificially carved into stone, this 6 km long canal connects the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea, avoiding a 400 km detour for boats. It separates the Peloponnese from Continental Greece. Don’t miss the souvenir photo.
  • Nemea Wine road:  located  in the South of Corinth, this region produces some of the best red wines in Greece.
  • Nafplio:  b eautiful seaside city overlooked by 3 fortresses. Y ou should definitely visit the fortress of Palameda, a large and well-built site located on a hill above the city . The view over Nafplio and the sea is wonderful! It’s definitely one of my  very good surprises during my trip to Greece .
  • Vouraikos Canyon:  the best and most spectacular way to discover the canyon is the rack-railway that runs daily between Diakopto and Kalavrita.
  • Mani peninsula:  a rural and quite wild area, still spared by mass tourism. You will enjoy splendid views driving on the roads.
  • Elafonisos Island:  on the very South of the Peloponnese, you will find here one of Greece’s most beautiful beach: Simos beach.

I will give you more details about the places from Mycenae to Olympia later in this article.

If you wish to visit Peloponnese, you can read our detailed article: The 15 best things to do in Peloponnese.

Nafplio

You’re looking for more things to see in Greece and more specifically in Peloponnese? Then you should definitely go to Mycenae.

Mycenae is one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece .   Built on a hill, this antique city is well-known for being the home of the legendary Trojan War hero Agamemnon , considered one of the most powerful king of Ancient Greece .

On the site, you will discover  the heavy stone walls surrounding the city, the royal palace and the tombstones where many gold artefacts and funerary furniture were found.

You can also visit the Mycenae Archaeological Museum to learn more about the Mycenaean civilization and this crucial period of Greek history.

For further informations about rates and schedules, you can visit  the official website.

Mycenae

Epidaurus is also one of the best place to visit in Greece.

Along with Mycenae, it’s one of the two major archaeological sites of Peloponnese and the Argolid region. Epidaurus is also  a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The place is well-known for its ancient theater, built in the 4th century BC . Incredibly well preserved, the Epidaurus theatre could accommodate up to 14,000 people.

  With its amazing acoustic, the theater is still used today for antique Greek plays representations during the Epidaurus Festival (in July and August).

The sanctuary also includes a temple dedicated to the god of medicine Asclepios , a circular building named the tholos , a stadium and a small archaeological museum. There, you can see some of the statues discovered on the site and in the surrounding area.

Epidaurus Theatre

Visit Monemvasia  is another thing to do during your trip to Greece.

This fortified city is located in the south of Peloponnese , on the East coast of Laconia. It has a quite unusual position, located on a huge rock , only connected to the mainland by a small road.

The road to Monemvasia is really unique, as the village is completely hidden by the cliff until you arrive.   The houses will only appear once you’ve passed the wall of the medieval city. Cross the main gate and enter the medieval city to start discovering the village

. You will for sure enjoy walking in the lower town paved alleys: It’s very cute and calm, with many shops and restaurant. Following the main street will take you to the central square, offering a nice view on the sea.

You should also definitely go up to the fortress and the upper city. From there, the view on the cliffs, city and the sea is breathtaking!

Monemvasia

Impossible to talk about the best of Greece without mentioning Mystras . It’s one of the places I enjoyed the most when visiting the country.

The site about 10 kilometres away from Sparta on the slopes of  Taygetus mountain . It’s certainely one of the most beautiful archaeological site of the Peloponnese .

Mystra was once one of the capitals of the Byzantine Empire as well as a major cultural city. Due to its  dramatic History, it has been left in an advanced state of decay for a long time.   Today, after an impressive restoration work (still underway), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is really worth a visit.

There, you will admire the fortress and the Kastro (Castle) as well as many churches and monasteries in a beautiful environment.

The city of Mystras is divided into 2 parts, the upper and the lower city, and therefore has  2 entrances .   If you have a car, you can park in the upper parking lot to visit the upper city, then drive to the lower city to visit it (or vice-versa). Don’t forget to keep your tickets!

Mystras

Also located in the Peloponnese , Olympia Archaeological Site  is a must-see attraction in Greece.

If you want to learn more about Olympia, you definitely have to visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum . The best is to do it before visiting the  Archaeological  Site.

Voyage Tips - Advice   The €12 entrance fee for the ancient site and the Archaeological Museum also includes an access to the Olympic History Museum .

Olympia

You’re travelling to Greece and you’re interested about ancient history? Then you should definitely visit Delphi archaeological site.

In Ancient Greece, this city was considered to be the center of the world and was thus extremely important. It’s is especially famous for being the place where the Oracle of Delphi (also named the Pythia) transmitted Appolo’s directives from the gods to humans.

For over 6 centuries , the Pythia’s prophecies have shaped Greek History: Citizens and kings were coming from all over the country to get answers to their questions.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi Stands on Mount Parnassus , which adds a stunning natural beauty to the historical remains. The views over the valley and the sea are astonishing!

In the antique area , you can admire the Temple of Apollo  where the Pythia delivered the oracles, the theatre and the stadium that hosted the Pythic Games.

The entrance fee also includes an access to Delphi Museum . The visit will help you understand what the site looked like, and includes many remains and statues found in Delphi.

Delphi

If you are planning a road trip to Greece, and wondering what are the best places to visit, then you should definitely include The Meteora to your journey.  It was literally my biggest crush during my trip.

The Meteora is located in central Greece , 5 hours drive from Athens and 3 hours from Thessaloniki . Despite being far from the two major cities, it is still one of the most visited places in the country. Once you’re there, you will understand why! 

The scenery is extraordinary .   The rock formation of The Meteora results from the erosion due to an ancient inland sea. The name literally means “ rocks suspended in the air “. The rocks are really impressive but the craziest part is that, on the top of some of them, monasteries were built!

Until the 1920s , the only way to access the monasteries was an  ingenious system with cables and pulleys . It was used by  the religious to go to the top of the rocks into nets or baskets .  Nowadays, you can visit 6 monasteries , but don’t worry! Stairs has been carved into stone, and a road connects the monasteries. There, you will enjoy stunning views of the landscape.

Spend at least 1 day on the site, or more if you want to visit the inside of the monasteries  (each entrance fee is €3). The largest monastery,  the Monastery of  Great Meteoron, is really worth a look. As the highest of the 6, it sits on a 610 meters high hill!

The Meteoras is really a must-see tourist attraction in Greece.

The Meteora Greece

During your visit in Greece, you really should go to the city of Thessaloniki.

Located north of Greece , it’s less touristic than some other places, but still the 2nd biggest city of the country.

What are the best things to do in Thessaloniki, Greece:

  • White Tower:  former prison and torture place, it’s the most iconic monument of the city.
  • Thessaloniki Waterfront, where you will find many bars and restaurants.
  • Modiano Market to buy the best local products!
  • Arch of Galerius and Rotunda , 2 Roman monuments
  • Archaelogical Museum of Thessaloniki and its collection of remains from Greek Macedonia (not to be mistaken for the Republic of Macedonia)
  • Take a look at the many Churches: Agios Pavlos, Agios Dimitrios, Agia Sofia, Agios Nikolaos Orfanos, Ossios David
  • Thessaloniki Citadel and its walls  located in the upper city, and famous for its sunsets views.
  • Via Egnatia, a must for shopping-lovers!
  • Visit a Greek Navy helicopter carrier and/or Submarine, if they are docked during your stay.

To plan your trip to Thessaloniki, have a look at our detailed guide: Visit Thessaloniki: Top 12 Best Things To Do .

Thessaloniki

Let’s continue our Greece tourist guide with the Chalkidiki Peninsula.

The Chalkidiki Peninsula regroups, in fact,  3 peninsulas located Southeast of Thessaloniki. 

  • Kassandra peninsula
  • Sithonia peninsula
  • Mount Athos peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The first two peninsulas are well-known for having many luxurious seaside resorts and hotel complexes . There are Spas, casinos, golf and tennis courts, private marinas and luxury shops .  Here, tourists can also enjoy splendid beaches with turquoise water , small coves and the land is covered with pine forests. 

The atmosphere is completely different in the Mount Athos peninsula ! It’s the home of the Monastic State of Agion Oros , an autonomous state inside Greece and Europe.   There are still nearly 2,300 Orthodox monks living in the 20 monasteries located around the Mount.

If you wish to go to Mount Athos on a pilgrimage, please note that the access is highly regulated: only men have the right to enter ,  and you must ask at least 6 months in advance for a special permit to go there.   And still, only 10 non-Orthodox people and 100 Orthodox people per day are allowed on the site.

If you can’t obtain a permits for Mount Athos or for women, cruises departs from Uranupolis (the nearest city). You’ll be able to get a glimpse of some of the monasteries . Tickets costs around €30, for a 3 hour cruise.

Mount Athos

If you plan to visit Greece, you certainly can’t miss its most iconic destination : The Cyclades islands.

When you think of the Cyclades, the island of Santorini is probably the first one you think about!  The picture of the white church with its blue dome, overlooking the sea is famous all over the world. But did you know there are 24 inhabited islands in the Cyclades archipelago? 

  • Santorini:   the romantic island, visited by thousands of people, where the sunsets are magical! If you want to know more about Santorini, you should read our detailed article:  Visit Santorini: Top 12 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
  • Mykonos: The best place to go if you want to party all night long with world famous DJs.
  • Amorgos:   the island where the movie “The Big Blue” was filmed. It’s also a great destination for hiking lovers!
  • Naxos:  the largest island of the Cyclades. The beaches here are wonderful!
  • Paros:   where you can visit lovely villages and enjoy beautiful beaches. You can read our detailed article about Paros here:  Visit Paros.  
  • Andros:  another great destination for hiking lovers.
  • Delos , for its renowned antique sites.
  • Tinos and its remote mountain villages.

If you want to know everything about the Cyclades, have a look at our definitive guide: The 15 best Cyclades islands to visit.

Santorini

Let’s continue this list of the best things to do in Greece with the Dodecanese Islands.

Rhodes , the largest  of the Dodecanese Islands is famous for its long sand beaches and wooden valleys. When visiting Rhodes, there are 2 things you must see: The old town of Rhodes , with its castle and fortifications and the lovely village of  Lindos . Don’t forget to climb up to Lindos Acropolis , where you’ll have an amazing view over the bay!

Rhodes also has a large number of seaside resorts , making it a very popular destination for all inclusive stays. 

You can read our guide to know everything about Rhodes: How to visit Rhodes?

The other Dodecanese best islands are:

  • Halki, with only 300 inhabitants. A great quiet place to spend the whole day at the beach.
  • Symi  where you will find one of Greece’s most beautiful village. From Rhodes, you can easily access Symi on a daytrip.
  • Karpathos,  an island where traditions and landscapes were preserved from mass tourism.
  • Kos,  the 2nd largest Dodecanese Island, known for its sandy beaches, luxury hotels and nightlife.
  • Tilos  for nature lovers and bird watchers!
  • Patmos  and its impressive hilltop monastery
  • Leros: if you like hiking and quiet places.
  • Leipsoi , one of the smallest and most authentic islands of the Dodecanese!

Rhodes

If you are looking for what to do in Greece , you can definitely add the Ionian Islands to your list!

Located west of Greece, the Ionian Islands are known for having a milder climate and lush green landscapes . You will also find sublime coves and crystal clear water beaches. There, you will find some of the best sights of Greece!

What are the best places to see in the Ionian Islands?

  • The city of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout its history, Corfu has been occupied by the Venetians, the French and the British. The result is a very interesting mixture of architectural styles, making the city quite unique!  You have to take a walk to the Liston , a pedestrian esplanade with many arcades. You can also discover the Achilleion , a palace built for Empress Sissi of Austria .

You will also find beautiful creeks all over the island. Why don’t you try the famous Glyfada beach , or the west coast creeks near Paleokastritasa ?

  • Cephalonia   is an Island with a beautiful scenery and authentic small villages.

There, you must-see: Argostoli , the capital; the Assos Castle ; Fiskardo and its Venetian houses; the Lake Cavern of Melissani and Myrtos Bay , a cove dominated by high cliffs.

  • Leucadia:  you will find amazing beaches along its west coast.
  • Zante:  home of the first marine National Park in Greece. The protected Caretta-Caretta species of sea turtles come here to nest.
  • Ithaca:  famous for being Ulysses homeland in Homer’s literature masterpiece “The Odyssey”. You won’t find any large beaches here, only small coves that are sometimes only accessible by boat.
  • Paxos (or Paxi): the main attraction here is the Agios Nikolaos, an historical monument said to be designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. You can also visit, by boat, several sea caves.
  • Cythera: According to Greek mythology, the goddess of Love Aphrodite was born on this island.  If you want to enjoy some quiet time on an au thentic island, with no large hotels or beach clubs, you should definitely go there!

Ionian Islands

Our tour of Greece highlights continue with Crete . The largest of the Greek Islands sometimes feels like a small country on its own!

The  best things to do in Crete includes:

  • Heraklion :  the capital and largest city. You should visit the Archaeological Museum!
  • Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site,   residence of King Minos (known for The Legend of the Minotaur). One of Greece most important archaeological site.
  • Balos Lagoon  and its incredible turquoise blue water.
  • Elafonisi beach,  with its pink sand and crystal clear water.
  • The Samaria Gorge is among the longest in Europe. You can explore it through a 16km long hike!
  • Chania with its old town full of historic buildings and local craft shops.
  • Spinalonga, an island north east of Crete. It used to welcome lepers.
  • The Lasithi Plateau also called “the 10,000 mills valley” because its ancient white sails windmills.
  • Dikteon Cave, said to be the birthplace of Zeus.

To learn more about the best things to do in Crete, you should read my detailed article: The 27 Best Things to do in Crete .

Balos Lagoon Crete

The Vikos Gorge is one of the things to see in Greece. If you like hiking, it’s a great destination!

It is located in the Zagoria region , North West of Greece, 2:30 hour drive from The Meteora.

With its nearly 900 metres depth and 12 km length , the Gorge is among the deepest in the world . As it’s very narrow,  you will find it very impressive!

Once there, you can follow several hiking trails and itineraries to admire the preserved landscapes.   In any case, remember that you are in a quite remote area, and be sure to have the right equipment ! Don’t forget to bring hiking shoes, water bottles, sunscreen and hats. You should  also notify your hotel about your itinerary.

The best known hike is 12km long and goes from Monodendri to Vikos , but don’t worry i f you don’t want to walk that much. You will also find shorter itineraries, and sometimes you can even park your car near the view points. I strongly recommend you the one near Oxia!

Vikos Gorge

Euboea and the Sporades won’t be on the first page of a Greece tourist guide. But if you want to travel off the beaten path , that’s a destination you should consider.

Euboea is, after Crete, Greece’s second largest island. On its coast, you’ll find small seaside resorts , mostly frequented by the locals. It’s also a great place for hiking ! The most known place to hike is the Dimosari Gorge , located South of Euboea. There, you can walk for 4 hours on a 10km trail, going down through the forest to reach the sea. That’s a great way to combine hiking and sunbathing at the beach!

You can also climb to the top of Euboea, the 1,743m high Mount Dirfys . The trail starts in the Steni mountain village.

Since the ancient times, Euboea is also famous for the Loutra Edipsou (or Edipsos) Thermal Springs . It’s said that Aristotle bathed in those waters! 

The Sporades are an Archipelago of 4 Islands:

  • Skiathos  i s the most touristic island.  There are more than 60 sand beaches ! As tourism is very developed, you will find plenty of hotels, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
  • Skopelos:   on this island you can enjoy beautiful and less crowded beaches.  Did you know that t he movie “Mamma Mia” was shot here?
  • Alonnisos:  is a must for hiking lovers, with more than a dozen marked trails. The island is also part of a marine National Park, to protect the endangered Monk Seals. During summer, you can also go on a cruise to see dolphins!
  • Skyros   has 2 totally different landscapes.   The north is very green, with fertile valleys and hills, while the south is arid and often beaten by the wind. Skyros is t he largest of the Sporades Islands, but also the most peaceful and the least touristic. A great place for relaxing holidays!

Euboea and the Sporades

You visited all the classics of a stay in Greece? If you believe that you are out of things to see, you should definitely take a tour to the North Aegean Islands!

These islands are the closest to  Turkey.

The North Aegean Islands includes:

  • Chios: an island with many medieval villages and beautiful beaches.
  • Lesbos  and its picturesque villages where you will find beautiful paved alleys or an oriental influence.
  • Samos,   is famous for its sandy beaches and its small coves. T he goddess Hera (wife of Zeus) and the famous mathematician Pythagoras were born on this island.
  • Icaria: Some says  Dionysus, the God of Wine and Pleasure was born on this Island. To honour him, the inhabitants are organizing the Panigyria, a traditional Greek festival with dances and alcohol. Icaria’s beaches are among the most beautiful of the Aegean Sea.
  • Lemnos:  a volcanic island with large beaches.

Chios North Aegean Islands

Where to go in Greece to enjoy beautiful beaches ?

A good thing about Greece is that, wherever you go, there’s a strong chance you can enjoy beaches. Well, as long as you’re traveling on the coast, of course!

So, what is a “beautiful beach”? It’s only up to you! Whether you like large sand beaches , pebble beaches, small coves , luxury beaches with deckchairs and sunshades , or more intimate locations , there will always be a beach you’ll enjoy in Greece.

Here are some of Greece’s best beaches  to help you choose!

  • The Shipwreck Beach (also called Navagio ), on the Ionian Island of Zakynthos
  • The Balos Lagoon  in Crete
  • Myrtos Bay, on the Ionian Island of Kefalonia
  • Elafonisi Beach  in Crete
  • Simos Beach , on Elafonissos Island, Peloponnese
  • Sarakiniko Beach , on Milos Island, The Cyclades
  • St Paul Bay , on the Dodecanese Island of Rhodes
  • Lalaria Beach in Skiathos, The Sporades
  • The Channel of Love  (also known as “ Canal d’Amour” ) in Corfu
  • Voidokilia beach in Peloponnese

You want to explore these beaches the VIP way? Then you should really hire a boat in Greece !

You will notice that I haven’t mentioned Santorini’s 2 most famous beaches: Perissa Beach and its volcanic black sand, and the Red Beach . In my opinion, there are much more extraordinary beaches in Greece!

Greece beach

Another famous Greece attraction is its typical food. So, what will you eat during your stay in Greece?

Let’s look at the traditional dishes you have to try during your trip!

  • Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made with goat’s (or sheep’s) yoghurt and cucumbers. The one we ate also had a lot of garlic!
  • Greek salad : cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, peppers.
  • Moussaka : a dish made of aubergines, minced meat and bechamel sauce.
  • Fasolada , a traditional bean soup.
  • Souvlakis and gyros : a pita filled with chicken or pork, a yoghurt sauce, salad, tomatoes and fries. To tell you the truth, it was our daily lunch!
  • Greek Yogurt  is not only a legend. You will find it in every restaurants, and it’s often served for desert with fruits and honey. It tastes nothing like those you can buy in a supermarket!
  • Portokalopita:  a Phyllo dough cake, made with Oranges. If you don’t like Oranges, you can always try the (as delicious) lemon one. It’s clearly my favorite Greek desert!
  • Ouzo , an anise-flavoured alcohol, served as a digestif.

gastronomie grecque

Greece is the perfect country to enjoy a boat trip!

So why not  rent a boat during your stay?

For a nice day at sea during your trip to Greece, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Greece? 😊

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Greece by yourself. (All my Greece articles are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Greece tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Greece tours by clicking the button below:

And you, now that you know what to see: where do you want to go and what do you want to visit in Greece?

Greece travel guides

  • Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
  • Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece :  All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

  • The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
  • Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
  • Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.
  • Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
  • Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
  • The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
  • Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
  • Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
  • Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades
  • Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
  • Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
  • Naxos: Top 10 things to do
  • Paros: The 10 best places to visit
  • Santorini: The definitive guide
  • Tinos: The 10 best things to do
  • Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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Visit Greece

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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PlanetWare.com

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Greece

Written by Michael Law and Jane Foster Updated Sep 29, 2023

Home to some of the world's most important historical sites, along with some 6,000 islands, Greece is known for its natural beauty and fascinating culture. Ancient archaeological sites, cliffs tumbling into sparkling blue water, sand and pebble beaches, and a balmy Mediterranean climate make Greece one of Europe's prime places to visit for tourists .

Besides Athens, some of the top things to see on the mainland include Ancient Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora. But most people come here to catch a ferry or a flight to the islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Corfu, and Crete are the most popular. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Greece.

1. Acropolis, Athens

2. acropolis museum, athens, 3. santorini, 6. the towns and beaches of crete, 8. metéora monasteries, 9. rhodes town, 10. zákynthos, 11. samaria gorge, 12. nafplio, 13. thessaloniki, 14. corinth canal, 15. mount olympus, 16. palace of knossos, 17. mycenae, 21. víkos gorge.

Acropolis, Athens

Considered the symbol of Athens and Greece, and indeed of Western civilization, the Acropolis is a rocky mound rising in the heart of modern Athens, crowned by three magnificent temples dating from the 5th century BC. The best known and most distinctive is the Parthenon , originally made up of 58 columns supporting a roof and decorated by ornate pediments and a frieze.

Although the Parthenon steals the show, other highlights on the Acropolis hilltop are also spectacular. The ornate Temple of Athena Nike, the Porch of the Caryatids, and the Propylaea are not to be missed. Tear yourself away from the historic sights and wander over to the edge, panoramic views of the seven historical hills of Athens and the city are laid out below you.

Skirting the foot of the Acropolis and connecting it to the city's other major ancient attractions — the Ancient Agora , the Roman Forum , Kerameikos , and the Temple of Olympian Zeus — is a 2.5-kilometer walking path known as the Archaeological Promenade .

Author's Tips: For a fantastic nighttime view of the Acropolis, make your way to one of the rooftop restaurant patios on the pedestrian-only Apostolou Pavlou . Plan on getting to the Acropolis early to avoid ticket lineups, bus tours, crowds, and the heat if you are visiting in summer.

  • Visiting the Acropolis in Athens: The Essential Guide
  • Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Athens

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is one of Athens' most-visited tourist attractions. Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, it is an ultra-modern glass and steel structure with light and airy exhibition spaces, built specifically to display ancient finds from the Acropolis.

Top things to see here include the 6th-century-BC Moschophoros (statue of a young man carrying a calf on his shoulders), the Caryatids (sculptures of female figures that held up the Erechtheion), and the highly controversial Parthenon marbles . From the museum's cafe-restaurant terrace, you can enjoy amazing views of the Acropolis itself.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Athens

Santorini

Stunning Santorini is the most dramatic of all the Greek isles. It is best known for the west coast cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia , which appear to hang over a deep, blue sea-filled caldera. Made up of typical Cycladic whitewashed cubic buildings, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels with infinity pools, both Fira and Oia are considered romantic destinations, popular for weddings and honeymoons.

Things to do in Santorini include sunbathing and swimming at the black volcanic-sand beaches on the south and east coasts and visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri , an Ancient Minoan settlement buried below lava following the volcanic eruption that created the caldera, some 3,600 years ago. The island has an airport and is served by ferries and catamarans from Athens' port, Piraeus.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Santorini

Mykonos

Many people consider Greece's most glamorous island destination to be Mykonos. After-dark activities center on Mykonos Town, noted for its chic boutique hotels, classy seafood restaurants, and live music venues. Other attractions include Paraportiani (a whitewashed church in Mykonos Town) and numerous sandy beaches along the island's south coast (served both by bus and taxi-boat from Mykonos Town).

The island is particularly popular with international celebrities. Mykonos has an airport and is connected by ferry and catamaran to Athens' port, Piraeus, and Rafina.

Delphi

On the Greek mainland, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic ravine, the site was sacred to the ancients, who came here on pilgrimages to worship Apollo (god of light, prophecy, music, and healing) and to ask advice from the mythical Oracle.

It is made up of the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater, and a stadium, dating from between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. Nearby, stands the Delphi Archaeological Museum , displaying an impressive collection of finds from the site. Delphi lies 180 kilometers northwest of Athens.

Delphi is about a 2.5-hour drive from Athens. It can easily be done as an overnight trip from the city, or even a day trip if you don't mind a long day.

  • Read More: Visiting Delphi from Athens: Highlights, Tips & Tours

The beach fronting the town of Plakias

The massive island of Crete is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Greece. Blessed with some of the best beaches in Greece , the island draws visitors from around the world. Some of the most popular beaches on Crete range from small arcs of sand backed by restaurants and promenades to wide-open natural stretches lapped by incredibly clear waters and endless views across the sea.

But Crete is not all about beaches. It has its fair share of notable archeological sites, including the impressive Palace of Knossos, located near the pleasant city of Heraklion . The historical city of Chania and the laid-back town of Agios Nikolaos have wonderful old waterfront areas perfect for spending long afternoons on a café terrace getting lost in the views.

Get away from the bigger communities, and head to smaller towns like Plakias or Matala on Crete's south coast to find more remote beaches and beautiful mountainous backdrops.

If archeological sites, beaches, and historical towns weren't enough, the island has one of the most impressive hikes in the world : the Samaria Gorge.

Beach view on Corfu Island

One of Greece's top tourist destinations, Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of the mainland. The capital, Corfu Town , is a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its elegant Italianate architecture — it was ruled by the Venetians for several centuries. Explore its romantic pedestrian-only streets to discover two 16th-century fortresses and the arcaded Liston, lined by old-fashioned cafes.

Away from the main town, the island is lushly beautiful, with rugged limestone rocks tumbling into the sea in its north and velvety green hills in its south. The most popular beach area is Paleokastritsa , on the west coast, about 25 kilometers from Corfu Town. Here, you'll find a collection of deep, curving bays sheltering sand and pebble beaches stretching into a clear blue sea. Corfu is served by an airport and ferries from Igoumenitsa and Patras on the Greek mainland. In summer, ferries sailing from Ancona and Venice also stop here.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do on Corfu Island

Meteora Monasteries

One of the most unusual things to see in Greece has to be the Thessaly Plain, where bizarre rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Metéora. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, six of the monasteries are open to the public. You need to climb up several flights of stone steps carved into the rocks to reach each monastery, and inside, you'll find flickering candles, religious icons, Byzantine frescoes, and burning incense.

Opening hours vary, and to see all six monasteries, you need to spend at least one day in the area. The nearest town is Kalambaka . Consider staying here, as it's a pleasant and relaxed place to visit, with small hotels and family-run restaurants serving traditional fare.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Metéora

Rhodes Town

Lying on the Aegean Sea, close to Turkey, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Its capital, UNESCO-listed Rhodes Town, is one of Greece's top tourist destinations. It is enclosed by an impressive fortification system, including monumental towers and gates built by the Knights of St. John after they took control of the island in the 14th century.

The car-free cobbled streets of the old town are a joy to explore on foot. Nearby attractions include the pretty hillside coastal town of Lindos, and Marmaris on the Turkish coast, which can be visited by excursion boat. Rhodes is served by an airport, as well as regular ferries from Athens' port, Piraeus.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rhodes Town

The blue caves of Zákynthos

Home to gorgeous scenery both above and under the sea surrounding it, Zákynthos (Zante) island is another top tourist destination in Greece. It is also easy to access, located just 16 kilometers off Peloponnese's west coast in the Ionian Sea.

Two of the biggest boasts on this geographically intriguing island are its pebble and sand beaches — Shipwreck Beach is the most famous — and stunning sea caves like the Blue Caves , off the island's northern tip. Inside, the sparkling water reflects the color of the blue sky on the cave walls to create a magical glow. The Blue Caves are only one of the many watery attractions around this island. There is also excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

  • Read More: Top Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Zakynthos

Samaria Gorge

On the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is a top attraction for lovers of the great outdoors. Measuring 16 kilometers in length and, at its narrowest point, only four meters wide, it runs from Omalos (1,250 meters) in the White Mountains down to Agia Roumeli , on the Libyan Sea.

Depending on your level of fitness, it will take five to seven hours to walk. It is steep in parts and rocky, so you should wear good hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. The gorge lies within the Samaria National Park , and is on the UNESCO tentative list. Through summer, organized tours depart from Chania and Réthymnon .

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chania

Nafplio

Often cited as Greece's most beautiful city, Nafplio is a popular weekend destination for wealthy Athenians. Built on a small peninsular on the east coast of the Peloponnese, it became the first capital of modern Greece in 1828 before Athens took over in 1834.

Take an afternoon or a day to wander through the old town, this car-free area is filled with Neoclassical mansions and proud churches and overlooked by the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress . Nearby attractions include Tiryns , Epidaurus Theater , and Ancient Corinth .

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki doesn't seem to mind not being on most people's touring list. The locals are happy to have the place and all its sights to themselves. The main sightseeing attractions are its UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches , but worth investigating are several Roman monuments (including the Triumphal Arch of Galerius and the 4th-century Rotunda ), the 15th-century White Tower on the seafront, and an excellent Byzantine Museum .

Overlooking the Aegean Sea in northern Greece, Thessaloniki (Salonica) is the country's second biggest city after Athens. Founded in 316 BC due to its position close to both Bulgaria and Turkey, it has always been a crossroads of various cultures and religions.

One of the top day trips from Thessaloniki is to Mount Olympus , the highest mountain in Greece. Only 80 kilometers away on good roads, this impressive natural sight is well worth visiting. The most popular hiking trails depart from near the town of Prionia.

Corinth Canal

As you drive along the relatively flat highway 8 approaching the Peloponnese Peninsula, be sure to stop in at the lookout over the Corinth Canal. This canal, first dreamed about and attempted in 1 CE, was finally brought to fruition in 1883. Unfortunately for the builders, the canal was never particularly profitable or successful.

Park your car and walk out onto the bridge and give some thought as to how the original builders managed to dig down through the solid rock to carve out the canal.

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus, famous home of the god Zeus, lies about halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki. Towering over the surrounding countryside at an impressive 2,918 meters, this mountain is a top recreation destination in the summer.

Three hiking trails lead to its summit, although most people take the two-day, one-night Priona trail. From the top, the views are unparalleled and well worth the effort expended to get here. You do not need any special equipment to do this hike, just a good assortment of clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and a taste for adventure.

Palace of Knossos

One of the top archeological sites here in Greece, the Palace of Knossos is a must-see when visiting Crete. The site dates from the Late Minoan time period and has been very well restored. Although the standing buildings give you a real sense of what this place once looked like, as with many archeological sites in Greece, some portions require a bit of imagination.

The site is well laid out, with walking trails that wind their way past the main buildings and plazas. Be sure to check out the colorful paintings on some of the major structures near the end of the walkway.

The Palace of Knossos is located just outside of Heraklion , one of the main gateways to Crete. Tours can be easily arranged.

Lion Gate, Mycenae

The impressive citadel of Mycenae is one of the top archeological sites south of Athens and well worth a visit for those interested in Greek history. Set impressively on a hill, Mycenae dates from around 1350 BCE, the peak of the Mycenaean civilization.

One of the key sights at Mycenae is the impressive Lion Gate. Set into the side of the hill, the gate is composed of perfectly inlaid stones over a rectangular doorway. This is the site where the famous gold mask was found by the explorer Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century. If the sun is getting to you, step inside the impressively domed Treasury of Atreus and enjoy some shade.

Naousa village, Paros island

The island of Paros is sometimes overlooked by ferry travelers exploring the Cyclades, intent on visiting the more popular Santorini. However, this is a mistake. This laid-back island has everything that the busier islands offer farther south and north. The same whitewashed towns perched on the waterfront with patios full of laughing and smiling patrons are what you'll find here, but without the crowds.

Paros also has a fine selection of beaches and historical sites to explore. It's also a good spot to go if you are watching your costs; accommodation is cheaper here.

Paradise Beach on Naxos

Another popular destination, Naxos is one of the largest Cycladic islands. This huge island is a fun place to explore, and with fewer tourists than places like Santorini or Mykonos. A couple of must-sees when exploring include the small towns of Filoti, Halki, and Apiranthos.

Take some time to wander through the main town, Chora of Naxos, especially the Kastro district. Here, you'll find a variety of shops selling all manner of souvenirs, along with cute restaurants with inviting patios.

If you want to hit the beach, Naxos does not disappoint. A couple to check out include Paradise Beach, Agia Anna, or Agios Prokopios. If you are into kiteboarding, the windswept Mikri Vigla is the place to go.

Donkeys on  Hydra

For a taste of quintessential Greece that's only a two-hour ferry ride from Athens , consider the delightful island of Hydra. Home to old mansions and white-washed houses adorned with bougainvillea and cobblestone streets the town has been attracting the creative set for decades.

The island is wonderfully car-free so walking is a pleasure, stroll the busy port area and be sure to check out the early 19th-century cannons along the waterfront. Should you need to get anywhere on the island, donkeys are the main mode of transport on land, and water taxis will be more than willing to take you to a secluded beach lapped by crystal-clear water.

Cat lovers will especially enjoy Hydra, it's known for its feline residents who are generally very friendly and always open for a tasty morsel of seafood.

Vikos Gorge in northern Greece

Another one of Greece's premier natural attractions is the Víkos Gorge. Lesser known than the above profiled Samara Gorge on Crete, this incredible natural phenomenon is commonly known as the Grand Canyon of Greece. The gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the larger Vikos–Aoös National Park.

An astounding 1,000 meters deep the canyon is one of the most amazing and easily accessible natural sights in the northwest area of Greece. If you want to just see the gorge from a lookout, one of the best is located at Oxya Viewpoint , where you'll be treated to views into the deepest part of the gorge.

For the more adventurous, a well-signposted 13-kilometer hiking trail takes you down into the gorge and back up the other side. The trail starts at Monodendri and ends at Vikos. Halfway through you can go for a dip in the icy cold Voidomatis Springs to cool off. The trail is considered moderately difficult and takes most people 4.5 to 5 hours to complete.

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About a dozen people sitting on boulders with Acropolis in background

The Acropolis of Athens has been drawing in visitors for some 1,500 years, but the city has revealed many modern charms in recent years, too.

Photo by Marco Arguello

Greece has most definitely been the word in recent years, having staged an impressive economic comeback. This means that pinning down your hotel and restaurant of choice on the eternally popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini can be a nervous game of chance if left too late. While both big-name destinations have seen a flurry of foreign investment, including global brand names ranging from Radisson to Nobu, there are countless alternative islands where you can orchestrate your grand Greek summer getaway. Look to the Ionian and Sporades for a divine pairing of green hills and blue-green seas, or venture south to the Dodecanese’s lesser-visited isles. Athens, meanwhile, is worthy of a generous stay for its ancient attractions, contemporary cultural delights, and up-to-the-minute dining scene. Here’s your guide for where to go next in Greece—no matter what kind of trip you’re looking for.

I’m heading to the Greek islands for the first time. Where should I go?

Waterfront café in Mykonos

Mykonos can be party central, but low-key relaxed vibes can be found too.

Photo by Xuqing Jia/Unsplash

The Cyclades

Whether you’ve got four days or a week to explore the Greek islands , hone in on a single island group. Stark, rocky landscapes, and sandy beaches await in the celebrated Cyclades, southeast of Greece in the Aegean Sea. They’re home to Mykonos, the millionaires’ playground, whose champagne-popping beach bar parties and nightlife are legendary, along with honeymoon destination Santorini, where a navy Aegean and whitewashed houses echo the colors of Greece’s national flag. Milos is famed for its blond sands and cerulean waters, limestone cliffs, and the lunar-like volcanic ash and pumice stone landscape of Sarakiniko beach.

Where to stay

Book now: Amyth of Mykonos

Beyond Mykonos’s decadence, there’s a low-key side to the glitzy isle. Newly opened 17-suite hotel Amyth of Mykonos is one of a growing number of earthy, sunset-facing boutique pads in Tourlos, a 10-minute drive north of capital Hora and its buzzy restaurants and bars. Guests of Yi Hotel Mykonos , which debuts this summer above Elia beach, can sign up for DJ lessons poolside.

Book now: Nobu Hotel Santorini Book now: Magma Resort Santorini

On Santorini, the 25-suite Nobu Hotel Santorini , where you can dine at Greece’s first Nobu restaurant, has embarked on its first full season, following its 2022 opening near Imerovigli. One of the latest arrivals on the volcanic island is Magma Resort Santorini , a member of Hyatt’s the Unbound Collection, sure to draw gourmands to the local iteration of Athens’s two-Michelin-star restaurant Spondi .

The Ionian Islands

Off Greece’s western coast, the Ionian islands include elegant Corfu, picturesque Zakynthos, and mountainous Kefalonia, of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin fame. Here you’ll encounter Venetian architecture, fir-clad hills, and warm turquoise waters. A five-star all-inclusive, family-friendly beachfront resort, Ikos Odisia, opened in June on Corfu, featuring five à la carte restaurants, tennis and football coaching for the kids, and an Anne Semonin spa.

Stargazers eager for seclusion can charter Lunous , a 65-foot crewed sailing yacht with four ensuite cabins hosting up to eight adults and two children. Depart from Corfu for a week’s sailing in the northern Ionian’s aquamarine seas, including the twin isles of Paxos and Antipaxos, whose Voutoumi beach would make its Caribbean cousins blush.

The Dodecanese

Further to the southeast, close to mainland Turkey, the Dodecanese’s best-known destinations are medieval Rhodes, Hippocrates’ birthplace Kos, and spiritual Patmos. Expect sun-burnished slopes, traditional villages little changed over the centuries, and hospitable hosts.

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is rich in historical wonders, from Minoan-era Knossos Palace to the old towns of Chania and Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman rulers made their mark. Pnoé–Breathing Life , an adults-only, well-being-focused resort outside Heraklion on the northern coast, opened in June offering breath work and oxygen therapy, among other treatments.

How to get to the Greek islands

Reaching the islands is easier than ever. Unless you want to engage in a languid island-hop by ferry, save time by flying from Athens to your main destination. From Cyclades island Naxos, for instance, a quartet of tiny sleepy isles—Koufonissia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, and Donousa—are a short boat ride away. Take the minuscule yet hardy Express Skopelitis , renowned for crossing even when peak summer northerly winds, known as the meltemi , are howling. Greek airline Cycladic is launching inter-island flights aboard Cesna Grand Caravans between such destinations as Syros and Naxos or Paros and Milos in summer 2023.

ZenBoat , a small group gulet cruise concept launched in 2023 by a Greek Swiss couple, presents first-time visitors with a way to explore multiple islands over a week. Savor wholesome cuisine and partake in gentle fitness sessions onboard as you sail between islands such as sophisticated Spetses and Hydra.

I’ve done Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Which islands should I see next?

View of sea from Alonissos Old Town as the sun begins to set

The Greek islands are more accessible than ever, and there are plenty of lesser-known options—like Alonissos—waiting to be explored.

Photo by tom177/Shutterstock

While lush locations on Skiathos and Skopelos featured in the movie Mamma Mia! may have lured travelers to Greek shores, their Sporades island sister Alonissos has mostly dodged the limelight. Diving enthusiasts flock to the country’s first underwater museum , which opened in 2020; it features a fifth-century B.C.E. shipwreck that sank with 3,000 wine-filled amphorae off Peristera islet. It’s situated within one of Europe’s largest marine parks where, if you’re lucky, you might spot an endangered Mediterranean monk seal, loggerhead turtle, or pod of dolphins. On a hidden peninsula in the southwest, family-friendly Marpunta Resort has made a two-bedroom seafront villa available as of summer 2023, affording privacy and hotel facility access.

On Kefalonia, Outdoor Kefalonia leads Jeep safaris through the oak- and fir-forested Kefalonia-Ithaca Geopark , designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2022. The fortunate few can witness a herd of semi-wild horses galloping across Mount Ainos. Caves and sinkholes count among the island’s drawing cards, the best known of which is Melissani. Board a boat with a guide who will row you through two cavernous chambers; one has a collapsed roof that lets the sun in, creating a luminous watery world.

Book now: Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa

Make the newly opened Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa in the south your base for a few days as you explore Kefalonia.

From Kefalonia’s Sami port, set off on an odyssey of your own for Ithaca, the native soil of Homer’s Odysseus, a mere 20-minute ferry ride northeast. Enjoy a hike with Odyssey Outdoor Activities along winding trails through pine forests and stone-built villages. Stop in at frescoed churches, some dating to the 13th century, and survey the ancient ruins of what archaeologists believe could be Odysseus’ eighth-century B.C.E. palace. Your final stop is, of course, a pebbled beach for a dip in crystalline waters.

Book now: Villa Itha

In terms of accommodations, a villa hidden among olive tree–cloaked hills with views across silent expanses of cobalt sea is your best bet. Villa Itha , designed with yoga retreats in mind and now available for exclusive rental, can accommodate up to 18 guests in nine ensuite bedrooms. Take a morning yoga class at one of three shalas, and enjoy buffet meals prepared by your personal chef.

Where can I chill but also have some fun?

Antiparos Port, Antiparos Island, Greece

Discover a more relaxed slice of Greek life on Antiparos.

Photo by Tomasz Wozniak/Shutterstock

If you’ve been to Paros, a 40-minute flight or three-hour fast ferry ride southeast of Athens, you might want to escape the crowds at its suave little sister Antiparos. Athenians have long retreated to this diminutive isle, a seven-minute ferry ride from Pounta on Paros’s southwestern coast. They love it for its sandy coves and diaphanous waters, classic tavernas, low-key nightlife, and overall lack of pretentiousness.

Indulge in a long, lazy post-swim lunch at the island’s definitive fish taverna Captain Pipinos in Agios Georgios. As night falls, if you’re in the mood for socializing, saunter down Antiparos’s sole thoroughfare for whimsical cocktails at Boogaloo , Vintage, or Lime .

Book now: Villa Emma

For complete solitude, check in to Villa Emma , which can accommodate up to 20 in 10 bedrooms. This slick, sea-facing abode features stone exteriors, contemporary interiors, and works by Greek artists. In recent years, cool accommodations like the Rooster and Beach House Antiparos have also enhanced this Cycladic outpost.

Beyond Athens’s ancient sites, what shouldn’t I miss?

A few people outside the National Gallery in Athens

You’re going to need at least a few days in Athens, even if you’ve visited recently.

Photo by Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

Athens is not just its city center, old town Plaka, and bevy of archeological marvels, most notably the fifth-century B.C.E. Parthenon and its monuments crowning the Acropolis hill. Aside from the wealth of historical sites ranging from Hellenistic-era wonders and Byzantine chapels to Ottoman relics, the Greek capital also constitutes several distinct precincts worth exploring. Petralona is one of the city’s last authentic neighborhoods, where old-school tavernas like Oikonomou , which has been operating since 1930, sit comfortably alongside hip bars such as Upupa Epops .

Downtown Athens

Downtown Athens, meanwhile, is swimming in new hotels, including the Dolli , a listed neoclassical 1925 eclectic-era mansion that has been converted into a 46-room boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant; its infinity pool reflects the Parthenon’s Pentelic marble columns.

The Athens Riviera

This 38-mile stretch of glittering coastline 3.6 miles south of the capital is bustling with multi-billion-dollar tourism and redevelopment projects. At the sprawling site of Athens’s former airport, the Ellinikon is under construction and will feature a coastal park, hotels including a Mandarin Oriental set to open in 2027, and luxury beachfront residences. One&Only is scheduled to open One&Only Aesthesis , its first property in Greece and second in Europe, on the beachfront in the glitzy resort suburb of Glyfada in October 2023.

Check out the newly reopened National Gallery , which holds over 20,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Picasso, Mondrian, and Delacroix and Greek artists. This year’s Athens Epidaurus Festival program is bursting with big names and youthful talent, so be quick to book tickets for an alfresco music, theater, dance, or opera production. On the southern Athens coast, the annual Release Athens festival features acts as diverse as Arctic Monkeys, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Prodigy.

It’s all about the food for me. Where should I go?

Night view of an outdoor café in Athens

Michelin stars have aligned in Athens.

Photo by Inolas/Shutterstock

At Soil , in the Athens district of Pagrati, chef Tasos Mantis sources vegetables, edible flowers, and aromatic herbs from his farm for season-conscious fine dining menus that recently earned the restaurant a Michelin star and a bonus green star for sustainable cuisine.

If your tastes run to Michelin-starred dining, reserve Delta . Athens’s latest restaurant to earn the culinary distinction touts not one but two stars. Located on the fifth floor of the Renzo Piano–designed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center , with views of marinas and Piraeus, the sustainability-minded restaurant executes a 12-stage haute Hellenic menu focusing on fermentation and Scandi-inspired preservation.

The Greek islands

On the islands, summer always signals a hive of culinary activity. Chef Ettore Botrini has opened a fourth installment of his Botrini’s fine dining restaurants, namely on Mykonos at Katikies Mykonos resort. Joining forces with self-taught chef Nikos Pouliasis, the Corfiot Italian has also revived iconic Santorini restaurant Koukoumavlos , now situated in the hotel Katikies Chromata. Also on Santorini, ever-creative Dimitris Katrivesis this season assumes the helm at Mavro , within the Kivotos Santorini hotel, and pays his respects to Cycladic culinary heritage.

How about an autumn road trip on the mainland to see something different?

A few flamingos stand in Tourlida lagoon in Aetolia-Acarnania

A road trip in Greece allows families to discover wetlands and lagoons.

Photo by pixels outloud/Shutterstock

Hire a car and set off from Athens for Messolongi, a leisurely drive of under three hours northwest alongside the Gulf of Corinth. The completely flat city, which has a tragic Greek War of Independence story to tell, may not impress at first but dig deeper by connecting with youth-led cultural and ecotourism nonprofit Messolonghi by Locals . A small, dedicated team runs fascinating tours of Messolongi’s vast saltwater lagoons, where you’ll learn how fishermen practice unique centuries-old techniques while respecting important wetland habitats for rare and endangered bird species, both migratory and indigenous.

Our new series The Next List reveals under-the-radar spots in well-trod places and the next great (less-crowded) places to visit this year. Check out our picks for where to go next in France , Italy , and Europe too.

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern and its surrounding gardens

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Discover the best destinations to visit in Greece

Best places to visit in Greece

The 15 Best places to visit in Greece in 2024

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It's been years since you have wanted to discover Greece but wonder where to start, what to see, what are the best destinations in Greece ?

Discover the Best Places to Visit in Greece in 2024 , Where to Stay in Greece, the Must-See Destinations to put on the top of your Greece Bucket List .

Which destination is best for a cultural city break and which islands for a relaxing holiday? Here is your selection of the Best Places to Visit in Greece .

Need more Inspiration? Discover the Best Islands in Greece , Best Beaches in Greece , Best Things to do in Greece , Best Secret Destinations in Greece , Best Natural Wonders in Greece as well as the Best Castles in Greece .

Pack your suitcase or backpack, buy a new phone memory card to shoot and share the best destinations in Greece .

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price guaranteed, your tours and activities in Greece.

Best places to visit in Greece - Santorini

Located in the Aegean Sea, the Santorini archipelago is the Best Place to Visit in Greece is a destination for travellers from all over the world. Favourite place for a wedding or honeymoon , Santorini is on the wishlist of travellers looking for a romantic, sunny place, which combines relaxation, well-being, gastronomy and heritage.

Easily recognizable thanks to its white houses with blue cupolas and emerald pools, Oia offers travellers a perfect timeless moment for a romantic getaway. 

During your stay in Greece, discover the  Best Islands in Greece ,  Best Beaches in Greece ,  Best Things to do in Greece ,  Best Secret Destinations in Greece ,  Best Natural Wonders in Greece  as well as the  Best Castles in Greece .

Book your flights today, your accommodation at the best price and your best tours and activities in Santorini  as a " Luxury Catamaran Cruise ".

  How to get there:  Book your direct  flights to Santorini  or via Athens. If you have time take the ferry (6 hours crossing).

  Where to stay:  For a perfect stay book your room at ' Ambition Suites ' offering direct Caldera sea views from Santorini Airport to the port.

Best places to visit in Greece - Mykonos

Mykonos  is one of the best places to visit in Greece . It is an ideal destination for lovers of diving, hiking in nature, cultural heritage, gastronomy, water sports or for a romantic or family trip. Do not miss to visit the windmills in Chora, they are the symbols of Mykonos and enjoy a glass of Ouzo, the traditional Greek alcohol on a terrace of the "Little Venice", another symbolic place of Mykonos.

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price in Mykonos as well as your   tours and activities in Mykonos  as a " Mykonos: Winery Vineyard Experience with Food and Wine Tasting ". 

Need more Inspiration? Discover the  Best Islands in Greece ,  Best Beaches in Greece ,  Best Things to do in Greece ,  Best Secret Destinations in Greece ,  Best Natural Wonders in Greece  as well as the  Best Castles in Greece .

  How to get there:  Book your  direct flights to Mykonos  or your flights to Athens + an internal flight to Mykonos (35 minutes). You can also take the ferry from Athens - Port Piraeus (Port Gate E7) to Mykonos (3 hours).

  Where to stay:  " Poseidon Hotel Suites " Overlooking Mykonos Windmills. For a smaller budget the " Mykonos beach hotel " is perfect: all their rooms have balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Best places to visit in Greece - Corfu

Corfu is one of the greenest Greek islands and one of the Best Destinations to Visit in Greece . Nature is lush in Corfu, much lusher than on some drought-affected Greek islands supplied with water by boat at  high season. Corfu is therefore a good choice for nature lovers and travellers concerned about sustainable tourism.

If you want to avoid rain, preferably travel between May and August, but the best time to visit Corfu is definitely May because it is dry with average temperatures of 24 degrees and the flights and accommodation charges are more attractive than in July and August.

During your stay in Corfu do not miss to visit the Vlacherna Monastery on the Mouse Island, the old town of Corfu and the amazing beach of the "Canal of Love" located near the pretty village of Sidari.

During your stay in Greece discover the  Best Islands in Greece ,  Best Beaches in Greece ,  Best Things to do in Greece ,  Best Secret Destinations in Greece ,  Best Natural Wonders in Greece  as well as the  Best Castles in Greece .

Book your flights to Corfu your accommodation at the best price guaranteed and your tours and activities such as a day cruise to Paxi Islands and Blue caves .

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Corfu .

  Where to stay:  Stay in the heart of Corfu town by booking at " Lear Liston Suite ". This property has one of the best-rated rentals in Corfu.

Best places to visit in Greece - Athens

The capital of Greece is one of the top places to visit in Greece for many reasons. First of all, it is the cradle of democracy and philosophy. Many assume that the blue of the sea, the incredible landscapes, and the beautiful sunlight help spirits escape from everyday life and arise.

Athens  is a sophisticated cosmopolitan hub with excellent gastronomic delights, electrifying nightlife, creative vibes and a booming art scene. It is an artistic beacon of the ancient world with spectacular Mediterranean landscapes.

Book your flights to Athens, your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Athens  as a " Athens: Street Food Walking Tour ".

  How to get there: Book your flights to Athens  Airport and your transfer .

  Where to stay:  For excellent value and location with Acropolis reachable within 100 metres, we recommend the " Coco-mat Athens BC " in the heart of Athens .

Best places to visit in Greece - Zakynthos

5. Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach, also known as Pirate Bay or Shipwreck Bay, is one of the  most beautiful beaches in Greece  and it is also among the Best Places to Visit in Greece . Accessible only by sea, this beach located west of the island of Zakynthos is a lost paradise.

The wreck of a boat carrying contraband cigarettes was attacked by pirates in the 80s and runs aground on this beach.  Some islanders will try to convince you  that the boat was displayed by the Tourist Office in order to attract travellers.

Discover Navagio Beach by booking your  flights to Zakynthos  Island and your  hotel  near Navagio Beach. We offer more than 140 hotels, villas and apartments at the best price .

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Zakynthos and join Navagio beach by car (50 minutes).

  Where to stay:  " Villa Poseidon " with panoramic views  over the Ionian sea.

Best places to visit in Greece - Meteora

Meteora is one of the Best Destinations to Visit in Greece . Meteora is the name of this incredible region of Greece where monasteries are perched on top of cliffs.  Meteora is often printed in calendars or online ranked among the most beautiful landscapes in Europe . Now is the time to discover this magical place.

Book your flights to Athens or Thessaloniki. Meteora is located 4 hours from Athens Airport and 3 hours from Thessaloniki Airport. You can go to Meteora easily by car or train (there are even buses to Meteora).

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Hidden Gems in Greece !

Book your flights at the best price as well as your  accommodation  and your tours and activities  in Meteora as a " Majestic sunset on Meteora rocks tour " or a" Full-day Meteora trip by train from Athens ".

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Athens  (4h by car - 5h by train - stop at Lampaka station).

  Where to stay:  " Rocks Republic " within 2km of Meteora.

Best places to visit in Greece - Lindos Rhodes Island copyrightg Vladimir Zhoga   - European Best Destinations

Rhodes Island

The island of Rhodes is a perfect destination for lovers of old stones, heritage, fortresses and castles. It is for sure one of the Best Places to Visit in Greece . This sublime medieval city is one of the best preserved in Europe. When visiting Rhodes do not miss The Ancient Acropolis of Lindos, the historic Rhodes Old Town, explore the Palace of the Grand Master or just relax in Agios Pavlos beach. 

If you are lucky you will have direct flights from your nearest airport to Rhodes Island. You can also book your flights to Athens as well as an internal flight to Rhodes. 

Book your flights to Rhodes , your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Rhodes such as a " From Rhodes: Symi Island full day trip by boat ".

  How to get there:  Book your direct  flights to Rhodes  or from Athens.

  Where to stay:  " Casa Cook Rhodes - Adults only ". This hotel has a large outdoor pool, à la carte restaurant and a fully equipped fitness room.

Best places to visit in Greece - Asos

Pack your bags, embark on a dream holiday to the island of Kefalonia in the village of Asos, one of the Best Places to Visit in Greece . The houses in this fishing village are colourful, its castle is overlooking the island.

Book your flights to Kefalonia Airport, your hotel , villa and tourist apartment at the best price and your tours and activities in Kefalonia such as a " Half-day vineyard picnic with wine tasting ".

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Kefalonia  Airport and drive to Asos (1h).

  Where to stay:  Book your room at the " Kanakis apartments " to enjoy magnificent views of the Ionian Sea.

Best places to visit in Greece - Asos copyright Calin Stan  - European Best Destinations

9. Canal d'Amour 

Sidari - Corfu

Canal d’amour is a small secret beach hidden in the village of Sidari on  Corfu Island . Its French name "Canal d'amour" comes from a French navigator who found a similarity between the shape of this beach and the shape of a female sex organ (It's up to you to judge on the spot !). According to tradition, couples swimming in this channel of love will be sure to get married within the next 12 months. 

Book your flights , your accommodation as well as your activities and tours and discover one of the Best Places to Visit in Greece .

Book your  flights to Corfu  (Sidari is a 50-minute drive away), your  accommodation  at the best price and enjoy the  best tours and activities in Corfu  such as a " Cruise to Sivota and the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon ".

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Corfu  (Sidari is a 50-minute drive away).

  Where to stay:  Book your room at the best price at the " Del Mare beach hotel " located on the beach of Canal d'Amour in Sidari.

Best places to visit in Greece - Chania

Chania is one of the most beautiful destinations in Crete . Located northwest of the country, Chania is a perfect destination for lovers of sun, idleness, good seafood restaurants, gastronomy, beautiful beaches, walking or cycling, but also for lovers of Venetian or Byzantine architecture.

There are many flights to Chania Airport and you can choose from hundreds of accommodations in Chania. From 5 stars to tourist apartments with private kitchen or pleasant villas with private pool.

During your stay in Chania do not miss Heraklion, the capital of Crete .  Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon on the pink sandy beach of Elafonisi. Book your flights to Chania your accommodation   as well as your  activities & tours in Chania such as a " Day trip to Elafonisi Island from Chania ". 

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Chania or Heraklion (2 hours by car).

  Where to stay:  For a romantic stay we suggest the " 1924 Suites " in the old town of Chania. A balcony with sea views is offered in all units.

Best places to visit in Greece - Parga

Only 60 kilometres from Aktion/Preveza airport, Parga, one of the Best Destinations to Visit in Greece ,  is a beautiful fishing village with a beautiful cove and beach. On site you can get around by rental car or taxi.

Treat yourself to the best by booking your hotel in Parga , your tours and activities in Parga  such as a " Full-day boat cruise" to explore the beautiful old town of Parga ".

The island of Corfu is only two hours from Parga, book your holiday in Corfu and treat yourself to a day trip to Parga!

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Aktion/Preveza and join Parga by car (50 min).

  Where to stay:  " Golden Bay Suites & Maisonettes " located 400m from Valtos beach.

Best places to visit in Greece - Cameo Island

12. Cameo Island

This tiny island, located north of Zakynthos Island, is just 15 minutes’ drive from Zakynthos Airport and is a true paradise on earth. The entrance at the island of Cameo is not free of charge but it includes a nice drink!

Enjoy the sun, the endless sea and crystal clear waters; you’re on holiday now in one of the Best Places to Visit in Greece and Best Islands in Greece .

The island may  be privatized for big events such as weddings. (If you pretend you are a distant cousin you might take part of the fair!). Apart from these private events the island is still open to the public. If it is closed upon your arrival please visit the nearest beach, Martini Beach. You can also rent or buy a white dress and schedule your wedding for the next day!

All joking aside the island of Zakynthos is worth the trip and will amaze you by the beauty of its landscapes and  paradisiac beaches .

Book  your flights to Zakynthos , your  hotel or apartment  at the best price and your  tours and activities  on Zakynthos such as a " Zakynthos: Full-day cruise to beach & blue caves ".

  How to get there:  Book your flights  to Zakynthos (15 minutes’ drive from this beautiful beach).

  Where to stay:  " Porto Koukla Beach Hotel " offers direct access to the sandy beach of Porto Koukla.

Best places to visit in Greece - Thessaloniki

13. Thessaloniki

This year visit one of the Best Places to Visit in Greece . The country's second largest city attracts travellers looking for new trends, off the beaten path. Thessaloniki is also famous for its archaeological sites and its many monuments of the Byzantine period including its "White Tower" which became a symbol of the city when in 1912 the Greeks took control of this beautiful city located 500 km North of Athens.

Do not miss to visit the Aristotelous Square, the White Museum and the Byzantine Castle. Need more Inspiration? Discover the  Best Islands in Greece ,  Best Beaches in Greece ,  Best Things to do in Greece ,  Best Secret Destinations in Greece ,  Best Natural Wonders in Greece  as well as the  Best Castles in Greece .

Book your flights to Thessaloniki , your tours and activities such as a full-day trip to Meteora.

  How to get there:  Book your flights  to Thessaloniki.

  Where to stay:  Stay in the heart of Thessaloniki by booking your room at the best price at the " Superior One Boutique Hotel ".

Best places to visit in Greece - Kos Island Zia Village Copyright Esin Deniz   - European Best Destinations

14. Kos Island

Kos island is one of the Best Places to Visit in Greece as well as one of the Most Beautiful Islands in Greece . It is known worldwide for its sublime sandy beaches such as Agios Foka beach, Lagada beach, Kardamena beach, Agios Stenanos beach. Located in front of the seaside resort of Bodrum, Kos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands .

It is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday in the sun with family, lovers or friends. The easiest way to get there is to book your flights to Kos Airport or to book your flight to Athens plus a domestic flight to Kos (1 hour). Travelling by plane is not your cup of tea? There’s a ferry to the island of Kos from the port of Athens (4 crossings a week) but you will have to be patient because the crossing takes 11 hours!

Book your Kos Island flights and accommodation  as well as your tours and activities  in Kos. 

  How to get there:  Book your  direct flights to Kos  or take a domestic flight from Athens (+ 1hour).

  Where to stay:  Kos Aktis ", a luxurious minimalist design hotel.

Best places to visit in Greece - Xi beach - Copyright Lucian Bolca European Best Destinations

15. Xi beach

The beach of Xi is famous for the incredible colour of its sand. This red-orange sand, similar to Roland-Garros tennis courts’, is just as comfortable and pleasant as any other type of sand but is more original.

The beach has been flying a blue flag for several years now for the exceptional quality of its waters. It is really one of the Best Places to visit during your stay in Greece.

Book your flights to Kefalonia as well as your  accommodation  at the best price and your tours and activities in Kefalonia such as a " 4-hour private group wine & gastronomy experience ".  

Do not miss to discover the  Best Islands in Greece ,  Best Beaches in Greece ,  Best Things to do in Greece ,  Best Secret Destinations in Greece ,  Best Natural Wonders in Greece  as well as the  Best Castles in Greece .

  How to get there:  Book your  flights to Argostoli airport. Xi beach is located 1 hour drive from the airport.

  Where to stay:  One of the top rated hotels is the " Apollonion Astorias Resort & Spa "; it is a 5-minute walk from the beach and offers delicious Greek and Mediterranean food.

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Sofia Adventures

50 Fabulous Places to Visit in Greece: Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

50 Fabulous Places to Visit in Greece: Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

We are obsessed with visiting Greece. Even though both Allison and I keep going back, trip after trip, we have barely scratched the surface with all the amazing places to visit in Greece! So we asked some of our favorite travel writers to tell us their favorites as well.

No time to read now? Pin this post for later!

Places to Visit in Greece

>> Read Next: 13 Fairytale Destinations for Your Honeymoon in Greece  <<

Where to Stay in Greece

Greece - Athens - Parthenon temple over bright blue sky background, Acropolis hill, Athens Greecer with flowers

If you’re visiting Greece any time soon, you’ll probably spend some time in Athens before moving to discover other amazing places in the country. In that case, it’s a good idea to check this accommodation guide to Athens to find the best places to stay in Greece’s capital. Check this article as well, if you’d like to book a room with unforgettable Acropolis views.

Remember that booking early is always the best way to get better prices and nicer rooms! We recommend checking out  Booking.com  as early as possible since this is a popular time to visit. These are some of the places we suggest you check.

Budget: If you’re looking for a budget hotel in lively Monastiraki, book a stay at  Fivos Hote l. Located right by Monastiraki Station, the hotel has free wifi and ensuite bathrooms. Check out prices and availability at Fivos Hotel here .

Mid-range: If you want more traditional accommodation, stay at the Kimons Athens Hotel in Plaka. The rooms are cozy and there’s a roof terrace that guests can enjoy. Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Kimons Athens Hotel here .

Luxury: To enjoy a bit of luxury in Monastiraki, check into the four-star Emporikon Athens Hotel on Agia Irini Square. The rooms are sophisticated and swanky, with a traditional take on comfort. Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Emporikon Athens Hotel here .

The Best Places to Visit in Greece

Blessed with hundreds of islands to explore, eighteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful ski resorts, and dozens of charming mainland villages, there’s no way we can list every amazing Greek vacation spot in one post. So we narrowed it down to the top fifty…but even that was hard! 

Greece - Aegina - Best Places to Visit in Greece Collab

Photo by David Garner. Reused with permission.

In addition to boasting idyllic islands, the ancient culture in Greece is rich wherever you choose to go. But if you want a truly authentic, local experience, then Aegina is the place to be – and it’s our favorite place to visit in Greece. 

The better half of our traveling duo has family living on the island and countless fond memories of running down to the crystal clear waters of the nearby beach (which is a stone’s throw away from the house).

Aegina is one of the lesser-known tourist destinations in Greece which means that it provides an incredible break away from countless tourist traps on many bucket lists. However, the island still has all of the comforts you could wish for when traveling in the Mediterranean region . 

Aegina can easily be reached by a short one-hour ferry trip from Athens.  Once your feet touch the dock, you’ll be welcomed by friendly, character-filled locals, the smell of souvlaki being prepared on a spit, and fresh coffee being served on the tables laid out on the cobble-stoned streets. 

Walk a little further and you’ll find yourself in a local fish market, strolling through quaint, narrow streets and animated Greek men playing backgammon. There are a variety of different beaches to visit, history to explore, and food to indulge in.

If you are looking for a real, authentic Greek experience Aegina is by far one of the best places to go.  

Contributed by Ollie and Candi from Ollie and the Captain.

Read Next:  The 3 Best Greek Islands Near Athens & How to See Them in One Day

Agistri 

Chalikiada Beach at Agistri, Greece

Photo by Helena. Reused with permission.

Agistri is an island small in size but big in natural beauty. The island’s pine-clad, hilly inland keeps its lush, bright green color all year round while the coast offers some of the prettiest beaches in the Saronic Gulf.

Lying only one hour away from Athens, Agistri is an ideal destination for an easy day trip from the Greek capital. Regular ferries connect Agistri with the mainland with tickets costing as little as 12 euros each way.

There are only two larger settlements on the island, the port town of Megalochori and the seaside resort called Skala. Both offer a good range of accommodation and plenty of cafes, taverns, and shops.

But the main attraction of Agistri are its beaches! The most famous of them, Chalikiada, is a picture-perfect combination of white pebbles, crystal clear sea, and impressive reddish cliffs crowned by pine trees.

Other beaches worth mentioning include Dragonera and Aponissos on the western side of the island. Both have beautiful clear sea and laid-back beach bars with sunbeds and umbrellas, perfect for those wishing for a bit more comfort during their beach break.

Agistri is an awesome place for active travelers, too. From hiking to horse riding, cycling, kayak tours, or scuba diving trips, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing your adventure.

Contributed by Helena from Just for one summer.

Greece - Amorgos - Traditional colorful mediterranean street with flowers and church, Amorgos, Cyclades, Greece, Europe

Located in the eastern part of the Cyclades, Amorgos is home to less than two thousand permanent residents. You can easily reach the island by ferry from Pireus, this is the perfect escape for someone wanting to spend their days on beautiful hikes and walks around the island.

The main sites are fairly spread out, but you won’t want to miss Hozoviotissa Monastery, the white-washed jewel perched on the edge of a cliff.

Amorgos town is considered by many to be one of the most quintessential Greek island capitals. Give yourself at least a few days to explore here!

Pro tip: make sure to bring good shoes, since a typical Amorgos vacation will include a lot of activity and a lot of steps!

Editor’s Choice

Antiparos 

Greece - Antiparos - Places to Visit in Greece Collab

Photo by Paulina. Reused with permission.

Contributed by Paulina from Paulina on the road.

Athens 

Athens - Best Places to Visit in Greece

Contributed by Becki Enright, from Borders of Adventure

Read Next:  Where to Stay in Athens: Hotels & Accommodations ​We Love!

Cape Sounion

Greece - Cape Sounion - Temple of Poseidon

The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is a beautiful ancient Greek temple located right on the water and dedicated to Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea.

There is a legend that King Aegeus threw himself into the sea here, which is how the Aegean sea came to get its name.

More recently, the English poet Lord Byron carved his initials into the temple when he came to Greece to help fight for Greek independence. You can see his initials carved into the marble – along with countless other eighteenth and nineteenth-century travelers.

You can easily visit Cape Sounion as a day trip from Athens.

Editor’s Choice.

Read Next:  17 Spectacular Day Trips from Athens, Greece

Chania 

Crete - Chania - Reused with Permission

Most people think of ancient monuments and beautiful beaches when they think of a holiday in Greece and many of the country’s other islands get all the attention. But you should consider visiting Crete for all of this including the dazzling city of Chania, located just a short 1-hour flight from Athens.

Chania is the stuff of your Mama Mia dreams, as you’ll enjoy incredible views around every corner. What I love the most about this city is its relaxed vibe and affordability. You can enjoy some high-end level hotels or apartments for a fraction of the price of other Greek islands, not to mention world-class beaches. This city is has a plethora of museums, bars, and restaurants to keep you entertained and a uniquely Greek vibe to it.

If you’re searching for history then look no further, this city is ancient and its history dates to the year 3000 BC. There is so much history for you to explore that you can never really grasp it all.

In the meantime, you’ll want to check out some of its historic structures including the fortified wall which was originally constructed during the first Byzantine period. There are also plenty of historic sites nearby easily reachable by car or bus.

Chania is the perfect place for relaxation. You can enjoy the beach, wander its old streets, and explore its history before you set off to explore Crete . 

Contributed by Jose Harvey from My Normal Gay Life.

Read Next:  13 Spectacular Places to Visit in Crete: Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

Corfu 

Corfu - Best Places to Vist in Greece

Photo by Alex Peters. Reused with permission.

Hopping on a short ferry ride from Albania, Corfu was my very first introduction to Greece. Although I didn’t have anything from Greece to compare it to quite yet, this northern Ionian island did not disappoint with all its Venetian glory and crystal clear waters. Now after spending a month in Greece this past summer, I can fully confirm that it still ranks supreme as one of my favorite places in Greece.

Although the more southern islands are undoubtedly beautiful in their own right, the colorful architecture in Corfu reaps the benefit from years spent under the rule of the Venetians, French and British before being united with the rest of Greece in 1864.

The myriad of influences makes Corfu stand out from the rest of the Greek islands with two Venetian fortresses in the downtown area, colorful facades, winding medieval cobblestone roads, and multiple palaces with nods to French design.

Besides gorgeous architecture, the natural beauty of Corfu is one to be reckoned with. With picturesque shorelines and luxurious beaches of turquoise waters, the island contains a plethora of hot spots with something for everyone.

One of my favorite days on the island was spent exploring the cliffs of the Paleokastritsa Monastery that overlooks the picturesque Paleokastritsa Beach from above. With the u-shaped bay with light-colored cliffs surrounding the beach, the area looks more like the set to a movie rather than a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. 

Greece - Corinth - Ship passing through Corinth Canal in Greece

Famous worldwide for its appearance in the New Testament, Corinth’s is also home to the world-famous Corinth Canal, which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea

Many choose to visit as a day trip from Athens (or even as a quick stop on the way to Mycenae or Epidaurus). However, there’s enough to do here for a few days if you know where to look.

Visit the ancient Greek Acrocorinth and other remnants of ancient Corinth before relaxing in the modern town at night.

Crete 

Greece - Crete - Places to Visit in Crete Collab

Photo by Or. Reused with permission.

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers the perfect mix of paradise beaches, charming little cities and towns, natural sceneries, and historical landmarks. It also has a fantastic culinary scene and a contagious chilled and happy atmosphere that will make you feel at home.

If you’re looking for utter relaxation, Crete’s 1000 km of coastline provides some pretty dreamy beaches like Sfakia, Matala, Istro, and Tymbaki. For something a bit more unusual, you can also find a few unique Cretan beaches like Elafonissi with its pink sand or Loutro, which is only accessible by hiking or by boat.

After some time in the sun, you have to explore Crete’s cities and towns. From Chania and its colorful old town to Matala and its street paintings to the views of Agios Nikolaos, these places prove that Crete is more than just beaches. But this island has a few more surprises up its sleeve. While adventurers will enjoy rock climbing or hiking in Crete’s gorges, history fans will love Spinalonga island, which was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe.

Since it is such a diverse island, your Crete itinerary could include one region (out of four), day trips from one main city like Heraklion the capital, or a road trip through the entire island. Whatever your plans are, you will never get bored in Crete.

Contributed by Or from My Path in the World.

Read Next:  13 Incredible Things to Do in Crete in Winter

Greece - Delos - Best Places to Visit in Greece

If you are a fan of ancient history, the kind involving legendary heroes and gods of all sorts, then you need to make your way to the island of Delos. Located just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos makes for an excellent day trip.

You can explore the island on your own or opt for ½ day guided tour. Either way, the island offers some incredible glimpses to the ancient Greek world because most of it is one gigantic ruin.

Habitation by humans on the island goes back to 3000 BC and it was considered the birthplace of the god Artemis and Apollo. As such, the island became the home of many temples dedicated to various gods and you can still see their ruins.

I love the island because it feels like you’re stepping back in time and you can get up close and personal with history. The mosaics in some of the houses on the island are the most well preserved in Europe.

Just be sure to grab a map so you know what you’re looking at and please be respectful by not climbing or generally causing damage to the ruins. With a little adventurous spirit, you can explore the incredible birthplace of ancient Greece’s heroes and gods.

Read Next:  How to Visit Delos on a Day Trip from Mykonos

Elafonisi Beach 

Crete - Elafonisi Beach - Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Rachel Silverwood. Reused with permission.

Greece and its surrounding islands are full of breathtaking beaches. But Elafonisi beach in Crete takes the crown for being the most magnificent! It’s been voted one of the top beaches in the world and it’s no doubt my favorite place in Greece.

Crete - Heraklion - Old Venetian Harbor

One of my favorite places to visit on Crete in winter , Heraklion is Crete’s gritty, Balkan capital. I find it to be the perfect mix of Greek food and beautiful architecture surrounded by a harder urban core.

Gems like the Lakkos Historic District and the tops of the Venetian Walls often go unvisited by people who just pop in to see the Palace of Knossos. So many tourists come for just a day or two, but I spent two wonderful weeks here and didn’t even see everything!

Make sure to eat your way around the city, as it has some truly excellent restaurants for every budget .

Read Next:  13 Perfect Instagrammable Places in Heraklion, Crete

Greece - Hydra - Harbor

Hydra is like a Greek island time capsule. The narrow streets have meant that cars are banned, the white-washed houses and charming harbor are a wonderful welcome. 

There are beautiful churches and important ecclesiastical museums to explore here, but make sure to give yourself enough time to relax and eat outside right on the harbor. Of course, if you have a few days and April through October, spend at least one afternoon on one of Hydra’s wonderful beaches!

Many visitors come to Hydra as a day trip from Athens , either by itself or on a day cruise that includes Poros and Aegina . 

Read Next:  Aegina or Hydra: Which Saronic Island Should You Visit?

Greece - Ios - Chora town, Ios island, Cyclades, Greece.

This beautiful hilly Cycladic island is a popular day trip from Santorini or as the next stop on a Santorini itinerary since it’s located about halfway between Santorini and Naxos. 

Considered one of the best party islands in Greece, it’s popular with young travelers and the backpacker set. However, during the day it is much more laid back, with tourists flopping on the island’s beautiful, golden beaches.

Beyond the beaches and parties, Ios is a popular scuba diving spot. You can also visit what some believe to be the tomb of Homer, along with the prehistoric site of Skarkos.

Read Next:  Greek Island Hopping: The Best Greek Islands for Your Trip

Karpathos 

Greece - Karpathos - Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Kristin Henning. Reused with permission.

Karpathos might be the best Greek Island you’ve ever heard of.  It’s tucked in the southeast corner of the Dodecanese Islands between Crete and Rhodes, where it’s served as a trade route stop, a hiding place, and a fertile home to people since antiquity.

The finger-shaped island, about thirty miles long and six miles across, is sprinkled with mountain villages and lined with cliffs and coves. Most of Karpathos’ 7,000 residents live in the southern section.

Here visitors will find a sizeable airport with daily flights from Athens, as well as ferry service to the mainland and nearby islands. To date, there’s no harbor to accommodate large cruise ships, so the main city of Karpathos (also called Pigadia) remains calm and friendly.

Karpathians love to share their island and family stories . Most villages have strong family ties with the United States, and emigrants regularly return to this “hidden paradise.”

Karpathos Island attractions include secluded beaches on the leeward side, a fantastic network of well-signed hiking trails, excellent birding, snorkeling and caving, windsurfing, and of course the food and cultural heritage.

To dive deep into the island’s history and culture, visit Olympos. This northern village dates back to the 5 th Century fortifications built when islanders sought protection from pirates. Later, homes and chapels were built into the rocky mountainside. A nearby valley still provides valuable agricultural plots.

The best of Greek artisan crafts thrive in the traditional environment of Olympos. Find a store selling the islands’ famous honey; shop custom-made stringed musical instruments including those used in local celebrations; visit shoemaker J. Prearis in his workshop store, and see fine examples of local wood carving and textiles.

Olympos is a great starting point, too, for adventures. By land, head out on some of the hiking trails, or arrange a tour for a seaside fresh-catch lunch. Or, by boat, head to Saria, the fingernail-sized island to the north (once attached to the rest of the land). Hikers will enjoy passing through the ancient city ruins of Argos on their way to spectacular views over the Aegean Sea.

Contributed by Kristin Henning from TravelPast50.com.

Kefalonia 

Greece - Kefalonia - Best Places to Visit in Greece Collab

Photo by Vanessa Hunt. Reused with permission.

Nestled away in the Ionian Sea off the coast of mainland Greece, lies one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, and my personal favorite: Kefalonia .

If you’re looking for somewhere to experience what Greece might have been like fifty years ago, before hordes of tourists took over, then this is the place! With breathtaking views of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and colorful houses, it’s hard to believe this island isn’t more popular.

Kefalonia has a little bit of everything: castles, historic sites, delicious food, and of course pristine beaches where you can relax and swim in the warm Ionian sea. Probably the most popular site on the island is the Mellisani Cave where you can tour an underground lake that shines the brightest blue at midday! 

You can take a drive up into the mountains in the center of the island where you’ll be greeted by local farmers working farms for generations and hundreds of their goats who roam freely along the rocky mountain roads.

From here you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire island. Kefalonia is large enough to keep you entertained for a few weeks, but not so big that it’s overwhelming. 

Possibly the biggest draw for Kefalonia is its budget pricetag. You can catch a Ryanair flight from London for next to nothing and rent a house near the beach for a fraction of the price it would cost you on some of the more popular islands in Greece. 

Contributed by Vanessa Hunt from Wanderlust Crew.

Lousios Gorge 

Greece - Lousios Gorge - Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Lifejourney4two. Reused with permission.

Lousios Gorge , in the Arkadia Region of Greece, is home to ancient Arcadian ruins and cliff-top monasteries. The scene is set with old woodlands, ancient bridges, and incredible monasteries clinging precariously on the side of the ravines on either side of the gorge.  

According to Greek mythology, the Lousios River is where Zeus himself bathed – and who could blame him with such beautiful surroundings?

Just south of the nearby town Dimitsana, you’ll find the Ancient Gortys ruins, which are believed to be ancient healing grounds dating from the 4 th century BC.  

From here, a hiking trail leads you through ancient woodlands along the Lousios gorge. After about 1.5 kilometers you’ll come to the Prodromou Monastery built into the rock high on the mountainside.

Further on, you’ll climb to the Philosophou Monastery ruins. This ancient holy place, founded in 963AD, is still accessible by steep steps. The passageways and rooms are extremely narrow and cut into the rock.

Just a little further along the path is the modern Philosophou Monastery, where you are likely to be welcomed by a cheery monk with an offering of Turkish Delight and a drink of water.

This area offers a wonderful combination of nature with a good dose of Greek history and fascinating sights along the way – all without the crowds.  That’s our idea of a wonderful place to visit in Greece.

Contributed by Shelley of Lifejourney4two.

Mastic Villiage of Chios

Chios - Mastic Villages - Greece - Best Places to Visit in Greece - Not for Reuse

Photo by Shara Johnson. Reused with permission.

Meteora 

Greece - Meteora - Best paces to visit in Greece

Photo by Mansoureh Farahani. Reused with permission.

Meteora in the center of the Greek mainland is a must to visit when you plan a trip to Greece. Most of the tourists head directly to the beautiful greek island and are not aware of what Meteora has to offer. 

Meteora is a magnificent complex of enormous rock formations, not far from the Kalambaka town. None knows how exactly these rocks were formed, but the age of the rocks is estimated at more than 50 million years. 

I feel so lucky that I had a chance to visit Meteora, one of the most incredible places on our planet. This unique place of nature and culture is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to one of the biggest and most important groups of monasteries in Greece.

Twenty-four of these monasteries were built on the natural sandstone rock pillars in the 15th century. Some of them were bombed during World War II, but some are still working and are open to visitors and prayers. 

One of the best ways to go to Meteora is by taking a train from Athens, but if you prefer flying, you can fly to Thessaloniki and rent a car and drive 200 km to Meteora. 

Contributed by Mansoureh Farahani from  Travels with Mansoureh .

Milos 

Greece - Milos - Best Places to Visit in Greece Collab

Photo by Chrysoula Manika. Reused with permission

Milos is one of the lesser-visited Greek Islands despite its fascinating landscapes, pristine bays, and unmistakably delicious Greek cuisine, not to mention the fact that it was the location of the discovery of the world-famous Venus de Milo statue!

Located in the Cyclades chain, Milos is a charming island with a plethora of varied beaches that offer sand, stones, caves, and cliff faces to prove that there is something here to suit everyone. Not only that, but the water is a classic Aegean blue that will leave you longing to dive into the warm waters and photograph it to your heart’s content.

If you visit in the off-season, you’re sure to be able to find at least one of the 70 beaches sans people so you can lounge in peace and soak up the serenity of the island.

The capital, Plaka, is no less enchanting, with its narrow winding streets, quaint tavernas, and interesting collection of museums covering everything from folklore and archaeology to maritime and military endeavors.

One of the many things that makes Milos special is its topography that was formed by nearby volcanoes erupting many centuries ago. These eruptions created lava flow coves with splashes of oxidized metal which makes it look like something from another planet!

While Milos doesn’t have an international airport, it is more than worth the effort it takes to get there via Athens and you certainly won’t be disappointed. 

Contributed by Chrysoula of Travel Passionate.

Mykonos 

Greece-Mykonos-Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Ioana Stoica. Reused with permission.

Mykonos is perhaps the best-known island in Greece, and one of the most famous in the world due to practically being synonymous with epic clubs, beach parties, and Insta-perfect cobblestone streets.

There’s much more to Mykonos than what it’s best known for, but there is a reason why millions of travelers from all over the world flock here every season to experience the best it has to offer.

One of the most picturesque spots on the island is its capital, Chora, also known as Mykonos Town or “Hora”. The traditional Cycladic village is home to whitewashed houses, narrow streets, colorful doors, quaint restaurants, and picturesque boutiques. Get intentionally lost and explore its nooks and crannies – every corner you turn, you’ll find a gem!

Mykonos sunsets are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Catch them during dinner from Nice ‘n’ Easy or have drinks at one of the bars in Little Venice, along the waterfront. Alternatively, head to 180º Sunset Bar for unbeatable views over the entire Chora.

At night, Chora and Little Venice transform into a party haven. Scandinavian Bar is perhaps the best known in the area, but you’re better off club-hopping and getting a sense of the scene. 

Mykonos LGBTQ+ scene is known as one of the best in the world, and you can club-hop all night long between epic spots.

For the best beach parties, head to Paradise beach, Super Paradise beach, or Paraga. Mykonos attracts the best DJs from all over the world – book ahead if there’s someone you want to see as the events can sell out quickly once the announcements are made at the beginning of the season.

Nafplio 

Greece - Nafplio - Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Liliane Fawzy. Reused with permission.

While Greece, in general, has a very laid-back vibe, Nafplio takes this to an extreme. Once you get there you’ll immediately just want to slow down and take it all in. The town is very picturesque and you’ll want to make sure to detour into the side streets for some absolutely lovely photo opportunities and make sure not to miss strolling along the palm-lined harbor front.

Once you pick somewhere to eat make sure to grab a seat outside no matter where you choose to eat because you’ll want to keep taking the sights in and enjoying the people watching.

There are several things to do in Nafplio but the charm of the town is that you don’t have to do anything to have a great time.  If you’re interested in filling your itinerary you’ll certainly have many options.

You can take your pick between multiple beaches, forts, shopping, and restaurants to experience the town.”

Greece - Naxos - Not for Reuse - Places to Visit in Greece

Contributed by Tiffany Schureman from A Girl and Her Passport.

My favorite place in Greece is the island of Naxos. Naxos is the largest island in the Cycladic island group, which is the same group that Santorini is in. It is my favorite for a variety of reasons, and one is the beautiful Naxos beaches ! The beaches are plentiful and have great sand and water for swimming.

The other thing I love about Naxos is the Old Town area. The Old Town is right next to the port of Naxos. It has terrific shopping with many stores that have handmade Greek items and food. Old Town is also a great place to eat dinner with plenty of restaurants in the area.

Above Old Town is the Kastro, which is the castle built in the 11th century by Venetian Marco Sanudo. It is a great place to get lost in. You can admire the ancient part of town and see a Catholic Church here. There is also an archaeological museum worth visiting here. 

As you can see there is plenty of things to keep you busy in Naxos for your entire Greek holiday and why it is my favorite place in Greece.

Paros 

Greece - Paros - Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Sandra Papas. Reused with permission.

We travel to Greece each year and have visited many islands and parts of the mainland but the one island that we always return to time and time again is Paros, in the Cyclades. We love to stay in the cosmopolitan town of Naoussa in the north, which is still a working fishing village and has a vibrant bar and dining scene.

Larger than Santorini but without the crowds Paros is home to similar sugar cube style villages and towns and has stylish pockets of shops and restaurants that would not be out of place in Mykonos.

Small enough to drive a full loop in a day the beaches are some of the best in Greece and it is also possible to do day trips to neighboring Antiparos, Naxos, and the Small Cyclades, in fact even Santorini is viable. It is the first major port for many of the ferries from Athens and there is also a small but modern airport, making the island very accessible.

There are wineries, ancient ruins, sweeping vistas, and the famous Church of a Hundred Doors, one of the most historically significant churches in all of Greece.  

It is the perfect Greek Island that ticks all the boxes and offers something for everyone.

Contributed by Sandra at Greece Travel Secrets .

Rhodes 

Street of the Knights, Rhodes Old Town Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Teresa Gomez. Reused with permission.

The island of Rhodes has a reputation in the UK for being a bit of a party island thanks to Faliraki, a village and seaside resort on the east coast. Faliraki is famous for attracting 18-30s looking for a cheap holiday and plenty of party nights.

But get past that and away from the city center, and you will find plenty of quiet spots worth exploring, amongst which is an impressive 5km-long golden sand beach ideal for a bit of relaxation. 

If culture is more your thing, the city of Rhodes itself has a beautiful old town. In fact, within the city walls, you will find Europe’s oldest inhabited medieval town. The Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient Greeks, Byzantines, Ottomans, Jews, and Italians left their mark throughout the times. You can visit Lindos Acropolis with an organized tour l ike this one .

One of the highlights is the cobblestoned Street of the Knights, named after the Knights Hospitaller of St John, who captured the city in the 14 th century. The buildings, which have remained unchanged over the centuries, were once inns named according to the tongues the Knights staying there spoke.

But perhaps my favorite place on the island is Lindos, a fishing village with traditional whitewashed buildings and an Acropolis on top of the cliff. If you are a history buff, a visit to the Acropolis is a must, but even if you are not, the views over the bay and the village are truly spectacular, so don’t miss these.

Lindos is also a bit of a foodie destination, with a great selection of quality bars and restaurants, so it’s the perfect place to try all those delicious  traditional Greek dishes  that everyone should try.

Contributed by Teresa Gomez from Brogan Abroad.

Read Next:  8 Exciting Things to Do in Rhodes

Santorini 

Greece - Santorini - Places to Visit in Greece Collab

Photo By Lindsay Nieminen. reused with permission.

Santorini is one of my favorite places to visit in Greece because of its stunning white-washed cliff views! If you have seen it in a photo, the view is similar if not even better! Santorini is a honeymooners paradise with small boutique hotels and dozens of small restaurants, perfect for couples.

There are lavish rooms with plunge pools offering views of the cliffs and the water below. They look like something right out of a magazine, but be warned, they offer little privacy as the paths between hotels pass above, below, and around these private balconies!

Although a couple’s paradise, is not to say that families should not visit, I have taken my children there and they had a great time, we explored the beaches, rode ATVs, and hiked along the cliffside!

Santorini is the perfect place to spend 2 days . It gives you time to watch the sunsets, explore the small villages on the island, soak up the sun at the beach and enjoy a few meals.

Then it is an easy ferry hop over to another Greek island! They are all so different, so come to Santorini for the Caldera views and then continue to other places in Greece, there is so much to explore!

Contributed by Lindsay Nieminen from Carpe Diem OUR Way.

Read Next:  17 Best Santorini Cave Hotels & Suites You’ll Love

Seitan Limania

Greece - Crete - Seitan Limania

Perhaps my favorite place in all of Greece, Seitan Limania is one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches . It’s a bit difficult to get here since you’ll need a car or a taxi, plus there is a steep decline to get to the beach at the bottom of the cliffs. However, it’s so worth it.

There are curious and entitled goats living nearby who may visit you during your time here. You can also enjoy jumping off the cliffs into the cool water below.

Make sure to bring your food and drinks for your visit since there aren’t any businesses here.

Read Next:  Seitan Limania Beach: Crete’s Most Gorgeous Hidden Secret

Sithonia Peninsula 

Greece - Sithonia Peninsula - Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Karen Quinn. Reused with permission.

The picturesque peninsula of Sithonia is one of the three “fingers” of Halkidiki on the Greek mainland. It’s my favorite place to visit in Greece due to its breathtaking beaches and friendly fishing villages.

Mainland Greece feels quieter and somehow more authentic than some of the more popular Islands. Sithonia is a perfect example of this. The peninsula is home to several fishing villages, try Porto Koufo or Neos Marmaras, where you can watch fishermen head out in their tiny boats to secure the catch of the day. Visit one of the many seafront restaurants to taste the fruits of their labor. You don’t get fresher fish than that!

Most beaches are open to the public with white sand and crystal clear waters. My favorite is Kalamitsi on the South East of the peninsula. The sand is some of the softest I’ve felt. We sat at the beachside restaurant watching dolphins play in the bay. Heaven.

The middle of the peninsula is mountainous and covered in forests. It’s here you’ll find almost unpassable roads, rows of beehives, and practically deserted old towns.

The protected village of Parthenonas on the slopes of Mount Itamos offers amazing views across the Aegean Sea and uninhabited, overgrown buildings ripe for exploring.

Sithonia in Halkidiki is easily accessible from Thessaloniki airport with low-cost flights arriving daily. Read all the best things to do in Halkidiki and discover more about this beautiful part of Greece.

Contributed by Karen Quinn from Are We There Yet Kids

Greece - Skianthos - Greek island scene typical white Sporades Islands group architecture with bright pink bougainvillea flowers Greece

Perhaps most famous for being one of the islands used for the filming of Mama Mia! (along with neighboring Skopelos), Skiathos is as picture-perfect as the movie suggests.

Spend time exploring Skiathos town, with its beautiful nineteenth-century architecture. Another highlight on the island is the stunning Lalaria Beach – though you won’t run out of fabulous beaches to explore here.

One interesting historical note: Evangelistria Monastery served as a hideout for rebels during the Greek War for Independence, and this was the site where the famous blue-and-white Greek flag was created and first flown in 1807.

Greece - Skopelos - Skopelos Old Town as seen from the water

Located in the Northern Sporades like its neighbor Skiathos, Skopelos lies off the coast of the Pelion peninsula. The Greeks claim Skopelos was founded by one of the sons of the ancient Greek god Dionysus. Historically the island was first colonized by Cretans coming up from the Mediterranean.

Because of the island’s mountainous terrain, there are fewer beaches here than on other islands, but the ones that are here are spectacular. Make sure to set aside time to relax on Staphylos, Agnondas, or Limnonari. More adventurous travelers can head to Velanio, Skopelos’s main nude beach.

Mama Mia! movie fans need to pay special attention. The wedding procession in the first movie was filmed at Skopelos’s Agios Ioannis Chapel.

Greece - Anchored boats and colorful neoclassical houses in bay of Symi (Symi Island, Greece)

Located in the Dodecanese, Symi is famous for its annual music festival held every July to September, when Greek musicians descend on the island to hold open-air performances. Of course, that’s not the only reason to visit this charming island.

While it once had a population of over twenty thousand people, there are now less than three thousand permanent residents. So if you arrive and the towns seem especially full and vibrant, you’re likely going to run into quite a few other tourists!

Make sure to spend an afternoon visiting the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis along with the towns’ many picture-perfect squares and churches.

Greece - Syros - Best Places to Visit in Greece Collab

Photo by Jodie. Reused with permission.

It’s hard not to love Syros. It has all the same charm as many of the Greek Islands but without the overwhelming crowds. It may be even prettier. Its white walls, contrasted with a backdrop of blue skies and magenta flowers, make it just as beautiful in real life as it will be in the photos you take there.

Although small, Syros has no shortage of beautiful landscapes, cute cobbled streets, and postcard-perfect beaches. Incredible restaurants are easy to come by, too, with plenty of local takes on Greek favorites and freshly caught seafood as standard. 

Getting to Syros isn’t as easy as other islands to get to, but it will be worth the extra effort. The small airport is served by two local airlines, but Syros is also served by ferries from the nearby islands several times a week.

For the small amount of time you’ll spend getting there, you’ll save a considerable amount of money compared to nearby Mykonos. Food, accommodation, and other day-to-day expenses will cost around half the amount you’d spend on one of the more popular islands, meaning it’s a great way to get the Greek Island experience on a budget . And, if anything, you’ll have a much more authentic experience.

Contributed by Jodie from Alajode.

Thessaloniki 

Greece - Thessaloniki - Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Inma Gregorio. Reused with permission.

Tilos  

Greek - Tilos - Places to Visit in Greece - Not for Reuse

Photo by Joanne Amos. Reused with permission.

Located midway between Rhodes and Kos, the tiny seahorse-shaped island of Tilos is far from their madding crowds. This chilled-out Dodecanese island offers a slice of traditional Greek island life – with a few quirks and surprises!

Tilos packs fascinating biodiversity into a small space – it measures just nine miles long and less than five miles wide. An abundance of natural springs ensures a green landscape, while its craggy mountains and wide valleys are carpeted with wildflowers in spring.

Ramblers flock here to wander the island’s rugged paths, passing crusader castles, and an abandoned village before flopping on secluded beaches. Walks are accompanied by a soundtrack of goat bells and the hum of bees – busy making honey – while oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil perfume the air.

The entire island and surrounding islets form a protected nature reserve, making Tilos a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. Rare raptors soar over mountains, colorful bee-eaters and rollers nest in valleys, and endangered Mediterranean monk seals live offshore.

But this sleepy island isn’t always what it seems. Fossilized bones indicate that it was once home to dwarf elephants standing just over one meter high – the last elephants in Europe.

It’s also a forward-thinking island, the location of Greece’s first gay wedding (despite still being illegal in the country) and the first Mediterranean island to be entirely powered by renewable energy.

And what of its people? Filoxenia (Greek hospitality) prevails, ensuring a welcome as warm as the Greek sunshine. Visit once, and I guarantee you’ll return… 

Contributed by Joanne Amos at The Wandering Wordsmith

Vikos Gorge

Greece - Vikos Gorge - The Best Places to Visit in Greece

Photo by Nick Leonard. Reused with permission.

The spectacular Vikos Gorge is officially the deepest in the world, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. And yet, amazingly, no one seems to have heard of it. It’s not the easiest place to get to in Greece, but if you make the effort you’re likely to have the gorge all to yourself!

To hike the gorge, you first need to get to the trailhead at a small village called Monodendri, in the Zagorohoria region of northwestern Greece.

Since this is a linear rather than a circular hike, it probably makes sense to take public transport rather than driving your car. Monodendri is about 40 kilometers from the small city of Ioannina, and local buses do run this mountain route.

They’re not all that frequent, though, so check the timetable carefully, and be sure the driver knows where you want to get off, as Monodendri is not a common request. Also, stock up on hiking snacks before you leave Ioannina. While you can get a hot meal at one of the local guesthouses in Monodendri, it’s slim pickings when it comes to grocery shopping.

The hike through the gorge takes about six or seven hours and finishes in Makro Papingo, a village of stone houses with slate roofs that is even more picturesque than Monodendri.

If you’re not a hiker, there are various viewpoints in the area from which you can enjoy the view from above looking down into the gaping gorge. It’s a sight not to be missed!

Zakynthos 

Greece - Zakynthos - Places to Visit in Greece Collab

Photo by Heather Trimm. Reused with permission.

5 Things to Bring with You to Greece

Greece - Crete - Heraklion - Old Venetian Harbor Luggage

What I brought with me on my last trip to Greece!

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more packing tips, check out our complete  Greece packing list.

–  A physical guidebook, on paper or Kindle . We love  Lon ely  Planet  Greece  for this region and strongly recommend it to supplement blogs. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.

–  A water bottle with a filter . While generally, the tap water in most of Greece is drinkable, we generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant! There are places in Greece, especially on the island, where the water tastes like minerals.

We recommend  the GRAYL water bottle  – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.

–  Motion sickness pills . Santorini roads are winding, especially around the coast. If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some  non-drowsy motion sickness pills .

–  Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, TP & other Balkan transit needs.  Bathrooms in the Balkans tend to be… how can we say it?… not so well-stocked. Save yourself the disappointment and bring a mini-rescue pack of  wet wipes  &  hand sanitizer .

–  Travel safety items . We think Greece is safe to travel to, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Some people like to carry money belts , but neither Allison nor I use these. Instead, we both carry the same PacSafe anti-theft backpack .

It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.

Read More:  Essential Greece Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Greece

More Greece Travel Resources

Greece - Delphi - Stephanie Selfie

Hanging out in Delphi

First read our guide to  planning a trip to Greece , which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. We also have a separate guide to tipping in Greece so you know what to give to different servers and staff while you’re here.

Next, you’ll want to read our all-season  Greece packing list .

If you are still trying to figure out your Greece itinerary, check out our guides on  where to go in Greece , the best places for  island hopping in Greece , and when is the  best time to visit. 

If you know you’ll be spending time in Athens, check out our  Athens Instagram guide , the  best Athens day trips , and our complete  Athens hotel guide.  We also have a guide to the  best things to do in Athens in winter . 

We also have  Athens safety tips  so your trip can be hassle-free. We are currently working on our mega-post of things to do in Athens as well as our itineraries, so stay tuned! 

We publish new content about the Balkans almost every day! For more information about traveling to Greece and the Balkans, bookmark our  Greece  and  Balkan  travel pages so you can find out what’s new before your trip.

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that it’s a good idea to have  travel insurance  for traveling in Greece, the Balkans, or anywhere in the world!

Allison and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. 

While Greece is safe, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel like theft or injury, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel,” and we think it’s true!

>>  Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here  <<

Pin this guide to the Best Places to Visit in Greece for Your Trip!

Places to Visit in Greece

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

Related posts

If you are going to copy someone else’s article, at least don’t copy the exact same title name as theirs!

Not sure what you can possibly be referring to. A few points:

1. Our title to the article is “50 Fabulous Places to Visit in Greece: Local Favorites & Hidden Gems” which as far as I can tell doesn’t exist anywhere else on the internet. Yes, none of these individual phrases are unique, but I also do not see anywhere on the internet that this exact title existed before we hit publish.

2. This article is a collaboration with over 20 other travel writers. There is no way that the article is a duplicate of your post. However, if you want to send me the link to your post to see if one section was copied by one writer, I’d be happy to remove that section.

3. If you mean that the idea of “places to visit in Greece” is a copy of your post, we have been publishing this exact kind of guide about every country we cover since we launched our website in 2018. The first in this series was 11 Stunning Places to Visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina which was published in November of 2018. Also, a keyword is not a post.

4. Again, if you actually want us to believe that parts of this post were plagiarized, give us the link to your post. Otherwise, we will not be discussing this further. There are many writers out there who take our keywords and copy our posts, but we don’t spend time whining about them on the internet anonymously.

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The 25 best Greek islands to visit in 2023

There’s a Greek island to suit every traveller — if you know where to look.

Greece’s numerous isles are best known for their idyllic beaches, toes-in-the-sand tavernas and laidback pace of life. But for those willing to explore a little further, cloud-circled clifftop villages, local markets stocked with mountain herbs and secret stretches of sand await. 

Walk this way

Crete’s gorges and mountains echo not just with tumbling rocks, but with myth, infusing every realm of Cretan life just as olive oil infuses every Cretan recipe. According to Greek mythology, it was on this island that Zeus was born in a mountain cave and that Theseus braved the Labyrinth to slay the Minotaur. And the fridge of every taverna is well-stocked with Mythos, Greece’s best-selling beer.

The hardy souls who once made Samaria Gorge their home are gone now, moved out to make way for Samaria National Park in 1962. The 10-mile hike through the gorge isn’t particularly dangerous or difficult, but nothing motorised can reach down here and the nearest helipad is several miles down the track — break a leg, and you’re carried out the old-fashioned way: on the back of a mule. 

Trees of cypress and maple shade the path as rock formations rear up on either side, the latter’s faces twisted and deeply ridged like carved flames. The air is heavy with the aroma of mountain herbs: wild thyme, oregano, Jerusalem sage. DANIEL STABLES

2. Kefalonia

Ionia's wine country

The rugged mountains and cream-coloured beaches of Kefalonia have been winning over travellers for decades, but as Greek wine’s international profile grows, the Ionian island’s wine country is providing another reason to visit. Kefalonia is renowned for its signature Robola grape, which is used to produce an excellent, crisp white wine. The grape’s heartland is the Omala Valley, on the western slopes of Kefalonia’s Mount Ainos .  

The vineyards of the Omala Valley benefit from a hillside position and limestone-enhanced soils that account for the grapes’ balanced acidity and rich flavour. At Orealios Gaea , a winemaking cooperative supporting around 300 growers, and at wineries including Vassilakis , you can sample the latest vintages of Robola, as well as other Greek varietals like Mavrodafni and Muscat. Sticking with the wine theme, travellers can spend the night at Gentilini Retreat (from £96, room only), set within a seaside winery. ALEXIS AVERBUCK

Island-hopping

For the perfect getaway from busy Athens, head to Spetses. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour cruise away, meaning it tends to avoid the bulk of the day-tripping crowds. Piney and beachy, it greets arrivals with a jigsaw waterfront of tile-roofed sea captains’ houses, palms and cypresses. The main square is carpeted in pebble mosaics and overlooked by a statue of a woman, dressed in traditional costume, with a pistol. This is Laskarina Bouboulina, a naval commander and heroine of the Greek War of Independence. Nearby, her family home now houses a small museum dedicated to her legacy.

Author John Fowles taught English on Spetses before writing The Magus , the novel forever linked to the island. Cinematic hits The Lost Daughter , with Olivia Colman, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery , with Daniel Craig, were filmed here, and a TV miniseries of The Magus is in the works. Spetses is largely car-free (taxis are permitted), so hire a bike to pedal the 17 miles around the island; don’t miss Zogeria beach, where The Lost Daughter was filmed. 

The best place to stay is the Poseidonion Grand Hotel (from £178, B&B), built in 1914 to lure wealthy Athenians to Spetses and the first Greek island hotel to offer bespoke spa treatments. DANA FACAROS

4. Santorini

Volcano touring

Honeymooners love the Cycladic island of Santorini, where sugar-white villages and bubble-domed churches teeter on blackened cliffs, offering spine-tingling views over the fathomless caldera, formed in around 1620 BC in one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the past 10,000 years. Frescoes from the Late Bronze Age town of Akrotiri that were buried in ash following the eruption are on display at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and are so charming you’ll wonder if Santorini really was Atlantis. To experience the volcano’s heat and sulphurous smell, sail across the caldera to Nea Kameni island, whose volcano last erupted in 1950.

There’s also the island of Thirasia, where villages delightfully evoke pre-tourism Santorini. The real action, however, is underwater: the submerged volcano Kolumbo, the most active in the Aegean, is rumbling again. The Santorini Paradise Cave Houses in Oia (from £135, B&B) has the frisson-giving views. DANA FACAROS

Sea kayaking

To the west of Santorini, Milos was formed by a volcanic eruption and its 80-mile coastline is scattered with geological wonders. You have to go by sea, ideally in a kayak , to see its highlights, among them the formations of volcanic ash as white and frothy as meringue, the red-and-yellow precipices, and an abandoned sulphur mine with a yellow beach. Also look out for the black basalt cliffs, the towering sea rocks shaped like dancing bears, and the pocket-sized ports with colourful boat garages hollowed out of the stone. Stay at White Rock Milos Suites near the kayak base in Adamas (from £102, B&B).  

For jaw-dropping inland views, hire a quad to tackle the road up Profitis Ilias, whose 2,450ft summit makes it the tallest mountain on the island. In the capital, Plaka, you’ll find the nation’s only catacombs and the Archaeological Museum of Milos, which houses a replica of the Louvre’s famed Venus de Milo sculpture. DANA FACAROS

Artist residency

Just two hours from Athens by boat, car-free Hydra has long been known as an island of artists, with galleries, studios and cultural festivals creating a spirited atmosphere. Gliding into Hydra’s harbour, tiers of stone houses glitter in the soft sunlight, rising up imposing rocky mountains. This car-free island in the Saronic Gulf attracts visitors with its lively port and sense of utter timelessness — there are no billboards or scooters here, and the influence of technology feels very far away.

A visit to Hydra is an immersion in the best of Greek life and art. Start your explorations by strolling beyond the cannons on the point to reach the DESTE Foundation , where an annual installation of art world stars fills a former slaughterhouse on the seafront. For a change of scene, take a walk along Hydra’s marble lanes and onto its rustic coastal trails, which lead to myriad craggy coves with deep cerulean waters. Settle down and enjoy the views over a coffee or cocktail at Hydronetta beach bar before strolling a mile down the northwest coast for a leisurely seafood taverna lunch at Marina in the beachside hamlet of Vlychos, or the Four Seasons — no relation to the large hotel chain — at Plakes Beach for sunbeds and iced cappuccinos.   

For somewhere to stay, try the new Keresbino hotel (doubles from £150, room only) deep in the heart of Hydra town. ALEXIS AVERBUCK

7. Kastellorizo

Cultural fusion

‘Airport’ is a grandiose term for the narrow strip of tarmac and shed that greet me on arrival on the island of Kastellorizo. Closer to the Turkish mainland than it is to Athens, it’s the country’s most far-flung island, where permanent residents number just 300 and the only action happens around the harbour, where wild turtles bob sedately between traditional fishing kaikia (boats).

Naturally, it’s there I’m headed. There’s just one taxi on the island and I jump in, bound for the pretty, pastel-hued coast. “Turkey,” says the heavily moustached driver, pointing to the mirage-like stretch of land visible across the sea when we arrive.

I’m here to meet yiadiades (Greek grandmothers) as part of my research for my next book, Yiayia , a collection of their recipes. The reason is simple: Kastellorizo is where Greek and Turkish customs and cultures collide, which means it’s home to some of Greece’s most interesting dishes. ANASTASIA MIARI

Beyond the nightlife

The beaches on Mykonos’s southwest coast are among the Med’s best for parties, but head east to find a different vibe among a rocky, filigreed coastline dotted with sandy coves.

Park your vehicle in the dirt lot and stride over the low dunes to find perfect little Fokos Bay , where deep, sheltered waters offer delightful swimming for all ages. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, head on over to the renowned taverna overlooking the sand for a lazy seafood lunch.

Stroll west around the headland to the next beach along — the gentle arc of Mersini beach, which is usually the least-crowded on Mykonos. Bring your own sun mat and even an umbrella as this beach is service-free: wild and raw, and perfectly matched to the nakedness of many of the sunbathers who make the pilgrimage out here. ALEXIS AVERBUCK

9. Karpathos

Traditional ways

Dropped into the inky Aegean between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos feels like it belongs to a different age. This pristine, far-flung spot in the Dodecanese is locally renowned for its white-sand beaches, hugged by pine trees up until the water’s edge. 

Nestled atop a cliff, you’ll find one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Olympos has held onto its traditional ways thanks to its remoteness. Here, local women still sport the colourful, traditional folk dress — embroidered waist coats, full skirts and leather boots — that’s long since been abandoned in the rest of the country. It’s a chance to experience a part of Greece as it once was, and worth the drive. ANASTASIA MIARI

10. Kythera

Kythera remains a nugget of Old Greece, isolated south of the Peloponnese, where family-run hotels dot the beaches, welcoming tavernas spill out onto the streets and old-timey kafeneions (coffeeshops) still echo to the click clack of games of backgammon. 

It’s a bucolic island of dramatic landscapes, sacred to Aphrodite, who was born here in sea foam. Stay in the Palaeopoli Villas (from £66, room only) near the fishing village of Avlemonas, and hire a car to explore the pretty castle-topped capital Chora, the waterfall at Milopotamos, the Venetian-era ghost town of Palaiochora and the Sunday farmers’ market in Potamos, where all the locals meet. DANA FACAROS

11. Elafonisos

Simple pleasures

Simos beach, where twin crescents of dunes form an hourglass in the turquoise sea, is irresistible. But you have to work to get there; Elafonisos is in the southeast Peloponnese, a short ferry hop from Pounta, which is a four-hour drive from Athens airport or just under three hours from Kalamata.

All the hotels are small, including the Elafonisos Resort (from £82, B&B). There are other gorgeous sandy beaches but only one ‘sight’, the world’s oldest submerged city, 5,000-year-old Pavlopetri, so bring your snorkel. Elafonisos is no longer a secret, but it’s not spoiled; Elafonisos Eco , the first environmental association on a Greek island, is dedicated to keeping it that way. DANA FACAROS

12. Agistri

Quick escape

This tiny, pristine teardrop of an island sits a mere 50 minutes from Athens. The high-speed ferry zips first to the island of Aegina and then 10 minutes further to the even more remote-feeling shores of Agistri.

The island is easily walkable, with a dense blanket of pine trees offering welcome shade. In July and August, Agistri’s pair of harbours, Skala and Megalochori, thrum with sunseekers who come for the island’s radiant waters. June and September are the ideal months to visit for fewer crowds and warm seas. Head for beaches such as Draghonera and Aponissos in the west, or closer to Skala there’s clothing-optional Chalikiada Beach, backed by cliffs. ALEXIS AVERBUCK

13. Skiathos

Design hotels

The queen of the Sporades Islands is a magnet for beach lovers. It’s also the ideal option for those looking for alternative accommodation, thanks to its blossoming design hotel scene. Built into the hillside, the Atrium Hotel (from £185, B&B) is top of the list — a rural haven created by a family of architects. Over by the powdery blonde strand of Koukounaries, at the western end of the island, Elivi Skiathos (from £275, B&B) is making a five-star splash with its flowing spaces and calming neutral-toned rooms. Or there’s the adults-only Aegean Suites (from £260, B&B), which has just 20 rooms opposite Megali Ammos beach. ISABELLA NOBLE

Family-friendly

Families are never bored on Rhodes, even during cooler spring and autumn breaks. Young imaginations are fascinated by the Old City, with its walls, moats and Palace of the Grand Masters built by the Knights of St John. A new cinema, the Throne of Helios , brings the island’s action-filled history and famous Colossus to life for little ones. 

Away from Rhodes Town, stroll through the Valley of the Butterflies , or Farma Rhodes where kids can feed ostriches. Near the waterpark in Faliraki, under-12s stay free at the Grecotel LuxMe Dama Dama (rooms for four from £247). DANA FACAROS

Island of immortals

Remote and savagely beautiful, Ikaria is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, places with inhabitants of remarkable longevity, with incredibly high percentages of centenarians. Ikaria, which is just 30 miles off the coast of Turkey, in the eastern Aegean, is one of them — alongside Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan), Nicoya (Costa Rica) and Loma Linda (California). More than 30% of Ikarians live into their nineties, generally free from chronic illness and dementia, and many hit 100. 

One possible reason for this is genes. But Ikarians also benefit from an outdoor lifestyle in tune with nature, a plant-based diet rich in wild herbs, vegetables, pulses, olive oil and natural wine, a lack of stress and tight-knit communities. Today’s centenarians have had tough, self-sufficient lives, working in the fields and tending vines and olive groves, often without roads, phones or convenience foods. In short, the opposite of what the western world perceives as progress. KERRY WALKER

Greece's craft heartland

In the Sporades island group north of Athens, Skyros is a vision of deep-blue bays bordered by pine trees, with a string of chic, laid-back, whitewashed villages. Famously the last home for the endangered Skyrian horse, a miniature Greek breed that roams in the mountains, the island is also unique for its thriving artisanal tradition, stretching back to the Byzantine era.

The island’s living artisanal scene can be experienced on a stroll through the tangled, white-walled streets of the capital, Skyros Town, which cascades down the hillside from a now-restored kastro (fortress) of Byzantine and Venetian origins. From ceramicists and embroiderers to watercolour painters and woodworkers, this is where most of the island’s artisans have their workshops and sell their pieces to people who pop in for a chat. ISABELLA NOBLE

Secret beaches

Dolphin-shaped Kos in the Dodecanese was the 5th-century BC birthplace of Hippocrates, the ‘Father of Medicine’. His followers founded the Asklepieion, the most important healing sanctuary in the ancient world, where relaxation was part of the cure. Today, the ‘cure’ visitors seek in Kos is on the sunbeds of smart beach resorts. When Kos Town seems too busy, head out west to Kefalos and the ‘dolphin’s tail’ for its secret beaches: sandy Agios Theologos, with an excellent taverna and gorgeous sunsets; picturesque and rocky Tripiti, or cliff-backed quiet Kata, at the end of half-a-mile of rough road. For a place to stay, try Kouros Palace in Mastichari (from £99, B&B). DANA FACAROS

Homer's Odyssey

Homer’s adjectives ‘narrow’, ‘rocky’, ‘unfit for riding horses’ describe Ithaca perfectly, but was this Ionian island the kingdom of Odysseus? Some scholars say no, but the locals disagree.

Stay in Hotel Familia in the capital Vathy (from £75, B&B) and seek out the sites where they believe the Odyssey took place. South of Vathy, there’s the field where Odysseus met his father Laertes, the Cave of the Nymphs where he hid his treasure, and the plateau of Marathias, where he stayed with Eumaeus. North of Vathy, Stavros has Mycenaean-era walls identified as Odysseus’s palace and an archaeological collection that includes a 2nd-century BC mask inscribed ‘Pray to Odysseus’. DANA FACAROS

Idyllic escape

Most visitors to Greece’s second-largest island are Greek, but even only a few of them have heard of the Lichadonisia. Lush and volcanic, these seven uninhabited islets off Evia’s northwest coast are nicknamed the ‘Seychelles of Greece’ for the thousands of blue-and-green shades in the shallow sea in which they sit. 

Boats to the islands depart from Kavos on Evia’s Lichada peninsula. While here, stop at the seafood tavernas in the fishing village of Agios Georgios Lichados, take a tour of the Vriniotis vineyards , or brave the dirt road to the often deserted Krokodil beach. Reward yourself with a soak at the Thermae Sylla in the spa town of Edipsos. The Ilia Mare , east of Edipsos, is a great base (from £66, B&B). DANA FACAROS

Coming into its own

A short ferry hop from its sister in the Cyclades, Santorini, Ios has been dogged for decades by its reputation as a hippy hangout and party island — the latter acquired in the ’80s, when backpackers flocked here to sleep on its sandy beaches and blast away the cobwebs in the bars along the bougainvillea-lined alleys of capital Chora.

In 2014, though, all that started to change when Greek stockbroker-turned-artist Angelos Michalopoulos and his wife, Vasso, bought a chunk of the island around the ancient Cycladic site of Skarkos and launched the Mediterranean’s largest private conservation project, to be left exactly as nature intended — only with 55,000 new trees.

Vowing to develop only 1% of their land, the couple built their flagship luxury resort, Calilo , comprising a dozen plush suites clad in monochrome mosaics and featuring lagoon-like pools, on a remote plot of land overlooking Papas Beach (suites from £422, B&B), and Pathos Sunset Lounge , a chill-out venue that hosts big-name DJs. Gone are the tacky souvenir shops in Chora’s windmill-studded port, and in are indie boutiques selling Greek designer wear, hyper-local tipples — innovative vintner Georgós Zanganas has just launched the island’s first modern winery — and chic new cocktail bars such as Click. HEIDI FULLER-LOVE

22. Alonissos

Underwater museum

Alonissos is a short hop from cosmopolitan Skiathos, but couldn’t be more different: rustic, sparsely populated, forested and tranquil. Queen of its own little uninhabited archipelago, it’s surrounded by the pristine seas of Europe’s largest marine reserve , home to the critically endangered monk seal, as well as Eleanora’s falcons, dolphins and whales. Visit aboard the Stella , from where you may just spot some of the resident wildlife between swims off islands. 

In 1985, Dimitris Mavrikis was fishing off nearby Peristera island when he spotted an ancient, 30-metre-long shipwreck that turned out to be loaded with 4,000 amphorae dating to around 425 BC. Soon the wreck was dubbed the Parthenon of Shipwrecks, and last year it became Greece’s first underwater museum . Divers can book an immersive experience; landlubbers can enjoy a virtual-reality tour at the information centre in Chora, the former hilltop capital. The village was devastated by an earthquake in 1965 but is now mostly restored and famous for its glorious sunsets.   

Most residents live near the port of Patitiri in the south of the island, where the Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel (from £109, B&B) is a great place to stay. DANA FACAROS

An island reborn

Floating between the heel of Italy and the western shores of mainland Greece, close to the border with Albania, the strategic position of Kerkyra (as locals know it) has lured in outsiders since antiquity. It’s this legacy of foreign rule that you can see reflected in every street of the island’s atmospheric Old Town. Its two forbidding forts and patchwork of sinuous alleys, crammed with terracotta-tiled townhouses, are testament to four centuries of Venetian occupation; the elegant arcades and pavement cafes of the Liston extend to a lawned cricket ground left by the British in the 19th century. ZOË MCINTYRE

Greek mojitos

Greeks call the big, north-Aegean island of Chios ‘Myrovolos’ (‘fragrant’) for its citrus groves and wild herbs, but above all for the gum mastic trees that grow only here. Even on this island, they only flourish on the hills of the south; evergreen, with trunks that writhe like dancers at a bacchanalia. In summer, the trees undergo the ‘needling’ that will make the trees weep ‘tears’ — the sweet resin that dries and hardens and has been prized since antiquity, used to treat stomach ailments, to make cosmetics, sweets and the liqueur in a Greek mojito, and as a varnish for paintings. 

Chios is made for touring. Don’t miss the Byzantine mosaics at 11th-century Nea Moni monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the ghost town of Anavatos, abandoned since a massacre of the townsfolk by the Ottomans in 1822 (Eugène Delacroix’s famous painting of this, now in the Louvre Museum, rallied international support for the Greek War of Independence). ‘Craggy Chios’, as Homer called it, defines the north of the island — here, aim for the village of Volissos, with its medieval castle, high above beautiful Agia Markella Beach.

The lively capital, Chios Town, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1881, still has its Byzantine castle walls, as well as several museums and four seafront windmills. Just to the north, Vrontados is popular over Greek Easter, when rival churches bombard each other with homemade fireworks. DANA FACAROS

For food lovers

The Cyclades’ largest island has been a celebrated food producer for centuries, thanks to its fertile soil and freshwater springs. The island’s sixth-century Temple of Demeter, built to honour the goddess of the harvest, is a symbol of this prowess. Surrounding it are mountain vineyards, village tavernas and markets.

All of which makes Naxos one of Greece’s most delicious destinations. In the whitewashed capital of Hora, crowned by a hilltop Venetian castle, visitors should try the popular restaurant Doukato , set in a former monastery, for island recipes such as kalogeras (beef, aubergine and cheese). For a more modern spin with small plates and views across the Cyclades, there’s Avaton 1739 , located on the roof of the castle. Escaping town, visitors can join a culinary tour with Vioma to meet local producers and chefs, or learn to make Naxian specialities on one of its cooking classes. Drive inland to sample the island’s signature liqueur, kitron, made from the leaves of the citron fruit, at Vallindras Distillery . ALEXIS AVERBUCK

Getting there & around

Crete, Corfu, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Skiathos have regular direct flights from the UK in summer. Airlines serving some or all of these islands include British Airways , EasyJet , Ryanair and TUI . All islands, with the exception of the few that lack airports (such as Agistri, Elafonisos, Hydra, Ios, and Spetses), are linked to Athens by regular flights on Aegean Airlines and its affiliate Olympic Airlines , as well as other Greek carriers such as Sky Airlines .

All islands have regular ferry services in high season (July and August) and some, such as Mykonos and Santorini, are ferry hubs with routes that serve many other islands. The boat networks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas have myriad routes and  operators, so consult openseas.gr or ferries.gr . Ferries from Athens leave from the port of Pireaus. The Cyclades has the largest ferry network and is the easiest region to island-hop in. Book via ferryhopper.com or individual ferry companies. 

Average flight time: 4h

The best time to visit is May to September; average temperatures in August are around 30C but it can get much hotter. In April and October, some businesses operate shorter hours or close completely. Some ferry services only run in summer.

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23 Best Places to Visit in Greece in 2024

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Home » 23 Best Places to Visit in Greece in 2024

Have you been wondering about the best places to visit in Greece for your holiday? I’ve got you covered!

Greece is an incredible country with stunningly beautiful islands, picturesque towns, and an abundance of breathtaking views.

But with more than 2,000 islands and 6,000 kilometers of coastline, it can be hard to decide where to go in Greece. That’s why we are sharing 23 destinations that have been hand-picked by travel bloggers who have been all over Greece and decided that you must see these destinations when visiting this amazing country.

From the monasteries on top of mountains to the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos, these are our picks for the absolute best locations in Greece that will leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip filled with ancient ruins and idyllic beaches, then keep reading to discover where to visit in Greece!

Best Places to Visit in Greece

Best Places to Visit in Greece

Below is a list of the best places to holiday in Greece including fun tours to add to your itinerary and recommendations of where to stay!

With so many best places to travel to in Greece, there is definitely a location for you!

1. Santorini

Santorini in September, Greece - man and woman selfie with Oia town on top of the rocky shore in the background

Santorini is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Greece and is ranked as the best Greece destinations, with its beautiful villages, stunning views, and ancient ruins.

The volcanic island offers a great opportunity for travelers to explore its archaeological sites and soak up the sun during its long and hot summer days.

The island is great to visit year-round, but Santorini in September offers travelers a quieter trip.

People can take part in various activities like scuba diving, horseback riding, hiking, visiting archaeological sites, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the place by relaxing on one of its many incredible beaches.

Santorini has countless beautiful hotels with private pools to really indulge and relax, you can find our list of the best hotels in Santorini to help make that important decision of where to stay!

Best Places to Visit in Greece

In Santorini, visitors can also sample some of the best local cuisine such as feta cheese and moussaka, or indulge in some shopping at their traditional markets.

Fun Tours to Add To Your Itinerary

  • Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers : Experience Santorini’s breathtaking coastline on a 5-hour catamaran cruise with snorkeling gear included. Choose from daytime or sunset options in small groups of 20 or less.
  • Half-Day Small-Group Eat and Walk Santorini Food Tour : Explore the charming seaside village of Firostefani, known for its delicious doughnuts, tempting street food, and mouthwatering pies. Enjoy the picturesque blue-domed church for a unique experience.
  • Horse Riding to Black Sandy Beach : Join a guided group ride from Caldera Beach to Eros Beach. Capture stunning shots against the cliffs, explore volcanic landscapes, and enjoy the black sands.

Best Time of Year to Visit Santorini

April to June and September to November is the ideal time to visit Santorini for its mild weather and lack of crowds, allowing visitors to explore the island’s stunning beaches and archaeological sites without waiting in long lines.

The mild temperatures mean that travelers can take advantage of outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and even wine tasting with a spectacular view.

Additionally, many hotels offer discounts during these months so travelers can find great deals on accommodation.

Where to Stay in Santorini

Alleys All-Suite Hotel & Spa is the perfect destination for travelers visiting Santorini. Stay in luxury and comfort with 5-star amenities to ensure a truly pampered stay.

Alleys All-suite hotel and spa

Enjoy the seasonal outdoor swimming pool or take a dip in the hotel’s hot tub. Each room features a terrace with stunning pool views, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee outdoors.

Conveniently located only 2.9 km away from Thermis Beach and 5 km from Santorini Port, you can easily enjoy all that the island has to offer!

Best Places to visit in Greece

Mykonos is a gorgeous, sun-drenched paradise in the Greek Islands. With its whitewashed villages, stunning clifftop views, and beautiful turquoise waters, it’s no wonder why Mykonos is one of the top tourist destinations in Greece.

Visitors can find plenty to do in Mykonos, from enjoying delicious Mediterranean cuisine and shopping at chic boutiques to exploring the island’s ancient history and basking in its vibrant nightlife.

If you are wondering when to visit Mykonos for a quiet trip you can check our blog post on Mykonos in September as well as the best places to visit if it’s your first time !

Best places to visit in Greece

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled cultural experience, Mykonos offers something for everyone!

  • Wine Tasting Tour in Mykonian Land : Discover the best of the islands at a local winery in Marathi, Mykonos. Explore olive groves, vineyards, and the wine press while uncovering the secrets of winemaking. Enjoy Mykonos appetizers, wine tasting, and traditional music.
  • Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat . Discover Delos and Rhenia islands on a Mykonos boat trip. Indulge in a BBQ lunch and opt for a tour of Delos ruins. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Rhenia Island for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Highlight Bus Tour to Naxos Island with Swim Stop at Apollonas : Enjoy a guided tour of Naxos Island on an air-conditioned bus. Explore charming villages, visit impressive monuments, and immerse yourself in the local culture with multiple stops throughout the day.

Best Time of Year to Visit Mykonos

The best time to plan your trip to Mykonos is between June and September. The weather during this time is a balmy Mediterranean mix with hot days, but a cooling breeze from the sea.

The water is warm enough for swimming, meaning you can take full advantage of one of Mykonos’ stunning beaches.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Asty Mykonos Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for travelers visiting Greece’s renowned island of Mykonos.

Asty Mykonos Hotel & Spa Booking.com

Located in Drafaki, just a short distance from Megali Ammos Beach, the hotel offers guests many amenities including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and fitness center, bar, and garden.

Some rooms even have balconies with stunning views of the sea!

Best places to visit in Greece

Crete is an amazing place to visit in Greece, offering a wealth of unique attractions and activities for visitors.

The island is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including its picturesque beaches, turquoise sea, and rolling hills.

Crete also has a rich cultural heritage that can be explored through its many villages, Byzantine monasteries, archaeological sites, and museums.

Visitors can enjoy exciting outdoor activities such as sailing, horseback riding, and cycling, there are so many places to visit while on a family holiday to Crete .

Best places to visit in Greece

Additionally, the delicious local cuisine is not to be missed!

With so much to do and see in Crete, it’s clear why it’s one of the most popular destination in Greece!

  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour in Crete : Explore Crete’s rich culture and history on an exclusive small-group 4×4 sightseeing tour. Discover hidden gems like the sunken village, the iconic Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau, and the legendary Cave of Zeus. Tailored for an engaging experience, our tour is limited to just eight travelers.
  • Cooking Class and Meal at the Cretan Vibes Farm : Experience authentic Cretan cuisine infused with island culture. Join a private cooking class led by a mother-daughter team on their farm, using organic produce and cherished family recipes.
  • Snorkeling and Boat Tour in Crete : Enjoy a family-friendly snorkeling adventure with two unique spots to explore. From open ocean to sheltered areas, both teeming with sea life. Snorkeling gear is provided, no need to bring your own.

Best Time of Year to Visit Crete

Crete is a great destination to visit throughout the year, however, the peak season falls in Summer (June – September). During this time, temperatures reach an average of 81.5°F and 85.1°F with hours of sunshine lasting around 9-12 hours daily.

Where to Stay in Crete

Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection is a paradise for travelers visiting Crete.

Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection Booking.com

Offering private access to a sandy beach in Agioi Apostoloi and being the first Greek resort to be an honoree for its interior and exterior design.

The hotel has 2 pools overlooking the azure waters and the surrounding islands.

All accommodation types at Domes Noruz Chania have extended outdoor living areas, with outdoor bathtubs and either a hot tub or plunge pool.

4. Zakynthos

Best places to Visit in Greece

Zakynthos, or Zante as it’s often called, is one of the most beautiful and unique islands in Greece.

Known for its stunning natural beauty, Zakynthos is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Mediterranean, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.

It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife and thriving restaurant scene. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on a beach, explore hidden coves, or experience the vibrant nightlife of Greece, there are always fun things to do in Zakynthos .

You can check out our blog post for the best boat tours in Zakynthos!

Best places to visit in Greece

  • One day small group tour to Navagio beach Blue Caves & top view : Experience shipwrecks, crystal-clear waters, sulfur-filled hot springs, blue caves, panoramic lookouts, and scenic Wedding Island on this thrilling beach crawl.
  • Zakynthos Marine Park with Turtles Spotting : This 3-hour excursion from Laganas beach provides the opportunity to spot Caretta Caretta turtles up close. Swim and relax on Marathonissi, a beautiful desert island.
  • Zante Water Village Admission Ticket & Transfers : Experience a thrilling family day at Zante Water Village, the largest water park in Zakinthos. Enjoy all-day access to exciting water slides like Free Fall Plus, Mat Racer, and Boomer Bowl, as well as swim areas, Jacuzzis, and a lazy river.

Best Time of Year to Visit Zakynthos

Zakynthos Town has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Zakynthos Town is between June and September when the weather is typically sunny and warm.

Where to Stay in Zakynthos

Zante Maris Suites is the perfect choice for travelers visiting Zakynthos! Located just a 13-minute walk from Tsilivi Beach, it offers a plethora of amenities to ensure that visitors have the best experience possible.

Zante Maris Suites Booking.com

All suites are fitted with air conditioning and some even boast sea views, access to a communal pool, or even a private pool.

Guests can also take advantage of the fitness room.

Best places to visit in Greece

Meteora is one of the most popular destinations in Greece for people looking to experience some of the country’s breathtaking views.

Its unique landscape, composed of huge sandstone pillars with monasteries perched atop them, is a sight not to be missed. Meteora is also home to many hiking trails, which offer impressive views and a great way to explore the area.

There are also plenty of charming villages and stunning monasteries in Meteora scattered throughout the site that can be explored.

For an unforgettable experience, take a sunrise or sunset tour and marvel at the magnificent rocks lit up by nature’s own light show.

Best places to visit in Greece

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, be sure to visit Meteora when traveling to Greece.

  • Meteora Panoramic Morning Small Group Tour with Local Guide : Discover ancient Greek religious traditions on a 4-hour UNESCO-listed visit to Meteora’s monasteries. These cliff-top communities offer panoramic views and insights into the country’s spiritual customs.
  • Breath-taking Meteora Sunset Tour : Experience the breathtaking beauty of Greece on a sunset tour of Meteora. Explore the ancient hermit caves, visit the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and marvel at stunning views from a rocky peak as the sun sets.

Best Time of Year to Visit Meteora

September to November offer the ideal timeframe to visit Meteora, as the crowds are less overwhelming.

Where to Stay in Meteora

Divani Meteora Hotel is the perfect destination for travelers looking to take a break from their fast-paced lives and enjoy all that Meteroa has to offer.

Divani Meteora Hotel Booking.com

Divani Meteora Hotel has stunning views of the Meteora rocks.

Take a dive in the outdoor pool or lounge around in the recreational area which includes an indoor pool (room temperature), sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and exercise room.

Best places to visit in Greece

Corfu is a truly special place to visit in Greece.

Its dramatic coastline, lush olive groves, and historic old town make it one of the most beautiful places in the country.

The crystal clear waters beckon visitors to explore its beaches and islands, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

Corfu also offers plenty of cultural attractions like the Achilleion Palace and Old Fortress to explore.

Best places to visit in Greece

Best of all, the local culture is warm and friendly and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure exploring ancient ruins, you can find some places to visit and things to do in Corfu from our blog post!

  • Full-Day Boat Tour of Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves from Corfu : Maximize your time in Corfu with an island-hopping tour to Paxos and Antipaxos. Experience coastal cliffs, beaches, and sea caves. Explore Antipaxos’ Voutoumi Beach and Gaios village at your own pace.

Best Time of Year to Visit Corfu

The ideal time to visit Corfu is in the Spring (April-May) and the Fall (September-November) for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Where to Stay in Corfu

Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa provides travelers with an amazing opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Corfu.

Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa Booking.com

With its seasonal outdoor swimming pool, sprawling garden, and fitness center, there’s something for everyone here!

Guests can also experience the local flavors of Greek, Mediterranean, and Seafood cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

But that’s not all, Kaiser Bridge Beach is only 2 km away from Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa, perfect for a day out exploring! Even closer is Aeolos Beach just 2.6 km away.

Best Places to Visit in Greece

Parga is an idyllic and picturesque Greek coastal town that offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Located in the northwestern part of Greece, Parga is a popular destination for sun-seeking tourists due to its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of beautiful beaches to relax on and explore as well, many with stunning views of the mountains in the background.

Sightseeing here is a must, as some of the most important archaeological sites are located nearby.

For those looking for more active pursuits, there are lots of water sports activities available, from diving to canoeing and jet skiing. In addition, visitors can take boat trips around the island or even explore neighboring islands by ferry.

Best places to visit in Greece

With its rich history, delicious food, and lively nightlife, Parga truly has something for everybody!

For first-time visitors you may find our blog post on the ultimate guide to Parga helpful!

  • Private Kayaking Experience in Parga : Adventure around Greece’s northwestern coastline on a sea kayaking excursion. Led by certified guides, learn proper kayaking techniques and explore caves and beaches as you paddle through the blue waters.
  • Acheron River, Necromanteion & Souli Tour : Experience an enchanting underworld adventure along Greece’s Acheron River. Hike Heroic mountains, explore historic mills, and savor traditional Souli cuisine on this memorable day trip.

Best Time of Year to Visit Parga

Parga, Greece is a great destination to visit all year round, but especially in the Spring and Autumn. During these times of year, visitors can expect mild temperatures, gentle breezes, and plenty of sunshine.

Where to Stay in Parga

Eterrano Seaside Retreat offers breathtaking views of the sparkling waters and ancient architecture of Parga.

Eterrano Seaside Retreat Booking.com

Set 1.9 km from Ai Giannakis Beach, Eterrano is the perfect getaway for couples looking to relax and soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean. Plus, each room has its own terrace, so you can take time away to enjoy a romantic dinner without leaving your private paradise.

And if you’re itching to explore more of this stunning city, Piso Krioneri Beach is just 2.3 km away while Castle of Parga is only 1.6 km distant!

8. Kefalonia

Best Places to Visit and Greece

Kefalonia is one of the Greek Ionian islands worth visiting for its stunning beauty and wealth of activities.

Located in the Ionian Sea, it offers many activities like boat tours to explore hidden coves, breathtaking hikes to secluded beaches, and even trips to visit ancient ruins.

Kefalonia is also known for its excellent local food, olive oil and wine production, and unique culture so it’s definitely worth a trip!

You may find our blog post on the best things to do in Kefalonia helpful to plan your trip.

Best Places to Visit in Greece

From lounging on the beach to exploring hidden caves, Kefalonia has something for everyone in the family.

  • Kefalonia Wine Tour : Experience a half-day Kefalonian winetasting tour in a comfy, air-conditioned minivan. Savor acclaimed local wines, learn about regional varietals & meet winemakers, all while relishing the island’s picturesque landscape.
  • Full Day Private Tour of Kefalonia : Explore the natural wonders of Kefalonia with ease on this private day trip. A knowledgeable local driver will take you to the island’s highlights, ensuring you have ample free time to swim, relax, and enjoy the beauty of this Greek paradise and its Greek history.
  • Food Tour Kefalonia : Indulge in authentic Kefalonian cuisine to uncover the region’s cultural and gastronomic heritage through tastings of traditional dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Explore hidden gems for an immersive culinary adventure.

Best Time of Year to Visit Kefalonia

The best time to visit is from June to August when you can expect clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine ideal for swimming and sightseeing.

During this period, the days are long and inviting, with temperatures ranging from 70F (in the cooler evenings) to 88F on hot summer days.

Where to Stay in Kefalonia

F Zeen is a luxurious oasis for adults that will make your stay in Kefalonia truly unforgettable.

F Zeen Booking.com

Located just 50 meters from the breathtaking Lourdas Beach and also has 3 swimming pools to enjoy during your stay. All units open up to a comfortable furnished balcony or patio overlooking the stunning Ionian Sea or lush gardens.

In addition, F Zeen features two on-site restaurants so you can easily find something delicious to eat without ever leaving the property. If you’re looking for more variety, there are restaurants and mini-markets within 100 meters of the hotel.

Egremni Beach Lefkada Greece, boat and people at the beach

Lefkada is nothing short of paradise. This Greek island has everything from beautiful beaches and stunning views to a vibrant culture and excellent seafood.

Some of the best things to do in Lefkada include exploring its numerous hiking trails, swimming in crystal clear waters, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing around the nearby islands.

For a more slow-paced day relax on one of its many beaches.

Due to its unique waterfront location, surrounded by the sea on three sides, this place is ideal for bars, cafes, and restaurants. The marina is a must-visit for tourists, with hundreds of boats moored.

Lefkada Town, Lefkada, Greece, mother and daughter in the shopping street

It’s also a popular nighttime spot, perfect for enjoying the local eateries and pubs.

There is so much to do in Lefkada it’s no wonder why Lefkada is one of the most popular destinations in Greece!

  • Forgotten Island Cruise : The cruise starts from Nydri and stops at Kastos, Kalamos, and Skorpios. It includes visits to beaches and small villages. A delightful buffet is provided onboard. The cruise lasts nine hours, with swimming stops for you to cool off.
  • Hidden Blue Cave Half-Day Kayak Trip : Explore the hidden Blue Cave on a half-day kayaking trip from Mikros Gialos. Enjoy refreshments, and snorkel over a seabed teeming with big red starfish.

Where to Stay in Lefkada

Crystal Waters is the perfect hotel in Lefkada.

Crystal Waters Hotel Lefkada Greece in September

With an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and sun loungers, Crystal Waters in Nikiana is the perfect spot.

The hotel boasts a modern restaurant and elegantly decorated suites with serene views. Each suite features a seating area and a contemporary bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Enjoy delightful Mediterranean dishes at the on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Contributed by Adventures of Alice

Sea View and Rock cliffs in Rhodes Greece

Rhodes was the first place I visited in Greece and it sparked my love for the country.

The island is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and has the perfect balance of beautiful beaches and ancient history, and there are so many fantastic  things to do in Rhodes . 

Known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Rhodes is often referred to as the “Island of the Knights” due to the medieval Rhodes Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Temple Ruins in Rhodes Greece

You can literally walk down ancient streets, see well-preserved fortifications, and climb to a stunning Acropolis overlooking one of the most gorgeous bays.

  • Day Trip to Symi : This is a great way to relax and see another gorgeous island in Greece.
  • Day Trip to 7 Springs : If you love nature and getting away from it all, this place is absolutely gorgeous. 
  • Day Trip to Lindos : A must-visit while in Rhodes. Lindos is everything you’d want from a Greek town, with cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, great restaurants, history, and pretty beaches.

Where to Stay in Rhodes

If you’re looking for somewhere cute to stay in Rhodes and love the idea of self-catering, I highly recommend the  Kathara Bay Apartments .

Kathara Bay Apartments in Rhodes Greece

Located in Faliraki, they are private but still within walking distance of the lively town. They also have their own private pool for some of the rooms which, let me tell you, is a bonus!

Contributed by Vicki Viaja

Athens Theatre Best European Cities

Anyone visiting Greece should make sure to visit the marvelous capital city as it is one of the best cities to visit in Greece.

Full of exciting history, fascinating culture, great food, welcoming locals, and picturesque streets, Athens is definitely a must-see for any visitor to Greece.

When you visit Athens there are many day trips that you can take from Athens and one you should do is visit the history-rich Acropolis. This place has a long history and is probably the most essential place in the city to this day.

You can see it from various corners perched high above the rooftops of the city – with that majestic atmosphere that the Acropolis has preserved all these years.

athens by Vicki Viaja

When you’re viewing the city’s historic sites, a walk through one or more of the surrounding neighborhoods should also be on your Athens itinerary .

A great example of this is the Plaka neighborhood, which is right near the Acropolis and offers some fascinating viewpoints.

Stroll through the narrow, flower-strewn alleys and soak up this unique Greek atmosphere. I especially liked walking around and viewing all those cats living here.

  • Food tour of Athens : Don’t miss the delicious food of the Greek capital. A guide will take you to the best places in the city. 
  • Tour of the Acropolis : Another fantastic option for a guided tour where you can learn more about the history.
  • Swimming tour by boat : Relax with music and wine and swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

Where to Stay in Athens

Niche Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in Athens, only 200 meters from Acropolis Museum and Akropolis Metro Station.

This popular hotel is also close to Syngrou/Fix Metro Station, the Temple of Olympion Zeus, and the Odeum of Herodes Atticus.

Niche Hotel Athens

The city center is just 1.2 km away. If views are important to you, be sure to check out the best rooftop pools in Athens .

Contributed by North Carolina Travel Guides

Paros Greece

Paros is a Greek island that’s part of the Cyclades island group and it’s one of the best places to visit in Greece.

What I liked most about the island is that it’s much quieter than the famous islands in Greece. Because of this, a visit to the island felt much more authentic.

One of the best things to do in Paros is to explore its nice villages, including Naousa and Marpissa. Naousa is a fishing village that has plenty of shops and restaurants, and Marpissa is a small peaceful village where one can find beautiful Cycladic architecture.

Paros Greece Streets through village

Another great thing to do is to go to Panagia Ekatontapiliani, which is a historic Byzantine church complex that you can find in Parikia.

One thing to do that you shouldn’t miss out on is having Greek food at the island’s incredible restaurants.

  • Paros Sea Kayak Trip : A guided tour during which the coastlines and beautiful waters of Paris are explored by sea kayak
  • 3-hour Marble Workshop in Paros : A unique workshop during which you carve your own Paros marble using both manual and electric tools.
  • 1-hour watercolor workshop in Parikia : A workshop during which local artists teach you to create your own watercolor painting inspired by Paros

Where to Stay in Paros

One of the best hotels in Paros is the Akrotiri Hotel .

Akrotiri Hotel in Paros Greece

If you stay here, you can enjoy gorgeous views of Parikia Bay. In addition to that, the hotel has a wonderful outdoor pool. You can have breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel and there’s also a poolside snack bar.

Contributed by Museum of Wonder

Milos by Museum of Wonder

Beautiful Milos is in many ways the Greece people picture before visiting. Quaint whitewashed villages, cerulean blue water, friendly locals, and amazing food.

And best of all – it’s still miraculously flying under the radar.

Where Milos truly shines and what sets it apart from the other Greek islands is its  beaches .

Milos has some of the best beaches in Greece and that is the reason why you should come. We are suckers for a good stretch of sand and clear blue water, and Milos delivered. 

Milos in Greece Boat Trip

But we cannot stay on the beach all the time (or can we?). Besides stunning beaches, Milos strikes the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxing. 

  • Yacht Cruise Around the Island : This is a MUST do when in Milos. Stop at many of the best beaches with the highlight of this trip being Kleftiko, a cove filled with liquid glass-like water, limestone formations, and caves. 
  • Archaeology & Culture tour of Milos : Visits the spot where the famous Venus de Milo statue was unearthed as well as the ancient theatre. You’ll also swing by the pretty village of Plaka and be wowed by the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko Beach.
  • Visit the winery near Pollonia : Here you’ll learn about traditional winemaking in Milos, followed by a wine tasting paired with local cheese. 

Where to Stay in Milos

The best place to stay in Milos is the village of Adamas. This is where the ferry docks, there are a few waterfront tavernas and it’s easy to explore the island from here. 

Milos Bay Suites

Milos Bay Suites  near Papikinou Beach is centrally located near all but remains quiet. It’s under a minute’s walk to the beach and or the restaurants.

Contributed by Pazook Travel Journal

Street amongst buildings in Naxos Greece

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands but still has significantly fewer tourists than other islands in the Aegean Sea, and it remains one of the most cost-efficient places to visit in Greece, too!

The island is most well known for its bustling port city (called the ‘Chora’). In addition to many places to each, you’ll also find an imposing Venitian castle overlooking the port, countless neoclassical buildings, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with gyro stands and coffee shops.

Naxos by Pazook Travel Journal

Naxos is also famous for the Apolla Temple ruins, the iconic Byzantine Footpath, and a few beautiful beaches that line the island’s east coast. You can even go beach hopping  if you have your own transportation!

  • Greek Mythology Sunset Tour :  This is a 2-hour walking tour that will take you through enchanting parts of Old Town Naxos and teach you all about ancient Greek mythology. 
  • Half-Day Cooking Class : This cooking class, hosted at a family tavern in Naxos, will teach you the secrets behind traditional Greek cuisine
  • Sailing Cruise with Lunch & Drinks : Explore tranquil swimming spots and sail around the stunning cost of Naxos (lunch and drinks are included on board!)
  • Naxos Highlights Bus Tour : This is the best tour for a full day of sightseeing around Naxos. The bus stops at 6 of the most notable destinations in Naxos. 

Where to Stay in Naxos

The most popular place to stay on the island is near  Chora , but smaller villages and beach towns, such as  Chalki  and  Agia Anna , provide a more remote stay in Naxos. 

Nissaki Beach Hotel Beach

Nissaki Beach Hotel is gorgeous, with world-class service and surprisingly great rates. The hotel sits on  Agios Georgios Beach , which is a great place to relax away from the crowds, but you’ll still be close enough to Chora to access lots of shopping and restaurants!

15. Monemvasia

Contributed by Around The World With Me

Monemvasia by Around the world with me

One of the most underrated destinations in Greece is the walled medieval village of Monemvasia.

Hidden away on a small island on the Peloponnese Peninsula about 4 hours from Athens, Monemvasia is a picturesque, car-free village that should be on any Greek road trip itinerary. 

The light brown stone masonry buildings of Monemvasia have been wonderfully restored, giving the town a historic charm. The city is small, making it easy to see in one day. 

The main activities in Monemvasia are walking the historic streets and hiking around the island.

Monemvasia in Greece

For an amazing view of the village from above, hike the stairs up to the Hagia Sophia Holy Orthodox Church at the top of the mountain.

Along the way, there will be some pretty epic views. My favorite viewpoint was from along the dirt trails on the rugged mountains. 

The streets of Monemvasia are full of little gift shops and cute cafes. Enjoy a fine glass of local wine as you sit on the terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea.

The old village was just so charming that I didn’t want to leave!

Monemvasia is easy to explore on your own, but should you wish to combine it with a long day trip from Athens or a multi-day trip around the Peloponnese, there are a few options: 

  • Day Trip from Athens : Explore the Peloponnese countryside with its olive groves, orchards, and stunning Aegean views. Discover the medieval fortress city of Monemvasia and the timeless Ancient Sparta.
  • 2 Day Overnight Trip from Athens : Take your time and explore at a relaxed pace over two days. The trip includes private transportation, with visits to the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia in Sparta, the Byzantine churches of Mystras, and the medieval castle town of Monemvasia.

Where to Stay in Monemvasia

There are a few hotels and numerous lovely guest houses in Monemvasia. My personal recommendation is to stay at Pablito House , a rustic holiday home with multiple rooms for rent.

Pablito House

The location is amazing and the views from the terrace can’t be beat. 

Contributed by LooknWalk Greece

Ios by Greece Logue

Part of the Cyclades and located close to Santorini, Ios is known as a party island. While this is true during the peak travel season, if you visit in late spring or early autumn, you’ll be delighted with a laid-back island atmosphere.

Whether you travel as a couple, with a group of friends, or solo, there’s plenty to do here. 

I chose Ios as a wedding anniversary destination and had a lot of fun. Since we enjoy being active, we particularly enjoyed exploring the Bronze Age Settlement of Skarkos.

Visiting the small Archaeological Museum of Ios added a lot more information and context, especially about the relationship between Ios and Santorini.

Another enjoyable outing was visiting the ruins of the Venetian Castle. The hike is not hard and the views from the top are exquisite!

Ios in Greece view from Mountain of town and sea

No trip as a couple is complete without experiencing lovely sunsets. The easiest spot to access is in the port, but the most magnificent view was from the Gaitis Museum, close to the Odysseas Elytis Theatre. 

We couldn’t help but explore a few beaches, too. We loved the  hike from Mylopotas Beach to Klima Beach , complete with a picnic!

Many beaches dot the island, so there’s no shortage of places to explore and soak up the sun. Or enjoy some water sports.

Tavernas abound and in just a few days we found our favorite in the port: The Octopus Tree! For some super fresh seafood, head to Drakos Taverna, close to Mylopotas Beach. 

  • Ios Island Trekking Tours : This tour is 100% tailored to your needs. Just tell the guide your interests and they’ll show the island no matter if you want to explore its history or food.
  • 3/5 Hour Private Chora E-Bike Tours : Not a fan of walking? Hop on the bike and you’ll explore Chora, visit the archaeological site of Skarkos, the tomb of Homer, and the port.
  • Private Orienteering Experience in Mylopotas : Step out of the box and try something new! Orienteering combines good physical condition with mental alertness. The participants have to find the points on the map in the shortest time possible.

Where to Stay in Ios

No matter your budget, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. We opted for the budget-friendly Galini Pension , located close to the port.

Galini Pension

17. Nafplio

Contributed by Can Travel Will Travel

Nafplio Greece

Nafplio is a charming coastal city in the region of Argolis in eastern Peloponnese. It’s known for its beautiful coastline, deep history, distinct architecture, and stunning scenery.

There are many  things to do in Nafplio . The highlight is climbing the steps up to Palamidi castle which towers over the city with a breathtaking 360 view of the city and coast.

nafplio greece by Can Travel Will Travel

What I particularly love about Nafplio is how it retains its traditional Greek character, exploring the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, is one of my favorite things to do. 

Although there are lots of things to do in Nafplio independently, I also recommend these tours:

  • Nafplio City Walking Tour : This guided tour enables you to fully experience the culture and history of Nafplio. It takes you through Nafplio’s streets and visits important historical sites and landmarks.
  • Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour : If you’re not keen on walking, another way of seeing Nafplio’s main sights is on the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus which operates in the summer.
  • Sea Kayak Nafplio – Medieval Castles Tour : This guided kayak tour takes you out on the beautiful Argolic Gulf, to enjoy views of the town’s three fortresses: Palamidi,  Akronafplia, and Bourtzi. You can also take swim and snorkel breaks.

Where to Stay in Nafplio

I love to stay at Kastello Hotel in Nafplio. Once an old mansion, Kastello has lovely comfortable and clean rooms, with wooden floors and are decorated with hand-picked furnishings.

Kastello Hotel

Some of the rooms even have a balcony with a great view of Palamidi Castle.

18. Epidaurus Theatre

Contributed by The Orange Backpack

Epidauros Theatre by The Orange Backpack

The  Theater of Epidaurus  stands as an unparalleled jewel among Greece’s ancient theaters. Constructed in the 4th century BC, this theater has miraculously retained its original form, making it a captivating window into the past.

The theater’s centerpiece is a 20-meter diameter circular stage surrounded by 55 semicircular rows of seats, accommodating up to 12,000 spectators. 

This theater was intimately tied to the veneration of Asklepios, the demi-god of medicine, and it served as the venue for music and theatrical festivals dedicated to him.

Even today, during the summer months, you can witness performances within the Theater of Epidaurus. It’s here that the remarkable acoustics of the theater truly shine.

Sound from the center of the stage effortlessly reaches every corner of the auditorium without any need for amplification. If you’re lucky, your guide might demonstrate this acoustic wonder during your visit.

Your ticket to the Theater of Epidaurus also grants access to the Epidaurus Museum and the ruins of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, both of which are worth exploring. Inside the museum, you’ll encounter an impressive collection of sculptures and decorations unearthed during excavations. 

Beyond the museum lies the Sanctuary of Asklepios, often overshadowed by the fame of the Theater of Epidaurus. However, it’s a hidden treasure worth discovering.

While you may need a dash of imagination to picture the ancient complex in its prime, informative boards provide valuable context, and aerial photographs, which you can also explore on Google Earth, reveal the intricate layouts of the old structures.

Where to Stay in Epidaurus Theatre

To immerse yourself in the rich history of Epidaurus, consider staying in Nafplio and embarking on a day trip to this remarkable site.

Aetoma Hotel

The Aetoma Hotel in Nafplio offers comfortable accommodations for your stay.

Contributed by Many Other Roads

Table and Chairs in Kos town cobbled streets

Are you planning a trip to Greece and wondering where to go? Look no further than the island of Kos!

Located in the Aegean Sea, Kos may not be as well-known as other popular Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos, but that’s part of its charm.

With the most amazing beaches, vineyards, tavernas, and more, you have the best of Greece without the crowds.

Kos Windmill by Many Other Roads

I particularly loved how easy it was to explore the Island, even if it was just for a day.

Kos has some amazing things to do. To avoid missing out, these are the top tours you should book in advance:

  • Sunset at Zia : Watching the sunset over the sea from this hillside village was my favorite thing to do when in Kos. However, it’s not easy to get there without driving and parking isn’t super easy. 
  • Nisyros The Volcano Island : This is one of the most popular tours to book when visiting Kos. Spend the day exploring the waters and nearby Volcano with all your transport included. 
  • 3 Islands Boat Tour : Take to the waters and explore the nearby Islands that can only be reached by boat. You even get a Greek lunch included!

Where to Stay in Kos

Whether you want a beachside property or something with mountain views, Kos Island is full of the most  amazing places to stay .

Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa

For the ultimate vacation, book to stay at the Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa . With multiple pools and a super relaxing spa, It is the perfect place to relax. 

Contributed by Offbeat Greece

Aegina Greece Marina and Mountain View

Part of the Argo-Saronic archipelago and a short ferry ride from Piraeus, Aegina is one of the best Greek islands to visit on a day trip from Athens.

Famous for its pistachios, Aegina also boasts impressive relics such as the Temple of Aphaia, the Tower of Markellos, and the solar clock on the Aegina Town church.

My big time favorite is the old Aegina town with its quiet streets and its lively fish market where you can taste fried barbounia, baby tuna, and lovely traditional dishes.

Aphaia Temple Side View in Aegina by Offbeat Greece

The best  things to do in Aegina  include visiting the Orthodox monastery of Saint Nektarios, is spending one day on the islet of Moni.

Spend time wandering the charming streets of Aegina Town, visiting the Temple of Aphaia, and hiking to the top of Mount Oros.  

  • Aegina Town Private Walking Tour : A local guide will show you the main landmarks in the old town such as the Kolona Archaeological Site, the Cathedral, and the waterfront.
  • Paliachora walking tour : Visit Paliachora, the Medieval Capital of Aegina with a local guide, on a private excursion with a flexible itinerary, away from the beaten tourist path. 
  • Aegina Ceramic Class : This is your unique opportunity to create an everyday object of ancient Greek inspiration to take home with you. This hands-on class includes a brief history of Mycenaean pottery.

Where to Stay in Aegina

LaLiBay Resort & Spa  is one of the best and newest hotels in Aegina for adults only!

Located between Marathonas and Perdika, this 5-star hotel features a heated outdoor pool, a private beach, and a wellness center.

LaLiBay Resort & Spa - Adults Only

The rooms boast a modern, minimalist look, beautiful and comfortable at the same time. The generous garden and the beach bar are perfect spots to find shade during the hottest hours of the day.

Everything in LaLiBay concurs to make you feel pampered and spoiled.

21. Kastoria 

Contributed by Wander-Lush

Emily Lush Kastoria Greece drone view of town

Once a bustling trade town famed for its furriers, Kastoria is a peaceful small city in northern Greece brimming with historical landmarks and charming architecture.

Its waterfront setting on Lake Orestiada, framed by limestone mountains, adds to its beauty.

Layers of Ottoman, Albanian, Jewish, and Greek influences can be found in Kastoria’s streets. The city has more than 70 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, many of them hidden down labyrinthine laneways on the promontory.

My personal favorite is the Holy Church of Saint Paraskevi of Dragota, which has vivid exterior frescoes and sweet wooden doors.

The Byzantine Museum of Kastoria is a must-see if you want to learn more about the churches, and their wealthy benefactors and architects. It houses an extensive collection of illuminated icons.

Kastoria Greece Cobblestone alleyway

If you’re interested in architecture and street photography, you will love Kastoria. I enjoyed many afternoons wandering the old Doltso and Apozari quarters hunting for historic mansion houses.

Tsiatsiapas Mansion is one of the largest and has been fully restored. It is now a museum, with the lavish interior paintings and woodwork the star attraction. It is absolutely worth the 3 Euro entrance fee.

The wild, green part of the peninsular beyond Katoria’s city limits is ringed with an 11-kilometer-long footpath, which takes around 2.5 hours to navigate by foot.

I decided to hire a bicycle from one of the local outfitters and cycle around at sunset, stopping at various viewpoints, caves, and monasteries along the way.

Fun Tours to Add To Your Itinerary 

  • Day Trip to Siatista & Kastoria : See the best of Kastoria and nearby Siatista village on a day trip from Thessaloniki.

Where to Stay in Kastoria

Venetula's Mansion Kastoria Greece

Venetula’s Mansion is a sweet bed and breakfast in the historic Doltso neighborhood. The traditional house offers well-appointed rooms and lake views from the garden.

Contributed by Travelwithme24x7

Best Day Trips from Athens, The Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece

The short road trip to Delphi & Meteora from Athens is worth doing as it passes through farmlands, rustic Greek villages, and mountains. There are many unique  things to do on Delphi And Meteora Tour From Athens . 

The distance to Delphi from Athens is 110 Miles, and you can cover it within 2 to 3 hours if you drive nonstop. 

There are many scenic stopovers between Athens and Delphi. You can stop at Pieras, the port city of Corinth, for a historical tour; many mountains overlook the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Mount Parnassus. 

Best Day Trips from Athens, The Amphiteatre at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece

Delphi is the site of the ancient oracle of Delphi, which was dedicated to Apollo. The temple was built in 6 BC by the Romans, who took over Greece after Alexander the Great died.

It is located at more than 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), so it’s a good idea to visit in any season with spectacular views.

As Delphi is near Athens, many guided full-day tours operate from Athens to the ancient historical sites of Delphi.

  • Delphi Archaeological Site Full-Day Guided Trip from Athens : Explore Delphi on a guided tour from Athens. Hear local myths, admire majestic monuments, visit nearby villages, and explore the Delphi Archeological Site.

Where to Stay in Delphi

Fedriades Delphi Hotel

Fedriades Delphi Hotel is conveniently located a short walk from the famous Archaeological Museum. With stunning views of the Corinthian Gulf and the valley of Pleistou, the Epikouros Restaurant offers a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

And for guests who are musically talented, you can even play on the piano in the hotel lobby!

23. Thessaloniki 

Contributed by Solo Passport

Thessaloniki in Greece Monument

Thessaloniki , the second largest city of Greece, boasts of many historical and ancient monuments. The city holds more than 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is rich in history and culture.

Every corner of the city has a story to tell and is beautifully decorated by ruins and old buildings. You will need at least 2 to 3 days to explore and cover the highlights of the city.

Arch of Galerius - Thessaloniki - Solopassport

There are many notable structures and buildings, including the White Tower, Archaeological Museum, Upper Town, Galerius Arch and Rotunda of Galerius.

I specifically loved walking under the historical Arch of Galerius which was built to commemorate the victory of the Romans over the Persians.

From Thessaloniki, you can take some of the popular tours:

  • One day trip to Ouranoupoli with Mount Athos Cruise : With dramatic landscapes and divine monasteries, this tour is perfect if you wish for a cultural immersion into the history of the area.
  • Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa Day Trip : With a chance to bathe in thermal baths, this tour is for people who love to soak in nature and outdoors.
  • Day Trip to Kerkini Lake : With a chance to see more than 300 species of birds, this is an ideal tour for bird watchers and photographers.

Where to Stay in Thessaloniki

The best place to stay in Thessaloniki is  Noa Hotel . Centrally located in the Ladadika District, this 4-star hotel is close to many attractions, including the busy Aristotelous Square.

Noa Hotel Greece

The hotel is right next to many restaurants and bars.

FAQs About About the Best Places in Greece to Visit

Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best destinations in Greece.

If you’re looking for a magical yet classic experience of Greece, then there’s no better place to go than Santorini, voted as one of the top destinations in Greece. The famous island is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful, white-washed buildings and stunning architecture perched atop high cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea.

The answer depends on your preferences and goals. For a relaxed holiday, spend at least two weeks in Greece. To explore more, stay for several weeks or even a month. Three days are enough to visit major city attractions like Athens or Thessaloniki. To fully experience Greece, spend at least a week soaking up everything the country offers.

The Acropolis of Athens, is Greece’s top tourist attraction and is a must see in Greece. It sits on an elevated rocky outcrop overlooking the city. With famous monuments like the Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechtheion, it offers historical significance and stunning views, making it a must-visit spot.

The best time to visit Greece is in the late spring and early autumn months, from April to June and September to October. This is when temperatures are milder than in the summer yet still warm and sunny enough for you to enjoy outdoor activities.

Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most beautiful spots in Greece and they both offer visitors a unique experience. Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, quaint villages, stunning cliffside views, and vibrant nightlife. Mykonos offers its own beauty with secluded beaches, charming towns, spectacular windmills, and plenty of entertainment.

Greece offers some of the most beautiful and iconic travel destinations in the world. The three top places to see in Greece should definitely include visiting the Acropolis of Athens, exploring the ancient ruins of Delphi, and relaxing on the gorgeous beaches of Santorini.

Greece boasts stunning sandy beaches, each island offering a unique coastal paradise. For the best island to visit in Greece, look no further than Mykonos. With crystal clear waters, white sands, and dramatic rocky coastlines, Mykonos is a beach lovers nirvana.

Final Thoughts on The Best Places To Go in Greece

From the Acropolis in Athens to walking along the cobblestone streets of Santorini, Greece is a country that offers travelers many beautiful sights and experiences.

There are so many popular places in Greece from Mykonos which has stunning beaches and its lively nightlife to Meteora which has breathtaking landscapes, to Corfu for its rich culture and history.

Whether you’re looking for an all-out party or a tranquil getaway, each one of these amazing destinations will certainly make your stay in Greece truly unforgettable.

So pack your bags, book your flight, and prepare to have the time of your life!

Best Places to Visit in Greece

Jolene Ejmont

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 25 Best Things to Do in Greece

25 Best Things to Do in Greece

The land of Greece is one infused with ancient mythology and if you like archeology, history, art, and philosophy then a trip to this fascinating country is not to be missed. Greece is made up of a series of idyllic islands that are surrounded by jet blue seas and covered in dainty white buildings, and you will also find crumbling ruins, engaging museums, and pretty coastal towns aplenty.

From throbbing cities like Athens to a slower pace of life in little villages by the sea, Greece is a mosaic of different experiences and landscapes, as well as one of the world’s largest open air museums.

Here are the best things to do in Greece :

1. Tour the Acropolis

Acropolis

Dominating the skyline of the capital city of Greece, Athens, is the Acropolis.

If you are in Greece then this is probably the number one attraction not to miss and the complex, made from glittering marble, used to be the site of the famous statue of Athena who was also the goddess of Athens.

Anyone remotely interested in ancient architecture can marvel at the Doric columns and the spectacular temples and the Acropolis is lined with pathways that let you walk around at your leisure and enjoy the highlight of this monument which is the stunning Parthenon.

Highly recommended tour : Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour with Entry Tickets

2. Climb Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is probably one of the most famous mountains in the world and if you are a fan of Greek mythology then this is not be missed off your itinerary.

If you want to climb the mountain then you will need to travel to Litochoro where you can trek part or all the way to the top depending on your ability and fitness levels.

Mount Olympus is known in Greek mythology as the spot where Zeus sat on his throne as well as the place where Hades ruled the Underworld, so as you climb you can imagine the legends that are interconnected with this mountain.

Book online : Mount Olympus: Easy Hiking Tour with Wine Tasting and Food

3. Uncover Lake Plastira

Lake Plastira

Lake Plastira is something unusual in Greece which is known for being blessed with a plethora of natural beauty.

What makes this lake different is that it is manmade although this doesn’t make it any less impressive.

The lake is surrounded by oak and chestnut trees and you can go canoeing or rafting here as well as horse riding or hiking along the trails around the lake.

Lake Plastira is located in the Larditsa region of Greece and offers an adventure filled afternoon.

4. Admire the architecture in Santorini

Santorini

Santorini is also known as the island of Thira and is the haven of honeymooners looking to get away from it all in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Santorini is known for its picture postcard good looks which see it covered in traditional Cycladic homes which gleam white under the hot Greek sun and contrast beautifully with the deep blue seas and churches.

Walking around the island gives you the chance to take in all the spectacular architecture here and because the landscape is formed by a volcanic crater you can expect some of the most spectacular views in all of Greece.

Check out this list of the best tours in Santorini

5. Visit the Delphi

Delphi

Delphi has the claim to fame of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the top attractions in Greece.

Delphi sits on the sides of Mount Parnassus and was a popular pilgrimage spot in the days of old for those who would come here to pay homage to Apollo, the ancient Greek god of healing, music, light, and prophecy.

Followers would come here to seek guidance from the Oracle at Delphi and nowadays you will find temples, an impressive stadium, a theater, and delightful ancient ruins.

Delphi is located around 180 kilometers away from the capital city of Athens, so this makes a good place to come if you want to get out of the city and explore a different area of Greece.

Suggested tour : Delphi Guided Walking Tour

6. Explore the Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge

Nestled on the stunning island of Crete is the Samaria Gorge which is a must-visit for any nature lovers to Greece.

The gorge spans 16 kilometers although parts of it are just 4 meters wide.

There are a range of treks available at the gorge although if you want to walk along the entire section then it can take anything up to seven hours.

Guided tour : Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trekking Excursion from Chania 

7. Discover the Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum

One of the most popular modern attractions in Athens is the Acropolis Museum which opened in 2009. You will know the building when you see it as it’s made of cutting edge glass and steel and houses some of the most famous artifacts in Greece.

Some of the signature pieces in the museum include the Moschophoros which is a statue of a man with a calf on his shoulders and the Parthenon marbles.

The museum is also known for its cafe which has a terrace that looks across to the breathtaking Acropolis.

Book online : Acropolis Museum Tour

8. Marvel at the Epidaurus Theater

Epidaurus Theater

In Epidaurus in the region of Argolis is the Epidaurus Theater, a ceremonial space that is dedicated to the famous god of medicine, Asclepius.

The Sanctuary of Asclepius is located next to the theater, and you can visit both at the same time.

The theater dates from the 4th century and you can sit in the stone tiers and imagine watching a performance here in the years of old.

9. Visit the monasteries of Meteora

Monasteries Of Meteora

Meteora is known for its monasteries that sit on top of towering rock formations.

The monks that live in the area are Eastern Orthodox and fled to Meteora as a result of the invasion of the Turkish army.

There are 6 monasteries in Meteora, although at one point there would have been over 20, and as a result this is one of the most spectacular religious sites in Greece.

Meteora is crowded with ancient boulders and monolithic pillars and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the rock formations offer one of the most haunting and beautiful landscapes in all of Europe.

Available tour: Meteora Full-Day Trip from Athens by Train

10. Go spelunking at Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave

Located near to Karavomilo is Melissani Cave which is a craggy cave known for its beauty.

The cave is almost 4 kilometers long and was formed when water eroded the soft rocks over the centuries.

Inside the cave is the equally famous Melissani Lake, an underground body of water that was discovered in 1951. In ancient times the cave was dedicated to the Nymph Melissani who gave the cave its name.

You can go down into the cave via a tunnel and then go out on the lake and glide across the turquoise waters on a boat.

Book online : Melissani Lake and Antisamos Beach Private Tour

11. Admire Hephaestus Temple

Hephaestus Temple

Located in the charming Thissio neighborhood of Athens is the Hephaestus Temple.

As with all temples in Greece, this one is dedicated to the gods, in this case Hephaestus who was the god of fire and Athena, the goddess of pottery and ancient crafts.

The temple dates from 450 BC and sits atop Agoreao Koronos Hill.

Designed by the same architect who worked on the Pantheon, Hephaestus Temple is known for its pretty columns and its Pentelic and Parian marble decorations.

You will also find friezes and sculptures dotting the building which is said to be one of the most historically important in all of Greece.

12. Marvel at the Corinth Canal

Corinth Canal

One of the most amazing feats of engineering in Greece is the Corinth Canal.

It took centuries to build and was started by Nero, the ancient Roman emperor, before finally being finished under the French as late as the 19th century.

The canal is sliced into a section of rock and spans 6 kilometers with sides that soar up to 90 meters.

The canal is still in working order and you can catch ships traveling if you happen to be here at the right time.

One of the other main attractions on the canal is the Zulu Bungy Jump which is certainly not for those who don’t have a head for heights but is also an amazing way to take in all the majesty of the canal.

13. Learn some history at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Archaeological Museum Of Thessaloniki

If you are in Thessaloniki then make sure not to miss a trip to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki which is owned by the Ministry of Culture.

The building it is housed in dates from 1962 and is a modern Greek treasure in itself and is a wonderful example of new architecture in Greece.

At the museum you will find artifacts from Macedonia, an ancient civilization of Greece (not to be confused with the country of the same name!) which are separated into seven sections that you can walk through and tell the story of this part of the country.

14. Get a head for heights at Mount Athos

Mount Athos

Sitting on the Chalcidice Peninsula is Mount Athos which has long been considered a place of great importance in Greek history.

The mount is the home of 20 monasteries that dot its scenic slopes and this is a central point of worship in Eastern Christian Orthodox faith.

The most amazing thing about the monasteries here is that they are still in full working order and this makes them the oldest monastic community in the world today.

One thing to note here is that, due to ancient laws that govern the area, only male visitors can enter the monastery areas.

15. Explore the Palace of Malia

Palace Of Malia

The Palace of Malia in Malia dates from 1900 BC although it has been rebuilt several times since then following a range of natural disasters like earthquakes.

There are a variety of exhibitions halls here as well as photographic galleries and scale models of how the complex would have looked in days gone by.

Look out for some of its signature pieces such as the Kernos Stone which is a disk with 24 holes in it.

16. Enjoy Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth is even more impressive as it sits in a village that highlights the difference between modern day surroundings and these ancient ruins which are a mix of Roman and Greek relics.

If you like your history then this used to be the home of Jason of the Argonauts (who stole the Golden Fleece). Some of the highlights here are the Temple of Apollo as well as the Peribolos of Apollo and an ancient theater.

There is also a museum where you can learn more about the history.

Much of the complex is Roman but one Greek addition is the Doric Temple of Apollo that dates from the 5th century.

17. Visit the ancient site of Phaestos

Phaestos

Phaestos sits around 60 kilometers from Iralkio and offers you stunning vistas over the Messara Plain and Mount Psiloritis.

Phaestos is a ruined palatial city and the palace here is similar to Knossos.

The big draw here is the fact that the city is still in a mostly ruined state which adds an other-worldly charm to it and you will also find some pretty frescoes here.

The whole site is one big history lesson and you can explore areas such as the theater, the main palace buildings, the storerooms, and even the crypt.

18. Enjoy the myths and legends at Ancient Mycenae

Ancient Mycenae

Mycenae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was made famous in Homer’s the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Homer claimed that Mycenae was built by Perseus who was the son of Zeus and Danae and it belonged to the Royal House of Atreus.

Whatever the real story, we know that Mycenae was founded in the 6th century BC and some of the highlights here include the mighty Lion Gate and the royal cemetery.

You will also find the Agamemnon Palace and the Great Court as well as smaller houses that contained famous artifacts like the Warrior Vase.

19. Learn some history at the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust

Museum Of The Kalavryta Holocaust

If you are in Kalavryta then make sure to visit this museum which is also the only holocaust museum in Greece.

The museum is designed to honor the residents of this city who were attacked and killed by the Nazis during the Second World War.

The museum sits inside a former schoolhouse which is where many residents lost their lives and you will find galleries here that include personal possessions of the victims as well as photographs of Kalavryta through the ages.

20. Relax on Balos Beach

Balos Beach

Located on the scenic Gramvousa Peninsula on the island of Crete is the legendary Balos Beach which makes one of the best places to relax and enjoy the surf in Greece.

The beach is made up of delightful lagoons that open up onto azure waters and it is so clear here that you will be able to see a plethora of underwater life in the form of fish and shellfish.

You can rent sun beds and parasols and this is one o the prettiest spots on Crete to spend some time sunbathing or swimming.

21. Enjoy the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

Museum Of The Olive And Greek Olive Oil

Located in Othonos Amalias in Patras is the delightful Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil which can come as a refreshing change if you have been visiting ruins, temples, and historical museums throughout your time in Greece.

The museum tells the story of the humble olive and how it became one of the most important ingredients in Greek life.

You can visit galleries that will explain how olive oil was used for fuel and in perfume, and there are a variety of ancient oil presses that are still in working order.

22. Visit the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum

Vergina Royal Tombs Museum

The Vergina Royal Tombs Museum in Macedonia is not to be missed if you are in the area as you can visit the tumulus here, which are the ancient burial mounds, and go down into the royal tombs located underground.

The highlight here is the tomb of Phillip II which dates from 336 BC and you will also be able to see the items that he was buried with in preparation for the afterlife including a shield made of gold and ivory, a suit of armor, and silver chalices.

23. Hike the Corfu Trail

Corfu Trail

The stunning island of Corfu is home to the Corfu Trail where you can go hiking, although don’t imagine a leisurely afternoon stroll.

If you want to walk all 220 kilometers of the trail then it will take 8 to 10 days to walk along it and you will pass all kinds of landscapes along the way.

Much of the trail is made up of dirt tracks and you will weave past turquoise lagoons and rise to scenic summits.

24. Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum Of Contemporary Art

Greece is often thought of as a place of antiquity, but if you want to explore its modern side then head to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Hora.

Here you will find some amazing galleries that showcase a whole range of world-renowned contemporary artists and there are also exhibits that are dedicated solely to Greek painters, sculptors, and photographers.

25. Sunbathe in style at Psarou Beach

Psarou Beach

Psarou Beach in Mykonos is one of the most famous in Greece and is known for its signature blue sun loungers.

There is always a strong party atmosphere here and the beach is covered with bars and restaurants so you can order food and drinks and dance the night away.

This is not one of the cheapest places to visit in Greece however and you will be able to get a sense of the kind of clientele from the amazing super yachts that sit just off shore.

25 Best Things to Do in Greece:

  • Tour the Acropolis
  • Climb Mount Olympus
  • Uncover Lake Plastira
  • Admire the architecture in Santorini
  • Visit the Delphi
  • Explore the Samaria Gorge
  • Discover the Acropolis Museum
  • Marvel at the Epidaurus Theater
  • Visit the monasteries of Meteora
  • Go spelunking at Melissani Cave
  • Admire Hephaestus Temple
  • Marvel at the Corinth Canal
  • Learn some history at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
  • Get a head for heights at Mount Athos
  • Explore the Palace of Malia
  • Enjoy Ancient Corinth
  • Visit the ancient site of Phaestos
  • Enjoy the myths and legends at Ancient Mycenae
  • Learn some history at the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust
  • Relax on Balos Beach
  • Enjoy the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil
  • Visit the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum
  • Hike the Corfu Trail
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Sunbathe in style at Psarou Beach

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Athens Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Julie Last updated: February 15, 2024 Greece 21 Comments

Athens Greece Travel Guide

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is filled with archaeological treasures. The Acropolis and Parthenon are the big draw for first-time visitors, but the city is littered with ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Visiting Athens is like taking a step back in time, a wonderful history lesson that is great for all ages. Whether you have one, two, or more days in this city, here are the best things to do in Athens.

Table of Contents

Interesting Facts About Athens

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities with a history spanning 3,400 years.

Athens is referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The first known democracy was established in Athens in the 6th century BC under the guidance of Cleisthenes, an Athenian leader.

Plato is a famous Athenian philosopher who is credited with starting the first institution for higher education in the western world. Plato was also the teacher of Aristotle, who is known as the “Father of Western Philosophy.”

The goddess Athena is the patron of Athens. Athena and Poseidon competed for patronage of Athens. During their battle, Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and a salt water spring welled up. Athena hit the ground with a rock and an olive tree grew in this spot. Both of these sites are honored with temples built on the Acropolis.

Despite the vast number of ancient archeological sites in Athens, only two of these are UNSECO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis and the Daphni Monastery.

Athens is considered to be the hottest city in Europe. The average high temperature during the summer months is 34°C (94°F). Athens also has the highest recorded temperature in Europe at 48°C (118°F) in July 1977. So, if you plan to visit Athens in June, July, or August, be prepared for hot, dry weather.

Best Things to Do in Athens

I do my best to keep the hours of operation and pricing up to date for each attraction, however, these can change at any time. I recommend getting updated hours and pricing for your dates of travel. The link to the official website is provided for each site.

1. The Acropolis

Rising up from the center of Athens is the Acropolis, a fortified limestone plateau that is topped with the Parthenon and several other historical monuments. This is ancient, iconic Greece, the place where philosophers questioned the universe, democracy and freedom of speech were born, and temples were built to honor the gods.

The term “acropolis” refers to the fortified hill. Sitting on and around this hill are several very important sites. The Parthenon is the most famous, but there is also the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theater of Dionysus.

Parthenon

Parthenon | Best Things to Do in Athens

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Odeon of Herodes Atticus | Best Things to Do in Athens

Erechtheion

Erechtheion | Best Things to Do in Athens

Acropolis Slopes

Overlooking the Theater of Dionysus and the Acropolis Museum from the Acropolis.

The Acropolis is the most popular place to visit in Athens, so expect big crowds, especially midday. The best time to visit the Acropolis is at opening time and the last two hours before closing. In order to skip the ticket lines, purchase your tickets online in advance or buy a combination ticket at one of the less popular sites and then visit to the Acropolis.

Acropolis Ticket Cost: €20 April 1 to October 31; €10 November 1 to March 31

Combination tickets include a visit to the Acropolis as well as six other historical sites: the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Keramiekos, and the Aristotle’s School. The cost is €30 and well worth it if you plan to visit the Acropolis and at least two of the other sites. 

Time Slot Reservation: As of September 2023, it is now mandatory to make a time slot reservation to visit the Acropolis, which can be done on the official website.

Tours of the Acropolis:   If you want to visit the Acropolis with a guide, this small group tour offers skip-the-line access to the Acropolis. You can upgrade the tour to a private tour add on a food tour in the Old Town after your visit to the Acropolis.

For a detailed article on how to visit the Acropolis, skip the lines, and avoid the crowds, read our article How to Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon.

2. The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is an archeological museum that houses the artifacts found on the Acropolis and the surrounding slopes.

Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum | Best Things to Do in Athens

This museum is located near the Acropolis. Lines can be long so it is best to purchase your tickets online in advance (tickets for the Acropolis Museum are sold separately from the Acropolis).

Cost: €15 April 1 to October 31; €10 November 1 to March 31 Hours: The Acropolis Museum is open daily. Hours vary by season. From April 1 to October 31, the museum opens at 9 am and closes between 5 pm and 10 pm, depending on the day of the week. Website: For updated hours, pricing, and holidays, and to purchase your tickets in advance, visit the official website.

3. Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus

The Ancient Agora is an archaeological site located near the Acropolis. For 5,000 years, this area was used as a marketplace, gathering place, and residential area. The ground of this large site is littered with the ruins of buildings and walkways. However, there are two important places to visit (the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos). 

Ancient Agora

The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved Greek temples. It was constructed in the 5th century BC to honor the god Hephaestus, the patron god of fire, metal working, and craftsmanship.

Temple of Hephaestus

Temple of Hephaestus | Best Things to Do in Athens

Ancient Agora and Acropolis

The view of the Ancient Agora and Acropolis from the Temple of Hephaestus.

The Stoa of Attalos is a building that was reconstructed in the 1950’s and houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.

Cost: €10 summer months, €5 winter months, included on the combination ticket with the Acropolis (€30) Hours: Hours vary by season; get updated hours here

4. Roman Agora

Located just a short distance away from the Ancient Agora is the Roman Agora. This market and collection of buildings was built in the first century BC during the rule of Julius and Augustus Caesar. The main entrance is through the Gate of Athena. The Tower of the Winds is considered to be the world’s first meteorological center, featuring a sundial, water clock, and wind vane.

Roman Agora

Cost: €8 summer months, €4 winter months, included on the combination ticket with the Acropolis (€30) Hours: Hours vary by season; get updated hours here

5. Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library was constructed in 132 AD under the rule of Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was built to house rolls of papyrus books.

Hadrians Library

Hadrian’s Library | Best Things to Do in Athens

Cost: €6, included on the combination ticket with the Acropolis (€30) Hours: Hours vary by season; get updated hours here

6. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Construction on the temple of Olympian Zeus began in the 6th century BC. It was built to honor Zeus and was planned to be the greatest temple in the ancient world. When finished, it was one of the largest ever of the ancient temples, with 104 unusually tall columns, each 17.25 meters tall. Not long after its completion in the 2nd century AD, it was pillaged by a barbarian invasion. Even though only fifteen of the original columns still stand, it is easy to recognize its grandeur. 

Temple of Olympian Zeus

7. Kerameikos

Kerameikos is an area of Athens that served as potter’s quarters and an ancient cemetery. A visit here is quick and you can walk among the excavations.

Kerameikos Athens

Kerameikos | Best Things to Do in Athens

Kerameikos | Best things to do in Athens

Cost: €8, included on the combination ticket with the Acropolis (€30) Hours: Hours vary by season; get updated hours here

PRO TRAVEL TIP: For €30, you can purchase a combination ticket that gets you admission to the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Aristotle’s Lyceum. If you plan to visit the Acropolis and two additional sites, the ticket pays for itself. But the real bonus is that the combination ticket allows you to skip the ticket line at each of these sites (except at your first site, where you purchase the ticket).   Consider visiting one of these archaeological sites first, purchase the combination ticket, and then use this to bypass the ticket line at the Acropolis. Kerameikos was the least crowded site during our visit so this is great place to visit first to purchase your combination ticket.

8. National Archaeological Museum

This museum is the largest archeological museum in Greece and houses one of the greatest collections of artifacts of Greek antiquity.

Archaeological Museum

Getting Here: Closest metro stations are Omonia and Victoria stations. We took the metro to Omonia station and then it was a 10-minute walk to the museum.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you have plans to visit the Greek islands and you used Ferry Hopper to book your tickets, you can visit the Ferry Hopper office while walking from Omonia station to the museum. Picking up your tickets from the office in Athens is much faster than waiting in line at the port to pick them up.

Cost: €12 April 1 to October 31; €6 November 1 to March 31 Hours: April 1 to October 31: Tuesday 1:00 pm to 8 pm; Wednesday through Monday 8 am to 8 pm; reduced hours November 1 to March 31 Website: get updated hours and pricing on the official website Skip-the-line Ticket: You can purchase a skip-the-line ticket here.

9. Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum houses Greek works of art from prehistory to modern time, as well as an extensive collection of Asian art. The Benaki family donated their house and their enormous collection of art and artifacts to Greece.

Visit the official website for hours and entrance fees.

Plaka is a neighborhood in Athens that stretches from the Acropolis to Syntagma Square. This is one of the best spots in Athens to go shopping. Ermou Street is a pedestrian street lined with popular stores like H&M, Sephora and Mango. The older and more interesting streets are located closer to the Acropolis. The Anafiotika area is a charming, older section of Plaka with narrow, photogenic streets and shops.

Plaka | Best things to do in Athens

Plaka | Best Things to Do in Athens

11. Church of Panagia Kapnikarea

Located on Ermou Street in Plaka, this is one of the oldest churches in Athens. This Greek Orthodox church was built in the 11th century. It looks out of place, sitting among modern buildings and popular chain stores, as the city of Athens has grown up around it.

Church of Panagia Kapnikarea

Church of Panagia Kapnikarea | Best Things to Do in Athens

12. Monastiraki Square

This is a bustling, busy spot in Athens. It’s located in the heart of Athens, near Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora, and just a short walk from the Acropolis.

Monastiraki Square | Best things to do in Athens

In this square is a Greek Orthodox church, a mosque, a metro station, the pillars of Hadrian’s Library, and a jumble of shops. On Sundays, a flea market dominates the square.

13. Take in the View from a Rooftop Bar

Numerous hotels offer rooftop restaurants, bars, and even swimming pools, which offer stunning views of the Acropolis.

Our favorite rooftop restaurant was A for Athens . From here, look out over busy Monastiraki Square, the Ancient Agora, and of course, the Acropolis.

Best View of Athens | Best things to do in Athens

View from A for Athens rooftop bar | Best Things to Do in Athens

From the rooftop restaurant at the Athens Gate Hotel , you get 360° views over Athens. Not only do you get a gorgeous view of the Acropolis but you can also look out over the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Mount Lycabettus.

Athens Gate Restaurant

Athens Gate Hotel | Best Things to Do in Athens

Finally, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has a rooftop restaurant with views over Syntagma Square and the Acropolis.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

There are also numerous hotels that offer rooms and rooftop bars with amazing views of the Acropolis. Read our post about where to stay in Athens to learn more.

14. Areopagus Hill

Areopagus Hill, also known as Mars Hill, is a spot to get one of the most iconic views of the Acropolis.

Areopagus Hill View

Areopagus Hill View | Best Things to Do in Athens

But this is more than a nice place to snap a photo. There is a lot of history and legend here. According to Greek mythology, this hill got its name from Ares, the god of war, who was tried here by the gods for the murder of Poseidon’s son Alirrothios. In ancient times, this was a meeting place where philosophy and law were discussed. It is also the location where the Apostle Paul gave one of his most important speeches.

Areopagus Hill is located very close to the main entrance into the Acropolis, so go here before or after you tour the Acropolis.

Greece Travel Guide

15. Philopappos Hill

Located just southwest of the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill (also spelled Filopappou Hill) is a hilly park laced with walking trails. The most popular viewpoint is located at the Monument of Philopappos, but you can also follow the other trails for a slightly different perspective of the Acropolis.

Acropolis Athens | Best things to do in Athens

16. Mount Lycabettus

For a sprawling view of Athens and the Acropolis, walk or take the Lycabettus Cable Car to the peak of Mount Lycabettus. From here, you get to see just how big this city is, with the Acropolis proudly rising up in the center from the low, white buildings. In the sunlight, this city literally sparkles.

Athens Greece | Best things to do in Athens

View from Mount Lycabettus | Best Things to Do in Athens

Getting Here: Unless you take a taxi right to the Lycabettus Cable Car station, expect to do some walking, and a lot of that will be uphill. The closest metro stops are Panepistimio and Evangelismos. From here, it will be an uphill walk to the cable car station. Or, you can choose to walk all of the way to the top on a paved trail that switchbacks its way up the hill. It’s about a 15-minute walk up this paved trail to the summit.

17. Visit Psyrri

Psyrri (aka Psyri, Psiri, Psirri) is a funky, trendy little neighborhood not far from Monastiraki. We liked this neighborhood so much that we visited it twice. Filled with great restaurants, unique bars, a vibrant nightlife, and small boutique shops, this is a very cool spot to go out for dinner and drinks.

Psyrri Athens

Psyrri | Best Things to Do in Athens

Psyrri Athens | Best things to do in Athens

Grab a coffee or spoon sweets at Kalimeres . Go wine tasting at the Cinque Wine & Deli Bar . Have dinner at Lithos Tavern , a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Greek and Mediterranean food.

This is a cool spot in Athens and a great place to take a break from temples, ruins, and museums.

If you only have a half day in Athens and want to see the highlights, this private tour includes a visit to the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Plaka, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

18. Varvakeios Central Market

The Varvakeios Market is another great spot to take a break from museums and ancient historical sites. There are different sections to the market and we ended up wandering down a long hallway filled with meat vendors and their products.

Athens Market | Best things to do in Athens

Varvakeios Market | Best Things to do in Athens

However, there is more than beef and lamb for sale at the market. There are also sections where you can buy fruit, vegetables, spices, seafood, and more.

The market is closed on Sunday.

19. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Located in Syntagma Square near the Hellenic Parliament Building, this is a war memorial that is dedicated to the Greek soldiers who died in war. The tomb is guarded by an Evzone soldier dressed in traditional uniform.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Athens | Best things to do in Athens

Every hour there is a changing of the guard. However, the most elaborate display takes place at 11 am on Sunday when a group of soldiers march to the tomb.

20. Panathenaic Stadium

This is a historic stadium and a lot of big events have occurred here. First of all, it dates back to 330 BC. In 144 AD, it was reconstructed in marble by Herodes Atticus. In 1896, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics. Then, in 2004, it was used as an Olympic venue. It is the site of the finish line for the Athens Classic Marathon.

Tyler Kara Tim Athens | Best things to do in Athens

Panathenaic Stadium | Best Things to Do in Athens

Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.

Best Things to do in Athens on a Map

How to Use This Map:   Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (points of interest and the walking route). You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest.   If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.   Learn more about the walking route and how to plan your trip to Athens in our article 2 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit.

Getting Around Athens

To get between Athens and the airport, you can take a bus, the metro, or a taxi. You can also book a private transfer in advance.

Almost everything on this list is within walking distance of the Acropolis. If you stay in the city center and don’t mind a lot of walking, you can see almost everything in Athens without using the bus, metro, or taxis.

If you want to limit your walking, you can use the fast, easy to use metro to hop around Athens. There are conveniently placed stations around the Acropolis at Syntagma Square (Syntagma Station), near the Acropolis Museum (Acropoli Station), at Monastiraki Square (Monastiraki Station), and near the Ancient Agora (Thissio Station). We took the metro to Omonia Station to visit the National Archaeological Museum (but you can also use Victoria Station).

Before our trip to Athens, I installed the Athens Sbwy app onto my phone. This is a free but very basic map of the metro system in Athens. It comes in handy if you plan to use the metro a lot, especially if you also plan to take the metro to the airport or Piraeus port.

You can purchase individual metro tickets for each journey (a good idea if you only plan to use the metro once or twice). You can also purchase a paper ticket that is good for five journeys on the metro. If you plan to stay 3 days or longer in Athens, consider purchasing the 3-day tourist ticket. Click here for an article that explains all of your options.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Athens?

We spent two full days in Athens and it was the perfect amount of time for us. It was a very busy two days but we visited everything in this article with the exception of the Benaki Museum.

One full day gives you enough time to visit the Acropolis and several more places. If you only have one day, I also recommend visiting the Acropolis Museum, several of the sites on the combination ticket (the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, etc), explore Plaka, and have dinner or a drink at a rooftop restaurant.

With two days you have enough time to visit everything on this list. You can even get to the Benaki Museum, we skipped it simply because we were on museum/historical site overload. Learn how to plan your itinerary in our 2 Days in Athen Itinerary.

Three days lets you visit Athens at a more leisurely pace, visit more museums, take a day trip, and go shopping.

Where to Eat in Athens

Smak. This was our favorite restaurant in Athens. Smak is a “street food” restaurant that serves pizza and peinirli (a boat-shaped Greek pizza). The food is fresh, delicious, and cheap. You can get dinner here for less than €5 per person. It’s located just off of Ermou Street in Plaka.

Smak

Feyrouz. This is another great, cheap eat in Athens. Dine on traditional Lebanese food and don’t miss the soups that you drink right out of a cup.

Lebanese food

A for Athens. Not only is the view over Athens incredible, but the food is great and so are the drinks.

Lithos Tavern. Located in the Psyrri neighborhood, this Greek tavern gets rave reviews.

Indian Haveli. The spot to go for Indian food. On Trip Advisor, it’s one of the highest rated restaurants in Athens.

Athens Gate Hotel. This hotel has a rooftop restaurant with one of the best views of the Acropolis. We ate dinner here and honestly, we thought the food was mediocre, especially for the price. However, dessert was amazing. I think this would be a great spot for drinks and sunset views of the Acropolis.

Where to Stay in Athens

Want a hotel room with a view of the Acropolis? How about a hotel that has a rooftop pool with amazing views over Athens? Whether you want to splurge on a luxury hotel or stay in hostel with glowing reviews, get recommendations in our article Where to Stay in Athens: Best Hotels for Your Budget.

A Few More Ideas for Things to Do in Athens

If you have any questions about the best things to do in Athens, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Greece

THE ACROPOLIS: Learn how to plan your visit and skip the lines in our Guide to the Acropolis. We also have an article about 9 great spots to get the Best Views of the Acropolis.

ATHENS: Plan your visit to Athens with our 2 Days in Athens Itinerary.

GREECE ITINERARY: Learn how to visit Athens, Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos in our 10 Day Greece Itinerary.

THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI: For a full list of things to do, read our article Best Things to Do in Santorini. We also have detailed guides on How to Walk from Fira to Oia and the Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Oia.

NAXOS: Learn how to plan your visit to Naxos in our article Best Things to Do in Naxos. We also have information on hiking to Mount Zas, how to hike to Apano Kastro, and a detailed guide to hiking the Village Trail to Melanes, Myli, and the Kouroi.

GREECE TRAVEL ADVICE: First time in Greece? Here are essential things to know about Greece, from SIM cards to booking the ferries to renting a car.

MORE CITIES AROUND THE WORLD: Visit more cities around the world with our guides to Rome , Paris , New York City , London , Barcelona , Lisbon , and Sydney.

Planning a trip to Greece? Read all of our articles in our Greece Travel Guide.

Best Things to do in Athens

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All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

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2 Days in Athens Itinerary

Comments 21

Avatar for Pat Mariano

My husband and I, both in our early 70s, are ending our 6 day stay in Athens and we have found 6 days to be perfect for us. Per your suggestion, we bought the combo ticket, did the Acropolis one day (had to stand in line for 2 hours to get a time slot…a new requirement) and did one or 2 lesser sites each other day. We followed some of your suggestions for free sites (central market, neighborhoods, etc.). We also walked up the hill to St. George’s church, for an amazing view of the city and a great caloriburn so we could enjoy a guilt-free Greek pastry. 😃 We are staying in Petralona, a very short walk to the metro, 2 stops on the metro from Monastriani. We bought a 5 day metro/train pass for 8.5 euros each. We also took the train to the beach one day to take a break from touring. Your website has been extremely helpful! Many thanks.

Avatar for Julie

You’re welcome! Thanks for writing in with your experience! Cheers, Julie

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best sites to visit in greece

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 of Greece’s Best Historic Sites

Alongside its contributions to philosophy, astrology, and medicine, greece's sites from classical antiquity have stood the test of time. here are 10 must-see sites for any visiting history enthusiast..

best sites to visit in greece

Lucy Davidson

06 sep 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

Influential in ancient times, Greece is often known as the ‘cradle of civilisation’. With its territory being variously fought over during the course of its 40,000 year history, today a number of fascinating sites remain which are testament to the country’s wealth of ideas and central role as an ancient power.

Famous locations which date variously over a thousand years such as the Acropolis, Akrotiri, and Mystras are hugely popular tourist attractions. When it comes to travel inspiration, there’s little doubt that the historic sites in Greece provide endless possibilities. Here’s 10 of our favourites.

best sites to visit in greece

1. The Acropolis

The Acropolis is one of the most recognisable historic sites in the world and remains an inspirational monument to the achievements of Ancient Greek civilisation. Standing tall above the Greek city of Athens , the Acropolis contains a  number of buildings and monuments from Greek Antiquity, including  the Parthenon ,  the Erechtheion ,  the Propylaia  and the temple of Athena Nike.

Today, the Acropolis is an extremely popular historic site and caters for a multitude of tourists every year. The recently opened  Acropolis Museum , which lies nearby, contains an amazing array of displays and artefacts from the Acropolis itself.

best sites to visit in greece

2. Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a beautifully preserved ancient site in Santorini, famed for its incredible frescos and its connection with the Minoans. However, Akrotiri has another claim to fame. It is generally considered that Akrotiri was linked with Knossos and would have been a Minoan site. However, some have gone further, claiming that it was the lost city of Atlantis .

The stunning ruins of Akrotiri now stand testament to the sophisticated urban settlement which once existed there. The buildings are largely multi-storey, with many of them containing vivid frescoes on various themes. This excellent state of preservation has drawn parallels with another famously volcanically preserved site, earning it the moniker of the “Minoan Pompeii “.

best sites to visit in greece

Mystras sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Sparta . In approximately 1248-1249, William II of Villehardouin, a prince of Achaea who had taken part in the Fourth Crusade , decided to build a stronghold there as a defence from the Byzantines . Probably abandoned in 1832, Mystras is today an important archaeological site listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list . During its time as an active city, many churches, palaces, houses and other structures, including its famous fortress were considered to be some of the best architectural gems of their times, known as the so-called “wonders of Morea’.

What remains at Mystras today is a series of Byzantine churches and a monastery as well as several ruins including the castle, some roads and the fortress walls, all set amidst an incredible landscape. The entrance to the site is particularly well preserved. There is a nearby Mystras Museum housing finds from the site.

best sites to visit in greece

4. Temple of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus is an imposing ancient Greek temple in the Athenian Agora and site of worship of the Greek deity of fire, blacksmiths and sculpture.

Built in the fifth century BC, the Temple of Hephaestus was later incorporated into the Church of Agios Georgios, which accounts for its excellent state of preservation.

best sites to visit in greece

Mycenae is an important archaeological site in Greece. Between 1600BC and 1100BC, it was the city at the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation . Believed to have been inhabited since Neolithic times , Mycenae flourished into a fortified city and was ruled at one time by the famous King Agamemnon. It is linked to several works of cultural significance, including the Odyssey and the Iliad.

Today, Mycenae contains several well-preserved sites, including the Lion’s Gate and the North Gate. A few other dwellings can also be seen at Mycenae, together with a granary and some guard rooms. The most impressive of the burial sites and arguably the most remarkable of Mycenae’s sites is the Tomb of Agamemnon itself. This once elaborate thirteenth century BC tomb is carved into Mycenae’s hills.

best sites to visit in greece

6. Grandmasters Palace - Rhodes

The Grandmasters Palace was the palace of the Knights Hospitaller of St John. Dating to the fourteenth century, the Palace would be the base of this famous Christian and military order until Rhodes was captured by the Ottomans in 1522.

Today, this medieval castle operates as a museum of works mostly from the early Christian period up to the Ottoman conquest. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Medieval City of Rhodes.

best sites to visit in greece

Meteora is an incredible set of monasteries each perched high atop Greek mountains in area of extraordinary natural beauty. In fact “Meteora” literally means “suspended in the air”. The sites on which the Meteora monasteries were built are believed to have first been inhabited by a group of monks who lived their lives in seclusion during the eleventh century. However, many of the Meteora monasteries seen today date back to the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries.

The most important of the Meteora monasteries is perhaps that of The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, which was built in the mid-fourteenth century and is now a museum. Other monasteries of Meteora include Agias Triados, Agiou Nikolaou, Varlaam, Agias Varvaras Rousanou and Agiou Stefanou. When visiting Meteora, it is required that women wear skirts covering their knees and that both men and women cover up generally.

best sites to visit in greece

Delphi is an archaeological site in mainland Greece comprised of the well-preserved ruins of one of the most important cities in Ancient Greece. Many of the sites at Delphi date back to the fifth century BC, although many have been reconstructed and some altered by the Romans. Possibly the best preserved site in Delphi is the fifth century Doric building of the Treasury of the Athenians, which is located along The Sacred Way, a central road of the religious area of the city. The Treasury of the Athenians held the trophies of sporting victories, although its exact purpose is still the subject of debate.

Today, Delphi reveals much of its past through incredible ruins, demonstrating a balance between religion, politics and leisure activities, particularly sports. Amongst these are the Temple of Apollo, believed to date back to the fourth century BC and once a central ceremonial site. Yet perhaps Delphi’s most iconic site is the Tholos. Constructed in around 380 BC, this once circular building had six Doric columns, three of which stand today.

best sites to visit in greece

Knossos was an important ancient site found on the outskirts of the modern city of Heraklion in Crete. It is believed that Knossos was first established a place of settlement in Neolithic times in around 7000 BC and then continuously inhabited until the Ancient Roman period .

Excavated and vastly reconstructed  in the nineteenth century by archaeologist Arthur Evans, Knossos has revealed a wealth of ancient treasures, not least of which are its many fascinating ruins. The most famous of these is the Knossos Palace, also known as the Labyrinth due to its incredible maze of passageways and rooms. Other important buildings at Knossos include the 14th century BC Royal Villa with its pillar crypt, the Little Palace, believed to date back to the 17th century BC, the ornately decorated House of Frescos and the Villa of Dionysos, a 2nd century BC house from the Roman period.

best sites to visit in greece

10. Olympia

Olympia was a vibrant Ancient Greek city where, in 776 BC, the first Olympic Games were held in the city in honour of the Greek deity , Zeus. The games at Olympia were a national event and attracted participants and spectators from around the country, raising Olympia’s status. They would continue until 394 AD when Roman Emperor Theodosius I, seeing them as a “pagan cult”, put them to an end.

Today, the result of this gradual growth can be seen at Olympia through sites such as the Treasuries, the Temple of Hera, both of religious importance and contained in the sacred precinct known as the Altis and the Pelopion, the supposed tomb of the mythical Pelops. These were built in around 600BC. Even the stadium in which the Olympic Games were played was upgraded, a purpose built area being built in around 560 BC and able to seat approximately 50,000 people. The remains of this impressive stadium are still visible today.

I traveled to Greece with 3 of my best friends. Here are 6 highlights from the trip and 5 things we'd do differently next time.

  • I traveled to Greece with three of my best friends to see Athens , Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos.
  • Our Airbnb host gave us the best local food and activity recommendations.
  • Next time, we'd avoid renting a car — two flat tires were enough to scar us for life.

Insider Today

Following our college graduation last May, three of my best friends and I traveled to Greece for eight days .

We flew to Athens and took a ferry between Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos.

Although there were many highlights, there are also things we'd do differently next time.

We chose the perfect itinerary.

best sites to visit in greece

Since Athens is a big walking city and Mykonos is known to be a party island, we were grateful to have the two relaxing islands, Naxos and Santorini, at the latter end of the trip.

After an exhausting few days, I appreciated the serenity of the quiet islands that much more.

A daytime boat ride had swimming opportunities and the best views.

best sites to visit in greece

We were torn between morning and sunset when deciding when to book a boat ride .

I was grateful that we took the daytime cruise because it allowed us to see the island in broad daylight and swim while it was still nice and sunny.

Befriending our Airbnb host was key.

best sites to visit in greece

I'll admit it, when our Airbnb host wouldn't stop messaging me in the days leading up to Santorini, I thought it was a red flag.

But befriending our host, Antonis, was the best thing we could've done.

As four girls who always wait until the last minute to plan, having someone point us in the direction of the best boat tours , wine tastings, and restaurants was a big advantage.

Trusting local food recommendations led to delicious meals.

best sites to visit in greece

Our favorite meal of the entire trip was when we took Antonis to his favorite lunch spot and gave him full ordering responsibility.

Had we been alone, we probably would've ordered the basics, but he encouraged us to try new foods and gave us the local experience.

One of the best things Antonis introduced us to was a traditional dessert made from Greek yogurt and mastic (dried tree resin). We've been on the hunt for it in the US ever since.

Greece has underrated wine tastings.

best sites to visit in greece

We didn't plan on going wine tasting in Greece , but when Antonis insisted we do it, we couldn't resist.

It gave us a unique view of the vineyards that we didn't even know were right in our Airbnb's backyard. And after a few jam-packed days, this was the perfect activity to pause and take it all in.

Roaming around led to us discovering some hidden gems, too.

best sites to visit in greece

We set aside a day to explore Naxos with no itinerary, and we got to take our time shopping in markets, sitting by the ocean, and discovering new food spots.

It was nice to be spontaneous and stumble upon hidden gems that day instead of stressing about making it to another activity on time.

Next time, we won't rent a car.

best sites to visit in greece

We thought we were being smart by renting a car to explore Naxos, but it turned out to be the biggest mistake of the trip.

Our GPS service wasn't always great, and it often took us down smaller roads full of sharp rocks. We ended up with not one but two flat tires.

When we returned the car, we split the bill for the tire repair. But as we were boarding the ferry to leave the island, the owners came down on their motorcycle demanding more money for more damages.

There went our budget — and our dignity.

I wish we'd packed some reusable water bottles.

best sites to visit in greece

Athens was extremely hot in the middle of May, and walking around the Acropolis was a challenging feat.

We had to take many breaks, and I think I nearly passed out from dehydration. Plastic water bottles were expensive, so it would've been nice if we'd packed our own to fill up.

The popular Mykonos beach clubs weren't worth it.

best sites to visit in greece

We felt pressure to go to a beach club in Mykonos because it's famously a party island. But the club wasn't worth it for us.

We went in the daytime, only to find out the real party starts at night. Our entrance fee included access to a daybed but not food and beverages, which added up quickly.

The following day, we went to a public beach , paid a fraction of the price for lounge chairs, and enjoyed ourselves just as much.

I wish we'd taken the accommodation reviews more seriously.

best sites to visit in greece

When booking our Airbnb in Mykonos, we saw a few comments about it being a bit of a walk to get to. As young, relatively in-shape people, we ignored the warnings.

But our accommodation was right on top of a massive hill and walking home (often in dresses and sandals) wasn't ideal.

It would've been better to splurge on nicer ferry rides.

best sites to visit in greece

We optimized our time by booking early ferry rides on travel days.

But the ferries were crowded , so I wish we paid a little more to upgrade to bigger, more nap-friendly seats.

best sites to visit in greece

  • Main content

Groups Are A Trip

Best Places to Visit in Greece for Families

F rom the inspiring beauty, captivating history, and snow-capped mountains to picturesque villages and turquoise waters, Greece is one of the top vacation destinations. There are many great places in Greece to visit; listing them all would be impossible. In this article, we list some of the best Greek Islands, historical sites, and attractions you can see on your trip. 

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

1. Santorini

Santorini is one of the most famous Greek Islands with its panoramic views, white houses, incredible sunsets, gorgeous beaches, fun nightlight, and the ruins of ancient Thira. This Greek island is one of the Cyclades islands nestled in the Aegean sea and one of the most romantic places in the world.

Some things you can do with your family include exploring Oia to see cute white houses and charming churches, taking a cruise around the area , and visiting the black sand beaches. You can also try out the fine restaurants, stroll the charming villages, and swim in the turquoise waters.

Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you and your family in awe. UNESCO gives heritage status for art and nature, and the breathtaking Meteora has received both; that’s how gorgeous this place is!

Meteora is a stunning site with 1300 feet high pillars of rocks jutting upwards. On this mountain, you will find 24 monasteries built in the 14th century. The monks used a rope ladder to reach the top of the rock, but since it’s turned into an attraction site, the rocks now have steps carved into them. These steps provide easy access for monks, visitors, and locals who want to explore or pray in the six open monasteries. 

You shouldn’t leave the Meteora without climbing the rock to explore the incredible monasteries, which are important sites to religious pilgrims and locals. 

From the Acropolis Museum to the Temple of Zeus and the Parthenon, Athens is the best place to get a glimpse into ancient Greece. Athens is also a relatively cheap city compared to other capitals in Europe and has many beautiful things to see. 

This city features many fashionable restaurants, luxury hotels, fun nightlife, and car-free zones perfect for families with kids.

A fun way to enjoy your trip to Athens is by visiting the Acropolis, a beautiful place full of rich history and monuments.

You should also consider taking an Athens food tour to learn more about the country’s culinary history while sampling excellent Greek cuisine. Make sure you try out different restaurants and meals when you’re in Athens, as it’s one of the best places to try Greek food. 

Corfu is one of the most popular of the Ionian islands and an ideal destination for families who enjoy water sports. This green island has 57 white sandy beaches, with the popular being Kavos, Ipsos, and Gouvia. Many of these beaches also offer opportunities for water sports like snorkeling, diving, waterskiing, and parasailing. Lessons are available for adults and older kids new to these water activities.

This island also features cute villages, vineyards, forested areas, sheltered coves, and charming alleyways you can explore on a bike or horseback. If you can travel in the off-season, it’s one of the best fall vacation destinations in Europe .

Other places in Corfu to explore with kids are the Corfu Aquarium with countless fish, Corfu Donkey Rescue with donkeys you can take for a walk, and restaurants where you can stop to taste local Greek dishes.

In addition, Corfu has fun water parks: Aqualand Water Park and Hydropolis Water Park , which the whole family can enjoy. 

Rhodes is one of the most family-friendly islands, featuring beautiful resorts, great beaches, and historical sites to keep you busy.

This holiday island is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands and one of the most visited spots in Greece. Rhodes also features a lot of natural beauty, stunning scenery, and interesting history to soak in. You will find a lot of shops, restaurants, ancient ruins, and water parks for young and older children.

A family trip to Rhodes isn’t complete without a visit to the Valley of Butterflies , featuring countless species and colors of butterflies. You can also enjoy water sports at the beaches in the area and take the kids to Aqua Park in Faliraki. 

6. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki features many exciting places, including ancient ruins, beautiful museums, unique restaurants, and picturesque sandy beaches. This Northern Greece town is quite fun owing to the nightlight, the universities, and the arts. While you are here, you should tour the galleries and museums, explore the old quarter neighborhood and try out the zaxaroplasteio , a delightful Ottoman sweet. Thessaloniki is also an excellent base for day trips to other parts of Greece. 

7. Halkidiki

Halkidiki (the Riviera of the North) is in Northern Greece and a popular destination in the region. This area is blessed with many natural attractions, including the Athos Peninsula, where you will find Mt Athos. This men-only monastery has kept its Byzantine rituals for more than 1000 years.

Halkidiki also features Kassandra, which buzzes with spectacular nightlife, beach bars, and secluded beaches in Summer. You will also find the birthplace of Aristotle in Stagira, natural springs in Aghia Paraskevi, stunning shores of the Sithonia Peninsula, and beautiful mosaic floors in Olynthos. The entire family can also explore the beachfront tavernas, where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine. 

8. Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in the South of Greece and features four smaller peninsulas connected to Mainland Greece. This fantastic place is popular among families with younger children owing to its kid-friendly beaches, the Venetian Castles, stunning backdrops, and the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites worth exploring. 

Hiking, walking, and sailing are some of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed on this gorgeous island. The Peloponnese also offers agrotourism, bike tours, and exploration excursions for young children. Here they can learn more about the fauna and flora in the area. You can visit the farms, family homesteads, and boutique boltholes. The Peloponnese may not be as popular as other Greek islands but the area has plenty of great highlights and is perfect for families trying to avoid the peak season crowds. 

Mykonos may be famous for its nightlife, clubs, and parties, but it’s also a great island for those seeking a family-friendly atmosphere. This island is a good choice for those seeking spectacular views, serene beaches, delicious food, and unique resorts. 

Mykonos is stunning, with plenty of sandy beaches, famous windmills, and whitewashed houses that sit close together to form a maze of beautiful alleyways. While you are here, you and your family can take a day trip to Delos , which is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. You can also visit the museums, go on a wine-tasting tour, view the gorgeous sunsets, and walk the pretty alleyways. 

10. Acropolis

Acropolis is one of the most famous historical sites in the world. Perched on top of a steep, this archaeological museum dates back to the 4th century and features beautiful temples built by ancient Greeks. Acropolis also features the Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike, which attract visitors in millions every year. Our top tip while coming here is to prepare for the crowd and bring enough water. You should also visit the rest of Athens, one of the best cities to visit in Greece. 

Crete is a great place with so much to offer for children of all ages. Here, you will find sheltered bays and beaches for younger children and sports facilities for older kids. You and the kids can enjoy a boat trip to Balos Beach , explore the ancient ruins of the Minoan Palace in Knossos, and walk the 14km Samaria Gorge. The Samaria Gorge is one of the largest gorges in Europe. It is also home to gorgeous birds, jaw-dropping views, and an array of wildflowers. 

Crete also offers a good number of archaeological sites, museums, water parks, theme parks, and hiking gorges that the entire family can explore. You should also know that some of the best beaches in Greece are in Crete so you should visit some while you’re here. This is one of our favorite spots for a family reunion in Greece.

12. Mount Olympus National Park

Mount Olympus is one of the most popular attraction spots in Greece. In Greek Mythology, this mountain is considered the home of the 12 gods of ancient Greece. Olympus is a very tall mountain with its highest peak rising by 9,573 feet. This mountain also features spectacular views of flora with over 1700 plant species across the region. 

13. Naxos Island

Naxos is easily one of the best family-friendly holiday destinations in Greece. This beautiful island is mainly about the beaches, and they have various options perfect for both older and younger children. Naxos features many picturesque villages you can tour with your family to learn more about the culture, the food, and the ancient Greeks. 

Some of the best things you can do here include touring the fishing village, strolling through the quaint villages, and visiting the archaeological sites, including the Jesuit Monastery. This island also has many wine-making factories that draw in visitors from all around the world. Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands, is popular for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and surfing. 

Greece ticks many boxes as a travel destination for the whole family. Endless sandy beaches. Double Ticks. Water parks. Tick. Stunning villages. Tick. There are also archaeological sites, dazzling nightlife, delicious Greek cuisine, and gorgeous islands to consider. Now that you know the best places in Greece to visit with your family, it’s time to start planning your trip! 

The post Best Places to Visit in Greece for Families appeared first on Groups Are A Trip .

From the inspiring beauty, captivating history, and snow-capped mountains to picturesque villages and turquoise waters, Greece is one of the top vacation destinations. There are many great places in Greece to visit; listing them all would be impossible. In this article, we list some of the best Greek Islands, historical sites, and attractions you can ... Read more

The 10 best graduation trips to take in 2024

Chamidae  Ford

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Three friends jumping with happiness next to their car with palm trees in the background

Grab your friends and get ready for the trip of a lifetime © Frazao Studio Latino / Getty Images

There's nothing like graduating to make you want a celebratory vacation.

Both a massive accomplishment and a bittersweet end of an era, completing your studies can also be a reality check as you begin the next phase of your life.

So, where should you go once you graduate? These 10 incredible destinations allow you to put off real life for a little bit longer.

A man flips into the deep blue water of a cenote in Mexico.

Affordable and with a wealth of diverse things to do, Mexico is the perfect post-graduation escape. The country has a happy place for everyone. Head to Tulum for a beachy, out-till-dawn vacation that is bursting will beach clubs, upscale cocktails and cerulean cenotes. Look to Puerto Vallarta for a classic, lay-by-the-pool escape. In Mexico City , you can try local delicacies and get lost in a museum for the afternoon. Stop by the stunning Museo Universitario del Chopo , which boasts an extensive contemporary art collection.  Oaxaca offers a mix of Indigenous and colonial influences, with day trips out to explore the natural world and local villages. Head to Santiago Apoala for a look at a remote Mixtec village in the heart of a towering mountain range. If the last four years in the library require some sunshine and a warm place to recover, there is no better place than Mexico to finish that beach read. 

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2. Road trip across the US

Nothing bonds a group together like a long car journey, making a road trip across the US with your mates the perfect post-graduation send-off. It's hard to grasp the magnitude of the United States until you drive through it. Pick between visiting iconic national parks like Yellowstone ,   Yosemite  and the Grand Canyon , or cruising along the West Coast from the Redwoods to Joshua Tree  with a stop in some of the Golden State's famed cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles . Uncovering the mysteries of the West has long been an American tradition, not to mention watching the landscapes change and evolve in a matter of days is a mesmerizing experience.

To keep this adventure affordable, try camping in the national parks rather than staying in hotels. It will require some advanced planning, maybe even some reservations. Visit nps.gov for more information.

Few places have the same vacation appeal as Greece . With its hot, sunny climate and stellar museums, especially the Acropolis Museum , the fantastic restaurants and endless island hopping opportunities, it's hard to have a dull moment. Pro-tip: Don't skip Athens . The birthplace of Western civilization and a paradise for thinkers, artists and scientists, come see the starting place for man's greatest ideas. 

When it comes to Greece's islands, Mykonos is where the nightlife takes center stage, while Santorini provides a more romantic and relaxing atmosphere. Beware, a steep price tag comes with Greece's most popular island spots. Alternatively, if you crave a slightly less touristy experience, the Ionian Islands in early autumn make a great escape. Slow down, eat your way through fresh local delicacies and see what makes the Mediterranean way of life so revered. 

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4. Costa Rica

If college wasn't enough of a thrill, head to Costa Rica . Considered one of the happiest places on earth and packed with adventure opportunities, you can white water raft, zipline, traverse sky-high bridges, and surf the most stellar waves to your heart's content. 

If you've spent the last four years in the heart of a city and are in dire need of some nature, warm weather, and delicious food , this after-graduation trip is for you. Start your day with a hearty serving of gallo pinto , take refuge from the heat with a street mango smothered in lime juice, salt and chili powder and wrap up the day with chifrijo,  a local dish of fried pork and beans with all the toppings. Not to mention, eating your body weight in ceviche is considered a right of passage. Pura Vida is right!

Young asian couple sightseeing in a local market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

5. Vietnam 

Affordable, beautiful and warm, a graduation trip to Vietnam gets you out of your comfort zone. Get lost in a sea of mopeds in Hanoi and slurp pho on stools along the sidewalk. Head up to Halong Bay , where you can tour its limestone islands on a junk boat. Enjoy an urban metropolis like Ho Chi Minh City , wander the Binh Tay Market  or visit Vietnam's only Taoist temple,  Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda , before cruising along the Mekong Delta and getting to know the locals at the Cai Rang Floating Market .

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

For a graduation trip that melds celebration with culture, look no further than New Orleans . The loud streets of this city burst with energy: live bands, dancing, cocktails and more. As New Orleans continues to be impacted by climate change, try to reduce your impact during your visit by using trains, bikes and public transport to explore the city.  Eat beignets (deep-fried pâte à choux pastries) in the French Quarter , listen to jazz in a dimly lit bar, and if you time it right, join in with the commotion of Mardi Gras . Beyond the nightlife, the Big Easy is famous for its flavorful cuisine and unique rich history. Make sure to take the time to appreciate both. Don't miss having a steaming bowl of gumbo or biting into a massive Po'boy. Follow it up with a visit to the  Ogden Museum of Southern Art , which explores the city's complex influences and longtime connection to the natural world.  

A couple walks down the streets of Brooklyn laughing happily.

7. New York City

A graduation trip can also be an opportunity to test out potential places you may want to live. For many, that means New York City . Visit before you commit to living here: it's busy, loud, (sometimes) stinky and eye-openingly wonderful. But it's not for everyone. For this test run, spend your time checking out galleries and parks while eating at some amazing restaurants. It will be a pricey trip, no matter how hard you try to budget. Still, it's a great chance to meet new people and try every cuisine you can imagine. Make sure to catch the train to Brooklyn for an afternoon in the Botanical Gardens .

8. South Africa

Not ready to stop learning? Head to South Africa . With a tumultuous and storied history, a trip to this stunning country can be life-changing. Apartheid isn't that far in the rearview mirror, and its lasting effects are visible across much of the nation. Dedicate time to visiting some of the historical sites in Johannesburg, such as the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill , a former prison turned Constitutional Court. Then, hit the beach to surf some famous waves at Addington Beach along the iconic Golden Mile or catch glimpses of South Africa's diverse wildlife in the expansive Kruger National Park . Keep your eyes peeled for big cats, elephants, rhinos and more. Find time to catch at least one sunset from the top of Table Mountain . Its unmatched views are accessible by cable car in Cape Town.

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With stunning fjords, shooting geysers, natural hot springs and the northern lights – Iceland offers an otherworldly reset from your studies. A nature-first vacation, try and dedicate some time beyond the beautiful capital Reykjavik . You'll need a large budget to chase waterfalls, sip pints and toast your graduation in Iceland, but you'll look at the world entirely anew. 

10. Florence, Italy

Florence offers a decadence and youthfulness that is easier to access than in Rome or Naples , and its Renaissance beauty will fill your aching heart if you don't want to leave university or college. Marvel at Botticelli's masterpiece, the Birth of Venus, in the Uffizi and wander the expansive Boboli Gardens . Luxuriate with two-hour dinners on one of their many piazzas, climb to the top of the fabled Duomo to take in the rolling hills in the distance. There is so much to love about Florence, but like most major cities in Italy, it can be expensive, but it's the price you pay to heal your heartache.

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