Best Things to Do in Greece

Acropolis, the most famous landmark of entire Greece, is the eternal symbol of democracy, education and inspiration. It is an ancient fortified town dating back to the bronze age. Acropolis, the hill, consists of 21 major archaeological remains. Parthenon is in the centre of Acropolis and is the main attraction here.

Oia is one destination that offers spectacular views of sunset. During sunset, the white-washed buildings glow in yellow, orange, and pink hues, giving a picturesque look to the Oia. Oia Castle and the Blue domes of Oia are the two most popular spots to enjoy the sunset in Oia.

Navagio Beach is located near Anafonitria village on the western coast of Zakynthos Island in Greece. Popularly known as the shipwreck beach, it is the site of a 1980s rustic shipwreck which stands as a majestic artwork in the middle of the beach. Enjoy a relaxing swimming, snorkelling, or photography session around the beautiful white pebbled shore.

Delphi is a town, and a UNESCO recognised world heritage site in Greece. This archaeological marvel is perched on Mount Parnassus and offers stunning vistas of the Greek land. Delphi is also known as the 'navel of Earth' as, according to Greek mythology, it was considered the center of the world, marked by the Omphalos, a symbolic navel stone. Delphi enjoys a significant role in shaping the region's history since it is said to be the home to the legendary Delphic Oracle, where the pilgrims would travel to hear the prophecies of the god Apollo from all around the Mediterranean.

Best Time: Apr - Oct

The famous Blue caves of Zakynthos are located at Cape Skinari, on the western coast of the island near Volimes village. These caves are famous all across Greece for their reflective surfaces as the enchanting blue shades of the waters and sky sparkle off the walls. It is one of Greece's most mesmerising snorkelling and underwater diving spots. The blue caves can only be accessed via boats or diving from the nearest shore. The best time to visit is during the mornings to get a clear view of the reflections.

Renowned as Europe's oldest city, Knossos is located near Heraklion on the island of Crete, and its ruins of ancient Minoan civilization captivate visitors with its rich history and archaeological significance. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated architectural design and advanced engineering prowess of the Minoans, featuring intricate frescoes, elaborate staircases, and storied chambers.

One of Mykonos's most romantic places is Little Venice's elegant neighborhood with vintage houses on the seashore. The area, locally known as Kastro, begins at the Alefkandra beach and continues directly into the surrounding areas. The sunset views from Little Venice are spectacular. Its ivory-white buildings stand out magnificently against the azure Aegean Sea. Full of romantic cafes and bars, it is one of Mykonos's most delightful places.

Plaka is the old historical neighbourhood of Athens, clustered around the Acropolis. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. It is also known as the "Neighbourhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.

Fira to Oia is a 10 km trek offering diverse landscapes of mountains, volcanos, meadows and villages alongside cobbled pathways, minor hike trails and muddy paths. Usually, this walk takes 5 hours; however, you can take a detour to explore Skaros Rock, which will take another hour. This trek is perfect for beginners, with its easy trail and directions.

Embark on a culinary odyssey with a Greek Food Tour, an immersive exploration of Greece's rich gastronomic tapestry. Renowned for its Mediterranean diet, the tour unveils the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine, highlighting the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Elafonissi Beach, nestled on Crete's southwestern coast, is approximately 75 kilometers from Chania. Famous for its unique pink sand, a result of crushed seashells blending with white sand, Elafonissi creates a mesmerizing and distinctive shoreline. This pristine beach is accessible by a shallow lagoon.

The Greek island of Mykonos has one of the country's most vibrant, brilliant, and energetic nightlife scenes. With many well-known bars and nightclubs, vibrant street markets, yacht rides under the stars, and large open-air cinemas, the things you can do at night here are endless.

Wine Tours are a huge part of Greek culture, and tourists can experience the authentic wine-making process alongside wine-tasting tours when in Greece. These vineyards are typically located in the countryside, among lush green fields and are considered a perfect day retreat. These tours can be booked in almost any cities in Greece.

Island hopping in Greece offers a delightful way to explore the beauty of the Aegean Sea and its neighboring islands. Some of the best islands that can be visited from Santorini are Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Delos, and Anafi. But the best base for hopping the islands would be Athens, from where plenty of ferries and vessels are available to hop different islands and enjoy them.

Meteora is a unique and stunning area in central Greece, known for its impressive rock formations and ancient monasteries perched high on the cliffs. It is located near the town of Kalambaka in the region of Thessaly. People visit Meteora to see the breathtaking scenery and explore the six active monasteries that offer a glimpse into the spiritual life and history of the region. The combination of natural beauty and human-made wonders makes Meteora a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Balos is an exotic beach and lagoon situated about 56 km from Chania, near the town of Kissamos. It can be opted as a day trip from Chania or Kissamos and can be reached by car or a boat.The beach at the lagoon comprises pinkish-white sand and thousands of broken and intact seashells, with shallow water. It is one of the most photographed spots on Crete.

Located at the town center, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion showcases the history and ancient civilization of Crete Island. It exhibits prehistoric findings like statues, jewelry, stone figurines, ancient scriptures, and the remains of the ancient-medieval buildings. The exhibits of greater importance in the museum are the Phaistos Disc, a 1600BC Snake Goddess Figure, the Bull’s Head rhyton and the Bull-Leaer’s fresco from Knossos, beautifully crafted clay vessels- the Kamares Vessels from 2000 to 1700 BC and many more.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a well-preserved ancient theater located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, near the town of Ligourio. It is located about 30 km away from Naflio and on a 2-hour drive from Athens.  It is part of the larger archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a famous healing center in the classical world.

Known For : Old Town Rhodes Acropolis of Lindos Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

One of the southernmost islands in the Greek group of islands, Rhodes is locally known as Rodos. It is the fourth biggest island of Greece and is popular for its stunning beaches, fascinating culture and architecture with delicious food. Rhoes island offers an amazing landscape, picturesque countryside, spectacular valleys, serene villages, high-ridden castles and some of the best isolated paradisiac beaches.

Best Time: Jun-Sep

51 Rhodes Attractions

Those looking to do something unique in Corfu can opt for its hidden treasure- the olive-tasting tours. Organized in the last week of October, Olive Tasting tours of Corfu are a perfect way to explore some of the local products, including feta cheese, homemade cheese, local wine, and tomatoes. Explore the ancient olive groves, attend an olive oil workshop, and learn the history and nuances of the award-winning olive oil.

Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum located in the Marianna district, which contains the artifacts found in Acropolis. This museum is renowned for housing an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis of Athens.

The cave of Antiparos is the most prominent tourist site on the tiny island of Antiparos. It is the only vertical cave in Europe with a depth\ of approximately 85 meters. It is also known as the cave of Agios Ioannis Church. What is extraordinary about this cave is the display of stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which form various shapes. It is also home to the oldest stalactite in Europe, estimated to be nearly 45 million years old.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with a Catamaran Cruise in Santorini, a quintessential experience that seamlessly blends luxury and breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and iconic sunsets, these sunset cruises sail from either Ammoudi port or Athinios, the main port in Santorini.

Known For : Palamidi Fortress Archaeological Museum of Nafplio Bourtzi Castle

Nafplio is a coastal town located in the Eastern Peloponnese area of Greece, about 150 kms away from Athens. Nafplio is known for its neoclassical architecture, cosy streets, and historical and cultural significance. With historical houses, squares and churches, narrow cobbled alleys, and quaint tavernas Nafplio is GreeceÍs most popular romantic getaway. Designated as the Greek capital, briefly, before Athens Nafplio is significant both politically and historically.

Best Time: Apr - May, Sep - Oct

13 Nafplio Attractions

Embark on a tour of ancient sites and mythological landmarks associated with Greek mythology. Visit places like Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the gods, the birthplace of Zeus in Crete, and the birthplace of Apollo in Delos, while uncovering the stories of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures that have shaped Greek culture for millennia.

Old Town of Chania is its old neighbourhood that occupies the central and eastern part of the city, stretching along the waterfront of the Venetian port. The area has an old-world charm with its labyrinthine lanes, stunning architecture and narrow cobbled streets. Its waterfront promenade is people watching hub with trendy cafes, traditional tavernas, bustling bars and cozy nightspots.

Known For : Spilia Beach Historical Archives Museum of Hydra Lazaros Kountouriotis Historical Mansion

Hydra is a small saronic island located just south of Athens in Greece. This car-free island is known for its rich history, magnificent port surrounding cute little cafes, hungry cats, and dramatic white-orange roofed house sitting on the island slopes. It is also one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.

Best Time: Jun - Sep

14 Hydra Attractions

Paros is a top windsurfing destination in the Cyclades, Greece, thanks to its steady Meltemi winds and stunning beaches. Famous spots include Golden Beach, known for international competitions, and New Golden Beach, ideal for experienced windsurfers. Pounda and Santa Maria beaches also offer excellent conditions and facilities. With consistent winds, beautiful sandy shores, and vibrant local culture, Paros is perfect for both beginners and seasoned windsurfers.

The Venetian port of Rethymno is a famous harbour located near the old town on the northern end. The picturesque harbour is lined with fishing boats and is known for its calm, crystal clear, and turquoise waters. Several cafes, bars, and restaurants specialising in traditional Cretan cuisine are situated along the port. Visitors can also take a short stroll along the promenade area to the 17th-century lighthouse, located at the end of the waterfront.

Samaria gorge is a national park in Crete which is a major tourist attraction, especially for hikers. It is situated in the regional unit of Chania. This gorge is renowned as one of the longest in Europe 16 km long. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as Iron Gates, where the width is only 4m and the height of almost 300 m.

Explore Greece's scenic countryside and coastal paths on a cycling adventure. Pedal through olive groves, vineyards, and traditional villages, stopping to admire ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and medieval castles along the way. Cyclades islands like Tinos, Naxos, and Paros offer excellent cycling routes for enthusiasts of all levels.

Monemvasia is a small, historic town located on a rocky island off the east coast of the Peloponnese in Greece. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway near the town of Gefyra. Its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and Byzantine churches offer a glimpse into the past. Visitors come for the scenic views, rich history dating back to the Byzantine era, and cultural festivals. It's also a place for relaxation, with opportunities for swimming and exploring castle ruins.

Discover the art of ouzo distillation on a tasting tour of distilleries and tavernas across Greece. Sample different varieties of this iconic Greek spirit, made from aniseed and other aromatic herbs, while learning about its production process and cultural significance. Pair your ouzo with meze dishes like grilled octopus, feta cheese, and olives for the ultimate Greek gastronomic experience.

The cooking classes in Greece are considered a great retreat; one can learn and eat authentic homemade Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at these classes. Local chefs collaborate with tourists and teach them more about the Greek style of cooking which the visitors can relish later alongside some Greek Wine.

Lake Plastiras, also known as Tavropos Reservoir, is an artificial lake located in the region of Thessaly, central Greece. People visit Lake Plastiras for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, including forests of pine, fir, and chestnut trees, as well as picturesque villages. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.

The Melissani cave is a natural limestone grotto on Melissani lake surrounded by trees and forests. It is located on the east coast of the island of Kefalonia. The cave is divided into two parts connected via a narrow channel. The best time to witness the sunlight from the hollow area falling on the glistening crystal-blue water to make it sparkle is around 1:00 PM. The caves are open in summer from May to October.

Kleftiko caves are on the Kleftiko beach, located on the southern coast of Milos Island. The beach is filled with caves and tunnels carved into the vertical cliffs through centuries of erosion. The crystal clear waters and the towering bone-white cliffs make it a mesmerising site. Unlike other beaches, the Kleftiko caves are only accessible via boat. Enjoy swimming or snorkelling in the bay area.

Skiing on the Pindus Mountains in Greece offers a thrilling alpine adventure. Located primarily in the regions of Epirus and Central Greece, the Pindus Mountains are home to several ski resorts. The Pindus range is also known as the "spine of Greece." Mount Parnassos, Vasilitsa, and Pertouli are the main ski resorts.

Known For : Corfu Old Town Old Fortress of Corfu Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna

Located in Northwest of Greece, Cofru lies close to the Albanian coastline. It is known for its beautiful pebble-sand beaches with crystal clear waters, luscious green landscapes, and rich history and cultural heritage. Corfu is not a destination for an authentic Greek experience but it is a popular vacation destination for families.

Best Time: Jun - Aug

51 Corfu Attractions

Scuba diving in Chios offers a captivating underwater experience in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. the island waters boasts dive sites featuring rocky reefs, underwater caves, and interesting geological formations. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, groupers, and stingrays.

Best Time: Apr - May, Sep - Oct