Best Places to Visit in Greece

With a rich history spanning thousands of years, beautiful white sand beaches, and a warm Mediterranean climate, Greece is at the top of many traveler’s lists when it comes to must-see European destinations.

From the cultural metropolis of Athens on the mainland offering a treat for history buffs to the numerous sun-soaked Aegean islands like Crete which are a major draw for families, when you travel to Greece you can be sure there’s something for everyone, and every budget.

There are many idyllic locations in the country that allow you to get the most out of your visit to Greece. When you choose the perfect location you can enjoy the culture, food, and history as well as the picturesque views, not to mention taking a dip in the turquoise sea.

Some of the best places to go in Greece are not easily accessible, so if you’re up for an adventure it’s a good idea to factor an element of Greek island hopping into your vacation.

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit in Greece for couples, young adults, and families with kids, and we’ll also explore the best ways to island hop.

Athens

The capital city of Greece is a wonderland of history and culture that’s sure to wow any tourist, young or old. Athens has ancient origins but has transformed itself into a modern, cosmopolitan city with numerous bars and restaurants lining long streets featuring delicious traditional fare like souvlaki and moussaka.

During the day, you can venture around the world-famous historical sites such as the Parthenon which sits atop the Acropolis, and the huge Panathenaic Stadium. In the evening you can have a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets or visit an outdoor theater show. Once you’ve seen many of the famous landmarks there’s still so much to do in Athens from museums and days on the beach to hiking in the surrounding countryside.

There are lots of tree-shaded parks in Athens, such as Syntagma Square, if you want some respite from historical tours and every corner you turn in this city you’re sure to find something interesting.

Best for: Couples and young adults who want to take in a wealth of history as well as experience the very best gastronomy Greece has to offer.

Santorini

As one of the most picturesque locations in Greece, Santorini is one of the best Greek islands to visit if you want to be wowed by the sheer beauty of the Mediterranean Sea combined with traditional Greek architecture. The steep cliffs and white-washed homes in the village of Oia create a magical atmosphere that never ceases to amaze. Be sure to get your spot on the hillside early to experience the gorgeous sunsets Santorini has to offer.

Santorini is a small island but whether you’re staying for a single night as part of an island hop or spending a week here, there’s always something exciting to do on this volcanic caldera. You can rent a kayak and see the scenery from offshore, enjoy a wine-tasting tour with a view, or simply relax on one of the many colorful black or red beaches.

Thanks to its amazing setting and atmosphere, Santorini is perfect for those looking to get away somewhere secluded for a honeymoon, or even just for a romantic getaway with breathtaking views and excellent gastronomy.

Best for: Couples wanting a romantic escape on an attractive Greek island that ticks all of the boxes.

Crete

With over 2 million visitors each year, Crete is the largest Greek island and has multiple draws for both families and young adventurers. As with most places in the Aegean, you can expect a wealth of historical artifacts to visit. Here on Crete, you can explore Knossos, one of many ancient Minoan palaces, as well as Rethymno which is a port town with monasteries and an impressive fortress.

The island of Crete has lots to offer in its various coastal towns, especially in the north which is popular with tourists, and it has built a mass of hotels to cater to them. For a more authentic experience, head east and explore the smaller towns and villages, as well as the scenic viewpoints.

If you want to go off the beaten track, a car rental in Crete is a must, as it will give you the freedom to venture across the whole island.

Best for: Families with children of all ages thanks to the tourist-friendly resorts with white sandy beaches and lots of water parks for a great day out.

Corfu

Situated in northwest Greece, Corfu boasts verdant hillsides of fir trees and clear blue seas which are a draw for many tourists each year. There’s so much nature on this small island that you’ll never be bored when it comes to exploring, especially if you love hiking trails and watersports.

There’s a relaxed way of life on Corfu that can be tapped into quite easily by tourists, from pleasant strolls through the Old Town with Italian-styled buildings to exploring churches, monasteries, and fortresses. One thing not to miss is the ‘Canal of Love’, a small passageway of water on the coast with a sandy beach to enjoy with your loved one.

When it comes to deciding where to stay, Corfu Town is always bustling with activity day and night, Gouvia is perfect for adventure lovers and Nissaki is ideal for those looking for a more relaxing beach vacation in Greece.

Best for: Families are sure to enjoy Corfu Town, but solo adventurers or couples might prefer a more secluded part of the island.

Mykonos

Internationally renowned as one of the best places to visit in Greece if you’re in the 18-30 age range due to the abundance of nightlife, Mykonos is synonymous with the clubbing lifestyle and regularly features the best DJs in the business. Mykonos itself is a pretty island with traditional white-washed buildings and winding streets, but it has been known for decades as the party island where summers boom with music and young tourists flock to the island.

At night is when the island comes alive, but for those partygoers who want more out of their vacation, there are lots of watersports to get involved with during the daytime and historical landmarks to visit too.

A handful of golden sand beaches are to be found on the island which are perfect for spending the day on before venturing into Little Venice for some authentic Greek cuisine and plenty of Ouzo. The island also has lots of boat-hire venues where you can enjoy the Aegean on a catamaran with friends.

Best for: It is without a doubt one of the best islands in Greece to visit if you like to enjoy the party scene with large groups of friends or even as a couple.

Kos

As one of the best Greek islands for beaches, Kos is a beach lover’s paradise. Whether you spend the day under the hot Greek sun building sandcastles with the kids on Agios Fokas beach or enjoy sunbathing and jet ski adventures on Lagada beach, there is something for every member of the family on this tourist-friendly island.

It does have its own airport to cater to the influx of tourists every year, but you can also tag this amazing isle onto your itinerary as there are direct ferries to Athens—it does take half a day to get there though. The island is a true all-rounder which allows you to enjoy fantastic food, explore historic ruins and museums, as well as making the most of the environment on hikes and nature excursions.

One of the best ways to explore the town of Kos is by rental bike as in recent years the network of cycle lanes has been expanded so you can take in the communal squares, shady parks, and quaint houses at your own pace. The historical locations here are great for children too, with the sanctuary of Hercules sure to be inspirational and a Roman Odeon theater that will transport you back in time.

Best for: Young and adventurous families with children of all ages as well as young adults looking for the perfect beach vacation.

Kefalonia

All of the islands in Greece have something unique to offer, and Kefalonia is no different. You’ll still get the turquoise bays with crystal clear waters and authentic restaurants, but Kefalonia also throws in pastel-colored fishing villages and historic charm.

Whether you just want to relax on the many white sand beaches like Skala, explore exotic sea caves like the Melissani, or just take in the view with a drink and snack at a local seafront bar, Kefalonia has to be one of the top destinations in Greece to unwind. It’s the ideal location for a romantic break away from the outside world as you can quickly lose yourself in the cobbled streets and vibrant pink blooms of bougainvillea. Why not take a trip to the Robola winery where you can pick up a bottle or two to enjoy in your hotel as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea?

If you hire a car here you can make the most of the island’s more secluded beaches, including Antisamos Beach which is where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed, as well as stunning white pebble beaches straight off a postcard like Myrtos Beach.

Best for: Couples seeking to disconnect from the rush of life and take a well-deserved break in exotic surroundings.

Zakynthos

This picture-perfect Greek island has a lot going for it from secluded golden beaches and rocky outcrops to lush green vegetation, giving it the nickname ‘Flower of the East’. It lies just off the coast of mainland Greece and is popular with tourists all year long.

Also known as Zante, the island also has one of the nicest beaches in Greece for a photo opportunity, the famed Navagio Beach. You can only access this beach by boat but it is well worth the trip as you can jump overboard and swim a short distance to this hidden sandy bay for an out-of-this-world vacation experience.

Thanks to the warmer waters you’ll also be able to see the seals and turtles that come to the island to breed, and there’s even a nature park with deer and raccoons. Zante is known as a party island destination with enough clubs and bars to please the younger generation, but it’s quite possible to experience the best of Greece here too, even if you have kids.

Dotted around the island are several sea caves to be discovered, best explored by kayak with a guide.

Best for: Young adults looking for lively night action in bars and clubs as well as day adventures by the seas in coves and beaches.

Best Places to Visit in Greece for First-Timers

If you’ve been wondering where to go in Greece to get the best of everything if it’s your first time in the country, then two places should be at the top of your list – Rhodes and Thessaloniki.

The island of Rhodes is awash with medieval heritage, much of which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are lots of quaint little villages that bring a flavor of Greece you won’t find anywhere else. The cobblestone streets of Rhodes’ Old Town are steeped in centuries of history and feature buildings that have stood the test of time, creating a special kind of charm for first-time visitors.

There are plenty of churches and monasteries to spend time in during the day, some with Roman floor mosaics such as the Palace of the Grand Master, and you can also explore the multitude of artisan shops for that perfect souvenir of your time in Greece. While there are still beach resorts and a lively town atmosphere on the island, many parts of it have remained largely untouched by tourism so it’s a perfect break from those crowds whether you choose to stay in Rhodes for the entirety of your vacation or as part of your island hopping adventure.

Our second must-visit location for adults looking for a Greek city break—and older couples with an interest in Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilization—is Thessaloniki. It’s an amazing place to visit if you want to really experience local culture and history in a location that hasn’t been overtaken by tourism.

It has friendly locals who make the whole experience much more laid back, and it’s one of the best vacation spots in Greece if you have an interest in ancient Greek historical ruins which have been restored to their former glory, and museums housing centuries worth of artifacts. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki has a rich collection of statues, busts, and detailed friezes from ancient times, and the Museum of Byzantine Culture houses a multitude of Christian artifacts with an interesting history behind each one.

After a day on your feet browsing museums there’s no better place to take it easy than the Turkish baths where you can experience a full hammam involving an invigorating steam technique to open the pores and lots of wonderfully scented oils to make you feel fully refreshed again. When it comes to history, there is the Rotonta and the Arch of Galerius, Roman monuments that make for a great souvenir photo, and the White Tower of Thessaloniki on the waterfront is a great addition as it also houses a small yet interesting museum.

When is the Best Time to Visit Greece?

Much of the summertime from late June until the end of August is the peak vacation season in Greece. There are many benefits to visiting during these months such as the hot weather reaching into the mid-30s, more excursions are available to cater to the swell of tourism, and the sea temperature is much more pleasant to swim in. However, if you’re visiting a major city such as Athens, Thessaloniki, or Patras the weather can be humid and uncomfortable, even in the evenings when the sun has set.

Either side of this summer rush is the ideal time to explore some of the best Greece vacation spots whether you choose the mainland or one of the Aegean islands. Lower prices for hotel rooms and a more authentic experience can be had between the months of March to June, as well as in September and October.

It’s in these months that you’ll be able to get a feel for local life, tavernas and restaurants aren’t as busy with tourists but will be filled with the locals. During these months you’ll still be able to enjoy seaside strolls and days on the beach, and the museums and historical sites are open year-round. Taking in the local flora and fauna with a hike is best done in these months too in addition to scenic bike rides.

The winter months from November until the end of February are cooler and can bring with them a lot of rain and gray cloudy skies. Many of the ferries between the smaller islands also won’t be operating during these months, or running on a reduced schedule, which makes island hopping a lot more difficult. A lot of the smaller hotels and venues catering exclusively to tourists will most likely be shut down for these few months too.

Greek Island-Hopping: A Journey Through Paradise

Greece has a unique geography that includes thousands of islands in the Aegean Sea, and island hopping around the best large and small islands in Greece is a truly amazing experience. Island hopping in Greece offers lots of flexibility in your schedule as you can plan your own itinerary and choose the islands that attract you whether it’s for the history or if you just want to visit the best islands to visit in Greece for watersports and beaches.

We’ll highlight three of the best island-hopping routes below, but before we do there are some practical tips you should know before planning your ultimate island-hopping adventure.

• Plan ahead, but take note that ferry schedules are often changeable in poor weather or if there is strike action that affects the tourist industry. Keep your own schedule flexible especially if you are planning on lesser-known routes.
• Include some of the larger islands such as Rhodes, Kos, and Crete, but don’t forget there are hundreds of hidden gems that can be found when you choose some of the smaller islands too like Thirassia, Halki, and Kastellorizo.
• Instead of taking taxis and buses around the islands, try to rent a car to get to some of the more secluded places tourists rarely see. couples can even rent a scooter and create some romantic memories on two wheels.
• When island hopping you don’t want to be burdened by huge suitcases so pack as light as possible to enable you to move from place to place with ease. Or if you are planning a circular route you can ask to leave a suitcase at the hotel and pack a large rucksack.
• Take in some of the local attractions such as festivals and craft fairs that take place across the mainland and islands. Ask your tour guide or hotel receptionist where the top-rated restaurants are that the locals go to and sample items only available in that location.

Route One: Athens – Santorini – Ios – Paros – Mykonos – Athens

Encapsulating historical sites, unspoiled sea vistas, and vibrant nightlife, this route is best for young adults wanting to enjoy everything traditional Greece has to offer in Athens but still party all night on Mykonos, one of the best islands for clubbing.

You’ll start in Athens and head straight to Santorini where the towering hillside gives magnificent views across the bay, especially as the sun sets. Ios and Paros are next where lazy days on the beach can be enjoyed and even take in a wine tour to sample fine wines before the beers and spirits that are part and parcel of an evening in Mykonos.

Route Two: Kos – Kalymnos – Leros – Patmos

This route takes you through the Dodecanese part of Greece and allows you to explore both major and minor islands in this vast archipelago. Enjoy everything Kos has to offer first with its large resorts, waterparks, and vibrant Old Town before setting off to Kalymnos which is perfect for a climbing excursion to take in the sights from on high.

Leros has a traditional quaint Greek character and is not often visited by tourists so as you can imagine it has retained a charming character. Patmos is a must to explore the Christian heritage of the island and relax on one of its many beaches.

Route Three: Lefkada – Kefalonia North – Ithaca – Kefalonia South

If you prefer turquoise seas and sandy beaches instead of historical ruins, then this is the route for you. Four smaller islands pack a photographic punch starting in Lefkada, one of the loveliest destinations in Greece for swimming in the sea. Kefalonia is the ideal place to make the most of Greek life, in particular the scenic restaurants in the villages of Assos and Fiscardo.

As you continue on to Ithaca don’t forget your snorkel and mask for Filiatro, without a doubt one of the best beaches in Greece that is yet to be discovered by the masses. Ending in the south of Kefalonia gives you ample opportunity to explore yet more golden sand beaches such as Skala and Kako Lagadi.

Conclusion

If reading this article has you dreaming of azure waters, white beaches, and fascinating historical sites to explore, then our list of the best places to travel in Greece is sure to give you food for thought. We’ve explored the top 8 best places to vacation in Greece including the capital city, and given two perfect suggestions for those who are exploring this Mediterranean nation for the very first time.

If you’re not content with staying in one place, we hope our three routes for island hopping in Greece will provide you with some inspiration to plan your own itinerary that suits you perfectly. Greece is a country of huge diversity, from the rocky shores in the north to the sun-baked beaches of the more southern islands, wherever you plan to go in Greece you can’t go wrong.

Decide what kind of vacation you want, research the best places to stay in Greece whether you want mainland, island, or a mixture of both, then get excited every day as your Grecian odyssey draws closer!

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