Recently updated on October 21st, 2025 at 08:54 pm
From ancient monuments and infinite islands, to crystal-hued beaches and vast mountainous landscapes, it’s easy to see why in a typical year Greece attracts millions of visitors. Whether you’re seeking a sun-soaked seaside escape, are in pursuit of a culinary adventure or are keen to retrace the steps of a long and storied history, throughout this blog post we’ll share with you the very best places to visit in Greece. It’s time to get packing!
What are the must-visit places in Greece?
Athens
Lying at the very heart of the country, no trip to Greece would be complete without visiting the capital city, Athens. Having been inhabited for more than 3000 years, the city comes packed with a wealth of history as the birthplace of Western Civilisation.
While the remnants of ancient Greece do get most of the attention in Athens, there are also plenty of other things to do in the city. Some of our favourites include embarking on a gastronomic adventure, visiting the Kanellopoulos Museum and sampling some of the local delicacies at the Agora-Athens Central Market.
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Santorini
Known for its dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it comes with little surprise that Santorini features at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists.
Located between Athens and Crete, Santorini (officially known as Thira) is part of the Cyclades group of islands. Despite being small in size (driving the island north-south by car only takes roughly 45-minutes), there is still plenty to explore. Wander the narrow streets of Oia and find the perfect position to watch the spectacular sunset, satiate your taste buds at a traditional Trattoria in Fira or visit a winery and taste some of the Greek Island’s best wines.
Mykonos
Known for beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts and a lively nightlife, it comes with little surprise that those who travel to Greece in pursuit of finding the best of Greece find themselves at Mykonos. Like a slice of heaven on Earth, this stunning Greek island in the Cyclades group is an absolute must-visit destination!
By day, explore the little alleyways of Old Town Mykonos and visit the traditional windmills of Kato Mili. Then, come the evening, enjoy a sunset meal at a traditional Taverna with a cocktail and live music.
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Where are the best places for food in Greece?
Crete
Believe it or not, there are many things to do in Greece beyond retracing history and sailing. For foodies, holidays to the Greek Islands means one thing: delicious, fresh, local Mediterranean food! Long before being popularised in the west, farm-to-table food has always been a way of life on Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. With recipes that have been passed down through generations, some of the island’s most renowned dishes include dakos, kaltsounia, kochlioi, staka, tsigariasto and pilaf. Most of the dishes can be found at many of the island’s tavernas and restaurants.
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Naxos
Touted as a top foodie destination by the late Anthony Bourdain, a visit to the island of Naxos is not to be missed if a Greek culinary venture is what you’re seeking! An agricultural island, most eateries here create dishes that feature locally grown vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood and local specialties including cheese and potatoes. Some of the most famous dishes from this island include giachnada, provatses and sefoukloti, all served with wine!
Epirus
Located at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, Epirus’ strategic position by the sea make this town the perfect destination for those who enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like waterfront strolls accompanied by exquisite cuisine options. The waterfront itself is lined with many tavernas, all offering traditional Epiriot cuisine that will satisfy the hungriest of visitors.
RELATED CONTENT: Discovering Santorini’s Greek cuisine and wine
Where are the best places for adventure in Greece?
Rhodes
Home to more than 42 beaches, stunning landscapes, cliff-hugging monasteries, marinas and a UNESCO World Heritage listed fortified old town, there’s plenty of reasons why people visit the largest Dodecanese island of Rhodes when they travel to Greece. While many make the trip to Rhodes to experience the history, laidback beach vibes and buzzing nightlife, adrenaline junkies from around the globe flock to Rhodes for its perfect windsurfing and kite surfing conditions.
Northern Greece
Wondering what to do in Greece in the winter months? Did you know that you could ski in Greece? Thanks to the huge, towering mountains of the north, winters in Greece means snow and skiing. In fact, the slopes in Northern Greece, while not as well known as some of its other European neighbours, have great-quality snowfall, good schools and a hearty apres ski scene. To really experience the best of Greece, we’d recommend basing yourself in the quaint mountain village of Seli, so you can ski the slopes of Vermio Mountain with the locals. If you’ve got time, you could also embark on some sightseeing around some of the small traditional villages nearby, sampling some of the hearty local cuisine.
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Kardamyli
Located in the rugged region of Mani in the Peloponnese, tucked between the Messinian Gulf and the Taygetos Mountains, Kardamyli is nothing short of beautiful. The picturesque upper part of the town is home to imposing stone tower houses, a medieval castle and the church of Agios Spyridonas. Kardamyli is one of the best places to travel to Greece for keen hikers wanting to explore the Vyros Gorge and the long-forgotten Peloponnese.
Discover the amazing Peloponnese and so much more when you travel with Trafalagar on the Secrets of Greece tour.
Where are the best places for history in Greece?
Delphi
One of the most wondrous ancient places in the world, Delphi was known as the prime place of worship for Apollo, the Greek God of the Sun; and was also the place of worship for many other gods and goddesses. Not to mention, Delphi was also the location where the oracle of Delphi was filled with the spirit of Apollo. Today, visitors to the city can enjoy wandering around numerous ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, treasuries, the theatre and athletic structures, including the stadium that held the athletic Pythian Games, where competitors from all over Greece gathered to compete.
Olympia
The location of the Pan-Hellenic Games, which are considered to be the first Olympics, Olympia is a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of Zeus, the King of the Gods. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site contains a myriad of ruins, including the thermai, Heroon and various temples.
You can visit Olympia when you travel with Trafalgar on the Best of Greece tour.
Meteora
Awe is the first feeling that comes to mind when trying to describe Meteora’s looming sandstone cliffs, topped with Byzantine monasteries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora is the largest archaeological centre in Greece. Considered an ideal place to achieve isolation during early Christian times, the first monastery here was established in the 14th century. Of the original 24 monasteries, only six remain active today.
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Visit the iconic sites you’ve known from the pages of your history books on our Best of Italy and Greece tour.
Where are the best places for rest and relaxation?
Lesbos
Wondering what to do in Greece that’s not a common feature on the tourist map? Enter Lesbos. The island of Lesbos is one of the few places you can visit and find the authentic laidback Greek lifestyle. The perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a drink by the ocean overlooking idyllic bays and calm beaches, without the crowds.
Paros
If you’re seeking a cosmopolitan, yet relaxing destination to visit when you travel to Greece, Paros is where you need to go! Beautiful azure waters, paired with elegant cocktail bars and restaurants make this Greek Island an absolute dream for those in search of the absolute best of Greece. When you’re not making the most of the abundance of beaches and tavernas available, spend your time exploring the small villages between the mountains or some of the small neighbouring islands, or start your day with a beautiful sunrise horseback ride.
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Where are the best beaches in Greece?
Corfu
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Greece, Corfu has you covered. This Greek Island’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you’ll be too busy splashing in the sand to notice the ancient ruins. Hike through the dense olive groves to the crystalline waters of Rovinia Beach or join the flocks of sunseekers who marvel at the sandstone of Canal d’Amour.
Milos
If Milos rings a bell, you probably know it as the site where the Venus de Milo was found prior to its current home in the Louvre. But this Greek Island has dozens of beaches — both pebble and sand — that make it worth discovering whether or not you stumble upon an ancient artifact.
What are the best islands to visit in Greece?
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands include the popular destinations of Corfu and Paxos, but you shouldn’t stop your island hopping there. Along with gorgeous beaches, history buffs and classical literature lovers should go to Aphrodite’s birthplace of Kythera or Ithaca where Odysseus hailed from in The Odyssey.
Cyclades
With over 30 islands and islets, the Cyclades are one of the best places to visit in Greece’s Aegean waters. Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos need no introduction. The entire island of Delos is considered an archaeological site while Folegandros has a Venetian fortress. From the large oak forest in Kea to the gastronomic greatness found in Tinos’ traditional Greek food, the Cyclades are worth exploring.
Where are the best places to visit in Greece for families?
The Attica Region
It goes without saying that the Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens are must-sees for kiddos. While the Greek capital is the obvious choice for a family getaway, parents will find plenty to do in the surrounding Attica region. The Natural History Museum in Kifissia keeps the kids engaged with interactive exhibits while the Attica Zoological Park and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Park offer opportunities to be active outdoors.
The Epirus Region
Want to get the kiddos outdoors in Greece? Head to the northwest area of the country called Epirus. Offering another reason why staying on the mainland has its perks, this region is hugged by the Ionian Sea and Pindos mountains. Think mountain biking in Zagorochoria National Park and kayaking Lake Pamvotida with the kids before touring the occasional archaeological site in Arta or Preveza.
Where are the best places to visit in Greece for couples?
Hydra
A car-free island where you and your beau can stroll hand-in-hand, Hydra is a cosmopolitan paradise. Take a long walk together for a jaw-dropping selfie atop Mount Eros or nibble on traditional Greek food while wandering the village of Megalo Kamini. Hang out in Hydra with your mister or missus long enough and you may never want to leave.
Symi
A fairytale-like destination for your love story’s next chapter, Symi is one of the best places to visit in Greece for lovebirds. The colourful village buildings contrast with the brown hilly backdrop, which look even more dramatically stunning during sunset. Find a way to visit for its annual September music festival, but if you’re visiting in the off-season, don’t despair: this ancient winemaking town is ready to lure you in with vino, good conversation, and a visit you two won’t forget.
Where are the best places for nightlife in Greece?
Skiathos
A bustling nightlife is just one of the draws of Skiathos. Located in the Northern Sporades, Skiathos keeps the party rocking until the wee hours of the morning. Boogie over to the Old Harbour or Ammoudia to drink in its intoxicating nightlife scene. Just be ready to dance to a few ABBA hits: this island is where Mamma Mia! was filmed.
Zakynthos
You’ll come to know Zakynthos by its nickname Zante after a few all-nighters. The Venetian architecture and alluring beaches provide a great backdrop for partying with your passport. Pregame with classy cocktails in Bochali then hit up Kalamaki, Laganas, or Alykes for club hopping.
FAQ
How many days should I spend in Greece?
You need at least a week in Greece, especially if you’re visiting the mainland and islands. You could tackle a trip to Athens and a quick jaunt to an island like Crete or Naxos within a five-day vacation, but you’ll be pressed for time. From hours spent in the National Archaeological Museum and on the beaches of Santorini to visiting smaller sites like Nafplio, one week or longer in Greece will leave you with memories for years.
What are some famous landmarks in Greece?
The most famous landmarks in Greece include the Acropolis of Athens, the White Tower of Thessaloniki, the original site of the Ancient Olympic Games, Mount Olympus, and the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion.
Can I island hop in Greece?
Yes, you can island hop in Greece! Some islands are connected via flights but most are accessible via ferry. Even if you don’t arrive on a cruise ship, you can catch a ferry at the port of Piraeus near Athens. For the Cyclades, you can jump on routes that go from Mykonos to Naxos or Sifnos to Santorini.
Have you travelled to Greece and visited any of these dreamy destinations? Or, are you hoping to in the near future? Let us know in the comments below! Or, head to our website so you can read more about how you can discover the best of Greece with Trafalgar.