Greece is a wonderful country full of ancient wonders, fabulous nature, excellent food, and some of Europe’s best beaches. The Greek Isles are world-famous; some for the legendary beach parties and others for their luxurious hotels with astounding views. Luckily, we have been able to visit Greece 6 times and explore its diverse landscapes on the mainland, its laid-back atmosphere on the islands, and dove deep into its history.
Whether you’re more interested in the culture and history of Greece or its best beaches, you’re in the right place. This guide to all the best things to do in Greece offers plenty of options for everyone and explores all the best places to visit in the Mediterranean.
From the lunar landscapes of Milos to the incredible archeology of Athens – here are all the best things to do in Greece!
We will help you plan your ideal Greece vacation by exploring the country’s popular destinations, attractions, and hidden gems. One day, you can traverse the sandy beaches of the west coast and then explore the archeological sites on the Dodecanese Islands. We’ve covered everything most travelers love to do when they visit Greece so there are plenty of fun activities for everyone.
Greece Quick Guide
Must-see: Acropolis of Athens, Ruins of Delphi, Milos, Santorini, Heraklion Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, Olympia.
Where To Stay: Astor Hotel, Lava Caves, Amira Luxury Resort & Spa
Fun To Do: Pellion Steam Train, Yacht Getaway, Mount Olympus, Cave of the Lakes, Wintery tour,
Day Trips: Mykonos, Zakynthos, Corfu, Patras
Must-Try Foods: Gyros, Olives, Tzatziki, Dolmades, Loukoumades
Best Things to Do in Greece
A great thing about Greece is that anyone can have a good time there. It doesn’t matter if you’re into hiking, cycling, walking around cities, or just lounging on the beach – the country offers plenty of choices for fun and exciting adventures that attract both Greek tourists and foreign visitors. And in most cases, you don’t even have to go to different destinations to try other things.
1. Hike to the Top of Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the home of the Greek gods in Greek Mythology. Mytikas is the tallest summit, rising to a height of 2,917 meters. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to hike to the top of this mythical summit for uninterrupted views of Greek landscapes.
Bear in mind that hiking to the top of such a tall mountain is an activity reserved for the most experienced mountaineers. Excursions to lower areas of the mountain are available for other people. It’s still a rewarding experience and you get to learn so much about the mountain’s background as the seat of the gods.
Practical Information
Book a guided excursion to Mount Olympus if you’re not familiar with the terrain.
2. Greek History At The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum tells the story of the Greek’s history, and it’s one of the most important museums in the entire country. I love the contrast between the ancient monuments inside the museum and the ultra-modern building that houses the collection; all the exhibits stand out even more when juxtaposed with the sleek, contemporary interior of the museum.The museum houses all the important artifacts that were uncovered at the site of the Acropolis.
Practical Information
The Acropolis Museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Museum tickets are 10-15€.
3. Sail to Magical Milos
Milos Island is sort of a hidden gem with increasing popularity, and I recommend you get there ASAP before it becomes trendier than Mykonos and Santorini. Set in the Aegean Sea, it is known for striking lunar-like landscapes on its beaches.
Sarakiniko Beach is by far the most popular on the island. The white rocks and caves feel like you’re standing on the moon, and it’s almost surreal that you’re actually on an island in Greece. The nearby Papafragas Caves are worth exploring, and venturing to other areas of the island is best if you want to avoid the crowds.What’s most special about this island is that it’s the place where Venus de Milo was discovered. Yes, Antioch’s iconic sculpture was found by a farmer on this magnificent Cyclades island.
Practical Information
Milos Island is accessible by ferries from Athens and other islands in the Aegean Sea. The ferry crossing from Athens takes approximately three and a half hours.
4. Stay in Athens for a While
Athens is the capital of Greece and a city with an immensely rich history. Whether you want to learn about old Greece, tour an art museum, hang out on a beach, or discover the country’s Mediterranean culinary delights, Athens is the place to be. Athens is also considered the cradle of Western civilization, with landmarks like the Acropolis symbolizing its cultural impact. Read more: Where To Stay In Athens – A Guide To The Best Neighborhoods
History is definitely the highlight of a visit to Athens, so you want to make sure you hit all the most important sights. Whether you choose to book a tour or want to explore the city on your own, be sure to see the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Acropolis of Athens, the Athens National Garden, and Areopagus Hill. I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of all the wonderful attractions in Athens, so don’t be surprised if you see that some have earned their own spot on this list. Check out: 16 Best Day Trips from Athens
Practical Information
Athens is serviced by an international airport, and it’s easiest to reach the city by plane. A local train can take you from the airport into the city in 45 minutes.
5. Yacht Getaway in the Ionian Islands
Sailing the Ionian Sea on a yacht is the best way to explore the Ionian Islands. Discover Corfu, Paxos, Ithaca, Lefkada, and more while you travel to fishing villages and quaint towns on the shore. Yacht rental is reasonably priced in Greece, especially when you compare the costs to the country’s luxury resorts.
Also, you can choose between a wide variety of itineraries. Each yacht includes a skipper and a host, which will take you to all the best spots you want to see. The exact price of getaways depends on the route and the length of the cruise, which can be customized to your wishes.
Practical Information
We recommend Yacht Getaways for your magical vacation in Greece as we traveled with this operator and had a great time. Read more: Discover the Magic of Yacht Getaways – Greece Ionian Explorer
6. Tour the Ruins of Delphi
The Oracle of Delphi, in central Greece, is one of the most famous stories in Greek Mythology, and if you are even slightly interested in ancient history, you must visit this tiny town. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo are here in Delphi and are one of the most famous landmarks in this ancient country.
Here, you can also see the Ancient Theater of Delphi, the Castalia Spring, the Delphi Archaeological Museum, and the modern town of Delphi, which is west of the archeological sites. The museum is great because it has all the statues, art, and other items that were given to the Oracle of Delphi over the years.
Practical Information
The Delphi Archeological Site is open from 8 AM to 7 PM. Tickets are 6-12€. Book this highly rated day trip to Delphi from Athens.
7. Discover the Viewpoints of Rhodes
Rhodes is the dominant one of the Dodecanese Islands, known for archeological sites, sandy beaches, and excellent resorts. It’s a top Greek island to visit, whether you want to spend your time relaxing at a resort or exploring all the different historic sites.
This island is also a great destination for fun outdoor adventures. Rhodes’ numerous hiking trails will take you to all the best viewpoints on the island and allow you to discover its canyons, waterfalls, tall peaks, and so much more. The nature of Rhodes is gorgeous, and honestly, even better than its lovely sandy beaches.Gadoura Dam, Jacob’s Canyon, and the Butterflies Valley are a few of the best natural landmarks on the island. There are also loads of museums, monasteries, churches, and other ancient sites that are worth checking out, in addition to all the beaches and fancy resorts.
Practical Information
Rhodes is serviced by an international airport and ferried from other Dodecanese islands, as well as ports in mainland Turkey.
8. Prehistoric Tour of Santorini
Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands, best known for the white and blue houses on the cliffs. It’s an idyllic destination for summer vacations in Greece, but the island has much more to offer in addition to its spectacular beaches.Prehistoric tours of Santorini are not as famous as the island’s wineries but are very much a thing. Visit Akotiri to see evidence of prehistoric settlement, which is believed to date from the Neolithic Period. Then, hike to Ancient Thera for mountaintop ruins and dramatic sea views.
The historic walk from Fira to Oia is another popular thing to do on the island, especially for adventurous travelers. The hike takes 3-5 hours, and it’s mostly downhill if done in this direction. It also offers stunning views along the way.
Insider Tip: The walk from Fira to Oia takes place over exposed terrain, so bring lots of sunscreen.
Practical Information
Santorini is accessible by ferries and planes.
9. All You Can Eat Greek Food
When in Greece you must try Greek food. Tzaziki, Gyros, feta cheese, and copious amounts of olive oil are the staples of Greek cuisine, and I’m getting serious nostalgia just thinking about all the delicious food I ate in Greece. We love to taste local wine in tavernas, and wine tastings are part of the whole Greek dining experience.
Greek food is Mediterranean and fresh ingredients are key to the Greek flavours. What I love most about this cuisine is that it’s so varied. While fish and seafood is most popular in the south especially on the islands, the north is known for heartier dishes. Lamb is as popular as fish but vegetables are more popular than meat. Greek food is vegetarian friendly but you might struggle to find local vegan options as the Greeks love to add feta cheese to everything. And drizzle olive oil, I’m not complaining. Tasting local wine is part of the travel experience in Greece, it enhances the food and the views.
Practical Information
Food tours are available in most cities throughout Greece. Athens and Thessaloniki are the most popular.
10. Party on Mykonos
The Island of Mykonos is legendary for its nightlife and daytime beach parties. Anyone looking to have the time of their life in Greece should head straight to Mykonos. With countless beautiful beaches tucked away in secluded bays, luxurious villas, and some of the best beach bars in Greece, Mykonos is a top destination for summer fun.
It’s a big island, and there are definitely other things to do there if you want to do more than just party. Waterfalls, ruins, and historic landmarks with stunning sights are all available in Mykonos as well. The Archaeological Site of Delos is a quick boat ride from Tourlos, and that’s one of the most important sacred islands of Ancient Greece.But in my experience, the history is more of an afterthought on Mykonos, so do consider other destinations (like Santorini or Naxos) if you’re more interested in exploring than dancing.
Practical Information
Mykonos is serviced by ferries and planes.
11. Go On a Winery Tour
Winery tours are available almost everywhere in Greece. They’re affordable, fun, and a must for all wine lovers traveling in the Mediterranean. Greece is in the top 20 wine-producing countries in the world and it has some of the oldest vineyards, so Greek wine is definitely special and worth trying.Tours with wine tastings offer insight into the wine production and history. Santorini is a really good destination for winery tours, as well as Achaia Clauss. It’s one of the country’s oldest wineries, situated in the Peloponnese.
Practical Information
The wineries of Santorini are some of the country’s best.
12. See The Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos
Shipwreck Beach is a legendary sight. It’s used in virtually all promotional material for Greece, and I doubt there’s a person who hasn’t seen the iconic image at least once. This famous beach is on the island of Zakynthos, and until 2023, you could reach it on boat tours and swim in the sea.That’s no longer the case because there is a danger of landslides, and it’s still unknown whether the beach will again open to the public. The good news is that you can still see the beach from a platform on the cliffs.The view is even more dramatic from above, and the only difference is that you can’t get close to the shipwreck But that just gives you an excuse to return to Navagio Beach when it’s once again safe to visit.
Practical Information
Zakynthos is an Ionian Island, accessible by ferries from other islands and Kyllini on the mainland. It’s also serviced by an airport and reachable by flights.
13. Unesco World Heritage Site: Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the most famous historical landmark in Greece. It’s an attraction you must visit when traveling to Athens, as it really is the most iconic landmark in the entire city.Standing among the ancient ruins is an incredible feeling. It’s surreal to look at all those temple ruins and think that humans lived there more than a thousand years ago. Also, the Acropolis offers a wonderful view of downtown Athens. The historic site is on a higher elevation than the rest of the city, and the vista of Athens’ rooftops stretches from the ruins.
Insider Tip: Wear sturdy shoes because the terrain at the Acropolis is very slippery, even in dry weather.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Acropolis are 10€ in the winter season and 15€ in the summer season. The opening hours depend on the season, but the Acropolis is always open until at least 5 PM.
14. Admire Greek Art at the National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important in Athens. It’s a delight to tour if you’re interested in ancient Greek art and archaeological findings. History enthusiasts tend to enjoy their time at this museum, and the art collection is stunning enough that you can admire it even without being a history buff.
Don’t miss out on the museum garden, either. The landscaping is gorgeous, and there are loads of pretty trees and plants to see. Walk around the green space first, and then head up the stairs to see the exhibit in the best museum in Athens.
Practical Information
Tickets for the National Archaeological Museum are 6€ in the off-season and 12€ from April to November. The opening hours also depend on the season.
15. Visit The Meteora Monasteries
The Meteora monastery complex is one of the best places to visit in central Greece, renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. If you’re planning a road trip in the country or just a trip in the off-season, this is by far one of the best landmarks away from the islands.
Come here to see dramatic rock formations with monasteries atop. Six of the original 24 monasteries remain, and the incredible architecture of the place has rightfully earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The monasteries were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, all atop the existing pillars. The place is absolutely brilliant, and for me, it’s one of the best places you can visit in the entire country.
Practical Information
Entrance to individual monasteries is charged 3€, but the entrance to the complex is free of charge. Meteora is approximately 4 hours north of Athens, and guided tours of the complex are available from the capital.
16. Explore Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and a great place to visit if you’ve already been to the capital. This has the vibe of Athens in the sense that you’re staying in a buzzing metropolis full of historic landmarks and ancient ruins. But the crowds are much smaller, so it’s generally a bit easier to enjoy your stay.Thessaloniki has its fair share of historic landmarks and cultural attractions that offer insight into the lives of the locals. And it’s much easier to discover those attractions when you don’t have to bump elbows with other tourists just to get to a ticket office.
But even more than history and culture, Thessaloniki is known for Greek food. Seafood, olives, and the delicious Bougatsa are all inviting you to get a taste of Thessaloniki and forget all about Athens for a day or two.
Practical Information
Thessaloniki is in northern Greece, accessible by planes, ferries, and trains from other European cities.
17. Hiking in Tzoumerka National Park
Greece has incredible nature, but it’s often overlooked in favor of its coast. It’s not that surprising, considering the country has world-famous beaches on its countless islands. But if you want to explore more of mainland Greece’s forests, mountains, lakes, and other landscapes, a trip to Tzoumerka National Park is perfect for you.
Visit Tzoumerka to see rushing rivers, picturesque villages, and ancient houses built into the cliffs. Traverse the hiking trails, ride on the mountain biking paths, and climb to the top of every hill and mountain you want. It’s a great opportunity to discover some mesmerizing Greek landscapes that have nothing to do with sand or sea.
Practical Information
Tzoumerka National Park is accessible by road in the summer. No fees or permits are required for park entrance.
18. Visit the Birthplace of the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Site of Olympia on the Peloponnese peninsula is where the ancient Olympic Games took place. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best remnants of ancient Greece.Tour the archeological site to see the ruins from several different periods in Olympia’s history. Walk around the former center for wrestling, see the ruins of ancient temples, statues of Greek gods, and much more. If you’re even a tiny bit interested in history, Olympia will be a fascinating place to tour.
Practical Information
The Archaeological Site of Olympia is open from 8 AM to 3/7 PM. Tickets are 6-12€.
19. Feel the (Pink) Sand Between Your Toes at Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach is on the southwestern edge of Crete. It’s famous for pink sand, turquoise water, and enchanting surroundings. The beach is part of a nature preserve, and it is accessible only in good weather.Come here if you want to see one of the country’s prettiest beaches and relax on a lounger for a few hours. Although Elafonissi Beach is mesmerizing, there’s not much else to do here other than sunbathing. The sea is very shallow, and you have to walk for ages to reach knee-deep water, so it’s not a good beach for swimming.
Practical Information
Elafonissi Beach is most easily accessible on tours from Chania.
20. Tombs and Palace Ruins at the Archaeological Site of Mycenae
The Archaeological site of Mycenae is one of the most important in mainland Greece. It features palace ruins, grave circles, an ancient palace, and the Archeological Museum of Mycenae, which exhibits all the important objects uncovered at this site.Mycenae was so crucial for the development of the country that an entire period of Greek history is named after it. From 1600 BC to 1100 BC, Mycenae was one of the most important centers of Greek civilization.
Practical Information
The Archeological Museum of Mycenae is open from 8 AM to 3:30/7 PM. Tickets are 6-12€.
21. Explore Chania’s Venetian Architecture
Chania is a port city on the island of Crete. It’s best known for the Venetian architecture that adorns much of the city, the best example of which is the Venetian Port of Chania. Old city walls, ruins of a Byzantine castle, and the Lighthouse of Chania are a few other notable landmarks in the town.
Come to this wonderful city for the perfect balance of ancient history and beautiful sandy beaches. Crete is home to some of the best beaches in Greece, and many are easily accessible from Chania.
Practical Information
Chania is serviced by planes and ferries, and flying to the island is the best option.
22. See the Legendary Panathenaic Stadium
The first modern Olympic Games took place at Panathenaic Stadium back in 1896, cementing the venue’s place in recent history. Also, it’s the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble, making it one of the top three landmarks in Athens.I recommend getting the audio guide for the stadium tour because it provides so much context about the place. Without it, you’re just staring at rows of marble seats and statues.
Practical Information
Panathenaic Stadium is open from 8 AM to 7 PM. General admission is 10€.
23. Admire Minoan Art in Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the best cities on the island. Just like Chania, it is famous for its beautiful Venetian architecture. Byzantine churches, monasteries, and countless other landmarks are scattered throughout this ancient city.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is an absolute must if you find yourself in Heraklion on Crete. The museum boasts a collection of many fascinating items, by far the best of which is its collection of Minoan Art. It’s the largest collection of its kind in the world, with statues, jewelry, furniture, and much more.
Practical Information
Heraklion is serviced by a port and airport. Ferries depart from Athens and travel for approximately 9 hours.
24. Explore the Ancient Agora of Athens
Walk back in time and follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks at the Ancient Agora of Athens. This is the heart of ancient Athens, where citizens would gather to talk about politics, commerce, and social issues. As you walk through the ruins, you will see several amazing ancient monuments, the Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, which now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
The Ancient Agora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gives you a glimpse into daily life in ancient Greece. The museum has more information on the site, and the exhibits show you the artifacts that tell the story of this civic centre. Whether you are a history buff or just curious about the past, the Ancient Agora is a must see when in Athens.
25. Samaria Gorge in Crete
Hike the stunning Samaria Gorge, which is one of Crete’s most famous natural wonders. This 16 km long gorge in the White Mountains is a challenging but rewarding hike through some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes. The trail takes about 6-8 hours to complete and winds its way through narrow passages, past towering cliffs, and alongside a crystal clear river.
The Samaria Gorge is home to many species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Cretan goat, the kri-kri. The gorge’s natural beauty and tranquility make it a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
26. See a Play at Ancient Epidaurus
Experience ancient Greek theatre at the Ancient Epidaurus, a historic theatre famous for its acoustics and scenery. Located in the Peloponnese region, this ancient site comes alive during the summer months with Greek tragedies, comedies, and modern plays.
Seeing a play at the Ancient Epidaurus is an experience like no other. The theatre is designed so that the faintest sound can be heard from every seat; it’s an intimate and immersive experience. Surrounded by greenery and hills, the setting is as beautiful as the performances.
27. Find Your Beach
Greece has a long coastline and a beach for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer sandy beaches, pebbled beaches, or secluded coves, you will find your perfect spot to relax. Some of the most popular beaches are mentioned above, but I also wanted to give a shout-out to Koukounaries Beach in Skiathos for the golden sand and pine forest behind.
Each beach is different, from swimming and sunbathing to water sports and beach bars. The landscapes and waters are so beautiful that Greece’s beaches are some of the best in the world and the perfect place to spend your holiday.
28. Cruise the Cyclades
Sail the blue waters of the Aegean Sea and discover the lovely Cyclades. Famous for its beaches, villages, and nightlife, the Cyclades are the ultimate Greek island experience. A boat trip through this beautiful archipelago is the best way to see it all and get immersed in the local culture.
Choose from day trips to multi day cruises. Popular stops are Santorini with its famous sunsets and white houses, Mykonos with its beach parties and Paros with its traditional villages and turquoise waters. Swim, snorkel and sunbathe on some of the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 Days Enough For Greece?
7 days is enough for Athens and a couple of day trips in Greece. Plan a vacation of at least two weeks for a more thorough exploration of Greece and its wonderful islands.
What is the Nicest Part of Greece to Visit?
The nicest part of Greece to visit is its islands, at least in terms of landscapes and weather. Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Milos, Rhodes, and many others all offer mild weather, sunny days, and many miles of sandy beaches.
Where Should I Go For My First Time in Greece?
Athens is perfect for first-time visitors, especially if you want to discover history and culture. One of the countless islands is better if you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation destination.
What Is The Number One Attraction In Greece?
The Acropolis of Athens is the number one attraction in Greece. This ancient site is a UNESCO Heritage Site and by far the country’s most famous tourist attraction.
Where To Stay in Greece
Stay in Athens if you’re going to Greece for history and culture. The capital has by far the best landmarks and attractions, and it’s perfect for first-time visitors.For a more relaxed vacation, stay at Milos Island and wander around its mesmerizing beaches. And for the best balance of island fun and ancient Greek landmarks, choose Crete. Here are some of the best hotels in Greece for all budgets:
Tips and Information For Visiting Greece
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Greece is from April to October. Greece is a very popular destination in the summer thanks to the warm weather and countless miles of sandy beaches, so you might want to avoid traveling in July and August. If you don’t like crowds, early spring and late fall are excellent times to be in Greece.May, June, and September are still good times to visit for smaller crowds and to swim in the sea. The weather is warm enough that you can comfortably go for a swim and lounge on the beach, but the rest of the world hasn’t entirely caught on, so they haven’t all arrived.Winters in Greece are dreary and wet. It’s not fun walking on slippery cobblestones, and I don’t recommend traveling to Greece from November to March.
Getting There
Athens International Airport is the largest one in Greece, so there’s a good chance you’ll land at this airport. A train service is available to take you to downtown Athens, and it’s usually the fastest way of traveling.The roads leading into the city can get quite congested, so taxis and private transfers can sometimes take longer to get you to the city center. A one-way train ticket is just 9€.
If you need to get somewhere from Athens, look into trains, buses, ferries, and flights. Greece has plenty of smaller airports, but they’re mostly serviced by local (inexpensive) airlines.
How Much Time Do You Need
The amount of time you need to go to Greece really depends on how you want to experience the country. If you’re just staying in Athens, you need at least three days to explore the city, preferably five. But if you want to go island hopping on either coast, you’ll need at least seven days to be able to see a few different towns.Road trips on the mainland are also an option, and you need 7-10 days for those as well. Keep in mind that all the timeframes I’ve listed are the bare minimum; if you can spare two or three weeks for Greece and you’re not afraid of going out and exploring, your days will be filled with amazing adventures and gorgeous views.
