When someone says Greece, you’ll immediately think of sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins, and crystalline waters. This captivating country delivers on those promises and so much more. From iconic monuments dating back millennia to scenic hikes culminating at breathtaking viewpoints. Greece offers unforgettable experiences for every visitor. This definitive guide covers the top things to see and do in Greece for an unforgettable Greek adventure.
Deciding what to see and do in Greece can feel overwhelming given the country’s extensive cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. To kick-start your planning:
With iconic attractions like the Parthenon plus 227 inhabited islands, Greece delivers unmatched experiences for archaeology buffs, beach bums, foodies and more. All you need is a Greece Tourist Visa to kickstart your Greek vacation!
What is the Best Time to Visit Greece?
The best time to visit Greece is during spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). The weather is pleasantly warm, around 60-85°F during the day. Popular destinations like Mykonos, Santorini and Athens are less crowded and hotels/airfare less expensive than in peak summer.
June-August offers gorgeous beach weather but higher prices and dense crowds. Visiting in late fall/winter brings potential rain along with a few open hotels and restaurants outside major cities.
The ultimate decision depends on your priorities: lower crowds/costs versus consistently sunny days. For most visitors though, the sweet spot of spring/fall offers the best balance. So, choose the perfect time according to your travel preferences, Apply For Greece Visa and jet off to Greece!
No list of top attractions in Greece is complete without the iconic Acropolis. This ancient citadel sits high above Athens, anchored by the magnificent Parthenon temple dating back to 438 BC. Meander through the ruins with an expert local guide for an immersive history lesson.
Whitewashed villages carved into rugged sea cliffs define romantic Santorini’s famous landscape. Highlights include watching the sun dip into the Aegean from the city of Oia, exploring the fascinating Akrotiri archaeological site, and unwinding on red and black sand beaches.
This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site features 14th-century monasteries precariously perched atop towering rock pillars in central Greece. Aside from admiring the stunning scenery and learning about the monks who built the complexes, hiking is a popular activity.
The ancient ruins of Delphi, considered the centre of the world in Greek mythology, feature impressively preserved monuments like the Temple of Apollo with its iconic columns. Explore the expansive archaeological site and an onsite museum exhibiting artefacts like the Charioteer of Delphi.
This 10-mile hiking trail through Europe’s longest gorge offers unforgettable glimpses of dramatic cliffs, caves formed by an ancient river, and rare flora and fauna. Reaching soaring heights of 1,000 feet, the terrain may be arduous but rewards adventurers with incredible vistas.
These are some of the best places to visit in Greece for your holiday. So, what are you waiting for? Apply Greece Visa online today. Go on an unforgettable Greek vacation with friends or family!
As the birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western civilization, Athens boasts an unrivalled concentration of archaeological treasures. First-time visitors must see the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, and Panathenaic Stadium – host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
The picture-perfect Cyclades island group allows hopping between postcard-worthy destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Paros and Naxos. Savour fresh seafood, lounge on idyllic beaches, wander charming villages, and soak in that laidback Greek island lifestyle.
Greek cuisine is world-renowned and no visit is complete without indulging in iconic dishes across the mainland and islands. Start your day with thick Greek yoghurt and honey, then enjoy seaside lunches of grilled seafood, salads loaded with feta, and flaky spanakopita. Save room for an evening of meze plates and retsina wine.
Greece is the birthplace of myths involving gods, heroes, and epic adventures still remembered today. Walk amidst the ruins where legends like Hercules, Odysseus, Agamemnon and Hephaestus once roamed in destinations like Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus and Knossos.
With varied landscapes from rugged mountains to stunning coastlines, Greece offers myriad hiking opportunities to burn off all that delicious food. Conquer the Samaria Gorge in Crete, climb Mt. Olympus – home of Zeus, or go on the Corfu Trail for seaside views on this lush Ionian island.
5 Hidden Gems in Greece You Must Explore
1. Monemvasia – Peloponnese
This fortified town clings dramatically to a massive rock formation surrounded by the sea. Inside the medieval walls, wander through narrow alleys lined with restored Byzantine churches and stone mansions dating as far back as the 13th century.
2. Navagio Beach – Zakynthos Island
A true hidden gem, this stunning beach tucked below towering limestone cliffs is only accessible by boat or treacherous hiking trails. Sunbathe on the sugar-white sands, snorkel over a WWII shipwreck, and savour the secluded beauty.
3. Dimitsana – Peloponnese
This beautifully preserved Byzantine village in the mountains of Arcadia offers a taste of traditional Greek life. Admire flower-decked plazas, stone homes with slate roofs, and a renowned Open-Air Water Power Museum depicting centuries-old engineering feats.
4. Vikos Gorge – Epirus
Located in the Pindus Mountains, Vikos Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world at 3,600 feet. Well-marked trails traverse the dramatic rocky cliffs past streams, stone arched bridges and scattered monasteries.
5. Chania – Crete
Crete’s romantic Venetian-era old town captures hearts with its charming harbour rimmed by vividly painted townhouses and fortresses. Soak up the unique blend of Ottoman, Venetian and Greek heritage as you meander the narrow alleyways filled with bustling cafes and artisan shops.
These are some incredible things to see and do in Greece if you want to go the offbeat way.
Strap on your boots and hike any number of scenic routes dotting the Greek islands. Climb pine-clad paths in Crete’s White Mountains, traipse through vineyards in Paros, or follow the coastline along Zakynthos’ pristine beaches.
No Greek holiday is complete without time spent on the bright blue Aegean. Charter a private sailboat or opt for group tours that include snorkelling off secret coves and beachside BBQs with unparalleled sunset views. The Cyclades islands are a prime sailing destination.
With over 9,000 miles of coastline, Greece delivers a kaleidoscope of incredible beaches from cosmopolitan super clubs to remote stretches of golden sand. Major beach towns like Mykonos, Kefalonia and Corfu satisfy all tastes with their diverse seaside offerings.
Experienced divers and snorkelers relish exploring Greece’s colourful underwater landscapes teeming with marine life. Excellent diving spots include the caves, rock arches and shipwrecks off Milos, Crete’s tranquil Koufonisi Island and the NAVAGIO “Smuggler’s Cove” of Za
kynthos.
5. Hiking or Cycling – Adventure Things to See and Do in Greece
Tackle challenging hikes amidst Greece’s rugged peaks, deep canyons and olive groves. Mountain bikers will find scenic trails throughout, from ancient paths through central Greece’s Pindus Mountains to off-road adventures in Crete or the Peloponnese peninsula.
With ancient ruins, sandy beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, and ruggedly beautiful landscapes, Greece delivers a feast for the senses. Whether you spend your days exploring mythology on the mainland or blissed out on far-flung islands. Greece’s charms will leave you longing to return!
Use this definitive guide to unlock the top things to see and do in Greece. And experience why people say a visit to timeless Greece intoxicates the soul!
Some of the top islands to visit in Greece for first-timers include Santorini, famous for its iconic caldera views and sunsets; Mykonos, a cosmopolitan party island with beach clubs and whitewashed villages and Crete, the largest island rich in history, hiking trails and beaches.
Ideally, plan for at least 7-10 days to visit Athens and explore one or two Greek islands at a relaxed pace. Two weeks allows enough time for a more extensive Greek itinerary that includes Athens, visiting multiple islands across the Cyclades or Ionian groups, and adding mainland destinations like Delphi.
Visiting Greece can be very affordable or quite expensive depending on your travel style and itinerary. Athens and the Greek islands have luxury hotels plus budget accommodation available. Food and attractions are relatively cheap, with inexpensive eateries, tours and domestic ferries making it easy to see a lot for less.
Greece is overall considered a safe travel destination thanks to its low crime rates, friendly locals, and minimal political turmoil. As always, standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crimes like bag snatching or pickpocketing, especially in tourist hot spots of Athens and islands like Mykonos.
Yes, generally tap water is safe to drink in Greece, especially on its islands which use desalination plants. However, some travellers prefer to stick to bottled water to avoid any potential bacteria or viruses, especially while in Athens or larger mainland cities where the tap water may have a metallic taste due to old plumbing infrastructure.
