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Your Trip to the Greece: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Greece: The Complete Guide

A visit to Greece can be a dream vacation as long as you know what your dream really is and plan for it. The country's beautiful beaches and world-famous archaeological sites are just two (of many!) reasons to visit Greece . But whatever your reason, use this guide to learn more about the various regions of Greece, how to travel around the country and what to expect of Greece's food, culture, and sights.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : Spring and early fall are the best times to visit when there are fewer tourists but the sea is still warm and the weather fine for outdoor activities.

Language: Greek  . English is spoken in the cities and areas popular with visitors.

Currency: Euro (€)  .

Getting Around: Train service in Greece is limited. An exception is the InterCity Network run by TrainOSE that connects Athens to Thessaloniki and several other cities. Buses, including both local and intercity services, are run by regional cooperatives known as KTEL. The services are not nationally coordinated, so you need to look up KTEL for the region you plan to visit. This KTEL Macedonia website (covering the area around Thessaloniki) is typical. Athens and Thessaloniki have local and suburban public transportation systems. Athen's Metro (expanded for the Olympics) is particularly good, cheap, and clean. Hundreds of ferries connect the mainland to the islands and mainland coastal ports to each other. Private companies run the ferries, and there is no nationwide timetable. Save time and money by using the services of a Greek travel agent to book ferries and for information about buses and trains. Greek websites on these subjects are not well developed for international travelers, but agents are common in ports and city centers.

Travel Tip: Driving in Greece is not for the faint-hearted. Even though many of the highways have been improved in recent years, mountain roads can be hair raising. That, coupled with Greek driving habits, means that the country has a much higher accident rate than elsewhere in Europe.

Things to Do

Eighty percent of Greece is covered in mountains, divided into many peninsulas, and separated by canals  . There are also about 6,000 islands, 227 of them inhabited, and thousands of miles of coast. Getting from one part of the country to another can be complicated so it's important to know, in advance, what you want to do and where to find it:

• Two major cities, Athens , the center of Classical Greece, and Thessaloniki , the heart of Byzantine Greece, are hubs of culture, museums, fashion, nightlife, shopping, dining, and festivals. Both are good bases for touring.
• Fragrant woodlands, dramatic mountains, olive groves and sacred sites dedicated ancient oracles and gods cover mainland Greece. Byzantine fortresses and remote monasteries perch between deep, folded mountain valleys.
• Wherever you go in Greece you'll find thousands of years of history, from the earliest signs of democracy to the temples and theaters of the ancient world as well as the remnants of the Romans and the Byzantines. The Parthenon, the Acropolis , and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi are among the most popular sites.
• The thousands of Greek islands and beaches are an essential part of Greece and Greek culture and are surprisingly easy to reach by plane or ferry. Islands like Crete , Santorini , and Kefalonia are worth a trip on their own.

What to Eat and Drink

Though the foodie scene in the cities is becoming pan-European and international, the best things to eat in Greece are still fresh and local. Octopus and kalamari (fried rings of squid) are popular taverna fare. Fresh Greek salads with feta or local cheeses, a squeeze of lemon and tangy olive oil, are part of every meal. Look for sweets flavored with mastic, a gum from evergreen trees. You may be welcomed to your hotel with a spoonful of cherry or apricot jam and a glass of water.

Take some time to stop at a kafenio (cafe) for coffee and honey-soaked Greek pastries, like baklava and kataifi , or the custard pie known as galaktoboureko . A popular outdoor coffee drink, apparently invented accidentally in Thessaloniki, is frappé. It's made of instant coffee, ice water, and sugar beaten with an electric whisk to form a foam.

The Greeks these days are producing outstanding red and white wines from vineyards in Crete and Santorini. Ouzo, flavored with aniseed, is similar to French pastis drinks. It is sweet and robust and, when added to water, turns white. It packs a lethal punch. If you have a taste for firewater, try the raw spirit made from the byproducts of winemaking. It's called raki in Crete and Tsipouro or Tsikoudia everywhere else. As far as local beers are concerned, microbreweries have caught on, and there are excellent craft beer makers. Look for Red Donkey, a fruity amber ale from Santorini.

Learn more about what to eat and drink in Greece, including the top 10 dishes to try in Greece and the best restaurants in Athens .

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Greece range from quirky Athens boutiques in bohemian neighborhoods like Psirri to corporate giants, like the Athens Hilton in the city center or the luxury Hotel Grande Bretagne in Syntagma Square. The area immediately west of Syntagma Square and into Monastiraki has a concentration of moderately priced three and four-star hotels.

Learn more about the best hotels in Athens, as well as top neighborhoods to visit in Athens .

Getting There

The main international airport for Greece is Athens International Airport , with connecting flights to Thessaloniki, Kalamata , and several of the islands, including Crete and Santorini. Athens Airport is on a main highway and is about 20 minutes from the city center by car or taxi (taxi fares are set by law). Car rental, pick up and drop off, is easiest to arrange at the airport. The cheapest and fastest way to get to the airport from Athens is by Metro Line 3. The airport Metro station is well marked. There are also bus services from the airport to the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio.

To find out more about getting to Greece, explore the best ways to get to Athens Airport , how to take the ferry from Athens to Santorini and how to avoid taxi scams in Greece .

Culture and Customs

Outside of the big cities and major tourist resorts, Greece is a relatively conservative country. In small towns and rural areas, women should dress modestly, avoiding bare shoulders, exposed bosoms, tight or very short skirts or shorts. Even in the cities, cover up before entering Greek Orthodox churches. And, if you are visiting monasteries like the ones at Meteora, don't wear trousers. If you do, the monks will give you wrap around skirts to put on over pants.

Nude and topless bathing is tolerated in many parts of Greece, and on some of the islands, like Crete and Spetses, a short walk beyond the end of a popular beach will take you to a nude beach area. But check with your hotel or a local taverna first. Nude bathing is still technically illegal. On the small islands and in more rural places, Greek families from the small mountain villages visit the beach on weekends with their families. Nude bathing that may be tolerated during the week is not allowed on weekends and school holidays.

Check out everything you need to know about nude bathing in Greece and discover Crete's best nude beach.

Money-Saving Tips

• Travel in the off-season: The most popular time to visit, with the highest prices from June to September. Visit in May or October, and the weather is reliably warm, but prices are much lower.
• Consider self-catering: That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. Efficiency apartments and small villas are usually cheaper than hotel accommodation, and you can save quite a bit by cooking some of your meals yourself.
• Rent an electric bicycle or moped: They're cheaper than rental cars and popular for getting around on islands and in coastal resorts. Just be careful. They are very noisy, and you may not be aware of traffic coming up behind you.
• Take advantage of what's free: Most museums and historical attractions have free admission on certain days or for certain groups of travelers. Look up the site you're interested in on the Greek Ministry of Culture & Sports website . In the left column of your attraction's listing, click on "Information," and you'll find all the free days.

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "General Info."

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "Geography."

The Weather in Greece: Climate, Seasons, and Average Temperature by Month

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Planning a Honeymoon in Greece: The Complete Guide

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'Mamma Mia!' Filming Locations: The Complete Guide

How to Travel from Venice to Athens by Plane, Ferry, and Cruise

Traveling Safely in Greece

48 Hours in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary

Don't Make These 8 Common Tourist Mistakes in Greece

Greece’s Corinth Canal: The Complete Guide

Visit the Temples of the Greek Gods and Goddesses

The Top 8 Greek Cities to Visit

The Towns of Santorini: The Complete Guide

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The Top 20 Things to Do in Greece

My Free Range Family

Destinations , Greece · Last Updated: March 15, 2022

The Ultimate Itinerary for 14 Days in Greece

So you have two whole weeks set aside for a getaway… and you are looking for the perfect itinerary for a dream 14 days in Greece? Look no further. The itinerary I developed for Greece rates as one of the best I’ve ever planned and organised.

Greece is BIG! The groups of islands are very spread out and there are clusters or groups of islands that each offer a different experience. And while a 14 day itinerary is a generous length of time, you certainly can’t see it all. Better to pick a few destinations and get the best out of those islands right?

The Cyclades group of Islands in Greece delivers a little bit of everything… read on and you’ll see what I mean.

*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you).

Table of Contents

Let’s Get Started…

Before I holiday, I plan. Don’t get me wrong, I love spontaneous holiday experiences and go with the flow itineraries. But not all destinations are suited to this easy going approach. Greece is definitely one of these destinations (unless of course you have an unlimited timeframe then for sure, sit back, relax and follow your nose). However, for most travellers visiting Greece, there are a set number of days scheduled. And therefore you’ll be needing some kind of guide or itinerary to see the best bits. But where to start? So many islands, and each so different with a new set of things to offer. The following itinerary for 14 days in Greece is the best I’ve developed and I want to share it with you.

This itinerary includes a perfect balance of beach time, private sailing, relaxation, and shopping and nightlife if that’s what you’re looking for. There are also links to our accomodation recommendations that are somewhat off the tourist trail. And the budget… midrange.

Just a note… Greece is expensive! But don’t worry, this itinerary won’t break the bank.

One of the most commonly asked questions by visitors wanting to see the Islands, but also Athens… which order to do it in? A word of advice, keep Athens till the end of the trip. This is because ferries can be slightly unpredictable at times with unforeseen weather conditions. So fly in and think about flying straight to the islands.

Our experience flying with Aegean Airlines for all internal flights was great. Flights were on time and luggage arrived… so ticked the boxes for us.

Now chances are Mykonos is on your list. And rightly so… it is quintessentially Greece. That look of white and blue, stoned streets, pink flowering bouganvillea trees… you know what I’m talking about. It is a total tourist trap, but it’s beautiful and you really can’t miss it. I’d recommend this as a good place to start for a couple of nights, just to get you settled into that feeling of Greece .

Picture this for a second, sails up, cruising the open sea, arriving at a secluded beach and anchoring up. Then spending the afternoon completely alone, free to swim, walk the beach, nap and sunbathe… your own Greek Island… all to yourself! Yup… it doesn’t get any better than that my friend.

Now this might sound like a luxury, but how often do you get to visit Greece? I scoured websites for sailing options through Greece and came across MANY! But only one that I would recommend.

After many emails back and forward with sailing operators, I finally found one provider. This provider was very experienced, helpful in terms of recommendations, totally reasonably priced and the best part… it was just the skipper and us on the boat. It gave us space to truly get off the tourist trail.

We were picked up from Mykonos and visited Tinos and Syros, two uniquely different islands. And beautiful! Another post of this coming soon.

Ultimately, spending a couple of nights on a yacht with a skipper that hand picks sights and islands to suit your individual preferences is the stuff that makes memories. You’ll visit empty beaches, anchor up at a quiet picturesque bay for an evening and explore islands off the beaten track. There is also something quite special about docking up in the centre of town with bars and restaurants at your yachts front step. Do it! You honestly won’t regret it.

Shake the sea legs off and settle into an Airbnb for a few days on this beautiful island. We recommend Villa Aspries . For location, comfort and autonomy it does’t get much better. This gives you the chance to catch up on some washing and to cook a few meals with the amazing Greek produce that you’ve picked up along the way.

Grab a rental car and explore, everywhere you can. Take a good book, work on your tan, find a pretty beach, eat greek food and eat some more. There is so much to share about Paros that it deserves it’s own dedicated post. The island was a total gem with so much to offer.

It’s time to get ready for the tourists again. Catch a fast ferry with Seajeats to this famous island reserved only for the romantics. Or so we were told… Honestly, it was nothing like we expected. Yes sure, tourists everywhere all trying to get that perfect Instagram shot. But it’s very easy to side step that scene with a few simple tips. Before you know it, you’ll have broken away from the masses. This however, also reserved for another post.

There are so many great places to see and explore in Santorini. Check out this dedicated post on Santorini . But for accomodation, look no further than Oia. We recommend these amazing traditional  cave houses – Zoe Aegeas. While all the hundreds of tourists line up shoulder to shoulder for the ionic sunset photo of Oia, you’ll be sitting on your own private traditional balcony sipping a chilled glass of Santorini wine. Oh yes! Did I mention the wine? They do wine very very well.

Time is running out now, so we recommend a flight from Santorini back to Athens. Take an early morning flight so you can make the most of all that Athens has to offer.

Get your walking boots on. The accomodation we recommend below in the itinerary overview is city central and walking distance to most places.

Our favourite sites included –

• Theatre of Dionysos and Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Acropolis Museum
• Areopagus Hill
• Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds
• Ancient Agora
• The Monastiraki Flea Market

Top tips for Athens: Get to the Acropolis early. We were the first there in the morning and enjoyed the cooler weather and more contained crowds.

When to visit – If you can, September. The school holidays for Europe have finished which means peak season and prices have also. The weather is slightly cooler. But note that by October and November some places are beginning to close and Greece is very seasonal.

Travel light – Island hopping means packing and unpacking. We prefer to backpack and in places such as Mykonos and Santorini this is going to pay off. If you’re staying in central locations such as our recommendations below, then cars are restricted.

Book ferries in advance – This secures a place for you on the ferry, because trust me they get very busy. It also gives you a better understanding of itinerary.

Travelling with Kids – Follow this link to see our full dedicated post to travelling Greece with kids.

The Complete Itinerary to 14 Days in Greece

For further information related to the places we visited then stay tuned. I’ll be sharing the highlights of Greece in more detail. These posts will explore how to get off the tourist trail in Santorini , the highlights of Paros, the benefits of Sailing the Cyclades, and travelling Greece with Kids .

To hear more about our travel story and upcoming plans to travel the world full-time, then you might like to read this post . Find out how Covid 19 has halted our dream adventure in 2020, and what comes next as we plan to leave Dubai (our current home) during these uncertain times.

To get a notification of when these posts are published be sure to sign up. But never fear… you’ll never receive spam from me. Only dedicated newsletters with information that you want to know more about.

You’ll Also Love

June 8, 2020 at 8:25 am

Greece recently moved up the ranks on my travel bucket list! I really want to visit. Everything looks so picturesque. Thanks for the tips. It’s good to know to visit Athens last. I think the order of places is definitely an important part of the travel experience.

June 8, 2020 at 3:52 pm

Wow thanks so much for the tips, it’s quite helpful. I would love to visit some greek island one day. But I would just choose any, Mykonos sounds lovely..

June 8, 2020 at 9:12 pm

I’ve never been to Greece, but it’s somewhere I’d like to go in the future. I love the idea of a deserted island for the afternoon!! I also had a read of your plans to travel the world post, and I have to say, I wish I had the guts to do something like that. It sounds like an amazing adventure, and such a great thing to do with kids. They’re going to learn so much.

Youve inspired me! ?

June 9, 2020 at 5:43 am

Thanks Amy… it’s all very exciting. Just waiting for the right time to leave now!

June 10, 2020 at 9:20 am

Woow, your photos are so stunning and this is really a very good and informative guide! I would love to do a route that you did, it seems, you had the best in those 14 days! Thanks for this itinerary!

June 18, 2020 at 4:41 pm

I’ve never been to Greece but it looks absolutely stunning! Santorini has been on m bucket list for ages and your guide has made me want t go even more! Your photos of Athens and Mykonos are beautiful too.

June 18, 2020 at 5:34 pm

It’s so easy to take good photos in Greece… it is the most picturesque place ever ?

July 13, 2020 at 2:22 pm

I love this!! I’ve been dying to do to Greece. Hopefully once everything is over! ?

July 13, 2020 at 9:39 pm

Love this itinerary. I will use it for sure for my next trip to Greece. Thanks for sharing!!!

July 14, 2020 at 5:39 pm

Such a brilliant post. I’m currently planning my next trip when Covid ends and Greece is on my list

July 15, 2020 at 7:23 pm

So detailed! I love this!! Greece is on my list this year… but it might have to wait. I will definitely will be coming back to this Post!

July 15, 2020 at 7:34 pm

I loved that picture of just the octopus hanging on the rail LOL! Not a sight you see every day. Greece is at the absolute top of my bucket list and reading this made me long to visit this beautiful place even more. Thanks for breaking down a 14 day itinerary, that is super helpful!

July 17, 2020 at 6:37 am

Great post about Greece! Can’t wait to visit when it’s safely and explore more of its beaty!

July 19, 2020 at 1:30 am

This sounds like a great itinerary. I have been to Greece twice and visited different ways each time. My last visit was by cruise so I only was able to visit 2 places. I would definitely return for more of Greece.

July 19, 2020 at 1:50 pm

Truly sounds like a fabulous itinerary. I hope to go to Greece soon so will consider your suggestions. Love the idea of 3 nights on a yacht. Would love to do this.

July 19, 2020 at 7:31 pm

Mykonos and Santorini are on our wish list! We are planners too so its nice to find a likeminded travelor that we can relate to! Thank you for sharing your itinerary. Sailing seems like it would be magical with good weather 🙂 Cant wait to safely get back out in the world and explore. Thank you for sharing!!

July 20, 2020 at 12:24 am

This is a great post. I can feel how much you love Greece and the island hopping sounds like a real treat. And PS your kids are adorable! Really nice round-up and summary of how best to enjoy your time in Greece.

July 20, 2020 at 2:13 pm

Ahhhh I miss Greece so much! We went to Mykonos and Santorini to on our honeymoon, I was looking forward to go back this year to explore a little bit more of other islands, but the pandemic had other plans for us. Definitely saving your post with the info about the other island, I’ve heard good things about Paros too. We also love sailing and we just sailed with a group, I’d love to do a private tour. Very well done.

July 21, 2020 at 12:37 pm

I love Greece! would love to visit again one day. thanks for sharing!

July 25, 2020 at 1:23 am

Nice itinerary for a first visit to Greece. So many amazing islands there! Love your sailing idea. We have rented boats for a day here and there to reach isolated beaches, but haven’t spent nights in a sailboat. That would be fun. Thanks

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15 Essential Greece Travel Tips: Things to Know For Your First Visit

From golden sandy beaches and dazzling blue skies to mouth-watering food, Greece offers a plethora of charms and irresistible attractions all year long. 

What’s more, the country is filled with warm-hearted and hospitable people who will help you enjoy a fabulous escape from your overworked and hectic life. 

That said, we wanted to share some essential Greece travel tips with you to help ensure that your trip goes smoothly. We also don’t want you to miss out on any of the classic Greek experiences!

15 Essential Greece Travel Tips

Table of Contents

1. Don’t forget to buy Travel Insurance

With all that’s been going on in the world, we can’t stress enough how important it is to protect your trip and the money you spent on it. We do not travel without travel insurance.

There are a lot of options out there for insurance, but we use and stand by  Allianz Travel Insurance . Full disclosure, we receive financial compensation as ambassadors for their company.

That said, we’ve been purchasing plans through them for the past 7 years and they have never let us down. Canceled flights, delayed flights, lost luggage, and a global pandemic, they’ve been there for us.

We always renew their  AllTrips Premier  annual plan that covers all of our trips over a 12-month period. If you take more than 2 trips a year, it’s worth considering an annual plan.

For single trips, we recommend looking at their  OneTrip Prime  or  OneTrip Premier  plans.

2. Be prepared for the heat during Greece’s summer

Greece’s summer sun isn’t forgiving for tourists who don’t protect themselves against its scorching heat. Heatstroke and sunburns are common for tourists visiting Greece in the summer. As is dehydration, which commonly presents as a stomach bug.

In Greece, summer temperatures can go beyond 95 F (35 C). On some days, it even rises above 104 F (40 C). 

To protect yourself, always wear a wide-brim sun hat, and a pair of sunglasses. Bring a refillable water bottle, and drink frequently to help keep yourself hydrated on your sightseeing and beach trips in Greece. 

Sunblock is a must too, especially if you’re hitting the beaches and outdoor archaeological attractions in Greece. And, even if you’re wearing sunblock, try to avoid direct sunlight as often as possible. 

Wearing light-colored clothes is one of the most important Greece travel tips. Black is cool, but it’s not ideal in a place as sunny and warm as Greece in summer. Also, opt for skirts, or loose long wide pants, and wide, airy, and long sleeves. 

If you’re visiting ancient sites in Greece, do it as early as possible, to avoid walking under the heat of the sun. Afterward, you can stop by a couple of museums, and take advantage of their air-conditioning as the temperature gets hotter during midday. 

3. Consider visiting Greece in September or June 

June and September are truly the best months to visit Greece. With lower rates for accommodations and flights, these months are perfect for those who want to save some cash on their Greece vacation. 

Last-minute ferry tickets to the Greek islands are easier during these months, too. Don’t get me wrong, June and September are still part of the country’s peak season, but most Greece attractions and places have fewer crowds during these months. The weather is also less windy and cooler.  

4. Buy your ferry, airplane, and train passes in advance 

Greece is an extremely popular destination, especially in the summer months. And, that means you should expect tickets for ferries to be sold out weeks in advance, especially if you’re visiting Greece in June, July, August, and September. 

Try to plan as far in advance as you can and book all the needed tickets in advance. A lot of Europe travels during the summer holiday season, so it’s not just overseas tourists you’ll be up against when it comes to accommodation, ferries, tours, etc.

5. Spend more than a week in Greece 

Despite the country’s small size, it is packed with attractions and places to visit. I honestly think this is one of the most overlooked aspects of Greece travel.

People don’t do enough research and only realize once they are in the country that they don’t have the time they need for everything that interests them. Don’t make this mistake!

Also, don’t try to do too much in a short period of time. If you have less than a week to explore the country, focus on 3 destinations instead of trying to fit in 6 or 7 areas. Travel between the islands takes time and is often met with delays or even cancellations due to the wind.

For a first-time visit to Greece, we’d recommend 2 weeks if you can. This will give you time to visit Athens, a couple of sights on the mainland, and spend a week in the Greek Isles.

6. Learn a little Greek lingo 

Learning some Greek phrases will do wonders for your Greece vacation. To me, it’s one of the most important Greece travel tips we can offer. 

Not only will it make your vacation more immersive, but Greeks also love it when you can speak a few of their phrases or words. 

Since English is prevalent in Greece, learning their lingo isn’t exactly necessary. But, they will have a deeper level of respect for those who show effort in speaking their language. 

7. Check out the less explored beaches in Greece

The beaches on Greece’s most popular islands, like Santorini and Mykonos, can be extremely crowded. No matter when you visit.  

If you want to steer clear of the crowds, head to the more serene islands, like Astypalaia, Ithaca, Donoussa, Sikinos, Kimolos, Tinos, and Andros.

Furthermore, you can enjoy a road trip along Greece’s coast in South Crete, Evia, Chalkidiki, Pelion, Epirus, and Peloponnese. 

8. Consider visiting during an annual festival or event 

Some of the best and most exciting festivals in Greece take place in summer. The Athens Epidaurus Festival, for one, is one of Europe’s oldest performing arts festivals. 

Inaugurated in 1955, this festival features numerous shows of music, dance, and theater. Even better, this festival gives you the chance to enjoy the ancient Greek Epidaurus amphitheater, which is known for its acoustics and is fully operational. 

The amphitheater’s acoustics are so phenomenal that performers won’t need a microphone to be heard in the remotest tier. 

You can also experience Panyigiria (Greek folk festivals). These folk festivals are scattered throughout the country in summer and are fun social gatherings. 

9. Bring a refillable water bottle 

Luckily, tap water in Greece is, in general, safe to drink. So, bring a refillable and reusable water bottle to reduce plastic use and save money during your trip.

This practice goes a long way toward being a mindful traveler and engaging in the principles of Leave No Trace while you travel.  

10. Greece safety tips to be mindful about

Greece is generally a safe destination, even for female solo travelers. Violent attacks in Greece are a rarity. Still, there are a few important safety tips you should take note of. 

Pickpocketing is prevalent, specifically in Athens. Though Greek police have cracked down on some of these perpetrators, you should be aware of your surroundings, and hide your valuables when you’re in busy streets, markets, or using public transportation. 

11. Give Athens at least 3 days  

There’s no better place to start a Greece vacation than Athens. Not only is it the main international gateway to Greece, but it also has a host of fantastic, world-class attractions. 

You could spend an entire week in this city, hitting known attractions, such as the Ancient Agora and the Parthenon. 

Athens is also home to tons of first-rate museums. And, luckily, most of these attractions are air-conditioned, giving summer visitors a respite amid the scorching summer heat. 

If it feels too hot outside, step inside the National Historical Museum and the National Archaeological Museum of Greece. You may also stop at Monastiraki’s covered markets, and pick up some Greek souvenirs.

Spending 3 days gives the perfect balance to see the main sites, hit up a few museums, and slow down just enough to enjoy the cafe life.

12. Don’t miss the Greek Islands 

Greece is home to around 1,200 to 6,000 islands. And, these islands are divided into six island groups: the North Aegean, Saronic, the Cyclades, Ionian, Sporades, and the Dodecanese. 

No matter what your travel style or interests are, you’ll find a Greek island that suits you. Some islands offer tranquility, peace, and solitude, while others have raucous nightlife and a party ambiance. 

While Santorini and Mykonos are the typical poster children for the Greek Islands, and their beautiful, we also love Samos and Patmos for a quieter experience.

13. Eat Greek Salad

One of the most delicious things you can eat while in Greece is a Greek Salad. I am not exaggerating when I say that every time we set foot in Greece, we eat weight in these salads!

Made from plump ripe vine tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and green peppers, this salad is topped with a generous brick of Greek feta cheese. It is then sprinkled with a seasoning that contains a variety of herbs, salt, and pepper. It is then dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

It is not only refreshing but insanely delicious!

14. Try a Cappucino Freddo

Or as we like to call it, Greek rocket fuel. Coffee is a rite of passage, and with the heat of the summer months, it’s best to drink it ice cold. Enter the Freddo.

You can have it straight up or with milk – we prefer it with milk. They also offer it sweet or unsweet. But be warned, the sweet option is very sweet.

This national drink can be found pretty much anywhere and we suggest you try it in one of the charming street cafes you’ll find in Athens or on any of the Greek Islands.

15. Bring good shoes

Lastly, and in my opinion, most importantly, make sure you bring solid shoes with you to Greece! You’re going to be exploring ancient ruins and walking on cobblestone streets.

I can’t tell you how many people I saw wearing shoes with heels or slippery soles struggling to enjoy their time in Greece. Not to mention, bad footwear is dangerous and can lead to injury.

We both lived in our Chaco sandals while in Greece. They offer the coolness of a sandal but have an insanely good grip for exploring. They also have comfortable soles and give good support for long days of walking.

This article is sponsored by Allianz Travel Insurance. As ambassadors we receive financial compensation. However, all opinions, stories, advice, and insane love for Iceland are 100% ours, as always.

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• The Only Europe Packing List You Need (For Any Season!)
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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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Greece: An Ideal 10-Day Itinerary

July 14, 2021.

10 Days in Greece: Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos Greece Itinerary

So you’re planning a 10-day trip to Greece? Sounds like a pretty swell idea to me. Greece is a magical place to visit because you have the archeological sites in Athens, the serenity of the cave dwellings in Santorini, and the boisterous nightlife in Mykonos. I mean…how can you not have a fabulous time? While planning your Greece trip, just keep in mind the following: 1) The hours of the museums and ruins in Athens are somewhat limited, so make sure you check in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly. 2) Look into the ferry times before you solidify everything. You don’t have to purchase the ferry tickets online, but you need to have a very solid idea of which ferries make sense to take in accordance with your Greece itinerary. For more specifics on Greek Island hopping, be sure to read How to Choose the Best Greek Island Hopping Itinerary Routes . Below you will find my ideal 10-day Greece itinerary for visiting “the big three” as I tend to refer to Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.

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Day 1 of 10 Days in Greece:

Fly into Athens, Greece . You should check before you leave your home base to determine how to get from the airport to your accommodation. Personally, I always handwrite the directions down or put them in the notes section in my phone because I never know if I will have working wifi at the airport.  Typically, the best form of public transport to get you from the airport to the city center is via metro, but please check with your hotel first! Once you check in to the place you are staying, head to the Plaka district for what I consider to be the best food in Europe (sorry Italy!).  The feta on the Greek salads is incredibly fresh, the pita bread is so warm, and the moussaka is mouth-watering.  This main thoroughfare in Athens is touristy, yes, but absolutely stunning and a total must visit.  You can do loads of shopping in Plaka and when you are tired, take a seat and look up at the beautiful Acropolis on the hill.

Day 2 of 10 Days in Greece:

If you aren’t on a tight budget, I think it is also beneficial to hire a tour guide in order to fully understand what you are seeing.  After the museum, grab a quick bite to eat and head on up to the Acropolis, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, to take in these stunning ancient ruins. If you are going during high season, you might want to wait until a little bit later in the day when the weather cools down and the crowds dissipate.  Make sure you leave enough time though (approximately 3 hours or so) to see the Acropolis and most importantly, the Parthenon.  You will also have time either in between the museum and the Acropolis or after the Acropolis (it’s only a 5 minute walk) to see some more ruins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Where to stay in Athens: 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, A Luxury Collection Hotel is the highest rated 5-star luxury hotel in Athens.  There are beautiful views of the Acropolis from many of the rooms as well as views of Parliament. The changing of the guard ceremony is located right across the street from the hotel between Syntagma Square, the central square in Athens, and the Parliament building. Prices are typically in the $200-350 range and the hotel boasts all of the amenities that you would expect at a luxury hotel including a pool, rooftop restaurant, turndown service, etc.

Check rates and reviews on TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Plaka Hotel is an awesome affordable option at $100-150 a night and maintains stellar reviews. The hotel is situated in one of the best locations in the city right in the Plaka district and does have Acropolis views from some rooms as well as from the rooftop terrace.

Best Hostels: Personally, I use Hostelworld to book all of my hostels as I trust their rating system.

City Circus Athens – If there is availability, this hostel is the highest rated for the amount of reviews. 

Athens Backpackers – This hostel is great if you are looking for a party atmosphere, and City Circus is unavailable. 

Day 3 of 10 Days in Greece:

In the past, I have suggested that you can wait on booking ferry tickets because the websites can be complicated. But, booking engines like Ferryhopper have made it easier to navigate. Just remember that the names of the ports are not Athens and Santorini! The “Athens” port is actually Piraeus which is just outside of Athens, but easily accessible by metro. The Santorini port is called Thira which is actually the capital city in Santorini. And, during the off-season, direct ferries are not always accessible between islands like Santorini and Mykonos. You may need to take flights between the islands should you wish to visit them both. *UPDATE: With all of the health guidelines and current  unpredictability  with travel, it is probably best to book ferries in advance. 

If you aren’t ready to leave Athens yet, but want a taste of the island life, you can take a day trip to Hydra, the pedestrian-only island that is in close proximity to Athens. Local Greeks regularly visit, especially on weekends, so you will want to book this ferry in advance. My friend missed hers and the next available ferry that day was hours later, so she unfortunately did not get to spend much time exploring the beautiful Saronic island.  Ferries leave from Piraeus and arrive in the Hydra port.

With all that out of the way, let’s get back to the day and our journey from Athens to Santorini.  Take the metro from your accommodation to the Piraeus port. The ferry is usually between 4-6 hours and typically leaves at seven in the morning. Once you arrive at the port in Santorini, stay your first night near the town of Fira which is the capital and city center of Santorini.  Accommodation prices are also significantly cheaper!  Walk through the streets of Fira, have dinner, and watch the sunset.

An alternative sunset viewing spot – two of Santorini’s most popular wineries, Santo Winery and Venetsanos Winery, are nearby Fira. So, you’ll get a view of the sunset along with a wine tasting, cheese board, and island views.

Read More:   Athens to Paros: Ferry or Flight? Travel Mainland to Island

Day 4 of 10 Days in Greece:

After your adventure tour, ride a donkey or take the funicular back up to the top of the cliff and have a nice relaxing lunch. In the late afternoon/early evening, take a bus to Oia and check into your new cave dwelling for the next two nights.  Tragically, the one hostel in Oia shut down a couple of years ago which means if you are on a budget, you will have to fork out some extra money for a hotel. Luckily, I found some Airbnbs in Santorini that are “reasonable” in price comparatively to some of the more luxurious resorts. I promise you it is worth the money though to spend two nights in majestic Oia. Open a bottle of wine, enjoy the incomparable sunset, and feast on a fabulous Greek meal.

If staying in Oia is just not in your budget, don’t despair. You can hike the 10 kilometers from Fira to Oia. You’ll walk through volcanic landscapes, the picturesque villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani, and peer over breathtaking views of the blue waters.  A word of caution: this isn’t an easy stroll. You’ll want to leave as early as you can in the morning to avoid the heat and lack of shade. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and lots of sunscreen, and fill up a reusable water bottle to take along with you. The hike will take around 3 hours. There are a few bars along the way – cash only – should you wish to stop for a cold beverage! Don’t be swayed by the slightly cheaper cost of a frappe because a cappuccino freddo is a significantly better iced coffee. It’s important to note though that there aren’t any bathrooms on the trail, so you might want to wait until you get to Oia for that iced beverage. 

Where to stay in Oia, Santorini: 

Katikies Hotel is pretty much a dream honeymoon spot; the views, the accommodation itself, the hospitality of the staff…all as close to perfection as you can get.  There are 3 swimming pools on the property and breakfast is delivered daily to your patio. Rates range from $450 to upwards of $1000 during the high season. 

Andronis Luxury Suites is a luxury cave hotel with minimalist design overlooking the caldera.  The hotel has fabulous views, a swimming pool, and breakfast on the balcony is included in the price. Rates range from $377 to 850 a night.  

Check rates and reviews on TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Hotels.com  

Where to stay in Fira, Santorini: 

Anteliz Suites: Luxury – Click here to see the latest prices.  

Costa Marina Villas: Budget – Click here to see the latest prices.  

Best Hostels on Santorini: As I said, there are no hostels in Oia and the ones in Fira do not have the best reviews.  If you are looking for something very inexpensive, here are two options but they are a bit away from the center.

Stelio Place at Perissa Beach – It has phenomenal reviews if you are willing to stay in Perissa Beach.

Caveland – I stayed here on my trip and it is walking distance to Fira but you may want to take a taxi back at night since it is a bit further out.

If you are looking for more affordable options, check out my post on the best Airbnbs in Oia and Fira  here .

Day 5 of 10 Days in Greece:

While Santorini has incredibly unique, beautiful beaches, they aren’t all “sunbather friendly.” With your expectations in check, I personally think you should visit Perissa, the black sand beach made from lava. You can lounge on a sun bed, snorkel in the ocean, or even scuba dive. Make sure to bring sandals or water shoes to wear to the beaches. They are not only rocky, but the sun reflecting off the black sand at Perissa beach is hot! You can also explore Red Beach in Akrotiri – one of the most famous beaches on the island – because the red rock is truly unique. Update : Red Beach has been declared unsafe due to landslides; however, you can still see the view from the first part of the access path. It is worth checking out the viewpoint, but I don’t recommend spending time on the beach even if there is no enforcement of the no-entry ban while you’re visiting.

Read More: The Best Water Shoes for Rocky Beaches: Men, Women, and Kids Edition! 

After spending the morning by the beaches, head back toward Oia and stop at Amoudi Bay, a little port by the sea, for a late lunch at one of the many authentic fish tavernas. Parking can be tricky, but the walk up and down from Oia is quite steep (300 steps or so) so driving is preferable. You could also drop the car off, walk down, and have the taverna arrange for you to take a taxi back up to Oia. After lunch, walk along the seafront promenade around the corner to a secluded swimming spot where you’ll see locals cliff jumping. Join them if you dare! It’s a trip highlight for many. 

End your day in Oia. Spend some time walking around the beautiful cobblestone streets; Oia is the perfect place to wander aimlessly on your own, with friends, or with a romantic partner.  Make sure to take a bunch of photos and secure a great location to watch the famed Oia sunset.  Afterward, have a leisurely dinner and enjoy some wine and cocktails to end the evening.

Day 6 of 10 Days in Greece:

If you are on a romantic trip, I would suggest staying in Santorini for another day.  However, if you are with a group of friends or traveling solo and are ready for some nightlife, take the ferry to Mykonos, Greece .  The ferry is about 3 or 4 hours and runs throughout the day so you can leave late morning and arrive in the middle of the afternoon.  You will be headed from Thira (Santorini) to Mykonos, if you are looking up the ferry schedule online. Once you arrive in Mykonos, head to your accommodation and get situated. As soon as you are ready for some exploring, wander over to Mykonos town, the city center, for some window shopping, dinner, and some ice cream for dessert.

Read more: Accommodations: Hostels, Hotels, or Airbnb’s?

Day 7 of 10 Days in Greece:

I strongly urge you to consider renting a quad if you have never driven a vespa before.  I decided to rent a vespa even though I had never learned how to ride a bike ( I know, super weird) and that was a complete joke since I fell off the vespa as soon as I sat down on it.  Since you will be driving the bike all over the island, I recommend being as safe as possible and for me that was with a quad. And, definitely wear a helmet!  I’ll never forget just how much fun it was to ride around the island with the sun shining, wind blowing, and gas pumping.

You may get lucky, but m ost rental companies won’t rent you a vespa or a quad without an International Driver’s Permit . It’s a relatively simple process especially if you have AAA. You just need to print and fill out the online form on AAA’s website , write a check for $20, and go in to AAA to get the license. You also have to bring two original passport photos with your signature on the back.

Day 8 of 10 Days in Greece:

After breakfast, head back out to the beach and repeat day seven all over again. Super Paradise Beach and Paradise Beach are where the party is at so take your quad and get on over there!  If you prefer to do some beach reading at a quieter spot, there are also beaches you can go to that have a more relaxed atmosphere. At night, check out Cavo Paradiso and Scandinavian Disco or go for some wine and cocktails at one of the various bars in Mykonos Town.  

If you are reading this and thinking to yourself…hold up! I didn’t just come to Mykonos for the fiesta, then a half-day trip to Delos to visit the ancient ruins is a must. There are also a plethora of museums and vineyards to visit. Actually, my two close friends who just recently visited said that their favorite experience while in Mykonos was going “art gallery hopping” at sunset.  

Where to stay in Mykonos Town:  

You have a choice of staying near the main town or closer to the beaches.  I recommend staying near Mykonos town as you will be closer to the shops, bars, and restaurants and can always shuttle or take a quad to the beaches during the day.

Kouros Hotel & Suites is a 5 star hotel with impeccable service (this is what really sets them apart).  It is a 10 minute walk from Mykonos town so that you have those uninterrupted sea views from above.  There is complementary shuttle service to town if needed.  Breakfast is included with your stay and there is a small fitness center and spa as well. 

Vencia Hotel is a slightly more affordable option, and still boasts stellar reviews.  It’s about a 10 minute walk from Mykonos Town which is perfect because you have the views of the town and water from the property and from the infinity pool.  Breakfast is included which is always a plus and the hotel provides shuttle service to the beaches.  

Tropicana – If you are in Mykonos to party, then book this property early! It is BY FAR the best option for staying near Paradise Beach which is where the famous beach clubs are and it is usually sold out. 

Day 9 of 10 Days in Greece:

If you have time, you can head back to Plaka and explore several other archaeological sites including the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s library, and the Ancient Agora. Enjoy your final dinner and buy your last minute souvenirs!

Read More: How to Choose the Best Greek Island Hopping Itinerary Routes

Day 10 of 10 Days in Greece:

Is 10 days enough in Greece? Absolutely! Just make sure you aren’t trying to pack in too many islands in this length of time. Santorini and Mykonos plus Athens is perfect.If you do have two weeks in Greece to explore, you should definitely consider a trip to Paros, Greece   which is also located in the Cyclades group of islands or or Crete, Greece  which is the largest island in Greece. 

Alternate Route for Your Greece Travel Itinerary

Having now spent many summers in Greece – and missing my first flight ever trying to get from Paros to Mykonos – one of the the most important travel tips for Greece is to stay overnight in the destination you plan to leave from the following day. Most travelers will fly in and out of Athens. So, your alternative route would be to land in Athens on Day 1, and fly directly into Santorini that same day. You’ll already be at the Athens airport which makes things easy as long as you allow yourself ample time to make your Santorini flight! If you decide to travel Greece this way, you’ll spend days 2-4 on Santorini, 5-7 on Mykonos and end your trip to Greece with days 8-10 in Athens.

Do you have any questions or recommendations for this Greece itinerary? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out these other posts on World On A Whim!

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Rhodes Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece

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Croatia: An Ideal 10-Day Itinerary

Spain Itinerary: 7 to 10 Days in Barcelona and Madrid

Planning to go elsewhere in Europe?  Check out my guide to the best  festivals in Europe !

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28 Comments

Do ferries operate in the month of feb? Are the Mykonos clubs and night life open during February. Are there any activities and water sports available in Santorini beaches.?

Thanks for all this great info! So helpful and I cannot wait for our trip to Greece. You said to do some emailing or calling ahead of time, especially in Santorini. Do they communicate well in English or is it best to know some of the language before I go?

Thank you! Since Santorini’s major market is tourism, anyone who you email should have no problem responding in English. It’s always nice to learn a few words when you go to be respectful, but it is absolutely not necessary in terms of being able to communicate with anyone on the island. You’ll pick up hello and thank you and other basic words like that once you are there.

This is so helpful! Thank you for this itinerary! So you can rent a quad overnight? Did you feel safe leaving your quad in the… parking lot (?) of the beach?? Or parking it overnight. I know nothing of quads but just curious! Thank you!

Thank you so much! You should be able to rent the quad for the duration of your time in Mykonos. I wouldn’t leave the quad at the beach overnight, but in the parking lot of your apartment/hotel/airbnb.

what would be best time of year to visit? My husband is a bit physically challenged, so is this more of a walking trip? what might you (or anyone) suggest

Best time of year would be May, September, or early to mid-October. The crowds are not quite as large during these months, but the weather is still nice and the ferries running. I think there is definitely an element of walking, but I am sure you could organize a tour guide who might be able to help navigate some of the major sites like the Acropolis and I imagine it would be totally doable.

I love your blog, my friend and I stumbled upon it as we’re trying to plan our itinerary to our upcoming trip to Greece, probably modeling it off of what you did. We did have a question though. It seems like from what we’ve read, taxis aren’t really something to rely on in Mykonos. How is getting home from the bars and clubs? Driving a quad home after a night of partying seemed like something that would be frowned upon (can you get a DUI on a quad?), but I’ve seen no real alternatives. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Hey Ali! Thank you so much! So I went to Mykonos during the off season and sadly the main beach clubs weren’t open. I stayed in a bed and breakfast type place that was walking distance from Mykonos town, and I was with a group of 4 girls, so we felt fine walking back at night to our place. I totally agree that taxis there can be unreliable and a quad (even if they don’t regulate) would be pretty unsafe after a night of drinking. So what I would possibly suggest is either staying near the beach clubs and then driving on the quads to Mykonos Town during the day time or booking a night or two at a place near the clubs and then another night at an accommodation in walking distance from Mykonos Town so you can have the best of both worlds!

Thanks for the useful info and great itinerary. May I ask beside metro is it reasonable to take a taxi? Or is there any other option available. Thanks.

Yes, it is totally reasonable to take a taxi if you wish to do so! Just make sure it is a legitimate taxi company and that the driver uses the meter instead of quoting a price at the beginning of the ride because sometimes taxi drivers will take advantage. I would say metro option and taxi option would be the two best choices with the metro being my preference if it isn’t too early or late in the day.

A wonderful way to travel….your information is invaluable

Thank you for reading!

We are planning on going at the end of December. I loved reading your journey. We are interested in going to the same places you spoke about so it was so helpful to read your experience. thank you for sharing. I’ll be back to let you know our experience. I cannot wait, it’s been a dream of my husband & I for years. He is origin is Greek but has never been so hopefully will get to meet some long lost relatives 🙂

I think you have to consider that in December there are no ferries between islands 🙂

totally agree! I’ll definitely update and clarify in the post!

Thank you for your kind words. Please be sure to let me know about your experiences! The fact that your husband is of Greek origin will make the trip even better than it would have been which is hard to do because it’s just such a magical place. Enjoy and I am looking forward to hearing!

We are going to santorini from may 10-19th. I am beyond excited. Have wanted to go there ever since seeing the sisterhood of the traveling pants (the first one)it was filmed there! I have definitely read so much about the Oia sunsets too and we may have to take a day trip onto one of the other islands 🙂

That’s why I wanted too! Black Roses Red is my favorite song from the movie and I loved reading the books as well. Have a wonderful trip. Mid-may is the perfect time to go as the weather should be great and not as many people as in the summer.

How much does this trip cost?

My flights was 225 euros, ferries were probably about 100 euros in total, hostels were probably about 20 euros a night and I probably spent around 30-50 euros a day on food and activities minus the 2 travel days…so I would say around 800 euros in total.

Hi there! Your itinerary looks great and I am going to follow it for my 10 days trip in next 2 weeks 🙂 Would you mind sharing more details about the accommodation and the transport between the islands? It’s an adhoc trip for a short break between jobs. It’d be very helpful if I can get more details from you and quickly make teh booking 🙂

Hey there 🙂 I would definitely recommend taking the ferry between the islands. During this time of year especially, it is an economical and efficient way of getting around. Accommodation-wise, it really depends on how many people you are going with and how much you have to spend. Feel free to email me with more specifics and I would be happy to give more input.

I loved your post since it is very informative for a first timer in Greece! Next time you can also visit more islands, like the Dodecanese. Rhodes, Symi, Patmos etc… All very diffirent and lovely! Let me know if you need any info! I will be happy to help! Safe travels, Vivian

Thank you so much Vivian! Would love to come back and visit more islands like the ones you’ve mentioned.

If you do visit Greece again, highly recommend that you spend sometime in Milos. It is such a lovely island, away from the madding crowds.

I totally agree on the volcano tour and red beach…Santorini is amazing! I based myself in Fira, which was perfect for getting bus access to the other areas of the island.

Totally agreed! Santorini is by far my favorite island and it has so many different facets to it that you wouldn’t expect from the photos we see online of Oia constantly. Not that those aren’t gorgeous. Fira is a great area to be in, definitely the most city-like!

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Which Greek Island Should You Visit in 2024?

By Rachel Howard

Lord Byron was on to something when he waxed lyrical about the Greek islands. But with more than 200 inhabited to choose from, which ones are the very best Greek islands? Here regular isle-hopper Rachel Howard reveals the ones to get in a speedboat for in 2024, with recommendations on where to stay chosen by the editors of Condé Nast Traveler .

Here, we've also ranked the best Greek islands, from 1 to 29. While we love and highly recommend every island on this list—and advocate visiting all of them throughout your lifetime, if you can—we've also edited the list in order so if it's your first time planning a visit to this magical corner of the world, or you just want to branch out from your usual summer isle trip, we can help you choose where to go next. The order below reflects our well-traveled team's personal opinions, the landscapes, food, beaches, hotel options, and more.

For more recommendations, see our round up of the best Greek Islands hotels .

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler  are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Best of the Greek islands for: A photogenic and dramatic coastline

Everyone knows the  Venus de Milo (which has stood in the Louvre since the 19th century). Until recently, very few had heard of Milos, the volcanic island where Aphrodite’s graceful likeness was discovered. Those in the know jealously guard their treasured island, and especially its 70 (or more) beaches — surely the most diverse and dramatic coastline of all the Greek Islands.

Little by little, though, Milos is being discovered. Instagram is saturated with no-filter shots of the undulating white cliffs at Sarakiniko, the bottle-green swimming hole at Papafragas, and colorful, rickety syrmata, tiny boat houses wedged between rock and sea. (You’ll find the best photo opportunities at Klima and Mandrakia). This painterly landscape was shaped by the minerals that have long been a source of wealth–obsidian, alum, barite and sulphur, which still bubbles up in the island’s many hot springs. As the 11,000-year-old mining industry is gradually giving way to tourism, several chic hotels have made an appearance. Go now, before the trickle of visitors turns into a tide.

Where to stay on Milos:

• For romance: Milos Cove
• For families: Captain Zeppos
• For an eco-retreat: Skinopi Lodge
• For an authentic stay: Achinos By The Sea

Best of the Greek islands for: A long weekend with the art crowd

You know when Dakis Joannou, Greece's foremost art collector, is on Hydra. His yacht,  Guilty , is painted in gaudy 'camouflage' by Jeff Koons. Every summer, Joannou invites big hitters such as Matthew Barney and David Shrigley to create site-specific installations in the Greek island's old slaughterhouse. Even the school is commandeered for exhibitions in the summer holidays. Car-free and protected by a preservation order, Hydra has always been the artists' muse of the Greek Islands. Leonard Cohen set the scene in the 60s; now Brice Marden, Sadie Coles and Juergen Teller have homes here. Athenian artists take up residence at the School of Fine Arts, one of the vast, grey, stone mansions overlooking the horseshoe harbour. Musicians of all stripes rehearse and record at the  Old Carpet Factory , an 18th-century residence whose double-height ceilings and underground cistern have incredible acoustics.

Less than two hours from Athens , Hydra fills up with chic Greeks at weekends. They come to disconnect and slow down, but also to see and be seen. Wily cats and weary donkeys patrol the back alleys, but all the action happens along the waterfront. Oh look! There's Olivia Palermo at The Pirate Bar and Chloë Sevigny shaking her tail feather at Hydronetta beach bar. Who cares if there are barely any beaches? You can always find a slab of sun-baked rock from which to leap rock from which to dive into the clearest water in the world. See our full guide to  Hydra, Greece .

Where to stay in Hydra:

• For a boutique stay: Orloff Boutique Hotel
• For a beachfront stay: Onos Residence
• For a group: Mirkella sleeps 12 people

Best of the Greek islands for: Big, fat Greek feasts

Sifnos owes its foodie reputation to its most famous descendant, Nicholas Tselementes, who wrote the first Greek cookbook in 1910. Forget souvlaki and moussaka: here, chickpea croquettes and stewed capers are taverna staples. The island is peppered with potteries that produce the earthenware casseroles used for revitháda (baked chickpeas) and mastelo (lamb with red wine and dill). Traditional dishes are slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven at To Meraki tou Manoli, a local institution on sheltered Vathy bay. (While you’re there, invest in some timeless tableware from Atsonios Ceramics, in business since 1870.) In postcard-pretty Artemonas, all roads lead to Theodorou, purveyors of nougat wafers and almond sweets since 1933. You can eat in your bikini at Omega3 , where locally foraged and fished ingredients are given an exotic twist: baby-calamari tempura, smoked eel in chilled melon soup with wasabi, and chickpea sorbet with wild apricot jam and pine nuts. In 2021, Omega3’s previous energetic head chef Giorgos Samoilis opened Cantina , an equally experimental restaurant in Seralia, a pretty little bay below the beautiful medieval village of Kastro. Lobsters are plucked straight from the sea at Heronissos, then served with spaghetti on the jetty. It's just the right balance of low-key luxury and unspoiled authenticity. Rather like Sifnos itself.

Where to stay in Sifnos:

• For romance:  NÓS
• For a boutique stay:  Verina Astra
• For families:  Verina Terra
• For a laidback stay: Sifnos House
• For something unique:  This windmill Airbnb

4. Santorini

Best of the Greek islands for: Honeymooners and first-timers

Cooing American and Chinese honeymooners line up to take selfies as the sun sinks behind Santorini's caldera, the flooded volcanic crater. That view may be a romantic cliché, but it still takes your breath away. A volcanic explosion blew out Santorini's heart 3,500 years ago, leaving black-sand beaches, vertiginous cliffs in psychedelic hues, and swirling rumors about Atlantis in its wake. The eruption also preserved the ancient city of Akrotiri under layers of ash, and created fertile ground for exceptional Assyrtiko grapes and Vinsanto wines. (Sample them at Domaine Sigalas and Vassaltis wineries, paired with delicate dishes that let the grapes sing.)

Apart from a boat trip to the smoldering crater of Nea Kameni and hot springs at Palia Kameni, there's not much to do but gaze at the mesmerizing views from your suite, dangling on the edge of the caldera. Most places to stay are concentrated in Oia and Imerovigli, but the inland village of Pyrgos is up-and-coming. Go for a twilight Bellini at Franco's Cafe and visit Emporio, with its smattering of old-school coffee shops and Airbnbs. For a glimpse of Santorini before the onslaught of cruise ships and Instagrammers, explore the quieter south (but keep your discoveries to yourself).

Where to stay in Santorini:

• For laidback luxury: Perivolas
• For glamour: Nobu Hotel
• For romance: Andronis Boutique Hotel
• For the wine: The Vasilicos
• For groups: Elilia Superior Villa sleeps 8 people
• For something unique: this cave house

Best of the Greek islands for: Culture and off-season cachet

On Syros, capital of the Cyclades, you won’t find sugar-cube villages and whitewashed lanes. The colorful 19th-century city of Ermoupoli is built on twin peaks–one Orthodox, the other Catholic, the heritage of a long Venetian occupation. There’s still a strong Italian flavour in Ermoupoli’s marble piazzas, princely mansions, and miniature replica of La Scala, the showpiece of a year-round cultural scene. Syros hosts festivals of animation, dance, digital art, film, classical music, jazz and rembetiko, the Greek blues popularised by local musician Markos Vamvakaris. A few rembetiko joints have survived in the upper town, Ano Syros.

Once Greece’s ship-building centre, Syros' industry centres around the yard in Neorio. But the most splendid legacy of the shipping industry are the manor houses in Vaporia and Poseidonia. The beaches are slightly less splendid—with the exception of Delfini, Varvarousa, and Aetos in the wild north. But fabulous seaside tavernas abound:  Iliovassilemar on Galissas beach for samphire and sea-urchin salad and rockfish soup;  Allou Yialou in the pretty seaside village of Kini for lobster with orzo. In Ermoupoli, the finest places to eat and drink are around Androu Street: Ousyra , where the chef plates up Greek-ified pasta and beautifully balanced salads, and  Django Gelato , where the pistachio gelato reigns supreme, and the fig sorbet made in August can sell out in less than half an hour. Perhaps the prettiest restaurant of all is  Mazi , a vine-covered courtyard festooned with bougainvillea. Before you leave, stock up on loukoumi (rose-tinted Turkish delight) and San Michali cheese from  Prekas delicatessen , and visit Zeyelo for hand-made wooden sunglasses. For more recommendations, see our insider  guide to Syros .

Where to stay on Syros:

• For a boutique stay: Xenon Apollonos
• For glamour: Hotel Ploes
• For romance: Aristide Hotel
• For groups: Villa Syros sleeps 12 people

6. Folegandros

Best of the Greek islands for: Authenticity with a bohemian buzz

The village square should be your first port of call on any Greek island: settle into your favorite café, pick up local gossip, and adjust to the languid pace of life. On Folegandros, this presents a challenge: the cliff-hanger capital, Hora, has not one but three squares, each brimming with a jumble of cafés, tavernas and dinky raki bars. We recommend  Pounta , where the Danish owner makes and sells the lopsided cups and bowls in which your coffee and Greek yogurt are served. From Hora, zigzagging steps lead up, up and away to the only real landmark, Panagia church; make the pilgrimage at sunrise (perhaps after an all-nighter at diminutive Astarti bar).

Folegandros–which means ‘iron hard’ in ancient Greek–is as barren as its name suggests. Fruit trees are protected from fierce winds by rings of stones. You won’t find sandy beaches lined with sunbeds; only limpid, pebbly coves, such as Katergo, Ambeli and Livadaki. Set in the rocks above Agios Nikolaos bay, Papalagi serves big fat prawns and whole grilled octopus on a wooden deck aligned with the horizon. Water taxis service some beaches in high season; otherwise you’ll have to scramble down rocky footpaths to cool off. On your way home, stop at Mimis or Synantisi in Ano Meria for the island speciality of  matsata (goat or rabbit stew with hand-made pasta).

Where to stay on Folegandros:

• For views: Anemomilos
• For families: Anemi
• For beach access: Blue Sand Hotel
• For a private stay: Maistros

Best of the Greek islands for: Antiquities, active adventures and sunshine all year round

Greece's largest island, the birthplace of Zeus,  Crete has ancient ruins, snow-capped peaks and beaches galore. Sunshine is pretty much guaranteed year round, but spring is especially lovely for rambling and sightseeing. The Minoan palace of Knossos is glorious, despite the steady stream of coach parties (go early: it opens at 8 ); but there are stunning ancient sites, such as Aptera and Malia, peppered all over the island. The 16km-long Samaria Gorge also teems with pilgrims, but there are hundreds more canyons to explore, often with only the elusive kri-kri (wild goats) for company. One of the most staggeringly beautiful hikes is through the Aradena Gorge in the wild and rugged Sfakia region, ending at Marmara, a translucent cove on the Libyan Sea, for a cooling dip and lunch at one of Crete’s finest tavernas, Dialiskari.

With the exception of Elounda–a pocket of bling popular with oligarchs–the north-east coast is scarred by over-development. Head west to the Amari valley or Apokoronas for authentic villages surrounded by olive and orange groves. Or go south, where you'll find the best beaches in Crete–try Ligres, Sougia, or Kedrodasos. Alternatively, take a back-to-nature break at Milia Mountain Retreat , a 16th-century hamlet powered entirely by solar energy. Everything on the mostly organic menu is grown, caught or reared locally. In fact, it’s almost impossible not to eat well on Crete, which produces superb cheese, honey and olive oil, as well as delicious goat, rabbit and smoked-pork dishes. Time slows almost to a standstill in the mountain villages, where locals with formidable whiskers welcome you with shots of raki (Cretan grappa) for breakfast and celebrate saints' days with a volley of gunshots. Even the road signs are peppered with bullet holes.

Where to stay in Crete:

• For families: Domes Zeen Chania and Cretan Malia Park
• For romance: Acros Wellness Suites
• For a great location: Blue Palace Resort & Spa
• For a village stay: Kapsaliana Village
• For a private stay: Azure Awe
• For a group: Cien sleeps 16 people

Best of the Greek islands for: Character and lush landscapes

Corfu is the It Girl of the Ionian islands. The cosmopolitan capital is a charming clash of Venetian, British, and French colonial influences. Evenings kick off with cocktails on the Liston (a colonnade modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli), followed by dinner at  Salto , an unpretentious wine bar and bistro on the edge of the Old Town.

With its pastel villages, rolling olive groves and grand manor houses, the rest of the island recalls Tuscany—but with some of the  best beaches in Europe . The smart set stay on Corfu's north-east coast (nicknamed Kensington-on-Sea) where the Rothschilds like to unwind. It's wall-to-wall Sloanes and speedboats at Agni, a tiny fishing village with three rival tavernas (Toula's is the best). From here, you can rent a boat and putter to your own cove: perhaps Nissaki, Agios Stefanos or Kerasia. These idyllic bays still resemble the 'delectable landscape' that Lawrence Durrell fell for in the 1930s–now back in vogue thanks to the ITV series, The Durrells . Or venture inland to  Ambelonas , an enchanting winery, restaurant and cooking school that specializes in unusual local dishes, such as roast pork with quince and crème brûlée with Corfiot kumquats. Steer clear of the south, especially Kavos–unless you happen to like wet T-shirt contests.

Where to stay in Corfu:

• For a standout spa: Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
• For all-inclusive: Ikos Dassia
• For romance: Domes Miramare
• For families: Domes of Corfu
• For groups: Emerald Oasis sleeps 10 people

Best of the Greek islands for: Endless sandy beaches

Naxiots once made considerable fortunes exporting potatoes, cheese, marble and emery. Locals bequeathed undesirable seaside plots–useless for farming–to their laziest offspring. When tourists cottoned on to the island's scores of fabulous beaches, these wastrels found themselves sitting on gold mines. The west coast of Naxos is fringed with mile upon mile of powdery sands. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna delight toddlers and teenagers alike with their shallow waters and beach bars. As you head south, the beaches get wilder: Plaka, where you can gallop across the dunes on horseback, Mikri Vigla for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and crystal-clear Kastraki.

Should you tire of frolicking on the shore, three supersized kouros statues are hidden in the hills and there are dozens of drowsy villages to explore. Try kitron, the local citron liqueur, at the Vallindras distillery in Halki or sample homemade wine and arseniko cheese under the plane trees in Ano Potamia village. No wonder Herodotus described Naxos as “the happiest of islands."

Where to stay in Naxos:

• For romance:  Naxian on the Beach
• For laidback luxury:  Kavos
• For a private stay:  Eye of Naxos Sky
• For families: Hidden Hill

10. Cephalonia / Kefalonia

Best of the Greek islands for: Laidback family holidays

Casting Penélope Cruz as a Greek peasant is improbable. Shooting a World War II film on an island flattened by an earthquake in 1953 sounds even crazier. And yet  Captain Corelli's Mandolin put under-the-radar Kefalonia (Cephalonia) in the spotlight in 2001. The dramatic scenery still lives up to the hype: milky-white Myrtos beach, the island's pin-up; pine-fringed Horgota beach; and the giddying heights of Mount Ainos, a national park where wild horses roam. Outdoor Kefalonia organises four-wheel-drive safaris, if you can't face the hairpin bends. Surprisingly, the two prettiest seaside villages–Assos and Fiskardo–didn't make the cut. But the yachting set has discovered their photogenic charm. Everyone from John Galliano to Jon Bon Jovi has jumped ashore to taste the seafood pasta at  Tassia Restaurant in Fiskardo, washed down with local Robola and Muscat wines. (We recommend the organic muscat from the 19th century  Haritatos Vineyard in Lixouri, also an enchanting setting for wine tasting.) The rocky coastline around Fiskardo is deliciously pristine: go snorkeling at tiny Dafnoudi or Emblisi, flanked by slabs of limestone that turn the water electric blue.

Where to stay in Kefalonia:

• For an adult-only retreat:  F Zeen
• For families:  Emelisse Nature Resort
• For groups:  Odyssea sleeps 12 people
• For a private stay:  Wilderness Whisperings house
• For something unique:  This sky high villa

Best of the Greek islands for: Walking trails and wild beaches

Divided by four mountain ranges, Andros is like several islands in one. Lush valleys, rushing streams, handsome villages, and wild, windswept beaches are connected by a well-maintained network of hiking trails, making this an excellent off-season destination. Many of Greece’s powerful shipping dynasties hail from Andros; they have bequeathed the island with grand estates, splendid museums, and an elegant neoclassical capital. The marble-paved streets of Chora are full of unexpected treasures: a tiny, open-air cinema showing black-and-white classics, great pizzas and cocktails in a  converted slaughterhouse , sublime sundresses and sandals at  Waikiki boutique. Inland, there are fortified monasteries, ice-cold waterfalls, and fantastic farm-to-table tavernas like Kosses in Ano Fellos, Fofo’s in Livadia, and Tou Josef in Pitrofos to explore. And then there are the mind-blowing beaches: from the spectacular sandy bays of Zorkos, Vitali, and Vori on the north coast to the mellow beach bars at Apothikes and Chryssi Ammos, or the sunset views and old-school fish taverna at Agia Marina, there are options for whichever way the wind or your mood is blowing. You could spend weeks on Andros and still have more to discover.

Where to stay on Andros:

• For a guesthouse stay: Melisses
• For privacy: Onar
• For a village stay: Touchstone House
• For groups: Five Star Greece

12. Serifos

Best of the Greek islands for: Naturists and purists

The sleeper hit of the Cyclades, Serifos is the summer retreat of interior designers and architects who prefer to keep the sandy beaches to themselves. (One French home-owner is so protective of her hideaway that she tells all her friends she summers on nearby Sifnos.) Even in August, you’ll find coves where you can skinny dip in blissful solitude. That’s because the best beaches (such as Kalo Ambeli and Skala) are only accessible via bone-rattling dirt roads or donkey tracks. Better still, rent a motor boat from the laidback harbor, Livada. Make sure to moor outside Anna’s taverna on Sikamia beach for freshly caught fish and garden-grown salads.

In the cascading hilltop Hora, there’s barely any nightlife, no smart boutiques or fancy hotels. But who cares when you can kick back with fennel pie and raki at  Stou Stratou , pick up Natassa Kalogeropoulou’s minimalist ceramics at  Kerameio , and listen to Greek folk in the open-air amphitheatre? And all less than three hours from Athens.

Where to stay on Serifos:

• For a boutique stay: Verina Astra
• For romance: Chill & Co.
• For groups: Lenia sleeps 12 people
• For something unique: This 19th century captain’s house

13. Mykonos

Best of the Greek islands for: Decadent parties and five-star hotels

Mykonos had LGBTQ+ clubs and sunrise parties long before rave culture was even invented. Its bohemian allure hasn’t faded since the 1960s, although the once naked beaches now have nail bars, personal trainers and house music pumping out all hours. The influx of supermodels and superyachts has inspired hot new hotels and restaurants. The hippest place to show off your abs is  Scorpios , a louche beach bar that puts Ibiza's finest in the shade (book a cabana to watch the sunset). After hours, it's always Astra, where you might find Keith Richards chatting up Karolina Kurkova. The LGBTQ+ crowd has dwindled, but drag queens and oiled bodybuilders make a splash at Jackie O' , overlooking Super Paradise beach.

If the glitzy excess gets too much, escape to Fokos taverna for superfood salads and lamb chops, or Kiki's, an off-grid grill-shack overlooking Agios Sostis bay, where even Naomi Campbell has to queue for a table. Or cruise over to the tiny island of Delos, an archaeological sanctuary that once thronged with 30,000 sun worshippers (the temple is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of light).

Where to stay in Mykonos:

• For romance: Cali Mykonos
• For the party scene: Soho Roc House
• For a laidback stay: Once in Mykonos
• For families: Santa Marina resort
• For groups: Bluewave XL sleeps 36 people

14. Zakynthos / Zante

Best of the Greek islands for: Seaside holidays with toddlers or teens

Zakynthos, or Zante, has shrugged off its reputation as a destination for lads on tour (as long as you avoid Lagana and the built-up south coast) by rebranding itself as one of Greece's greenest islands. It's not just the emerald hills sliding into the electric blue Ionian: much of the south coast is a nature reserve where endangered loggerhead turtles hatch in the sand. The turtle beaches are off limits, but there are countless coves in every hue of green and blue. Favourites are tiny Xigia, with its bubbling underwater springs, and craggy Porto Limnionas, with sunbeds wedged between the rocks and palm-frond umbrellas positioned between the pine trees. Skinari is the starting point for boat trips to the most famous landmarks, the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach, where a rusting liner leans into the chalky cliffs. From Keri, you can cast away for Marathonisi island, another turtle sanctuary.

The mountainous interior, all sleepy stone villages poking out of pine forests, is great for hikes and bikes. ( Eco Zante can arrange outdoor activities guided by insiders.)  Askos Stone Park is a wildlife sanctuary inhabited by deer, chinchilla, and dozens of other species. After exploring the Venetian castle high above the harbour, treat the kids to thin-crust pizzas (with grown-up toppings like bresaola, aubergine, and gorgonzola) at  Alesta on cute St Mark's Square.

Where to stay in Zante:

• For families: Porto Zante
• For romance: Zante Maris Suites and Olea All Suite Hotel
• For a private stay: Halcyon Seas
• For a group: Ble Kyma sleeps 12 people

15. Amorgos

Best of the Greek islands for : Deep-blue seas and wide-open spaces

It’s not easy to get to Amorgos. In high winds, the fast ferries stay grounded and the slow boat takes upwards of eight hours from Athens. When you disembark at Katapola, a sleepy harbor lined with great little fish tavernas (our favorites are Prekas and Mouragio), a sign announces: 'Welcome to Amorgos. Nobody will find you here.'

That’s just the point. This craggy Cycladic island has always attracted loners, hikers, divers, and pilgrims, who shuffle up the cliff face to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, a sliver of white dangling 300 metres above the sea. The water here is a million shades of blue and so startlingly clear you can see every sea urchin lurking on the rocky shore. Even the sage-scented hiking trails are called Blue Paths, because the sea and sky are visible in all directions.

With a population of under 2,000, the locals are outnumbered by shaggy goats that blend in perfectly with the burnished landscape and hippie vibe. But you don't have to be a recluse to fall for Amorgos. There are plenty of all-day spots and a few late-night bars where Amorgos groupies meet, summer after summer: Jazzmin, in Hora, for backgammon and cocktails; Pergalidi in Langada for herbal infusions and jazzy tunes; Seladi in Tholaria, with giddying views and a telescope for stargazing.

Where to stay on Amorgos: There are very few hotels on Amorgos, beyond basic rooms to let.  Vorina Ktismata is the exception, with seven smart apartments looking out across Hora’s white-washed rooftops.

Best of the Greek islands for: The perfect balance of seclusion and sophistication

One of the tiniest Ionian islands, Paxos packs a big punch. Not for its five-star hotels (there are hardly any) or its sandy beaches (practically none), but for its electric blue sea and three dinky harbor towns, each one so pretty it’s impossible to pick a favorite. In laid-back Loggos, on the northeast coast, star-spangled evenings are spent on the waterfront terrace of Taxidi bar, where the owner, Spiros, often jams with local musicians. You could while away days in the waterfront cafés of Lakka, watching lissom sailors hop on and off their yachts. Protected from the wind but with a lively social scene, the main port of Gaios is characterized by Venetian architecture and a high quota of stylish Italians, who own pale stone villas hidden in the wooded interior or on the crest of the limestone cliffs along the western shoreline. For the many British Paxos aficionados, all roads lead to  Ben’s Bar , a happy-go-lucky hangout on Monodendri beach, where you can laze under the olive trees with French toast and Piña Coladas. Make sure to rent a motor boat to putter along the coast to pebble coves such as Marmari and Kipiadi, or across to Antipaxos, an even smaller island that’s a hit with the yachting set. Paths through vineyards and orchards trickle down to bays with sea so clear it looks retouched.

Where to stay in Paxos:

• For an authentic stay: Paxos Villa
• For a great location: Oneiro
• For groups: Panayia View sleeps 14 people

17. Lefkada

Best of the Greek islands for: Sailors, surfers, and superstar beaches

Lefkada is something of an anomaly. Unlike the other Ionian islands, it’s accessible from the mainland via a causeway on the northern tip. Lefkada’s main town, flattened by an earthquake in the 1950s, certainly won’t take your breath away, but those famous cliff-backed beaches, Egremni and Porto Katsiki, sure will. You’ll find sheltered beaches no matter which way the wind is blowing; but if you’re here for the swell, the south coast is fantastic for windsurfing (head to Vassiliki or Sivota, home to the world windsurfing championships) and Agios Ioannis bay billows with kite-surfers. At Nidri, ignore the unlovely bars and watersports centres, and hop on a boat to explore the little isles nearby. You can swim through sea caves near Kalamos; eat seared tuna with tarama at Errikos taverna on Meganisi, a favorite of reclusive billionaires; and watch the sunset with a basil-infused Mastiha and tonic at Mylos bar, a converted windmill on Kastos.

Want to cool down or escape the summer crowds? Drive through forests of chestnut and pine into Lefkada’s mountainous interior to the somnolent villages of Karya (home to an enchanting textile museum), Eglouvi (to play backgammon under plane trees) and Exanthia (to watch the setting sun from up in the clouds at Rachi restaurant). You might even see paragliders leaping off the mountain.

Where to stay in Lefkada:

• For romance: Ibid
• For views:  New Morning villa

Best of the Greek islands for: A mythical retreat for lovers and loners

Despite its legendary stature, the homeland of Homer's hero, Odysseus, remains surprisingly under the radar. Ithaca’s turquoise and emerald coves are popular with the sailing set, but few visitors venture into the forested hills. So you might be the only person exploring the eighth-century BC ruins of Odysseus’ palace, or making the heady trek to the church of Anogi, covered in Byzantine frescoes (ask for the key at the village coffee shop, where the owner will cook you a set menu of whatever is available–maybe a tomato salad, some local cheese and braised goat—straight from her garden or neighbours’ fields).

From Anogi, it’s an exhilarating two-hire hike down to Kioni, a miniature port where you’ll find  Spavento , the perfect pier-side café-bar. Go any time of day or night for ice-cream sundaes, excellent cocktails, and a soundtrack to make your heart sing. The waterside tavernas at the drowsy fishing port of Frikes are unfailingly delightful, especially  Ageri . The deep, sheltered harbor town of Vathy is barely livelier, but the mood can be deliciously mischievous at Mylos bar. Beaches are mostly small and pebbly, but the sea is as clear and refreshing as gin. Authentic, unspoiled and infuriatingly (or gratifyingly) hard to reach, rugged little Ithaca is somewhere you can still disappear.

Where to stay on Ithaca:

• For a private stay: Ithaca Airbnb house
• For families:  Levendis Estate

Best for: Traditional villages and knockout tavernas

Tinos has more than 50 villages, each vying to be fairest of them all. In Pyrgos, famous for its marble craftsmen, sculpted birds and flowers decorate every doorway. In Volax, basket weavers squat outside cottages surrounded by giant boulders, seemingly flung from the heavens by Zeus in a fit of pique. There's even a village called 'love’, Agapi, where you can tuck into wild-fennel fritters at the only taverna. Tinos takes its food culture seriously: there are artichoke, caper and honey festivals.  Marathia launched the island’s farm- (or fishing-boat-) to-table scene, elevating local ingredients into complex modern dishes. For a perfect meal in perfect surroundings, go for cuttlefish risotto and octopus caramelized in grape must at Thalassaki, served on the jetty in Isternia bay, then watch dusk bleed into the horizon from Exomeria bar.

Tinos is only 20 minutes from Mykonos, so it's a wonder it isn't overrun with tourists. The harbor is swarmed on 15 August, however, when Orthodox pilgrims flock here to kiss the Virgin Mary at the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria, one of the holiest sites in Greece. Otherwise, the island is miraculously untouched. Solitary chapels and whimsical dovecotes stud thyme-scented hills, dropping to sandy bays whipped by the meltemi wind. There's a nascent surfer scene on Kolibithra bay, where a VW camper van has been converted into a cute beach bar.

Where to stay in Tinos:

• For a guest house stay: Xinara House
• For a private stay:  The Detailor

Best of the Greek islands for: Stark mystique and show-stopping villas

Patmos has an indefinable je ne sais quoi–an otherworldly quality that radiates from its crowning glory, the medieval Monastery of St John. This turreted fortress, bursting with Byzantine relics, is named after John the Divine, who conjured up his apocalyptic revelations in a cave nearby. Pure-white Hora, a World Heritage Site, is where A-listers and fashion editors stay. High walls and heavy doors conceal magnificent mansions dating back to the 16th century. The almighty church has kept nightlife in check. If you must see and be seen, head to quietly glamorous Astivi or Stoa Theo's bar, on miniature Agia Lesbia, in Hora. Beach life is generally languid and low-key; Psili Ammos and Livadi Geranou are our favorite hideouts. Dinner reservations are essential at Benetos, for Med-Asian fusion on an organic farm, and Lambi for grilled fish on a purple pebble beach.

Joining the Patmos in-crowd requires commitment. There's no airport and it's a nine-hour ferry journey from Athens, which keeps the hoi polloi at bay. Seriously reclusive types hop on a fishing boat from Patmos to Marathi and play castaway at Pantelis, a divine taverna with modest rooms to let.

Where to stay in Patmos:

• For a guest house stay: Pagostas
• For a private stay: Patmos 360
• For a village stay: Eirini

Best of the Greek islands for: Traveling back in time

When the writer Lawrence Durrell arrived in Rhodes after World War II, he found an island devastated by centuries of crusaders and invaders. Like the fallen Colossus, it was 'a Rhodes dispersed into a million fragments, waiting to be built up again.' Since then, Rhodes has reinvented itself as one of Greece's top travel destinations. The big draw is the medieval citadel in Rhodes Old Town: stroll along the battlements and you'll spy Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, synagogues, and minarets. In the maze of alleys, seek out Marco Polo Mansion, a 15th-century guest-house decorated like a pasha's harem, with an enchanting restaurant in the garden.

Upmarket hotels are clustered around Lindos, its magnificent acropolis surrounded by slate cliffs and emerald coves. Go for the views–and the sublime octopus ragout at Mavrikos restaurant.

As you head south, high-rise resorts give way to stretches of golden sand, such as Glystra, Tsambika, and Fourni. Inland, you'll find alpine forests (Mount Attavyros), hilltop castles (Monolithos), faded frescoes (Saint Nikolaos Fountoukli) and ancient ruins (Kamiros). Marooned on the southern tip, Prasonisi is a powdery peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. One side is calm, the other choppy–a metaphor for this island of two halves.

Where to stay in Rhodes:

• For romance: Casa Cook
• For history: Kókkini Porta Rossa
• For a boutique stay:  Melenos Art Boutique Hotel

Best for: Castaway coves and a picture-perfect port

Little Symi has the prettiest port in Greece. As you round the headland, neoclassical mansions in every shade of apricot and peach rise like a mirage from the sea. Built by 19th-century sponge and spice merchants, the whole town is now a national monument. You need strong legs to explore–it's about 500 steps up to the crumbling acropolis–but you won't need a car. The only proper road peters out at Panormitis monastery, a major pilgrimage site. Ravishing beaches such as Agios Giorgos Dysalona (backed by monumental cliffs) and Marathounda (where goats will try to filch your picnic) are only accessible by boat or on foot. In the rugged hinterland, more than 100 monasteries are hidden among the pine and cypress forests.

With its laid-back glamor, luminous sea and almost tropical microclimate, Symi is a hit with French and Italian yachties. You'll find them eating flash-fried baby shrimp, a local specialty, at Tholos, a sensational taverna where the harbor views almost steal the show.

Where to stay in Symi:

• For a hotel stay: The Old Markets
• For a private stay: On The Rocks

23. Astypalea

Best of the Greek islands for: Escaping the crowds

A throwback to a gentler, slower, more elemental way of life, Astypalea is surprisingly easy to get to (daily one-hour flights from Athens). Every gap in the burnished hills frames a different view of Hora, cascading from the Venetian castle to seaside Skala. The scent of saffron biscuits wafts through the whitewashed lanes. Tucked beneath the battlements, Castro bar has a magical terrace that seems to float above the archipelago.

The nearest beach is Livadi, a sort-of-resort surrounded by citrus orchards. The rest of the island is stark and wild. Treacherous tracks hurtle down to shingle bays such as Vatses, with a rocking beach bar, and Kaminakia, where Linda's farm-to-table taverna serves the best roast goat in the Dodecanese. If you really want to be alone, rent a motorboat from Maltezana, an old-time fishing village, and putter to Koutsomiti and Kounoupes, tiny islands connected by a double-sided beach. At Vathy, a lagoon where erotic graffiti was etched into the rocks 2,500 years ago, the only taverna is called Galini (Peace). Which sums up Astypalea perfectly.

Where to stay in Astypalea: Saluti da Stampalia Suites , with seven subdued but very stylish sea-view rooms, has upped the ante on an island where most accommodation is uninspired.

24. Skiathos

Best of the Greek islands for: Flopping onto a sandy beach with a good book

Skiathos may be the smallest of the Sporades islands, which counts among its number sleepy Alonissos and the pretty  Mamma Mia! location of Skopelos, but it’s by far the most popular, especially with families, who come for the baby powder-soft sandy beaches and laid-back vibe. The island has some of the finest beaches in Greece, with the tree-lined, turquoise-watered Koukounaries in the south the most celebrated and the busiest (forget about getting a sun lounger here in peak season). Those in the north of the island, which can only be accessed by a steep, winding drive through pine groves, are more rugged and windswept but no less idyllic–emerging onto Elia beach on the west coast, with its crystal-clear sea and rickety wooden taverna, is like stepping into a little slice of paradise.

As dusk falls the town starts to liven up, with most of the action centered around Papadiamantis Street, the main shopping drag. Stroll down it on the way to dinner and browse smart boutiques selling handcrafted jewelery and knick-knacks, or pick up local delicacies from the upmarket Ergon deli (reopens in May), which also has outposts in Athens, Thessaloniki and Mayfair. The buzziest restaurants are clustered around the harbour, with Bourtzi, perched atop a tiny rocky island, the best spot for sundowner cocktails and The Windmill a favorite for elegant suppers. For the most charming setting, head to Sklithri and book one of the taverna’s tables right on the beach. Order an ice-cold Mythos beer, baked feta and a platter of perfectly-chargrilled and out-of-this-world delicious vegetables then watch the sun set over the Aegean, with your toes in the sand.

Where to stay in Skiathos:

• For a hotels stay: Elivi Skiathos
• For a private stay: Villa Azalea

Best of the Greek islands for:  Low-key authenticity all year round

Unusually for Greece, Aegina is truly an island for all seasons. Only about an hour’s ferry ride from Piraeus, the unpretentious port (briefly the first capital of modern Greece) has a lived-in charm. Athenian weekenders come for the excellent seaside ouzeris; Skotadis, on the harborfront is the standout. Classicists come to explore the portside antiquities of Kolona, the hilltop temple of Aphaia (allegedly the template for the Parthenon) and the ghostly Byzantine chapels at Paleochora. Canny ex-pats have snapped up properties in Pachia Rachi, a stone village with sensational views across the straits to the Peloponnese. The Dumas family, heirs to the Hermès fortune, have been discreetly spending their summers here for decades. With its soft light and gentle landscapes, Aegina has always been a muse for Greek artists and writers, including the prolific painter Nikos Nikolaou, whose former home and atelier is now an  enchanting guesthouse and museum (open on Saturdays by appointment). Thanks to a tight-knit community of locals, Athenian escapees, and cosmopolitan emigrés, there’s always something interesting afoot: live music at Proka bar or  Il Posto , a cosy Italian restaurant in Kypseli village, an exhibition in the 17th century Markellos Tower, or a travel writing and ceramics retreat at  Oikia Karapanou , one of many stately homes in various states of ruin and repair that dot this incredibly diverse island. The only thing Aegina doesn’t have is great beaches—perhaps that’s what has spared this accessible island from over-development. This is an island that doesn’t depend on foreign tourists and is all the better for it.

Where to stay on Aegina:

• For a hotel stay: Nikolaou Residence
• For something unique: this bohemian artist's house
• For a group: Villa Calypso sleeps 11 people

26. Kastellorizo

Best of the Greek islands for:  Castaway dreams and swimming through caves

Michael Anastassiades, Lynda Benglis, Savvas Laz, Silvia and Nicoletta Fiorucci…the number of artists, designers, and their patrons who summer on tiny Kastellorizo is remarkable. Covering less than five square miles, with fewer than 500 inhabitants, this sun-blistered fleck lies just over one nautical mile from Turkey’s Anatolian coast. You can sail across to the town of Kaş for kofte and a trawl though the flea market and be back in time for a sundowner at Faros, a day-to-night hangout in the old lighthouse beside the mosque. A confluence of Levantine influences draws a culturally curious crowd to this remote Aegean outpost. Once a thriving maritime economy, Kastellorizo was bombed during World War II and then virtually abandoned. Gradually, the handsome sponge and spice merchants’ houses in vibrant shades of turquoise and terracotta are being revived as artists’ residences (such as Fiorucci’s 4Rooms), or enchanting guesthouses like  Mediterraneo . You can dive straight from Mediterraneo’s sundeck into the port, where sea turtles bob alongside colorful fishing boats. There’s not much action beyond the waterfront strip known as the  kordoni , or shoelace: a little snorkeling, cave swimming, or boat-watching, a ramble along goat tracks, a slow supper of stuffed onions under the fairy-lit plane trees at Ta Platania, or perhaps some yoga in the wild on the even tinier islet of Ro. This is a pure and simple Greece.

Where to stay on Kastellorizo:

• For a boutique stay:  Casa Mediterraneo
• For romance:  Mediterraneo
• For groups:  The Admiral’s House

27. Antiparos

Best of the Greek islands for:  Relaxed cool

This tiny island packs a surprisingly hip scene into its low-slung hills and shallow coves. Most of the action centres around the dinky port, where life drifts by in the waterfront cafés and the lively strip that leads to the square. Every season, more upmarket restaurants ( Yam ,  Lollo’s ) and boutiques ( More than This ,  Zali ) spring up alongside classic dive bars like  Doors and Lucky Luke. At dusk, all roads predictably lead to  Sunset bar for a spritz; after hours, everyone stumbles to cult disco La Luna, where both the décor and music are stuck in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

By day, the scene is way more mellow: brunch at  Margarita’s in town or  Time Marine  on Psaralyki, one of a string of shallow, narrow beaches along the southern coastline. Beyond the modest, boxy houses of the harbour town are dozens of sensational villas designed by in-demand architects. The fanciest properties are scattered around Soros and Agios Georgios bays, where you’ll also find two of the island’s best tavernas,  Peramataki and  Captain Pipinos . The latter is a short boat or kayak ride from Despotiko island, where goats roam around the semi-excavated sanctuary of Apollo. The beauty of Antiparos is that nothing is more than ten minutes away, and after a couple of days, you’ll feel like a regular, bumping into the same good-looking faces wherever you go. If you get cabin fever, you can hop on the 7-minute ferry to Paros for kite surfing, windsurfing, fine dining, or village hopping.

Where to stay on Antiparos:

• For a hotel stay: The Rooster
• For a private stay: Antiparos Escape Villas  and Oliaros

Best of the Greek islands for:  Distinctive architecture and good vibes

Long overlooked because of its checkered history—this Dodecanese Island was an Italian naval base from 1912–1943, and later became the site of a notorious insane asylum—Leros is all the better for flying under the radar. The vast natural harbor of Lakki (an excellent marina for sailboats) still bears the surreal hallmarks of Fascist rationalism, an Art Deco mirage that’s like a faded version of Miami on the Med. The colorful neoclassical houses of Agia Marina and Platanos have a more lived-in feel, peppered with appealing patisseries, antique shops, and B&Bs. Italian cognoscenti and Turkish yachties have discovered Leros for one very good reason:  Mylos by the Sea , arguably the best seafood restaurant in Greece, with a hopelessly romantic setting overlooking a windmill jutting out to sea. Sunset watchers converge on  Harris Bar , another windmill poised between the medieval castle of Panagia and Panteli’s pebbly beach. Most beaches on Leros may be small and scrappy, but the water is luminous and there are just enough low-key beach bars like  Zephyros  and  Lime . Since restaurants cater mainly to Greeks, the food scene is authentic and affordable: Thea Artemis taverna on gentle Blefouti bay, Lychnari in Lakki, and the cult souvlaki joint Yparxo in Platanos are local favorites. Although there’s a tiny domestic airport, there are no international flights or big, branded resorts on Leros. Instead, there are family-run guesthouses brimming with character, where you feel more like a friend than a room number.

Where to stay on Leros:

• For glamour:  Villa Clara
• For (vegan) romance:  Archondiko Angelou
• For a private stay:  Lakki Old Farmhouse

29. Spetses

Best of the Greek islands for:  Family holidays with the smart society set

If it weren’t for Sotirios Anargyros, Spetses might be as barren as its more bohemian neighbor, Hydra. In the early 20th century, after making a killing in tobacco, Anargyros bought up huge swathes of the island and planted thousands of pine trees. Anargyos also founded the famous boarding school (whose grounds are a lovely spot for an evening stroll) that inspired a certain English teacher to write The Magus , and built the Poseidonion, a grand harbor-front hotel that has been gloriously restored (there’s no finer place for an aperitivo). From the heirloom-filled mansions built on shipping fortunes to the horse-drawn carriages and tasteful yachts, the whole place reeks of old money. But there’s plenty of new-fangled fun too: late-night bars ( Bikini  or retro-cool  Bar Spetsa ), two open-air cinemas, stylish boutiques ( The Closet , whose resident cats are an attraction), and expensive restaurants ( Patralis  and  Tarsanas  vie for the best fish soup). In the summer, Spetses is a sociable place to see and be seen. But it’s also lovely off-season, when you can hike the gentle green hills or cycle the coastal road that circles the island (there’s even a Tweed Run in October). Compact, well-kept, and easily accessible from Athens (2-3 hours by catamaran), Spetses is a people-pleaser for all ages and seasons.

Where to stay on Spetses:

• For glamour:  Poseidonion Grand Hotel
• For families:  Orloff Resort
• For a private stay:  Magus House

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.

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The Journal

Travel Inspiration

The Best Places to Visit in Greece for the First Time: 14 Options

The Modern Travel Agency

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/where-to-go-in-greece-for-the-first-time

Between the ancient city of Athens to Mykonos (the nightlife capital of the eastern Mediterranean) as well as many unique islands to explore, it can be tough to decide where to go in Greece for the first time. Below, we’re breaking down the best places to visit in Greece for first-timers. Whether you’re looking for incredible food  or the best beaches (or a bit of both), we’ve got you covered. 

For personalized recommendations, reach out to a Fora Advisor . Not only can your Fora Advisor provide expert travel suggestions and tips, but they can also unlock VIP perks at the best hotels in Greece (or anywhere). 

14 of the best places to visit in Greece for first-timers

Read on for 14 of the best places to visit in Greece, including some tried-and-true favorites as well as some off-the-beaten-path offerings.

1–2. Athens & the Athens Riviera: where to go in Greece for first-timers interested in culture, variety & great beaches

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Considered by many historians to be the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is an ancient city overflowing with culture. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Greece for first-time visitors. Remnants of Ancient Greece are prominently spread throughout the city’s narrow stone streets. The Acropolis (which has an accompanying museum), Hadrian’s Arc and the Temple of Zeus are among the most famous sites, but there are many more. (Insider tip: your Fora Advisor can help you arrange a private tour of the Acropolis, even one that’s after hours. Ask us how).

Athens is typically the hub city you’ll fly into on a trip to Greece, but it’s more than just a layover destination. It’s a great spot to sample Greek cuisine, local and upscale shopping, cultural experiences…the list goes on. 

But there’s plenty to do in Athens’ surrounding areas, too. To name a few, you can get off-the-beaten-path to Hydra , take a day trip to the Ruins of Delphi or enjoy a segue to the Athens Riviera. The latter is home to luxe resorts — like Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, our top-booked hotel in all of Greece. More commonly known as the Four Seasons Athens , it’s worth noting that the property isn’t in Athens itself, it’s in the Riviera (driving from Athens proper takes anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on traffic). The One&Only Aesthesis is a welcome new contender to the hotel scene; it welcomed its first guests in November 2023. 

We recommend the Athens Riviera at the end of your trip – it’s a great spot for some quality R&R time, especially if you’ve had a jam-packed schedule in the rest of your trip. However, you might also opt for the Athens Riviera before your trip (or as a destination in itself). Just note that you’ll get a different, more laid-back vibe there than you will with the bustling city center in Athens proper. 

For more intel on Athens and the Athens Riviera, check out our guides to how many days in Athens you need or the best boutique hotels in Athens (A77 is a great local option that’s hidden behind a boutique clothing store). You can always connect with a Fora Advisor for a personalized itinerary.

Fora Perks at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens:

When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

Fora Perks at A77 Suites by Andronis:

Complimentary air & concierge services.

Fora Perks at One&Only Aesthesis:

$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

3. Mykonos: a vibrant island known for its party life

Image courtesy of Cali Mykonos

It’s not an understatement to call Mykonos the nightlife capital of the Mediterranean (although Ibiza, a Spain bucket list essential, is a top contender). But at the very least, Mykonos is Greece’s nightlife capital. This Greek island is an electric, must-stop destination for a party seeker’s first time in Greece. The best time to visit is late spring through very early fall, when the weather is warm and comfortable.

A favorite among celebrities and discerning travelers, Mykonos is fairly small — you can easily traverse the entire island by vehicle in a few hours or less — but it’s packed with lively beaches, waterfront clubs and, if you prefer a quieter stay (or temporary reprieve), private villas.

Mykonos also has a fantastic reputation among LGBTQ+ travelers , and many clubs and bars cater to the community (allies are welcome, too).

As for places to stay, Cali Mykono s is one of our favorite properties on the island (whether it’s your first visit or otherwise). Whitewashed villas built into a rocky hillside provide lavish furnishings and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. It’s worth noting that Cali Mykonos is located on a quieter side of the island, so you’ll have a respite from the party crowds. 

If you’re traveling with a group, BlueVillas are a great option. They have different villas across the entire island, in a variety of different price points and sizes. Your Fora Advisor can help matchmake you to one that matches your travel preferences. BlueVillas are a great hybrid option between a hotel and rental home because their team can help to arrange private chefs, transportation and 24/7 bespoke service.

Fora Perks at Cali Mykonos:

$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, complimentary boat transfer to a beach club on Mykonos’ South Coast, welcome amenity, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

4. Santorini: if you’re craving that Instagrammable moment

Image courtesy of Katikies Santorini

Santorini’s popularity puts it near the top of many travelers’ lists of where to go in Greece for the first time. Chances are, you’ve seen the island’s whitewashed cliffs more than a few times on your Instagram feed. 

Yes, Santorini is becoming more touristy, but if the destination is high on your bucket list, it’s still worth a visit. We recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons to avoid the crowds; May is a great time for fewer (but still a lot) of tourists, plus you’ll also get milder climates. 

Santorini’s sunsets are among the best in the world. Even locals often make a point of stopping whatever they’re doing to admire the coming dusk.Santorini’s popularity means there’s something to do for everyone here. You can take a boat tour of nearby islands, check out the local villages, go shopping, enjoy an Aperol Spritz with a stunning view… There’s a reason this is a bucket list destination for many. 

In terms of where to stay, if you saw Santorini on Instagram and you want to replicate that classic Santorini experience, Katikies is a great option. It’s got a boutique feel to it which serves the property well. It is worth noting that if you stay in the popular caldera area, you won’t get as much privacy, but if this is your must-have bucketlist spot, then it’s a good bet. Alternatively, Canaves Oia is located just on the other side (within a walkable distance) of the tourist hot spots, and it’s a respite in itself. 

Or, if you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate experience just outside of Santorini, Santa Irini Retreat is located on the nearby (and very small) island of Thirasia. A small home, Santa Irini Retreat is perfect for a group getaway, or, we’re daydreaming of the perfect small wedding hosted on the island. 

Fora Perks at Katikies Santorini:

$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome drink, upgrade whenever available & guaranteed late check out.

Fora Perks at Canaves Oia:

$100 food / beverage credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

5. Crete: the place to go for a family’s first time in Greece

Image courtesy of Minos Beach Art Hotel

Crete is the largest of the Greek Isles, and has numerous activities to try. Go kitesurfing off the coast, enjoy local cuisine in charming towns, tour ancient ruins, relax on Crete’s beaches and more. The options are plentiful, and mostly family friendly, too, making Crete one of the best Greek islands for families to visit together.

Like Santorini, Crete does have a reputation for being more touristy. But as you venture away from the beaten path, you’ll find a genuine side of the island. 

“From secluded beachfront retreats to lavish resorts nestled in historical settings, Crete offers an array of unforgettable accommodations to suit every taste,” Fora Advisor Elizabeth Kaczka explained in her travel guide on the island .

For families, Elizabeth recommends the Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites, Elounda.

“Perched on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello, the hotel is ideal for families and couples seeking ultimate privacy and personalized service,” she said.

6. Paros: where to go in Greece for first-timers who want to relax

Image courtesy of Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros

Paros is quickly rising in the ranks as one of the top islands to visit in Greece. It’s got a more laid back, quiet vibe, and is perfect for those who simply want to relax. The island offers a much more authentic experience than some of the more popular destinations: for example, you’ll find more local, boutique stores than the big chains like Gucci and Prada that you’ll see in Mykonos. The locals are friendly, Greek culture is celebrated, the scenery is extraordinary. Paros is a special choice with a boutique vibe that resonates well with people who love off-the-beaten-path travel .

Among our favorite places to stay in Paros : Cosme and Parīlio. Both offer a luxe vibe and ample opportunities for unwinding and taking in the scenery.

Fora Perks at Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort, Paros:

Fora Perks at Parīlio, a Member of Design Hotels:

$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

7–8. Thessaloniki & Mount Olympus National Park: a mix of contemporary Greek culture & natural beauty

Greece’s second-largest city behind Athens, Thessaloniki brings an entirely different cultural experience. 

The city’s architecture, markets and waterfront promenade display a rich blend of Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman influences. It’s a stark contrast from the ancient Greek influences you’ll find throughout much of the rest of the country. But what really makes Thessaloniki such an interesting place to visit in Greece is its thriving youth culture. Thessaloniki is home to one of Greece’s most prominent universities, and the large student body has cultivated a fun, cosmopolitan vibe throughout the city.

From the iconic White Tower to the trendy neighborhood of Ladadika (The Met is a great choice if you don’t mind it’s slightly out-of-the-way location), Thessaloniki invites first-time visitors to wander a mix of trendy and ancient haunts, savor diverse cuisine and immerse themselves in its captivating mix of past and present.

If you need a break from the urban hustle and bustle of Thessaloniki, one of Greece’s best-kept natural secrets, Mount Olympus National Park , is only about 90 minutes away by car. 

The legendary home of the ancient Greek Gods, Mount Olympus wows guests with its towering peaks, lush forests and rugged landscapes, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Dedicated hikers willing to brave the Enipeas Gorge will be rewarded with some of the best views in the park (including the gorge’s many waterfalls).

If you want to include a day trip to Mount Olympus with your Thessaloniki itinerary, a Fora Advisor will be happy to provide expert assistance.

Fora Perks at The Met, Thessaloniki:

Welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

9. Kefalonia: a special island for nature enthusiasts

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is home to dramatic landscapes and some of the best beaches in the Greek Isles. Myrtos Beach, for example, is consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. 

Other unique highlights include Melissani Cave and its enchanting blue lake, which offer a magical experience for visitors. And the island’s small villages, such as Fiskardo with its Venetian architecture, provide a glimpse into the island's rich history and culture. 

Celestial and Eliamos Villas Hotel are among the top accommodations on Kefalonia. Both cater to small groups and travelers seeking homey, spacious suites or private villas. 

Fora Perks at Celestial All Suites:

€20 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible. 

Fora Perks at Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa:

Breakfast daily.

10. Naxos: a lovely island ideal for tranquil getaways

Image courtesy of Naxian Collection

Like Kefalonia, Naxos offers an enchanting mix of ancient history and natural beauty. It is the greenest island in the Cyclades group, and offers valleys, mountains and landscapes that differ from the more arid terrain of other islands. Quiet beaches like Agios Prokopios and Plaka boast golden sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

The island is steeped in deep Greek mythology: it is known as the birthplace of Zeus. The island's deep history is evident in landmarks like the Portara (a.k.a. the ancient Greek Temple of Apollo), a massive marble gateway that stands as a testament to its ancient past. Traditional villages like Apiranthos and Halki invite visitors to explore cobbled streets, local crafts and authentic cuisine. Then lush landscapes provide a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent hiking and cycling trails.

There aren’t many hotels and resorts on Naxos — which is part of its charm— but one place that stands out is the Naxian Collection. The resort is made up of a collection of whitewashed villas promising beautiful views, privacy and luxe amenities.

Naxos' close proximity to smaller islands like Paros, Antiparos and the Small Cyclades makes it convenient for island-hopping day trips.

Fora Perks at Naxian Collection:

$50 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

11. Rhodes: one of the best places to visit in Greece for history buffs

Image courtesy of Rodos Park

The island of Rhodes (or Rodos) is best known for its walled, UNESCO-recognized medieval city center , which dates back to the 14th century. Yet, even within the castle walls, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Rhodes : narrow alleys host interesting shops, lively tavernas and local homes. It’s another island rich with Greek mythology history, and is believed to be the island where the sun god Helios resided. The island’s name comes from the nymph Rhodos, who bore seven sons to Helios.

Modern Rhodes invites travelers to bask on loungers at high-end resorts like Rodos Park and peruse a mix of recognizable retailers and local boutiques. 

If you’re looking to add on a lesser-known day trip, Rhodes' location in the Dodecanese chain close to Türkiye allows for easy day trips across the border.

Fora Perks at Rodos Park:

12. Zakynthos (a.k.a Zante): for nightlife seekers, a more casual alternative to Mykonos 

Image courtesy of Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort

Zakynthos isn’t quite as glamorous (or Instagrammed) as Mykonos, but it’s arguably just as electric, particularly in the region of Laganas. Along its rocky coasts, you’ll still find lavish resorts (like Lesante Blu) intermixed with nightclubs, bars and restaurants. A few crowd favorites include Rescue Club and CherryBay Beach Club. 

The island also hosts stunning natural beauty, with Navagio Beach being one of the top spots. Turquoise waves tumble over white sands while rougher seas are usually kept at bay by surrounding mountains and cliffs, which also happen to make the beach inaccessible by land. A Fora Advisor can connect you with the best boat tour operators on the island (our guide to exploring Zakynthos has more details). For animal lovers, it’s worth noting that Zakynthos is a major nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Areas like Laganas Bay are protected as part of the National Marine Park to safeguard these nesting sites.

Fora Perks at Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort:

13. Corfu: an off-the-beaten-path destination great for first-time visitors to Greece

Image courtesy of Domes Miramare, A Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu

As one of the more unique places to visit in Greece , Corfu is a great destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience . The island’s location in the Mediterranean protects it from choppy seas, making it one of the best places to visit in Greece for watersports — kayaking, snorkeling, boat tours and anything waterbound.  

It is another island known as one of the top party islands in Europe, especially the Kavos area.On the coasts, beach resorts (such as Domes Miramare), clubs and taverns offer a lively nightlife scene. 

As you move inland, small towns showcase a quieter side of Greek island life and historical architecture. If you’re interested in spending a few days in Corfu , our guide offers itinerary ideas. 

Fora Perks at Domes Miramare, A Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu:

$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, complimentary air & concierge services, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

14. Milos: a low-key Greek island with culture, adventure and lovely scenery

Image courtesy of Domes White Coast Milos

Milos shares a lot of traits with Paros: it’s quiet, beautiful and a solid choice for visitors to Greece interested in cultural immersion. There’s still a fun nightlife to experience in the island’s major port, Adamantas (or Adamas), but it’s fairly tame compared to Mykonos’ scene. Still, Milos makes a case for being one of the best Greek islands for families — you don’t really have to worry about encountering rowdy crowds as much as you would on some of the other islands.

The island also has beautiful outdoor offerings. It’s known for stunning beaches like Sarakiniko, as well as volcanic landscapes that formed the island’s geology.  

Regarding where to stay in Milos , the island’s options mostly boil down to boutique hotels and luxury options, though still comparatively low-key, hilltop or beach resorts like Domes White Coast and Melian Boutique Hotel and Spa.

Fora Perks at Domes White Coast Milos:

A few tips for your first visit to Greece

If this is your first time planning a trip to Greece , here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Greece has great weather well beyond its peak travel season, but not all resorts are open

This does depend on where you want to visit, as each island has its own microclimate. However, given Greece’s location in the Mediterranean, the climate is largely warm and comfortable year-round. It can get chilly in winter, and wind is a major consideration if you’re ferrying between certain islands. (There are other options besides ferrying between islands, including private transfers, and flights on certain islands.) 

Plus, many resorts in the Greek Isles are only open from spring to fall. If you’re interested in visiting Greece during the shoulder seasons, for instance, you can always check with a Fora Advisor to see which hotels and resorts will be open.

Read more: The Best Time to Visit Greece & the Greek Isles: Full Guide  

Greece is largely a family-friendly destination 

Even on the Mykonos and Zakynthos, famous for their nightlife, there’s plenty for families to enjoy away from the more electric areas. Ultimately, consider Greece an excellent destination for families looking for a new place to explore together.

One thing to keep in mind: Greece doesn’t have designated nude beaches, but it’s not uncommon to encounter people swimming or lounging in the nude if you venture away from the busiest parts of popular beaches.

English is widely spoken in urban areas & popular destinations

Throughout all the best places to visit in Greece, you shouldn’t have much trouble with language barriers. English is commonly spoken in resort areas and major cities. As you venture into more rural areas, you can expect fewer English speakers.

Greece is a great destination for island hopping

You don’t have to choose just one spot to visit in Greece. The islands are pretty easy to get around, and many travelers opt to include several in an itinerary (especially if you have a week or more for your vacation). A lot of travelers also pair Athens with an island visit. Reach out to a Fora Advisor to share your travel preferences, and they can help to make some recommendations for your trip.

For expert help planning your first (or any) visit to the best places in Greece, ask a Fora Advisor

Few places as small as Greece offer such a diverse array of amazing places to visit for first-timers. Deciding where to go in Greece can be tough, especially if you’re not quite sure whether you’re more interested in exploring old ruins, picturesque Mediterranean beaches or anything in between. 

For personalized travel recommendations, book and plan your trip with a Fora Advisor . They’ll help you navigate all your options — and can curate an itinerary that’ll take you to many of the best places to visit in Greece, including island hopping. Plus, they’ll help you unlock perks and insider experiences throughout your trip. Reach out to book today.

Other travel inspiration resources

Greece isn’t the only great destination in the region; check out more incredible places to visit in the Mediterranean and Mid-Atlantic:

The 12 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers / Top Spanish Destinations  

Where to Stay in Barcelona for First-Timers: the 5 Best Places

The 5 Best Places to Visit in Italy for the First Time

Where to Stay in Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance

Fora's Guide to Portugal Hotels: Lisbon Edition  

3 of the Top Hotels in Porto, Portugal

Morocco’s Best Places to Visit: 6 Captivating Destinations

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First time Greece: top 10 experiences

Jan 2, 2020 • 5 min read

The Porch of the Caryatids on the Acropolis’ Erechtheion © JeniFoto / Shutterstock

With its sparkling white beaches, crystalline water and venerable ancient sites, Greece lives up to all the hype. But how to approach this vast country with enough islands to suit everyone’s taste and antiquities dotting the landscape like a historical map of Western civilisation? To help you choose, here's our guide to top experiences in Greece for first-time visitors.

Ancient Athens

Most first-time visitors will arrive and depart through Athens . An absolute must, of course, is the Acropolis , with its iconic Parthenon and the demure robed maidens (Caryatids) supporting the roof of the Erechtheion temple alongside. The modern, vast Acropolis Museum sits just below, and protects the site’s artefacts while placing them in context. Any initiation to ancient Greece should also include the easy walk from the Acropolis down to the Ancient Agora – once the focal point of administrative, commercial, political and social activity, and the spot where Socrates expounded his philosophy. It’s also a snap to loop in other top sites, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus – its colossal columns reminding us it was the largest temple in Greece – and the Panathenaic Stadium , still in use today. Roman sites include Hadrian’s Arch and the Roman Agora with its evocative Tower of the Winds .

Monastiraki and Plaka

An easy add-on to the walk around ancient Athens is a browse through the bric-a-brac in the daily Monastiraki Flea Market . Shoulder-to-shoulder shops and kiosks hawk a riot of souvenirs, clothes, leather goods, jewellery and burnished antiques. Head to one of the squares buried in the midst of the market, Plateia Avyssinias. It’s perfect for a quick break at bistro-like Café Avissinia , which is tucked amid heaps of restored furniture and fascinating baubles and has Acropolis views from its top floors. Nearby Plaka offers a warren of historic streets jammed with souvenir shops.

Coffee culture

When in Greece, make like the Greeks and have a long, lazy, lingering and chat-filled kafedaki . In the cafes of Athens (try barista champions  The Underdog ) and the central squares of towns throughout the islands and countryside, sitting for a coffee and a long round of people-watching and gossip is a pastime not to be missed. Order a Greek coffee, either sketo (plain) , metrio  (with some sugar) or glyko  (super-sweet) , and watch the world go by.

Santorini (Thira)

Ravishing Santorini lives up to the postcard-perfect photos you’ve seen, perhaps calling you to Greece in the first place. Beauty and fame have a price: Santorini is jammed with visitors in high season. But the rest of the year it’s more peaceful, and it’s easier to get an unobstructed view of the striated ochre cliffs cradling the caldera. Find a spot on one of the multihued volcanic beaches (black, red, white!) or grab a seat for one of its glorious sunsets, ideally in the little town of Oia , the white frosting on the tip of the island.

Mykonos and Delos

Mykonos is the land of glitz, glam and 24-hour parties. Whether bronzing at one of the chic beach clubs such as aptly named Paradise and Super Paradise , promenading through the maze-like streets of Mykonos Town (Hora) dressed to the nines, or dancing the night away at places like open-air Cavo Paradiso , come ready to party, and bring a bankroll to match. Ironically, one of Greece’s most treasured ancient sites, Delos , sits on a small island offshore. The mythical birthplace of twins Apollo and Artemis (two of the most important ancient Greek gods), Ancient Delos  is a shrine turned sacred treasury and commercial centre. A little dose of serious history to leaven the non-stop romp on Mykonos.

Island hopping in the Cyclades

The super-famous islands draw visitors from far and wide every year, but it’s well worth adding at least one other island to the mix… pick one that takes your fancy. Or better yet, island-hop around the Cyclades for a classic adventure! Each island has its own character, and a visit to places like the wonderful, volcanic Milos , precious, princess-like Sifnos , raw, countrified Serifos or fertile, mountainous Naxos (to name just a few) adds enormous breadth to a first-time trip.

If time is short, and you don’t have the luxury of extended island hopping, head straight from Athens to tiny Hydra  in the Saronics . Hydra is a delight that awaits just an hour and a half from the main port of Piraeus . Its picturesque horseshoe-shaped harbour town with gracious stone mansions stacked up the rocky hillsides is known as a retreat for artists, writers and celebrities. There are no motorised vehicles (apart from sanitation trucks), leading to unspoilt trails along the coast and into the mountains.

Throughout the year festivals dot the Greek calendar. Ubiquitous Saints Days occur year-round from small village to big city. Carnival (also known as Apokreas) is a time for dress-up and parades; Patras Carnival is the most well-known. The fabulous, suitably famous Greek Easter is a week-long springtime celebration. And the main summertime event is the Athens & Epidaurus Festival , when the exquisite ancient Theatre of Epidavros and Athens’ Odeon of Herodes Atticus (right by the Acropolis) are the headline venues of this cultural feast with a top line-up of local and international music, dance and theatre.

The long lunch

You haven’t lived the Greek life, and certainly not had a full summer experience, until you’ve partaken in the ‘long lunch’. Ideally, you’d have a table-full of friends and family, but even with a smaller group, while you’re in Greece be sure to head to a seafood taverna and dine al fresco. Sip endless afternoon ouzo accompanied by a continuous parade of mezedhes (small dishes): meatballs, zucchini balls, fresh fish, taramasalata (fish roe dip) and more. Lazy laughter with a continuous feast in the beauty of the Greek outdoors, ideally beachside… nothing compares. Top food islands are Lesvos (Mytilini) , Corfu , Crete and Tinos

What would a trip to Greece be without some serious beach time? An embarrassment of riches, Greek beaches range from Santorini and Milos’ multihued volcanic rocks to Kefallonia and Lefkada’s broad, vast sweeps of soft sand or small white stones. The waters of Sifnos sparkle like rainbows. Paros  is known for world-class kite surfing. Little Kythnos has a double-sided beach, arcing out into the sea. Greece is a land for beach connoisseurs – sample broadly, and form your own opinions.

You might also like:

The 10 best museums in Athens   Plan your perfect Greek island-hopping adventure   The best free things to do in Athens

Article first published in January 2015, and last update by Alexis Averbuck in December 2019

This article was first published Jan 30, 2015 and updated Jan 2, 2020.

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Itinerary for Greece & Greek Islands

Greece › Itineraries Updated: March 12, 2024 By Santorini Dave

• Aegina – where to stay
• Andros – where to stay
• Athens – where to stay
• Corfu – where to stay
• Crete – where to stay
• Delphi – where to stay
• Hydra – where to stay
• Meteora – where to stay
• Milos – where to stay
• Mykonos – where to stay
• Nafplio – where to stay
• Naxos – where to stay
• Paros – where to stay
• Poros – where to stay
• Rhodes – where to stay
• Santorini – where to stay
• Spetses – where to stay
• Zakynthos – where to stay

The Acropolis and Plaka (my favorite neighborhood) in Athens , Greece. I recommend at least a few days in Athens for any first-time visitor to Greece.

My Favorites for First Time Visitors Best Places to Visit: Athens • Santorini • Mykonos • Naxos • Paros Best Tours: Santorini Wine Tours • Santorini Boat Tours • Mykonos Boat Tours • Athens Historical Tours Best Ancient Sites: Delphi , Meteora , Delos (near Mykonos), and the Peloponnese are some of the historical highlights of Greece. Best for Honeymoon: Santorini is a marvelous honeymoon destination . On Crete, Chania is also great. Best Restaurants: Most towns and every island have several good restaurants. Athens , Naxos , and Santorini are loaded with great places to eat (both modern and traditional). Best Beaches: Naxos has the best beaches in Greece . Best Nightlife: Santorini • Mykonos Most Fun Activity: The Fira-Oia Hike along the caldera in Santorini. (Bonus: It’s free!) Best Hotels: Athens , Santorini , and Mykonos have the best luxury hotels. How Many Days in Greece: For most tourists, I recommend a visit of 10 to 15 days. This allows for a few days in Athens; a day or overnight trip to Nafplio, Delphi, or the Meteora; and a few nights on 2 or 3 Greek islands. Of course, trips of more or fewer days are great too. If possible arrive into one airport and fly out of a different airport so you don’t have to retrace your steps (e.g. Fly into Greece to Athens, and fly out of Greece from Santorini). Can you visit Greece for only two or three nights? Yes, it’s possible, but in this case limit your visit to either Athens or just one Greek island and arrive and depart from the same airport.

Greek Island Itinerary – The Basics

5 Days in Greece Athens – 1 Full Day Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos – remainder of time 1 Week in Greece Athens – 1 Full Day Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos – 3 Days Santorini – 3 Days 10 Days in Greece Athens – 1 Full Day Mykonos – 3 Days Paros or Naxos – 3 Days Santorini – 3 Days 2 Weeks in Greece Athens – 2 Full Days Nafplio or Delphi day trip – 1 Day Mykonos – 3 Days Paros – 2 Days Naxos – 2 Days Santorini – 4 Days 3 Weeks in Greece Athens – 2 Full Days Nafplio, Delphi, or Meteora – 1 or 2 Days Mykonos – 3 Days Paros – 2 Days Naxos – 3 Days Milos, Folegandros, or Sifnos – 2 Days Santorini – 4 Days Agios Nikolaos (Crete) – 2 Days Chania (Crete) – 3 Days Greece Itinerary: Top 5 Highlights 1. The Santorini Caldera Santorini is the most magical and unique Greek island. Boat tours of the volcanic caldera are a highlight of any trip to Greece. 2. The Beaches of Naxos (and Many Greek Islands) There are many Greek islands with fantastic beaches (Mykonos, Milos, Paros, and Crete) but no island has a better beach scene than Naxos. 3. The Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens Athens has lots to see in a compact area. The Plaka, Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are where you should spend most of your time. 4. The Beach Clubs & Nightlife of Mykonos Mykonos is the place to go for an ideal mix of great beaches , beach clubs , and nightlife . 5. The Town of Chania in Crete Chania is a charming town on the island of Crete (the largest Greek island). Both Chania and Heraklio have many international flights to other cities in Europe which make it a great place to start or finish your holiday vacation. And Crete has many amazing tours .

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Athens, Greece, According to Travel Experts Like Rick Steves

The ancient Greek city delivers one memorable vacation.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

There’s not much that hasn’t been written about the perks of visiting Athens, Greece. The ancient city has long been a popular travel destination, thanks to its bountiful historical sites, distinct architecture, and oh-so fantastic food. But just because it’s all been said doesn’t mean it isn’t worth repeating. So, we’ll say it one more time: Athens is, without question, one of the world’s greatest travel destinations, especially for those famed attractions. And we’re not the only ones who share this sentiment. 

“The Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world, is crowned by an architectural masterpiece: the mighty Parthenon,” Rick Steves told Travel + Leisure . “I visit in the cool of the early evening, when the crowds are gone and the setting sun turns the marble golden.”

But Athens' appeal goes far beyond its history lessons. “Athens has a vibe. The restaurants and bars feel intimate, and visitors can either indulge in the city's vibrant nightlife scene or simply go for a stroll at night — the city is second to none during the evening,” Alys Colayera, the lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with T+L. Colayera also called out the city's shopping scene, noting, "The boutique shops have tons of local artisans selling high-quality Greek crafts, jewelry, and clothing.”

Ready to start plotting your own Athens adventure? Here’s how to plan the perfect trip. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Don't miss Greece's most recognizable landmark — the Acropolis. Get there early to experience it with fewer crowds.
• Spend a night at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, T+L readers' favorite hotel in 2023 World's Best Awards.
• Head to Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guard every hour on the hour.
• Grab a souvenir or a snack in the famed Plaka neighborhood.
• Order a coffee at Minu, arguably the coolest cafe in Greece, and then sit in its garden or take it to go to explore the antique shops nearby.

Courtesy of The Four Seasons

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Four seasons astir palace hotel athens.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens — a T+L reader favorite in 2023 — holds a prime location along the Athens Riviera, providing ocean views while remaining just a short drive from all the city's major attractions. It also sits on 75 private acres, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude. 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

“My all-time favorite [hotel] is the Grande Bretagne , a landmark right in the heart of the city that celebrates 150 years of history this year,” said Christos Stergiou , a T+L A-List Advisor and founder of TrueTrips . “From its rooftop restaurant to its elegant lobby and rooms, it epitomizes class and culture.” Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this property is consistently a top choice in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, coming in second for our readers’ favorite hotels in Athens in 2023. When only the best accommodations will do, this property ticks all the boxes.

Gatsby Athens

For a truly central stay in the city, there's no better place than the Gatsy Athens . Located right outside the Plaka neighborhood, the property makes for a fantastic home base for those looking to walk just about everywhere in the city. Inside, guests will find a playful space filled with art deco touches and a fantastic food and beverage program. Just don’t miss the guest-only rooftop, which provides spectacular views of the city. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Things to Do 

Visit the acropolis..

As Steves alluded to, no trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis . And it’s a sentiment Colayera agrees with. “The Acropolis is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture and a symbol of Athens. It houses several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon,” said Colayera. The best time to go is early morning or late evening, when the crowds are thinner, though you should always expect other tourists hanging around. Want to make the most of your visit? Colayera also suggested checking out the Acropolis Museum, home to a collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations of the Acropolis. “The exhibits offer insights into the daily life, rituals, and artistry of the people who lived in Athens during different periods,” Colayera added. 

See Hadrian’s Library.

Another fantastic historic landmark to visit while in Athens is Hadrian's Library. The building, built in 132 A.D., was used as an entertainment space, lecture hall, and, yes, an actual library. Today, just a few columns and sections remain, but visitors are welcome to walk through and imagine what used to be. Tickets are only $3 or can be purchased as a combination with the Acropolis. 

Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

Looking for a fun free activity in the city? Visitors to Athens can watch the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square every hour on the hour. And every Sunday at 11 a.m., the official event takes place in full regalia. Just plan to arrive a little early to snag a front-row seat. 

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

For something a little more new school, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art . The museum’s mission is to preserve contemporary works by Greek and international artists across disciplines. It includes both permanent and rotating collections, so check its website before going to know what to expect. 

Ken Welsh/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Best Shopping 

It’s hard to ignore the Plaka neighborhood of Athens. It is, after all, at the base of the Acropolis. But really, there’s no need to ignore it, especially if you want to go home with a memorable souvenir or two. Explore the area by simply allowing yourself to wander its streets, popping into any shop that catches your eye and perhaps grabbing a frappe along the way on a hot day, too. 

Find yourself in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods with a visit to Psirri. Located about a 15-minute walk from Plaka, Psirri offers travelers the chance to admire some of the best street art in the world ( book a tour with Kalliopi for the ultimate insider experience), peruse unique stores, step into a few third-wave coffee shops, and eat plenty of local Greek cuisine. 

Anthologist

For those seeking an all-around shop, where you can pick up everything from high-end goods to more affordable trinkets curated from around the globe, look no further than Anthologist . The store, owned by travel tastemaker Andria Mitsakos, is a visual paradise, filled with goodies you’ll want to stuff in your suitcase. 

RUBEN RAMOS/Getty Images

Best Restaurants 

Begin a day in Athens by mixing fantastic food with shopping at Minu , a third-wave coffee shop and boutique. The space is gorgeous — find a back corner to settle into, go all the way up to its loft area, or sit outside on the patio when the weather is right. Order a coffee and a bite to eat (menu items include smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and more).

Enjoy another delicious alfresco meal in Athens at Soil , a sustainably focused, Michelin-starred restaurant. The ingredients here are grown in the chef’s private garden, providing flavors you can’t taste anywhere else. Book a table (preferably outside) and don’t even worry about ordering, as you can opt for the seasonal tasting menu and enjoy every bite. 

Don’t leave Athens without digging into some tasty Greek desserts. When I was a child, my Greek grandmother would make loukoumades , so it’s a personal favorite, and in Athens, you can get a taste of the same at Lukumades . Smothered in honey and cinnamon, the dough balls are small enough to pop in your mouth one after another — and you won't be able to stop at just one.

Starcevic/Getty Images

Best Time To Visit

There's no bad time to visit Athens, but according to Steves, the spring shoulder season is particularly lovely. “I was last in Athens in April 2022, and it was a great time to visit. The weather was cool and pleasant, and the city wasn’t crowded,” he said. “It just felt good.” Indeed, both the spring shoulder season (April to mid-June) and the fall (September through October) offer visitors the chance to explore the city in milder weather. Summer is the peak period, and with it comes sweltering temperatures . So, if you don’t tolerate heat (or crowds) well, try to book your stay outside of July and August.  

How to Get There

By Air: Travelers from around the world can make their way to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). It’s serviced by every major airline, including Delta and American, which offers direct flights from the U.S. 

By Sea: Athens is an ultra-popular port for cruises, including MSC Cruises , Crystal Cruises , Seabourn , Royal Caribbean , and more.  

How to Get Around

By Rental Car: Rental cars are readily available in the city, at the airport, and at the ferry terminal. Just make sure to book an automatic as early as possible if you can’t drive a manual, as they tend to be in short supply.  

By Taxi: Both yellow cabs and Ubers are plentiful around Athens. Simply open the app or hail the next one you see. Prices are about €1 per kilometer .

By Metro: Athens has a robust metro system to get you around the city with ease. There's also a metro line directly to and from the airport. Pick up a rechargeable Ath.ena ticket , which starts at €1.20. 

By Foot: Athens is a walkable city. If you enjoy slowly taking in the sights and popping in and out of shops and cafes, this is the way to go. You never know what you may find along the way.

Related Articles

3 Days in Athens: Itinerary for First-time Visitors in 2022

I dreamed of visiting Athens, Greece for years. I studied Classics in university, and learned Ancient Greek and Latin as some of my core skills, as well as taking classes on ancient history. As you can probably imagine, this Athens itinerary is packed full of the most significant and the most beautiful places to visit in Athens, based on my background in Classics.

Not only that, but my boyfriend ALSO studied Ancient Greek and classical archaeology, so get ready for a complete nerdfest throughout this guide. Don’t worry, it’ll be fun 😉

Apart from Classical sites (which, let’s be honest, can get a bit repetitive if you don’t know what to look for), this guide also explains where to eat in Athens, the best cafes you can work from, as well as my personal favorite aspect of Athens: incredible rooftop bars with Acropolis views!

Keep reading for a complete guide to seeing Athens in 3 days, the best things to do in Athens , recommendations for day trips, where to eat, drink, and work, as well as the inside scoop on the absolute best photography locations in Athens for my fellow shutterbugs.

And with that, let’s look at what’s in store for us in Athens! I absolutely loved visiting Athens in February of 2020, and am looking forward to a chance to book-end an upcoming trip there later this Summer.

What you’ll see in three days in Athens, Greece

I stayed in Athens for 8 days (9 Feb - 17 Feb, 2020) while building this itinerary and exploring the city, and packed down my absolute best experiences into these three days. I was lucky enough to visit Athens with not one, but TWO people who’ve seen the city before, so our combined experience makes this a very complete itinerary.

Here’s what you’ll see in Athens for three days:

• Top highlights of Athens including the Acropolis , Acropolis Museum , Aeropagus , Ancient Agora of Athens and more sights.
• Views of the Acropolis from all angles such as Filopappou Hill and Lycabettus Hill , as well as more ancient sites to round out your Athens experience.
• Day trip to the Peloponnese region , including Mycenae , Epidaurus , and Nafplio . The must-do day trip for lovers of ancient history, featuring the world’s best-preserved amphitheatre.

Where to stay in Athens

Athens is an extremely walkable city, especially when it comes to the city center. You can walk end-to-end in about 20 minutes, and a taxi ride from one side to the other costs just 4-6 EUR. My main tip would be simply to stay away from major roads, because traffic (and especially motorcycles!) can get pretty noisy. Otherwise, you can find stunning views and low prices all over the city.

Option 1: Airbnb (for longer stays) – You’ve got two main options in Athens for accommodation: booking a hotel or staying in an Airbnb. I spent a total of 8 days in Athens while building this itinerary, so there was no question I wanted to get an apartment. I stayed in this Airbnb with an Acropolis view located right at the border of the historic center in the Kerameikos neighborhood.

Option 2: Hotel in a central neighborhood (for shorter stays) – For a shorter stay, it would be affordable to stay in the two best districts for short-term visitors: Plaka or Kolonaki . Here are some of the hotels with the best reviews and locations in these neighborhoods:

• A for Athens (9.2 “Wonderful” rating) – A for Athens is located right on Monastiraki Square, making it one of the most convenient locations in the entire city. You can also reach it on a direct metro from the airport and avoid hauling your luggage over uneven streets. Bonus: the rooftop bar at A for Athens is legendary and offers this amazing view (see below).
• Coco-Mat Hotel Athens (9.3 “Wonderful” rating) – Even though I opted for an Airbnb because of my long stay, Coco-Mat was the hotel recommended to me by a friend who visited Athens and loved staying there. Its location in Kolonaki is slightly upscale, convenient for shopping, and located near Lycabettus Hill, one of the best places to watch sunset in the entire city.

Click here to check availability for rooms with an Acropolis view at A for Athens during your visit.

Tip for female travelers – Avoid staying in the Omonia area. While it’s improved a lot thanks to police presence in recent years, it’s not somewhere you want to walk around at night. Especially for female travelers, there are a lot of men out and street harassment isn’t uncommon.

What to pack for Athens

Depending on what season you visit Athens, you can get pretty cold temperatures in the Winter (though warmer than most of Europe) or scorching hot days with full sun out. Regardless of which season you visit, you’re going to want to pack these essentials for Athens:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen – Whether it’s Winter or Summer, you need to be prepared for sun! I highly recommend this awesome SPF 50 Japanese sunscreen if you’re serious about sun protection!
• Walking shoes with traction – You’ll be walking over stones and marble that have been worn down by feet for thousands of years. It can get slippery! Make sure your shoes are comfortable for walking and have a bit of grip.
• Anti-theft handbag or backpack – Athens is mostly a safe city, save for petty theft and pickpocketing. You need to mind your belongings in Athens, especially in crowded squares and on the metro. This theft-proof backpack has over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
• An offline-friendly guidebook – Speaking of not making yourself a target, I prefer not to walk around with my expensive iPhone in my hand when navigating a city known for petty theft. I personally own this Greece travel guide (which was just updated!) and reference it every time I go to Greece.

Athens, Greece 3-day itinerary

Day 1: top highlights of athens.

Today we’re going to start early and be one of the first at the Acropolis , the heart of Ancient Athens. You’ll see some of the most impressive archaeological sites, dating back as far as 447 BC (making it almost 2,500 years old!).

After soaking in the main sights like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, you’ll head to the Aeropagus for some of the best up-close views of the Acropolis. Once we’ve seen the sights, we’ll head to the Acropolis Museum to learn more about what we saw at one of the world’s best museums.

Finally, we’ll round off the day of ultimate ancient highlights with Ancient Agora of Athens , and a few other sights in the area before calling it a day.

The Acropolis is easily the highlight of Athens, and your best chances for enjoying it without massive crowds is to visit the Acropolis first thing in the morning , when it opens at 8AM. In terms of buying tickets, you can always check up-to-date Acropolis ticket prices here .

Summer hours – April 1 to October 31: 8 am to 8 pm (last admission 7:30 pm) Winter hours – November 1 to March 31: 8 am to 5 pm

One awesome thing about visiting Athens in Winter is that the prices for almost all archaeological sites are reduced, just don’t make the mistake of buying the combination ticket because that’s not reduced in Winter and the lines are short enough you won’t need to wait much.

Summer prices – April 1 to October 31: 20 € Winter prices – November 1 to March 31: 10 €

Unless you’re an ancient history nerd like me, you may want to forego the combination ticket and opt for buying tickets as you go. The one good thing is that the 30€ combo ticket can save you waiting in line for other sights, but do check exactly what’s included and what you’re interested in seeing. You can also buy the combo ticket at a less popular site in order to avoid waiting in line at the Acropolis 😉

Here are the main sights you’re going to want to see while you’re on the Acropolis:

Theatre of Dionysos

This theatre is special because it’s considered to be the world’s first theatre . If you’ve ever read some of the most famous Greek plays, for instance by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, or Menander – you can also taxi between some locations if you’re not down for walking those plays were performed here!

That means that performances of Oedipus at Colonus (from whom we have the concept of the “Oedpius complex”) or Lysistrata (a play about women stopping a war by withholding sex from their husbands) happened here first. Epic, right? (Or, “tragic”, at least in the case of Oedipus 💀)

Today the theatre looks pretty small compared to others, but that’s because only a fraction of the original seating is preserved. It had a capacity of 17,000 when it was in use in antiquity, and used to be much larger than the next theatre you’ll see: Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Built between 160AD – 174AD, “Herodeon” as it’s called by locals was a tribute to the late wife of Herodes Atticus. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is done in a much more Roman style, compared to the Theatre of Dionysos (mentioned above). What people often don’t realize is that most theatres use the circular part as the location for the choir, whereas the stage itself is located behind it on an elevated level. If you look in this photo, you should be able to see the stage!

Today, this Odeon seats over 4,680 people and there are even events still held here. Keep an eye on the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2020 Facebook Page for updates on the performances you can expect this Summer!

Ah, the Parthenon. So beautiful, so very under construction. One thing you’ll notice about visiting Athens is that many sites are under construction pretty much all the time, and you can expect at least one thing you want to see to be closed for renovation!

The Parthenon is the most important surviving building of Ancient Greece. So, in that sense, it’s no wonder they put so much effort into constantly restoring and preserving it!

Despite all the steel, the Parthenon is magnificent. It was built between 447 and 438 BC and is actually the third version of the Parthenon, replacing two previous versions. In the mean time, it’s been converted to both a Christian church and a mosque, depending on who was in power at the time.

Temple of Athena Nike

The Athenians were all about Athena – after all, they named their city after her. She was considered the goddess that would stand by Athens in the time of war. Athena has several forms, but the one honored here is called “Athena Nike” where “Nike” means “Victory” in Ancient Greek. Our word for “Victory” comes from the Latin word “Victoria”, but the Greek version is actually where the Nike shoe brand gets its name . The more you know 🌈

The Temple of Athena Nike is pretty small, and is part of the overall entryway onto the Acropolis, called the Propylaia . On this temple you can see depictions of historic battle scenes, such as the Battle of Marathon.

Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is most famous for its Caryatids , which are the columns made of female figures, located on its South porch. Even though the originals are located in the Acropolis Museum, these replicas are still beautiful and make the Erechtheion a stunning ancient site.

One of the reasons the Erechtheion is so famous is because it has such an unusual and asymmetrical shape. It’s especially unusual considering that its neighbor, the Parthenon, is so geometrical in comparison. Named after the mythical Athenian king Erechtheus, make sure to snap photos of the beautiful columns when you visit!

Once you leave the Acropolis, you can walk towards the Aeropagus , also called “Mars Hill”. This is the location where St. Paul is said to have delivered a famous speech to the Athenians explaining that their gods were all wrong, more or less, in Acts 17:24. Besides being a place that Christians visit for that reason, it’s just a great spot to take a photo in front of the Acropolis.

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum was voted the sixth best museum in the world according to Trip Advisor’s traveler’s choice awards. Sixth in the world! In case you’re wondering, the Acropolis Museum ranked below Musée d’Orsay, but above the Louvre! Fancy, huh?

Whether you want to visit the Acropolis Museum before or after seeing the Acropolis, is really up to you. I personally went to the museum first, but I think it might’ve been more useful to go afterwards since I would’ve known which buildings to read about later in the museum.

Ancient Agora of Athens

At the foot of the Acropolis, you’ll want to visit the Ancient Agora of Athens. This is included in your combination ticket, if you decide to buy that. Most of what you can see here is in ruins and takes a bit of imagination, but there are two main pieces in good shape: the Stoa (the long building pictured below on the left) and the Hephaisteion.

Temple of Hephaestus (the Hephaisteion) is one of the best preserved temples in Athens. The funny thing is that it’s a rather unremarkable temple compared to many, and the only reason they think it was for Hephaestus is because they found an armory nearby (and Hephaestus was the god of metal working, craftsmanship, and fire).

Believe it or not, they even continued to use this temple as a museum until the 1930s! Today you can’t go inside anymore, but it’s in great shape from the outside.

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian actually wasn’t Greek but Roman, and there is a fair amount of Romanization to be found throughout Athens given that the Romans conquered Greece at the Battle of Corinth in 146 BC. One of the reasons visiting Corinth is not that interesting as an Athens day trip is because the Romans utterly destroyed it to “set an example” 😬

Anyways, Hadrian’s library was massive! As with many of the buildings in Greece, it was repurposed depending on who was in charge. During the Byzantine empire, three churches were built at the site, and you can see their remains today. As a library, it used to hold papyrus books, reading rooms, and had lecture halls.

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is by in large the main square of Athens. Looks can be deceiving though, because it definitely doesn’t look as nice from ground level. But if you head up to A for Athens rooftop bar, you can snap this awesome photo. Make sure to reserve, it can fill up quickly, especially for people like me who are looking to snap a sunset photo with the Acropolis illuminated!

Day 2: Views of the Acropolis from all angles

Today there’s going to be some walking, so make sure you have good shoes on! We’re going to start at Kerameikos Cemetery , where some of the most famous Athenians of all time were buried and the location of the city gates to Athens.

Then we’ll walk around Filopappou Hill and stop at Pnyx , my favorite place for photos of the Acropolis. We’ll loop back down for lunch and pop by Hadrian’s Arch on our way to the Temple of Olympian Zeus on our way to the ultra impressive Panathenaic Stadium .

Our day will end at Lycabettus Hill , where you can either take a cable car or hike to the top for the best sunset views of Athens in the entire city.

Kerameikos Cemetery

The funny part about the fact that I stayed across the street from Kerameikos is that it’s actually a place where visitors were made to sleep for a night before entering Athens . There was a guesthouse outside the city gates where visitors would stay, surrounded by the graves of the greatest Athenians of history such as Aristotle.

Pretty humbling huh? Kerameikos is a larger site than you might expect, and has two main draws: its pathway with the famous bull statue (seen below) and the ruins of the ancient city gates of Athens.

The Pnyx is actually also located on Filopappou Hill, but before you actually reach the monument that most people associated with Filopappou. The reason it’s worth visiting is that you can get an amazing frontal view of the Acropolis with nothing but greenery below. The entire city melts away and it’s just you and a two millenia old monument to the greatness of Athens!

Filopappou Hill

Continue up the same hill and you’ll eventually reach the Filopappou monument, and another Acropolis viewpoint. Many Athens travel guides will tell you this is one of the best places to see the Acropolis , but I would disagree. You do get a nice view of the Parthenon, but the hill looks a bit disorganized. Still worth seeing, but I prefer the view from the Pnyx location instead!

Hadrian’s Arch

Heading back down into the city, feel free to stop in Plaka for lunch before continuing the sight-seeing. If you haven’t seen it yet just from wandering around, pop by Hadrian's Arch . As I mentioned before, Hadrian was a Roman emperor, but his arch is still nice 😉 If you stand at a specific angle, you can even capture the Acropolis through the arch itself.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Like many of the temples in Athens, after the Temple of Olympian Zeus fell out of use, its materials were permanently “borrowed” to build other structures in the city. But while it was still in tact, this colossal temple was built during the rule of Athenian tyrants who envisioned it as the greatest temple in the world. Like a lot of structures, it was finished under the Roman Emperor Hadrian (yes, he was a busy guy). Even though it took over 600 years for the temple to be built, it was only actively used for about 100 years.

Panathenaic Stadium

This stadium is epic because it’s the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble . Sounds like a lot of work, huh? It was originally built for the Panathenaic Games (which is what inspired the modern Olympic Games), and then re-built by Herodes Atticus, reaching a capacity of 50,000 seats. Unfortunately, tickets to the stadium aren’t included in the combination ticket, but are still pretty affordable at just 5€ per person.

Lycabettus Hill

Hands down, Lycabettus Hill is one of the best places to enjoy sunset over Athens. You have three options for getting to the top: take the cable car, drive part-way up and then walk, or walk the entire way. For the sake of time (and having done a lot of walking!), we opted for the cable car which was 15€ for two people (cash only!). Unfortunately, the cable car is under ground so you don’t see a view until you emerge at the top of this hill.

From Lycabettus Hill, you can see the Acropolis and especially the Parthenon illuminated around sunset. There is both a Sky Bar and a look out point, but the best views come from the path that leads to the top. Show up about an hour before sunset, bring some cold ones, and watch the sun sink into the Saronic Gulf!

Day 3: Day trip to the Peloponnese region

Although there’s a lot more you can do in Athens, most people who visit the city tend to use it as a jumping-off point for visiting places like Santorini or Mykonos in the Cyclades, or perhaps to the ancient monasteries of Meteora .

But besides those places, there are excellent day trips from Athens that are easier to reach and can be done without feeling rushed.

After looking at all our options, we opted to visit three important historical places outside of Athens: Mycenae (the former center of Greek civilization and military stronghold during the eponymous Mycenaean Period), Epidaurus (home to the world’s best-preserved Greek amphitheatre), and Nafplio (Greece’s prettiest mainland town, and the first capital of Greece).

To reach these locations you have two options: Booking a rental car or going on a guided tour.

We decided to drive, especially because we’re already knowledgeable about Greek history. Otherwise, we would’ve strongly considered taking a guided tour. Either click here to book a rental car in Athens or click here to check availability of guided tours to locations recommended in this guide!

Located about 75 miles (120 kilometers) from Athens, Mycenae had its peak in 1350 BC when the citadel and lower town had a population of about 30,000 people. The reason it was so easy for archaeologists to identify Mycenae is because of the Lion’s Gate (pictured below), which was described by Pausanias, a Greek geographer from the 2nd century AD.

The Lion’s Gate is the only surviving piece of Mycenaean sculpture . It’s also an example of Cyclopean architecture, meaning the rocks used to build the gate are so big, it was thought that a cyclops must’ve helped build it 😂

Mycenae is so cool for a number of reasons: first, you get to see the setup of towns similar to those described in Homer’s Iliad (which took place during the Mycenaean Period). If you haven’t read the Iliad at least during high school, it’s kind of like the movie Troy 😂

Speaking of Troy, you can also visit the Tomb of Agamemnon (called the Treasury of Atreus) while you’re in Mycenae.

The Mycenaeans are also awesome because they were among the first cultures to have a system of writing . They borrowed writing from the Minoan civilization (who developed Linear A), and created their own script called Linear B. In the museum at Mycenae, you can see some original tablets of Linear B writing – some of the oldest human writing in the entire world!

Our buddy Pausanias, whose work helped identify Mycenae, also wrote about Epidaurus , describing it as a theatre of symmetry and beauty. While it’s not as big as some of the other theatres we’ve seen in Athens, hosting a modest 13,000-14,000 spectators, it’s in fantastic shape for the fact that it was built in the 4th century BC. Its acoustics are world-famous , and is still used today to perform ancient drama plays.

In fact, it’s considered to be the “most perfect” ancient Greek theatre with regards to acoustics. There was literally a study done on it, including measurements and all kinds of science.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is part of a larger sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. People would come and sleep here, hoping to be healed by the gods as they rested. There were places to sleep, places to bathe, and obviously places to watch entertainment.

Nafplio (also called Nauplia)

This sleepy seaside town has an epic past, as the first capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, back when the Greeks were fighting for independence from the Ottoman Empire.

There are two main structures that are interesting for visitors, though both are comparatively modern: the Castle of Palamidi and the Bourtzi .

The Castle was built as a fortress by the Venetians when they occupied the area in the late 1600s to early 1700s. The Turks eventually captured it, and it was later recaptured by the Greeks. Reaching the tops requires traversing over 1,000 stairs!

Bourtzi was also built by the Venetians, but got its current name from the Ottoman Turks. It’s possible to take a ferry and walk around.

Apart from these two main sights, Nafplio is just a lovely town with colorful buildings, lots of places to eat and enjoy a glass of wine, and the color of the water is superb (even though we were there on a cloudy day in February!). It’s an extremely popular day trip from Athens.

More great day trips from Athens

The Peloponnese Region is one of the easiest and best Athens day trips, but there are a number of other options, whether you’re looking for sun and sea or more archaeology (that rhymed, didn’t mean to!). Read my post on the best day trips from Athens for the 7 best places to visit from Athens and the most efficient ways reach them.

Each of these Athens day tours offers a fresh way to see Greece outside its capital city. Take these trips and excursions around Athens and discover special museums, archaeology, and historical sites.

Best restaurants and bars in Athens

Eating is one of my favorite past times, and nowhere is this more enjoyable than in Greece. Here are my top tips for places to eat and drink for all kinds of budgets and tastes.

• The Underdog Coffee WiFi – Excellent craft coffee in Athens, and a decent spot for breakfast, too. They also have wifi and outlets in case you need to get some work done.
• Scholarhio Dinner – Multi-course menu for 15€ per person, including drinks, salads, appetizers, main courses, and dessert. Delicious and a great deal, we were immobilized afterwards!
• Couleur Locale Rooftop bar – Great cocktails and a full dinner menu, one of the best views of the Acropolis. Show up early for a seat!
• Vegan Beat Vegan – Super tasty vegan gyros at a great price. A little bit hidden, but well worth it if you’re open to having vegan takes on traditional Greek food.
• Kain Bar WiFi – Some of the best WiFi and all-day cocktails? Yes and yes. Stop by Kain if you need to get some work done…but not too much work 😉

How to get around Athens

From the airport the easiest thing to do is to use the metro. The metro from the airport will connect you directly with many important stops, such as Monastiraki (the main square of Athens). There’s a decent chance wherever you’re staying has a connection to this subway line.

Getting around town , you can mostly walk! Almost all the sights you’ll see in two or three days in Athens are centrally located. If your feet get tired, taking a taxi is very affordable (4-6 EUR from one end of the center to another), and you can book a metered taxi through the Uber app.

Best time to visit Athens

Athens in Summer is one of the most popular times to visit, thanks to the sunny weather. However, it’s a very popular tourist destination so if you’re booking in the high season, make sure you do so IN ADVANCE! Owing to the heat, I’d recommend opting for early summer (May or June) or late summer (September or even October) to avoid the heat.

Athens in Winter is when we visited, and I have to say it was so nice not having to battle the crowds. We walked in to any restaurant without a reservation and had no issues, hardly had to wait in a single line, and out of the 8 days we were there, we had sunshine and warm weather for 6 of them. Not bad!

Planning more travel in Greece?

I aboslutely love visiting Greece, and my trip to Athens marks my third trip to the country. Here are guides I’ve written from my other trips, which you might find useful if you’ll be continuing to travel in mainland Greece!

• Visit Meteora, Greece
• Northern Greece
• Zagori Greece
• Santorini Itinerary

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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Though arguably best known - and most visited - for its stunning islands,  Greece  is astoundingly diverse. Beyond its beautiful beaches, Greece boasts mighty mountains and caves, salt marshes and cloud-forests. Its weather ranges from blazing summers to snowy winters. In short, few countries have such varied landscapes and seasonal extremes. Then there’s its ancient history , glorious food , and warm Hellenic welcome.

1. Avoid peak season

2. be inspired by fiction, 3. learn a little lingo.

• 4. Embrace island-hopping

5. Stay put in paradise

6. meander the mainland.

• 7. Take-in the capital

8. Take care in the capital

9. eat and drink like a local, 10. embrace greek time, 11. embrace greek culture, 12. be sensitive..., 13. ...but don’t be shy, 14. share the wealth, 15. use your judgement.

One thing’s for sure, visiting Greece has the potential to deliver all manner of unforgettable trips - you just need to know what you want, where to find it, and to do a little planning. With that in mind, here are our top 15 Greece travel tips - from what to know before  travelling to Greece , to top tips for Greece getaways that take you off-the-beaten-track.

Travel ideas for Greece, created by local experts

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese

Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.

An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece

Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.

Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip

This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.

Unless you absolutely have to travel to Greece during high summer because of school holidays, try to visit outside the peak season (late July to the end of August). At this time, the weather is scorching, prices soar, and you’ll struggle to escape the crowds - this is when the Greeks take their holidays too.

For a winter pick-me-up with added colour and culture, you could consider visiting for the February Carnival (Apokriátika). The celebrations span three weeks, ending during the seventh weekend before Easter. For peak pageantry, check-out Patras Carnival - one of the largest and most flamboyant in the Mediterranean (and the third largest of its kind in the world). Patras itself is the largest city of  The Peloponnese and its carnival boasts a chariot parade and exuberant costume parties. More of our winter travel tips for Greece can be found  here .

Monastery in Metéora, Greece - a peak springtime experience © Shutterstock

It goes without saying that scaling mountain peaks in the peak summer months won’t be a walk in the park. So, the adventurous hikers among you should consider visiting in May - when warmer weather is on its way, but before the mercury has risen. From exploring the Meteora geological marvels and Eastern Orthodox monasteries of central Greece on  treks like this , to  tackling the iconic Imbros Gorge  in southern Crete, spring is pretty much perfect for outdoor adventuring in Greece.

For more round-the-year information, head here  to read our full when-to-visit Greece guide.

As well as researching where to go, when to go, and what do to, why not get yourself in the mood for Greece through reading fiction? There’s no shortage of quality material to enrich your understanding of the country - from re-workings of ancient history and culture, to contemporary page-turners.

Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Peloponnese - where classics came to life © Shutterstock

To begin at the beginning, you could finally get round to reading Homer’s  The Iliad  and  The Odyssey.  For fabulous contemporary novels centred on ancient myths, try Madeline Miller’s  The Song of Achilles  and  Circe , or Mary Renault’s  The King Must Die , a magnificent account of Theseus in Minoan Crete. Then there’s Margaret Atwood’s ingeniously inventive The Penelopiad , and Pat Barker’s  The Silence of the Girls.   

Assos village in Kefalonia island - Captain Corelli territory © leoks/Shutterstock

Moving away from myths, Crete-set  Zorba the Greek  by Nikos Kazantzakis is considered a classic, while  Captain Corelli’s Mandolin  well and truly put Kefalonia on the map. Also read our guide to the best things to do in Kefalonia and find some useful ideas for your trip.

For real-life family drama and animal antics aplenty, Gerald Durrell’s Corfu-set memoir  My Family and Other Animals  is a must-read. Or how about Victoria Hislop’s  The Island  and  The Thread  for Greek history and atmosphere? 

With literally hundreds of Greek-set literary treasures to choose from (we’ve hardly touched the surface here), you might just find your perfect Greek destination after reading one of them. What’s more, by the time you travel to Greece, you’ll be in the perfect frame of mind - when it comes to pre-trip tips for Greece, they don’t come more inspirational than this.

Related to getting your Greek on through reading fiction before you travel to Greece, why not also learn (at least) a little of the language?

First up, it will make your trip all the more immersive. Secondly, Greeks don’t generally expect foreigners to know any Greek, so they love it when you do know a few words. What’s not to like about impressing (and ingratiating yourself) with locals?

With a few words in your lexicon, you'll be ordering boukáli krasí in no time. Santorini wine and island image © Shutterstock

Given the high levels of English throughout the country, learning Greek isn’t at all necessary. But that's not the point. Your efforts will be rewarded when your status is elevated from regular tourist to honoured “xenos”, which means both “foreigner” and “guest”. 

If you’re wondering what to know before travelling to Greece, take a look at the  Rough Guides Greek Phrasebook . One thing’s for sure - if you follow this advice (one of our top Greece travel tips) you’ll never have need of the phase “it’s all Greek to me again.” Talking of which, we also recommend reading John Mole’s hilarious memoir,  It’s All Greek to Me .

4. Embrace island-hopping

These days most people tend to stick to one island per trip (the golden age of Greek island hopping was back in the 70s and 80s). Having said that, there’s no reason you can’t buck the trend and plan a multi-island adventure. While island-hopping can make travelling in Greece more complex, it can be done. What's more, it can make for a richly diverse experience. 

Stunning Sarakiniko beach on Milos, Greece © Shutterstock

For inspiration, you could take a look at our guide to the best Greek islands , and then start researching what’s possible. Ferry services are still plentiful and mostly reliable through the warmer months, so why not choose a group of islands like the  Ionians , the  Dodecanese  or the postcard pretty  Cyclades ? Most islands offer trips to see some of their smaller gems, such as this  full-day sailing cruise  around the Small Cyclades from Paros. Or, if you’re flying into Athens, you could take a  tour of the scenic Saronic Islands  (Hydra, Poros and Aegina). Our Greece experts share some itinerary ideas here .

Paxos, the smallest group in Greece's Ionian Islands © Shutterstock/Heracles Kritikos

Related articles from the blog

If you don’t the fancy multiple moves that come with island-hopping, why not look to park yourself on a lesser-visited island for the duration of your trip? For travellers looking to discover the country beyond the trappings of resort-life. this is one of our best tips for Greece.

Take lovely  Lesvos , for example. It might be the third-largest island behind Crete and Evvia, but it’s surprisingly little visited. Its coastline boasts a bounty of beautiful beaches, while main town of Mytilini has an impressive seafront, an extensive fortress, plus plenty of places to eat and drink. The island isn’t short of pretty small towns either, among them Molyvos and Ayiassos. What’s more, the large shallow Gulf of Kalloni includes salt marshes that are a birdwatcher’s dream.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking a well-travelled path. It's hardly a hidden gem, but with stunning sunsets, beautiful beaches , volcanic hiking trails, and lively nightlife,  Santorini is the perfect place to enjoy a varied Greek Island getaway . Known for its iconic blue-domed churches, white houses carved into cliffs, and epic caldera views (not to mention the sunsets that will take your breath way - really), it’s no wonder that Santorini’s Oia is one of the most photographed spots on all the Greek Islands.

The iconic blue-domed churches of Oia, Santorini © Shutterstock

While you’ll most likely want to amble enchanting Oia in your own time, booking a boat trip to view that legendary sunset comes highly recommended. While building up to the main event, this sunset sailing cruise  sails past the Indian Head Mountain and Venetian Lighthouse into the picturesque Caldera. It also offers views of the Ancient City of Akrotiri, with swimming and snorkelling stop-offs at secluded bays along the way. And if you give this a read , you might just discover some of Santorini's secret gems.

As with planning an island-hopping adventure, you’ll want to take time to research which island to make your “stay-put-Paradise” - but all that prep will be more than worth it when you find your Greek El Dorado.

Get your glow on - a (typical) stunning Santorini sunset © Shutterstock

Though we've waxed lyrical about the joys of island-hopping, and about staying put on your preferred island paradise, don’t fall into the trap of associating Greece solely with its islands (as Greece travel tips go, this is up there with the best of them). The mainland has a whole lot to offer too, from the imposing northern mountain ranges, to the all-but-empty golden beaches of the western  Peloponnese . Talking of which, the Peloponnese is also perfect for culture vultures who are keen to discover Greece’s archaeological treasures, among them the  ancient site of Olympia . 

If nature and outdoor adventuring is more your bag, be sure to investigate visiting the Pindus Mountains. Known as the spine of Greece, this 160km long mountain range borders northern Greece and southern Albania. Hiking to the Vikos Gorge  is an unforgettable experience - famed for its unique natural beauty and crystal-clear waters, the gorge is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest gorge in the world.

Travelling between the main towns can be done on the extensive KTEL bus network, with local services radiating out to villages, but if you're interested in historical and cultural highlights and maybe pressed for time, consider a private guide and driver, or hiring a car .

For more information about getting around Greece, check out our guide to exactly that. If you’re wondering how to travel to Greece in the first place, read this .

7. Take-in the capital 

Where ancient myth meets modern metropolis - historic Athens is as multi-layered as an archaeological excavation, or a serving of flaky baklava. For history buffs, visiting this bustling city is one of our top tips of Greece, with exploring the Acropolis and Parthenon a literal and metaphoric highpoint of any visit.  This guided walking tour  is a great way to see the city’s major sights - including the Acropolis - with entry fees included in the price. 

The Acropolis resplendent at sunset © Shutterstock

One of our favourite spots in Athens is picturesque Plaka. Straddling the ancient and modern city, Plaka was the hub of Athens’s population from Byzantine times through to Greek independence. Today its tangle of winding thoroughfares is a delight to explore. Dappled with neoclassical mansions, fragrant with gardenias, and chock-a-block with street musicians, it’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner stroll. You could even blend Plaka’s ambience with Greek culture and great food on this deliciously entertaining dance-and-dine experience .

Picturesque Plaka in Athens © Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a room with a view in Athens, they don’t come better than  Electra Metropolis . It's elegantly appointed, conveniently located, with panoramic views over (you’ve guessed it) the Acropolis.

The Rough Guides to Greece and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Discover the diversity of Athens with our guide to the best things to do in Athens .

Caryatids at the Acropolis, Athens © Shutterstock

Athens is where you’re most likely to encounter the effects of Greece’s twin crises of recent years (financial and immigrant), with an increase in shuttered buildings and homelessness.

Classical Kerameikos in Athens © Shutterstock

While it’s not generally unsafe, you should watch your valuables, especially when travelling on crowded transport such as the metro. And, as with travel in general, look into taking out insurance before travelling in Greece, or to Greece for that matter. Better safe than sorry.

While Greeks love their grub, eating out in Greece is a delectably casual affair. And, rather than sticking to three square meals a day, they tend to eat more often - good news for travellers wanting to sample the country’s many culinary delights. It goes without saying that when you’re away, it’s better to look out for restaurants that locals dine in - not only will the food be much better, but it’ll be better for your pocket too.

Experiencing Greek food is a great reason alone to travel to this country. Read our guide to the Greek dishes you must try during your trip .

Al fresco dining Greek style at Paros island's Naoussa Old Port © Shutterstock

Another way to embrace that dine-like-a-local ethos is to ask for local barrelled wine, (cheaper than bottled), or to try a fiery spirit like ouzo or tsipouro. And don’t be fobbed off with bottled water - tap is fine.

You could get into Greek grub through taking a tasting tour, like this  gourmet food walking tour of Athens , or this  Crete wine and food tasting tour . You’ll find similar experiences all over the mainland and islands.

Mouth-watering Greek Moussaka © Shutterstock

From breakfast koulouri (soft bread rings covered in sesame seeds), to mouth-watering moussaka, to perfect pastries (spanakopita is especially sensational - phyllo pastry layered with feta cheese and spinach), there’s plenty to whet your appetite. For more food recommendations, read our  guide to must-eat dishes.

Flaky phyllo spanakopita stuffed with feta and spinach © Shutterstock

Leading on from eating and drinking like a local, it’s worth knowing that punctuality isn’t held in the highest esteem in Greece. Greeks tend to hold the healthy Mediterranean belief that most things can be put off until tomorrow, and nothing needs to be done in a hurry - Spanish “mañana” equals Greek “avrio”.

So, don’t expect snappy service in restaurants, or transportation to run like clockwork. In fact, this might just be one of our best tips of Greece - don’t sweat the small stuff (like getting annoyed if your dinner’s a bit late). Instead, save your energy for the good stuff - like discovering (yet another) secluded cove, exploring (yet another) awe-inspiring ancient ruin, or making it to the top of that mountain peak.

Alongside eating like a local, you’ll get a whole lot more from your trip if you seek out the likes of local festivals, feasts and craft and food markets during your stay. Even better if you take part, or get a guide to show you the ropes. With options running from taking a weaving class in Crete’s traditional Arolithos village to  learning the art of traditional breadmaking , you won't be short of activities.

Get close to culture at Knossos Palace ruins, Heraklion, Crete © Shutterstock

And of course, don’t pass up the chance to see Greece’s rich ancient history up close. In all likelihood, there’ll be a host of amazing ruins to explore whenever you are.

A fine fresco in Knossos Palace, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

While most younger Greeks regard themselves as open­-minded, the older generation are pretty conservative. Also, the Orthodox Church still holds great sway. Nudity is frowned upon away from designated beaches, and it’s not advisable to visit churches or monasteries in skimpy shorts or tops.

Church of Agios Ioannis (as seen in Mamma Mia), Skopelos © Shutterstock

It might be useful to be aware of two gestures that could cause offence, or misunderstanding. First, hand gestures. Don’t hold your hand up, palm out, to anybody, and don’t make an OK sign by forming a circle with your thumb and forefinger - both are extremely rude. Secondly, nodding and shaking your head for "yes" and "no" are also likely to be misinterpreted. Greeks use a slight forward inclination of the head for yes, and a more vigorous backward nod for no.

For our full guide to Greek etiquette, take a look at  this.

Greeks are mostly extroverts and love exchanging views and opinions with anyone and everyone. So don’t hold back on asking people about their beliefs and opinions, or expressing your own.

If travelling with children, you’ll soon see how much they're adored - and indulged. Children often act as natural ice­breakers too, especially at restaurants, where nobody minds them running around and making a bit (or even a lot) of noise.

Definitely not shy - the flamboyant changing of the guards in Athens © Shutterstock

While resort packages - especially all­-inclusive ones - can be very cheap, not much of the money you spend stays in Greece. So, you might want to give a little back and stay in independent accommodation - a local guest house, or locally owned villa. Not only are there great deals to be had, but you’re also more likely to have a more authentic experience. As an example, Home Sweet Hotel in Plaka is a lovely option if you're in Athens.

If you are set on staying in a resort, why not head beyond the confines of your holiday retreat to eat? Firstly, eating the same buffet every day can get a little boring. And secondly, as we mentioned above, there are plenty of local eateries serving excellent food at excellent prices.

There’s a lot of truth in the maxim that if you ask five Greeks how to get somewhere you’ll get five different answers. So, take what you’re told with a pinch of salt. Ask, listen, get a second option - but don’t be surprised when that second opinion advises driving in the opposite direction. Above all, don’t worry - getting a little lost is part of the fun.

Greeks tend to have a similarly divergent, flexible attitude to rules and regulations - like having to wear seatbelts or crash helmets, and not smoking in public places. These are all regularly ignored, but it’s up to you whether you follow suit. Take your cue (or not) from others around you.

Famous shipwreck bay, Zakynthos island, Greece © Michail Makarov/Shutterstock

At Rough Guides we’ve always taken pride in telling it like it is - whether we’re updating details in our guide books, or researching emerging destinations. With that in mind, we want you to know that when you click on links that lead to our affiliate partners’ sites, we can earn a small commission (at no cost to you). This is one of the ways we’re able to keep doing what we do best - provide you with travel advice and inspiration you can trust. Speaking of which, you can trust what we link to - our travel writer experts are exactly that (experts) and have highlighted them to share ideas that might make your trips all the more satisfying.

Header image: idyllic Agios Stefanos on the Greek island of Corfu © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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I spent every summer in Greece as a kid. Here are 7 places to visit that aren't Santorini, Mykonos, or Athens.

• My parents are both Greek, and they took me back to Greece every summer to learn about my roots.
• Thessaloniki is a mainland city with incredible food, beautiful history, and plenty of nightlife. 
• Islands like Corfu and Rhodes will give you amazing beaches without as many tourists.

As a kid, I spent nearly every summer with my family in Greece.

My parents immigrated to California from Greece in the 1980s, but they made sure I grew up learning about our family's roots. We spent almost every summer of my childhood in Greece, where beach days were filled with that perfect turquoise Aegean Sea and big fresh bowls of horiatiki .  

Friends now frequently ask me for advice on their Greece trips, but the only places they ever want to visit are Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens. My answer to them is always the same: You can experience so much of Greece's incredible food, culture, and beaches without setting foot in its packed tourist destinations.

So, with the help of my lovely parents , I've brought you a list of seven incredible spots in Greece that hold some of our favorite memories.

Thessaloniki is a beautiful city packed with great food and incredible history.

Most of my summers in Greece were spent in Thessaloniki, where both of my parents grew up. It's the second biggest city in the country after Athens and dates all the way back to 316 BC. 

Ancient ruins can be seen in the city's downtown area, along with the majestic Byzantine churches. But the most important landmark is the White Tower , which was built in the 15th century after Thessaloniki fell to the Ottomans. The White Tower now has an exhibition on the city's history, and you can go up to the top for spectacular views from its balcony. 

Thessaloniki is also packed with so many delicious tavernas and restaurants that the city landed on Time Magazine's list of "The World's Greatest Places of 2022." My mom recommends visiting the Ladadika neighborhood at the city's center for dinner, or going to Aretsou for views of the water. Try the bougasta — a Greek dessert of custard wrapped in phyllo — or koulouri, Greek sesame bread rings that were my mom's childhood favorite. 

"Walk in the Thessaloniki promenade to enjoy a sunset and, if the sky is clear, a perfect view of Mount Olympus," she added.

I'll let you in on a secret: The best beaches in Greece are actually in Halkidiki.

Sure, Santorini's got those gorgeous white buildings, and Mykonos has the wild nightlife. But if you're looking for an incredible beach vacation, you might be better off on the mainland. 

Even as a kid, I remember being stunned by the beaches in Halkidiki. The sand is soft and white, the water is warm, and the colors of the sea are the brightest blues you'll ever see. One summer my mom and uncle took me to a different beach every day, and she still loves to tell the story of how I gave all the Halkidiki beaches an "A++" because I loved them so much. 

Halkidiki is near Thessaloniki, so it's also a great place to visit if you want to combine a city escape with a beach destination. Plus, with so many local tavernas by the sea, you're sure to have a great meal of octopus, ouzo on the rocks, and some calamari. 

"If all you want for your vacation is to lie on a beach and listen to the waves, Halkidiki is your destination," my mom said. 

A trip to Meteora will give you an unforgettable hike.

Meteora is another childhood trip I'll always remember. Located in central Greece, the Meteora monasteries — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are perched on huge cliffs that will take your breath away. 

Orthodox Christian hermit monks first began coming to the cliffs of Meteora around the 9th century, looking for peace and isolation. In the 14th century, the first Meteora monastery was built, spearheading the beginning of the site's monastic community, according to Visit Meteora . Six of the 24 monasteries remain active today with more than 60 nuns and monks. 

"It's absolutely amazing to realize that monks built these monasteries and lived there for centuries," my mom said. "The unique rock formations and nice sunsets offer many photo opportunities. It's a really special place that makes me feel close to heaven." 

Delphi is a dream destination for history lovers.

Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the "navel of the world." The myth goes that Zeus released one eagle from the east and one from the west and the birds met in the middle at Delphi, where the famous oracle was built. 

In addition to being an incredible archaeological site, Delphi also has a stunning natural backdrop. My mother said she still remembers the sweeping views of the valleys and the lovely olive trees in addition to the incredible ancient ruins. 

"I loved visiting Delphi because of its history, but also because of the beautiful natural surroundings," she added. 

And how could you not be wowed by the birthplace of the Olympics?

For as long as I can remember, the Olympics have been a huge point of pride in our household. My parents always loved reminding me why Greece walks first in the Parade of Nations, and why the Greek flag is always flown during the closing ceremony. 

So as a kid, it was incredibly special to visit Olympia, where the Olympics first began. The games were held in Olympia every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD , and ruins from the sporting events still stand there today. 

"Olympia has always had an emotional impact on me," my mom said. "To be able to walk in the same field where the Olympics started moved me very much when I visited for the first time." 

"I think this would be a special place for someone who loves sports or history," she added. 

Corfu is one of my family's favorite islands in Greece.

I have this distinct memory of seeing beautiful candy-colored houses along the water in Corfu. The stunning city is a great option if you want to visit a beautiful Greek island without fighting hundreds of other tourists for a picture of the sunset. 

Once under Venetian rule, the Italian influence is still apparent in much of Corfu's beautiful architecture and delicious food. Along with stunning beaches, the island is known for its lush flora and fauna. My parents took my sister and me to Corfu when we were kids and said it was a great spot for family vacations. 

My dad also recommends adding a trip to Ioannina on the way to Corfu to visit the stunning Perama Cave. 

Rhodes is a stunning Greek island that feels straight out of the Middle Ages.

Ruled by the Knights of St. John from the 14th to 16th century, Rhodes still feels steeped in medieval history. I remember being wowed as a kid while walking past the majestic castles, under the stone arches, and through the tiny cobblestone alleys on the island's Old Town. 

Rhodes also has plenty of beautiful beaches, as well as Butterfly Valley — my mom's favorite part of the island.

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I Take Multiple Trips to Greece Every Year, and These Are the 15 Things I Always Pack — From $18

From tassel-adorned sandals to roomy straw totes, here’s how to look like a regular in Santorini or Mykonos.

Greece usually dictates when my summers start and end. My first trip of the season is typically Santorini , before the crowds swarm the cave hotel-strewn cliffs of sunset hotspot Oia. I’ll sprinkle in a small-ship cruise through the Cyclades or along the coasts of the Peloponnese or spend a week hiking and wine tasting in Crete, Greece’s largest island. When I’m ready for a girls’ getaway, I’ll splurge on a quick jaunt to Mykonos (gotta love those cheap flights from Paris, where I’m based!) and don all of my Stevie Nicks-style beachwear for toes-in-the-sand dancing at Scorpios that goes from sunset late into the moonlit evenings. 

As a travel writer who has covered stories in Greece for nearly a decade, I’ve become a fan of the country’s homegrown designers and fashion — and I’ve also figured out how to capture this effortless, boho chic look without blowing through my summer birthday funds (as a Cancer, I believe the whole summer is worth celebrating). 

On a recent villa escape for a friend’s birthday in Crete , for instance, I lived in flowy linen pants, one-piece bone-colored bathing suits, and strappy leather sandals that could take me from a day poolside to an evening dining in a table on the sand on a tucked-away cove. The beauty of summer is that you can pack everything you need in a carry-on and have plenty of looks to last you a week or two — that is, if you know how to style them right. 

As I’m preparing for another trip to Mykonos later this month, followed by my annual August escape to perhaps my favorite island of the 6,000 in the Greek seas, Paros , I’ve scoured through deals at Amazon, Everlane, Madewell, and more to narrow down 15 of the must-have wardrobe essentials that’ll have you ready for everything from a swanky beach soirée in Hydra to coastal hikes in Crete and sundowners at chic cliffside bars in Santorini.

Related: 10 Warm-weather Getaway Styles at Amazon to Snag Ahead of Your Upcoming Beach Vacation — All Under $50

Steve Madden Donddi Sandal

Buy on Amazon

Greece may be the land of leather sandals, but a pair that is a near dupe of some of the pricier designer styles you’ll find there is this look from Steve Madden. The subtle heel and buckle at the ankle are both functional and fashionable. You won’t be worrying about blisters after your first hour strolling through Oia’s uphill cobbled streets (or slip on them, for that matter). “These Steve Maddens are truly great quality, real leather, and they go with everything,” says one shopper . “I can walk around in them all day without complaint. They are a very simple design, yet have an elegant look to them.” 

If you’re only planning on packing one pair of shoes, these can go from the plane to the beach and still look put together for a nice dinner or evening dancing at a restaurant like all-night party hotspot Buddha-Bar Beach at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort in Mykonos. During my stay at the iconic resort at the end of last summer, I wore a similar pair while tanning on one of the sunbeds on the beach and dining at the stylish, see-and-be-seen open-air restaurant, Elais , and felt perfectly in place among the designer footwear around.

Cupshe Braided Strap Reversible Bikini

Swimwear is my weakness in summer, and I use the excuse that bathing suits hardly take up any space to pack too many of them. Even for two-week trips to Greece, I’ve found that I only need a bikini and one-piece and can rotate them out. This top seller at Amazon is the perfect solution to any packing woes, since the bottom is reversible. For just $33, this fashionable set is a two-for-one deal that seems too good to be true — just look at the gorgeous braided straps! 

And with more than 10,700 reviews, this set has proved to be a hit. “I didn’t think I would like this bathing suit, but it’s so flattering!” says one shopper . Another agrees : “There is something flattering about the cut of this. I don’t feel like I look good in a lot of two-pieces, but this made me feel different and the material feels good and comfy.”

Related: We Found the 10 Most Flattering Bikini Sets at Amazon — and They’re All Under $50

Halife Sleeveless Halter Maxi Beach Dress

A flowy maxi dress is my one summer essential, whether I’m at home in Paris or at a beach club in Greece. Lightweight and easy to pack in a carry-on (why waste time waiting on checked luggage?), this is one of the most versatile wardrobe staples you could buy. On breezy evenings later in the season, throw on a denim jacket and pair of edgy motorcycle boots. For hikes to hidden coves, wear it over a bathing suit, tie it up on the side, and sport a pair of sturdy sneakers so you’ll have some grip getting down the boulder-strewn trails.

With a tie-dye print like this, all you need is a wraparound vintage-style gold belt and wedges or metallic sandals and you’re ready for a night out at beach bars and restaurants. Shoppers say it’s “perfect for a cruise” and “great for a beach cover-up or as a casual longer dress.” It also doubles as chic loungewear around your cave hotel in Santorini or seaside villa in jetsetter favorite Antiparos. 

Free People Tulum Tassel Sandals

Buy on freepeople.com

Summer is raffia season, and I’ve already indulged in a pair of wedges and strappy sandals I’ve worn practically to death on multiple beach vacations (and unexpected hiking situations). After my recent trip to Crete, I wanted to find a pair of slides that capture the same vibe but are on the more durable side.

When these Free People Tulum tassel sandals by Seychelles popped up on my Instagram feed, I was instantly sold. Handcrafted in small batches by artisans worldwide, they embody Greece’s hippie spirit with their macrame strap and playful cream tassels, but unlike most slides, these ones are actually comfortable thanks to the square open toe (better for wide feet like mine!) and cushioned insoles. I’m looking forward to wearing them with a mix of printed linen shorts and breezy beach dresses on my trips this summer.

Aphoraeny Straw Beach Tote

The beauty of somewhere laidback like Greece (and this even goes for the celeb-filled islands) is that you can leave flashy designer purses at home and don something simple (and more practical) — like this straw beach bucket tote. If you only have space for one bag, this versatile choice, with its double, over-the-shoulder leather handles and structured oval bottom, make it great for travel (there’s even a zippered interior pocket for your wallet or phone). 

The lightweight straw design is about a half-pound, so it won’t get too heavy when you throw in a water bottle and Turkish towel for a day at the beach or sightseeing around ancient ruins in Athens or Crete. “This is the perfect summer bag — grab one for yourself!” raves one shopper . “You will love it! So cute and perfect with your summer clothes!”

Sunday Afternoons The Sunset Hat

Summer days can be scorching in Greece (last year, temps hit the 100s in Athens), so you’ll want to bring a hat that offers sun protection like this UPF 50+ cowgirl-style look. Roll the shapeable brim up or down, adjust the chinstrap so it won’t fly off while cruising the coastline or riding around the islands by ATV, and fold it flat to fit in your beach bag or pack in your carry-on. “I have not completely squished this hat while traveling — that's been the death of other brands I've purchased,” says one shopper . “I can bend down one side of the brim slightly depending on where the sun is trying to get into my eyes. The more wacky the brim looks, the more compliments I get on it. My favorite!”

Farm Rio Garden Tiles High-waist Cargo Shorts

Buy on Nordstrom

When I’m in Greece, I leave my denim at home and opt for something light yet structured. These high-waist cargo shorts from Farm Rio — the Brazilian brand that embodies endless summer vibes — are the perfect pick for day-to-night wear that embrace the throwback cargo trend in a more feminine way. The blue tile-inspired print feels right at home in the islands with their whitewashed buildings and azure domes that celebrate the colors of the Greek flag.

Pair with a tucked-in linen button-down, one-piece bathing suit, or a playful, off-the-shoulder crop top with a chunky gold chain choker for dinner at one of Santorini’s stylish restaurants like Mia’s , which shows off one of the best views of the caldera from Oia. (Pro tip: Arrive for cocktails before sunset and pose for photos on the terrace or rooftop.) 

Lnx High-waisted Wide-leg Linen Trousers

Once you get on board the linen train, you won’t want to wear anything else in summer. On a recent trip to Chania, on the northwestern coast of Crete, I wore my wide-leg cream linen trousers on the plane with a white denim jacket and T-shirt; with a crochet bikini top on hikes to sparkling turquoise coves; and with a one-piece swimsuit (I think of it as a summer version of a bodysuit) adorned with a gold buckle to mountainside tavernas for lunch.

This similar style at Amazon is an easy sell — at just $30, you can justify the splurge. Even better, since these tapered trousers fall mid-calf, they’re flattering for all heights and can be worn with sneakers, sandals, or more dressed up chunky heels or wedges. Nearly 6,000 shoppers are also fans. “Flattering, cool, and comfortable — perfect for summer,” raves one reviewer . “I am short (5’2”) and curvy — it’s hard finding pants that fit well. I liked these so much I bought a second pair (navy pinstripes)!”

Related: I’m Going on 3 Beach Vacations This Summer and Eyeing These 13 Resort-ready Linen Styles at Banana Republic

Beneker Slip-on Canvas Low-top Sneakers

Whether you’re heading to a city or spending time along the coast, you’ll thank me for this recommendation. I’ve tried to go the espadrille route and friends have sported Birkenstocks, but for old cobbled roads and super steep cliffside treks, you’ll want more supportive footwear. Ditto if you’re touring hillside villages or uneven ancient sites (especially spots like the sacred island of Delos). 

Scoring more than 12,000 ratings, these low-top canvas slip-on sneakers have proven to be a winner. The soft in-sole ensures all-day comfort while sightseeing or exploring the islands, and the anti-slip outsole adds extra protection on sleek old stone streets or hikes. “I wasn't sure since I have high arches and a sore big toe on my right foot, but I slipped these shoes on and fell in love,” says one shopper . “They fit perfectly, plenty of room in the toe box and they feel broken-in from the moment you put them on.” 

Madewell Embroidered Tank Linen Mini Dress

Buy on madewell.com

During the day, when I’m strolling around shopping in Naoussa in Paros or lunching down in Ammoudi Bay in Santorini, I want a simple dress that’s structured yet floaty — and doesn’t require much in terms of accessories for it to feel dressed up. This heavyweight linen mini dress from Madewell is my pick for the summer.

The embroidered square neckline is flattering on most figures, and you can skip a necklace, pull your hair into a topknot with a scarf tied around the bun, and sport simple raffia strappy sandals and voilà — you’ll look as if you summer every year here. “Will be wearing it all summer long with a pair of cowboy boots or my bright yellow espadrilles!” says one shopper. Another adds: “It’s a gorgeous classic summer linen dress.” The stark white also provides a beautiful contrast against rust-colored cliffs and the turquoise sea on islands like Milos.

Related: I Packed This $28 Linen Dress for Two Trips in a Row and Didn’t Have to Iron It Once

Holipick One-shoulder White One-piece Swimsuit

While bikinis are great for tanning, on my past few trips to Greece, I’ve preferred one-piece swimsuits that provide more coverage (you’ll notice many Europeans do, too). One style that is still sexy while offering tummy control through its flattering, ruched design is this affordable find at Amazon.

I’m a huge fan of the one shoulder double strap, which you can slip down to avoid tan lines, as well as the low back, which makes it look almost like a tank top when worn with shorts, linen trousers, or a flowy pleated skirt. As someone with curves, the modest bottom is a huge plus — there’s nothing worse than having to keep adjusting a bathing suit bottom that won’t stop riding up. Reviewers agree: “Helps give a slimming look in the waist, flattens tummy, and very supportive for bigger chests that want to wear a one-shoulder swimsuit!” says one shopper . “Good quality and comfortable!” 

Kissmoda Lace Eyelet Shorts

Last year, I found a pair of high-waisted Zimmermann lace white shorts on sale and they became my go-tos while hopping between sister islands Paros and Antiparos. I wore them with a linen strapless top to a beach club, with a balloon-sleeved crop top and wedges to lunch, and with a bikini to the beach.

A style that’s similar and can be worn for just as many occasions, these elastic-waist pocketed shorts are structured but still loose enough that they can be worn over a bathing suit as a cover-up or with a light knit tucked inside. Comfortable to wear on shorter flights or high-speed catamaran rides between the Greek islands, these are sure to become your favorite travel shorts this summer. As one of the 6,000-plus reviewers raves : “The fit is perfect, the fabric is beautiful, the style is super!”

Anrabess Crochet Knit Cover-up

Embrace the free-spirited vibe of summer in Greece with a 1970s, boho-style crochet cover-up that you can throw on over a bathing suit before sitting down for lunch or heading to the market. “I love everything about this cover-up! I was so impressed by the quality and comfort that I bought two other colors!” says one reviewer . Another adds : “The length is just right, not too short, making it perfect for beach outings or poolside lounging. I even paired it with jean shorts and a little front tuck.” All you need is a floppy sun hat, straw tote, and pair of sandals and you’re ready for a day lounging on one of Santorini’s jet-black sandy beaches. 

Everlane Off-duty Sweatshirt

Buy on everlane.com

On my first trip to Greece, I was writing about an organic farmstay called Eumelia in the Peloponnese on the southern tip of the mainland, and the one piece I wish I had packed was a sweatshirt. For cool evenings and mornings — which is the case here in spring and pretty much year-round on the islands — a lightweight cotton jersey like this relaxed fit crew neckline version is an easy piece to throw over a dress or pair with linen slacks. Bone white makes an outfit appear elevated, even if the item is something as simple as a sweatshirt, and it can even double as a cover-up over a bikini with shorts on breezy beach days.

Farm Rio Festival Floral Linen Midi Skirt

White is the shade of choice in the Greek islands, but a pop of color with a bold print or pattern like this gives a linen skirt a distinctly summer feel. Midi skirts are great for day-to-night ensembles, since your legs will be covered if you’re dining seaside on cooler evenings. The side-seam pockets and playful hem are subtle design details that instantly elevate this piece and make it look as expensive as something you might see on the runways. I’d wear it with a white button-up vest or linen crop top with a stack of gold bangles and cognac-colored thick strappy leather sandals. I love matching sets, so if you are in the mood for a splurge, go for it and add the stunning matching crop top to your cart.

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Best eSIM for Greece Travel in 2024

Traveling to Greece can be an incredible experience, with ancient historical sites, beautiful islands, and delicious food. However, staying connected while visiting can be challenging and expensive if you rely solely on roaming data.

Using an eSIM is an excellent solution for getting affordable and reliable connectivity during your time in Greece. eSIMs provide the same functionality as regular SIM cards but without the need to physically switch cards in your device. They are embedded directly into your phone or tablet instead.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to choose the best eSIM for travel in Greece in 2024, including detailed reviews of the top providers, key factors to consider, and tips for saving money.

What is an eSIM and How Does it Work?

An eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” functions much like a regular nano-SIM card that mobile networks provide. The key difference is that instead of being a small removable chip, eSIMs are directly soldered or embedded into a device.

To connect to a cellular network with an eSIM, you simply purchase a cellular data plan from a provider, and they will send you the account info and activation code. By scanning a QR code or entering details manually, the eSIM gets programmed and activates a connection to the network.

So unlike swapping physical SIM cards, adding or removing plans is performed completely digitally on the software side. Most modern phones and tablets contain an eSIM slot alongside the regular SIM card slot, providing dual SIM functionality.

Advantages of Using eSIM for Greece

There are several excellent reasons to use an eSIM for travel in Greece rather than roaming on your home data plan or finding a local Greek SIM.

Avoid Roaming Fees

If you attempt to use mobile data through your standard cellular plan, you’ll likely face astronomical roaming charges from your carrier. eSIM data packages help you bypass international roaming completely.

No Need to Find a Local SIM Card

Purchasing a Greek SIM card can be inconvenient and limit connectivity when first arriving in the country. eSIMs provide instant access to cheap data as soon as you land.

Easy to Manage Plans

With programmable eSIMs, you can digitally switch data plans as needed or top-up existing ones without physically inserting new SIMs. Much more convenient while traveling between multiple destinations.

Use Dual SIM Capabilities

Having an eSIM means you can also physically insert a local SIM for calling/texting while using the eSIM primarily for cheaper data. This dual SIM setup provides the best of both worlds.

Factors for Comparing eSIM Providers

When reviewing and comparing eSIM providers available for Greece, there are several essential factors to evaluate so you select the best option for your travel needs and budget.

Network Coverage Quality

You want an eSIM service that offers high-speed 4G LTE data coverage through major networks like Cosmote or Vodafone GR to ensure reliable connectivity across Greece.

Data Amount Allowances

whether you just need occasional maps/messages access or will be streaming video everyday, make sure to choose a data amount in GB appropriate for your expected usage.

Duration & Expiration

Some eSIM data packages last 7 days while others are valid for a month or longer. Pick a duration that aligns with your trip length.

Pricing per GB

To maximize value, compare pricing across providers to find the cheapest cost per GB at your required data amount. Watch for deals too.

Customer Service

Having responsive support is crucial when traveling internationally. Prioritize eSIM companies with 24/7 customer service.

Top 7 Providers for eSIM Greece Recommendations

Based on the above criteria and hands-on testing, these are my top eSIM recommendations for travel in Greece for 2024:

Airalo is my #1 overall pick for eSIM data in Greece due to their combination of low pricing, extensive network coverage, and reliable performance.

They offer prepaid eSIMs starting at just 1 GB for $5, with packages going up to 20 GB for $49. Their Greece eSIM specifically uses the Cosmote GR and Vodafone GR networks to ensure solid connectivity.

I’ve found their eSIM activation process quick and convenient whether ordering pre-trip or after arriving at a Greek airport. Ongoing account management and adding more data is straightforwarad too via their app.

So for an easy, affordable eSIM option with data amounts to suit any traveler’s needs, Airalo is hard to beat.

Key Details

• Network Provider: Cosmote GR & Vodafone GR
• Minimum Duration: Weekly
• Data Amount Range: 1 – 20 GB
• Pricing: ~$5 per GB

2. Dent eSIM

For totally unlimited high-speed data in Greece through Vodafone’s network, Dent eSIM is a top choice.

Their wireless plans come with endless full-speed data usage within Greece. Actual speeds depend on specific location, but should reliably be 4G LTE in most areas.

Unlimited data with Dent only costs $35 for Greece, providing tremendous value if you plan on using lots of mobile bandwidth for steaming, video calls, etc.

While their website checkout process and account management could be a bit smoother, once set up performance is great. Support team knowledge is hit or miss so be prepared to self-serve troubleshooting.

Overall though, I recommend Dent to any heavy data users visiting Greece looking for an unlimited eSIM option.

• Network Provider: Vodafone GR
• Data Amount: Unlimited
• Pricing: $35 per week

Holafly is an international eSIM provider focused specifically on travelers. They offer unlimited data packages perfect for stays in Greece.

You can choose durations from 15 to 90 days unlimited data for $47 to $99. They provide broad coverage through both Cosmote and Vodafone GR networks plus over 170 other worldwide carrier partners.

If you plan to visit multiple European countries on your trip, Holafly also sells affordable region-wide Europe unlimited data eSIMs.

While not the cheapest service, they do focus on reliable connectivity for global jet setters. Performance is consistent and ordering/activation straightforward. Their app for ongoing account access could use polish but gets the job done.

For unlimited data at a reasonable price point, do check them out.

• Minimum Duration: 15 Days
• Pricing: $47+ per month

4. KnowRoaming

For extensive global coverage, KnowRoaming partners with networks in over 200 countries. This worldwide access makes them ideal if Greece is just one destination in a longer international journey.

Their Greece eSIM specifically provides usage on both Cosmote and Vodafone GR for solid performance. With packages from 1GB for $15 up to unlimited data for $149 monthly, they offer flexible options.

I’d mainly recommend KnowRoaming for convenience if you need connectivity across multiple regions or continents. Sticking with a single provider makes travel simpler versus swapping eSIMs each leg.

Downsides are above average pricing and account management is less user-friendly than other choices. Yet for seamless worldwide usage KnowRoaming has definite advantages.

• Data Amount Range: 1GB – Unlimited
• Pricing: $15+ per GB

5. Always Online Wireless

Always Online is a popular choice for Greece eSIMs thanks to their affordable prices and reliable performance.

They offer data amounts from 1GB to huge 100GB packages intended for extensive video streaming or remote working needs. You select the GB amount fitting your expected usage for durations from 7 to 60 days.

By partnering with all major Greek networks like Vodafone, Wind, and Cosmote you are assured solid 4G LTE and 5G data coverage while visiting any region.

Keep in mind that Always Online lacks certain convenience aspects like digital plan extensions or account support. Yet for basic data needs on a budget they excel.

• Network Provider: Cosmote GR, Vodafone GR, Wind GR
• Minimum Duration: 7 Days
• Data Amount Range: 1 – 100GB
• Pricing: $1+ per GB

6. Truphone eSIM

Truphone takes a unique approach to eSIMs by offering a single plan for $9 per day. This provides unlimited talk, text, and full-speed data throughout Greece and 70 other countries.

So if you need both calling and buckets of data, their simplicity and international access are great assets. Performance is also reliable by leveraging top-tier networks like Cosmote GR locally.

Downsides are the daily plan structure only suits shorter trips, and any technical issues require email support which can be slow.

Yet for seamless connectivity across borders with minimal hassle, do consider Truphone.

• Network Provider: Cosmote GR & Other Local Carriers
• Minimum Duration: 1 Day
• Pricing: $9 per day

7. Flexiroam X

A final option to mention is Flexiroam X, focusing on extreme data usage scenarios.

They offer 100GB, 500GB, and unlimited data eSIMs specifically for travel in Greece. By partnering with Cosmote GR and Vodafone GR, you are assured performance reliability too.

Pricing is also not unreasonable at $125 for 100GB, $250 for 500GB, and $600 for an unlimited month.

I’d only recommend Flexiroam X in niche cases where you absolutely need upwards of 100GB while visiting Greece. But for power users they do deliver well.

• Minimum Duration: 5 Days
• Data Amount Range: 100GB – Unlimited
• Pricing: $125+ per month

More Tips for Using eSIM in Greece

Here are a few final pointers to get the most out of your Greece eSIM setup:

Confirm eSIM Compatibility Before Traveling

Double check that your device like an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel supports eSIM functionality. Our eSIM compatibility guide outlines the full details.

Pre-purchase & Pre-configure eSIM Plans When Possible

Don’t wait until arriving in Greece! Purchasing and enabling an eSIM for Greece before departure helps avoid any connectivity gaps when you land.

Use eSIM as Primary Mobile Data Connection

With an active Greece eSIM data connection, switch your phone’s mobile settings to use the eSIM for all data needs and use your regular SIM solely for necessary calls/texts.

Top-Up Existing Plans or Purchase Backups If Needed

Running low on data midway through your trip? Easily add GBs to an existing eSIM plan or as a backup quickly buy an secondary Greece eSIM package.

By following the recommendations and tips in this detailed guide, you are now fully equipped to enjoy unlimited, affordable connectivity across Greece using eSIM technology!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Greece eSIM

Which network providers does greek esim use.

Most Greece eSIM providers partner with multiple major networks like Cosmote, Vodafone GR, and Wind GR to ensure reliable connectivity during your travels across different regions.

Can I use eSIM for regular calls and texts?

Some Greek eSIM data plans include a set amount of calling minutes or SMS messages depending on the carrier and destination. Using data connectivity you can voice/text over WiFi or use VoIP apps.

Do all smartphones work with eSIMs?

eSIM compatibility depends if your exact device model contains an embedded SIM slot. Generally most iPhones from XS or newer, recent flagship Samsung devices, and Pixel phones support eSIM.

Is there a limit on eSIM data speed?

No, most Greece eSIMs provide unlimited full-speed data on capable networks. So if your carrier offers 5G access, your eSIM data speeds can reach 5G too depending on location.

Can I use a VPN with Greek eSIM?

Absolutely! There are no restrictions by providers on running Virtual Private Network apps over an eSIM data connection in Greece.

Greece eSIM Travel Summary

An embedded SIM makes getting online in Greece easy and affordable. Avoid international roaming fees, steer clear of the hassle finding a local SIM card, and manage connectivity on-the-go through any modern smartphone.

This guide covered the top eSIMs available for travel in Greece during 2022 based on value, performance, and convenience. Airalo tops the list as a reliable low-cost option while HolaFly excels for unlimited data.

Whichever provider you select, safe travels enjoying historical sites like the Acropolis and relaxing on gorgeous Greek island beaches with the ability to surf the web unimpeded by expensive roaming!

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