Best of Greece Quick Guide
Must-see: Acropolis of Athens, Ruins of Delphi, Milos, Santorini, Shipwreck Beach, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, Olympia. Where To Stay: Astor Hotel, Lava Caves, Amira Luxury Resort & Spa Fun To Do: Pellion Steam Train, Yacht Getaway, Mount Olympus, Cave of the Lakes, Wintery tour, Day Trips: Mykonos, Zakynthos, Corfu, Patras Must-Try Foods: Gyros, Olives, Tzatziki, Dolmades, Loukoumades
Best Things to Do in Greece
A great thing about Greece is that anyone can have a good time there. It doesn’t matter if you’re into hiking, cycling, walking around cities, or just lounging on the beach – the country offers plenty of choices for fun and exciting adventures. And in most cases, you don’t even have to go to different destinations to try other things.
1. Yacht Getaway in the Ionian Islands
Also, you can choose between a wide variety of itineraries. Each yacht includes a skipper and a host, which will take you to all the best spots you want to see. The exact price of getaways depends on the route and the length of the cruise, which can be customized to your wishes.
Practical Information
We recommend Yacht Getaways for your magical vacation in Greece as we traveled with this operator and had a great time. Read more: Discover the Magic of Yacht Getaways – Greece Ionian Explorer
2. Hike to the Top of Mount Olympus
Bear in mind that hiking to the top of such a tall mountain is an activity reserved for the most experienced mountaineers. Excursions to lower areas of the mountain are available for other people. It’s still a rewarding experience and you get to learn so much about the mountain’s background as the seat of the gods.
Practical Information
Book a guided excursion to Mount Olympus if you’re not familiar with the terrain.
3. Discover Remnants of Ancient Greece at The Acropolis Museum
Practical Information
The Acropolis Museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Museum tickets are 10-15€.
4. Sail to Magical Milos
Sarakiniko Beach is by far the most popular on the island. The white rocks and caves feel like you’re standing on the moon, and it’s almost surreal that you’re actually on an island in Greece. The nearby Papafragas Caves are worth exploring, and venturing to other areas of the island is best if you want to avoid the crowds.What’s most special about this island is that it’s the place where Venus de Milo was discovered. Yes, Antioch’s iconic sculpture was found by a farmer on this magnificent Cyclades island.
Practical Information
Milos Island is accessible by ferries from Athens and other islands in the Aegean Sea. The ferry crossing from Athens takes approximately three and a half hours.
5. Stay in Athens for a While
History is definitely the highlight of a visit to Athens, so you want to make sure you hit all the most important sights. Whether you choose to book a tour or want to explore the city on your own, be sure to see the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Acropolis of Athens, the Athens National Garden, and Areopagus Hill.I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of all the wonderful attractions in Athens, so don’t be surprised if you see that some have earned their own spot on this list. Check out: 16 Best Day Trips from Athens
Practical Information
Athens is serviced by an international airport and it’s easiest to reach the city by plane. A local train can take you from the airport into the city in 45 minutes.
6. Tour the Ruins of Delphi
Practical Information
The Delphi Archeological Site is open from 8 AM to 7 PM. Tickets are 6-12€. Book this highly rated day trip to Delphi from Athens.
7. Wander Around the Alleys of Patras
The city has a rich history and there are plenty of ruins throughout to prove it. The Byzantine-style Orthodox church is one of Patras’ most famous landmarks, along with the 6th-century Patras Castle.The Archaeological Museum of Patras offers insight into the lives of locals centuries ago, with exhibits of local weaponry, jewelry, statuary, and more. Patras also has its fair share of excellent restaurants, fun bars, and Roman ruins throughout the city.
Practical Information
Patras is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens. Travel by bus is also possible and takes three hours.
8. Discover the Viewpoints of Rhodes
This island is also a great destination for fun outdoor adventures. Rhodes’ numerous hiking trails will take you to all the best viewpoints on the island and allow you to discover its canyons, waterfalls, tall peaks, and so much more. The nature of Rhodes is gorgeous, and honestly even better than its lovely sandy beaches.Gadoura Dam, Jacob’s Canyon, and the Butterflies Valley are a few of the best natural landmarks on the island. There are also loads of museums, monasteries, churches, and other ancient sites that are worth checking out, in addition to all the beaches and fancy resorts.
Practical Information
Rhodes is serviced by an international airport and ferried from other Dodecanese islands, as well as ports in mainland Turkey.
9. Prehistoric Tour of Santorini
The historic walk from Fira to Oia is another popular thing to do on the island, especially for adventurous travelers. The hike takes 3-5 hours and it’s mostly downhill if done in this direction, and offers stunning views along the way.
Insider Tip: The walk from Fira to Oia takes place over exposed terrain, so bring lots of sunscreen.
Practical Information
Santorini is accessible by ferries and planes.
10. Ride a Mythical Steam Train
Head to the Ano Lechonia train station to board the steam train to Milies. The ride is about an hour and a half long, which is a bit slow for the actual length of the path, but this experience isn’t really about the speed.It’s more about the journey up the mountain, during which you get to see what it’s like to ride in a train that’s been operating for more than 100 years, as well as all the magical views you get to enjoy during the ride.
Practical Information
The Pellion Steam Train runs on Saturdays and Sundays, departing from the Ano Lechonia station at 10 AM. Tickets are 18€ for a return trip, but it’s only 10€ for one-way tickets.
11. All You Can Eat Greek Food
Greek food is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean, and fresh ingredients are key for the staple Greek flavors. What I like most about this cuisine is that it’s varied. While fish and seafood might be most popular in the south, especially on the islands, the northern regions are known for heartier dishes.Lamb is just as popular as fish, but vegetables are even more popular than meat. Greek food is vegetarian-friendly, but you might struggle with local vegan options since the Greeks like to add feta cheese to everything. And drizzle olive oil, but I’m honestly not complaining.
Practical Information
Food tours are available in most cities throughout Greece. Athens and Thessaloniki are the most popular.
12. Party on Mykonos
It’s a big island, and there are definitely other things to do there if you want to do more than just party. Waterfalls, ruins, and historic landmarks with stunning sights are all available in Mykonos as well. The Archaeological Site of Delos is a quick boat ride from Tourlos, and that’s one of the most important sacred islands of Ancient Greece.But in my experience, the history is more of an afterthought on Mykonos, so do consider other destinations (like Santorini or Naxos) if you’re more interested in exploring than dancing.
Practical Information
Mykonos is serviced by ferries and planes.
13. Go On a Winery Tour
Practical Information
The wineries of Santorini are some of the country’s best.
14. See The Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos
Practical Information
Zakynthos is an Ionian Island, accessible by ferries from other islands and Kyllini on the mainland. It’s also serviced by an airport and reachable by flights.
15. Tour the Acropolis of Athens
Insider Tip: Wear sturdy shoes because the terrain at the Acropolis is very slippery even in dry weather.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Acropolis are 10€ in the winter season and 15€ in the summer season. The opening hours depend on the season, but the Acropolis is always open until at least 5 PM.
16. Admire Greek Art at the National Archaeological Museum
Don’t miss out on the museum garden either. The landscaping is gorgeous and there are loads of pretty trees and plants to see. Walk around the green space first, and then head up the stairs to see the exhibit in the best museum in Athens.
Practical Information
Tickets for the National Archaeological Museum are 6€ in the off-season and 12€ from April to November. The opening hours also depend on the season.
17. Visit The Meteora Monasteries
Come here to see dramatic rock formations with monasteries atop. Six of the original 24 monasteries remain, and the incredible architecture of the place has rightfully earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.The monasteries were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, all atop the existing pillars. The place is absolutely brilliant, and for me, it’s one of the best places you can visit the entire country.
Practical Information
Entrance to individual monasteries is charged 3€, but the entrance to the complex is free of charge. Meteora is approximately 4 hours north of Athens and guided tours of the complex are available from the capital.
18. Explore Thessaloniki
But even more than history and culture, Thessaloniki is known for Greek food. Seafood, olives, and the delicious Bougatsa are all inviting you to get a taste of Thessaloniki and forget all about Athens for a day or two.
Practical Information
Thessaloniki is in northern Greece, accessible by planes, ferries, and trains from other European cities.
19. Hiking in Tzoumerka National Park
Visit Tzoumerka to see rushing rivers, picturesque villages, and ancient houses built into the cliffs. Traverse the hiking trails, ride on the mountain biking paths, and climb to the top of every hill and mountain you want. It’s a great opportunity to discover some mesmerizing Greek landscapes that have nothing to do with sand or sea.
Practical Information
Tzoumerka National Park is accessible by road in the summer. No fees or permits are required for park entrance.
20. Try to Visit Mount Athos
There are 100 permits every day for Greek and Orthodox visitors, so natives and religious people have better chances of visiting the monasteries. Go to Mount Athos if you are genuinely spiritual and interested in how the local monks live their lives, otherwise feel free to skip this landmark.
Practical Information
It is necessary to obtain a permit to visit Mount Athos. You must contact the local authorities months in advance, provide them with your itinerary, and hope that they’ll allow you to come.
21. Watch Flamingoes at Nestos National Park
If you’re looking for something different to do in Greece, this is it. And there are still plenty of sandy beaches nearby, just waiting for you to take a break. Oh, and they’re all way less crowded than the beaches on the islands.
Practical Information
Nestos National Park is accessible at any time, for free.
22. Visit the Birthplace of the Olympic Games
Practical Information
The Archaeological Site of Olympia is open from 8 AM to 3/7 PM. Tickets are 6-12€.
23. Feel the (Pink) Sand Between Your Toes at Elafonissi Beach
Practical Information
Elafonissi Beach is most easily accessible on tours from Chania.
24. Tombs and Palace Ruins at the Archaeological Site of Mycenae
The Archaeological site of Mycenae is one of the most important in mainland Greece. It features palace ruins, grave circles, an ancient palace, and the Archeological Museum of Mycenae, which exhibits all the important objects uncovered at this site.Mycenae was so crucial for the development of the country that an entire period of Greek history is named after it. From 1600 BC to 1100 BC, Mycenae was one of the most important centers of Greek civilization.
Practical Information
The Archeological Museum of Mycenae is open from 8 AM to 3:30/7 PM. Tickets are 6-12€.
25. Explore Chania’s Venetian Architecture
Come to this wonderful city for the perfect balance of ancient history and beautiful sandy beaches. Crete is home to some of the best beaches in Greece, and many are easily accessible from Chania.
Practical Information
Chania is serviced by planes and ferries, and flying to the island is the best option.
26. See the Legendary Panathenaic Stadium
Practical Information
Panathenaic Stadium is open from 8 AM to 7 PM. General admission is 10€.
27. Walk Around the Ruins of Asclepieion of Epidaurus
Practical Information
Asclepieion of Epidaurus is accessible from 8 AM to 3/7 PM. Entrance to the Ancient Theater is 6-12€.
28. Admire Minoan Art in Heraklion
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is an absolute must if you find yourself in Heraklion on Crete. The museum boasts a collection of many fascinating items, by far the best of which is its collection of Minoan Art. It’s the largest collection of its kind in the world, with statues, jewelry, furniture, and much more.
Practical Information
Heraklion is serviced by a port and airport. Ferries depart from Athens and travel for approximately 9 hours.
29. Discover an Ancient Cavern
In the other months, when there’s plenty of snowmelt and rainfall, the waters in the cave are transformed into a rushing river with cascades. Visitors can explore the cave in boats, and it’s one of the best things to do in all of Peloponnese.
Practical Information
Kastria Cave is accessible from 8 AM to 3/7 PM. Admission to the cave is 9€.
30. See the Landmarks of Nafplion
Practical Information
Nafplion Palamidi Fortress is open from 8 AM to 3/7 PM. Entrance to the site is 4-8€.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 Days Enough for Greece?
7 days is enough for Athens and a couple of day trips in Greece. Plan a vacation of at least two weeks for a more thorough exploration of Greece and its wonderful islands.
What is the Nicest Part of Greece to Visit?
The nicest part of Greece to visit is its islands, at least in terms of landscapes and weather. Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Milos, Rhodes, and many others all offer mild weather, sunny days, and many miles of sandy beaches.
Where Should I Go For My First Time in Greece?
Athens is perfect for first-time visitors, especially if you want to discover Greek history and culture. One of the countless islands is better if you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation destination.
What Is The Number One Attraction In Greece?
The Acropolis of Athens is the number one attraction in Greece. This ancient site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and by far the country’s most famous tourist attraction.
Where To Stay in Greece
Tips and Information For Visiting Greece
The best time to visit Greece is from April to October. Greece is a very popular destination in the summer thanks to the warm weather and countless miles of sandy beaches, so you might want to avoid traveling in July and August. If you don’t like crowds, early spring and late fall are excellent times to be in Greece.May, June, and September are still a good time to visit for smaller crowds and swimming in the sea. The weather is warm enough that you can comfortably go for a swim and lounge on the beach, but the rest of the world hasn’t entirely caught on, so they haven’t all arrived.Winters in Greece are dreary and wet. It’s not fun walking on slippery cobblestones, and I don’t recommend traveling to Greece from November to March.
Getting There
Athens International Airport is the largest one in Greece, so there’s a good chance you’ll land at this airport. A train service is available to take you to downtown Athens, and it’s usually the fastest way of traveling.The roads leading into the city can get quite congested, so taxis and private transfers can sometimes take longer to get you to the city center. A one-way train ticket is just 9€.
If you need to get somewhere from Athens, look into trains, buses, ferries, and flights. Greece has plenty of smaller airports but they’re mostly serviced by local (inexpensive) airlines.
Getting Around
Getting around Greece is tricky. It’s a big country but it doesn’t have the best public transport, so traveling between the towns on the mainland usually takes a while. Bus and ferry are the two main modes of public transport in Greece. Ferries allow travel between the mainland and all the different islands, while buses are best for traveling between towns on the mainland.
How Much Time Do You Need
The amount of time you need for Greece really depends on how you want to experience the country. If you’re just staying in Athens, you need at least three days to explore the city, preferably five. But if you want to go island hopping on either coast, you’ll need at least seven days to be able to see a few different towns.Road trips on the mainland are also an option, and you need 7-10 days for those as well. Keep in mind that all the timeframes I’ve listed are the bare minimum; if you can spare two or three weeks for Greece and you’re not afraid of going out and exploring, your days will be filled with amazing adventures and gorgeous views.
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