Best Places to Visit in Greece

Emerald waters lapping pristine coves, rolling hills, and rugged mountains: Greece is a microcosm where each region tells the story of age-old traditions and local kindness becomes the quintessential element of an unforgettable adventure.

Here's a comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in Greece for families, young adults, and honeymooners, covering all types of budgets, needs, and expectations. We begin with Athen, continue to the enchanting islands of Mykonos and Santorini, and end on the mesmerizing Shipwreck Beach of Zakynthos.

Greece’s capital, Athens, is the epitome of ancient and modern combined and offers a gateway to the socio-cultural richness and architectural wonders of the country. Step back in time among the ruins of the Agora, the ancient market square, dominated by the majestic Temple of Hephaestus, and marvel at the grandeur of the Parthenon atop the ancient Acropolis, perhaps the city’s most iconic landmark. For a change of scenery, immerse in the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of Exarchia, known for its alternative scene featuring street art, cozy cafes, and an irresistible bohemian atmosphere. Among the best places to take a trip to Athens Greece are also the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and the Keramikos Ancient Cemetery.

Highlights:

• Hike the Lycabettus Hill for breathtaking city panoramas and sunset vistas.
• Stroll through the narrow alleys of the Plaka neighborhood, adorned with wonderful neoclassical architecture, artisanal shops, and traditional tavernas.
• Observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Syntagma Square, in front of the Hellenic Parliament.

Insider's Tip: Beat the crowds by visiting the Acropolis early morning or late afternoon.

Nestled along the azure shores of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, emerges as one of the best places to visit in Greece for history and art lovers. In the heart of the ancient city stands the iconic White Tower, built in the 15th century after the fall of Thessaloniki to the Ottomans, which offers a fantastic vantage point from which to admire breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. A short distance away are the labyrinthine streets of Ano Poli, with its Byzantine walls and traditional houses, as well as the Arch of Galerius, and the Rotunda, both remnants of the Roman era. Facing the waterfront is Aristotelous Square, surrounded by neoclassical buildings that embody the city's modern charm, and the Ladadika district, with its restored warehouses, traditional taverns, and cafes.

Highlights:

• Climb to the majestic Eptapyrgio Fortress for panoramic views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of the Modiano and Kapani markets, offering fresh produce, spices, and local products.
• Indulge in traditional meze dishes, such as soutzoukakia (meatballs in tomato sauce, enriched with cumin and other oriental spices, and served with a side of white rice) and koulouria (sweet sesame bagels).

Insider's Tip: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring without the summer crowds. Winters are mild, making Thessaloniki a year-round destination.

This Dodecanese gem, the largest of its archipelago, offers a multifaceted experience that intertwines ancient marvels, medieval charm, and sun-soaked coastal retreats. The heart of Rhodes is the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, where time stands still amidst cobblestone streets and imposing fortified walls. Located 3 kilometers southwest of the modern city center is the Acropolis of Rhodes, overlooking the azure expanse of the sea from the Aghios Stephanos hill. Here you can admire the well-preserved Temples of Apollo, Zeus, and Athena, the Nymphaeum, and the Theater, a testament to the grandeur of the island during ancient times. Not far away is the romantic Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the famous Greek actor, one of the best places to visit in Greece for couples and families.

Highlights:

• Venture into the magical Valley of Butterflies, a natural paradise and home to thousands of butterflies.
• Discover the charms of Lindos, a picture-postcard village located in the southeastern part of the island and crowned by the Acropolis of Lindos.
• Wander through the lively markets of the Old Town, indulging in local crafts and the island's vibrant culinary scene.

Insider's Tip: Consider renting a car to have the flexibility to explore the length and breadth of the island, including hidden bays, coves, and picturesque villages.

Welcome to Crete, the largest and most diverse of the Greek islands, where ancient legends intertwine with vibrant traditions against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Start your exploration in Chania Old Town, with its Venetian architecture, vibrant markets, and the iconic Old Harbor, then discover the remains of ancient Minoan civilization in the labyrinthine palace of Knossos, the setting of the mythological tale of the Minotaur. Not less enchanting are the natural wonders hosted on the island, such as the spectacular Samaria Gorge, one of the largest canyons in Europe, and the mesmerizing Elafonissi beach, with its pink sands lapped by crystal-clear water.

Highlights:

• Marvel at the stunning hues of the Balos Lagoon, elected as the most beautiful beach in Crete.
• Discover the rugged beauty of Lefka Ori (“White Mountains”), which offers hiking trails for all different levels.

Insider's Tip: Crete serves as a strategic hub for exploring the surrounding Greek islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos.

Although Mykonos is a relatively small island located in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, its vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Incredibly popular are the Paradise and Super Paradise Beaches, both hotspots for the trendy crowd, offering beach parties and an indulgent beach experience. Families and couples, on the other hand, can relax on the fine sand of Elia Beach and Agios Ioannis Beach, less crowded and more naturalistic than the former. Among the best places to visit in Mykonos Greece is also the Old Town (Chora), adorned with whitewashed buildings, bougainvillea-laden balconies, and the iconic windmills positioned on the hill overlooking the town.

Highlights:

• Dance the night away at Cavo Paradiso, an iconic open-air club perched on a cliff, hosting world-renowned DJs.
• Embark on a boat excursion to the sacred island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Insider's Tip: Mykonos boasts an efficient bus system that connects the main beaches and towns, offering a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to common cars and scooters.

In the Cyclades is another island of rare beauty, Santorini, often referred to as “the jewel in the Aegean crown”, because of its unique volcanic landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and iconic white houses embellished with sea-blue roofs and shutters, making it a perfect destination for a honeymoon or couple's vacation. Not to be missed is also a visit to the so-called "Pompeii of the Aegean”, which holds the well-preserved ruins of the Minoan Bronze Age, and a stroll through the narrow streets of Fira and Oia, lined with charming shops, tavernas, and boutique hotels.

Highlights:

• Hike up to the ruins of Ancient Thera, an ancient city with Greek, Roman, and Byzantine remains.
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the black sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos.
• Take a boat trip to the nearby Nea Kamen hot springs, where you can swim in the warm therapeutic waters.

Insider's Tip: Oia, perched on the northern tip, offers one of the most famous sunsets in the world. Enjoy the spectacle from the iconic blue-domed churches with a view of the Caldera.

In the northern portion of the country, just over a hundred kilometers from the Italian coast (Apulia) lies the fascinating island of Corfù, also known as Kerkyra. With a UNESCO-listed Old Town and mesmerizing beaches, first and foremost Paleokastritsa Beach and Glyfada Beach, the island deserves a spot among the best places to visit in Northern Greece. Honorable mention goes also to Corfù's unique cuisine with dishes like sofrito (veal cooked in a white wine sauce), pastitsada (pasta with meat and tomato sauce), and bourdeto (spicy fish stew).

Highlights:

• Admire the scenic views from Kanoni, overlooking Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), and visit the Vlacherna Monastery.
• Venture to Angelokastro, the island's ancient fortress, overlooking the vast expanses of the Ionian Sea.
• Visit the Achilleion Palace, a neoclassical residence built for the Empress of Austria Elisabeth of Bavaria, better known as “Sissi”.

Insider's Tip: Head to the vantage point at Kaiser's Throne, in the village of Pelekas, to see one of the best sunsets of your life. 

Commonly known by its English name, Zante is another incredible island in the Ionian archipelago, as well as one of the cheapest “party islands'' in Greece. From the villages of Exo Hora and Anafonitria, where it is still possible to live and breathe the authentic essence of traditional Greek villages, to Zakynthos Old Town with its majestic Venetian Castle and the picturesque Solomos Square, passing by the golden sands of Kalamaki Beach, the island is a small paradise for travelers looking for an affordable but equally outstanding alternative to other more popular destinations in the country. For a fun interlude, experience the vibrant nightlife of Laganas.

Highlights:

• Explore the world-famous Shipwreck Beach, accessible by boat.
• Discover Laganas Bay, a protected area known for its loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) 

Insider's Tip: Zakynthos is well connected by air to the rest of the country and other European cities, with the Zakynthos International Airport being the main access point to the island. If traveling from the mainland, ferries depart regularly from the port of Kyllini in the Peloponnese, with the trip taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Discover the rich culture, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant nightlife of one of Europe's top destinations. From charming Mykonos to romantic Rhodes, history-rich Athens to vibrant Santorini, Greece is the perfect year-round destination for families, honeymooning couples, young adults seeking fun and adventure, and history and art lovers.

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