10 Best Things to Do in Greece

Island hopping in the Cyclades offers an eclectic blend of ancient history and natural splendor. Located southeast of the mainland in the Aegean Sea, this stunning region is packed with paradisiacal islands. Breathtaking beaches abound, and most towns feature traditional blue-and-white stucco abodes.

With 39 islands to choose from, it might be challenging to determine where to go in the Cyclades. Don’t miss Santorini and its stunning sunsets and iconic whitewashed villas. Mykonos is a must for party lovers, thanks to its pumping techno scene. A day trip to Delos unravels a treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ferries frequently cruise between the islands so you can experience multiple islands in a single trip.

Athens is the national capital and the epicenter of Ancient Greece. A multitude of mind-blowing millennia-old sites lies scattered around the town. The most unmissable is the Acropolis, a sprawling hilltop citadel home to the world-famous collonaded Parthenon. Other nearby highlights include the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, just to name a few.

Be sure to peruse the Acropolis Museum and the National Archeological Museum to see well-preserved relics from the ancient era. Once you’ve had enough history, hit the Athens Riviera for some well-earned beach time. This striking coastal stretch hosts a slew of upmarket resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Zakynthos wows vacationers with its dazzling emerald waters and soft white sands. Situated in the mesmerizing Ionian Sea, this sizzling summer resort island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece – there’s no shortage of competition. You’ll find a myriad of picture-perfect places to pull up a towel on all corners of the island.

An iconic spot is Navagio, a dreamy pebble beach wedged between towering cliffs. A rusty 1980s shipwreck adds extra interest to the jaw-dropping locale, which is only accessible by boat. Set on the island’s eastern end, Gerakas Beach is a popular sunbathing spot, while St. Nicholas Beach is your best bet for fly boards and jet skis.

Heraklion is a historic port city and the gateway to Crete, Greece’s largest and most populous island. The steep and narrow Old Town streets host many of the city’s top archeological sites, which showcase centuries of Ottoman and Venetian rule. 

Must-sees include the 16th-century Koules Fortress and the Heraklion Archeological Museum –the latter houses one of the best collections in Greece. You could spend hours perusing Minoan-age artifacts like sculptures, artworks, and ceramics. Outside the city lies the Knossos Palace, an enormous Bronze Age site with links to the mythic Greek Minotaur.

The Mount Olympus National Park is a spectacular biosphere reserve with a legendary past. The Ancient Greeks chose the country’s tallest peak, as the seat of the 12 gods. Towering at 2,917 meters above sea level, its lofty peak offers sweeping views of the park and beyond.

Fit, well-prepared trekkers should expect to spend around 10 hours summiting the peak. If that sounds a tad daunting, a network of more manageable trails crisscrosses the park. The most popular hiking destination is the Enipeas River Valley, where scenic trails meander through pine forests and low-lying shrubs.

Rhodes is a sizeable Dodecanese island famed for its scenic beaches and striking archeological sites. Here, the big-ticket attraction is the Lindos Acropolis, a magnificent ancient citadel perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is also worth a visit. Accesible within a short walk from the Rhodes port, this sprawling Byzantine Empire castle spans 158 rooms. Keen to hit the beach? Picturesque stretches like Tsambika, Ladiko, and Kallithea won’t disappoint. The latter lies next to Kallithea Springs, a sea-facing thermal spa with chic art deco architecture.

Cephalonia (or Kefalonia) is an absolutely pretty island in the deep-blue Ionian Sea. Located west of mainland Greece, the island is famed for its rugged landscapes and spectacular sandy coves. The most iconic Cephalonian beach is Myrtos, a jaw-dropping stretch surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. Development is prohibited at this secluded spot, which adds to its all-natural appeal.

Melissani Cave is a jagged cavern perched over a pristine underground lake. Rowboat tours cruise through the stunning B-shaped cave. Look for the natural skylight that sees the sun’s rays flood into the lake. On the island’s west side, Argostoli is a charming port city surrounding a picturesque natural harbor.

There’s nothing quite like a sunset in Santorini, when warm orange hues bathe whitewashed buildings in a radiant glow. Many visitors agree that this island has some of the world's most spectacular sunsets – word of its beauty has spread far and wide.

Wondering where to watch this magic end-of-day display? You’ve gotten a few options to consider. The most popular spot is the Castle of Oia, which overlooks the adjacent whitewashed village. If you don’t like crowds, try Imerovigli or Fira instead. The general rule is anywhere facing west is a winner.

Meteora is a dramatic rock formation hosting a series of precariously constructed monasteries. These pointy sandstone-conglomerate rocks are picturesque in and of themselves. But with ancient terracotta-roofed temples built straight into the cliff face, they become an awe-inspiring site.

There are 6 Eastern Orthodox monasteries onsite, all of which you can visit independently or on a tour. Either way, expect to embark on a steep climb to reach their respective summits. Dress modestly and pack plenty of water for the arduous ascent.

Mykonos is the nightlife capital of the Mediterranean, with a pumping party scene to rival hotspots like Ibiza. But shoe-stringers beware; this isn’t a budget-friendly place to boogie. The swanky Cyclades island is famously upmarket, with sky-high prices the norm at its exclusive beach bars and clubs.

Nonetheless, if you’ve gotten the funds to party like a rock star (or can bear a 1-time blowout), there's hardly a better scene than this. Most venues gravitate around Chora, where the music keeps pumping until the early hours. For a daytime knees-up, hit Super Paradise Beach, Paradise Beach, or Cavo Paradiso Club.