Best Things To Do in Greece

Athens is one of the world’s great historic cities. As you walk through its ancient city centre, with the great Acropolis towering over you, it’s easy to picture the countless generations before you who have travelled through it. Everywhere you turn there is evidence of its great history: The Roman Agora, Theatre of Dionysus, The Prison of Socrates, (where, legend has it the great philosopher was held before he took the poison hemlock), or the staggeringly well preserved 2,500 year old Temple of Hephaestus. All of these places are relatively close to each other and can easily be seen and experienced within a day. You could then top it all with a visit to a museum such as the excellent Acropolis Museum.

If you want to know more about how to get around Athens and other Greek cities, have a look at our Greece travel guide. It also contains helpful information about visa rules, tipping, and more.

Santorini (otherwise known as Thira) is a staggeringly beautiful island in the Aegean. The island is most famous for the town of Oia with its brilliant whitewashed buildings, which, due to the town’s clifftop location, command panoramic views of the sea. Aside from Oia, Santorini offers wonderful beaches of black volcanic sand, hiking routes, and brilliant Minoan ruins, which according to some historians, may link to the fabled city of Atlantis.
For the romantic at heart, you and a special someone can also enjoy a spectacular sunset from Oia, or better still from the Akrotiri Lighthouse which offers an unspoilt, 360° view of the sea and surrounding countryside.

The Meteora are a series of fascinating and towering rock formations on the island of Evia. Many have an average height of 313m (1027ft). Aside from their natural beauty, what makes the Meteora truly worth a visit is that several of these rocks have large monasteries built on their summit. Some monasteries are several centuries old, and six of them are still in operation. 

If you wish to visit them, we particularly recommend the Holy Monastery of the Metamorphosis (the transformation of Christ) which was built around 1340 AD. You can enjoy panoramic views of the valley as well as magnificent frescoes at the monastery. It is one of the most spectacular and most holy sites in the country.

The island of Milos offers sunbathers and sea-swimmers an impressive range of varied and spectacular beaches to bask in. Consider the expansive, golden sands of Trypiti beach, next to the labyrinthine of Catacombs, and Ancient Roman Theatre. If you would like to visit a beach that’s truly unique, relax on the chalk-white stone of Sarakiniko beach, where the whiteness of the rock beautifully contrasts with the azure color of the sea.

After this, head inland to visit the Venetian Castle in Plaka, which is a great place to experience a spectacular Greek sunset.

Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in the Peloponnese, a place of romance and history. The city is filled with ancient walls and towers and fortresses, but beyond this, the city offers something for everyone. Picture it – spend a day leisurely walking through the winding streets of Old Town, perhaps buying a souvenir or two. In the afternoon you could go for a swim on the shore of Arvanitia. Then, as the sun starts to set, amble down the Arvanitia Promenade before having a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in the city. Perfection.

There are over 200 islands claimed by Greece in the Aegean, not all of which are inhabited; but each one has a unique character, history and beauty of its own. There are so many that seeing them all on a single trip to Greece is impossible, but luckily some of the most interesting and most beautiful are a short ferry ride from Athens. Take Syros, known for its historic port, and interesting mix of Greek and Venetian architectural styles, or Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands. Every island you visit is like coming to Greece for the first time.

Food in Greece is something to be shared in restaurants. Instead of each diner choosing and eating their own meal, it is customary for everyone to order a number of small dishes that everyone partakes in. 

The food is often quite rich, employing a full range of vegetables, cheeses, oils, grains, sauces, seafood, and meats. Drinks too are plentiful, in fact, the Greeks have produced and consumed wine for over two thousand years and enjoy it with a meal. During the day, it is customary to enjoy a nice coffee; these days the Greeks enjoy their coffees cold, sweet, and milky. Walking down the street you’re bound to see people drinking a Freddo Espresso, or a Freddo Cappuccino. However, if you want to experience the real local coffee tradition, sit down and try a rich Greek Coffee. Whatever your tastes, Greece will delight.

The ruins at Delphi are one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, if not the world. It was here that people from all over the ancient world would come to visit the Temple of Apollo and hear the words of the Pythia, the legendary oracles of Delphi. The advice these women shaped the futures of kingdoms and great empires. Today you can see where it all took place, and enjoy the stunning views of the Delphi Valley as you do so.

Mykonos is known worldwide for its vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere, but if you look below the surface, there is much more to see and experience. According to Greek mythology, it was here where Zeus and Hercules (or Heracles) fought the Gigantomachy, a battle that saw the Greek gods fight giants and establish themselves as the new rulers of the cosmos. Today, you can walk by the coast and see the rustic fishing cottages of Mikri Venetia, enjoy delicious cuisine, or learn about the island at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.

From Mykonos, you have the opportunity to take a boat to the island of Delos. Here you can walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks and explore an almost full-sized ruined city; think of it as the Greek version of Pompeii.

Samaria Gorge in Crete is a hikers’ paradise, filled with lush green trees, rugged cliff faces, and enjoyable rocky treks through the narrow pass of the Gorge. There is a popular hiking route that will take you right through the Gorge; there are also other hikes available that can be done either independently or as part of a group.  

For more exciting tips on things to do in Greece and your very own customized private tour, get in touch with us right away!