Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Greece
Greece, a country steeped in history and myth, captivates with its ancient ruins, stunning islands, and warm hospitality. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the idyllic beaches of Santorini, Greece offers a blend of ancient charm and Mediterranean allure. Explore archaeological wonders, savour traditional Greek cuisine, and experience lively festivals. The country’s crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and olive groves make it a top destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration. Greece’s unique blend of antiquity and beauty ensures an unforgettable travel experience.
When to visit
Temp Range
Currency
Min Budget
May – Jun
Sep – Oct
5 – 35°C
41 – 95°F
Euro (EUR)
$40-60/day
Top Attractions
See below for a selection of the top attractions in Greece, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.
Acropolis and Parthenon
The Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an ancient citadel perched above Athens. The iconic Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, dominates the hilltop and is renowned for its Doric columns and historical significance. Visitors can explore other ancient structures like the Erechtheion and Theater of Dionysus while enjoying panoramic views of Athens.
Access from – Athens
Santorini Caldera and Oia Sunset
Santorini, a volcanic island in the Cyclades, is famous for its caldera views and romantic sunsets in Oia. Visitors can explore the cliffside town’s whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and boutique shops. Watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea from Oia is a highlight, with the caldera’s dramatic cliffs and volcanic islands creating a breath-taking backdrop.
Access from – Santorini
Delphi Archaeological Site
Delphi, nestled on Mount Parnassus, was considered the center of the ancient world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi prophesied, and the ancient theatre with stunning mountain views. Delphi’s archaeological treasures and serene setting make it a cultural and historical gem.
Access from – Delphi
Meteora Monasteries
Meteora, near Kalambaka in central Greece, is famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Visitors can tour several monasteries, such as Great Meteoron and Varlaam, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The monasteries offer breath-taking views of the valley below, showcasing the harmony between nature and human craftsmanship in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Access from – Kalambaka
Mykonos Windmills and Little Venice
Mykonos, a cosmopolitan island in the Cyclades, is known for its iconic windmills overlooking the sea and charming neighbourhood of Little Venice. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront with its picturesque houses and cafes, watch the sunset from the windmills, and explore Mykonos Town’s narrow streets filled with boutiques, galleries, and nightlife.
Access from – Mykonos
Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos, located near Heraklion on the island of Crete, is an ancient Minoan palace and archaeological site dating back to the Bronze Age. Visitors can explore the complex’s labyrinthine corridors, royal chambers, and colourful frescoes depicting Minoan life. The palace is considered Europe’s oldest city and offers insights into ancient civilization and mythology.
Access from – Heraklion, Crete
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and well-preserved structure. Built in the 4th century BC, the theatre is still used for performances today, showcasing ancient Greek drama during the Epidaurus Festival. Visitors can admire its architectural brilliance and enjoy performances in a historic setting.
Access from – Epidaurus, Peloponnese
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece at 2,917 meters, is steeped in mythology as the legendary home of the Greek gods. Visitors can hike trails through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes to reach the summit, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding landscapes. Mount Olympus is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and mythology enthusiasts alike.
Access from – Litochoro, Thessaly
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
Navagio Beach, located on the Greek island of Zakynthos (Zante), is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. Visitors can access the beach by boat to see the iconic shipwreck, the MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in the 1980s. Navagio Beach is a paradise for sunbathers, photographers, and those seeking stunning natural beauty in Greece.
Access from – Zakynthos
Rhodes Old Town and Palace of the Grand Master
Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a medieval city on the island of Rhodes, Greece. It boasts well-preserved walls, narrow streets, and historic landmarks like the Palace of the Grand Master, a medieval castle showcasing Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore museums, shops, and tavernas amidst ancient charm.
Access from – Rhodes Town, Rhodes
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge, located in the White Mountains of Crete, is one of Europe’s longest and most famous gorges. It offers hikers a stunning trek through dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, wildflowers, and the River Taras. The gorge ends at Agia Roumeli village, where visitors can relax on a beach overlooking the Libyan Sea.
Access from – Chania, Crete
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, located in Athens, Greece, is an ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. Although largely in ruins today, it once housed one of the largest temples in the ancient world, adorned with giant Corinthian columns. The temple remains an important archaeological site, reflecting Athens’ ancient glory and architectural prowess.
Access from – Athens
Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion, located on the southern tip of Attica peninsula in Greece, offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The Temple of Poseidon, a Doric-style ancient Greek temple built in 444–440 BC, is perched atop the cape, commanding panoramic vistas and breath-taking sunsets. It’s a popular destination for its historical significance and natural beauty.
Access from – Sounion, Attica
Ancient Corinth and Corinth Canal
Ancient Corinth and Corinth Canal: Ancient Corinth, situated near the modern city of Corinth in Greece, was a major city in ancient times. The archaeological site features remains of temples, baths, and the famous Bema of Saint Paul. Nearby, the Corinth Canal, completed in 1893, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, offering scenic views and a marvel of engineering.
Access from – Corinth
Thermal Springs
Kos and Santorini boast natural thermal springs renowned for their therapeutic properties. Visitors can relax in hot springs rich in minerals, reputed for alleviating ailments like arthritis and rheumatism. On Kos, the thermal springs of Agios Fokas are popular, while Santorini offers hot springs near Palea Kameni island, accessible by boat. It’s a rejuvenating experience amidst Greece’s natural beauty.
Access from – Kos or Santorini
Sailing the Greek Islands
Sailing the Greek Islands offers a unique way to explore Greece’s stunning coastline and picturesque islands. Visitors can charter boats or join guided tours, cruising turquoise waters, visiting secluded coves, and anchoring at charming ports like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. It’s an opportunity to experience Greek hospitality, swim in crystal-clear waters, and soak in breath-taking sunsets.
Access from – Various islands and ports
Map
See map of Greece to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:
Transport
Greece’s key transport routes include an extensive ferry network connecting mainland ports like Piraeus (Athens) to popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. The train network, though limited, connects major cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa. Long-distance buses efficiently link smaller towns and tourist sites. Domestic flights, are convenient for reaching islands and distant regions quickly. In cities, taxis are widely available and relatively affordable; ride-hailing apps like Beat and Uber operate mainly in Athens, offering convenient and reliable transportation options for travellers.
Budget
Traveling in Greece varies; budget travellers spend $40-$60 per day on hostels and local food; mid-range travellers budget $80-$120 daily for hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $200+ daily on upscale accommodations, fine dining, and private tours. Costs are higher on popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
Seasonality and Weather
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (25–35°C / 77–95°F) and mild, wet winters (10–15°C / 50–59°F). Coastal areas and islands, such as Crete and the Cyclades, experience slightly cooler summers due to sea breezes. Northern Greece, including Thessaloniki, has colder winters (5–10°C / 41–50°F) and occasional snow. The mountainous regions, like the Pindus range, can see significant snowfall in winter. The best time to visit Greece is from late spring (May–June) to early autumn (September–October) when the weather is warm and ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and outdoor exploration. Avoiding the peak summer heat in July and August is advisable.
Must Try Dishes
Language
The main language spoken is Greek. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!
WindingTravel 