Having spent countless summers island-hopping through Greece, I’m often asked where people should go on their first visit. It’s a tricky question to answer – Greece is like a sprawling family, with each region and island showing off its own personality and charm.
“Greece isn’t just about the islands or Athens,” says Maria Papadopoulos, a local guide I’ve worked with for years. “Each corner tells a different story – from the ancient ruins in the mainland to the quiet fishing villages of the smaller islands. The food, the traditions, even the local greetings change as you move around.”
While you’d need months to explore every hidden cove and mountain village, Greece is actually pretty easy to navigate if you know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 20 places that’ll give you a proper taste of what makes this country so special.
Santorini, Greece
People flock to Santorini for its iconic white-washed buildings cascading down volcanic cliffs, but this Greek island offers more than just postcard-perfect views. The crescent-shaped island, formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, features black sand beaches along its coast and rich volcanic soil that produces exceptional wine grapes. Visitors can explore ancient ruins at Akrotiri, sample local wines at family-run vineyards, or watch the sun sink into the Aegean Sea from the village of Oia. While summer brings crowds to the narrow cobblestone streets, spring and fall offer more peaceful experiences with equally pleasant weather and the same charming Greek hospitality.
Athens, Greece
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk the same streets as ancient philosophers? That’s everyday life in Athens, where modern coffee shops sit next to 2,500-year-old temples. Greece’s busy capital city brings history books to life with the iconic Acropolis standing tall above the metropolis, while the winding lanes of the Plaka neighborhood buzz with local tavernas and street musicians. You can start your morning browsing artifacts at the Acropolis Museum, spend your afternoon people-watching in Syntagma Square, and end your day dining on souvlaki as the sun sets behind the Parthenon. The city’s mix of ancient ruins and modern Greek life makes it a perfect spot for both history buffs and culture lovers.
Mykonos, Greece
Many travelers head to Mykonos for its famous whitewashed buildings and lively beach scene, but this Greek island offers much more than just Instagram-worthy backdrops. The winding streets of Mykonos Town, with their blue-trimmed doorways and charming balconies, lead to hidden tavernas and local shops selling handmade goods. While the beach clubs at Paradise and Super Paradise beaches draw party-seekers during summer months, the island’s quieter northern coast offers peaceful swimming spots and traditional fishing villages. You can spend your days exploring ancient windmills, watching sunset at Little Venice, or taking boat trips to the sacred island of Delos, but no matter when you visit, the warm hospitality of locals will make you feel right at home.
Crete, Greece
Experience an island that feels like its own world when you visit Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. From the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos to the pink-sand beaches of Elafonisi, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Wind through the narrow streets of Chania’s Old Town, where local tavernas serve up fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes right by the water. For a taste of history, explore the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, then cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balos Lagoon. It’s an ideal destination for both beach lovers and history buffs who want to experience authentic Greek culture without the crowds of Santorini.
Rhodes, Greece
Want to walk through medieval streets where knights once roamed? Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, lets you step right into a living history book. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, where you can explore the grand Palace of the Grand Masters and stroll along the famous Street of Knights. Beyond the fortress walls, you’ll find locals sipping coffee in charming squares and beaches stretching along both coasts. The island is also home to the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, where you can climb to a 2,400-year-old temple overlooking the bright blue Mediterranean, or join the sunbathers at Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the famous actor who fell in love with Rhodes while filming “The Guns of Navarone.”
Corfu, Greece
I first discovered Corfu while island-hopping through Greece in 2018. Nestled in the Ionian Sea off the country’s northwest coast, Corfu stands out from its Mediterranean siblings with its distinctly Venetian character. The island’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, tells stories through its mix of French and British colonial buildings. Narrow cobblestone streets wind between honey-colored houses, while the famous Liston arcade offers shaded cafes perfect for people-watching. The clear waters of Paleokastritsa beach dot the western coastline, alongside ancient monasteries and hilltop villages that give visitors a glimpse into traditional Greek island life. Corfu Town’s two fortresses frame the city like bookends, offering sweeping views across the strait to the mountains of Albania.
Meteora, Greece
Looking for something truly unique in Greece? Head to Meteora, where ancient monasteries sit perched atop towering rock formations that rise dramatically from the plains below. Six active Eastern Orthodox monasteries still operate here, built by monks who scaled these massive natural pillars over 600 years ago. Each monastery offers a fascinating glimpse into religious life while providing incredible views of the surrounding landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
Delphi, Greece
Perched high in the mountains about two hours northwest of Athens sits the archaeological wonder of Delphi. Ancient Greeks considered this the center of their world, believing it was where heaven and Earth met. As you walk along the Sacred Way leading to the Temple of Apollo, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to a time when oracles shared prophecies and pilgrims traveled from distant lands seeking answers. The ruins tell stories of athletic competitions, political meetings, and religious ceremonies that shaped Greek civilization. Because of its location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the site offers wide views of olive groves and valleys below, while the nearby modern town provides a perfect base for exploring these ancient treasures.
Nafplio, Greece
Visitors flock to Nafplio, Greece’s first capital city, for its mix of old-world charm and seaside appeal, but this coastal gem offers much more than just history and beaches. The town’s narrow streets are lined with well-preserved Venetian mansions and Turkish fountains, while the massive Palamidi Fortress watches over everything from its hilltop perch. Beyond the architecture, Nafplio serves as an ideal base for exploring the ancient sites of the Peloponnese – including Mycenae and Epidaurus. While summer brings crowds to the town’s pebbled beaches and waterfront restaurants, spring and fall offer perfect weather for climbing the 999 steps to the fortress or wandering through the car-free old town with a scoop of local gelato in hand.
Zakynthos, Greece
If you’re headed to Greece’s Ionian Islands, you can’t miss Zakynthos. Rising from crystal-clear waters, this island gem is best known for its Navagio Beach – a secluded cove with a rusty shipwreck resting on white sand, framed by towering limestone cliffs. Here you’ll find sea caves glowing with brilliant blue light, peaceful olive groves, and friendly local tavernas serving up fresh catches of the day.
Milos, Greece
I always tell beach lovers not to skip Milos when visiting Greece’s islands. Located in the Cyclades, this crescent-shaped island offers over 70 beaches with unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. From the white rock formations at Sarakiniko to the colorful fishing villages of Klima, where boats dock right under traditional houses, Milos combines natural wonders with authentic Greek charm.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Many travelers head to Thessaloniki for its rich history as Greece’s cultural capital, but this northern city offers much more than ancient ruins. The waterfront promenade stretches for miles along the Thermaic Gulf, where locals gather for evening walks and coffee at seaside cafes. While the White Tower and Roman ruins draw history buffs, the city’s food scene steals the spotlight with its mix of Greek and Turkish influences. In the busy Modiano Market, vendors sell everything from olives to spices, and the nearby Aristotelous Square comes alive at night with music and outdoor dining. The city keeps things interesting year-round with its international film festival in autumn and buzzing nightlife in the Ladadika district.
Hydra, Greece
Experience a car-free paradise on the charming island of Hydra, where donkeys and boats are the only modes of transport. The lovely stone mansions and narrow cobblestone paths give you a glimpse into Greece’s historic past, while the quiet harbor invites you to slow down and embrace island life. Stop by one of the waterfront tavernas to try fresh seafood and watch fishing boats bob in the crystal-clear waters. For those who love exploring on foot, the coastal walking trails offer beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and lead to hidden swimming spots where you can cool off on warm summer days.
Monemvasia, Greece
Of all the medieval towns I’ve explored in Greece, none feels quite as magical as Monemvasia. This fortress town, carved into a massive rock off the Peloponnese coast, takes you straight back to the Middle Ages with its narrow cobblestone paths and stone houses. Connected to the mainland by a single causeway, it’s like stepping onto a floating piece of history. Locals still live within the castle walls, running small hotels and tavernas where you can taste traditional Greek dishes while gazing out at the Myrtoan Sea. It’s not the easiest place to reach – you’ll need to brave some winding coastal roads – but those who make the journey find themselves in one of Greece’s best-kept secrets.
Olympia, Greece
History buffs and sports enthusiasts alike flock to Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. While most visitors come to see the ruins where athletes once competed for glory thousands of years ago, the destination offers much more than just ancient sports venues. The archaeological site includes the Temple of Zeus, which once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is still lit today for the modern games. Beyond the ruins, the modern town of Olympia provides a peaceful setting with local tavernas, small museums, and quiet streets perfect for afternoon strolls through olive groves, while the Archaeological Museum houses important artifacts that tell the story of this sacred place.
Paros, Greece
Want to experience the real heart of the Greek islands? Welcome to Paros, where white-washed houses dot the hillsides and fishing boats bob gently in crystal-clear waters. Just a few hours by ferry from Athens, this Cycladic gem combines the laid-back charm of island life with authentic Greek culture. You can wander through the narrow streets of Naoussa, where local fishermen still mend their nets by the harbor, or catch perfect waves at the windsurfing heaven of Golden Beach. The island’s marble quarries, which supplied the stone for Venus de Milo, are still here, and you can explore traditional mountain villages like Lefkes, where time seems to stand still among the olive groves.
Naxos, Greece
Ever stumbled upon a giant marble doorway standing alone on a hilltop? That’s just one of the quirks you’ll find in Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades. This laid-back Greek paradise blends ancient ruins with some of the longest beaches in the Mediterranean, where cedar trees reach right down to the white sand. While tourists flock to Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos keeps things real with its working farms, mountain villages, and local tavernas serving up fresh-caught fish. You can spend your mornings wandering through old marble quarries, your afternoons windsurfing in crystal-clear waters, and your evenings sampling kitron (the local citrus liqueur) in the winding streets of Naxos Town.
Mount Athos, Greece
Have you ever seen a monastery perched impossibly on a cliff face? That’s a common sight on Mount Athos, a spiritual peninsula in northeastern Greece that’s been home to Eastern Orthodox monks for over 1,000 years. This male-only religious sanctuary houses 20 monasteries and is nicknamed the “Holy Mountain,” making it one of Europe’s most unique religious destinations. You can explore the medieval architecture and ancient traditions by boat tour, though only male visitors with special permits can step foot on the actual peninsula. The monasteries here still operate much as they did centuries ago, with monks following strict daily routines of prayer, work, and contemplation against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Chania, Greece
Fancy walking through streets where Venetian mansions stand next to Ottoman fountains? That’s daily life in Chania, a charming port city on Crete’s northwestern coast. The old town feels like a living museum, where fishermen still mend their nets in the 14th-century harbor while visitors sip coffee at waterfront cafes. You can spend hours getting lost in the narrow lanes of the Jewish quarter, popping into family-run tavernas, or browsing the leather shops in the covered market. Just outside town, the pristine beaches of Balos and Elafonisi offer perfect spots for swimming in crystal-clear waters, while the nearby White Mountains provide excellent hiking trails for adventure seekers.
Delos, Greece
Just a short boat ride from Mykonos lies the small island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Unlike the buzzing tourist spots nearby, Delos feels like an open-air museum frozen in ancient times. Walking through its marble ruins and weathered columns, you can almost hear the echoes of the merchants and pilgrims who once crowded these streets. Because of its sacred status as Apollo’s birthplace, Delos became a major religious center and trading hub in ancient times. You’ll find remarkably preserved mosaics, ancient houses, and temples scattered across the island, including the famous Terrace of the Lions, where stone guardian cats have kept watch for over two millennia.
