The 6 best places to visit in Greece now
When it comes to Greece, there are plenty of unforgettable cities, sites, and islands to see. Lucky for you, we put together a list of the best places that belong on your Grecian bucket list.
Every year, many travelers have the same goal: visit Greece. And why not? The country’s top attractions include everything from ancient agoras to scenic islands and hilltop villages—and don’t forget that delicious food and wine. If you want to know the best places to go in Greece, read on for our list of six can’t-miss destinations.
1. Athens
For a long time, a trip to Athens was used primarily as a launchpad for an island-hopping vacation through the Greek isles. Today though, times have changed. Travelers flock to Athens for tours of the ancient Acropolis, strolls through the charming Plaka neighborhood, and day trips to the car-free island of Hydra. If you’re a history buff, Greece’s capital is a mainstay bucket list destination for its archaeological attractions. The city hosts some of the best temples in the country, including the iconic Parthenon. “There’s so much to do and see in Athens,” said traveler Beth. “The Acropolis is majestic.”
Many of our Greece trips, like our Footsteps of Saint Paul in Greece: Thessaloniki to Athens tour, allow for an extension in Athens, which is the perfect opportunity to explore many of the city’s thrilling venues—both old and new.
Insider tip: While its historic sites might top the list of the best places to visit in Greece, the riches of modern-day Athens shouldn’t be ignored. Glamorous restaurants, welcoming wine bars, boutiques filled with locally made merchandise (including some of the best linens around), and fascinating cultural institutions, like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (with its gorgeous library), make Athens one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.
Related article: The Go Ahead Travel Guide to Athens →
2. Santorini
One look at Santorini and it’s easy to see its allure: a rugged island of white-washed structures rising out of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Travelers of all kinds have long been seduced by its boundless natural beauty—it’s especially gorgeous at sunset, when the changing colors of the sky seem to cast a magical glow on the island. “Santorini was perfect: unbeatable views, great shopping, great food,” said traveler Rachel. “We absolutely plan to come back.”
Santorini’s good looks make it one of the best places to visit in Greece, but our itineraries there are built to ensure you get to see what’s bubbling underneath all that beauty (because visiting Santorini is about more than just looking at it!). Whether you’re on our A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini tour or our Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini tour, we give you an immersive couple of days on the island to dive into all the things that make it special. You’ll feel immersed during guided visits to archaeological sites and tastings at one of the island’s best wineries. And don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of free time on Santorini to fill with your choice of unforgettable Grecian sights.
Insider tip: When on one of our tours of Santorini, you’ll definitely want to consider one of our most popular add-ons: the Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner excursion. “The caldera cruise is an absolute must,” said traveler Beth. “Seeing the towns on Santorini from the water is a great perspective!” Between adventuring on azure waters and exploring archaeological sites—and not to mention all that feta—it’s no wonder Santorini is a top pick for where to visit in Greece.
Related article: The Go Ahead Travel Guide to Santorini →
3. Mykonos
Picking your favorite destinations in Greece can be an impossible task. Each region, island, or village offers something unique and beautiful. But if an exciting social atmosphere is what you’re craving, Mykonos might top your list. This energetic island is renowned for having one of the liveliest beach scenes in Europe, but there’s even more to do in Mykonos away from the sand. (Psst... If Mykonos is just one of your wishlist stops, check out our guide to island-hopping in Greece.)
On our 14-day The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete tour, your days on Mykonos will include marveling at 16th-century windmills, meandering along the narrow alleys of the Old Town, and discovering ancient architecture. This itinerary comes with two days of free time on the island, too, which you can fill with an educational (and delicious) Greek cooking demo, an excursion to the picturesque isle of Delos, or some downtime on the beach. It’s these gorgeous seaside havens that have made Mykonos one of the best vacation spots in Greece.
Insider tip: “A wonderful little hidden gem restaurant in Mykonos is Remezzo Mykonos, where you have an incredible view of the main town. You can hand-select the fresh fish you would like to eat, and it is some of the freshest seafood you will ever have,” said staffer Brittany.
4. Crete
As Greece’s largest island, Crete offers an incredible variety of unforgettable travel experiences. From Bronze Age ruins and energizing hikes to serene beaches and fabulous nightlife, the list of things to do in Crete is vast, making it one of the must-see places in Greece. But what truly stands out is its agricultural and culinary heritage—it’s an island made for indulgent meals and fantastic wines.
On our 11-day Food & Wine: A Taste of Greece tour, the three-day stay in Crete is created to wow you. In Heraklion, you’ll taste local cheese (including the best feta!) and chase it down with ouzo, metaxa (a brandy made from muscat grapes), and raki (an anise liqueur that originated in Turkey). On your way to Chania, you’ll visit wineries to learn about here-and-only-here grapes before diving deep into local culinary traditions during an exciting cooking class. Or, spring for the Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini tour, which features an entire free day in Crete, during which you can combine cultural sights and sunbathing with your favorite foodie experiences.
Insider tip: While in Crete, don’t miss the storied Palace of Knossos. The Bronze Age complex not only predates the Greeks, but it also has a place in their ancient mythology. According to the legend, this is where the minotaur once roamed. Sound interesting? Check out even more things to do while on tour in Crete.
5. Naxos
When you visit Greece, picking the right islands to include in your itinerary is an important part of the trip. Mykonos and Santorini are certainly the most well-known island destinations in Greece, but not far from both is Naxos—equally beautiful as its neighbors, but with fewer visitors. The largest of the Cycladic islands, Naxos is also one of the most fertile, meaning a visit here can include agricultural experiences, too. Our staffers chose Naxos as one of the top unique places to visit in Greece, and for good reason.
On our nine-day Greece’s Cyclades Islands: Naxos & Paros tour, you’ll spend two days in Naxos learning about the agriculture and fruits of the island—complete with an olive oil tasting and a hands-on cooking class with a local family. Afterward, you’ll have an entire day to yourself to do anything from exploring the island’s fortified capital of Chora to making your way to one of the numerous white-sand beaches to spend the day taking in golden sunshine, aquamarine waters, and beach vibes. If you’re wondering which time of year is best to visit, check out our seasonal guide to visiting Greece and choose your perfect arrival dates!
Insider tip: During your free time in Naxos, we suggest you join us for a guided visit to Apeiranthos, a charming village on the mountainous side of the island. You’ll hike, visit a women’s textile co-op, and tour a local distillery to taste kitron, a liqueur made from a local citrus. “The hike through the Naxos villages was so beautiful,” said traveler Agnes.
6. Nafplio
When travelers fantasize about the best places to visit in Greece, visions of Santorini and Athens often come up first. But if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that truly delivers, you’ll want to add the ancient region of Nafplio to your travel wishlist.
Located in the eastern Peloponnese, Nafplio may not be as well-known as other destinations in Greece—but it was, in fact, the country’s first capital, when it was a newly established independent state in the 19th century. On our 13-day Athens & Ancient Greece tour, you’ll learn why. Over the centuries, Nafplio and its surrounding areas were occupied by the Turks, Venetians, Franks, and Byzantines, and their influence is still visible today. Over two days, we’ll guide you through the beehive-shaped Treasury of Atreus (also referred to as the Tomb of Agamemnon) and the Lion Gate, one of the oldest monumental sculptures in Europe. Plus, there’s free time for some DIY exploration, too.
Insider tip: If you choose to stroll around Nafplio, keep your eyes peeled for medieval castles, Venetian buildings, and ancient walls and fountains. Combined, these architectural treasures make Nafplio sing—and make it one of the best places in Greece to visit on tour.
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