Greece is one of Europe's most diverse travel destinations, combining ancient archaeological sites, historic cities, Mediterranean beaches, mountains, islands, traditional villages, museums, nightlife and world-famous Greek cuisine.
Whether you are visiting Greece for a weekend in Athens, spending a week on a Greek island, taking a road trip through the mainland or living in Greece as an expat, there are thousands of things to see and do. The official Greek National Tourism Organisation highlights Greece's combination of culture, nature, beaches, gastronomy, outdoor activities, local traditions and year-round events.
This guide covers the best things to do in Greece, including major attractions in Athens and Thessaloniki, ancient sites such as the Acropolis and Delphi, famous islands such as Santorini and Crete, Greek beaches, museums, hiking, food, nightlife and day trips.
Greece has an exceptionally rich archaeological and cultural heritage. The country currently has 21 UNESCO World Heritage properties, including the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae and Tiryns, Aigai at Vergina, Mystras, Delos and other historic sites.
The Acropolis is one of the most recognizable archaeological landmarks in the world and should be at the top of almost every first-time Greece itinerary.
The hill contains the Parthenon and other monuments associated with ancient Athens. The surrounding historic centre also provides access to museums, pedestrian streets, restaurants and neighbourhoods such as Plaka.
Allow enough time to explore both the archaeological site and the surrounding areas rather than treating the Acropolis as a quick photo stop.
The Acropolis Museum in Athens is an important stop for anyone interested in ancient Greek history and archaeology. Its collections help explain the monuments and sculptures associated with the Acropolis.
Combining the museum with an Acropolis visit can give you a much better understanding of the history behind the monuments.
Walk through Plaka and the streets around the Acropolis to experience one of Athens' best-known historic neighbourhoods.
The wider historic centre combines ancient monuments, neoclassical buildings, cafés, restaurants, shops, museums and lively squares. Athens also has neighbourhoods such as Monastiraki, Psyrri, Exarchia, Kolonaki and Kypseli, each with a different atmosphere.
Athens is home to major archaeological collections covering different periods of Greek history. The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in the country and is particularly useful for visitors who want to understand Greek civilization beyond the Acropolis.
Delphi was one of the most important religious centres of the ancient Greek world and was associated with the oracle of Apollo. The archaeological site is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, with dramatic views over the surrounding landscape.
A visit can include the archaeological site, museum and nearby town of Delphi. The official Greek tourism authority describes the site as an important combination of ancient history, mountain scenery and culture.
Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese is one of Greece's most important archaeological destinations. It is closely associated with the ancient Olympic Games and is a major stop for travellers interested in ancient Greek history.
The archaeological site and museums can be combined with a wider Peloponnese road trip.
Meteora is famous for its monasteries built on spectacular rock formations in central Greece. The landscape combines religious heritage, geology, hiking and panoramic viewpoints.
Meteora is particularly attractive for travellers who want something different from the traditional Athens-and-islands itinerary.
Athens is Greece's capital and one of the country's most important destinations for history, culture, food, nightlife and urban experiences. The official tourism authority describes Athens as a city combining ancient monuments, museums, modern neighbourhoods, nightlife and coastal landscapes.
Athens is also a useful base for day trips to destinations around Attica and mainland Greece.
The Greek islands are one of the country's biggest attractions. However, different islands offer very different experiences. Some are famous for nightlife, others for beaches, villages, hiking, archaeology, food or quiet holidays.
| Island / Group | Best Known For | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | Caldera views, volcanic landscape, sunsets and villages | Couples, photography, scenery and luxury travel |
| Crete | Beaches, mountains, archaeology, food and large cities | Longer holidays and road trips |
| Corfu | Green landscapes, beaches, historic architecture | Families, culture and nature |
| Rhodes | Medieval Old Town, beaches and history | History and beach holidays |
| Mykonos | Nightlife, beaches and cosmopolitan atmosphere | Nightlife and social travel |
| Naxos | Beaches, villages, food and mountain landscapes | Families and active travellers |
| Paros | Beaches, villages, sailing and nightlife | Young travellers and couples |
| Milos | Volcanic landscapes and unusual beaches | Nature and beach lovers |
| Zakynthos | Coastline, beaches and marine environment | Beach holidays and nature |
| Corfu | Ionian scenery, historic town and beaches | Culture, food and relaxing holidays |
Santorini is famous for its volcanic caldera, cliffside villages, sunsets and distinctive Cycladic architecture. The island was shaped by major volcanic activity and today offers a combination of nature, beaches, gastronomy and village exploration.
Greece has thousands of kilometres of coastline and an enormous variety of beaches. You can find sandy beaches, pebble beaches, rocky coves, volcanic beaches and remote coastal areas.
Food is one of the best ways to experience Greece. Greek cuisine varies by region and island, with local ingredients, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, cheese, meat, herbs and traditional desserts forming a major part of the country's culture.
For an authentic experience, look beyond tourist restaurants and try local tavernas, regional dishes, traditional bakeries and food markets.
Greece has a long wine-making tradition and many regions produce distinctive wines. Santorini is particularly well known for vineyards and the Assyrtiko grape, while other regions across mainland Greece and the islands have their own wine traditions.
You can also try traditional Greek drinks such as ouzo, tsipouro and raki, depending on the region.
Greece has museums covering archaeology, ancient art, Byzantine history, modern art, maritime history, local culture and contemporary Greek society.
Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city and an important destination for history, food, culture and nightlife. The city contains monuments and influences from Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Jewish and modern Greek history.
The official Thessaloniki tourism organization highlights the city's attractions, museums, waterfront, historic centre, gastronomy and entertainment as major reasons to visit.
Greece is not only about beaches. Mountains cover a significant part of the mainland and provide opportunities for hiking, climbing, canyoning, skiing and other outdoor activities.
With the Aegean and Ionian seas surrounding the country, Greece is an excellent destination for sailing and boat excursions.
Boat trips can be used to explore beaches and coves that are difficult to reach by road. Depending on the destination, visitors can take organized day cruises, private boat trips, sailing holidays or short coastal excursions.
The Greek coastline and islands offer many opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Clear Mediterranean waters, rocky coastlines, caves and marine environments make water activities popular during the warmer months.
Always check local regulations and use properly licensed operators when participating in organized diving activities.
Greek nightlife varies significantly by destination.
Greece hosts cultural events, music festivals, religious celebrations, local fairs and seasonal events throughout the year.
The official Visit Greece website maintains an events calendar covering events in destinations across the country, making it useful for checking what is happening during your trip.
Athens is a useful starting point for exploring several destinations in mainland Greece and the surrounding region.
| Destination | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Cape Sounion | Temple of Poseidon and dramatic coastal scenery |
| Delphi | Ancient sanctuary, archaeology and mountain scenery |
| Nafplio | Historic old town, Venetian architecture and seaside atmosphere |
| Epidaurus | Ancient theatre and archaeological heritage |
| Mycenae | Important archaeological site of Mycenaean Greece |
| Aegina | Island escape accessible from the Athens area |
| Hydra | Historic island atmosphere and car-free streets |
| Poros | Island scenery and waterfront atmosphere |
Visitors interested in ancient history have an enormous number of choices beyond Athens.
Several of these sites are UNESCO World Heritage properties. Greece's UNESCO listing currently includes 21 properties, with major archaeological destinations among them.
Greece can be a good family destination because activities range from beaches and boat trips to museums, archaeological sites, nature and outdoor adventures.
You do not need a large budget to enjoy Greece. Many of the country's best experiences involve walking, beaches, landscapes, neighbourhoods and public spaces.
Greece has much more natural diversity than its famous beaches suggest. The country includes mountains, forests, wetlands, caves, gorges, islands and protected natural areas.
Nature-focused travellers can explore national parks, mountain regions, coastal ecosystems and island landscapes. The official Greek tourism portal also promotes nature travel, hiking, volcanic landscapes, waterways and sustainable travel experiences.
Greece is not only a summer destination. Winter can be an excellent time to explore cities, archaeological sites and mountain regions with fewer visitors.
Spring and autumn can be particularly attractive for travellers who want to combine sightseeing and outdoor activities without making their trip entirely about the beach.
| Trip Length | Suggested Plan |
|---|---|
| 2–3 Days | Athens, Acropolis, museums, historic centre and Greek food |
| 5–7 Days | Athens plus one island or mainland destination |
| 7–10 Days | Athens plus one or two islands |
| 10–14 Days | Athens, mainland attractions and several island destinations |
| 2+ Weeks | Combine major cities, islands, archaeological sites and a road trip |
Greece is large and geographically diverse, so trying to visit too many islands in a short holiday can result in spending much of your trip travelling. A slower itinerary can often provide a better experience.
Island hopping is one of the classic Greek travel experiences. The best route depends on ferry connections, flight schedules, season and the islands you want to visit.
Popular island groups include the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands, Sporades and North Aegean Islands. Crete is another major destination that can be visited independently or combined with other travel.
| Experience | Best Destinations |
|---|---|
| Ancient History | Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus |
| Beaches | Crete, Milos, Rhodes, Corfu, Naxos, Zakynthos |
| Nightlife | Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Ios, Rhodes |
| Romantic Trips | Santorini, Milos, Paros, Nafplio, Corfu |
| Family Holidays | Crete, Corfu, Naxos, Rhodes and mainland resorts |
| Hiking | Crete, Olympus, Meteora, Parnassus, Pelion |
| Food | Crete, Thessaloniki, Athens, Peloponnese, Cyclades |
| Culture | Athens, Thessaloniki, Delphi, Rhodes, Corfu |
| Photography | Santorini, Meteora, Milos, Athens, Mykonos |
Yes. Greece offers an unusually broad combination of experiences within one country: ancient history, island travel, beaches, mountains, cities, food, nightlife, museums and outdoor activities.
A traveller interested in history can spend days exploring archaeological sites. Beach lovers can choose between hundreds of coastal destinations. Food enthusiasts can explore regional Greek cuisine, while hikers can explore mountains, gorges and island trails.
The best Greece itinerary depends on your interests rather than trying to see every famous destination. Athens is an excellent starting point, but combining the capital with an island, mainland archaeological site or mountain destination can provide a much more complete experience.
Some of the best things to do in Greece include visiting the Acropolis in Athens, exploring ancient sites such as Delphi and Olympia, relaxing on Greek beaches, visiting the islands, hiking in the mountains, exploring museums and historic cities, enjoying Greek food and experiencing local nightlife.
The Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon are among Greece's most famous attractions. They are especially important for first-time visitors interested in ancient Greek history and architecture.
Yes. Athens combines ancient archaeological monuments with museums, historic neighbourhoods, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and modern urban culture. It is also one of the main gateways for exploring mainland Greece and the Greek islands.
Popular choices include Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos and Zakynthos. The best island depends on whether you prioritize beaches, nightlife, hiking, history, food, scenery or a quieter holiday.
Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Vergina, Meteora, Rhodes and several other destinations offer important archaeological and historic attractions.
Yes. Greece offers swimming, sailing, snorkeling, diving, hiking, climbing, kayaking, cycling and winter sports. The country's mountains, islands, coastline and natural landscapes provide opportunities in every season.
Free activities can include walking through historic neighbourhoods, exploring villages, visiting public beaches, hiking suitable public trails, watching sunsets, walking along waterfronts and exploring public squares and markets. Some archaeological sites and museums also have specific free-admission days or eligibility categories.
No. Athens, Thessaloniki, archaeological sites, museums and mainland mountain destinations can be visited throughout the year. Spring and autumn are particularly suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities, while some mountain destinations are also popular in winter.
A short trip of two or three days can focus on Athens. Around one week allows you to combine Athens with an island or mainland destination. Longer trips of 10 days or more make it easier to combine cities, islands, archaeological sites and outdoor destinations without rushing.
Popular foods include moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, Greek salad, tzatziki, spanakopita, dolmades, feta, pastitsio, seafood, baklava and loukoumades. Regional specialties vary considerably across Greece.
The best time depends on the type of trip. Summer is ideal for a classic beach and island holiday, while spring and autumn can be excellent for sightseeing, hiking and exploring archaeological sites. Winter can be a good choice for Athens, Thessaloniki and Greek mountain destinations.