Ultimate guide to the must see places and things to do in Greece

updated 8/2/2021

Are you looking for inspiration for travelling in Greece? Or already on location, and interested to see what's worth visiting? Check out this list of the best places to visit and things to do in Greece, straight from our guide book The Rough Guide to Greece Dropdown content.

1 - Watch the sunset on Santorini

If there are 1000 things to do before you die, having a sundowner overlooking the crater of Santorini would near the top of the list. Most places facing the crater are great, but Ouia at the western tip is especially popular. While you are on the island, check out the best beaches on Santorini, and great alternative things to do on this sometimes crowded island.

High on the list of things to in Greece is a sunset on Santorini © Samot/Shutterstock

2 - Channel your inner pirate at Shipwreck Bay on Zakynthos

Lie back and enjoy the unforgettable scenery of one of Greece’s poster beaches on Zakynthos.

3 - Visit the Meteora monasteries

Rising like ecclesiastical eagles’ nests, the monasteries at Meteora are among the most awe-inspiring religious sites on earth. The six Orthodox monasteries of this UNESCO world heritage site in central Greece are built on natural rock pillars. Make sure to take a full day to explore different viewpoints as well as the interior.

The Meteora monasteries at sunset or dawn are one of the lesser knowns must sees in Greece © Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock

4 - Go cliff-jumping at Hydra island

The bare granite cliffs of Ýdhra (aka Hydra) soon part to reveal the fabulous horseshoe of its harbour, perhaps the most scenic in Greece.

© FlyStock/Shutterstock

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5 - Discover greek wine in a wine tasting

There’s much more to Greek wine than dodgy retsina and you should visit at least one vineyard while you’re here. And since wine is best enjoyed with good food as company, check out the best greek food you need to try.

© Santorines/Shutterstock

6 - Climb Mount Olympus to meet the Greek gods

A trek to Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek gods is supremely atmospheric and a worthwhile challenge for hikers.

© Lev Paraskevopoulos/Shutterstock

7 - Enjoy mediterranean countryside at the Pelion peninsula

Billed as the Greek Tuscany, the Pelion region in the greek mainland has it all: lush countryside, excellent beaches, character-packed villages and superb treks.

© Nataliya Nazarova/Shutterstock

8 - Go party in Mykonos

Experience the most frenetic nightlife east of Ibiza at Mykonos, the party capital of the Greek summer.

9 - Discover the byzantine ghost town Mystra

A ghost town in the Sparta region of the Peloponnes peninsula that provides a time capsule for the modern tourist to step through to the Byzantine age.

The ruins of Mystra are one of the lesser known places in Greece worth a visit © Borisb17/Shutterstock

10 - Hike Samaria Gorge, Crete

The 16km descent of the lush and leafy Samaria gorge enclosed by towering rock faces is an unforgettable hike on Crete island.

11 - Taste the variety of Meze (Mezédhe)

For a true taste of greek food, tuck into a mezédhes (meze) platter of starters and dips accompanied by a glass of ouzo.

12 - Lion Gate at Mycenae, Peloponnese

The imposing relief of lions guarding the main entrance to the Citadel of Mycenae is, incredibly, thirty-odd centuries old.

© Kardmar/Shutterstock

13 -Watch a sunset at the Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis, a small rock in the middle of Athens with its spectacular ruins is a cultural icon and a symbol of the birth of Western civilization.

The Acropolis in Athens © kostasgr/Shutterstock

14 - Visit Kefalonia

Famous as the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Kefalonia remains a firm favourite despite the crowds. Check out our list of best things to do in Kefalonia.

© Adisa/Shutterstock

15 - Visit the ancient oracle site at Delphi

Located in an unbeatable natural setting, the ancient site of Delphi has retained its inscrutable mystique through the centuries.

If you are wondering what to see in Greece, a visit to the UNESCO heritage site Delphi should be high on your list © elgreko/Shutterstock

16 - Celebrate Easter

If you visit in spring, ensure to time your visit on the Easter weekend. The biggest festival in Greece, Easter combines devout Orthodox belief with joyful spring celebrations.

© chiosphotographer/Shutterstock

17 - Try a hand at Windsurfing or Kitesurfing

There are very few places on the islands where you can’t turn a windy day to your advantage, especially off Lefkadha in the Ionians or Naxos, Paros and Andhros in the Cyclades.

Windsurfing is one of the top water activities in Greece © Olga Gavrilova/Shutterstock

18 - Explore the scenery on Rhodes island

Once home to the ancient Colossus and the medieval Knights of St John, Rhodes is one of the most captivating islands in Greece.

19 - Visit Patmos island

One of the most beautiful islands in Greece, Patmos is also home to the haunting Monastery of St John the Divine.

20 - Enjoy the ultimate Greek island scenery at Skopelos, Sporades Islands

Mamma Mia! what an island – you can see why Hollywood’s location scouts chose the island Skopelos as the ultimate sun-drenched Greek escape.

21 - Visit Knossos Palace, Crete

Even with a bit of controversy, Knossos Palace remains simply the best restored, vividly coloured and ultimately most exciting of Crete’s Minoan palaces.

22 - Stroll through Corfu's old town

With its elegant Venetian architecture, fine museums and, uniquely, a cricket pitch, Corfu’s capital is the heart of the Ionian islands.

Ready to travel to Greece? Find out about the best time to go, the best places to visit and best things to do in Greece. For inspiration use the Greece itineraries from The Rough Guide to Greece and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, see our top tips for travelling in Greece, or learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And if you prefer to plan and book your trip to Greece without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.