Greece is packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. Ancient ruins will blow your mind, beaches don’t need an Instagram filter, and the local food is unforgettable. Dive into the vibrant streets of Athens, explore hidden islands, or hike dramatic landscapes – Greece offers experiences that stick with you. Here's your guide to the best things to do in Greece.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Greece, your essential guide for visiting Greece.
Of all the bucket-list travel moments, having a sundowner while gazing into Santorini’s caldera is up there. The volcano’s crescent cliffs glow orange, boats drift across the sea below, and every rooftop and terrace turns into a front-row seat. Oia, clinging to the island’s western edge, is the postcard version – and the most packed – but the views stretch all along the rim.
You’ll want more than one evening here. A smart Santorini itinerary includes time to hike the clifftop path from Fira to Oia, visit the ruins of Ancient Thera, and spend an afternoon on Kamari’s black sand or Perissa’s laid-back beach.
Choosing the best area to stay in Santorini depends on your style – Fira is lively and central, Oia is all about the view (and the price tag), while Pyrgos and Akrotiri offer more peace and space without losing the charm.
High on the list of things to do in Greece is watching a sunset on Santorini © Samot/Shutterstock
This is Greece’s most famous shipwreck, and it’s not subtle. This is one of Zakynthos' best beaches, and you'll find here rusted freighter lies marooned on bright white sand, surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs and piercing blue water. Officially called Navagio Beach, Shipwreck Bay looks like it was designed to grace a thousand postcards – and it has.
You can’t reach the beach by land, but that’s part of the thrill. Boats leave from Porto Vromi and other nearby spots, carving across water so bright it looks Photoshopped. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds, and bring decent shoes if you’re climbing up to the viewing platform.
Zakynthos (Zante, if you prefer the Italian name) is the southernmost of the main Ionian islands. It's a mix of wild interior, overbuilt resort strips, and a few quiet villages that haven’t changed much in decades. If you’re planning your own Greek island hop, Zakynthos deserves a spot. It offers something different from the Cycladic scene – greener, less windswept, with a taste for the sugary. Try the mandoláto, a honey-soft nougat, and look out for Popolaro, the local white wine.
Navagio beach with shipwreck and motor boat on Zakynthos island in Greece © Samot/Shutterstock
Monasteries built on cliffs – not beside them, on them. The six active Orthodox monasteries of Meteora balance on sandstone towers like something dreamt up for a fantasy film. But this is central Greece, not Middle Earth, and you can visit them in a day. Just bring sturdy shoes and a head covering – you’ll need both to step inside.
The name Metéora means “suspended in mid-air,” and it fits. The rock spires rise from the plain north of Kalambáka, where the closest monastery, Ayíou Stefánou, comes into view before you even reach the town. Others, like Varlaám and Grand Meteoro, take more effort to reach – but the views, the frescoes, and the sense of isolation are worth every stair.
The area is also rich in local history. Kalambáka itself takes its name from the Ottoman Turkish kalabak, meaning cliff or pinnacle. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate Meteora – it’s a rare mix of architecture, nature, and stillness that stays with you, and it easily ranks among the best things to do in Greece.
The Meteora monasteries at dawn © Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock
You don’t need a beach to cool off on Hydra. Just follow the locals to Spilia or Hydronetta, where flat rocks drop straight into deep blue water. Cliff-jumping here is simple – pick a ledge, take a breath, and leap. The granite is warm from the sun, the sea is clear and salty, and there’s a taverna close enough for a cold drink after.
Hydra (Ýdhra in Greek) is small, car-free and quietly dramatic. Its harbor curves like a horseshoe around the sea, framed by old mansions and hills. Even bicycles are banned, which keeps the vibe slower and more cinematic. The main town is all stone alleyways and steep paths, with donkeys still used for deliveries.
Preserved as a national monument, the island has charm without effort. There are no big resorts, no traffic noise – just cafés, galleries, and the occasional splash from a bold jumper hitting the water. It’s this balance of history, calm and character that makes Hydra one of the best islands in Greece for a low-key escape.
Dare you dive from Hydra's cliffs? © FlyStock/Shutterstock
You don’t have to believe in Zeus to feel something up here. Mount Olympus – highest peak in Greece and home of the ancient gods – looms over the Aegean coast like a natural fortress. Climbing it is one of the most rewarding things to do in Greece for hikers who don’t mind sore legs and steep scrambles.
The usual starting point is Priónia, 18km above the town of Litóhoro. A sealed mountain road takes you to the trailhead, where you’ll find a basic info booth at km3. In high season, they log your nationality and hand you a leaflet with park rules – a reminder that Olympus is still wild, despite its fame.
If you’re up for a tougher route, leave early and walk from Litóhoro to Priónia via the monastery of Ayíou Dhionysíou. It’s part of the long-distance E4 trail and takes around four hours. Expect scrambles, water crossings and stunning forest paths. From Priónia, it’s a steady but demanding climb to the refuge and the summit ridge. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to the sea.
Distant view of Enipeas Gorge on Mount Olympus © dinosmichail/Shutterstock
The Pelion peninsula doesn’t fit the typical Greek postcard. Instead of bleached hills and dry scrub, you get apple orchards, chestnut woods and shaded stone paths between villages. Water gushes from hillside fountains, and the air feels cooler, often by five degrees, than the sunbaked plains just inland.
Pelion sits between the Aegean and the Pagasitic Gulf, with forested mountains running down its spine. It’s popular with Greek families and travelers looking for a quieter scene – the kind of place where you hike in the morning and swim in the afternoon. Villages like Tsagarada, Makrinitsa, and Vizitsa have stone houses, hidden cafés, and views that stretch to the sea.
The beaches are worth the effort, too. Head to Fakistra or Mylopotamos on the eastern coast for pebbly coves, clear water, and little development. The peninsula’s network of old mule paths also makes this one of the best mainland regions for long-distance walking in Greece.
Stunning views at the Pelion peninsula © Nataliya Nazarova/Shutterstock
This is Greece turned all the way up. Mykonos does nightlife better than anywhere in the Aegean – a non-stop summer scene of cocktails, DJs, and dancing on tables that starts in the afternoon and can roll on until sunrise. Think beach clubs at Super Paradise, bars packed into the alleys of Mykonos Town, and rooftop terraces where no one’s checking the time.
The island has gone from a 1960s hippy stop to a full-blown jet-set hub. These days, it’s the most high-profile, most expensive, and most crowded of the Cyclades. In August, the population swells into the millions. But it still works. The beaches are lively, the drinks keep flowing, and the mood stays open-minded.
Mykonos built its reputation as the gay capital of the Mediterranean, and though the scene has evolved, the island remains proudly inclusive. Mykonos Town, Super Paradise, and Eliá still draw a strong LGBTQ+ crowd, but everyone’s welcome pretty much everywhere – locals are used to all kinds of visitors, and have been since the first barefoot backpackers showed up sharing hand-rolled cigarettes.
If you’re wondering about the best areas to stay in Mykonos, base yourself in Mykonos Town if nightlife is your priority. For a more relaxed vibe, look at Ornos or Platis Gialos – both have great beaches with easy access to the action but fewer 4 am wake-up calls.
If you want tradition or quiet, go elsewhere. If you want beaches, music, and full-throttle summer, Mykonos still delivers.
Little Venice, Mykonos, Greece © Shutterstock
Exploring a ruined hillside city near Sparta might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Mystra is one of the most atmospheric places in Greece. A medieval ghost town draped across a steep slope of Mount Taïyetos, it's a striking mix of stone ruins, painted churches, and quiet views.
Once home to 20,000 people, Mystra was a major Byzantine stronghold – the final spark of an empire fading fast. Today, it’s one of the best things to do in Greece for history lovers. You walk uphill through arched gates and winding alleys, past ruined palaces and aristocratic mansions, until you reach crumbling churches filled with worn but still vivid frescoes.
The site is split between an upper and lower city, and you’ll want to see both – preferably without the midday sun beating down. The landscape’s lush, the scale is grand, and the silence is part of the experience. It doesn’t feel staged or polished. Mystra just sits there, weathered and remarkable.
The ruins of Mystra: one of the lesser known places in Greece © Borisb17/Shutterstock
The Samaria Gorge isn’t a casual stroll – it’s an 18km descent through one of Europe’s longest canyons, and it earns every blister. This dramatic hike cuts through the White Mountains in southwest Crete, ending at the Libyan Sea. The cliffs rise sharply on either side, narrowing at one point to just a few meters wide.
It’s one of the most popular day hikes on the island and one of the best things to do in Crete, but that doesn’t make it easy. The path is rocky, the footing rough, and in high summer the heat is brutal. Don’t even think about it without proper footwear and plenty of water. You’ll start from Xyloskalo, above the Omalos Plateau, and finish at Agia Roumeli, where a cold swim and a beer feel very well earned.
The Samaria Gorge fits perfectly into a well-paced Crete itinerary, especially if you’re heading south. Stick around and explore the nearby coast – this part of the island has some of the best under-the-radar Crete beaches, including Agios Pavlos and Loutro.
Where you base yourself makes a big difference. For easy access to the gorge, Chania is a solid pick. If you're planning to explore both mountains and sea, our guide to the best areas to stay in Crete can help tailor your route.
Samaria Gorge. Crete, Greece © proslgn/Shutterstock
Step through the Lion Gate and into deep prehistory. These twin lions have been standing guard for over 3,000 years – watching visitors, armies, kings, and archaeologists pass beneath their gaze. Carved above massive stone gateposts, they’re the oldest known monumental sculpture in Europe.
This is the main entrance to the Citadel of Mycenae, once the seat of a powerful Bronze Age kingdom that dominated the Peloponnese and left its mark across the Aegean. Later Greeks called the fortress walls “Cyclopean,” believing only giants could’ve moved the stones. And when you’re standing at the gate, it’s not hard to see why.
Inside, you’ll find the remains of royal tombs, palace complexes, and storerooms – all laid out on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Argolid plain. The small on-site museum displays grave goods, seals, and weapons recovered during excavations, adding texture to the bones of the site.
The lions themselves flank a central column, thought to be a symbol of royal power. The same design turns up on a sealstone found nearby, a detail that helps tie myth to archaeology in a place already heavy with legend.
Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, doesn’t try to impress – but somehow still does. Famous as the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, it’s kept its identity intact despite a rise in visitor numbers.
The island has real towns, not just resorts, and a stubborn streak that’s part of its charm. Locals are famously proud and slightly eccentric, and until the late 1980s, they largely ignored tourism. Maybe it was the island’s scale – harder to market than its smaller neighbors – or maybe it was just a refusal to be packaged. Either way, Kefalonia feels different.
Among the best things to do in Kefalonia are swimming at Myrtos Beach, exploring the underground lake at Melissani, hiking in Mount Ainos National Park, and wandering through the pastel village of Assos. The scenery shifts fast – from bare limestone cliffs to pine forest and vineyard-covered slopes – and the island soaks up visitors without feeling overrun. Add a bottle of chilled Robola wine, and you’re set.
Colorful Kefalonia © Adisa/Shutterstock
Delphi had the drama – and the mystery – to match its status. Once considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks, this sacred site clings to the slopes of Mount Parnassós, with sweeping views over a valley of olive trees that stretches to the Gulf of Corinth.
The setting alone makes it easy to see why the gods would want to weigh in here. But legend added more: a chasm in the earth, strange vapors rising, and priestesses muttering prophecies from a trance-like state. Whether or not you believe it, Delphi still carries a strange energy.
You’ll pass the ruins of temples, treasuries, and a theatre, all tied to the Oracle of Apollo. Come in spring, when wildflowers blanket the site, and it feels like time has stalled. There's also a small museum with sculptures and inscriptions that bring the stories into sharper focus.
UNESCO heritage site Delphi © elgreko/Shutterstock
Catching the sunset behind the columns of the Parthenon is one of the best things to do in Athens, and for good reason. The Acropolis isn’t just a monument – it’s a symbol of Western civilization, perched high above the city that gave birth to democracy, drama, and philosophy.
The site itself is compact, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in presence. Whether you're approaching from Pláka’s tangle of alleyways or looking up from a distant rooftop, the Parthenon never quite disappears from view.
The best way to take it all in? Walk the pedestrian streets that loop around the Acropolis and ancient Agora. On the Thissío side, cafés spill out onto terraces with clear views of the hill – a great spot for a drink as the sun drops. Across in Pláka, things feel older and more lived-in. It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Athens if you want history on your doorstep and no shortage of atmospheric corners to get lost in.
The Acropolis in Athens © kostasgr/Shutterstock
Rhodes isn’t just one of the most visited Greek islands – it’s one of the most layered. Crusader castles, ancient temples, Ottoman mosques, and beach resorts all share the same rugged shoreline.
One of the best things to do in Rhodes is to see the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO-listed maze of stone lanes, fountains, and fortress walls. It was the headquarters of the Knights of St John, who ruled here from 1309 to 1522, and the scale of their legacy is impossible to miss.
Further south, the whitewashed village of Líndos clings to a hill below its own ancient acropolis – smaller than the one in Athens but with better sea views. It marks the midpoint of the island’s long east coast, home to a string of beaches, from busy Faliráki to quieter coves around Haraki.
At the far southern tip, Prassoníssi is where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet – and where windsurfers chase world-class swells. Whether you're here for the ruins, the resorts, or the water sports, Rhodes delivers contrast at every turn.
Hllside homes on Rhodes © leoks/Shutterstock
Patmos might be small, but it carries serious weight – both spiritual and visual. One of the most distinctive and atmospheric islands in Greece, it’s best known as the place where St John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation.
The cave where he received his visions is still here, tucked into the hillside below the Monastery of St John – a huge fortified complex that towers over the island like a medieval citadel. Built in the 11th century, the monastery dominates the skyline and the culture. Even now, Patmos moves at a quieter, more contemplative pace than most other islands.
Chóra, the hilltop village surrounding the monastery, is a maze of stone mansions and narrow alleyways, with glimpses of sea at every turn. Down at the coast, Skála is the port and main hub – laid-back, low-rise, and ideal for lazy evenings.
Whether you're drawn by faith, architecture or the slow rhythm of island life, Patmos stands apart. It's often listed among the most beautiful places to visit in Greece, and it earns the title without needing to shout.
Monastery St. John on Patmos Island © leoks/Shutterstock
Skopelos may have landed on the map thanks to Mamma Mia!, but it’s got more going for it than Hollywood hype. With steep green hills, cove beaches, and towns that haven’t traded charm for concrete, this is one of the best-looking islands in the Sporades – and one of the quietest.
Unlike other movie-famous spots, Skopelos didn’t overbuild. Most of the development is tasteful and low-key, especially along the less touristy southwest coast. Here, pine forests spill down to clear water, and beaches like Kastani and Panormos are framed by cliffs and olive trees.
Skópelos Town (Hóra) is a hillside maze of whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs, with views down to the harbor and ferries easing in and out. Glóssa, the island’s second town, is perched high up and has even better panoramas – plus fewer people.
The island still grows its own plums, pears, and almonds, and the scent of pine and salt air makes for the kind of sensory overload you want. Skip the sing-alongs – Skopelos earns your time on its own merits.
The Church of Agios Ioannis (as seen in Mamma Mia) on Skopelos island © Shutterstock
Knossos isn’t just another archaeological site – it’s the most vivid, most debated, and most visited Minoan palace in Crete. Brightly painted reconstructions, open courtyards, and winding corridors bring the legend of the Minotaur to life. Whether or not you buy into Sir Arthur Evans’ controversial restorations, the effect is unforgettable.
This was the mythological home of King Minos, built in the second millennium BC and later buried by time and volcanic ash. Its complex layout — a tangle of rooms, staircases and ceremonial halls – gave rise to the idea of the Labyrinth. The site still feels oddly alive, from the red pillars and fresco fragments to the sense of scale and movement.
To beat the crowds, arrive early or late – the coach tours flood in mid-morning. Hiring a licensed guide (you’ll find them near the entrance) is a smart move if you want to go beyond the legend and into the archaeology.
Vibrant Greek art © Luis Santos/Shutterstock
One of the best things to do in Corfu is to stroll the old town. With its arcaded streets, pastel facades, and Venetian vibe, Corfu Town feels more Italian than Greek – and that’s part of its charm. The capital of the Ionian Islands has long been one of the most elegant island towns in Greece, polished further when it hosted the EU summit in 1994.
The old town is split into distinct quarters. The Campiello is the oldest part – a dense tangle of alleys climbing above the harbor. Kofinéta stretches toward the Spianádha, a grand open square with a proper cricket pitch (a leftover from British rule). West of the Orthodox cathedral is Áyii Apóstoli, quieter and more residential, while the Néo Froúrio area was once Corfu’s Jewish quarter, still marked by narrow lanes and stone archways.
Corfu Town is not only a cultural hub – it’s also one of the best places to stay in Corfu if you want to be close to museums, restaurants, and transport links while soaking in the island’s layered history. From here, day trips to the coast or inland villages are easy, but it’s the old town’s atmosphere that lingers.
Corfu's picturesque old town © Heracles Kritikos/Shutterstock
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 09.06.2025
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