35 Best Things to Do in Greece

Some of the best things to do in Greece are to explore its incredible diversity, from bustling metropolises like Athens and Thessaloniki to the remote traditional villages in Crete’s White Mountains.

Discover ancient sites, hike through wild gorges, marvel at centuries-old art in ornate monasteries, join the party in the livelier islands, or kick back and enjoy a movie under a star-filled sky. Wines are incredible, food fresh and abundant, and the tradition of filoxenia—the hand of friendship to those from foreign lands—is readily extended to all who visit.

So whether your interest is in archaeology, cuisine, sunbathing, or simply soaking up the scenery, a visit to the cradle of democracy will create special memories to last a lifetime.

Visit the Acropolis of Athens

No visit to Athens is truly complete without a hike to the Acropolis, one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Sitting atop a limestone hill and topped by the iconic Parthenon temple, it’s approached through Mediterranean pines and on marble walkways polished by the footsteps of the millions of people who have made the journey before.

From the summit, the views are far reaching, from towering Mount Parnitha beyond the northern suburbs to the beaches of the southern Athenian Riviera. For the best views of the Parthenon itself, visit the fabulous Acropolis Museum in the foothills and take a seat on the terrace.

Walk Around the Old Venetian Port of Chania in Crete

Most of Greece’s islands have some kind of Venetian influence that dates from the Middle Ages. In some, that can just be in the form of a small castle, while in others it can be a whole town.

The Old Port of Chania is probably the best example of them all. The natural curve of the harbor is dotted with pastel-coloured buildings, now housing bustling cafés, restaurants, bars, and a smattering of elegant souvenir shops. It’s a great place to sit out, listen to the ropes of the old fishing boats clinking the breeze, and just drink it all in.

Sample Tsitsibira in the Old Town of Corfu

From the end of the Napoleonic wars to the middle of the 19th century, Corfu, the jewel of the Ionian Sea, was under British rule, which left a number of quirks that can still be seen today.

Case in point is Spianada Square in Corfu Town, home to one of the prettiest and most unusual cricket pitches in Europe and still used today by local teams.

Another remnant of British rule that’s been made into a local tradition is tsitsibira—Corfiot ginger beer. Now brewed by a number of artisan producers on the island, it’s the perfect refreshment served long on ice after a day walking around the Old Town’s winding streets.

Walk in the Footsteps of Athletes in Olympia

Not to be confused with Mount Olympus in northern Greece, which is said to have been home to the Greek Gods, Olympia on the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula gave rise to the ancient Olympic games.

In antiquity, it was one of the most significant sites in Greece, a huge for-the-times city with more than 760 buildings and the athletics stadium at which the games were held.

Many of these structures still exist in their ruined form and the history of the site is evocatively told at the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia, home to the world-famous Hermes, thought to be the only surviving work by the sculptor Praxiteles.

Make Like the Knights of St. John in the Old Town, Rhodes

Forget your typical white-washed cubic island homes—the Old Town of Rhodes looks more like the setting for some kind of fantasy epic.

The town-within-a-town dates from the seventh century BC but really came into its pomp during the Crusades, when the Knights Hospitaller made Rhodes their base, leaving behind a legacy that is now considered the oldest working medieval town in Europe.

The streets here are lined with Greek castles, mosques, and squares with the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights at its center and main focal point.

Unwind in Little Venice, Mykonos

Mykonos is the LGBTQ+-friendly party town of the Greek islands, its streets in high summer teeming with beautiful people taking in the hedonistic atmosphere.

Hanging out here can be an experience, but for those craving quieter scene, one of the best things to do in Mykonos is to visit Little Venice.

A short walk from the main harbor and with views of the iconic ruined windmills of Mykonos, this small enclave has the feel of a tiny village of Venetian-style houses where the water comes right up to the doorsteps. The surrounding streets are lined with cool cafés and bars.

Walk the Streets of Plaka, Athens

Tucked in the foothills of the Acropolis is this little slice of old Athens, where you’ll find a maze of streets lined with elegant neoclassical buildings.

It’s one of the Greek capital’s prime entertainment areas for visitors, with gold- and silversmiths, craft shops, and traditional restaurants serving authentic Athenian food. Lunch here under a vine-shaded terrace is one of the best things to do in Greece on a sunny day.

At the height of summer, Plaka can certainly be busy, in which case, head to Anafiotika, a small Athenian neighborhood of white, cubist island-style buildings sitting right under the Parthenon. Anafiotika is lesser known and has a more relaxed atmosphere, as well as plenty of places to eat.

Photograph the Blue-Domed Church at Oia, Santorini

Santorini, sitting on the edge of a sunken caldera and overlooking two smoldering volcanic islands, is one of the most famous images of Greece. Photographs of the whitewashed houses that seemingly hang precariously on the edge of the surrounding cliffs have graced many a magazine shoot.

Most people hang around the capital, Fira, but to get the money shot of the blue-domed church in the foreground and Fira in the distance, you need to head to Oia, along the rim of the caldera. Be warned that plenty of others have the same idea, especially in the middle of summer. Try to get there early, when the light is better.

Take a Horseback Ride on Hydra

Hydra is one of the Saronic Gulf islands that lay closest to the mainland and to Athens. Once a great naval power, its almost perfect crescent-shaped harbor is lined with the beautifully restored mansions of former sea captains, now turned into elegant hotels, guesthouses and eateries.

Aside from its evocative setting, Hydra has a celebrity legacy: singer Leonard Cohen was once resident here, as was actress Sophia Loren. It’s also car-free with the only ways of getting around including by boat and on foot along coastal trails.

Mules and donkeys are used to transport goods. But one of the best ways to see the wild interior beyond the main town is on horseback, the scent of wild herbs in the air.

Ride the Funicular to the Summit of Mount Lycabettus, Athens

While the Acropolis has incredible views, those from Mount Lycabettus, just across the historic city center, are even better. At almost 1,000ft, this rocky, limestone peak is the highest spot in downtown Athens and offers uninterrupted views over the Attica region—and the Acropolis itself.

There’s a hiking trail through pines from the high-end suburb of Kolonaki that leads to the summit, where there’s a café and a small chapel. But riding the rickety funicular railway that also makes the climb is much more fun.

Visit the White Mountains, Crete

Crete is so large it could almost be a separate country from the rest of Greece. Its topography ranges from remote beaches to the towering White Mountains in the center of the island.

Taking their name from the white and light gray granite which acts as their base and splitting the island in two north to south, these Greek mountains are an adventure-lover’s playground, with rugged ravines and deep gorges, as well as tiny traditional villages and the chance to spot local fauna.

The best way to explore is by 4×4, going off the beaten track into tiny villages and to heights of 4,000 feet above sea level.

Visit the Paleokastritsa Monastery, Corfu

Set atop a rocky promontory adjacent to a Corfu beach named after the patron Saint Spyridon lies this 13th-century monastery with the most incredible views over the Ionian Sea towards Italy.

Access is via a winding road through olive, pine and cypress trees. It’s worth the trip both for the vistas and the small museum packed with Byzantine art, as well as, curiously, the skeleton of a whale landed by local fishermen in the 19th century.

Shops at the monastery offer local produce including wine, olive oil and kumquat liqueur, which is unique to the island.

Shop at the Kapani Market of Thessaloniki

One of the best cities in Greece, Thessaloniki is a foodie paradise. It’s home to some of the country’s most inventive cuisine, including the bougatsan, a cronut-style pastry that marries a French croissant with a traditional semolina pie called bougatsa.

Thessaloniki is also a great place to marvel at the ingredients that make Greek food so unique: mostly organic, fresh and local.

The best place to see this bounty in its freshest form possible is at Kapani, the city’s oldest market. Open six days a week it hosts an array of shops and stalls including fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, olives, nuts and spices.

Visit an Open-Air Movie Theater

Summer open-air theaters are a popular Greek phenomenon with almost every town and village having its own movie house; Athens alone has around 65. An al fresco night at the movies is one of the best things to do in Greece on a hot summer’s night, the scent of summer jasmine hanging in the air.

The screens mainly re-show the big winter blockbusters in a relaxed atmosphere, often with food, snacks and drinks served on small tables that sit among the director-style chairs.

Some of them are pretty basic: a screen, four white walls and a screen, while others, such as high-end Aigli in the capital Athens, are more elegant affairs with landscaped gardens and a full restaurant offering. Movies tend to be screened in their original language, with Greek subtitles.

Let Your Hair Down in Mykonos

The fun starts early in Mykonos. Aside from its famed “super clubs”, the island is home to some of Greece’s best beaches, many of them on the more remote northern coast. Those around the main town of Chora, though, can see people dancing the day away to DJ tunes from well before lunchtime.

A water taxi ferries party-goers from the port to a succession of beaches in Mykonos—Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise and Super Paradise, the scene becoming increasingly outrageous the further you get from town. A liberal attitude is essential here.

Wonder at the Valley of the Butterflies, Rhodes

On the northern coast of Rhodes lies one of Greece’s most unique natural phenomena, a nature park which between June and September is home to thousands of multicolored butterflies, a sub-species of Jersey tiger moths.

Paths wind through the groves of oriental sweetgum trees that are the big attraction for the insects, plus there are ponds, waterfalls and a small natural history museum that’s worth a look around.

Swim on the Black Beach at Perissa, Santorini

Diametrically opposed to the capital Fira and the village of Oia is Santorini’s low-lying southern coast. While it may not match its more illustrious neighbors for natural beauty, it too retains a unique feel thanks to the black-sand volcanic beaches found at the resort of Perissa.

This long stretch of dark, volcanic sand is home to some of the best beaches in Santorini. It has a more laid-back feel than the rest of the island and the waves that crash onto the beach attract a number of water sports enthusiasts, including surfers and kite surfers.

Marvel at the Meteora Monasteries, Volos

In the shadows of the Pindus mountains at the edge of the Plain of Thessaly lies one of the most impressive sites that Greece is known for: the monasteries of Meteora. These Greek Orthodox sanctuaries of solitude were built in the 13th and 14th centuries on towering natural rock pillars that dominate the surrounding skyline.

At their height, there were 24 monasteries here but just six remain, including the most famous, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron. All of them house quite magnificent examples of Byzantine art and most are open daily.

Visitors are requested to dress conservatively: no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed and knees and shoulders must be covered.

Walk the Streets of Xanthi

Known as the “noble Lady of Thrace”, Xanthi is one of Greece’s prettiest cities, set in the foothills of the Rodopi mountains less than 100 miles from the border with Turkey and inland from the port of Kavala. The Old Town district, lined with cobbled streets, is a joy to explore.

The Old Town is lined with Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, and brightly colored neoclassical mansions that once belonged to the tobacco merchants that brought the city much of its wealth.

Bustling Antika Square is a great place to sit and people-watch from one of the many pubs and cafés, while green spaces around the Kosynthos River offer shade from the summer sun.

See the Archaeological Site of Philippi

Named in 356 BC after Philip II, the king of Macedonia and father of Alexander the Great, Philippi, originally known as Crenides, was one of the greatest cities of its time.

Not only was it a thriving commercial center, but it was also the setting of the battle between the heirs of Julius Caesar (Mark Antony and Octavian) and his assassins (Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus) in 42BC.

Those Roman influences are still evident in the Greek ruins of the city today: early Christian basilicas, Roman graves, the Forum, an ancient theater and mosaics all led to Philippi being declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2016.

Unwind by the Beach in Glyfada, Athens

Some miles south of downtown Athens starts the Athenian Riviera, a long stretch of coast that runs from the Port of Piraeus to mythical Cape Sounion, some 30 miles away.

A 30-minute drive from the city lies the first major suburb of Glyfada, home to some of the best beaches in Athens. Glyfada has grown from a small fishing village in the 1960s to the Greek capital’s largest and most affluent neighborhood.

The town’s beach is divided by four different marinas where craft range from traditional fishing caïques to yachts owned by the mega-rich. In between are large stretches of shingle and sand, punctuated by umbrellas lapping a sea that is calmed by the protective Saronic Gulf.

In the distance, the island of Aegina appears shimmering through the haze and ferry boats head out to the islands. After a stretch of sunbathing here, the town begs to be explored with its traditional eateries (try legendary George’s Steakhouse), patisseries, and high-end shopping.

Dive Into the Tragonisi Caverns, Mykonos

Lying off the east coast of Mykonos some three miles from Kalafatis Bay, Tragonisi island’s name can mean “Billy Goat Island” when spelled with a T or “Dragon Island” when spelled with a D.

Either way, the island has led a somewhat checkered life: a place of worship for the god Apollo, a hideaway for medieval pirates, and a World War II base are just three of them. Today, it’s better known for being part of the protected Natura 2000 network thanks to its fabulous caves and caverns, and diverse animal life.

The island can be visited by renting a private boat from the main port. Donning a snorkel and mask to dive into the aquamarine waters and exploring the sea caves ranks as one of Mykonos’ most underrated experiences.

Wander Around Ano Poli, Thessaloniki

Surrounded by Thessaloniki’s ancient walls, Ano Poli is a town within a town when it comes to Greece’s second city.

Sitting high on a hill with views down to the port, this was Thessaloniki’s Old Town, a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional houses and quaint tavernas with al fresco dining. Formerly the Ottoman Quarter and home to the city’s large Jewish population, it remains the most colorful of the city’s neighborhoods with buildings painted in deep blues, oranges, reds, and yellows.

As well as being one of the most romantic places in Greece, Ano Poli is also home to a number of significant buildings. There’s the imposing Trigonion Tower by the old walls, the fifth-century Church of Osios David, and the Ataturk Museum, which showcases the birthplace of the founder of modern Turkey.

Shop for Bargains in Monastiraki, Athens

In the foothills of the Acropolis and adjacent to the traditional entertainment district of Plaka lies Monastiraki, Athens’ vibrant and chaotic flea market. If you love shopping, a visit here is one of the best things to do in Greece.

The market stretches down Ifaistou Street from Monastiraki Square, a central transport hub where street vendors sell soft pretzels (koulouria) and tickets promising a fortune on one of the local lotteries.

From here, Ifaistou is lined with every kind of store imaginable: high-end jewelers, stores selling replica big-name jeans and bags, cheesy Greek souvenir stalls, and record shops offering old vinyl.

Avissinias Square, just to the north, is also a great place to shop in Athens for antiques and vintage items. On weekends, there’s a huge contrast around 100 yards away with the start of Ermou Street, home to chic, high-end designer boutiques.

Seek Immortality in Makrinitsa, Pelion, near Volos

At almost 5,400 feet, Mount Pelion sits on a peninsula that divides the Aegean Sea from the Pagasetic Gulf. Towering over the central city of Volos, its deep green slopes provide a sharp contrast with the glittering blue waters below.

One of the key reasons to visit is the village of Makrinitsa, one of the prettiest in Greece and known locally as the “balcony of Pelion”. Stretching up the mountainside from 1,200 feet to 2,400 feet, its streets and cobble-stoned alleys are home to traditional houses and old mansions, while in its central square lies the church of Agios Yiannis Prothomos.

On its side is a famous old spring decorated with lions’ heads that date from 1809 to provide a fountain of spring water. According to local legend drinking from it will provide everlasting life. Naturally, there’s usually a line.

Fall in Love at the Canal d’Amour in Corfu

The Greek islands are full of myth and legend and none is perhaps more romantic than that of the Canal d’Amour, or the Channel of Love to give its English name.

Just outside the village of Sidari on Corfu’s north coast, this impossibly pretty spot, a narrow channel of Mediterranean blue water cutting deep into the surrounding rocks to culminate in a small sandy cove is supposed to be the place to fall in love in Greece.

According to local legend, any man who swims in the waters of this Greek landmark here will meet the love of his life when exiting the water. Those already spoken for can swim happily in some equally pretty but ultimately less busy spots either side.

Run Around the Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens

Almost all Athenians use the colloquial name Kallimarmaro for the Panathenaic Stadium, a vast, all-marble stadium that looks ancient but was actually built on the site of a former stadium for the first modern edition of the Olympic Games in 1896.

Now, it’s used mainly for ceremonial events such as the finishing line for the Athens Classic Marathon every November. The stadium is generally open to the public who are welcome to climb to the back-row seats, peek in through doors that once housed the athletes’ changing rooms, and take a jog or walk around the stadium’s athletics track.

Read: Three Days in Athens

Learn the Legend of the Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion

At the very tip of the Athenian Riviera lies Cape Sounion, a rocky promontory that cuts in the blue waters of the Aegean. As it rises from the water, it is topped by the Temple of Poseidon, one of the major monuments of Athens’ Golden Age from 480 to 404 BC.

The now-ruined temple is said to have been built in honor of the God of the Seas after King Aegeus of Athens threw himself to his death here. The king had mistakenly believed that his son Theseus had perished at the hands of the Cretan Minotaur.

Whether true or not, the views out to the islands of Kea, Kythos, and Aegina are quite spectacular. There’s also an onsite café with similar views. Coming here at sunset is one of the best things to do in Greece, and the most romantic.

Learn the Story of the Pheidippides, Marathon

When Greece—then a selection of city-states—was under threat from Persian invasion at the town of Marathon in 490 BC, a “day-runner” messenger called Pheidippides was dispatched from Athens. His mission was to run the 150 miles to the city of Sparta to request the help of their fierce armed forces.

Returning empty-handed, he is then said to have run 40 miles to the battlefield in Marathon and fought for the victorious Greeks before running back to Athens, proclaiming Athenian victory, and promptly dying from exhaustion.

His heroic exploits inspired both the modern marathon and the lesser-known Spartathlon race, widely recognized as the world’s toughest foot race with participants challenged to run 153 miles in less than 36 hours.

Outside the town of Marathon, on the plains where the battle took place, there is a statue to the 192 Athenians who gave their lives protecting western democracy as it was then, as well as a burial mound with their remains. There’s also a photo-worthy statue in honor of Pheidippides around 10 miles to the south, just outside the town of Rafina on the modern Marathon-to-Athens race route.

Climb to the Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes

It’s a common misconception that there is only one Acropolis. The name actually means “city on the edge” and there are many such ruins dotted around the country.

After the main star in Athens, the Acropolis in Lindos, Rhodes is probably the most visited, sitting on a flattened clifftop around 400 feet above the ocean. The steep climb is made on foot or by donkey and offers amazing views of the white cubist houses that tumble down the hillside to the main village, and the western coast of Turkey across the sea.

See the Ruins of Delos, near Mykonos

Just off the coast of Mykonos lies the barren island of Delos, the epitome of high civilization in the Aegean in the first millennium BC thanks to its status as a major religious center and port.

The mythical home of Apollo, the god of archery, music, and dance, is now uninhabited but is home to one of the major archaeological sites in the world. Over the years, digs have revealed markets, an amphitheater, temples, mosaics, and its most photographed relic, the iconic Terrace of the Lions. Once home to a dozen statues of fierce lions, there are just five of the snarling beasts still in place, but it’s not hard to imagine them once fulfilling their aim of instilling fear among worshippers visiting the island’s temples.

Visit the Home of Alexander in Vergina, near Thessaloniki

While Philippi was named after Alexander the Great’s father Phillip II, the first capital of their vast Empire was at Aigai, just outside the small town of Vergina, which was founded as long ago as 1000 BC.

Excavations in Vergina’s surroundings in the 1970s revealed a host of incredible treasures, including the tomb of Phillip II and a vast royal palace. Unlike other tombs found in the digs, Phillip’s had not been looted and many of the finds are displayed in the excellent Archeological Museum of Vergina, one of Greece’s most important museums.

Hike Through the Gorge of Therissos, Crete

Crete’s large size and towering mountains means it is criss-crossed by ancient rivers, many of which have carved deep gorges in the surrounding limestone rock.

A short drive from the port of Chania is Therissos Gorge, not only one of the most accessible but one of the best places for hiking in Greece. At just over five miles long and ranging from 50 feet to 250 feet in width, it is flanked by orange groves and vines, plane trees, and scarlet oleander.

The trail starts a few miles south of Chania itself and ends in the village of Therissos, both a gateway to the White Mountains and a hideout to freedom fighters who fought off Ottoman invaders at the turn of the 20th century. Their story is told in a local museum that was once the home of revolutionary hero Eleftherios Venizelos.

Take a Dip in Mysterious Lake Vouliagmeni, Vouliagmeni

The Athenian Riviera is famed for its long stretch of coast but some 20 miles outside the capital lies this deep and mysterious lake filled with a mixture of spring and salt water. Scientists remain  baffled as to its exact origin and a very deep and cordoned off submerged well at one end only serves to add to the mystery.

The lake is carved naturally into a surrounding cliff and the water temperature never drops to less than 70°F. This along with the water’s rich mineral content, means the lake has become a totem for people attracted by claims of it being able to cure all manner of ailments from psoriasis to arthritis.

The facilities here are excellent for a day away from the beach, with umbrellas and sun loungers aplenty. There’s also a high-end onsite spa offering treatments, a café, and a gourmet restaurant that sits in a natural dip in the surrounding cliff walls.

Visit a Winery on Santorini

Santorini’s volcanic nature makes it ideal for viticulture. Not only does the soil add a smoky note to wines produced here, but the growing conditions in season are ideal: warm temperatures, low rainfall, and high humidity.

Local unique grape varieties include assyrtiko and athiri whites, and mandilaria and mavrotragano reds. Vines are unusually grown as “crowns”, low to the ground to avoid damage from the strong winds of August.

The island is home to around 20 wineries, many of which offer visits, tours, and tastings—an incredible amount for an island of less than 30 square miles, much of which is given over to the tourism industry.

Venetsanos Winery, which sits on the cliffs above the port, is a popular choice. It dates from 1947 and tastings take place on an open terrace with spectacular views over the two volcanic islands in the center of the caldera below.

Read: 7 Days in Greece: The Ultimate Itinerary

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