Listing all the must-see places in Greece would be impossible. But after traveling to 8 islands and 3 destinations on the mainlandI saw beautiful places in Greece! From rugged, snow-capped mountains to ancient ruins, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Greece has something to offer every traveler.
With the beautiful greek islandssome of the best places to visit in Greece are the country’s amazing cities and historical sites.
Greece is the cradle of democracy and also the cradle of Western civilization. With its mix of awe-inspiring beauty and history, tasty cuisine and welcoming people, Greece is certainly one of the best destinations to visit – in the world, in my opinion.
The best places to visit in Greece
If you’re planning a trip soon, be sure to check our epic travel guide to Greece. Not only is it one of the the cheapest places to travelbut it is also on our list of the best countries to travel for food.
All right, let’s go. Are you wondering where to go in Greece? In no particular order, here is a list of my favorites.
1. Santorini
The first time we visited Santorini was in 2011! We spent 5 days hiking, wine tasting, swimming and getting lost in the picturesque villages.
Santorini is probably one of the most famous places to visit in Greece: it is the diamond of the Aegean Sea. Thousands of people are drawn each year to the beauty of this island and leave knowing that there is nowhere else like it.
This spectacular location is one of the most picturesque of all the Greek islands. Picturesque and world famous, Santorini you have to see it to believe it.
Dive into the turquoise waters, stroll through the beautiful villages and dine in the fine restaurants, Santorini will steal your heart.
Location: Cyclades, South Aegean Sea | Atmosphere: Touristy, romantic, picture perfect | Ideal for: Honeymoon, Luxury, Relaxation
Best tours and activities in Santorini:
- Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise (including barbecue, drinks and transport – it’s very note !)
- Luxury Santorini Volcano Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Drinks (a romantic sail at sunset)
- Customized Private Tour – Explore Santorini (flexible itinerary
- Vineyards tour with wine tasting and gastronomy (small group, 10 wine tastings!)
My personal strengths: Ride scooters around the island with Nick, watch the sunset from the cliff every evening, taste wine at Gavalas Winery, and spend the day lazing on Red Beach!
Where to stay in Santorini: Here is a list of the 3 top-rated affordable properties in Santorini. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.
- Villa Valvis – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- They pay – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Fileria Suites – Rating 9.1. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
☞ Click here to compare prices and see reviews of all accommodation options available in Santorini on Booking.com.
It’s still one of my favorite places in Greece – it’s touristy, but for good reason. Learn more about the 15 best things to see and do in Santorini by our message.
2.Paros
I fell in love with Paros when we spent 8 days on the island celebrating our friend’s wedding. After landing at the airport, we rented a car and drove to Naoussa where we based ourselves for 8 days.
From there we would hop in the car and head to different coves, beachside restaurants, and awesome cliffside hikes. It’s a perfect size island!
We spent our days lazing on the beautiful beaches of Paros, visiting picturesque villages, tasting wine and of course eating amazingly fresh seafood. If you like to party, you will find it in Paros… but you can also easily find quiet places. We absolutely loved our 8 night stay here.
Location: Cyclades, South Aegean Sea | Atmosphere: Chic, party, picture perfect | Ideal for: Food, Nightlife, Beach
Best tours and activities in Paros:
- Full-day cruise to Antiparos and Despotiko from Paros
- Cooking classes in Paros
- Paros: Sea Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Snack or Picnic
- Paros: small boat rental for the day with autonomous driving – we did this in Corfu and we loved it!
My personal strengths: Besides seeing my best friends get married, I loved the wine tasting at Domaine Moraitis (2020’s stash was amazing), drive around the island, stopping for lunch at seaside tavernas and visiting the picturesque town of Lefkes.
Paros is said to be like Mykonos 20 years ago – offering atmosphere without the crowds and high prices. In addition, there are many things to do in Paros to keep you busy. This is one of the best places to go in Greece. Click here for a superb budget accommodation option in Paros.
3. Crete
Ah, Crete. An island that stole our hearts in 2011! Since then, we’ve been to Crete two more times, and we’re about to do a third: we’re getting married there!
It’s the largest island in Greece and it’s no surprise that there are endless things to see and do in Crete. The island receives snow in winter on its highest peak!
We loved swimming in the sea in spring with the snow-capped mountains in the background, it was magical.
Not only does Crete have mountains and beaches, but the hikes are impressive, the historical sites are superb, and the island has its own tasty cuisine. I can’t wait to go back to Crete!
Location: Southernmost island, Cretan Sea | Atmosphere: Soulful, Wild, Authentic | Ideal for: Food, beach, history, adventure, culture
Best tours and activities in Crete:
- Olive Oil, Wine, Cheese and Honey Tasting Tour – departs from Chania
- Boat trip to Lazaretta Island with swimming stop – departure from Chania
- Day trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island – several starting points
- Go hiking (use All trails to find the best trailheads)
My personal strengths: Difficult to specify! Driving our little rental car to Balos beach, exploring the Lisithi plateau and eating at little tavernas was great fun. I also loved sailing from Rethymno and doing multiple hikes through beautiful gorges.
Where to stay in Crete: Chania is a great region to base yourself in. Our friends stayed at The Royal Sunand we stayed at Apartments sought after.
Because Crete is so big, it’s more like a “mini-island”, it’s not the kind of place you can see in just a few days. Base yourself west or east and only explore that area, otherwise you’ll find yourself in a vehicle all the time – when you should be at the beach!
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things to See and Do in Naxos
☞ SEE ALSO: The 15 best Airbnbs in Naxos
4. Corfu
We celebrated our 10th anniversary here on the island of Corfu! Besides its rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan ambiance, the island also offers rugged mountains and some of the best beaches in Greece.
Corfu is certainly one of the most popular places to visit in Greece, but if crowds of tourists aren’t your thing, don’t worry: secluded beaches stretch along Corfu’s winding coastline. With so many beaches on offer, it’s very easy to find your perfect little slice of paradise.
Besides the white sandy beaches, there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu Old Town. For me, Corfu Town was a real highlight: we came here several times and loved walking the narrow streets and sipping local wine in the restaurant. Leap.
Location: Northern Ionian Islands | Atmosphere: Cosmopolitan, European, Tourist | Ideal for: Luxury, Beach Lovers, History, Relaxation
Best tours and activities in Corfu:
- Full-day boat tour to the Blue Caves of Paxos Antipaxos (very popular and fun day trip)
- Small-Group Food and Culture Tour in Corfu
- Governor’s Olive Mill Tour with Olive Oil Tasting (we loved this tour!)
- Half-day sailboat cruise in Corfu (ideal for groups)
- Corfu Town: Guided Walking Tour and Local Food Tastings (highly rated, ideal for gourmets!)
My personal strengths: I loved renting our own private boat and sail along the shore! Mooring at little taverns for lunch and anchorage offshore in our own private coves. That, plus olive oil tasting and walking around Corfu Town.
In all, Corfu is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and there are an infinity things to do in Corfu. Learn more about where to stay in Corfu in our complete guide to the best neighborhoods on the island.
Where to stay in Corfu: Here is a list of the 3 best-rated affordable accommodations in Corfu on Booking.com. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.
- Sea view – Rating 9.2. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Tango Apartment on the Beach – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia – Rating 9.0. Discover this hotel here. This is one of the places we stayed during our anniversary and we really enjoyed it. We also stayed at Marbella and I also recommend this hotel.
☞ Click here To see all the accommodation options available in Corf you on Booking.com
During our trip to Corfu we created two videos showcasing our experience on the island to give you an idea of what Corfu is like and if it’s a place in Greece you want to visit. Take a look at Part 1 And Part 2.
5. Zante
We spent 10 days exploring Zakythos by car. Home to some of the best nightlife in the Greek islands, it is one of the most beautiful places in the entire Mediterranean. Turquoise water, white sand beaches and huge chalk-white cliffs give Zakynthos its characteristic beauty.
Zakynthos is one of the best places to visit in Greece for a beach holiday – there are 27 beaches on the island – and we found ourselves lazing on quite a few of them!
The island is also home to one of the most photographed places in Greece, Shipwreck Cove. Otherwise known as Navagio Beach, this alone makes Zakynthos a must-visit destination.
Whether you see it from above or decide to take a boat, make sure to visit Shipwreck Cove – I couldn’t believe the view, it was beautiful.
Location: Ionian Islands | Atmosphere: Party, Beach, Vacation | Ideal for: Beach lovers, party people, group trips
Best tours and activities in Zakynthos:
- Zakynthos: Small-Group Day Tour to Navagio Blue Caves Beach and Top View
- Private 7m 250hp Shipwreck Blue Caves Speed Boat Tour for up to 9 people – ideal for groups!
- Zakynthos Island: Navagio Wreck Beach and Blue Caves Tour
- Laganas: Zakynthos Off-Road Buggy Adventure with Lunch
My personal strengths: I loved everything about our trip, but especially all the beaches – we went to 9 beaches! Gerakas Beach was my favorite, but I also enjoyed the cavernous, crystal-clear waters of Porto Limnionas and swimming off the coast of Marathonisi Island on our private boat tour.
Where to stay in Zakynthos: Here is a list of the 3 top-rated affordable properties in Zakynthos. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.
- Armonia Boutique Hotel – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Denise Apartments – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Αggi’s – Rating 9.0. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
We stayed at Katerina Rooms and loved our time there – the owner was very nice! Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Zakynthos on Booking.com
Zakynthos is also one of the biggest party spots on the Greek islands. So if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife and idyllic beauty, Zakynthos is a place that ticks all the boxes. There are so many things to do in Zakynthosyou will never get bored.
To learn more about traveling to Zakynthos, check out our articles on these popular places: Gerakas Beach, Navagio Beach, Laganas Beach, town of Zante, Banana Beach, Porto Azzuro, Porto Limnionas, Kéri, Alykes, Xigia BeachAnd Psarou Beach
And don’t miss our video on the best things to do on the island of Zakynthos!
7. Athens (one of the best cities in Greece to visit)
Whether you like cities or not, a visit to Athens should be on your list when choosing where to go in Greece. Not only do most international flights arrive here, but you won’t want to miss the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Plaka district and Monistraki Square.
We spent our days wandering around Monistraki Square and the surrounding food and fish markets, watching the changing of the guard ceremony at the Parliament, and exploring the Acropolis for hours.
Not to mention that some of the best restaurants are in the capital! We’ve certainly eaten our way through Athens…you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to authentic cuisine.
This city is one of the best places to visit in Greece for dining. Be sure to check out these best restaurants in Athensand get ready to see your waistline increase.
Athens may be bustling and a little wild, but there are few cities on earth that are filled with so much history – it’s the birthplace of democracy and accredited as the founder of Western civilization, it’s a city that spans the ages.
Location: Mainland Greece | Atmosphere: Chaotic, Bold, Urban, Lively | Ideal for: History buffs, city lovers
Best tours and activities in Athens:
- All-Inclusive Athens: Acropolis and Museum on a Guided Cultural Walking Tour
- Full-Day Cruise: 3 Islands in Agistri, Moni and Aegina with Lunch and Drinks Included
- Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens
- Athens: Meteora Day Trip by Train, English or Spanish and Lunch
- From Athens: Day Trip to Delphi and Arachova
My personal strengths: People watching is one of my favorite things to do in Athens! I loved ordering a gyro at one of the nearby restaurants, sitting in Monistraki Square and just enjoying it all.
Over the years we have spent 4 days in the city – Athens is a must visit and is probably the best city to visit in Greece as a whole. There are an infinity of them things to do in Athensyou will never be bored here!
Where to stay in Athens: Here is a list of the 3 top-rated affordable properties in Athens. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.
- Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel – Score 8.7. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Electra Hotel in Athens – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Best apartments, hotels and hostels in Athens – there are some great options on Booking.com, click here
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Athens on Booking.com.
☞ SEE ALSO: Discovering the magic of Kefalonia – Our 5-day travel guide
8. Rhodes
The island of Rhodes, located off the southwest coast of Turkey, is one of the most visited places in the Greek islands. Rhodes caters to all tastes, from backpackers to the rich and famous, all drawn to this teardrop of the Aegean Sea.
We only stopped at this island by ferry, but we would love to come back to see more.
The island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town, was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. This kind of history, along with the incredible landscapes, nightlife and swimming spots, makes Rhodes one of the best places to visit in Greece.
Location: Aegean Seanear Turkiye (Türkiye) | Atmosphere: Lively, Holidays | Ideal for: History buffs, party animals, beach lovers
Best tours and activities in Rhodes:
- Rhodes Full-Day Cruise with Greek Buffet Lunch and Unlimited Drinks
- Best of Rhodes Tour including Lindos and Medieval Town
- Best of Rhodes Tour including Lindos and Medieval Town
- Rhodes: All-Inclusive Day Cruise with BBQ and Unlimited Drinks
- Rhodes: Pirate Route Sea Kayak Tour
Where to stay in Rhodes: Stegna sea view apartment – Rating 9.6. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com.
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Rhodes on Booking.com
Whether you want to party the night away in Faliraki or relax in luxury at one of the many 5 star hotelsRhodes covers all types of travelers. As you’ve probably already noticed, Greece is the perfect blend of paradise and history, with Rhodes being no different.
To find out more, see our full Rhodes Greece travel guide.
9. Meteor
The next step is something a little different. Meteora is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece and Europe as a whole!
Located in the heart of northern Greece, Meteora is home to some of the most spectacular Orthodox churches in the world… but not just any churches…
Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, Meteora is a place where Orthodox monasteries are built of stone and perched precariously atop towering rocks – there’s nothing like it!
THE Meteora Monasteries are one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that i received dual status. UNESCO assigns two different world heritage statuses, one for art and one for nature. The stunning cliffs and hoodoos of Meteora received both.
Location: Mainland Greece4 hours from Athens | Atmosphere: Serene, Spiritual | Ideal for: History enthusiasts, Nature lovers
Best Tours & Activities in Meteora:
- Half-day small-group tour of Meteora Monasteries with transportation
- Sunset Tour: discovery of the secrets of Meteora in a small group
- Secret Caves of Meteora – Sunset Hike
- Magical Meteora Sunset Tour
Where to stay in Meteora: Here is a list of the 3 top-rated affordable properties in Meteora. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.
- Hotel Anax – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Gkoura Guest House – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Archontiko Mesohori Suites & Apartments – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Meteora on Booking.com
Meteora is a breathtaking place that you won’t want to miss. If you don’t have enough time to stay in Meteora, this tour of Athens is the best way to visit this incredible site.
☞ SEE ALSO: Chios, Greece: discover the magic of the North Aegean Sea
10. Skyros
Located in the central Aegean Sea, Skyros is known for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline and seaside villages. Steeped in tradition and still relatively untouched, Skyros is a great choice for an idyllic getaway.
The north is rolling farmland and pine forests, but the south is characterized by barren hills and rocky shores. Skyros has managed to go unnoticed for a long time and does not attract the masses of tourists like most other Greek islands.
If you arrive in Skyros, keep an eye out for the island’s legendary wild horses! For millennia, Skyrian horses have roamed the island, but unfortunately they are becoming fewer and fewer in number. Who knows how much longer you will be able to see these animals in the wild.
Location: Northern Sporades Islands, Aegean Sea | Atmosphere: Authentic, Calm, Relaxed | Ideal for: Off-piste, Slow-Travel, Culture
Where to stay in Skyros: Eleana Studios – Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com and Hotel Ammos – Rating 9.1. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Skyros.
☞ SEE ALSO: Visiting Lesvos, Greece: our 5-day travel guide
11. Skiathos
Skiathos is home to some of the the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. Best known for its beach and nightlife, Skiathos has exploded onto many travelers’ itineraries in recent years.
With crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, as well as incredible nightlife spots, it’s easy to see why. Despite the influx of tourism, this Aegean island has lost none of its beauty.
There are over 60 stunning beaches here, as well as hiking trails through rolling pine forests, Skiathos is a nature lover’s dream. I thought the best beaches were in Kefalonia, but it looks like Skiathos might be the winner!
Location: Northern Sporades Islands | Atmosphere: Touristic, Lively, Lush | Ideal for: Nature, Nightlife, Beaches
Best tours and activities in Skiathos:
- All-inclusive full-day cruise and lunch
- Island hopping from Skiathos
- Private boat cruise around Skiathos island
- From Skiathos: Boat Trip to Skopelos and Alonissos with Stops
- Skiathos: All-Inclusive Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Lunch
Where to stay in Skiathos: Zoe Villas – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Skiathos
Besides the natural beauty of the island, there is also the town of Skiathos which perfectly caters to tourists. Good restaurants spill out onto the streets where you can sit and dine all evening as the sun slowly dips into the sea.
If you choose one thing to do in Skiathos, take this sailing trip which includes snorkel gear, food and drinks – you might even spot dolphins!
☞ SEE ALSO: The best time to visit Greece and the Greek islands
12. Halkidiki
We spent a few days in the town of Thessaloniki last year, and just to the south is the Halkidiki peninsula. This could very well be Greece’s best kept secret.
Home to some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in mainland Greece, the Halkidiki Peninsula is divided into three “fingers” extending into the Aegean Sea.
There are the golden sandy beaches of the headland of Sithonia, the resorts and restaurants of Kassandra and finally the mysterious Athos which is home to some of the most stoic monastic communities in Greece – it’s traditional in the extreme.
When combined, the three headlands of the peninsula come together to create the perfect getaway!
Location: Northern Greece, mainland | Atmosphere: casual, lush, diverse | Ideal for: Beaches, Road Trips, Nature
Best tours and activities in Chalkidiki:
- Mount Athos & visit to Ammouliani Island (mixed cruise)
- Daily Private Cruise Best of Halkidiki
- Private sailing trip
Where to stay in Halkidiki: Marianna Apartments – Score 9.6. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com and Villa Kristy – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Chalkidiki
Halkidiki, at the moment, is still relatively uncrowded. It’s unclear how long this will last…visit shortly before the news gets out.
13. Chios
Chios is off-piste and very underrated. We flew to this island from Athens, picked up our rental car at the airport, and explored for 5 days – we absolutely loved it!
Medieval villages, stunning beaches, unique accommodation options and excellent restaurants make this island one of the best places to visit in Greece.
Additionally, it is the home of mastiha (Lastic) trees grown all over the world… BUT the trees of Chios produce a special sap that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s definitely sought after! You will find mastiha produced all over the island and we loved learning about it all at the Mastic Museum.
Not only were the sights and history of Chios amazing, but we also had great encounters with people: strangers on the street, staff at our accommodation, people on tour, and everyone in between. Chios remains one of our favorite places in Greece.
Location: North Aegean Islands – near Turkey Atmosphere: Off-Piste, Authentic, Traditional, Wild | Ideal for: Culture, Road Trips, Slow Travel
Best tours and activities in Chios:
- Half-day guided tour in Chios
- Kampos Private Walking Tour
- Chios: Sailing Cruise to the Oinouses with Meals and Drinks
My personal strengths: I really loved how off-piste this island was. It wasn’t as crowded as many other islands in Greece. Because of this, I had a lot of authentic interactions with locals, which was a highlight. Discovering Mastiha was also interesting, as were the Mastiha cocktails at Oz Bar!
Where to stay in Chios: We stayed at Emporios Bay Hotel and highly recommend it. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. Click here to see all accommodation options available in Chios on Booking.com
14. Lesvos
From Chios we took a ferry to Lesbos and spent 5 days on the island. There is enough things to see and do in Lesbos to keep you busy.
Lesbos is the third largest island of the country and is one of those places to go in Greece if you are looking for a place away from the crowds.
I loved exploring the pottery-filled mountain village of Agiasos and the petrified forest to the west, but my favorite area was the picturesque coastal town of Petra. Lesvos is truly a diverse destination in Greece.
If you’re looking for adventure, Lesvos is also a great place to explore both above and below the water! We participated in a unique experience combining sailing and scuba diving and had an amazing day.
For scuba diving, visit the Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Center and for sailing, check out George at Alternative Sailing – two professional companies we recommend.
Location: North Aegean Islands – near Turkey Atmosphere: Robust, Authentic, Casual | Ideal for: Culture, Gastronomy, Nature, Slow-Travel
My personal strengths: Lesvos is one of those places that doesn’t really have any guided tours you can book. Fortunately, we were able to meet the guys from Alternative navigation and they organized a day on the water, with lunch and scuba diving from a zodiac boat! That day, and relax at Reef Beach Bar on the deck chairs were some of the highlights for me.
Where to stay in Lesvos: I highly recommend Archontiko Petras 1821! Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path stay in Greece, Lesbos is a good option. Rent a car like we did and explore the island – it’s a slow-paced place, so do like the locals and take your time.
15. Mykonos
There are countless islands to visit in Greece, and Mykonos certainly deserves a place on the list.
While Mykonos is a great place to visit in Greece with friends (because of the fun parties), it also has a laid-back side, with fairly narrow streets and alleys, wine tasting toursincredible sunsets, interesting museums and small villages to visit.
We haven’t been to this Cycladic island yet, but it’s one of the most popular in Greece and we can’t wait to visit it one day. Just like its neighbor Santorini, Mykonos is known for its whitewashed houses, blue roofs and crystal clear waters.
Location: Cyclades island chain | Atmosphere: Glamorous, Hedonistic, High Energy | Ideal for: Nightlife, luxury, entertainment
Best tours and activities in Mykonos:
- Mykonos Shore Excursion with Cruise Ship Terminal Pickup
- Mykonos Half-Day Small-Group Tour
- Catamaran in Mykonos, daytime or sunset sailing with food and drinks
Where to stay in Mykonos: Discover the super highly rated ones Mykonos Soul Luxury Suites. And Click here for a highly recommended villa in Mykonos.
You don’t have to be a party animal to enjoy a trip to Mykonos. Take a look at our list of best things to do in Mykonos for all types of travelers.
Places to Visit in Greece for History
History buffs, rejoice! Greece is full of historical sites to discover. Even though it’s not about islands or cities, I wanted to add these best places to visit in Greece to this list! Don’t miss these incredible sights.
Knossos
Near Heraklion, Crete, is the Minoan ruins of Knossos. This Bronze Age relic was once home to the powerful Minoan civilization that dominated the region over 5,000 years ago.
We drove about 40 minutes from our small apartment in Stalida to reach the ruins, but if you are coming from the Cretan capital (Heraklion) it is only a 20 minute drive.
The ruins of Knossos are the best preserved Bronze Age relics in all of Greece and are an incredible sight to see. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Crete.
In addition to pretty mosaics and beautiful pottery, there is also the Hall of Kings, where the legend of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth was played out. We spent about 2 hours in Knossos walking around and imagining what life must have been like over 5,000 years ago!
Location: Island of Crete | Ideal for: History buffs, all travelers
Best tours and activities in Knossos: Guided walking tour of Knossos Palace – including guide and entrance fees
Where to stay near Knossos: Here is a list of the 3 top-rated affordable properties near Knossos. Click on the links and check them out for yourself!
- Christina Apartments – Rating 8.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- A party – Rating 9.8. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
- Z Boutique Hotel – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
☞ Click here to see all available accommodation options near Knossos on Booking.com
The ruins of Knossos are a must-see when visiting the Island of Crete. Greece has a long history and Knossos is a great place to get a glimpse of the past.
To find out more about traveling to Crete, check out our complete guide to the islandand our guide to visiting Elounda.
Olympia
Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, is another place to visit in Greece etched in history.
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Gods, it is still possible to see the old stadium and training grounds of the Olympians. At that time, Olympia would have been one of the best cities to visit in Greece.
In addition to the stadium and training grounds, the Accredited by UNESCO Olympia also has some of the best preserved monuments and temples in all of Greece.
Best Tours & Activities in Olympia:
- Olympia – Half Day Tour
- Private Tour: Agricultural Farm Visit and Free Time in Olympia
- Private guided tour of the Olympia and the museum
These sacred monuments are dedicated to the great gods of old such as Zeus and Hera. Situated in the rugged hills of the Peloponnese, the Valley of the Gods is an impressive place.
Besides Olympia itself, the valley also has incredible hiking and mountain biking trails and is located close to the Alfos River Valley. All this combined makes Olympia and the Valley of the Gods one of the best places to visit in Greece. Click here for an excellent private tour of Olympia.
Delphi
Here is another destination for history lovers. Delphi, the religious center of the ancient world, still endures today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place that drew people (even kings) to hear the words of the Oracle.
The Oracle of Delphi has been etched in Greek history and the words of the priestess of Apollo have resonated through the ages.
Best tours and activities in Delphi:
- HIKING OR BIKING DELPHI Private guided tour with olive growing option
- Delphi: Archaeological Site and Museum Entrance Ticket and Audio
The Temple of Apollo still exists and is one of the highlights of Delphi. Besides the Temple of Apollo, there is also the Athena Priene, a theater and an ancient stadium.
Wander among the ruins and step back in time. Delphi is definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece. Delphi makes for a great day adventure from Athens. Check this much appreciated trip.
Mycenae
Finally, we have a city that towers above the myths and legends of old. The walls of Mycenae were so high that the ancient Greeks attributed their creation to Cyclops.
The city of Mycenae dates back to a time before Greece and features in tales such as the fall of Troy. Its most famous ruler was the powerful King Agamemnon himself.
Separating history from myth is very difficult in Mycenae, as the city was at its peak over 3,500 years ago! Mycenae is located far from the beaten tourist track and will take you to a part of the country that few tourists have the opportunity to see.
Without a doubt, Mycenae is one of the great archaeological sites of Greece and will leave you amazed by the technical prowess of the ancients. Culture, landscapes and history come together to make Mycenae one of the country’s must-see destinations.
Find Mycenae on the map, here. Or, take this day trip from Athens what is the best way to see Mycenae.
How to get around Greece
Knowing the beautiful destinations in Greece is one thing, but getting there will take a bit of planning. There are six main island groups, plus mainland Greece.
You can fly to almost anywhere from Athens, or for a more interesting way to get around you can take a few flights. island hopping by ferry.
We always rent a car on every Greek island we visit as it’s a great way to have some flexibility and freedom during your trip. Driving on the islands is easy and rental cars are affordable. Click here to find the latest prices on rental cars.
From Athens, there are 8 different ports you can take a ferry to directly, including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Heraklion (Crete). Easily search ferry schedules, routes and prices here.
Best eSIM for Greece
Before you travel to Greece, make sure you have an eSIM for your phone. Stay connected abroad is important.
Whether you want to post stunning photos of Greece destinations on Instagram, contact your accommodation, book a carfind a place to eat or navigate using Google Maps, you will need to have data about your trip.
We use and recommend eSIM Holafly. They are easy to install (it takes less than 5 minutes) and no physical SIM card is needed: everything is virtual. With Greece eSIMs, you will benefit from unlimited data and 60 minutes of local calls (sending and receiving).
Once you arrive at your destination, simply activate eSIM in your phone settings and you will be connected immediately. Goats On The Road readers get 5% off, click here to learn more about getting an eSIM for Greece.
Have fun in Greece!
This incredible country offers the perfect blend of relaxation, culture and history. A visit to Greece is one you will never forget and this country will attract you again and again.
We also have lots of useful travel information, including where to stay, when to go, the best things to do and much more. To find out more, see our Greece travel guide.
