From Mythical Mountains to Sun-Kissed Shores
Greece is a love letter written in olive groves, whitewashed villages, and sapphire seas. It’s where ancient myths brush shoulders with modern magic, and every island, city, and hilltop seems to whisper stories. Whether you’re craving beachside bliss, cultural deep-dives, or postcard-perfect strolls, Greece has a slice for everyone. I’ve wandered through its bustling markets, lazed on hidden beaches, and danced in village squares, and I’m here to share my top 15 favorite places you absolutely must visit in Greece.
1. Athens
Best for History Lovers
If you’re a fan of legends, then Athens is your temple. This is where the gods once mingled and democracy was born. The Acropolis stands proudly over the city, and walking up to the Parthenon feels like stepping back 2,500 years.
But Athens is more than ruins—it’s a city buzzing with soul. Start your morning in Monastiraki, rummaging through flea markets and sipping freddo espresso. Then stroll through Plaka, the “neighborhood of the gods,” with its neoclassical homes and winding alleys.
For a dose of modern culture, check out the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center or catch an open-air movie in Thissio with the Acropolis glowing behind the screen.
2. Santorini
Best for Romance & Sunsets
Santorini is the showstopper of the Greek islands—and for good reason. That iconic caldera view? It’s even better in person. Think sugar-cube houses perched on volcanic cliffs, glowing golden at sunset. Oia steals the spotlight with its blue-domed churches and dreamy lanes, but if you want to skip the crowds, Imerovigli is your haven.
Take the scenic Fira-to-Oia cliff walk (about 10 km), and be ready for jaw-dropping views at every turn. Want to soak in the volcanic vibes? Head down to the black sand beach of Perissa or take a boat trip to the hot springs near Nea Kameni. For a local bite, try “fava” (mashed yellow split peas) or the island’s famous cherry tomatoes—small but mighty in flavor.
Local tip: For the most romantic dinner, grab a table at a cliffside taverna in Firostefani and time it just before sunset. Trust me, it’s a moment you’ll never forget.
3. Crete
Best for Foodies & Culture Buffs
Crete isn’t just Greece’s biggest island—it’s a world of its own. Mountain villages, turquoise beaches, deep gorges, and rich history all bundled into one island. If you love food, you’ll be in heaven here.
Start in Chania’s Old Town, a Venetian harbor with colorful buildings, buzzing tavernas, and narrow alleys to get deliciously lost in. Then venture inland to taste homemade cheese, honey, and raki (the local spirit—sip slowly!).
History lovers, don’t miss the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, once the heart of the Minoan civilization. And if you’re into hikes, the Samaria Gorge offers a 16-km trek through wild terrain, ending at the sea.
Try this: Ask for “dakos” at a local taverna—it’s a Cretan bruschetta with tomatoes, feta, olive oil, and crunchy barley rusk.
4. Mykonos
Best for Party Lovers & Luxe Living
Sure, Mykonos has a wild party reputation—and it lives up to it—but there’s so much more beneath the surface. Windmills swaying over Little Venice, whitewashed alleys dripping with bougainvillea, designer boutiques nestled next to traditional tavernas—it’s a whirlwind of glamour and authenticity.
By day, soak up the sun at Psarou or Paraga Beach, or explore the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town (Chora). By night, dance till dawn at world-famous beach clubs or sip cocktails at cozy bars overlooking the Aegean.
Local tip: If you want a quieter slice of Mykonos, visit Ano Mera, a sleepy inland village with a beautiful monastery and traditional eateries.
5. Thessaloniki
Best for Nightlife & Urban Vibes
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city but has a unique heartbeat of its own. It’s cool, edgy, and a bit rebellious—with layers of history and a killer food scene.
Wander the Ano Poli (Upper Town) for views and traditional homes, or stroll along the seaside promenade all the way to the White Tower. You’ll bump into Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman baths—all in one afternoon.
By night, Thessaloniki comes alive. Bars, tavernas, live music joints—it’s got the best nightlife in the country.
6. Rhodes
Best for History & Island Hopping
Rhodes is where knights meet beaches. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with medieval walls, cobbled streets, and the imposing Palace of the Grand Master. You’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled to the Crusades.
But Rhodes also boasts stunning beaches and lively villages. Head south to Lindos, a whitewashed wonder crowned by an ancient acropolis overlooking turquoise bays. You can ride a donkey up or just enjoy the view with your feet on the ground.
Rhodes is also a great base for island hopping in the Dodecanese.
Did you know? The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood at the harbor’s entrance.
7. Corfu
Best for Green Escapes & British Heritage
Corfu is lush, green, and a little different. It’s heavily influenced by Venetian, French, and British rule—and you’ll see it in the architecture, food, and even the cricket pitch in the middle of town.
Corfu Town is pastel-perfect, with narrow alleys (called kantounia), elegant arcades, and charming cafes. Outside the town, explore mountain villages like Lakones or head to Paleokastritsa for turquoise coves and cliffside monasteries.
Fun fact: The James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only was filmed at the Achilleion Palace—once the summer retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
8. Meteora
Best for Spiritual Views & Adventure
Meteora is pure magic. Giant rock pillars rise out of the earth like fingers reaching for the sky, and atop them sit ancient monasteries that look like they’re floating. It’s not just a spiritual experience—it’s an awe-inducing one.
There are six functioning monasteries left (out of 24 that once stood), and you can visit most of them. My favorite? The Holy Trinity Monastery—it’s the one you might recognize from the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. The 140-step climb is worth every breath.
Hiking is big here. Trails weave between the cliffs, and the golden light at sunset turns the whole landscape into a painting.
Pro tip: Dress modestly for the monasteries (shoulders and knees covered). They sometimes offer wraps at the entrance if you forget.
9 Nafplio
Best for Couples & Slow Travel
Nafplio is elegance by the sea. Just a 2-hour drive from Athens, it’s often called the most romantic town in mainland Greece. Cobbled streets, flowered balconies, neoclassical mansions—it’s got serious charm.
Stroll along the waterfront promenade, explore the Palamidi Fortress (with 999 steps—yes, I counted), and hop on a boat to visit Bourtzi Castle sitting right in the harbor.
The pace here is slow. It’s all about long lunches in the sun and lazy beach afternoons. Karathona Beach is a local favorite, with clear water and shady trees.
10. Paros
Best for Laid-Back Cycladic Charm
Paros is like the cooler, less crowded sibling of Mykonos and Santorini. It’s got that classic Cycladic look—white houses, blue domes—but a much more relaxed vibe.
Naoussa is the heartthrob here, a former fishing village turned chic harbor town where you can dine on fresh seafood right by the water. Lefkes, inland, is a postcard-perfect village with marble alleys and serene energy.
For beach days, head to Kolymbithres with its sculpted rock formations or Golden Beach for windsurfing thrills.
11. Milos
Best for Beach Lovers & Offbeat Charm
If you’re dreaming of beaches that feel straight out of a dream, Milos needs to be on your radar. Tucked into the Cyclades, this volcanic island is a wonderland of surreal landscapes and hidden coves.
Sarakiniko Beach looks like the moon—smooth white rocks, turquoise waters, and all. You’ll also find colorful fishing villages like Klima, where boat garages are painted in rainbow hues right on the water.
Milos has over 70 beaches to explore—yes, 70! Some, like Firiplaka and Tsigrado, are tucked between cliffs and only reachable with a little adventure (think ladders and rope descents).
Fun fact: The famous Venus de Milo statue now in the Louvre was discovered right here.
12. Delphi
Best for Ancient Mystique & Mountain Views
Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Athens, Delphi was once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek religion. Standing among its ruins, you can almost hear the whisper of the Oracle, who once advised kings and generals here.
The Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, and the stadium all frame an awe-inspiring view down the valley to the Gulf of Corinth. The Delphi Archaeological Museum nearby is packed with treasures like the famous Charioteer statue.
Local tip: Stay overnight in the charming village of Arachova just nearby. It’s full of cozy tavernas, mountain air, and feels especially magical if you visit during the quieter months.
13. Naxos
Best for Families & Hidden Gems
Naxos flies a bit under the radar, which is exactly why I love it. It’s less touristy than its Cycladic neighbors but has golden beaches, mountain villages, and some of the best local produce in Greece.
Plaka Beach is perfect for families—calm waters, soft sand, and space to stretch out. Inland, visit the charming village of Apeiranthos, made of marble and rich in tradition.
Don’t miss the ancient Temple of Apollo’s Portara—best seen at sunset as the sky turns pink over the Aegean.
14. Zakynthos
Best for Dramatic Scenery & Turquoise Waters
Zakynthos (Zante) is pure Greek island drama—in the best way. Think towering cliffs, hidden sea caves, and beaches so blue they almost don’t look real.
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) is the star: a cove framed by cliffs, with a rusted shipwreck resting on white sands. You can view it from the cliffside platform or take a boat trip to get up close.
The island is also home to the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles, who nest along Laganas Bay. And for jaw-dropping sunsets, head to Keri Lighthouse—it’s a moment you won’t soon forget.
Hot tip: Rent a small boat yourself (no license needed for tiny ones) and explore the Blue Caves at your own pace. The light filtering through the water is pure magic.
15. Delos
Best for Myth & Mystery
Tiny but mighty, Delos is one of the most sacred islands in Greece. According to myth, it’s the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and walking through its ruins feels like stepping into ancient legend.
You can only visit on a day trip (usually from Mykonos), but what you see is unforgettable: marble lions, temples, mosaics, and a whole ancient city frozen in time. There are no modern buildings here, just echoes of the past.
Hot tip: Wear a hat and bring water—the sun is strong and there’s very little shade.
Wrap-Up
There’s no single way to do Greece right—only your way. Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars in Santorini, hiking through the monasteries of Meteora, lazing on secret beaches in Milos, or dancing until sunrise in Mykonos, Greece wraps you in its warmth. The food, the people, the stories—they stay with you long after your trip ends.