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The Best Things to Do in Greece

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Published on: January 22nd, 2025

Last updated: January 22nd, 2025

The best things to do in Greece range from touring some of the world’s most important archaeological ruins in Athens and Peloponnese to soaking in the Mediterranean sun on the beaches of Crete, Paros and Milos. This country boasts historical monuments, hiking trails and museums galore, plus phenomenal cuisine, cultural events and timeless traditions that intertwine its illustrious past and alluring present.

Greece abounds with intriguing history, ancient mythology, stunning scenery and captivating culture. Its storied sites are the stuff of legend – not to mention postcards – but there’s also a plethora of lesser-known places to explore, each of which promises endless activities.

The Acropolis of Athens with the Parthenon at sunset.

Explore Athens and the Acropolis

We can’t discuss sightseeing in Greece without mentioning the Acropolis, which every traveller ought to see at least once. This ancient complex sits more than 150 metres (500 feet) above the centre of Athens, with the world-famous Parthenon at its heart. The surrounding streets and alleyways of the capital are also well worth exploring, packed with lively cafés, fantastic restaurants and plenty of other intriguing historical sites.

Crystal blue water with a boat in front of a mountainous coastline under a clear sky.

Go Greek island hopping

Greece boasts some 6,000 islands strewn across the Aegean and Ionian seas, fewer than 4% of which are inhabited. To fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Greek Islands, we suggest combining a handful of our favourite spots, which are connected by ferries and flights. There’s no need to choose between the glittering nightlife of Mykonos or the laidback lifestyle of Folegandros; you can experience a bit of everything on a bespoke island hopping adventure.

Sunset over a serene sea with white buildings cascading down a cliff.

See the sunset in Santorini

Santorini is among the world’s most romantic locales, and its sunsets are nothing short of surreal. The combination of Oia’s blue-and-white buildings, jagged cliffs and sweeping caldera creates an unbelievably picturesque backdrop as the sun sinks below the horizon. We highly suggest enjoying the spectacle from your own private terrace at Canaves Epitome, ideally with a glass of local Assyrtiko wine in hand.

A river flowing through a narrow canyon with towering cliffs and a walkway along its side.

Trek through the forests and gorges of Crete

If you’re hoping to do some hiking, Crete is one of the top places to visit in Greece. It’s especially famous for the Samariá Gorge: a national park and biosphere reserve that boasts exceptional hiking trails. You can even end your trek with a dip in the sea and a bit of sailing. The island also offers great hiking in the forests of Lasithi, where you’ll find waterfalls, windmills and panoramic vistas.

Secluded beach with thatched umbrellas, nestled between rocky cliffs and clear blue waters.

Discover the idyllic beaches of Milos

The Greek Islands are awash in incredible beaches, but we’re particularly partial to the sandy shores of Milos. It’s part of the Cyclades, like Santorini and Mykonos, but much quieter. There are more than 70 beaches here to choose from, ranging from the otherworldly Sarakiniko to the calm and clear waters of Firiplaka. Take a private boat trip to discover some of our favourite spots, which are only accessible by sea.

Grilled chicken skewers with Greek salad and tzatziki sauce on a dark plate.

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine

There’s nothing quite like authentic Greek food, crafted by hand from the freshest ingredients. Here you’ll sample specialties like souvlaki, dolmades and baklava, each bite reflecting thousands of years of culinary heritage and cultural evolution. We can organise street food tours of Athens or Chania, visits to an ouzo distillery and local olive groves, private cooking lessons, multi-course meals and more.

Aerial view of a historic stone monastery with terracotta roofs surrounded by greenery.

Meander through the ruins of Mystras

Beyond the bustling capital and charming islands, Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula beckons travellers to venture a bit farther off the beaten track. If you decide to cross the Corinth Canal to reach this vibrant historical hub, Mystras is a must-visit. Wander among the ruins of this Byzantine city on the slopes of Mount Taygetus, abandoned for nearly 200 years, to see beautifully preserved buildings and the faded remains of intricate frescoes.

Ancient amphitheater with stone seating surrounded by trees and mountains under a cloud-filled sky.

See a show at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The Peloponnese Peninsula is also home to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, widely considered to be the best surviving example of an Ancient Greek theatre. Thanks to its astonishing acoustics and largely intact architecture, it still hosts live performances to this day. If you’d like to experience the full magic of this site first-hand, our travel designers can help you plan your trip to coincide with an upcoming show.

A historic monastery perched atop a tall, slender rock formation surrounded by greenery.

Marvel at the monoliths of Meteora

Despite being one of the top things to see in Greece, Meteora remains unknown to many travellers – which makes visiting it all the more special. The site’s mystique comes from a combination of natural wonders and human ingenuity; towering rock formations are topped by Eastern Orthodox monasteries, originally accessible by nets and ladders. Today you can climb the staircases carved into the rock to reach the still-active monasteries above.

Fireworks over a reflective body of water with boats, and a bright flare near the shore.

Experience a festival

There’s a wide variety of festivals to experience in Greece, inspired by everything from religious traditions and historical eras to local products and volcanic eruptions. The biggest celebration of the year is Orthodox Easter, which falls in April or early May and involves a full week of processions, parties and traditional food. Other celebrations include Apokries (Carnival), Ifestia (Santorini’s volcano festival) and the summertime (June to September) Athens Epidaurus Festival of the arts.

Ancient Greek temple ruins with columns against a mountainous backdrop at sunset.

Dive into the history of Delphi

Once considered the centre of the world, Delphi was the site of the Ancient Greek sanctuary of Apollo and home to the Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi. Today you can tour the archaeological site to see its remaining columns, temples, theatre and other structures. Its position below Mount Parnassos and the Phaedriades cliffs lends it spectacular views, and the nearby town of Arachova is worth stopping by as well.

Empty ancient stadium with a running track, tiers of seats under a clear blue sky.

Get a glimpse of Olympic history

Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and this legacy is visible across the country. Visit Olympia to see the ancient stadium where the very first Games took place nearly 3,000 years ago. In Athens you can also visit the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. The site dates back to the 6th century BC and is the only stadium on earth constructed entirely out of marble.

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Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline