Greece has so many appeals. Spectacular food, beautiful islands, crystal clear seas, and ancient Roman sites are just some of the drawing cards for this incredible country in Europe.
From legendary Mount Olympus to the lofty monasteries of Meteora and the golden sands of Mykonos, Greece attracts travelers with all sorts of different interests, from history buffs to wild party animals.
In this guide, we’ll go through the top things to do in Greece in order for you to get the most out of your trip to the country. Let’s get started!
15 Best Things to Do in Greece
No matter what your interests, there’s sure to be something for you among these best things to do in Greece. From archaeological sites and beaches to nightlife and UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Mediterranean country has something for everyone.
So whether you’re a first-time traveler or have been to Greece before, be sure to add some of these activities to your itinerary!
Visit Athens’ Acropolis
Of all Greece’s fascinating ancient sites, the Athens Acropolis is surely the crowning jewel and certainly one of the best things to see in Greece. The mighty 5th century Parthenon sits atop a hill overlooking the rest of the city in a reminder of its past glory.
You can join a guided tour to the site or head on up yourself, but if you’re traveling to Athens in the summer months, then make sure to avoid the Acropolis in the middle of the day as it gets pretty hot.
Some of the other incredible sights at the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. When you’ve finished exploring the incredible ancient wonders, make sure to stop in Plaka and have an iced drink and a quick bite before resuming your tour of Athens.
Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Acropolis Museum before or after visiting the Acropolis itself, as it will give you more insights into the history.
As a side note, make sure to try God’s Restaurant, located by the Acropolis Museum, as it’s one of the best places to eat in Athens – couldn’t recommend it enough!
Climb Mount Olympus
To the north of Greece lie the Olympus Mountains, crowned by the legendary Mount Olympus. Dubbed the Mountain of the Gods, this site is where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus resided on his throne along with the other gods and goddesses known throughout the world.
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and is a popular destination for hikers looking to tick it off their list. Typically the mountain takes two days to climb and isn’t the most straightforward of ascents – some professional equipment including ropes and harnesses will be needed in places if you’re to reach the summit.
However, there are plenty of trails to follow if you simply wanted to wander around the mountain for a few hours.
Mount Olympus is also part of a World Biosphere Reserve and is home to a variety of flora and fauna including Red squirrels, Peregrine falcons and Golden eagles, so remember to bring your binoculars!
Take a Day Trip to Delphi
Joining a guided day trip to Delphi is the perfect way to explore the stunning scenery and the city’s ancient history.
The old ruins of Delphi in Greece are beautifully strange and sit in an amazing spot between two rocky mountain tops of Mount Parnassus. Back in ancient Greece, there was a famous oracle here who gave predictions about the future.
Start your day at the Temple of Apollo, one of the most well-preserved sites from classical Greece. Then explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where you can see artifacts from the city’s long history.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi’s Archaeological Site, is one of the most significant Greek religious sites from the 6th century BC. Pilgrims traveled to Delphi to hear the oracle of Apollo (a prophetess who was said to channel the words of Apollo) speak at its Temple of Apollo.
Delphi is a unique site to behold, and you will certainly not regret spending the day here. That being said, it’s a 2.5-hour trip from Athens and I recommend booking a tour from Athens. Besides learning everything about Delphi, the driver will go through the most beautiful scenery, the village of Arachova, and you’ll have incredible memories to take back home.
READ MORE: Delphi Day Trip Travel Guide
The islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra
Aegina, Poros, and Hydra are three Greek islands that offer travelers a unique and memorable experience and are pretty close to Athens. Aegina is the largest and most popular of the three, with its lively port town and sandy beaches.
Poros is smaller and more relaxed, with a charming old town and tranquil island atmosphere. Hydra is the smallest and most picturesque of the three, with its whitewashed buildings and stunning harbor views.
All three islands are located close to Athens, making them easy to reach by ferry in less than an hour. And although each island has its own distinct character, they all share a common history and culture. Visitors to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra will find themselves captivated by the islands’ natural beauty and the locals’ warm hospitality.
It’s difficult to decide which one to visit as they’re all stunning and have different features, but it’s challenging to go to them in one day alone due to the ferry’s availability. For this reason, I recommend taking a day tour to all 3 islands from Athens – Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.
Discover Zakynthos and Navagio Beach
Zakynthos, commonly known as Zante, is one of the most popular Greek islands with visitors. It is something of a middle ground between family-friendly islands such as Crete and party islands, including Kos, with a good mix of things to see and do for all ages.
Zante’s beaches are some of its biggest draws and perhaps the best of these is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach – one of the best places to visit in Greece if you’re after sun, sea and sand.
In October 1980 a cargo ship ran aground here, and the wreck can still be seen in the limestone gravel of the beach. It’s well worth a look and remember to bring your snorkel because the azure waters of Shipwreck Cove will invite you in for a swim.
Explore Santorini
Greece is a renowned tourist destination, and for good reason – the country is home to awe-inspiring ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands, and it’s easy to see why.
Home to active volcanoes, clifftop villages and black sand beaches, it is one of the country’s most iconic destinations. Plus, the island’s stunning cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed churches offer a breathtaking view.
And, of course, no visit to Santorini would be complete without enjoying some of the world-famous wine produced on the island. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the island’s history, Santorini has something for everyone.
See Meteora’s Monasteries
Meteora is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring places on earth. The Metéora monasteries rise from a dreamy plain of rocky megaliths in the Thessaly Valleys. As early as the 11th century, Christian hermits fled to this distant corner of Greece to withdraw from the world and contemplate God. Monks of the Christian Orthodox church began constructing monasteries in this area during the 14th century.
This rocky landscape in central Greece is home to a series of monasteries perched atop stone towers for centuries. The views from these ancient buildings are truly breathtaking, and the history of the monasteries is fascinating.
Today, Meteora is a popular tourist destination, and is well worth a visit. If you want an unforgettable experience, be sure to add Meteora to your travel list. Initially, there were 24 monasteries in Meteroa, constructed into dizzying cliffs or perched atop towering sandstone formations that reached a height of 300 meters. Out of the 24 monasteries, six are still standing and accessible to visitors:
- Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron – Largest of the monasteries, built in the 14th century.
- Monastery of St. Stephan – The easiest monastery to reach with incredible views of the valley.
- Monastery of Varlaám – 2nd-largest monastery reachable by a pedestrian bridge and it was built in the 16th century.
- Monastery of the Holy Trinity – Stunning but inconvenient to reach since it has 140 step staircase. It was built in the 15th century.
- Monastery of Rousanoú – Home to 15 nuns, it was built in the 16th century and the views from here are magnificent to say the least.
- Monastery of St. Nicholas – Built in the 14th century, it features murals from 1527 made by Crete’s monk Theophanes Strelitzas.
The monks and nuns that now live and worship at the Metéora monasteries are a tiny group. The primary activity at Metéora today is tourism, as this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular travel destination.
Due to its remote location and interesting story, you’ll want to join a day tour to Meteora from Athens. Note that 2 tour types are available – half-day and full-day trips and I highly recommend going for a full day and see all the monasteries without rushing.
Mount Athos and Dionisiou Monastery
Mount Athos, known as the “Holy Mountain,” is a unique attraction in northern Greece, around 130km from Thessaloniki. The mountain is home to a male-only monastery, which continues the simple life led during the Byzantine Empire, with things remaining relatively unchanged since around 960AD.
Male visitors to the monastery can spend a few days living this primitive orthodox lifestyle, admiring the beautiful architecture of the site and sampling the unspoiled nature of the mountain.
Only 10 non-Greek visitors are permitted to enter the site every day, so you need to be organized and book well in advance if you want to visit Mount Athos for yourself.
As women are not allowed into the site, female travelers will have to settle for a luxury cruise to the area, where the monasteries can be viewed from afar. You’re sure to enjoy more luxuries than the men at the site, so it’s not all bad news!
Tour Ancient Olympia
The ancient ruins of Olympia are one of the best things to see in Greece and one of the country’s most important historical sites. You can take a tour of Ancient Olympia from Zakynthos, which is pretty convenient if you spend 3 days or more. on the island.
The birthplace of Olympic Games took place here, all the way back in around 776 BC, when male contestants competed in running races against each other.
The modern-day Olympic Flame is still lit at Olympia before the games and although much of the original architecture has long since disappeared, it is hard to wander around the tree-shaded ruins without thinking about the thousands of ancient footsteps that raced around the site in centuries gone by.
Sites such as the Gymnasium and Pheidias’ Workshop still retain some of their original glory.
Hike the Corfu Trail
The Corfu Trail is one of Greece’s more modern tourist attractions, opening to the public in 2001. For an energetic traveller, it represents one of the most fun things to do in Greece, stretching for 220km from Agios Spiridonas in the north of the island, to Kavos in the south.
Officially the trail is split into 10 stages, and visitors can hike as much or as little of the trail as they please. The trail plunges through the underdeveloped countryside of the island and some of the scenery is utterly breathtaking, in contrast to the developed coastline.
From rolling dunes to vast olive groves and rugged gorges, there’s something different around every corner of the trail. Wild camping isn’t permitted but there are several campsites and hotels to enjoy on the route.
Spend Some Time in Monemvasia
For a romantic getaway, few places in Greece match the charm of Monemvasia. This medieval castle town has been inhabited since the Middle Ages and is located on a small island off the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
The narrow cobbled streets are like stepping back in time, whilst many of the centuries-old buildings have now been turned into boutique guesthouses, hotels and restaurants. Some fascinating attractions remain, including the natural rock Fortress and the Church of Agia Sofia.
The best way to explore Monemvasia is to wander the narrow streets and see what you can discover – it is one of the most unusual places in the entire country.
Discover Thessaloniki
Greece’s second city should be on anyone’s itinerary for a holiday to the country. The iconic White Tower is one of the best places to visit in Greece, whilst the modern waterfront brings the city into the 21st century, with a mixture of colorful bars and restaurants providing an exciting nightlife in the city.
The Old Town is surrounded by ancient Byzantine walls and filled to the brim with archaeological sites and the Modiano Market is open every day apart from Sunday, the perfect place to get some shopping done.
The nearby ancient Macedonian capital of Pella is well worth a day trip if you’re spending some time in the city.
There are countless things to do in Thessaloniki, and I’m confident you’ll have a fabulous time on the island!
Explore Crete
Greece is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and the island of Crete is no exception. With its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages, Crete is a true paradise for nature lovers. And there’s plenty to do for history buffs as well – from exploring ancient ruins to visiting traditional museums.
Of course, no visit to Greece would be complete without enjoy delicious food and wine. From fresh seafood to Greek salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So whether you’re looking for an action-packed holiday or a relaxing getaway, be sure to add Crete to your list!
Nafplio – Greece’s Romantic City and Former Capital
Nafplio, Greece, is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Greece. The Venetian-style homes lining the streets, the view of the Aegean Sea from atop the Palamidi fortress, and the fragrant orange blossoms everywhere create an atmosphere that is like something out of a fairytale.
Nafplio was once the capital of Greece, until 1834, and it still has a regal feeling that makes it seem like a hidden gem. With its narrow alleys, quaint shops, and lovely cafes, Nafplio feels like a European village that time has forgotten. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best that Greece has to offer.
Nafplio has a very old and famous history that goes all the way back to the times before history was written down, including stories about the Argonautic Expedition and the Trojan War.
After that, the Romans, Venetians, and Ottoman Turks all came and added their own buildings and landmarks: beautiful Venetian buildings, fancy Ottoman fountains, and Turkish mosques with domes.
In Greece’s Peloponnese region, Nafplio is about 136 kilometers from the capital city of Athens. It’s a wonderful place to stay for a few days and explore the archaeological sites of Mycenae (21 kilometers) and Epidaurus (35 kilometers).
Alternatively, for those with limited time in Greece or that don’t want to stay out of the capital more than a day, taking a day trip from Athens to Nafplio is the best option. What’s more, you’ll get to stop by Ancient Epidaurus, which is another incredible place to visit.
Party in Mykonos
As well as its wealth of historic sites and cultural attractions, Greece attracts thousands of revelers every year to enjoy the hot summer weather, with boat parties, late-night bars and festivals galore.
Mykonos is known as one of the best party destinations in the country, famed for its glorious beaches, cocktail bars, and dance music scene. There are quieter parts of the island as well, but if you’re after the history and culture of Greece, Mykonos may be a destination to skip.
If, on the other hand, you’re after a fun-filled few days, then this is the party destination for you. Paradise Beach is probably the best place to head for a few cocktails in the sun.
Conclusion
There are so many things to see in Greece, it can sometimes be hard to whittle down the list into a few highlights. Greece is a fascinatingly diverse country, with countless historic sights illuminating a rich history.
On the flip side, the pristine beaches, clear waters and excellent nightlife appeal to an entirely different sort of traveller too. Whatever you’re after from your holiday, you can be sure to find it in Greece.
