The Magic of Greece: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the Greek Islands and Mainland ✨
Dreaming of a Mediterranean escape? Greece offers everything from ancient ruins and sun-kissed beaches to charming villages and unforgettable cuisine. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo journey, Greece should be at the top of your list.
Why Travel to Greece? 🌊
Greece is one of the best vacation destinations in Europe thanks to its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the iconic whitewashed houses of Santorini to the historic treasures of Athens, every corner of Greece tells a story. Travelers love the crystal-clear waters, delicious Greek food, and the chance to explore both famous islands and hidden gems.
Best Time to Visit Greece 🌞
The best time to visit Greece is between May and October. During these months, you’ll enjoy warm temperatures, vibrant festivals, and long days filled with sunshine. Traveling to Greece in the shoulder seasons (May–June or September–October) can also help you avoid crowds and get better deals on accommodation and flights.
Top Places to Visit in Greece 🏛️
1. Santorini – A Romantic Dream Come True
Known for its breathtaking sunsets and cliffside villages, Santorini is one of the top honeymoon destinations in Europe. Walk through Oia, enjoy local wine tastings, and relax on the unique volcanic beaches.
2. Athens – History Comes Alive
Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon, shop in the Plaka district, and experience the energetic nightlife. If you’re looking for the best city in Greece for culture and history, Athens won’t disappoint.
3. Crete – The Island with Everything
From ancient ruins and mountain villages to pink-sand beaches, Crete offers a little bit of everything. It’s a great option for family-friendly travel in Greece or for those who want to experience local traditions.
4. Mykonos – The Party Island with Glamour
Perfect for luxury travelers and nightlife lovers, Mykonos is one of the best Greek islands for nightlife and beach clubs. Enjoy gourmet dining, boutique shopping, and world-famous beach parties.
5. Meteora – A Spiritual and Natural Wonder
Famous for its monasteries perched atop massive rock formations, Meteora is ideal for those looking for unique places to visit in mainland Greece.
Greece Tours & Trips – The Best Greece Tour Packages
20 Unforgettable Things to Do in Greece
Your Ultimate Greek Adventure Starts Here
Dreaming of sun-soaked islands, ancient ruins, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine? Greece has it all—whether you’re chasing history, relaxation, or epic Instagram views. Here are 20 unforgettable experiences that belong on every traveler’s Greek bucket list:
1. Watch the Sunset in Oia, Santorini 🌅
There’s nothing quite like the pink and gold hues of a Santorini sunset over the whitewashed cliffs of Oia. Arrive early for the best view—and don’t forget your camera.
2. Explore the Acropolis in Athens 🏛️
Step into ancient history at the Acropolis. Walk among iconic ruins like the Parthenon and enjoy sweeping views of the city below.
3. Swim at Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, Zakynthos 🏖️
Famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, Navagio Beach is only accessible by boat—but it’s worth the journey.
4. Visit the Monasteries of Meteora ⛰️
Perched atop towering rock pillars, these breathtaking monasteries look like something out of a fairytale and offer both spiritual insight and stunning scenery.
5. Sail the Greek Islands on a Catamaran ⛵
Hop aboard a sailing tour and discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and traditional fishing villages scattered across the Aegean.
6. Walk the Old Town of Rhodes 🏰
Wander through medieval alleyways in Rhodes’ UNESCO-listed Old Town, home to centuries of history and charming tavernas.
7. Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete 🥾
This 16-kilometer hike takes you through breathtaking gorges, pine forests, and mountain terrain—ideal for outdoor lovers.
8. Take a Dip in the Thermal Waters of Loutraki ♨️
Relax in the healing hot springs of Loutraki, a seaside town known for its natural thermal baths and wellness culture.
9. Sample Authentic Greek Cuisine 🍽️
Don’t leave Greece without trying moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, fresh seafood, and creamy feta. Bonus: eat it seaside for the full experience.
10. Enjoy a Beach Day in Elafonissi, Crete 🏝️
Known for its pink sand and shallow turquoise waters, Elafonissi Beach feels like a slice of the Caribbean in the Mediterranean.
11. Tour the Ruins of Delphi 🧿
Explore the mystical ruins of Delphi, once believed to be the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology.
12. Party in Mykonos’ Beach Clubs 🎉
Mykonos is the life of the party! Spend your night dancing on the sand to world-class DJs in beach clubs like Scorpios or Paradise Club.
13. Discover the Cave of Melissani Lake in Kefalonia 💎
Take a rowboat through this stunning underground lake where sunlight pours through a collapsed roof, creating magical blue reflections.
14. Sip Wine at a Santorini Vineyard 🍷
Tour a cliffside vineyard and savor a glass of Assyrtiko while taking in volcanic views. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
15. Stroll Through the Plaka Neighborhood in Athens 🛍️
Charming streets, colorful houses, and plenty of local boutiques make Plaka a favorite for shopping and soaking up Athenian charm.
16. Experience an Olive Oil Tasting Tour 🌿
Visit an olive grove and learn how Greek olive oil is made—then taste the liquid gold for yourself with fresh bread and tomatoes.
17. Visit the Palace of Knossos in Crete 👑
Dive deep into Minoan history at the Palace of Knossos, one of Europe’s oldest and most important archaeological sites.
18. Take a Cooking Class with a Local Family 👩🍳
Learn how to make spanakopita, dolmades, and baklava from scratch in a traditional Greek kitchen.
19. Snorkel or Dive in the Aegean Sea 🤿
Discover underwater caves, vibrant marine life, and ancient shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands.
20. Attend a Traditional Greek Festival or Dance Performance 💃
Whether it’s Easter in a mountain village or a summer music festival, Greek celebrations are full of passion, music, and dance.
Ready to fall in love with Greece?
From sun-drenched islands to myth-filled mountains, Greece is a timeless destination that offers something for every kind of traveler. Pack your swimsuit, walking shoes, and appetite—your adventure awaits!
The 15 Things to Do in Greece
🏛️🌊Check out must-see sights and activities:
Acropolis, Elafonissi Beach, Day Cruises, Beaches.
15 of the Most Unique Things to Do in Greece 🇬🇷
Hidden Gems, Local Secrets, and One-of-a-Kind Adventures
Greece is more than just Santorini sunsets and ancient ruins—it’s a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you’re looking to go beyond the guidebooks, here are 15 truly unique things to do in Greece:
1. Explore the Abandoned Village of Vathia, Mani Peninsula 🏚️
Step into a hauntingly beautiful ghost village of stone towers perched high above the sea. It’s like walking through a living museum of rural Greece.
2. Swim in the Volcanic Hot Springs of Palea Kameni, Santorini 🌋
Take a boat ride to this uninhabited volcanic islet and enjoy a warm swim in sulfur-rich waters surrounded by black lava cliffs.
3. Visit the “Floating” Monasteries of Meteora ⛪
These gravity-defying monasteries perched on massive rock formations are one of the most surreal sights in Europe—and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Step into the Cave Church of Agios Stefanos, Syros 🕯️
Hidden inside a cliffside cave and accessible by foot or donkey, this peaceful little chapel is a spiritual sanctuary like no other.
5. Ride the Historic Odontotos Rack Railway 🚂
Take a scenic ride through dramatic gorges and over rivers from Diakopto to Kalavryta—one of Europe’s most beautiful narrow-gauge railways.
6. Discover the Petrified Forest of Lesvos 🌳
Explore a prehistoric forest where trees have turned to stone over millions of years—one of only two such forests in the world.
7. Watch an Outdoor Movie at Cine Paris, Athens 🎬
Enjoy a classic film under the stars with the Acropolis glowing in the background at one of the most scenic open-air cinemas on earth.
8. Visit the Submerged Ancient City of Epidaurus 🏛️🌊
Snorkel above an ancient sunken city just off the Peloponnese coast where you can see ruins right beneath the surface.
9. Take a Sea Kayaking Tour Around Milos’ Sea Caves 🛶
Paddle through turquoise waters and hidden caves in Milos, an island famous for its lunar-like coastline and volcanic beaches.
10. Experience the Rouketopolemos (Rocket War) in Chios 🎇
Each Easter, two rival parishes in Chios launch thousands of homemade rockets at each other—creating one of the world’s wildest local traditions.
11. Hike to the Dragon Lakes of Northern Greece 🐉
Hidden high in the Pindus Mountains, these alpine lakes are steeped in legends of dragons and offer jaw-dropping views.
12. Visit the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus During a Live Performance 🎭
See a Greek tragedy performed in this perfectly preserved amphitheater, famous for its flawless acoustics and timeless beauty.
13. Dine in a Seaside Cave at Papanikolis Cave, Meganisi 🍽️🌊
Enjoy a floating dinner or wine tasting in a massive sea cave once used to hide submarines during WWII.
14. Explore the Colorful Village of Olympos in Karpathos 🎨
High in the mountains, this traditional village feels frozen in time with women wearing traditional dress and old-world customs still alive.
15. Visit the Marble Village of Pyrgos, Tinos 🏛️✨
Every building, path, and fountain in this artistic village is crafted from marble—it’s a masterpiece in itself.
Greece Like You’ve Never Seen It
If you’re a traveler who seeks the rare and the remarkable, Greece delivers in spades. Step off the beaten path, and you’ll uncover a side of Greece that most never experience.
FOR SANTORINI TRAVEL IDEAS CLICK HERE
What to Eat in Greece 🍽️
Greek cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and healthy. Don’t miss out on these local favorites:
- Moussaka
- Souvlaki
- Greek salad (Horiatiki)
- Baklava
- Feta with olive oil and oregano
Looking for authentic Greek food experiences? Try a local taverna or book a food and wine tour in Greece.
15 Top-Rated Restaurants in Greece
A Culinary Journey Through the Best of Greek Flavors
From seaside tavernas to Michelin-starred dining, Greece offers a culinary experience as rich and diverse as its history. Whether you’re craving grilled octopus with a view or modern twists on classic dishes, here are 15 of the top-rated restaurants across Greece you won’t want to miss:
1. Funky Gourmet – Athens 🍽️
Located in the Kerameikos district, this Michelin-starred gem offers avant-garde Greek cuisine and a multi-sensory dining experience.
📍 13 Paramithias St., Athens
2. Varoulko Seaside – Athens (Mikrolimano, Piraeus) 🐟
A seafood lover’s paradise with a Michelin star and harbor views. Don’t miss the squid with wild greens.
📍 Akti Koumoundourou 52, Piraeus
3. Selene – Santorini (Pyrgos) 🌋
One of the island’s most renowned fine dining spots, Selene combines tradition with elegance in a stunning setting.
📍 Pyrgos, Santorini
4. La Maison – Santorini (Imerovigli) 🌅
Romantic cliffside dining with gourmet Mediterranean cuisine and sweeping sunset views.
📍 Imerovigli, Santorini
5. Mavri Thalassa – Thessaloniki 🐠
Exceptional seafood and impeccable service make this a standout in northern Greece.
📍 Nikiforou Foka 3, Thessaloniki
6. Spondi – Athens (Pagrati) 🍷
Two Michelin stars and a stunning garden setting. A must for high-end French-Greek fusion cuisine.
📍 Pyrronos 5, Pagrati, Athens
7. Thalassaki – Tinos (Ysternia Bay) 🌊
Dine right on the water’s edge with ultra-fresh seafood and local flavors on the peaceful island of Tinos.
📍 Ysternia Bay, Tinos
8. To Thalassino – Chania, Crete 🦑
Authentic Cretan seafood served seaside with views of an abandoned tannery district—rustic, atmospheric, and unforgettable.
📍 Vivilaki & Akti Enoseos, Chania
9. Scorpios – Mykonos (Paraga Beach) 🌴
A luxe beach club and restaurant with bohemian vibes, perfect for sunset cocktails and stylish Greek plates.
📍 Paraga, Mykonos
10. Hola India Restaurant Mykonos 🍣
The best Indian restaurant in Mykonos, Greece located near Chora with delicious Indian food, amazing sunset views, free parking, amazing cocktails and happy hour.
📍 Epar.Od. Ormou Agiou Ioanni-Agiou Stefanou, Mykonos Town 846 00 Greece
11. Hytra – Athens (Onassis Cultural Centre) ✨
Modern Greek cuisine with creative flair, awarded a Michelin star and known for its elegant rooftop views.
📍 107-109 Syngrou Avenue, Athens
12. Avli Tou Thodori.🌿
With its charming ocean-side setting, the atmosphere at Avli Tou Thodori makes for a memorable dining experience, further enhanced by the delightful complimentary treats.
📍 Restaurants in Platys Gialos
13. ManiMani – Athens (Koukaki) 🍅
A local favorite serving hearty dishes inspired by the Peloponnese—cozy, authentic, and full of flavor.
📍 Falirou 10, Koukaki, Athens
14. Lycabettus Restaurant – Santorini (Oia) 🍾
Cliffside dining at its most spectacular—perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or simply soaking up the Aegean magic.
📍 Oia, Santorini
15. Thes “Greek Creative Cuisine” (City Center) 🏙️
Thes ”Greek Creative Cuisine” opened it’s doors on July of 2019. This was the start for our gastronomic trip. Our mission was and still is to open our “big house”, a warm restaurant that serves Greek Creative Cuisine with the best hospitality. #1 RATED RESTAURANT IN ATHENS
📍 Taki 16 Psirri Psirri, Athens 105 54 Greece
From Table to Tradition
Greece’s culinary scene is a reflection of its soul—warm, welcoming, and rooted in history. Whether you’re enjoying fresh octopus by the sea or gourmet bites on a rooftop, every meal is a journey.
CAR RENTALS
Based on customer reviews, industry rankings, and service quality, here are three top-rated car rental companies in Europe:
1. Edel & Stark – Luxury Car Rental Leader
- Rating: 9.2/10
- Specialty: High-end vehicles including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.
- Services: Chauffeur-driven options, curated driving tours, and even private jet or yacht arrangements.
- Locations: Major Greece cities.
- Ideal for: Luxury travelers seeking premium experiences.
2. Trip Advisor
Find the best rental car at the right price
As the world’s largest travel site, Tripadvisor makes every step of your car rental experience simple and fast. Whether you’re ready to explore the coast and catch some sun in a sleek convertible, or looking for a large-capacity vehicle for a family road trip, we’ll find you the perfect rental car. You can easily filter your search results on criteria like vehicle type, pick-up and drop-off times, and suppliers like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Alamo and more. You’ll also have the ability to customize your pick-up and drop-off locations, so one-way trips have never been easier.
Welcome Pickups is a global travel service that offers personalized, door-to-door transportation solutions designed to enhance the travel experience from arrival to departure. Operating in over 300 destinations worldwide, including major cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the company provides a range of services tailored for both individual travelers and business partners.
Top Destinations in Greece with Welcome Pickups 🚗🇬🇷
Planning your Greek adventure? Welcome Pickups offers seamless airport and port transfers to some of the most iconic and picturesque places in Greece. Here’s a quick guide to the must-visit destinations they serve:
- Athens – Discover the ancient heart of Greece, from the iconic Acropolis to vibrant neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki. Ideal for history lovers and city explorers.
- Thessaloniki – A cultural treasure trove with Byzantine churches, a buzzing waterfront, and mouthwatering cuisine. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic northern Greek experience.
- Santorini – Famous for its blue-domed churches, cliffside villages, and unforgettable sunsets over the caldera. A dream destination for honeymooners and photographers.
- Mykonos – A chic island paradise known for luxury stays, beach clubs, and a lively nightlife scene. Great for partygoers and style-savvy travelers.
- Crete (Heraklion & Chania) – Greece’s largest island offers ancient Minoan ruins, scenic gorges, and charming coastal towns. A fantastic all-rounder for families, adventurers, and history buffs.
- Rhodes – Step back in time in the medieval Old Town, explore ancient ruins, and relax on sun-soaked beaches. Rhodes blends culture with coastal beauty.
- Corfu – A lush Ionian island with Venetian charm, emerald waters, and family-friendly resorts. Great for a relaxed yet scenic holiday.
- Naxos – Less crowded but rich in charm, Naxos boasts golden beaches, quaint mountain villages, and ancient temples. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Greek island life.
- Paros – Whitewashed towns, stunning beaches, and water sports await. Paros is a great blend of tradition and trendy island vibes.
- Zakynthos (Zante) – Home to the iconic Shipwreck Beach and crystal-clear waters, Zakynthos is a natural wonderland. A top pick for beach lovers and boat excursions.
Each location offers English-speaking drivers, flight monitoring, flat-rate pricing, and optional extras like SIM cards and sightseeing tours. You can book directly through their website or mobile app.
HIGHEST RATED GREECE HOTELS
Whether you’re seeking five-star indulgance, boutique charm, or mountain serenity, these highly – rated hotels across Greece promise an unforgettable stay.
2. Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel – Santorini / Oia 4.6 / 5 Rating with 843 Reviews
3. Chelidonia Luxury Suites – 5/5 STARS 57 REVIEWS
4. Art Maisons Luxury Santorini Hotels Aspaki & Oia Castle 4.9 / 5 Rating with 1085 reviews
5. The Social Athens Hotel, A Member Of Radisson Individuals 4.9 /5 Rating 133 Reviews
6. AVA Hotel Athens 4.8 / 5 2,169 Reviews
7. Anemos Luxury Grand Resort – Kavros, Georgioupolis, Apokoronas, Crete 4.7/ 5 1,994 Reviews
8. Acropolis Stay, Athens 4.9 / 5 Rating 228 reviews
9. Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, Tapestry Collection By Hilton – Chania Town 4.9/5.0 Rating 421 reviews
10. Vencia Boutique Hotel, Mykonos 4.8 / 5 rating with 2,141 Reviews
☀️📸FOR SANTORINI LUXURY VILLAS CLICK HERE🍷🐚
7 Night Greek Isles 4.5 STARS 495 Reviews
Odyssey of the Seas
Roundtrip: from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Ports of Call:
- Santorini (Thira), Greece •
- Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey •
- Mykonos, Greece •
- Naples, Italy
7 Night Greek Isles & Italy 4.5 Stars 401 Reviews
Odyssey of the Seas
Roundtrip: from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Ports of Call:
- Messina, Sicily, Italy •
- Santorini (Thira), Greece •
- Mykonos, Greece •
- Naples, Italy
7 Night Adriatic & Greek Isles 4.4 Star 327 Reviews
Enchanted Princess
Roundtrip: from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Ports of Call:
- Naples (Pompeii), Italy •
- Santorini (Thira), Greece •
- Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey •
- Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
7-Night Greek Isles Cruise: Türkiye & Greece 4.5 STAR 3,815 Reviews
Travel Tips for Greece ✈️
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Greek (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Transportation: Ferries connect most islands; consider renting a car for exploring the mainland.
- Safety: Greece is generally safe, but always take standard travel precautions.
Final Thoughts 🌍
Whether you’re island hopping or diving into ancient history, Greece is one of the most beautiful places to travel in the world. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and warm-hearted locals, it’s a destination that you will never forget.
Start planning your dream trip to Greece today and uncover the timeless magic of the Mediterranean. 🌅
LIVE YOUR DREAMS NOT YOUR FEARS
Do you want to travel like a pro?
Here are some of our favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: We prefer using TripAdvisor.com or Priceline to book flights. Both excel at delivering exceptional value through competitive pricing and versatile travel options, making them ideal platforms for budget-conscious travelers.
Accommodation: TripAdvisor.com is our favorite site to find some great hotel deals on exceptional properties. We do love staying in private homes as well, thus PlumGuide has the highest ratings. For boutique hotels, we recommend Marriott Bonvoy.
Cruises: We love taking cruises to many destinations across the globe. For specialty cruises with an overall rating of 4.9 stars we recommend CruiseDirect. CruiseDirect is a leading online cruise travel company dedicated to providing customers with better deals than any other cruise website and access to great deals on cruise vacations.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance: There are many travel insurance companies to choose from but a simple and flexible one is Visators Insurance. As a leader in the insurtech industry, the company offers a global marketplace with top-rated travel insurance plans and continuously innovates to enhance customer experiences.Best Tours: TourRadar makes exploring and booking organized adventures effortless. Whether through our mobile app or website, we streamline your booking experience, so you can focus on what truly matters: your next great adventure.
Adventure at Your Fingertips
The TourRadar mobile app puts adventure in your pocket. Explore thousands of trips, receive real-time updates, and manage bookings effortlessly. Your next adventure is just a tap away.
