Greece isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a place you feel. From crumbling hilltop ruins to quiet tavernas overlooking sapphire bays, every corner offers something unforgettable. Whether you’re wandering through ancient temples, swimming off the edge of a volcanic caldera, or sipping local wine in a sleepy island village, Greece casts a spell. The landscapes are dramatic, the history is rich, and the food? You’ll still be thinking about it months later.
Santorini
Probably the most-visited city in Greece, Santorini is a one-of-a-kind place. This is where you’ll find vineyards and wineries, exquisite beaches with volcanic sand, and enchanting historical sites. The picturesque white-washed cliffside images you see of Greece are found in Santorini, along with the dramatic sunsets.
Athens
One of the best cities to visit in Greece is Athens. This is the country’s capital city, so you’re bound for an adventure when you visit. The city offers travelers the chance to dive into spellbinding ancient history. All around you in Athens are ruins of a once powerful civilization and empire. A visit to Athens is not complete without walking around these ancient ruins, to picture in your mind how life must have been like in ancient times.
Mykonos
This idyllic island found in the Cyclades group is considered to be one of the top places to visit in Greece, especially for those wanting a vibrant summer vacation by the beach. This island is well-known for throwing some of the best parties. There are also attractions for those who want to see Greek landmarks and learn more about the island’s history.
Nisyros (Dodecanese Islands)
This tiny volcanic island feels untouched by mass tourism. You can actually walk into the crater of a dormant volcano, where steam rises from the earth beneath your feet. The whitewashed village of Nikia is perched on the rim and offers jaw-dropping views, while the local tavernas serve home-style Greek food with no frills—just flavor.
Zagori Villages (Epirus, Northern Greece)
A mountain escape far from the island crowds, Zagori is a cluster of stone-built villages tucked into the Pindus Mountains. You’ll find arched stone bridges, deep gorges (like Vikos, one of the deepest in the world), and lush hiking trails. It’s perfect if you’re into nature, tradition, and slower-paced travel.
Kythira (South of the Peloponnese)
Technically part of the Ionian Islands but sitting all on its own, Kythira offers dramatic cliffs, remote beaches, waterfalls, and castles without the buzz of more famous spots like Santorini or Mykonos. It’s laid-back, romantic, and feels like Greece from a few decades ago.
Crete Region
Crete is the largest Greek island, and it’s also one of the prettiest places to visit in the country. Bountiful and beautiful, there is a variety of exciting places to see here. Crete has the most diverse terrain – with white mountain tops and soft-sand beaches. As well as ancient archaeological sites and mystical caves. The terrain in Crete is varied, offering both white-sand beaches and towering mountains. Mt Ida, the tallest of the White Mountains, is where you’ll find Ideon Cave, where Zeus was born (according to Greek mythology).
Thessaloniki
Greek history is as expansive and fascinating as it is beautiful. Nestled within the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, Thessaloniki showcases this. You’ll be captivated by the remains of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras that adorn this seaport city. Venture to ancient castle ruins, enjoy local culture and gain insights into the legacy of this country.
Nafplion
Embark on a journey to the hillsides of the northern end of the Argolic Gulf. Here, you’ll find the enthralling city of Nafplion – one of the most beautiful of the mainland towns. It’s just 2 hours north of Athens and is often a weekend getaway from the city for locals. At the seaport section of this town, you’ll see why people love it so much. It has a very medieval feel to it, but with large squares and pedestrian-only streets, where you can stroll around and enjoy the long promenades.
Corfu Island
This island is easy to spot, with its characteristic rugged cliff mountains and lush landscape. It stands out from all the other islands in the Ionian Sea. The history of this island is magnificent, as it has seen days under Venetian, French and British ruling before reuniting with Greece. On Corfu’s stunning coast, you’ll find many high-end resorts that offer relaxing vacations. When you choose to leave the resort, there are many impressive structures remaining from Corfu’s colonization to see, like the Old Fortress.
Meteora
The extraordinary rock formations of Meteora in central Greece is home to one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world. There are still six remaining monastaries in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were built between the 11th and 15th centuries and still house monks and nuns to this day.
Milos
Another one of the majestic, volcanic cities found on these islands is Milos. Located in the Aegean Sea, there is so much to love about this old city. With whitewashed buildings and unique culture, it’s one of the best Greece vacation spots for a laid-back island retreat.
Rhodes
Rhodes provides travelers with a metropolis to explore and enjoy. This is one the best places to visit for a bizarre and magical mixture of Byzantine Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture. This is the ideal place to visit in Greece for those who want a vacation that is also full of historic sights and incredible look into the country’s storied past. Take a tour of Rhodes to see the best of the island, including the Acropolis, Master Palace of Knights, and Old Town of Rhodes.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
One of the main things to see in Greece is the revered ancient ruins. To get a full experience of one of the most iconic sites in Greek history, be sure to visit the Archaeological Site of Olympia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has plenty to share with everyone who takes the time to admire and appreciate its glory. It was the center of the worship of Zeus, and it has the largest number of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. There are even structures remaining from the Olympic Games, which were held every four years starting in 776 B.C.
Paros
Part of the Cyclades islands, Paros is another popular beach destination. It has everything you need or want in a Greek island vacation, but without the crazy crowds of Santorini and Mykonos. Instead of the wild nightlife and dramatic cliffside views of those islands, you’ll have the spectacular Paros beaches to enjoy. Parikia is the main harbor, with lots of things to do and see, but you also want to explore Naoussa, a small port city with cafes and bars to hang out at for a drink with a view.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.