16 Best Places to Visit in Greece: The Most Beautiful Destinations

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Greece is one of those destinations that everybody dreams of visiting. Sailing through turquoise waters, hopping from island to island, taking the perfect pics in front of whitewashed buildings and blue domes, eating delicious gyros underneath the Acropolis… There is a pretty much never-ending list of wonderful places to visit in Greece. But, I’ve tried to narrow it down to those that are truly spectacular. 

So, whether you’re interested in sun-soaked beaches, mythical stories of gods and heroes, or mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, Greece offers a pretty diverse package of wonderfulness.

What are the best places to visit Greece for the first time?

For a first-time visit to Greece, you’ll most likely want to visit some of the ‘classics’; the most popular spots in Greece that constantly attract attention. In my opinion, the best places to visit in Greece for a first-timer are Athens, Santorini (but during the off-season), Rhodes, and Crete.

These destinations will allow you to see a diverse range of Greece’s attractions. From the historical Acropolis in the capital to the largest island, to the typical whitewashed island, to the most historic island, these destinations offer a little bit of history, a touch of charm, and a sprinkle of beautiful sights. All in all, perfect for a first-time visit!

However, bear in mind that you’ll need quite a while to visit all of these destinations in one trip. If you’ve just got a short time in Greece, I would pick either a week on Rhodes or Crete or a week exploring Athens and Santorini. If you have longer, feel free to throw some other gems in the mix, like Kos or Nafplio (which is one of the best day trips from Athens). 

Which is the most beautiful Greek island?

Determining the “most beautiful” Greek island is pretty tricky as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Each Greek island possesses its own unique charm and allure, making it difficult to single out one as the absolute best. Nonetheless, it’s not impossible to pick the most beautiful island because several of Greece’s islands are famed for their stunning landscapes. These include Santorini (of course), Mykonos, and Corfu, but also encompass lesser-known Greek gems such as Skiathos, Milos, and Naxos.

What are the best places to visit in Greece?

So, without further ado, let’s explore the best places to visit in Greece. From breathtaking island treasures to historic mainland gems, here are my top picks. 

1. Athens – one of the best places to visit in Greece for history

Okay, you can’t go wrong with Athens! The capital of Greece, this masterpiece of a city is one of the most historic places to visit in Greece. Actually, forget Greece – it’s up there with Rome and Istanbul as one of the most historic cities in Europe!

Athens is definitely a treasure trove of a city. You can spend days wandering the streets, soaking in the grandeur, and exploring historical monuments.

Explore the charming alleyways of Plaka, sample traditional cuisine from tavernas, or take a day trip outside the city for some extra culture. Then, head back to your hotel and relax in a hot tub overlooking the Acropolis… *sigh*, it doesn’t get much better than that!

2. Kos

Kos is a much less popular island than some of the others on this list. Nonetheless, it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Greece and offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and historical charm. You’ll find ancient theatres tucked away where nobody can find them, a delightful old town, and pristine beaches fringed by the azure waters of the Aegean. 

It’s the perfect island for relaxation, yet it’s also rich in history, so there’s plenty to keep you (and your boyfriend who doesn’t like beaches) entertained. It’s also close enough to Turkey that you can catch a ferry to Bodrum. So, if you fancy, you could turn a simple trip to Greece into a multi-country adventure!

3. Rhodes – the best Greek island for history

This was the first place I ever visited in Greece and boy, does it pack a punch. Rhodes is one of those islands where you can be walking through a 14th-century street one minute, and the next, lounging on a stunning beach.

You can explore a secluded oasis full of greenery and waterfalls, ride a donkey up a hill to a stunning Acropolis, and then swim in a heart-shaped ocean lagoon.

Rhodes is also one of the best places to visit in Greece for history, with a fascinating old town, the Acropolis in Lindos, whitewashed villages, fortifications, and lots of tales of the Knights who used to rule the island.

4. Mykonos

Often dubbed the ‘party island’ of Greece, Mykonos has a bit of a reputation on its shoulders. It’s almost like the friend on a night out who you know can’t control their drink…BUT, despite the crowds, thumping music, and nightlife, don’t rule out Mykonos. There are certainly two sides to the island and, once you look past its blaring noise, it can still be a pretty Greek island.

It also has captivating cobbled streets, a stunning old town, and mouthwatering cuisine, and its classic windmills are always worth a visit. It also has plenty of relaxing beaches such as Agios Stefanos, Agios Sostis, and Kapari. Many of these are also great spots for watching a sunset – the perfect ending to a day on a Greek island.

5. Delphi

From island bliss to ancient history, Delphi is about 2 hours drive from Athens. We tackled this historical site as a day tour from the capital and we booked it as a guided tour. But it’s also easy enough to hire a car (as we did for Mycenae, further down this list).

Delphi today is a modern town on the Greek mainland, but the archaeological site is easily one of the best places to visit in Greece. The ancient Greeks believed it to be the centre of the world. The myth states that it was the meeting point of two eagles, thrown by Zeus in opposite directions. Where they met was then said to be the centre of the world. 

As was the importance of this belief that the historic site that’s built there is pretty impressive. With temples, theatres, and a stadium, all built on the mountainside with spectacular views, it’s easily worth a visit and unforgettable for history lovers.

6. Naxos – one of the best places to visit in Greece if you love hidden gems

The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos is still relatively undiscovered compared to its sisters Santorini and Mykonos. If you consider that it’s a much larger island, it’s also much less crowded, meaning that feeling of being squished together like sardines that the alleyways of Santorini give off during peak season is, well, pretty unlikely. This makes for a much nicer experience and, in my opinion, a much better place to visit in Greece. 

Naxos isn’t just a pretty face though. It is also steeped in mythology, with the towering Portara, a marble gateway of an unfinished temple, standing against the blue ocean backdrop. Picturesque villages like Chora are full of Cycladic charm with whitewashed buildings and a labyrinth of alleys, while the Venetian castle adds a touch of medieval history to the scene. Naxos pretty much encompasses the sense of timelessness that characterizes the Greek islands.

7. Delos

Just a short ferry ride from Mykonos, Delos is one of the most popular day trips from the Greek party central. Nonetheless, in terms of what it offers, it couldn’t be more different. The small island contains one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It holds immense significance in terms of Greek mythology as it’s said to be the birthplace of the two twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Because of this, the island is considered sacred – no mortal is allowed to be born there. 

As such, the entire island is basically an archaeological site. Its well-preserved ruins, including temples, houses, and statues, offer a remarkable window into the past. With the impressive Terrace of Lions, its stunning temples, its ocean backdrop, and its status as a vital UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delos is a magnificent place to visit in Greece,

8. Mycenae

Similar to Delos, in that it contains some pretty remarkable history (but not quite on the same magnitude), Mycenae is another chance to delve into the history of Greece.

Located west of Athens in the north-eastern Peloponnese, Mycenae can also be accessed by guided day tour from the city. For this trip, however, we decided to travel to the site by car. This self-drive trip also allowed us to visit other sites on the way, such as the ancient site of Corinth and its fascinating man-made canal. 

Mycenae holds the echoes of Bronze Age civilizations. Famous for its impressive Cyclopean walls and the monumental Lion Gate, Mycenae was the centre of the Mycenaean civilization. The site also features several dome-shaped tombs, almost resembling pyramids with hollowed-out insides. It also contains a museum that weaves fascinating tales of the Trojan War. Another must-visit for history lovers.

9. Santorini – one of the most popular places to visit in Greece

Of course, I had to mention this island. Overcrowdedness and immense popularity aside, there’s no denying the whitewashed buildings, winding pathways, and blue domes of Santorini are pretty high on most people’s Greek bucket lists.

If you plan on visiting Santorini, I highly recommend visiting during the off-season. Late September to early November, or early April to May is the ideal time to explore this island if you want to be able to actually walk the streets (as opposed to being bundled against a hundred other tourists). I know – it really doesn’t sound like I’m selling it, but there’s so much more to this island than Instagram spots and beautiful sunsets. 

The unique volcanic landscape is breathtaking. The entire island is basically the result of an eruption that shaped it into its tell-tale crescent. Santorini’s cliffs cascade into the azure waters, the villages of Oia and Fira offer postcard-worthy views, while the island’s beaches range from vibrant red and black sands to crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It’s also an island known for its wineries, producing distinctive volcanic wines. 

It’s undeniably one of the best places to visit in Greece, just also one of the most crowded. So, to see it as its best, you have to pick the right time.

10. Crete

Now for the biggest islands in Greece. Crete is actually one of the largest islands in the entire Mediterranean (alongside Sicily and Cyprus). It’s also one of the most diverse. You’ll find pristine beaches, rugged mountains, deep gorges, and plenty of history. The ancient Minoan civilization left behind treasures like the Palace of Knossos, offering a glimpse into Europe’s earliest advanced society.

There are two different sides to Crete and two different airports where people typically fly into Heraklion and Chania. Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a bustling city that seamlessly blends its ancient past with modern life. Here is where you’ll find the Palace of Knossos (and plenty more fascinating archaeological sites), bustling marketplaces, and traditional tavernas.

Chania, on the other hand, is a picturesque coastal town. It’s much more relaxed, with a charming harbour, narrow streets, artisan shops, and a vibrant culinary scene. 

11. Meteora

Located high in the mountains north of Athens, Meteora is easily one of the best places to visit in Greece. It’s also completely gorgeous with out-of-this-world landscapes, fascinating rock formations, and majestic monasteries perched precariously on top.

The entire place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the monasteries were built directly on top of giant sandstone pillars. It literally looks as though they have been suspended in mid-air.

Coupled with the serene surroundings of the Kalambaka Valley, Meteora is a  wonderful place to visit in Greece.

12. Corfu – one of the best places to visit in Greece for beaches

Ahh Corfu. An island that conjures up images of idyllic beaches, beautiful views and the ultimate relaxing and romantic getaway. This enchanting Ionian island is one of the most northerly Greek islands. It’s just a short ferry ride away from Albania and offers the chance to explore beautiful bays, and stunning lush landscapes, whilst taking a day trip or two to Sarande’s gorgeous national parks. 

But Corfu isn’t just about beauty. It also has a UNESCO World Heritage old town with narrow cobbled alleys and pastel-hued buildings and an imposing old fortress which stands proud over the town.

And, of course, I wouldn’t be doing the island justice if I didn’t mention the beaches. Corfu offers splendid beaches ranging from secluded coves to lively resort areas. Some of its best include Paleokastritsa, Sidari, and Dassia Bay. 

13. Nafplio – one of the best places to visit in Greece for authenticity and charm

This was my favourite place I visited during my Athens road trip. The absolutely stunning town used to be the former capital of modern Greece, and its role in the Greek War of Independence is pretty significant. And the stunning Palamidi Fortress, perched high above the town and the Bourtzi Fortress, situated on an islet in the harbour, stand testament to this time.

But aside from Napflio’s historical importance, it’s just a gorgeous place to visit. Explore winding streets lined with cute shops and boutiques selling handcrafted items. There are also some of the best tavernas in Greece that serve delicious home-cooked delicacies (I had a stunning lamb dish here and cannot recommend Nafplio’s food scene enough). 

14. Kefalonia

Another Ionian gem, Kefalonia is located near Corfu and the beautiful Zante (below on this list). It’s actually the largest of the Ionions and has a pretty mixed landscape. You’ll find beaches, mountains, valleys, and dramatic cliffs tumbling into the azure water. 

A few highlights include Myrtos Beach, with its turquoise waters and white pebbles, and the enchanting Melissani Cave which offers a unique underground experience. I also recommend exploring some of the villages and towns – Fiskardo and Assos feature pretty Venetian architecture and offer a glimpse into Kefalonia’s rich history. 

15. Zante

Zante, or Zakynthos, is pretty much known as the party island of the Ionions! Its vibrant atmosphere is contagious and there are plenty of great options if you want to drink your way ’til sunrise. However, if you simply feel like waking up early and watching the sunrise with a clear head, you’ll be relieved to know that Zante is much more than just a party island. 

It is also home to possibly one of the most famous beaches in all of Greece – Shipwreck Beach (Navagio). Only accessible by boat, surrounded by towering white cliffs, and features the skeleton of an old ship, it’s really no wonder that this beach is so famous.

The island’s diverse scenery extends beyond its beaches, however, from charming coastal towns like Tsilivi and Laganas to the lush interior adorned with olive groves and vineyards. Zakynthos is also a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, making it a conservation hotspot and great for wildlife lovers.

16. Thessaloniki – one of the best places to visit in northern Greece

The second largest city in Greece is a great place to visit if you want to explore the much less popular north of the country. Nestled on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki seamlessly blends its ancient past with a modern cosmopolitan atmosphere. 

It’s perfect for history lovers with a rich past that spans over 2,300 years. You’ll find an array of archaeological treasures, including the Roman Rotunda, the triumphal Arch of Galerius, and the symbolic White Tower that overlooks the waterfront in the city. As well as history, you’ll find a thriving art scene, bustling markets, and fantastic food.

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