Greece

Energetic cities and island getaways both ravishing and remote – the birthplace of western democracy has it all. On the mainland and throughout Greece's many distinctive islands, the past is woven into a modern-day landscape that honors tradition and knows how to have a good time. Sure there are ‘must-see’ stops for your itinerary, but look deeper into the country’s different regions and you’ll discover a side of Greece you never knew.

Where to Go in Greece

The capital city of Athens is iconic monuments, bustling shopping districts and street markets, world-class museums, and packed cafes. Come for the ancient history, mythology, diverse food scene and nightlife.

The Cyclades Islands (such as Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos and Paros) play a recurrent theme of sugar-cube architecture tumbling down to the dazzling sea. Come for romance, island hopping, beaches, nature, food and wine, photography, and escape.

The largest island of Crete has something for every traveler. Come for excellent beach resorts for families and couples, vineyards and local cuisine for gourmets, and a wide range of nature and adventure activities for outdoor lovers. Most visitors make a stop at Knossos, the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilization.

Closer to the Turkish coast, the Dodecanese Islands are rich with history and eye-catching beaches. Come for the medieval old town of Rhodes, the legacy of Hippocrates on Kos, the colorful harbor of Symi, and the island of Patmos where John the Evangelist was sent into exile.

The Peloponnese, a peninsula to the southwest of Athens, is home to an incredibly rich collection of ancient sites – think Delphi, Olympia, Mystras, Mycenae and Epidaurus – where history and legend come to life. Come for the Homeric legacies, mountain and beach scenery, the charming old town of Nafplion, and the jaw-dropping monasteries of Meteora.

Just a short ferry-hop away from Athens, the Argo-Saronic Islands give you a taste of the Greek islands. Come for the day and visit Poros, Spetses and/or Hydra to simply eat, drink, shop, wander the narrow streets and watch the world go by.

A group of lush green islands to the west, the Ionian Islands are known for deep blue waters and sandy beaches. Come for sunning, swimming, doing water sports, yachting, or mountain hiking. Don’t miss the ‘shipwreck beach’ of Zakynthos, or go more low-key on Ithaki, the rugged home of Homer’s Odysseus.

The Sporades Islands are quintessential – picture golden beaches, rugged terrain, lush pine forests and limpid blue seas. Come for sunbathing, hiking, romance, and to see where Mamma Mia! was filmed in Skopelos.

Top Travel Tips for Greece

Avoid traveling in peak summer season (July and August) if possible. Shoulder months like May to June and September to October are ideal in terms of pleasant temperatures and more availability at hotels. If you must travel during the high summer holidays, book early for a wider choice and better prices on accommodation.

Don’t miss the mainland. Covering a large territory that many visitors never see, discovering Greece’s mainland means embarking on the road less traveled. In addition to the archaeologically rich Peloponnese, there’s Macedonia to the north with the outdoor playground of Mt Olympus. Thessaloniki is the multicultural metropolis of the north, and you can’t forget the show-stopping monasteries of Meteora.

Embrace the Mediterranean schedule. Greece, like other Mediterranean countries, doesn’t put too much importance on punctuality, so it’s best to relax and not expect service to happen in a snap. You should also note that Greeks eat dinner late, often around 9 or 10pm.

Typical First-Time Itinerary for Greece

Our first-time visitors to Greece usually split their time between Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, sometimes adding in Crete or time discovering the historic mainland. For a 3-region itinerary, we recommend a period of 8 to 14 days.