With the Mediterranean’s longest coastline, a forested interior, ancient cities, time-capsule villages, and roughly 6,000 islands, Greece offers all things to everyone. History and sightseeing buffs love Athens’ Acropolis temples and museums, Meteora’s rock monasteries, and the antiquities of Delphi, Olympia, and Crete’s Palace of Knossos. But some of the best things to do in Greece involve slo-mo activities, be they on the mainland or islands. Laze on sandy and pebble bays, sunset-watch over Santorini’s caldera, explore the whitewashed villages of Mykonos or Rhodes, and linger at harborside tavernas.
Greek seas and skies shine bright and blue in June through August, when summer travelers flock to beaches, islands, and ancient sites. For a more zen experience, kinder prices, and easier travel, visit in the shoulder seasons—late spring and early fall. Wildflowers can be magical in April and May, while September offers warm seas and tranquil weather.
From lumbering car ferries to sleek, fast hydrofoils and airy sailboat cruises, boats are a magical way to explore Greece’s 227 inhabited islands. On the mainland, there’s a limited but efficient train network, with KTEL buses linking major towns and cities. You’ll want your own wheels to discover villages, countryside, and some ancient sites, however. If hairpin bends, anarchic traffic, and cramped village streets are not your thing, consider hiring a driver or joining a tour.
For the best views of the Acropolis—and all the way across to the Aegean—head to Mt. Lycabettus, Athens’ highest hill, in time for sunset. If you take a wine tour anywhere in Greece, make it Santorini: The phylloxera louse can’t live in its volcanic soil, and its vines survived an epidemic that wiped out vineyards across Europe. The Gavalas Winery in Megalochori village is a great place to discover the island’s unique varietals.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone EEST (UTC +2) | Country Code +30 | Language(s) Greek | Attractions 203 | Tours 9,819 | Reviews 193,566 |
The ancient cradle of Western civilization, Greece is renowned for its top-notch classical ruins, from Athens’ Parthenon to hillside Delphi. It’s also known for its verdant mountains, medieval monasteries, tiny villages, and lively towns—all giving way to a long coastline and groups of islands with idyllic beaches and azure seas.
...MoreGreece’s top attraction is Athens, its capital, which had more than 6 million visitors in 2019. The city’s appeal is wide—from ancient relics to buzzing streets and food and nightlife. But travelers come mainly to see its most-visited site, the Acropolis, a rocktop crowned with archaic temples, including the Parthenon.
...MoreYes, seven days is enough, but you’ll need to set expectations. Take a week’s tour of mainland highlights such as Athens and Delphi—focusing on one region like the Peloponnese, or island-hopping around Cyclades gems like Santorini and Mykonos. Alternatively, a week on an island, like Crete, offers beauty and culture.
...MoreTravelers to mainland Greece usually focus on its classical sites, touring Athens’ antiquities before crisscrossing the interior to visit treasures like Delphi and Olympia. Relaxation-seekers, meanwhile, head for beach hot spots like Halkidiki and the Athens’ Riviera. Visitors to Greece’s islands lap up their sun, sea, scenery, and laid-back lifestyle.
...MoreAcross Greece, most tavernas serve popular classics like feta-topped salads, mezze bowls of hummus and tzatziki, and mains like moussaka, kebabs, and fresh fish. In the Ionian archipelago, Italian-influenced dishes such as pasta are popular, while Middle-Eastern favorites like stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) feature more in the Aegean islands.
...MoreYes, English is generally spoken. In Athens and other cities—and at tourist sites and popular islands like Corfu, Crete, and Rhodes—English is widely spoken by waiters, shopkeepers, and tourism staff. If you’re traveling deeper into rural Greece, it’s wise to know and use everyday Greek words out of courtesy.
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