15 BEST Places to Visit in Greece (Islands & Mainland)

To list all of the must-visit places in Greece would be impossible. But, having travelled to 8 islands and 3 destinations on the mainland, I’ve seeing some beautiful spots in Greece! From rugged snow-capped mountains and ancient ruins to turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Greece can has something for every traveller. 

Along with the stunning Greek Islands, some of the best places to visit in Greece are the country’s amazing cities and historical sites.

Greece is the birthplace of democracy and also the cradle of Western civilization. With its mix of awe-inspiring beauty and history, tasty cuisine, and welcoming people, in my opinion, Greece is most definitely one of the top destinations to visit – in the world.

Best Places to Visit in Greece

If you’re planning a trip soon, make sure you check out our epic Greece travel guide. Not only is this one of the cheapest places to travel, but it’s also on our list of the best countries to travel to for food. 

Alright, let’s get into it. Wondering where to go in Greece? In no particular order, here is a list of my favourites.

1. Santorini

The first time we visited Santorini was back in 2011! We spent 5 days hiking, sampling wine, swimming, and getting lost in the picturesque villages.

Santorini is probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Greece – it’s the diamond of the Aegean. Thousands are drawn to the beauty of this island every year and leave knowing that there is nowhere else like it.

This spectacular place is one of the most scenic in all the Greek Islands. Picturesque and world-renowned, Santorini must be seen to be believed.

Take a dip in the turquoise waters, walk around the beautiful villages, and dine in the fine restaurants, Santorini will steal your heart.

Location: Cyclades, South Aegean Sea | Vibe: Touristy, Romantic, Picture-Perfect | Best For: Honeymoon, Luxury, Relaxation

Best Tours & Activities in Santorini:

• Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise (including BBQ, drinks & transport – this is highly rated!)
• Santorini Luxury Volcano Caldera Cruise w/ Greek Meal & Drinks (a romantic sunset sail)
• Private Tailor-Made Tour- Explore Santorini (flexible itinerary
• Tour of Wineries with Wine Tasting and Food (small group, 10 wine tastings!)

My Personal Highlights: Riding a scooter around the island with Nick, watching sunset from the cliffside each evening, wine tasting at Gavalas Winery, and spending the day lazing on Red Beach!

Where to Stay in Santorini: Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Santorini. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Villa Valvis – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Platia – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Fileria Suites – Rating 9.1. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
  ☞ Click here to compare prices and see reviews on all accommodation options available in Santorini on Booking.com.

This is still easily one of my favorite places in Greece – it’s touristy, but for good reason. Learn more about the best 15 things to see and do in Santorini in our post.

2. Paros

I fell in love with Paros when we spent 8 days on the island celebrating our friend’s wedding. After landing at the airport, we rented a car and drove to Naoussa where we based ourselves for 8 days.

From there, we’d hop in the car and drive around to different coves, beachside restaurants, and stunning cliffside hikes. It’s the perfect sized island!

We spent our days lazing on the beautiful beaches in Paros, checking out picturesque villages, going wine tasting, and of course, eating incredibly fresh seafood. If you’re into partying, you’ll find it in Paros…but, you can easily fine quiet places as well. We absolutely loved our 8 night stay here.

Location: Cyclades, South Aegean Sea | Vibe: Chic, Party, Picture-Perfect | Best For: Food, Nightlife, Beach

Best Tours & Activities in Paros:

• Antiparos & Despotiko full day cruise from Paros
• Paros Cooking Class
• Paros: Sea Kayak Trip with Snorkeling and Snack or Picnic
• Paros: Full-Day Small Boat Rental with Self-Driving – we did this in Corfu and loved it!

My Personal Highlights: Aside from witnessing my best friends get married, I loved the wine tasting at Moraitis Estate (the 2020 reserve was incredible), driving around the island and stopping for lunch at seaside tavernas, and visiting the picturesque town of Lefkes.

They say that Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years ago – offering the atmosphere, without the crowds and hefty price tags. Plus, there are numerous things to do in Paros to keep you busy. This is one of the best places to go in Greece. Click here for a gorgeous, budget-friendly accommodation option in Paros.

3. Crete

Ah, Crete. An island that stole our hearts back in 2011! Since then, we’ve been to Crete two more times, and are about to make it a third – we’re getting married there!

This is the largest island in Greece and it comes as no surprise that there are endless things to see and do in Crete. The island actually gets snow in the winter on its tallest peak!

We loved swimming in the sea in the springtime with snowcapped mountains as the backdrop – it was magical.

Not only does Crete have mountains and beaches, but the hiking is awesome, the historical sites are great, and the island has its own tasty cuisine. I can’t wait to return to Crete!

Location: Southern Most Island, Sea of Crete | Vibe: Soulful, Wild, Authentic | Best For: Food, Beach, History, Adventure, Culture

Best Tours & Activities in Crete:

• Olive Oil, Wine, Cheese & Honey Tasting Tour – leaves from Chania
• Boat Trip to Lazaretta Island with Swim Stop – departs from Chania
• Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island – multiple departure points
• Go Hiking (use AllTrails to find the best trailheads)

My Personal Highlights: It’s hard to narrow it down! Driving our little rental car to Balos Beach, exploring the Lisithi Plateau and eating at small tavernas was so fun. I also loved sailing from Rethymno, and multiple hikes through beautiful gorges.

Where to Stay in Crete: Chania is a great area to base yourself. Our friends stayed at The Royal Sun, and we stayed at Nais Apartments.

Because Crete is so big, it’s more like a “mini-island”, it’s not the type of place you can see in just a few days. Base yourself in the west or east and explore just that area, otherwise, you’ll find yourself in a vehicle the whole time – when you should be at the beach!

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things To See and Do in Naxos

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Airbnbs in Naxos 

4. Corfu

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary here on the island of Corfu! Along with its rich cultural heritage, and cosmopolitan vibe, the island also offers rugged mountains and some of the best beaches in Greece.

Corfu definitely is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece, but if throngs of tourists aren’t your thing, don’t worry – isolated beaches stretch along the winding coast of Corfu. With so many beaches on offer, it’s very easy to find your own perfect piece of paradise.

Along with white sandy beaches, there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu old town. For me, Corfu Town was a real highlight – we came here a couple of times and loved wandering around the narrow alleyways, and sipping on local wine at Salto.

Location: North Ionian Islands | Vibe: Cosmopolitan, European, Touristy | Best For: Luxury, Beach Lovers, History, Relaxation

Best Tours & Activities in Corfu:

• Full-Day Boat Tour of Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves (highly rated, fun day trip)
• Small-Group Food and Cultural Tour in Corfu
• The Governor Olive Mill Tour with Olive Oil Tasting (we loved this tour!)
• Half Day Cruise on a Sailing Yacht in Corfu (great for groups)
• Corfu Town: Guided Walking Tour and Local Food Tastings (highly rated, great for foodies!)

My Personal Highlights: I loved renting our own private boat and cruising up and down the shoreline! Docking at little tavernas for lunch, and anchoring offshore at our own private coves. That, and the olive oil tasting, and wandering around Corfu Town.

All in all, Corfu is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and there are endless things to do in Corfu. Learn about where to stay on Corfu in our complete guide to the best areas of the island.

Where to Stay in Corfu: Here’s a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Corfu on Booking.com. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Sea View – Rating 9.2. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Tango Apartment On The Beach – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia – Rating 9.0. Check out that hotel here. This is one of the places we stayed during our anniversary and really enjoyed it. We also stayed at the Marbella and recommend that hotel as well.
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Corfu on Booking.com

During our trip to Corfu, we created two videos showcasing our experience on the island to give you an idea of what Corfu is like, and if it’s a place in Greece you want to visit. Have a look at Part 1 and Part 2.

5. Zakynthos

We enjoyed 10 days exploring Zakythos by car. Home to some of the Greek Islands’ best nightlife, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Mediterranean. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and huge chalk-white cliffs, all give Zakynthos its signature beauty.

Zakynthos is one of the top places to visit in Greece for a beach holiday – there are 27 beaches on the island – and we found ourselves lazing on quite a few of them!

The island is also home to one of the most photographed spots in Greece, Shipwreck Cove. Otherwise known as Navagio beach, this alone makes Zakynthos a must-visit destination.

Whether you see it from above, or decide to take a boat, make sure to visit Shipwreck Cove – I couldn’t get over the view, it was stunning.

Location: Ionian Islands | Vibe: Party, Beach Bumming, Holiday | Best For: Beach-Lovers, Partiers, Group Travel

Best Tours & Activities in Zakythos:

• Zakynthos : One day small group tour to Navagio beach Blue Caves & top view
• Private 7m 250hp speed boat tour Shipwreck Blue caves up to 9pax – great for groups!
• Zakynthos Island: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour
• Laganas: Off-Road Buggy Adventure in Zakynthos with Lunch

My Personal Highlights: I loved everything about our trip, but in particular all of the beaches – we went to 9 beaches! Gerakas Beach was my favourite, but I also enjoyed the cavernous, crystal clear water of Porto Limnionas, and swimming off of Marathonisi Island during our private boat trip.

Where to Stay in Zakynthos: Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Zakynthos. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Armonia Boutique Hotel – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Denise Apartments – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Αggi’s – Rating 9.0. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com

We stayed at Katerina Rooms and loved our stay there – the owner was so kind! Click here to see the latest price and reviews.☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Zakynthos on Booking.com

Zakynthos is also one of the Greek Islands’ biggest party spots. So if you are looking for some great nightlife along with idyllic beauty, Zakynthos is a place that ticks all of the boxes. There are so many things to do in Zakynthos, you’ll never be bored. 

For more on traveling to Zakynthos, check out our articles for these popular places: Gerakas Beach, Navagio Beach, Laganas Beach, Zante Town, Banana Beach, Porto Azzuro, Porto Limnionas, Keri, Alykes, Xigia Beach, and Psarou Beach

And, don’t miss our video on the best things to do in Zakynthos island!

7. Athens (one of the best cities in Greece to visit)

Whether you love cities or not, a visit to Athens must be on your list when choosing where to go in Greece. Not only do most international flights arrive here, but you won’t want to miss the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka District and Monistraki Square.

We spent our days wandering around Monistraki Square and the surrounding food and fish markets, watching the changing of the guard ceremony at Parliament, and spent hours exploring the Acropolis.

Not to mention, some of the best food can be found in the capital! We definitely ate our way through Athens…you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to authentic food.

This city is one of the best places to visit in Greece for food. Make sure to check out these best restaurants in Athens, and get ready to watch your waistline grow.

Athens may be busy and a little rough around the edges, but there are few cities on earth that are filled with as much history – it’s the birthplace of democracy and accredited as the founder of Western civilization, this is a city that stretches across the ages.

Location: Mainland Greece | Vibe: Chaotic, Edgy, City, Bustling | Best For: History Buffs, City Lovers

Best Tours & Activities in Athens:

• Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum In a Cultural Guided Walking Tour
• All Day Cruise: 3 Islands to Agistri, Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included
• Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens
• Athens: Meteora DayTrip by Train, English or Spanish & Lunch
• From Athens: Day Trip to Delphi and Arachova

My Personal Highlights: People watching is one of my favourite things to do in Athens! I loved ordering a gyro from one of the nearby restaurants, sitting down in Monistraki Square and just taking it all in.

Over the years, we’ve spent 4 days in the city – Athens is a must-visit and is likely the best city to visit in Greece as a whole. There are endless things to do in Athens, you’ll never be bored here! 

Where to Stay in Athens: Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Athens. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel – Rating 8.7. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Electra Hotel Athens – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Top Apartments, Hotels & Hostels in Athens – there are some great options on Booking.com, click here
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Athens on Booking.com.

☞ SEE ALSO: Discovering the Magic of Kefalonia – Our 5 Day Travel Guide

8. Rhodes

The Island of Rhodes, located off the southwestern coast of Turkey is one of the Greek Islands’ most visited spots. Rhodes caters to all tastes, from backpackers to the rich and famous, all drawn to this teardrop in the Aegean.

We only stopped over on this island on a ferry, but would love to return to see more.

The island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town, was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. This kind of history, along with the incredible scenery, nightlife and swimming spots make Rhodes one of the best places to visit in Greece.

Location: Aegean Sea, near Turkiye (Turkey) | Vibe: Lively, Holiday | Best For: History Buffs, Partiers, Beach-Goers

Best Tours & Activities in Rhodes:

• Rhodes Full Day Cruise with Greek Buffet Lunch & Unlimited Drinks
• Best of Rhodes Tour including Lindos and Medieval City
• Best of Rhodes Tour including Lindos and Medieval City
• Rhodes: All Inclusive Day Cruise with BBQ & Unlimited Drinks
• Rhodes: Pirates’ Route Sea Kayaking Tour

Where to Stay in Rhodes: Stegna sea view apartment – Rating 9.6. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com.
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Rhodes on Booking.com

Whether you want to party the night away in Faliraki or relax in luxury at one of the many 5 star hotels, Rhodes covers every type of traveller. As you’ve probably noticed by now, Greece is the perfect blend of paradise and history with Rhodes being no different.

To learn more, see our complete travel guide to Rhodes Greece.

9. Meteora

Next up is something a little different. Meteora is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece, and Europe as a whole!

Located in the heart of northern Greece, Meteora is home to some of the world’s most spectacular Orthodox churches…but not just any churches…

Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, Meteora is a place where Orthodox monasteries are built into stone, and perched precariously on the top of towering rocks – there’s nowhere like it!

The Meteora Monasteries are one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that have been given a double status. UNESCO gives two different world heritages status, one for art and one for nature. The stunning bluffs and hoodoos of Meteora have received both.

Location: Mainland Greece, 4 hours from Athens | Vibe: Serene, Spiritual | Best For: History Buffs, Nature Lovers

Best Tours & Activities in Meteora:

• Meteora Monasteries Half-Day Small Group Tour with transport
• Sunset Tour: Discovering Meteora’s Secrets in a Small Group
• Secret Caves of Meteora – Sunset Hike
• Meteora Magical Sunset Tour

Where to Stay in Meteora: Here’s a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Meteora. Click on the links and check them out for yourself.

• Hotel Anax – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Guesthouse Gkoura – Rating 9.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Archontiko Mesohori Suites & Apartments – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Meteora on Booking.com

Meteora is a breathtaking place you won’t want to miss. If you don’t have enough time to stay in Meteora, this tour from Athens is the best way to visit this incredible site.

☞ SEE ALSO: Chios, Greece: Unearthing The Magic of The North Aegean

10. Skyros

Located in the centre of the Aegean, Skyros is known for its stunning beaches, jagged coastline, and seaside villages. Steeped in tradition and still relatively untouched, Skyros is a great choice for an idyllic getaway.

The north is all rolling farmlands and pine forests, but the south is characterized by arid hills and rocky shorelines. Skyros has managed to fly under the radar for a long time and doesn’t attract the masses of tourists like many of the other Greek Islands.

If you do make it to Skyros, keep an eye out for the legendary wild horses of the island! For millennia, Skyrian horses have roamed the island, unfortunately they’re becoming fewer and fewer. Who knows how much longer you will be able to see these animals in the wild.

Location: Northern Sporades Islands, Aegean Sea | Vibe: Authentic, Quiet, Laid-Back | Best For: Off-Track, Slow-Travel, Culture

Where to Stay in Skyros: Eleana Studios – Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com and Ammos Hotel – Rating 9.1. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Skyros.

☞ SEE ALSO: Visiting Lesvos, Greece: Our 5 Day Travel Guide 

11. Skiathos

Skiathos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. Best known for its beach and nightlife, Skiathos has blasted onto the itinerary of many travelers in recent years.

With crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, along with some incredible nightspots, it is easy to see why. Despite the influx of tourism, this island in the Aegean has lost none of its beauty.

There are over 60 gorgeous beaches here, plus hiking trails through rolling pine forests, Skiathos is a nature lover’s dream. I thought the best beaches were in Kefalonia, but it looks like Skiathos might be the winner!

Location: Northern Sporades Islands | Vibe: Touristy, Lively, Lush | Best For: Nature, Nightlife, Beaches

Best Tours & Activities in Skiathos:

• All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch
• Island Hopping from Skiathos
• Private Boat Cruise around Skiathos island
• From Skiathos: Skopelos and Alonissos Boat Trip with Stops
• Skiathos: All-Inclusive Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Lunch

Where to Stay in Skiathos: Villas Zoe – Rating 9.5. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Skiathos

Along with the natural beauty of the island, there’s also Skiathos Town which caters perfectly to tourists. Nice restaurants spill out onto the streets where you can sit and dine the evening away as the sun slowly dips into the sea.

If you choose one thing to do in Skiathos, make it this sailing trip which includes snorkel gear, food, and drinks – you may even spot dolphins!

☞ SEE ALSO:  The Best Time to Visit Greece & The Greek Islands

12. Halkidiki

We spent a few days in the city of Thessaloniki last year, and just south of there lies the peninsula of Halkidiki. This very well could be Greece’s best-kept secret.

Home to some of the best stretches of sand on Mainland Greece, the Halkidiki peninsula is split into three “fingers” which spread out into the Aegean.

There are the Golden sandy beaches of the Sithonia headland, the resorts and restaurants of Kassandra, and finally, mysterious Athos which is home to some of the most stoic monastic communities in Greece – it’s traditional to the extreme.

When combined, all three headlands of the peninsula come together to create the perfect getaway!

Location: Northern Greece, Mainland | Vibe: Laid-Back, Lush, Diverse | Best For: Beaches, Road-Trips, Nature

Best Tours & Activities in Halkidiki:

• Mount Athos & visit Ammouliani’s island (mixed cruise)
• Best of Halkidiki Daily Private Cruise
• Private Sailing Trip

Where to Stay in Halkidiki: Marianna Apartments – Rating 9.6. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com, and Villa Kristy – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Halkidiki

Halkidiki, for the time being, is still relatively crowd-free. How long this will last is unknown…visit soon before the word is out.

13. Chios

Chios is off-track and is very much underrated. We flew to this island from Athens, picked up our rental car at the airport and explored for 5 days – we absolutely loved it!

The medieval villages, stunning beaches, unique accommodation options, and great restaurants make this island one of the best places to visit in Greece.

Plus, it’s home to Mastiha (Mastic) trees which are grown all over the world…BUT, the trees in Chios produce a special sap that has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It’s definitely sought-after! You’ll find mastiha products all over the island and we enjoyed learning all about this at the Mastic Museum.

Not only were the sights and history in Chios incredible, but we had some lovely encounters with the people as well – strangers on the street, staff at our accommodation, people on tours, and everyone in between. Chios remains one of our favourite places in Greece.

Location: North Aegean Islands – near Turkiye | Vibe: Off-Track, Authentic, Traditional, Wild | Best For: Culture, Road-Trips, Slow-Travel

Best Tours & Activities in Chios:

• Chios Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
• Private Walking Tour of Kampos
• Chios: Sailing Boat Cruise to Oinouses with Meal & Drinks

My Personal Highlights: I really liked how off-track this island felt. There weren’t the crowds like many other islands in Greece. Because of this, I had lots of genuine interactions with the locals which was a main highlight. Learning about Mastiha was also interesting – as were the Mastiha cocktails at Oz bar!

Where to Stay in Chios: We stayed at Emporios Bay Hotel and highly recommend it. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com. Click here to see all accommodation options available in Chios on Booking.com

14. Lesvos

From Chios, we took a ferry to Lesvos and spent 5 days on the island. There are enough things to see and do in Lesvos to keep you busy.

Lesvos is the third largest island in the country and is one of those places to go in Greece if you’re looking for somewhere away from the crowds. 

I loved exploring the pottery-filled, mountainous village of Agiasos and the Petrified Forest in the west, but my favourite area was the scenic coastal town of Petra. Lesvos truly is a diverse destination in Greece.

If you’re an adventure-seeker, Lesvos is also a great place to explore above and below the water! We joined a unique experience that combined sailing with scuba diving and had an awesome day.

For scuba diving, visit Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Center and for sailing see George at Alternative Sailing – both are professional companies that we recommend. 

Location: North Aegean Islands – near Turkiye | Vibe: Rugged, Authentic, Laid-Back | Best For: Culture, Food, Nature, Slow-Travel

My Personal Highlights: Lesvos is one of those places that doesn’t really have tours you can book. Luckily, we were able to meet up with the guys at Alternative Sailing and they put together a day on the water, complete with lunch and scuba diving from a zodiac boat! That day, and chillin out at Reef beach bar on sun beds were a couple of the standouts for me.

Where to Stay in Lesvos: I highly recommend Archontiko Petras 1821! Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.

If you’re looking for a more off-track stay in Greece, Lesvos is a good option. Rent a car like we did and explore the island – this is a slow-paced place, so do as the locals do and take your time.

15. Mykonos

There are endless islands to visit in Greece, and Mykonos definitely deserves a spot on the list. 

While Mykonos is a great place to visit in Greece for friends (due to the fun parties), it also has a chilled-out side, with pretty narrow streets and alleyways, wine-tasting tours, amazing sunset spots, interesting museums, and little villages to visit. 

We haven’t been to this Cycladic Island yet, but it’s one of the most popular in Greece and we can’t wait to visit one day. Just like its neighbour, Santorini, Mykonos is known for its whitewashed blue-roofed homes and crystal clear water.

Location: Cyclades Island Chain | Vibe: Glamorous, Hedonistic, High-Energy | Best For: Nightlife, Luxury, Fun

Best Tours & Activities in Mykonos:

• Mykonos Shore Excursion with Pickup from Cruise Ship Terminal
• Small-Group Half-Day Tour in Mykonos
• Mykonos Catamaran Daytime or Sunset Sailing with Food and Drinks

Where to Stay in Mykonos: Check out the super highly rated Mykonos Soul Luxury Suites. and Click here for a top-recommended villa in Mykonos.

You don’t have to be a partier to enjoy a trip to Mykonos. Have a look at our list of the best things to do in Mykonos for all types of travellers.

Places to Visit in Greece for History

History buffs, rejoice! Greece has endless historical sites for you to see. Even though they aren’t islands or cities, I wanted to add these top places to visit in Greece to this list! Don’t miss these incredible sites.

Knossos

Near Heraklion, Crete lies the Minoan ruins of Knossos. This relic of the bronze age was once home to the mighty Minoan civilization which dominated the region over 5000 years ago.

We drove about 40 minutes from our little apartment in Stalida to reach the ruins, but if you’re coming from the Cretan capital (Heraklion), it’s just a 20 minute drive.

The ruins of Knossos are the best-preserved bronze age relics in the whole of Greece and are an incredible sight to see. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Crete.

Along with pretty mosaics and fine pottery, there is also the hall of kings, which is where the legend of the Minotaur and Labyrinth was played out. We spent about 2 hours at Knossos wandering around and imagining what life must’ve been like over 5,000 years ago!

Location: Island of Crete | Best For: History Buffs, All Travellers

Best Tours & Activities in Knossos: Knossos Palace Guided Walking Tour – including guide and entrance fee

Where to Stay Near Knossos: Here’s a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties near Knossos. Click on the links and check them out for yourself!

• Apartments Christina – Rating 8.3. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Idili – Rating 9.8. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
• Z Boutique Hotel – Rating 9.4. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
  ☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available near Knossos on Booking.com

The ruins of Knossos are a must when visiting the Island of Crete. Greece has a long history and Knossos is a great place to catch a glimpse of the past.

To learn more about traveling to Crete, have a look at our complete guide to the island, and our guide to visiting Elounda.

Olympia

Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is another place to visit in Greece which is carved into history.

Located in the hallowed Valley of the Gods, it is still possible to see the ancient stadium and training grounds of the Olympians. At that time, Olympia would’ve been one of the best cities to visit in Greece.

Along with the stadium and training grounds, the UNESCO-accredited Olympia also boasts some of the best-preserved monuments and temples in all of Greece.

Best Tours & Activities in Olympia:

• Olympia – Half day Tour
• Private Tour:Visit of Agricultural Farm and free time in Olympia
• Olympia and Museum Private Guided Tour

These hallowed monuments are dedicated to the great gods of old such as Zeus and Hera. Located in the rugged hills of the Peloponnese, the Valley of the Gods is an awe-inspiring place.

Along with Olympia itself, the valley also has some incredible hiking and mountain bike trails and is situated close to the Alfos River Valley. All of this combined makes Olympia and the Valley Of The Gods one of the best places to visit in Greece. Click here for an excellent, private tour of Olympia.

Delphi

Here is another destination for history lovers. Delphi, the religious centre of the ancient world still clings on even today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place that drew people (even kings) to hear the words of the Oracle.

The Oracle of Delphi has been etched into Greek history and the priestess of Apollo’s words has echoed through the ages.

Best Tours & Activities in Delphi:

• HIKE OR BIKE DELPHI Private Guided Tour with Olive Culture Option
• Delphi: Archaeological Site & Museum Entry Ticket & Audio

The Temple of Apollo still stands and is one of the highlights of Delphi. Along with the Temple of Apollo, there is also the Athena Priene, a theatre, and an ancient stadium.

Take a stroll among the ruins and transport yourself back in time. Delphi is certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece. Delphi makes for a great day adventure from Athens. Check out this highly-rated trip.

Mycenae

Finally, we have a city that dominates the myths and legends of old. The walls of Mycenae were so high that the ancient Greeks credited their creation to the Cyclops.

The city of Mycenae comes from a time before Greece and is featured in tales such as the Fall of Troy. Its most famous ruler was the mighty King Agamemnon himself.

Separating history from myth is very difficult at Mycenae as the city was at its most powerful over 3500 years ago! Mycenae lies way off the beaten tourist path and will take you to a part of the country that few tourists get to see. 

Without a doubt, Mycenae is one of the great archeological sites of Greece and will leave you awestruck at the engineering prowess of the ancients. The culture, scenery, and history all come together to make Mycenae one of the country’s must-see destinations.

Find Mycenae on the map, here. Or, take this day trip from Athens which is the best way to see Mycenae.

How to Get Around Greece

Knowing about the beautiful destinations in Greece is one thing, but getting to them will take a little bit of planning. There are six main island groups, plus mainland Greece.

You can fly to pretty much anywhere from Athens, or for a more interesting way to get around, you can do some island hopping by ferry.

We always rent a car on each island in Greece that we visit as it’s a great way to have some flexibility and freedom on your trip. Driving on the islands is easy and rental cars are affordable. Click here to search for the latest rates on rental cars.

From Athens, there are 8 different ports you can take a ferry directly to, including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Heraklion (Crete). Easily search for ferry times, routes, and prices here.

Best eSIM For Greece

Before you head off on your trip to Greece, make sure you have an eSIM for your phone. Staying connected abroad is important.

Whether to post stunning photos of the destinations in Greece on Instagram, contact your accommodation, reserve a car, find somewhere to eat, or navigate around using Google Maps, you’ll want to have data on your trip.

We use and recommend Holafly eSIMs. They’re easy to install (takes less than 5 minutes), and there’s no physical SIM card needed – it’s all virtual. With the Greece eSIMs, you’ll get unlimited data, plus 60 minutes of local calling (sending and receiving).

Once you arrive at your destination, you simply switch on the eSIM in your phone’s settings and you’ll be connected immediately. Goats On The Road readers receive 5% off, click here to learn more about getting an eSIM for Greece.

Have Fun in Greece!

This incredible country offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and history. A visit to Greece is one that you will never forget and this country will draw you back time and time again. 

We also have a lot of great travel information including where to stay, when to go, the best things to do and more. To learn more, check out our Greece Travel Guide.

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The post 15 BEST Places to Visit in Greece (Islands & Mainland) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

To list all of the must-visit places in Greece would be impossible. But, having travelled to 8 islands and 3 destinations on the mainland, I’ve seeing some beautiful spots in Greece! From rugged snow-capped mountains and ancient ruins to turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Greece can has something for every traveller.  Along with the stunning … Read more

The post 15 BEST Places to Visit in Greece (Islands & Mainland) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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