The sun-drenched European country is equally known for its serene sandy beaches as for its vibrant ancient history, which has significantly influenced many aspects of Western society.
I love that all tastes are catered for here – from history fans and nature lovers to serious clubbers and beach dwellers. Here are the places that have left a huge impression on me…
1. Santorini
Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands nestled in the Aegean Sea. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the world—it’s popular for a reason!
Spectacular sunsets, traditional whitewashed houses, and breathtaking ocean views are just a few of the things that make this island so special.
I recommend heading to Oia, the iconic village of pastel-washed houses hugging the cliff face. The majority of shops selling postcards all over Greece will have photographs from Santorini, and once you visit, you’ll realize why this beautiful Greek place is so cherished (like I did)!
- Location: southern Aegean Sea, 120 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- Seeing the world-famous white and blue houses in Fira, Santorini’s beautiful capital.
- Exploring Oia’s pretty white houses and the famous and very photogenic churches with blue domes and gorgeous views.
- Going on an incredible half-day catamaran tour with Santorini Yachts, being out on the boat at sunset was a dreamy experience!
- Exploring the black sand beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos stands out as one of the most stunning – and Instagrammable – islands in the Aegean region. Belonging to the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea, although Mykonos is a popular party island, plenty of natural and traditional beauty is still available.
It has a collection of unique Cycladic architecture (stunning white-washed cube buildings) set around a picturesque fishing village bay.
The square whitewashed buildings sit closely together, forming a maze of narrow alleyways and streets, and they are highly photogenic! In my experience, the island’s extraordinary beaches also make a perfect backdrop for watching the sunset.
My highlights…
- Taking Instaworthy photos of the famous and very beautiful Mykonos Windmills.
- Exploring the striking Paraportiani Church at sunset.
- Dancing at Cavo Paradiso Mykonos, the awesome sea views are legendary and they didn’t disappoint!
- Relaxing on Platis Gialos Beach, which I personally thought was one of the most stunning beaches on the island.
3. Zakynthos
This beautiful gem is famous for its crystal clear blue waters, golden beaches, and intense adventures, especially at night. My favourite highlights include the Shipwreck Beach of Navagio in a secluded cove, Banana Beach, Porto Zoro Beach, Kalamaki Beach, and Gerakas Beach.
Zakynthos Town has dozens of museums and a fascinating Venetian Castle on the hilltop. Picturesque mountainous villages are scattered across the countryside, including old monasteries easily discovered by car.
Restaurants dot the region, offering delicious Zakynthos cuisine. Notable must-sees include Solomos Square, Strata Marina, home to restaurants, bars, and cafes, Stranis Hill, which provides a magical view of the island, and remarkable ancient churches such as Aghios Nikolaos.
If you’re more adventurous, I recommend trying surfing or hiring a sailboat, trekking across the scenic mountainous region, snorkelling, swimming among sea turtles, and scuba diving in underwater caves between rocks in crystal-clear surroundings.
- Location: Ionian Sea, 12 miles west of the Greek mainland.
- Location Map
My personal highlights…
- Heading to the iconic and increasingly famous Navagio Beach and surrounding viewpoints to get some stunning Insta-worthy shots. It’s otherwise known as Shipwreck Beach due to the haunting remains of the ship here.
- Relaxing on the most beautiful beaches on the island, Banana Beach, Dafni Beach and Gerakas Beach.
- Hiring a boat with Zakynthos Cruises and explore the incredible Blue Caves and Keri Caves.
4. Kefalonia
The popular Greek holiday island has been made famous by the novel and film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which was set here. Although there has been some development, I love that it retains the traditional Greek way of life.
For all those who wish to know what a beautiful beach looks like, I would say you just need to visit Myrtos, located on the island!
It is located in the Pylaros region, northwest of Kefalonia island. The sheer contrast of the bright blue waters and the sparkling white beach makes an exhilarating scene, especially from the steep mountains and cliffs!
- Location: Ionian Sea, 30 miles west of the western coast of the mainland.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Exploring Assos Village which was pretty and charming spot.
- Relaxing on Petani Beach and Myrtos Beach which were my personal favourite beaches on the island.
- Visiting Agios Gerasimos Monastery a 16th-century church complex which had a zen-like courtyard, well-kept gardens and a striking monastery.
- Taking photos at the pretty Argostoli Harbour which was filled with colourful houses.
5. Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and another popular holiday island. Although it’s home to lively resorts, there are still many areas of outstanding natural beauty to discover and explore!
I would recommend heading for Lindos and St. Paul’s Beaches. Lindos is more popular because of its turquoise waters and the view of the raised white-painted town from the beach. Although I think both beaches are sandy, white and exceptionally beautiful.
Agathi Beach is another pretty beach on the island known for its soft sand and emerald-green waters. Looking for history? There are many ancient ruins here and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades.
- Location: southeastern Aegean Sea, 225 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
My personal highlights…
- Eating at Rustico Restaurant, a cute tavern with a modern twist that offers outdoor seating and even vegan options. The Greek Salad was divine!
- Exploring and swimming via a fast boat tour with Jet Boat Rhodes.
- Hiking along the coastal trail from Lindos to Saint Paul’s Bay which had really stunning views of the sparkling sea below.
6. Parthenon Acropolis and the rest of Athens
There are many breathtaking historical sites to explore in this extraordinary country. Still, this world-famous ancient attraction is considered the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, and when I visited, I was in awe!
It’s located in the Greek capital, Athens. The ruins are of an ancient temple on the Athenian Acropolis dedicated to the maiden goddess Athena, which was built for a couple of decades starting in 447 BC.
I would also highly suggest taking the time to explore the city of Athens. It’s a unique city, sometimes gritty, but it’s never boring. It has many incredible restaurants, rooftop bars, and historic attractions to explore.
- Address: Acropolis of Athens Dionysiou Areopagitou Street Athens, 105 58
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Seeing the awe-inspiring ancient monuments – they seem to spring from literally everywhere in the city!
- Squeezing in a few great museums too such as the Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum and the beautiful Byzantine and Christian Museum.
- Exploring the hip and lively districts of Athens such as Plaka, Thissio and Syntagma which are filled with great restaurants and bars.
- Heading to A For Athens Rooftop Bar for seriously incredible views of the city. It was crowded but I’d still recommend it!
7. Corfu
I personally think Corfu is a must-see! This is one of the most romantic islands in the Ionian archipelago, where you can explore its historic heritage inspired by Venetian and Byzantine styles.
I suggest visiting the Old Town, which Unesco has named one of the most attractive spots on the Greek islands.
If you want to make the most of the Mediterranean climate, I would suggest going on a boat tour where you will witness one of the most extraordinary breathtaking views!
- Address: Ionian Sea, northwest coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the quaint gorgeousness of Corfu Old Town which was filled with beautiful old architecture.
- Relaxing on my favorite beaches the Paleokastritsa Beach and Voutoumi Beach which was filled with white sand.
- Visiting the cute residents at the Corfu Donkey Sanctuary.
8. Cyprus
Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, half the island of Cyprus belongs to Greece and the other half to Turkey (the northern part). The political situation there gives the island a slightly edgier feel. Some areas are even completely no-go (the border separating the two islands, which runs through the once popular resort of Nicosia).
However, don’t let that put you off. When I visited, I found a stunning beauty spot with gorgeous beaches, a sparkling blue sea, towering mountains, rugged cliffs, fragrant pine forests, and a fascinating history. The people were incredibly welcoming and friendly, and the food was divine.
You can either look for the party zones, which are Nissi Beach in famous Ayia Napa and Paphos (slightly more chilled) or look for someone a little less developed; the Pissouri, Latchi, and Polis are good options.
For somewhere rustic, though, I’d recommend heading up into the mountains and looking for a quiet and traditional village to stay in. You won’t find flashy hotels here, but there are authentic guest houses instead.
- Location: Eastern Mediterranean Sea, 500 miles southeast of the mainland.
- Location Map
9. Thassos
Thasos is beautiful, with a contrasting blue sky, blue sea, green flora, and stunning sandy beaches. Lying on the North Aegean region, the Greek island offers an alluring traditional taste and beautiful beaches, excellent hotels serving local cuisine, trails for hikers and many secrets to discover.
I would personally recommend trying water sports here, such as scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and boating, as well as discovering the rewarding footpaths, cascades, ravines and beaches, including Hrisi Ammoudia-Limenas, Kallirahi-Prinos and Maries-Prinos.
In its capital, Limenas, you can see the Acropolis and a theatre constructed in 5 BC. If you’re looking for beach fun, then try Marble Beach and Chrysi Akti, which are home to beach bars and tavernas.
- Location: northern Aegean Sea, 6 miles off the northeastern coast of mainland.
- Location Map
My personal highlights…
- Going on a sea-kayaking tour with Insula TASOS.
- Exploring the best beaches the island has to offer – Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, La Scala Beach and Metalia Beach.
- Checking out the island’s pretty waterfalls, I loved Maries Waterfall which was located in the western part of the island.
10. Naxos Island
This island on the southern side of Greece is home to the myth-surrounded Mt. Zeus. Naxos is one of my favourite islands, relatively undiscovered by the tourist masses. It’s also one of the greenest in the Cyclades, with high mountains and fertile valleys.
The beaches here are among the most beautiful in the country. They’re long and sandy, perfect for swimming, water sports, and relaxing.
Another highlight of mine is the traditional white-painted villages and winemaking factories, as well as the picturesque port towns filled with whitewashed, cube-shaped houses and medieval Venetian mansions.
- Location: Aegean Sea, approximately 100 miles southeast of Athens.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Hiring a catamaran with a skipper for the day and seeing the gorgeous surrounding waters in style!
- Lazing around on the stunning beaches some of the best include Plaka Beach, Agiaanna Beach and Saint George Beach.
- Going for a tasty vegan pizza and melon-based cocktails at the trendy eatery Hug Me Naxos.
11. Lefkada
Lefkada is located on Greece’s west coast and is connected to the mainland through a floating bridge and causeway. It’s one of the few Greek islands you can visit by car.
I love it for its crystal blue waters and golden beaches, many of which are like those in the Caribbean—yes, really!
It’s full of traditional taverns serving fresh fish and lovely villages contrasting with its lush green surroundings. I recommend heading for Egremni, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki beaches, which are perfect photography spots. In my opinion, the Panagia Faneromeni monastery and Nidri waterfalls are must-sees!
Also, I would suggest not missing the prominent Castle of Santa Maura, discovering the timeless villages concealed by wild olive groves and hills, and the spectacular inlets and little bays towards the south with perfect conditions for windsurfers and kite surfers.
- Location: the Ionian Sea, 0.6 miles west of the mainland
- Location Map
My personal highlights…
- Going beach hopping and seeing all the incredible beaches here, my favourite was Egremni.
- Visiting the Lefkas Earth Winery, the stunning surroundings and their special red wine were enough reasons to visit!
- Visiting the quirky Folklore Museum, I especially loved the pretty embroidery work!
12. Samaria Gorge and the rest of Crete
This spectacular tourist attraction receives more than half a million visitors annually! The Samariá Gorge is a National Park of Greece located on the pretty island of Crete and has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve.
People can walk through the gorge and pass by breathtakingly high cliffs along the way before the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli emerges.
I would also highly recommend taking the time to explore the rest of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. It’s a stunning destination filled with sun-drenched, immaculate beaches, ancient sites, incredible scenery, pretty villages, friendly locals, lively nightlife, amazing restaurants, and great wine.
- Location: eastern Mediterranean Sea, 99 miles south of the mainland.
- Location Map
My personal highlights…
- Getting to know the locals in the bars, restaurants, and cafes, they are seriously friendly! I loved The chickpea restaurant for its incredible paprika hummus.
- Visiting the incredible Balos Lagoon for Insta-worthy shots.
- Visiting Takis Shelter , a social media star Takis is famous all over the world for rescuing dogs and housing them at his cage-free shelter.
13. Meteora, Kalabaka
Found in central Greece, this striking and unusual rock formation is home to a monastery founded in the 14th century and now has UNESCO World Heritage site status.
The complex of six monasteries is built precariously atop 1,300-foot-high sandstone pinnacles at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly, near the scenic Pineios River and Pindus Mountains.
The occupants of the buildings located atop vertically steep rocks had a rough time climbing down, but so did their climb up.
It is an awesome sight that can leave you speechless and easily deserves a place on this list, especially if you want to explore less touristy areas.
- Address: Meteora Monasteries Meteora, Kalabaka 422 00 Thessaly
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Taking a camera and photographing it, this place is about as unique and stunning as you can get!
- Staying at the nearby Alsos House, I loved the cozy vibe and the terrace with fabulous views where we ate breakfast!
14. Nafplio
Located in the Eastern Peloponnese region of Argolis is Nafplio on mainland Greece; this is a romantic seaport town (which was once the capital of the new state of Greece between 1821 and 1834).
When I visited, I was awestruck by the medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, ancient walls, statues, monuments, and neoclassical and Venetian buildings. It’s also easy to get to from Athens which is just 94 kilometres away.
Discover the Turkish fountains, medieval Old Town, preserved neoclassical mansions, and narrow cobblestone alleys. I also suggest stopping by Syntagma Square and taking in the monuments and historic buildings before heading to the Palamidi Castle, which stands tall at 216 meters above sea level.
I also highly recommend taking a boat ride to the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, visiting the War Museum, Acronauplia view and clock tower, the Byzantine 12th-century church, and discovering the view of the open sea and striking Nafplio from the Palamidi Fortress.
- Location: northeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula 85 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the photogenic and quaint Old Town.
- Taking a trip to Palamidi Castle and climbing all of the 999 steps!
- Going for a Greek Coffee at Syntagma Square.
15. Mystras, Peloponnese
Mystras is a mountainous village near Sparti, Laconia, on mainland Greece. UNESCO classifies it as a World Heritage Monument.
It is famous for its archaeological site, as Mystras was a very important medieval town in the Byzantine Era.
The archaeological site consists of well-preserved Byzantine churches and a strong Fortress, and I highly recommend exploring it if you want to see an off-the-beaten-track attraction. You won’t find too many tourists here!
- Location: Peloponnese region, 136 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring all the historic sites.
- Paying a visit to the Camera Museum which was filled with interesting retro artefacts.
16. Delphi Theatre, Phocis
Delphi is an archaeological site and a modern town on mainland Greece. It is on the southwestern spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis.
The Delphi theatre was constructed atop a hill facing the beautiful valley in the 4th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Built as Apollo’s sanctuary and oracle, its 35 rows could hold up to 5,000 guests, who in ancient times enjoyed plays, poetry readings, and musical events.
I personally think this is a stunning historic site, and I especially loved the view of the natural, unspoilt landscapes below.
17. Mount Olympus National Park
Declared a National Park in 1938, Mountain Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain, rising 9,573 feet on its highest peak.
This unspoilt and mostly untouristy area on mainland Greece is filled with thick forests, alpine fields, prominent rock peaks, and deep gorges. It’s also rich in fauna and flora, with rare and typical 1700 plant species spread around the region.
Numerous campsites and inexpensive hotels have sprung up to cater for curious travellers, and Litochoro is the main village easily accessed from Athens by train and bus. I personally think the Ancient Dion Archaeological Museum at the base of Mount Olympus is a must-visit.
Mountain refuges, climbing routes, and mountaineering tours are organized for adventure seekers setting off from Litochoro. Private trekking is available, too, especially along the Enipeas Canyon, which has spectacular hiking trails.
Local cuisine is famous for its traditional tastes and is served with locally produced red or white wine, which I highly recommend trying!
- Location: Mount Olympus National Park Litochoro 602 00 Pieria
- Location Map
My personal highlights…
- Exploring one of the many hiking trails.
- Checking out one of the many unspoilt beaches.
- Going on a group tour.
18. Lake Kerkini
Located on mainland Greece in the heart of the bird migration route and flyway on their way to the Black Sea, this place is home to thousands of protected and rare birds, which is an incredible sight!
You can also see gigantic square meters of water lilies, diverse fish varieties and fantastic vistas of the Krousia and Belasica mountains.
Apart from hosting over 227 non-migratory birds, Kerkini is also the home of exceptional buffalo herds, over 10 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles and hundreds of insect varieties.
The extinct-threatened Pygmy Cormorant, Pelicans and heron colonies can be seen, making it a true haven for wildlife spotters! Activities here include boat rides, canoeing, 4×4 off-roading, biking and hiking along the mountain range footpaths.
- Location: northern Greece, 62 miles northwest of Thessaloniki.
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Kayaking and exploring the natural beauty spots.
- Taking my camera and spotting wildlife and capturing the sunset.
19. Monemvasia Fortress
Monemvasia Fortress is located along the Peloponnese east coast of mainland Greece. The first settlement is traced back to the 6th century.
The gigantic Byzantine fortress and superb beaches nearby are open to locals and tourists who can’t get enough of this extraordinary place and with good reason!
The rugged beauty is a refined, refreshing escape for anyone and a perfect place to spend idyllic, refreshing days tracing Ottoman, Venetian, Frankish, and Byzantine influences across the town, courtesy of its impressive history and architecture in almost every place you step!
I would also recommend visiting the Kastania Cave, the nearby churches and café.
- Address: Monemvasia Fortress Monemvasia 230 70 Laconia, Peloponnese
- Location Map
20. Zagori
In northwestern mainland Greece, Epirus is the Zagori municipality in the mountainous region of Pindus. I’ve included Zagori in this list for its remarkable geology, dazzling natural beauty, and two popular National Parks. Zagori is dotted with over 46 villages interconnected with modern roads, and here, 18th-century stoned arched bridges still stand!
I personally think the region’s beauty comes alive while walking across the divine Vikos Gorge from the Astrakas Mountaintop to the cascades of the Voidomatis River over a backdrop of Mt. Timfi.
I also suggest visiting the gorgeous Drakolimni Alpine Lake, the traditional Zagorohoria village, the Kalogeriko stone bridge, the swimmable Ovires natural waters in summer, the 15th-century Agia Paraskevi monastery and the spectacular melancholic view from the monastery of Spileotissas on the Viodomatis River! There’s a lot to discover here!
- Address: Pindus mountain range in the northwestern part of the country.
- Location Map
Where You’ll Find Greece
Greece is located in South Eastern Europe and borders the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas to the north, Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia to the east, and Turkey to the east.
