Best Places to Visit in Greece: Where to Go and Why It’s Worth It

From sun-soaked islands to clifftop monasteries, Greece offers one of the most diverse travel experiences in Europe. Ancient ruins, vibrant cities, world-class beaches, and charming mountain villages are all within reach, making it a dream destination for first-timers and return travelers alike.

But every traveler has different priorities. That’s why we’re breaking down the best places to visit based on travel type, personal interest, and region, so you can know exactly what to look for on your next trip to Greece. And if you're interested in saving on airfare, Going can help you find the best deals to Greece with our personalized alerts.

Where should I go for the first time in Greece?

Athens

Athens is an ideal destination for first-time visitors thanks to its combination of ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and accessibility from major US cities. Walking through the Acropolis or the streets of Plaka takes you back thousands of years. Its central location also makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of the country by train, car, or ferry.

• Location: Mainland Greece
• Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) or fall (September–November)
• Top attractions: Acropolis & Parthenon, Plaka neighborhood, Ancient Agora, National Archaeological Museum

Santorini

Santorini is another must-see destination, especially for first-timers who want a taste of Greek-island postcard views. While often associated with honeymoons, it’s also a great place for island travel, complete with ferry connections, scenic views, and accessible day tours to nearby islands or volcanic beaches.

• Location: Cyclades Islands
• Best time to visit: September to early October
• Top attractions: Oia sunsets, wine tasting in Pyrgos, black-sand beaches, caldera boat tours

Mykonos

Mykonos welcomes visitors with a lively mix of sun, sea, and parties. Its town center is easy to navigate, and the island’s ferry network makes it a strategic base for first-timers looking to explore the Cyclades. This island offers a blend of picturesque streets and beach clubs, giving you the option to relax or party—or both.

• Location: Cyclades Islands
• Best time to visit: May–June or September
• Top attractions: Little Venice, Paraportiani Church, Paradise Beach, windmills

Delphi

If you’re looking for a trip focused on Greek mythology and natural beauty, Delphi offers the ultimate experience—ancient ruins and a setting on Mount Parnassus that’s one of the most scenic in Greece. A day or overnight trip from Athens makes Delphi an accessible must-see.

• Location: Mainland Greece
• Best time to visit: Spring or fall
• Top attractions: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Archaeological Museum, Mount Parnassus trails

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Best places to visit in Greece by type of traveler

For families

Athens

The capital city of Greece is ancient, and it’s also incredibly family-friendly. Many museums have interactive kid-focused exhibits, and the pedestrianized Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods are easy to explore. Families can enjoy local playgrounds, rooftop dining, and guided mythology tours that make ancient history come alive for younger travelers.

• Location: Mainland Greece
• Best time to visit: Spring and early fall
• Top attractions: Acropolis Museum (kids’ area), Plaka, Ancient Agora, National Garden

Naxos

Naxos is one of the most family-friendly islands in Greece. With its long, shallow beaches, casual tavernas, and peaceful pace, it’s ideal for kids. Plus, there are plenty of historical sites to explore, like the Portara (temple gateway) and medieval Old Town, minus the party vibe of nearby islands.

• Location: Cyclades Islands
• Best time to visit: May to early October
• Top attractions: Agios Prokopios Beach, Portara, Old Town, Temple of Demeter

Crete

Crete is the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, rich history, and family-friendly activities all in one large, well-connected island. It has everything from waterparks to ancient ruins and traditional villages where children can let their imagination run wild. It’s a top pick for longer family trips.

• Location: Southern Greece
• Best time to visit: April to October
• Top attractions: Knossos Palace, Elafonisi Beach, Cretaquarium, Samaria Gorge

For couples or honeymooners

Santorini

Santorini’s sunset views and private cliffside suites make it Greece’s most romantic island. Couples can enjoy wine tastings, spa days, and quiet moments overlooking the caldera. There’s a reason that it’s a favorite for honeymooners and anniversary celebrations.

• Location: Cyclades Islands
• Best time to visit: September to October
• Top attractions: Oia sunset, Fira to Oia hike, volcanic hot springs, wineries in Pyrgos

Milos

Milos is quieter than Santorini, but that makes it even more romantic. It’s known for its surreal rock formations, hidden coves, and peaceful beaches. Couples love renting a boat for the day or exploring the lunar-like Sarakiniko Beach.

• Location: Cyclades Islands
• Best time to visit: May–June and September
• Top attractions: Sarakiniko Beach, Kleftiko caves, Plaka sunsets, catacombs

Nafplio

This elegant town offers a slower pace for romantic stays. With its Venetian architecture, charming streets, and seaside promenade, Nafplio is ideal for couples who want to enjoy history and ambiance without large crowds.

• Location: Peloponnese, mainland Greece
• Best time to visit: Spring or fall
• Top attractions: Palamidi Fortress, Bourtzi Castle, Syntagma Square, seaside cafés

For solo travelers

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is youthful, energetic, and full of things to do, making it ideal for solo travelers. Its thriving food scene is worth the stay, and it’s easy to meet other solo travelers through walking tours and hostel stays. The city’s size is manageable without being boring.

• Location: Northern Greece
• Best time to visit: September to November
• Top attractions: Rotunda, White Tower, Byzantine museums, Ladadika district

Athens

Similar to most major European capitals, Athens is a solo traveler’s dream. It’s full of hostels, walking tours, cultural events, and affordable food options. Safety, public transportation, and English-speaking locals make getting around a relative breeze.

• Location: Mainland Greece
• Best time to visit: March–May or September–October
• Top attractions: Acropolis, Monastiraki, Anafiotika, Benaki Museum

Paros

This less-known island is easy to navigate alone and has become a top-pick for solo backpackers. The towns of Parikia and Naousa offer walkable centers, stunning beaches, and social scenes, while inland villages are all about peaceful retreats.

• Location: Cyclades Islands
• Best time to visit: Late May to early October
• Top attractions: Kolymbithres Beach, Parikia Old Town, Lefkes village, Naousa port

Where to go in Greece by interest

For history and culture buffs

Athens

No Greek history tour is complete without Athens. It’s the heart of ancient Greek civilization, home to the Acropolis and dozens of museums. Walking through the city is like traveling through time.

• Location: Mainland Greece
• Best time to visit: Spring or fall
• Top attractions: Acropolis, Parthenon, National Archaeological Museum, Roman Agora

Delphi

Delphi’s religious significance makes it a must-see destination for mythology and history fans. Once home to the famous oracle, this mountain site is rich in ruins and set in breathtaking natural surroundings.

• Location: Mainland Greece
• Best time to visit: March–May, September–October
• Top attractions: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Museum, ancient amphitheater

Rhodes

Rhodes’ Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of medieval charm. Visitors will find ancient temples, Byzantine churches, and remnants from Crusader times all in one walkable area.

• Location: Dodecanese Islands
• Best time to visit: Spring or fall
• Top attractions: Palace of the Grand Master, Street of the Knights, Acropolis of Lindos

For nature and outdoor enthusiasts

Meteora

Meteora is a natural dream. The towering rock pillars are topped with ancient monasteries and surrounded by hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and climbing opportunities. It’s a unique mix of flora and culture.

• Location: Central Greece
• Best time to visit: April–May, September–October
• Top attractions: Monastery hikes, Kalambaka town, panoramic viewpoints

Mount Olympus

As Greece’s tallest mountain, it was once considered the mythical home of the gods. Mount Olympus offers rugged trails and natural beauty. Experienced hikers can summit its peak, but those looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy the lower slopes and waterfalls.

• Location: Northern Greece
• Best time to visit: June to September
• Top attractions: Skala and Mytikas summits, Litochoro trailhead, Enipeas Gorge

Vikos Gorge

Often called Europe’s Grand Canyon, Vikos Gorge is a hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers. The area is part of the larger Zagori region, known for stone villages and pristine rivers.

• Location: Northern Greece
• Best time to visit: Late spring or early fall
• Top attractions: Vikos–Aoös National Park, Papingo villages, Voidomatis River

For beach lovers

Mykonos

Mykonos is the quintessential Greek beach destination. The island is famous for its beach clubs, but it’s not all parties—Mykonos also offers calm coves, soft sand, and excellent accommodations, dining, and connectivity for island-hopping.

• Location: Cyclades Islands
• Best time to visit: June to early September
• Top attractions: Paradise Beach, Super Paradise, Elia Beach, Psarou

Zakynthos

Looking for something vastly different from Mykonos? Zakynthos offers a unique beach experience: wilder, greener, and more scenic. Its towering cliffs, shipwreck bay, and sea caves create some of the most photogenic beaches in the Mediterranean. Zakynthos is quiet and better suited to nature lovers or couples looking for peaceful seaside towns.

• Location: Ionian Islands
• Best time to visit: May–October
• Top attractions: Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Blue Caves, Keri Lighthouse, turtle spotting at Laganas Beach

Koufonisia

Koufonisia remains one of the best-kept secrets in Greece. This tiny island group in the Small Cyclades is known for its slow pace, crystal turquoise waters, and picturesque beaches, all within walking distance of one another.

• Location: Small Cyclades
• Best time to visit: June or September
• Top attractions: Pori Beach, Italida, Finikas, natural swimming pools and sea caves

Top places to visit in Greece by region

Mainland Greece

Mainland Greece is the heart of the country’s ancient history and cultural heritage. It’s home to Athens (the cradle of democracy) and Meteora, which offers sweeping landscapes with monasteries perched on cliffs. 

• Key destinations: Athens, Delphi, Meteora
• Ideal for: Culture lovers, families, solo travelers, history seekers
• Best time to visit: April–June or September–October for ideal sightseeing weather

Cyclades

The Cyclades are picture-perfect Greek islands, known for their whitewashed houses, blue domes, and gorgeous beaches. Santorini and Mykonos draw global crowds with romance and nightlife, but you can also find islands that offer a quieter, more traditional vibe.

• Key destinations: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos
• Ideal for: Couples, honeymooners, beach lovers, island-hoppers
• Best time to visit: Late May to early October (June and September are sweet spots)

Ionian Islands

Located off Greece’s west coast, the Ionian Islands are known for lush greenery, calm waters, and a more Italian-influenced culture. Corfu combines Venetian charm with beaches, Zakynthos offers dramatic cliffs and sea caves, and Kefalonia is a laid-back gem full of quiet villages and hidden coves.

• Key destinations: Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia
• Ideal for: Families, couples, nature lovers
• Best time to visit: May–October for warm weather and swimmable seas

Northern Greece

Northern Greece is probably the country’s most underrated region. Thessaloniki is a cosmopolitan port city with a thriving culinary and music scene. Nearby Halkidiki boasts forested peninsulas and blue-flag beaches, while Epirus is a mountainous area perfect for hiking and river rafting.

• Key destinations: Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Epirus
• Ideal for: Adventure travelers, off-the-beaten-path explorers, nature lovers
• Best time to visit: June–September for beach weather, September–October for hiking

When to visit Greece’s top destinations

How to find cheap flights to Greece

Finding cheap flights to Greece is all about timing and flexibility. Aim to book 3–6 months in advance for summer travel and 2–4 months for spring or fall. Flying midweek, using nearby alternate airports, and avoiding peak summer dates (especially late July and August) can also help lower prices. Another great way to find discounts or even mistake fares is to track deals regularly and set up alerts. 

We know that learning how to find cheap flights can be overwhelming, especially when planning an upcoming trip. That’s where Going’s travel memberships save the day. We scour thousands of routes daily and send our members the lowest fares—often hundreds less than the average ticket.

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