Why Greece belongs on your list
Greece packs ancient ruins, island beaches and mountain villages into one country. Here are nine experiences worth planning a trip around.
1. The Acropolis and Parthenon, Athens
The 5th-century-BC Parthenon crowns the Acropolis above Athens. A combined ticket (around 30 euro in high season) also covers the Ancient Agora and Roman sites. Visit at opening (8am) to beat heat and crowds, then see the marbles at the Acropolis Museum.
2. Santorini's caldera and sunsets
The whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira cling to a volcanic cliff. Watch the famous sunset from Oia castle, or escape the crowds with a caldera boat trip to the hot springs.
3. Meteora's clifftop monasteries
In central Greece, six active monasteries sit atop giant sandstone pillars. Six are open to visitors (small entry fee). Modest dress is required.
4. Delphi, navel of the ancient world
The sanctuary of Apollo clings to Mount Parnassus. Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo and the well-preserved theatre and stadium.
5. Knossos and Heraklion, Crete
Crete's Minoan palace of Knossos is Europe's oldest city. Pair it with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the island's gorges and beaches.
6. The Old Town of Rhodes
The Dodecanese capital has a vast medieval walled town built by the Knights of St John, a UNESCO site you can wander for free.
7. Nafplio and the Peloponnese
This elegant seaside town sits below the Palamidi fortress. Use it as a base for ancient Mycenae and the theatre at Epidaurus.
8. The Samaria Gorge, Crete
One of Europe's longest gorges, this 16km hike runs down to the Libyan Sea. Open roughly May to October.
9. Island hopping in the Cyclades
Ferries link Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Milos. Naxos has the best beaches and mountain villages; Milos has surreal volcanic coves.
Stay connected in Greece
A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land for maps, ferry bookings and translation, with no roaming bills.
Get your Greece eSIM in 30 seconds
Instant delivery, 4G/5G speeds, no roaming bills.