The best things to do in Greece
Best destinations, activities, tours and more
Discover the best Things to do in Greece! From swimming in turquoise waters and trying traditional mezedes to watching a movie under the star-lit sky and scuba-diving, the list of things to do in Greece is endless! Whether you are an adventure lover or a history nerd, there are things to do for every taste and budget that will make you fall even deeper in love with Greece.
...IN A GLANCE
WHAT TO DO IN POPULAR DESTINATIONS
Discover what to do in the most popular destinations.
TOP THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR STAY
Those traveling to Greece for the first time might ask, "What are the best things to do while visiting the country?" A simple, yet almost impossible question to answer, with Greece offering a rich tapestry of varied experiences, sure to enthrall first-time and long-time visitors alike. Whether looking to unearth the thousand-year-old history of the country, taste its delicious foods, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and unique culture, or indulge in fun night-time activities of drinking and dancing, there is something here for every taste and preference. So let us take you through just some of our recommendations of the best things to do in Greece to ensure the fullest and most authentic Greek vacation.
1. Spend time at the beach
Greece is best known for having some of the most beautiful seashores in the world, and, for many travellers, being able to spend time at a beachfront location is a top priority when visiting the country.
All Greek islands, without exception, have truly amazing beaches! No matter whether you choose to visit the Cyclades, Crete, the Sporades, the Ionian Islands, the Dodecanese, or any other island group or island, it is certain that you will enjoy your time spent at the beach.
At the same time, many stunning beachfront locations can also be found on the mainland of Greece, including the beaches on the coastline of Attica, also known as the Athenian Riviera, Elafonissos in the region of Peloponnese, Parga in Epirus, Pelion in Thessaly and the beaches of Halkidiki, at the northern side of Greece.
2. Visit the ancient sights
Almost every step in Greece is a journey through the centuries, a deep dive into the rich history of the country that constitutes the foundation for the development of Western civilization. With its incredible and unparalleled collection of ancient ruins and historical monuments, one of the best things to do in Greece is to experience these sights yourself. Of course, everyone knows the Acropolis and the Parthenon, perhaps the most important ancient heritage of Greece. Presiding over the whole city at its highest point, it serves as a shining reminder of Athens' golden age and exemplifies the awe-inspiring achievements that humanity is capable of. Then there is the beautiful theater of Epidaurus in Peloponnese, the stage for many of the ancient world's great tragedies, and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and other on-site remains of the infamous ancient oracle in Central Greece. The ancient Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete, the Mycenae with its famed Lion Gate and Cyclopean walls, the ancient site of Akrotiri in Santorini, and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio are also of note, each holding its own unique value in the country's historical complexion.
3. Taste traditional food in local taverns
Like the rest of the Mediterranean, one of the best things Greece has to offer is an exquisite cuisine of rich flavors, unique recipes, and fresh ingredients. Characterized not just by its Mediterranean flair but also by its Eastern influences, Greek cuisine offers a wide array of dishes enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. When in Greece, one shouldn't pass up the opportunity to dine at the local taverns (or tavernas), traditional, often family-owned establishments that usually excel in rustic beauty and a cozy atmosphere just as much as they do in delicious flavors. Try out some of the country's most popular offerings, like moussaka and spanakopita and sample the extensive array of seafood, with fish taverns serving the fresh catch of the day. Enjoy a refreshing Greek salad and grab a souvlaki and gyro, also making for the perfect street food if you are on the go. Then, for dessert, treat yourself to some loukoumades or a spread of fresh fruit, usually complimentary from the taverna.
4. Try island-hopping
Greece's wide scattering of not only aesthetically but also culturally unique islands is one of the shining stars of the country's identity. And yet, with a total of 227 inhabited islands and six main island regions, the amount of choice for travelers is almost too abundant. That's why island-hopping is a popular choice for those looking to make the most out of their travels and experience the varied beauty of Greece's ever-distinct islands. The only method of island-hopping is by ferries that will take you from one island to another. One of the most popular island hopping tours is the one that takes visitors from Athens to Mykonos, then to Santorini and finally to Crete, three of the country's most popular islands. A tour around the Cyclades can also be an enriching experience, with many smaller, picturesque islands to explore and is made very easy through frequent ferry connections between the islands, especially during high season. Tours in the Saronic and Dodecanese are some of the best picks for island-hopping travels.
5. Attend local festivals and panigyria
A panigiri is a centuries-old traditional festival held during the summer, mainly in villages, for the celebration of their patron saint. This custom brings both locals and guests together, in a festival consisting of enjoyable food and drinks, loud music and lots of dancing and is one of the best things to experience in Greece. The celebration stretches through the entire night and usually doesn't end until early morning, with spirits running high throughout the experience. From the smallest of villages to the largest of towns, this ritual is kept alive throughout Greece, especially on August 15th. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is the biggest religious holiday of the summer, with many islands of the Cyclades and many mainland cities being famed for their panigiri held on August 15th.
6. Witness a Carnival and other Easter traditions
Traditionally beginning 10 weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter, the Carnival season, better known as Apokries, is one of the most popular celebrations held in Greece each year. Those wanting to join the festivities will get to experience the exciting happenings of the Carnival parades and partake in colorful masquerading and careless dancing. The largest parade in Greece is held in Patra, where, after two months of celebrations, the streets are flooded with thousands of people, turning the whole city into one giant party. The Naxos Carnival is distinct, with traditions strongly related to ancient Greek mythology, like the Saturday night torch parade, while the carnival of Rethymno is also worth checking out.
The festivities, however, do not stop there, as Easter awaits just around the corner. Aside from the country-wide traditions such as egg painting and the dinner served after the Resurrection Midnight Mass, one of the best things about Greece is that many parts of the country hold their own, unique celebrations. Visitors to Chios bcan enjoy the equally loud and impressive Rocket War, where firecrackers as big as rockets get launched in the night sky, while those paying a visit to Santorini in Easter can enjoy the magnificent feast held every year in Megalochori village and the candle-lit Good Friday in Emporio.
7. Watch a movie at an open-air cinema
Open-air movie theaters are a summer staple throughout Greece and a one-of-a-kind delight that few other countries provide. Watching a film under the shining night stars, with a cold beverage in hand and a cool summer breeze, is unlike any other experience and one of the best that Greece has to offer. While not unique to the city of Athens, the country's capital is home to some of the most historic and ever-popular open-air cinemas, from the enchanting Cine Paris in the heart of Plaka to the world-renowned Cine Thission. Often located on rooftops or in gardens, and sometimes providing a bewitching background view of the city, it is sure to please anyone looking for an out-of-the-box experience during their stay in Athens. Visitors of many Greek islands will also be able to find at least one open-air cinema, with places such as Santorini and Mykonos boasting several different options.
8. Enjoy an afternoon coffee or meze
A cornerstone of Greek culture, every visitor should make sure they stop by a traditional cafe (kafenion) and enjoy a Greek coffee accompanied by a tasty meze. The perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon, locals and visitors alike will spend hours at these cafes even during weekdays, chatting and indulging in the local delights. The strong, dark flavor of Greek coffee is an acquired taste, stimulating the senses with its richness, while the ice-cold frappe and freddo are some of the most popular coffee choices, especially during the summer. Then there is the traditional meze, small dishes of finger food, such as keftedes (fried meatballs) or fresh olives and cucumbers, brought for the whole table to enjoy. Paired perfectly with one of Greece's many renowned local beverages, from delicious beer to ouzo and raki, few other experiences in Greece compare to the simple pleasure of an afternoon meze at the local kafenion.
9. Go on a boat trip
Taking a boat trip around the waters of a Greek island, or along the coastline of mainland Greece, is a must-not-miss experience for those with a proclivity for exploration and one of the best things you can do in Greece. Either through organized excursions or by renting a private speedboat, travelers can discover some of the most intriguing and unique spots that they may have otherwise missed out on. Additionally, in many of the country's most popular islands, boat trips can offer one the opportunity to visit smaller, neighboring islands that offer different experiences and aesthetics. Whether it's the quaint and sophisticated Halki near the cosmopolitan Rhodes, or the seemingly stuck-in-time Thirassia adjacent to Santorini, there is always a new place to explore and immerse oneself in. Those staying in mainland cities like Athens should not fret, however, with boats ready to take you to the nearby Saronic Islands such as Aegina and Hydra.
10. Discover the nature
Home to a diverse nature, Greece's abundance of stunning naturally occurring wonders is second to none. From the many lush, green forests filled with different species of flora and fauna, to the enormous gorges that tower over you as you traverse their rocky terrain, nature lovers will not want to miss out on exploring Greece's wholly unique landscapes. Visit the famous volcano of Santorini, with its impressively large crater and steep hills, or embark on an excursion through the dunes of Lemnos, where golden, sandy dunes are eloquently complemented by rich vegetation. Walk through the intimidatingly large Samaria Gorge in Chania and visit the beaches of Sarakiniko and Kleftiko in Milos, with their smooth, white rock formations caused by volcanic eruptions. The possibilities are seemingly endless, as the country's sprawling natural diversity is prominent in almost every corner of the country, from the mainland to the most secluded islands and traversing these natural havens is one of the best things you can do in Greece.
11. Admire churches and monasteries
Deeply connected with the country's unique culture is its orthodox history, never more apparent than when visiting the myriad of historic monasteries and churches throughout Greece. Some of the most remarkable monasteries reside in the rock formations of Meteora in Thessaly. These places of worship are characterized by the coexistence of Byzantine architecture with a jaw-dropping natural environment. And of course, there is the imposing church of Panagia Evangelistria in Tinos, which constitutes one of the most important places of worship in the country. A trip to these or the countless other churches and monasteries scattered around Greece can be an enchanting and at times moving experience, unlike any other. Worthy of note is the situation in Syros, where the Orthodox and the Catholic coexist in harmony, with the Orthodox Church of Resurrection in Ermoupolis perched on a hill on one side of the town and the Syros Catholic Cathedral of Saint George on the other.
12. Experience the nightlife
No visit to Greece can ever be complete without experiencing the country's famously busy and ever-lively nightlife, one of the things Greece is best known for. In almost every major city, visitors can expect to find an abundance of nighttime activities, from dimly lit bars serving ice-cold drinks to tightly packed nightclubs tailored to specific music tastes. Athens' nightlife options are (not surprisingly) some of the richest and most diverse, while popular islands such as Mykonos, Paros and Ios are famed for their partying culture, which sees people drinking and dancing from dusk till dawn. Orfanidou Street on Rhodes island is a bustling spot lined with bars and clubs that travelers from across the globe come to visit, while the villages of Laganas and Naoussa in Zakynthos and Paros, respectively, host some of the country's most rowdy nightlife activities. Then there are the countless restaurants and traditional tavernas, where people gather to eat and drink for hours, and the popular mpouzoukia, with live performances from some of Greece's most beloved musical artists. It is worth noting that some areas of the country, such as Rethymno, Corfu, Syros and many of the biggest capital cities, boast a vibrant nightlife culture throughout the whole year, partly because they house many Universities and as such are hotspots for younger crowds.
13. Pay a visit to the museums
Anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Greece's historical, cultural, and artistic heritage throughout the centuries can do so by visiting the country's many museums. From the grandest monuments to small-scale ancient artifacts, each exhibit will take visitors on an extensive journey throughout the country's multi-layered history. Museums located close to archeological sites showcase the culture and everyday lives of ancient civilizations that once lived in the area, with the Archaeological Museum of Athens and the Archaeological Museum in Delphi being two of the most noteworthy. Byzantine museums offer a glimpse into the country's time under Byzantine rule, while Folklore museums focus on traditional works of art from Greek artists. Then there are the countless natural history museums, museums of classic and more contemporary art, and even museums of medicinal history, each one exhibiting a different puzzle piece of the country's unique identity.
14. Gaze at the sunset from spectacular spots
After a long day of fun and exploration, few experiences can hold a candle to that of observing a stunning Greek sunset. Whether over the busy landscape of a big city or the deep blue waters of the crystal-clear sea, the simple beauty of the sun setting will provide keen travelers with a breathtaking explosion of colors they will not soon forget. The village of Oia in Santorini is the most popular and romantic destination for sunset viewing, providing a remarkable view of its famous blue domes and white buildings. The windmills in Mykonos are also a well-known spot for sunset lovers, as is the archaeological site of Sounio in Attica.
15. Chat with the locals
Whether located in the heart of the mainland or tucked away on a small, secluded island, Greece's villages are its lifeblood, each with its own unique identity, traditions and culture. First-time travelers wanting to ingratiate themselves in the community of a village should take the opportunity to chat with the locals. Famous for their hospitality, the residents of a traditional Greek village will make you feel right at home with their famously inviting demeanor. While older residents may not have as firm a grasp on English as their younger counterparts, many will still try to communicate as best they can, with their warmth sure to shine through. With stories to tell, experiences to share and local spots to recommend, spending time with the locals can be a deeply enriching pastime that will enlighten and unlock the hidden gems of the village.
16. Book a wine-tasting
Wine enthusiasts will feel right at home in Greece, with wine culture deeply rooted in the country's culture! One of the best things you can do in Greece is visit local vineyards and go on a wine-tasting tour, where you are sure to learn just as much about the intoxicating drink itself as its historical significance to the country throughout the centuries. Stop by boutique, family-owned wineries and meet the people who have dedicated themselves to making some of the highest quality wine in all of Europe. Wine-tasting tours are made available throughout Greece, from islands such as Santorini and Lemnos, which are famed for their very distinct approaches to wine production, to mainland cities and even the country's capital. Santorini wineries, in particular, are internationally famous - the island's unique soil includes lava, volcanic ash, and pumice stone and gifts local wines a distinct flavor, unlike any other in the country.
17. Watch a play in an ancient theater
Not simply resigned to the annals of history, many ancient theaters still welcome audiences to this day. Anyone looking to catch a show should definitely pay them a visit. From June to August, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival hosts a variety of shows, including traditional Greek plays, at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens and the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. In the Ancient Theater of Philippi, the country's second oldest festival takes place, as do festivals in the Theater of Dodona and Messene. Those attending can enjoy some truly remarkable shows ranging from plays to musical performances and even more experimental pieces of stage art. All while sitting in the same seats that the citizens of ancient Greece sat in, watching performances of all the classic tragedies and comedies of the time.
18. Shop at flea and farmers' markets
A walk through one of the various flea markets in Greece, consisting of boutique stores and local sellers, can prove a worthwhile morning pastime. Make your way down busy streets full of small shops and tables set up by independent vendors, and peruse through the collections of Greek delicacies, artisan jewelry and many unique antiques. One of the most popular flea markets in the country is located in Athens and stretches from Monastiraki Square to Thissio and Psiri. Perfect for spending a few hours on a Sunday morning, it is a vibrant gathering of shoppers and sellers alike and offers an impressively varied array of different products, second-hand items, and other such knick-knacks.
At the same time, open farmers' markets (called laikes) are a weekly ritual for Greeks. There you can buy fresh Greek fruit and vegetables, but also fish, seafood, flowers, eggs, nuts, olive oil, legumes, and more. In big cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, the day of the market varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. A great farmers' market with excellent products is the one that takes place in the village of Potamos in Kythira.
19. Have a fun time with watersports
Some of the most fun one can have while vacationing in Greece is partaking in a variety of watersports, perfect for those thrill-seeking types. On every Greek island and many beaches on the coastline of the mainland, watersport options are offered to beginners and experts alike. Most water sports centers are located in the country's most popular islands, such as Santorini, Naxos and Crete, and provide many different amenities, equipment to rent, and instructors to take lessons from. Some top picks of watersports amongst tourists and locals include water skiing, surfing and wakeboarding, all offering a truly unforgettable and wildly thrilling experience. Lefkada is a popular spot for paragliding, with the most popular paragliding spot found at Kathisma Beach. windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts will find many options on the islands of Naxos, Paros, Lemnos and Rhodes. Finally, those looking to explore the deep blue waters of Greece through scuba diving will want to visit the islands of Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos, all rich with impressive underwater caves, colorful reefs, varied marine life and even shipwrecks.
