Best things to do in Greece

What to do in Greece: from ancient wonders to island adventures

With over 200 inhabited islands and a landscape ranging from the Mediterranean to the Balkan, Greece has enough appeal to fill months of travel.

1. Explore glorious Athens
2. Discover the beautiful Crete
3. See wonderful Greek villages
4. Explore exciting Thessaloniki
5. Climb Greece’s magical mountains
6. Relax in Santorini
7. Visit Olympia

The initial glimpse of sapphire water or the discovery of millennia-old ruins bordered by ancient olive groves is intoxicating, and it’s the mingling of history and hedonism that ensures Greece’s enduring appeal. Whether you're exploring ancient sites or island hopping, the best things to do in Greece offer a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Exasperating and exhilarating, Athens has been continuously inhabited for over seven thousand years. Its mix of contemporary culture, nightlife, and heritage rivals that of any European city. Part of Athens’ charm is its mix of retro and contemporary: cutting-edge clothes shops and designer bars stand by the remnants of the Ottoman bazaar, while modernist 1960s apartment blocks stand shoulder to shoulder with Neoclassical mansions.

Plaka is the best place to begin exploring the city. One of the few parts of Athens with unified architecture, its narrow streets and stepped lanes are flanked by nineteenth-century Neoclassical houses. The interlocking streets provide countless opportunities for watching the world – or at least the tourists – go by. The Acropolis complex is an essential sight and one of the best things to do in Greece.

If you're planning your itinerary, consulting our guide on things to do in Athens will direct you to even more historical landmarks, lively neighbourhoods, and cultural experiences.

2. Discover the beautiful Crete

Crete is one of the most diverse Greek islands, making it a fantastic destination for all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a stunning beach escape, this island has something for you.

For those fascinated by ancient civilisations, the Palace of Knossos is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into the legendary Minoan world and the myth of the Minotaur. Outdoor adventurers will love hiking through the Samaria Gorge, a dramatic canyon filled with breathtaking scenery and wildlife. If you’re here for the beaches, Elafonissi Beach and Balos Lagoon are picture-perfect, with crystal-clear waters and soft pink-tinted sands.

Crete is also an excellent choice for foodies, offering some of the best traditional Greek cuisine, from slow-cooked lamb to fresh seafood and local cheeses. Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic escape, a family looking for adventure, or a solo traveller ready to explore, Crete is a must-see destination when planning the best things to do in Greece.

Few places are more exciting to arrive at than Kalambaka and the neighbouring village of Kastraki, about twenty minutes’ walk away. Your eye is immediately drawn to the grey cylinders of rock overhead - these are the outlying monoliths of the extraordinary valley of Meteora, familiar to many through films such as the James Bond classic For Your Eyes Only.

The earliest religious communities in the valley emerged during the late tenth century, when homes were made in the caves. In 1336 they were joined by two monks from Mount Athos, one of whom established the first monastery here. This is one of the most rewarding things to do in Greece.

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, feels more Central European and modern than Athens. Thessaloniki boasts many excellent sights - including a superb archaeological museum and some lovely frescoed Byzantine churches - but the most obvious pleasures of Greece’s second city are in its street life: its myriad bars, first-rate yet affordable restaurants and pumping clubs.

Mount Olympus- the mythical seat of the gods- the highest, most magical and most dramatic of all Greek mountains- rears nearly 3000m from the shores of the Thermaikos Gulf. Dense forests cover its lower slopes, and its wildflowers are gorgeous.

If you’re well equipped, no special expertise is necessary to reach the top between mid-June and October, though it’s a long hard pull, and its weather is notoriously fickle. The usual approach to Mount Olympus is via Litohoro on the eastern slopes, a pleasant village in a magnificent mountain setting. You can buy a proper map of the range in Athens, Thessaloniki or Litohoro.

What to do in Greece if you're looking to chill? Head to Santorini.

It’s the epitome of relaxation, with its sun-drenched beaches and ambling, whitewashed stone paths. The island (a partially submerged volcanic caldera poking above the ocean’s surface in five places) is a welcome destination for those who have spent too many nights partying on Ios or Mykonos. As the ferry manoeuvres into the great bay, cliffs loom hundreds of metres above.

The only colours are the reddish-brown, black and grey pumice strata layering the cliff face of Thira, the ancient name of Santorini. Despite a past every bit as turbulent as the geological conditions that formed it, the island is now best known for its spectacular views, dark-sand beaches and light, dry white wines.

If you're planning a visit, exploring our guide to the best areas to stay in Santorini will assist you in finding the perfect spot, whether you favour the iconic clifftop views of Oia or the vibrant beachside atmosphere of Kamari.