Cyclades
In this article
Things to do in Greece in a Nutshell
![]() |
|
Santorini → Sunset views from Oia and Fira, dramatic caldera, volcanic landscape |
Mykonos → Sunset cocktails at Little Venice, Photo shoots in front of the Windmills, Beach parties at Super Paradise beach |
![]() |
Dodecanese |
Rhodes → Visit the Palace of the Grand Master, Enjoy the panoramic view from the Acropolis of Lindos, Wander the Valley of butterflies |
Kos → Visit the Ancient Gymnasium, Boat trip to Kastri islet, Do windsurfing at Mastihari and Kefalos beaches |
![]() |
Sporades |
Skiathos → Explore the Sea Caves, Choose between the over 60 beaches of the island, Romantic walk on the waterfront, Party at the Old Harbor area |
Skopelos → Enjoy the view from Glossa village, See the romantic Agios Ioannis Kastri church of the Mamma Mia movie, Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Stafylos beach |
![]() |
Ionian |
Corfu → Discover the traditional villages, Visit the Achillion Palace, Enjoy the view from the Old and New Fortress, Swim through the canals at Canal d’ Amour beach |
Zakynthos → Go to the super-popular Shipwreck beach, Explore the Blue Caves, Boat trip to Marathonisi Islet, Visit Askos Stone Park and the Venetian Castle |
![]() |
Crete |
Chania → Visit the exotic Balos and Elafonissi beaches, Take a stroll at the Venetian port, Hiking through Samaria Gorge, Bungee jumping at Aradena Bridge, Explore Lake Kournas |
Heraklion → Explore the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos, Visit Cretaquarium, See where the hippies used to spend their time on Matala beach |
![]() |
Mainland |
Athens → Acropolis hill, the Parthenon, Temple of Hephaestus, Herodes Atticus theatre, Arch of Hadrian, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Kallimarmaro Stadium |
Thessaloniki → Arch of Galerius, White Tower, Thessaloniki Castle, Rotonda, Bey Hamam, Roman Market, Byzantine Museum, Archaeological Museum, Waterworks Museum |
The best things to do in Greece for couples
The best things to do in Greece for history buffs
The best things to do in Greece for nature lovers
The best things to do in Greece for beach enthusiasts
The best things to do in Greece for party animals
The best things to do in the Greek islands
The Cyclades
The most popular island group in Greece, the Cyclades, consists of 200 stunning islands. Some of them are super-famous, like Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros while others remain off the beaten tourist trail, like Anafi and Sikinos. No matter what type of traveler you are, you’ll find your own paradise destination in the Cyclades!
Santorini
Enthralling sunset views, dramatic caldera, lunar beaches, spellbinding scenery, and volcanic landscape
Things to do: Boat trip to Santorini volcano, Sunset watching from Oia and Fira, Wine tasting
Plus: Akrotiri settlement, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Emporio Castle, Archaeological Museum
Mykonos
Cosmopolitan beaches, luxurious hotels & villas, legendary beach parties, and beautiful Cycladic architecture
Things to do: Day trip to Delos island, Sunset cocktails at Little Venice, Photo shoots in front of the Windmills, Beach parties at Super Paradise beach, Enjoy a luxurious beach day at Psarou and Paranga beaches
Plus: Panagia Paraportiani, Delos Archaeological Museum, Gyzi Castle, Archaeological Museum
Paros
Traditional mountain villages, endless sandy shores, ideal for water sports and swimming, delicious seafood, and vivid nightlife
Things to do: Day trip to Lefkes village, Windsurfing at Golden beach, Dining and clubbing at Naousa and Parikia
Plus: Panagia Ekatontapiliani Monastery, Venetian Castle, Archaeological Museum
Sifnos
Beautiful ceramics, epic local cuisine, quaint villages, numerous Cycladic churches, and excellent restaurants
Things to do: Dine at the excellent restaurants of Apollonia, Spend the day at Chrisopigi beach, Visit the medieval Kastro village, Eat traditional cookies and sweets
Plus: Church of Seven Martyrs, Folklore Museum, Chrisopigi Monastery, Ecclesiastical Museum
Naxos
Long sandy shores, watersports, archaeological sites, Venetian/Cycladic architecture, and the greenest landscape in the Cyclades
Things to do: Watch the sunset from the Portara, Wander the Castle quarter in Naxos Chora, do windsurfing and kite at Mikri Vigla beach,
Plus: Temple of Demeter, Marble quarries, Melanes Kouros, and Apollonas Kouros statues
Koufonisia
Remote paradise, exotic beaches, turquoise waters, boho vibe, and unspoiled natural landscape
Things to do: Boat trip to Kato Koufonisi, Discover the Sea Caves, Eat fresh fish at the cute fish taverns of the island, Explore the whole island on foot
Plus: Agios Georgios Church, Archaeological site in Kato Koufonisi
Related: Greece Island Hopping Travel Guide
The Dodecanese
The Dodecanese chain lies in the southeastern part of Greece, opposite the southwestern coasts of Turkey. Rhodes, the biggest and most popular island of the Dodecanese, is known for its Medieval architecture, idyllic beaches, and archaeological sites. On other islands, like Kalymnos and Astypalea, which are relatively untouched by international tourists, you’ll get a sense of wilderness unlike anywhere else!
Rhodes
UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, cultural hub, archaeological sites, Medieval festivals, excellent restaurants, and amazing beaches
Things to do: Visit the Palace of the Grand Master, Enjoy the panoramic view from the Acropolis of Lindos, Wander the Valley of butterflies, Walk along the Street of the Knights, Spend the day at Anthony Quinn beach
Plus: Archaeological Museum, Ancient Kamiros, Filerimos Monastery, Archaeological Museum
Kos
Verdant landscape, history, vivid nightlife, ideal for cycling and a low-key family vacation, luxurious resorts, and fantastic beaches
Things to do: Visit the Ancient Gymnasium, Boat trip to Kastri islet, Do windsurfing at Mastihari and Kefalos beaches, Discover the Basilicas of Saint Stephen, Take a dip into the Thermal Springs
Plus: Asklepieion, Neratzia Castle, Casa Romana, Hippocrates Cultural Center
Symi
Picturesque port, colorful buildings, dreamy scenery, remote, artists’ paradise, and super-photogenic
Things to do: Take photos of the picturesque port, Go for a romantic walk along the port promenade, Enjoy the panoramic view from the Venetian Castle, Spend the day at Gialos beach
Plus: Panormitis Monastery, Roukouniotis Monastery, Nautical Museum
Astypalea
Cycladic architecture, unspoiled landscape, off the beaten tourist trail, breathtaking views, and ideal for a romantic holiday
Things to do: Enjoy the mesmerizing view from the Venetian Castle, Take photos of the traditional Windmills, Explore Drakos Cave, Relax on Agios Konstantinos beach
Plus: Archaeological Museum, Panagia Portaitissa church, Saint John Monastery
Karpathos
Remote, wild natural landscape, perfect for a quiet holiday, crowd-less, traditional customs and events, quaint villages, activities in nature, and folklore
Things to do: Visit the picturesque Olympos and Menetes villages, Follow the hiking trails, Swim in the crystal clear waters of Apela beach, Enjoy the beautiful sea view from the Acropolis of Arkassa
Plus: Ancient Potideon, Province House, Cave of Poseidon, Saria Islet
The Sporades
The Sporades is a group of Greek islands on the northwest part of the Aegean Sea. Considered an off the beaten track destination, the Sporades islands have unique natural beauty and a stunning landscape. They attract both travelers who seek peace away from the crowds (Alonissos, Skyros) and youngsters that want to have fun (Skiathos)! The Sporades island complex also has many uninhabited islands, which form a Marine Park, home to endangered sea animals.
Skiathos
Amazing beaches, vivid nightlife, verdant natural landscape, sightseeing, and hiking
Things to do: Explore the Sea Caves, Choose between the over 60 beaches of the island, Romantic walk on the waterfront, Party at the Old Harbor area
Plus: Evangelistria Monastery, Bourtzi, Strofilia lagoon
Alonissos
Quiet, hiking, monk seals and dolphins, unspoiled beaches, and nature
Things to do: Evening walk at Rousoum Gialos village, Boat trip to the Marine Park, Hiking and mountain biking
Plus: Mavrikis Folklore Museum, Blue Cave, Agios Georgios church
Skopelos
Mamma Mia filming location, fantastic beaches, lush natural landscape, crystal clear water, and traditional architecture
Things to do: Enjoy the view from Glossa village, See the romantic Agios Ioannis Kastri church of the Mamma Mia movie, Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Stafylos beach
Plus: Photography Centre, Cultural Heritage Museum, Gourouni Lighthouse
Skyros
Crowdless, remote, traditional villages, hiking, sea caves, and diverse natural landscape
Don’t miss: Meander through the narrow streets of Chora, Enjoy the view from the Medieval castle, Trekking in nature
Plus: Skyros ponies, Agios Nikolaos church, Agios Georgios monastery
The Ionian
Famous for its exotic beaches, verdant nature, and delicious food, the Ionian islands are one of the most popular island groups in Greece. Zakynthos, Corfu, Lefkada, and Kefalonia are the most popular islands of the Ionian chain, but there are also some small paradise islands, like Paxi and Ithaca, that are worth a visit!
Corfu
Scrumptious cuisine, a picturesque main town, sightseeing, Venetian architecture, beautiful beaches, and seaside resorts
Things to do: Discover the traditional villages, Visit the Achillion Palace, Enjoy the view from the Old and New Fortress, Swim through the canals at Canal d’ Amour beach, Stroll around Spianada Square
Plus: Museum of Asian Art, Mouse Island, Municipal Gallery, Mon Repos Palace
Zakynthos
Tropical beaches, lush green scenery, Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, vivid party scene, and dramatic landscapes
Things to do: Go to the super-popular Shipwreck beach, Explore the Blue Caves, Boat trip to Marathonisi Islet, Visit Askos Stone Park
Plus: Post Byzantine Art Museum, Solomos Museum, Venetian Castle
Paxi
Exotic beaches, turquoise waters, unspoiled nature, traditional villages, scuba diving, and sailing
Things to do: Boat trip to Antipaxos island, Take a dip in the turquoise waters of Voutoumi beach, Boat trip to Agios Nikolaos islet
Plus: Folklore Museum, Logos village, Olive Press Museum
Kefalonia
Fantastic beaches, romantic, lush green landscape, family destination, sandy coasts, and picturesque seaside villages
Things to do: Visit the picturesque Fiskardo village, Boat tour at the Melissani Cave, Take a dip into the exotic waters of Myrtos, Antisamos, and Lourdas beaches
Plus: Archaeological Museum, Drogarati Cave, Katavothres, Kipoureon Monastery
Lefkada
Dramatic natural setting, tropical beaches, romantic destination, water sports, verdant landscape, and traditional villages
Things to do: Savor the dramatic setting of Egremni and Porto Katsiki beaches, Hike to the Nidri Waterfalls, Explore the Sea Lakes
Plus: Faneromeni Monastery, Castle of Agia Mavra, Archaeological Museum
Crete
The biggest island in Greece and one of the biggest ones in the Mediterranean, Crete has a long history and unique natural beauty you won’t find anywhere else! Exotic beaches, dramatic gorges, worldwide famous cuisine, stunning archaeological sites…Crete has it all and even more. Crete is divided into three provinces: Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi, and Rethymnon.
Chania
Venetian architecture, chart-topper beaches, romantic and family-friendly destination, and trekking paths
Things to do: Visit the exotic Balos and Elafonissi beaches, Take a stroll at the Venetian port, Hiking through Samaria Gorge, Bungee jumping at Aradena Bridge, Explore Lake Kournas
Plus: Gramvousa, Frangokastello Fortress, Naval Museum of Crete
Heraklion
High-perched villages, Minoan palaces, vivid nightlife, fantastic beaches, and Venetian architecture
Best things to do: Explore the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos, Visit Cretaquarium, See where the hippies used to spend their time at Matala beach
Plus: Archaeological Museum, Koules Fortress, Matala Caves, Agiofaraggo beach, Museum of Natural History
Lasithi
Amazing natural setting, world-class resorts, untouched by mass tourism, exotic beaches, Medieval castles, and quaint villages
Best things to do: Spend the day at the palm tree forest on Vai beach, Visit the cosmopolitan Elounda resort, Hike along the Gorge of The Dead, Boast trip to Spinalonga Islet
Plus: Agios Nikolaos sea lake, Ha gorge, Zakros Minoan Palace
Rethymnon
Venetian buildings, picturesque harbor, cosmopolitan resorts, monasteries, lush gorges, and traditional villages
Best things to do: Wander through the picturesque Rethymnon Old Town, Visit the exotic Preveli beach, Watch the sunset at the Venetian port, Take a stroll along the beach promenade
Plus: Preveli monastery, Archaeological Museum, Fortezza, Rimondi Fountain, Arkadi monastery
The best things to do in the Greek mainland
Athens
The capital of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and activities! The historic center of Athens is the place to go for archaeological sites and entertainment, while the suburbs are perfect for a more laid-back vibe and nature.
Sightseeing: Acropolis hill, the Parthenon, Temple of Hephaestus, Herodes Atticus theatre, Arch of Hadrian, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Kallimarmaro Stadium, Ancient Agora, the Temple of Poseidon
Nature: National Garden, Philoppapou hill, Lycabettus hill, Pnyx hill, Athens Riviera, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Museums: Acropolis Museum, Archaeological Museum, Goulandris Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Byzantine Museum, Benaki Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Arts
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece. Also known as the Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is a vibrant metropolis, where ancient and modern meet. This town is known for its vivid party scene, entertainment, laid-back vibe, and friendly people, that’s why it’s one of the locals’ favorite destinations.
Sightseeing: Arch of Galerius, White Tower, Thessaloniki Castle, Rotonda, Bey Hamam, Roman Market
Museums: Byzantine Museum, Archaeological Museum, Waterworks Museum, Museum of Macedonian Struggle, Balkan Wars Museum, Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Cinema Museum
Peloponnese
Peloponnese is a peninsula that lies in the southern part of Greece and is connected with the Greek mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth bridge. A place associated with legends and mythology, Peloponnese, is graced with numerous archaeological sites. Thanks to its diverse natural landscape, this peninsula is a great choice for both a beach and a mountain holiday in Greece all year round!
Nafplio
Romantic seaside town, neoclassical buildings, picturesque, Greece’s first capital, and fortresses
Don’t miss: Mycenae archaeological site, Akronafplia Fortress, Bourtzi Fortress, Palamidi Fortress, Komboloi Museum, Archaeological Museum, Syntagma Square
Mani Peninsula
Off the beaten tourist trail, exotic beaches, quaint villages, wild natural landscape, and olive groves
Don’t miss: Mount Saggias, Cape Tainaro, Diros Cave, Areopoli, Arapakis Tower, Byzantine Museum, Sklavounakou Tower
Monemvasia
Medieval city, castle town, a natural fortress, romantic, and picturesque setting
Don’t miss: Agia Sofia church, Elkomenos Christos church, Portello, Archaeological Museum
Olympia
Mother of the Olympic Games, mythical town, archaeological site, and hiking spot
Don’t miss: Ancient Stadium, Archaeological Museum, Philippeion, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus, Ancient Olympic Games museum
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Greece?
Summer seems to be the best season to visit Greece, but it’s not the only option. Although in summer the weather is hot, the sun shines, and the water is warm enough for swimming, it’s also the most crowded season in Greece. To skip the excessive crowds and enjoy the good weather, opt for late spring (May), early summer (June), and early fall (September). But, if you want total isolation and peace, your best bet lies in early spring and late fall.
How to get to Greece?
The best way to get to Greece is by air. Athens, the capital of Greece, is connected with numerous international airports via many direct and indirect daily flights. Even if you travel from a European country or the USA or Australia, your best bet is to fly to Greece. Keep in mind that air ticket prices are higher during the peak season (June to August) and drop in shoulder season. If you’re traveling to Greece from a European country or the UK, you can also opt for a train or a car journey.
Why is Greece famous?
Greece is famous for its enduring history, beautiful islands, diverse natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and tons of archaeological sites. Greece is also known as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and western medicine, and the founder of the Olympic Games.
What should you see in Greece?
Every town and island in Greece has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing. However, there are some places you shouldn’t miss. Some of the most important landmarks of the country are the Acropolis hill, the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, Delos island, Santorini volcano, the enormous rocks in Meteora, the Oracle of Delphi, and the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes.
What are the best places to visit in Greece for couples?
Santorini is the most famous destination for a honeymoon in Greece, but definitely not the only one. Other romantic places to visit in Greece are Corfu, Plaka neighborhood in Athens, Astypalea, Folegandros, Monemvasia, and the Medieval Rhodes Town.
What are the most famous foods in Greece?
Greek gastronomy is famous all around the world! Some of the most popular dishes to try in Greece are moussaka, pita gyro, souvlaki, spanakopita, Greek salad (Horiatiki), dolmadakia, tzatziki, loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), and feta cheese.
Read also: Top choices of all inclusive resorts and hotels in Greece