The best places to visit in Greece
Like the mythical sirens that tempted passing sailors, Greece still lures travelers to its glittering shores. The expansive archipelago – with traditional whitewashed villages surrounded by azure-blue seas that lap into harbors filled with tavernas – never fails to enchant visitors.
Turn toward Greece’s mountainous mainland and you will immediately find treasure-filled museums, cozy festivals, and vibrant cities. Planning a modern trip to this ancient country requires packing small pieces of its heavy history along with your luggage and uncovering even more from the places you visit along the way.
Best for ancient history
No matter what time of year you walk the streets of Greece’s historic capital, the ancient Greeks have walked there before you – whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, and whether you see the evidence beneath your feet or it is hidden by modern development.
From the Acropolis – whose jewel is the 5th-century BC Parthenon – to the underground metro, where some stations feature archaeological finds, Athens is filled with historical sites, monuments, and museums. A combined ticket grants access to the Acropolis and six other sites, and the Acropolis Museum is also a must-see.
Athens is easy to explore on foot and is one of Europe’s most vibrant metropolises. Walk through neighborhoods such as the old town of Plaka, flea-market-famous Monastiraki, and trendy Pangrati. In the evening, you can catch a live band in gritty Gazi or a film at an open-air cinema in Thission.
Book tickets online for a revived Greek tragedy or dance performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus as part of the Epidaurus Festival, which takes place every summer.
Best for underwater exploration
Milos, with its more than 70 beaches, hidden sea caves, and colorful traditional boathouses, has won the hearts of many travelers. Evidence of its volcanic origins can be seen in the almost moon-like landscape at Sarakiniko, where the more daring dive into the jade-colored Aegean Sea.
Planning tip: Spend a couple of days on Kimolos, a small island northeast of Milos that can be reached by ferry. One of its most impressive beaches is Prassa, where dazzling white coarse sand showcases shallow aquamarine water to full effect.
Best for medieval history
Rhodes has long been the Dodecanese’s biggest attraction, thanks to its atmospheric, UNESCO-listed medieval old town. In the Middle Ages, the city was transformed by the Order of St John into a formidable fortified city.
Visit the Grand Master’s Palace, which features stunning Roman and early Christian floor mosaics, and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle.
Book a state-licensed guide to get a full picture of Rhodes’ long and fascinating history.
