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The Complete Travel Guide to Greece: Must See's & Do's, Top Cities & Sites, Where To Stay, Travel Itineraries & Excursions
With over 200 dazzling islands to explore and infinite hot spots, Greece has something to offer every traveler. This blog will help you answer the most important question, where will you travel in Greece?
This Guide to Greece Includes
Top Destinations & Cities to Visit
Travel Itinerary Plans
Where to Stay
List of The Top Sites & Must Do Tours
Islands or Mainland?
Travel in Greece is made up of 2 parts, the mainland where Athens is located and the islands. The majority of travelers choose to explore the islands over the mainland. I recommend doing a combo of both if you have time or at least 24hrs in Athens.
Most people agree that one of the best places to vacation in Greece are the Cyclades Islands which include Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and some others. Alternatively, travelers also like to visit the Dodecanese Islands closer to Turkey, the Ionian Sea and the Sea of Crete in the southern region. Greece is known for its picturesque destinations with teal blue beaches, a rich gastronomy and proud culture.
I recommend Greece for any and every type of traveler. It is an easy country to visit and the majority of people speak English, are friendly, hospitable and love sharing their culture with vacationers.
Greece Is For Every Traveler
The main reason why Greece is such a popular travel destination is it has options for every travel style. The accommodations range from beachside resorts to boutique villas and budget friendly hostels. The cuisine is always reasonably priced and exquisitely tasteful. Traveling to Greece can be both affordable and luxury.
Top Greek Islands to Visit
Santorini*
Mykonos
Crete*
Naxos
Paros
Rhodes
Hydra
Zakynthos**
Milos
Ios
*Destinations covered in Blog **Trending Hot Spot
Important Things to Know About Visiting The Islands
-Most islands operate seasonally March through October
-Ferries are available daily during peak season to the majority of the islands, weekly in off season
-You can fly to most of the bigger islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete)
Santorini Travel Guide
Is it worth the hype? Yes, I usually avoid tourist hotspots but for your first visit to Greece Santorini is a must. It is known as one of the more artistic islands in comparison to Mykonos known for its clubbing and wild nightlife.
Recommendation: Avoid traveling during peak summer season for the most authentic experience.
Length of stay: 3 days
-Luxury & Affordable Accommodations
-Affordable Accommodations in towns Thera, Akrotiri, Megalochori
-Airport
Santorini is most known for its picturesque white cave houses in the town of Oia, and caldera views
Must Do's In Santorini
Explore the island by quad, scooter, ranger or smart car
Sunset cruise around the caldera
Walk the iconic all white cave houses town, Oia
Watch the sunset from the panoramic viewing platform in Oia
Visit Ammoudi Bay & dine at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna *Destination Hidden Gem
Walk and shop the town of Thera
Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse & cafe
Visit the small fishing ports near Akrotiri & dine at Melina’s Fish Tavern for the most authentic family style Greek cuisine
Recommended Santorini Tours & Excursions
Sunset cruise around the caldera - These excursions take you island hopping around Santorini. The majority visit Red & White beach, the hot springs (not really hot, more like lukewarm water), and end with watching the sunset in the caldera.
Attend a Greek Cooking Class
Important Things to Know About Santorini
Santorini is not the island for swimming or sandy beaches
The ocean is a deep blue color around Santorini
The caldera is known as the half moon shaped bay formed from volcanic eruptions
The best caldera views are from Oia Santorini & you will pay a premium to have a caldera view
Crete Travel Guide
Crete is the largest island in Greece and many consider it to be the best all around island. Its esteemed Greek culture, cuisine and ancient history make it a favored travel destination. Known for its famous beaches, lagoons and historical sites the island has something to offer every traveler.
Recommended length of stay: since Crete is a larger island plan at least 3 days - 1 week.
Where to Stay in Crete
Rethymno, Rethimno* - beach resorts & old town venetian harbor
Heraklion - capital & ancient historical Minoan port city
Chania - ancient 14th century port town & venetian harbor, narrow streets
Agios Nikolaos - small unique locals coastal town with gorgeous beaches
Agia Pelagia - seaside resort town, boutique & apartment style accommodations
Why I Recommend You Stay in Rethymno
Rethymno is located in a central part of the northern coast, making it the ideal location to take day trips from. The majority of the sites on Crete are a couple hours drive and therefore I recommend having a home base hotel and venturing out daily from it. Or split your stay between two different areas on the island. Therefore you can give more time to the sites on the eastern part of the island that are rich in cultural history. From Rethymno you can drive 2-3 hours in any direction and you will have plenty of options of things to do. The town offers different styles of accommodations with the majority being beach resorts and boutique hotels.
Must Do's in Crete
Visit Balos Bay Beach Lagoon* Destination Hidden Gem
Visit The Cave of Zeus also known as Psychro Cave or Dikteon Cave
Visit Knossos Palace, referred to as Europe’s oldest city €15
Snorkel & Cabana at Kalypso Beach
Walk the ancient port city of Chania
Walk the ancient fortress and port of Heraklion
Explore the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos and beach hop Kalydon
Rent a small boat for the day in Agia Pelagia
Visit the first ancient olive tree & museum
Beach cabana day at the hotel in Rethymno
Athens Travel Guide
Visit all the famous sites around Athens city or extend your stay and take a day trip to Meteora, Delphi or other historical sights outside of Athens.
Recommended length of stay: 1-3 days
1 Day in Athens Travel Itinerary
Start at Monastiraki Station in the heart of the city. Explore the square, check out the street vendors and gaze up at the ancient acropolis on the hill above while walking around.
Walk the Philopappos Hill complex with a 360 view of Athens.
Explore the Acropolis Museum & learn about the history of Athens from their free exhibits.
Start your walk to the Ancient Acropolis from the museum. Explore the agora, temple of Athena & more.
End the evening at a rooftop restaurant for dinner.
Athens Must See's
-The Acropolis of Athens citadel complex & ancient agora (fee)
-Philopappos Hill complex & Socrates Prison (free)
-The Acropolis Museum (free)
-Monastiraki Square
-Piraeus Port
Athens Roof Top Restaurants
MS Rooftop Garden
Couleur Locale
Important Things to Know About Visiting Greece
Greece currency is the Euro, I recommend ordering money through your bank before
Greece calling code is +30
Entry requirements: Greece is a member of the European Union and permits the Schengen Agreement therefore Europeans do not need a visa. Americans do not need a visa and can stay up to 90 days.
Why I loved Traveling To Greece
I could honestly talk about my adventures in Greece daily. The memories I created while traveling there were so lively and special. The connections and interactions I had with the locals were both inviting and warm. Almost every person I bonded with offered to try their speciality whether it be homemade ouzo or raki alcohol or fresh honey and olives, the people of Greece make your experience unique and special. They love their country and love sharing with you. Greece will always be a top travel destination for me and one that I will continue to travel to again and again. I hope reading this blog inspires you to visit Greece and experience all that it has to offer.
If you’re interested in planning a trip to Greece or would like a quick travel quote please contact me or fill out the simple travel quote form on the website menu.
*If you would like to book the same tours, car rentals or hotels from this blog simply provide me a time frame & I'll provide you with a quick quote.
I look forward to helping you plan your dream vacation to Greece!
Always Be Traveling,
Brittanie
The best resource for traveling to Greece is the Visit Greece National Tourism website. Make sure to download the App for convenience before you arrive. I used the app multiple times while traveling and I definitely recommend browsing it for ideas, travel inspo and information.