Greece is one of the most perfect Summer destinations, no matter if you choose the islands or the mainland. However, with all the options on display, sometimes it could turn difficult to choose one of the best places in Greece to see next.
From stunning islands surrounded by turquoise waters, hidden gems on the peninsula, authentic villages, or sandy beaches, you’ll find it all here! I’ve gathered everything in one place so that you can make an informed choice, and have a perfect Greek holiday.
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But before we get started, here are a few of my top tips for anyone planning a Greek vacation:
- Book your flight by checking Skyscanner.com – this is an online aggregator that will show you all the best combinations and will help you optimize prices and timetables.
- Discover Cars is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. Choose the best price here!
- Day trips and experiences can be easily booked through GetYourGuide – they have a wide selection of tours and a great cancellation policy. Explore perfect tours here!
- Don’t forget about insurance – at AardvarkCompare.com you can compare from over 30 insurance plans and find your best option. Compare insurance options here!
17 Beautiful places in Greece to see next
Santorini

Without any doubt, one of the most beautiful Greek islands, the perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic honeymoon, Santorini has so much to offer.
It might not be the place to go to when you are looking for pristine beaches and crystal clear water, but nothing beats staying in a cave hotel with a private infinity pool, strolling through the charming streets of Oia, sailing around the caldera for sunset, or going wine tasting with a view.
One of the most popular Cycladic Islands, Santorini is easily reached by plane or ferry, and you can even go island hopping and explore some other smaller or larger islands in the area.
If you know where to stay on the island, you won’t have to break a bank to afford a vacation here, and you can even spend some time on the beach.
Corfu
By Nina at Lemons and Luggage
The Ionian island of Corfu is popular with many tourists who visit Greece, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Whether you’re looking for beautiful, green landscapes, mountains, or stunning beaches, Corfu offers all that and more.
Corfu’s capital has an old town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as museums, bars, and restaurants, including several options for vegans in Corfu. As one of few Greek islands that have a university, Corfu is a very lively island even off-season meaning you’ll never get bored.
One thing that makes Corfu stand out from the rest of Greece is the Venetian influence. Because Corfu belonged to the Republic of Venice between 1401 and 1797 the architecture in the capital is reminiscent of an Italian town.
Additionally, don’t forget to visit the Achilleion, the island’s summer palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria after her son tragically died. From the palace’s garden, you get a picturesque view of Corfu.
Corfu can easily be reached by plane from many European cities in the summer as well as from Greece’s capital Athens year-round. Alternatively, there are ferries from Italy, Albania, and from within Greece. To make sure you book the correct ticket, be aware that the island’s Greek name is Kerkyra.
Check out ferry timetables and prices here!
Agistri
By Lotte from Eschbach Consulting
Agistri is a small island in the Saronic Gulf that can easily be reached by ferry from Piraeus Port in about one hour. On the island, there are two main villages, Skala and Megalochori. Both are situated on the north side of the island and about 1.5 kilometers apart.
In these cute little towns, you can find accommodations, restaurants, and a couple of souvenir shops. No matter if you base yourself in Skala or Megalochori, it’s easy to get everywhere on the island as it’s only small and distances are short.
Agistri is home to several beautiful beaches, one of these is Dragonera Beach. No matter if you are a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic trip or, a traveling family, Dragonera Beach is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. You can easily walk here, even with a stroller, from Megalochori (30 minutes) or Skala (50 minutes).
Another fun activity is going on a kayak trip or scuba diving. You might not expect it, but there are some great dive sites around Agistri! If you prefer to keep your feet try, rent a bicycle to explore the island. Cycle to Limenaria (at the Southeast tip of the island) and admire the beautiful scenery along the way!
Agistri is a wonderful easy getaway from Athens and definitely worth a spot on your Greece itinerary.
Thessaloniki
By Marco at Nomadic FIRE
When people talk about the “Beauty of Greece,” the mind automatically escapes to the white houses of Santorini or one of the many gorgeous islands on the sunny Mediterranean. But for history lovers and amateur archaeologists, Greece is seen through a different set of sunglasses.
With 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Greece is no stranger to the timeless beauty of the ancient world. While Athens and the Acropolis get the most eyeballs, Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city and capital of Greek Macedonia, is no ugly-stepsister.
Known as the country’s cultural hub, Thessaloniki has a deserved reputation as Greece’s affordable expat city. An attractive port city on the coast of the Aegean Sea, close to the borders of Macedonia and Bulgaria, Thessaloniki is an excellent base for exploring countries with underrated but beautiful northern beaches and stunning mountains.
With the city’s cosmopolitan culture and charming neighborhoods, Thessaloniki is a fantastic place for visitors to see a piece of Greek history in the making. But with all the exciting things to do in Thessaloniki, it is not easy to know where to start. Fifteen stunning sites make up the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki UNESCO World Heritage list. A recommended itinerary is at least 7-days to see everything. Visitors with only a few days to spend can hit the most famous early 4th century sites of the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the Basilica of Hagios Demetrios, and Galerius Palace.
There is so much to see for visitors looking to view a different side of Greece’s beauty. Travelers need to prioritize what they want to see. Aside from the striking monuments, there are the prior mentioned northern beaches and stunning mountains. In the city, local museums and galleries are popular choices, including the Archaeological Museum.
The good news is Thessaloniki airport is a hub for low-cost European Union airlines. You can get here from several European cities for 60 EUR (72 USD) round-trip, so a return trip is always on the cards.
Mykonos
By Disha Smith at Disha Discovers
There are so many beautiful places in Greece and the island of Mykonos is one of them. Mykonos is known for its gorgeous beaches, world-class resorts, romantic vibes, party scene, and much more! Two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Mykonos as you’ll be able to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Since Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the Mediterranean, you can get there fairly easily. You can fly into Mykonos International Airport from quite a few cities in Europe. Or, you can take a ferry from Athens or other Greek islands.
One of the best things to do in Mykonos is to simply wander around the town. The town is filled with picturesque and narrow Instragrammable streets. You can grab some coffee and snacks from one of the eateries.
Another fun thing to do is to explore the Little Venice area. You’ll also find restaurants and bars in this area. Be sure to book a dinner reservation at one of the restaurants and enjoy the sunset while you eat dinner.
If you want to explore quieter areas of the island, rent a moped or an ATV. You never know what hidden gems you’ll stumble upon. Be sure to head over to the infamous windmills and Paraportiani Church too.
Lastly, you can’t leave Mykonos without taking a quick day trip to the nearby Delos Island. You can swim in crystal clear waters or explore the many archaeological gems.
Kos
By Tristan at Traxpolio
Kos is one of the Greek islands within the Aegean Sea. It’s extremely popular because it is settled just in front of Turkey, which makes it doable to go to the gorgeous Turkish town of Bodrum.
On the other hand, you can also spend a day on Kos from Bodrum. The ferry’s current price is roughly 20€.
Check out ferry timetables and prices here!
You can also fly directly to the island of Kos since this is one of the Greek islands serviced by its own airport.
Kos is not a small island, offering lots of vacation activities, but you can always choose to relax on the beach or hike through the beautiful mountains. Only make sure you know exactly what to pack, based on the type of vacation you plan to have.
Once you get on the island, watch the sunset from the top of the Zia mountain from one of the panoramic terraces, do some water activities at Marmari Beach (one of the many beaches on the island, with white sand and beautiful blue water), and don’t leave without experiencing some authentic Greek hospitality.
Hotel recommendation: Kos Aktis Art Hotel where you’ll find rooms directly on the beachfront.
Gerolimenas Mani
By Chrysoula at Greece Travel Ideas
The Mani peninsula is the middle of the three peninsulas of the southern Peloponnese and just a few hours’ drive from Athens. With its rugged landscape, deserted beaches, and its own culture, Mani is a must-see on any Peloponnese road trip.
Mani is famous for its distinctive stone towers which have been converted into shops, restaurants, and even holiday accommodation. The port town of Githio is the perfect base as it has neoclassical buildings and narrow alleyways to explore and restaurants along the waterfront. The tiny island of Marathonis has a museum telling the history of the area. The ancient theatre is the ideal setting for summer events. Close to the town lies Selinitsa Beach one of the best on the peninsula, where the female Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) lay their eggs each summer.
Another beautiful beach is at Kotronas, a small fishing village. If you like deserted beaches, nearby The little harbor at Porto Kagio is the perfect place to stop for some excellent fresh fish. The southernmost point is Cape Tainaron (also known as Cape Matapan) with its bare landscape and archaeological treasures. Driving back up the east coast, Vathia is a castle town. Gerolimenas is another harbor village and a good stopover point. The caves at Pyrgos Dyrou are best explored by boat -what fun! The last stop on the peninsula is Kardamili with its lovely beach and restaurants – Mani really is a great place to explore.
Meteora
By Aimee Stephens of Snap Happy Travel
Meteora is one of the most unique places in Greece. It was originally built by monks way back in the 11th century as a means of protection from an impending attack by the Turkish army. By building their monasteries so high up on the rock face they were spared from the attack.
There are six active monasteries in Meteora today – Holy Trinity; Varlaam; Roussanou; Great Meteoron; Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas and Agios Stefanos. Provided you start your day early enough you can see them all in one day. But, be mindful of their opening hours as they are all different.
The best time to visit is October to see the fall colors in all their glory or early June so you escape the peak heat of Summer.
One of the best things to do in Meteora is a sunset tour to all of the monasteries as well as some epic sunset spots along the way. There are lots of authentic Greek restaurants in the nearby town of Kalambaka two highly recommended and popular restaurants include Elias Garden & Restaurant Meteora.
If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay with uninterrupted views of Meteora then, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Meteora in Kastraki.
The easiest way to get to Meteora from Athens is to hop on the direct train to Kalambaka. It costs € 30 per person and will take 5 hours each way.
Thassos
By Raluca at Travel with a Spin
Thassos is the northernmost Greek island in the Aegean Sea, very close to the mainland. It can be easily reached by ferry from both Kavala and Keramoti. The Emerald Island, as it is called, is a great destination for families and couples looking to relax, enjoy the water and sun, hike, or enrich their culture.
Thassos has a variety of wonderful beaches, from isolated to rocky and sandy ones. Swimmers will be enchanted by Golden Beach, a 4km long sandy beach with shallow waters. Unusual Saliara beach, made out of small marble pieces from the nearby excavation, is fascinating to watch. Its turquoise waters offer the best snorkeling opportunities on the island. Giola, a natural pool carved in rocks, should not be missed by tourists looking for adventure.
Thasos has fertile volcanic soil, rich vegetation, and a mountainous landscape. It is a great destination for hikers and nature lovers. One can follow the paths on Mt. Ypsarion to abandoned villages, springs, lakes, and caves. The more adventurous tourists can even enroll in a jeep safari tour of these attractions.
People more into Greek culture and history shouldn’t miss a visit to the Roman Amphitheater in Limenas, the 1000 years-old marble quarry in Aliki, or the stone-made houses with grey-tiled roofs in Theologus and Panagia. No trip to Greece would be complete without a traditional evening with music and dance. Theologus, the oldest village in Thasos, is perfect for this.
Crete
By Mal from Raw Mal Roams
Being the fifth largest island perched on the Mediterranean Sea and the biggest Greek island, Crete has plenty to offer, from pristine clean beaches, unique landscapes to fascinating historical monuments. Crete has something for everyone.
Nature lovers can indulge in Crete’s many gorgeous beaches such as Balos Beach, crystal-water Elafonisi, and Seitan Limania. All these stunning beaches are near Chania so if Crete’s beaches are your main destination, base yourself in that area.
But Crete is not only pretty beaches, but there is also plenty of other things to do. If you really want to test yourself, hike the whole length of the Samaria Gorge, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s a 10 miles trek with some epic views and plenty of opportunities to spot interesting species that inhabit the White Mountains of Crete.
History buffs will find the island of Crete utterly inspiring. Knossos situated 10 minutes drive South of Heraklion, is the oldest city in Europe and steep in interesting history. The town dates back to Bronze Age, and strolling amongst its ruins will give you a feel of how great the Minoan civilization was.
For history but also some great shopping and dining options, visit Chania. Head to its Venetian harbor to people-watch from one of their outdoor restaurants. Sample some of the Cretan specialties, such as Cretan soft cheese and fried snails.
Delphi
By Roxanne at Faraway Worlds
Perched on the side of a mountain, with sweeping views across valleys and olive groves sits the ancient sanctuary of Delphi. The legendary home of the god Apollo and his priestess, the Oracle, Delphi is a place of peace and serenity. Mountains rise high above visitors and the ancient ruins stretch along the slope of the mountain. This is the place where, thousands of years ago, pilgrims (including rulers and royalty from across the ancient world) came to ask questions of the god and waited for the priestess to give the answers, usually couched in a riddle or parable.
Along with the beautiful views, the remains of many temples are visible at the site and numerous treasures are on display at the museum. The old Temple of Athena is often the first glimpse people have of Delphi. From there, the path winds up the mountain, past the marble treasure houses, to the tall columns which are all that remains of the legendary Temple of Apollo. It’s still an impressive spot, partially overgrown, with the mountains towering above. The best views are at the top of the mountain, where the ancient theatre is still remarkably intact and, on a clear day, it’s possible to see the ocean in the distance.
Zakynthos
By Kerry Hanson from VeggTravel
Zakynthos (also known as Zante, its Italian name) is a Greek island within the clear turquoise waters of the Ionian ocean. Zakynthos is an island that appeals to a variety of tourists. The Laganas area of the region is known for its party scene, with a large strip of bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment. Perfect for those looking for vibrant nightlife. However, Zakynthos island is also a great destination for family vacations. There are many different beaches and coves to discover and this is why a lot of holiday-makers will rent a car to explore.
The most well-known and must-see beach is Navagio, the shipwreck beach. Surrounded by white caves and blue lagoons, this picturesque haven is definitely worth a trip. Book through one of the many boat tours available, most of which also include snorkeling and other experiences. Other enjoyable beaches include Banana beach, a lively yet relaxing beach with soft yellow sand. Dafni beach is also a hidden gem that has a friendly beach vibe atmosphere.
Milos
By Dymphe at Dymabroad
One of the most beautiful places in Greece is the island of Milos.
This island is part of the Cyclades island group, so there are other beautiful islands near it. You can reach the islands of Santorini and Mykonos directly by ferry, which is very convenient. You could combine visiting several places.
Visiting Milos is a great experience. It offers a more authentic experience than when you visit more popular islands, such as Mykonos. There are fewer tourists, which means you can better see the local life of the island!
Besides that, there are some great things to do and see in Milos. When you are in Milos, you should definitely go to Sarakiniko Beach. This is a very spectacular place in Milos and one of the best beaches on the island where you can see a beautiful white volcanic stone that got its shape from the waves and wind.
Also, you should go to the small fishing village Klima, which is a very charming spot on the island. Another great place on the island is Plaka. This is the capital of the island and you find here lots of picturesque houses.
To get to Milos, you have to take a ferry. There are lots of ferries from the mainland and from other islands, or you can go by airplane from the capital city Athens. You could easily spend many days here, but even if you are only one day in Milos, you’ll have a great time on this island for sure!
Naxos
By Victoria at Guide Your Travel
Naxos is an incredible island and an absolute must-see when you’re visiting Greece.
As the largest island of its island group, Naxos is the perfect spot to come for relaxing and exploring. It’s often considered one of the most beautiful islands in Greece but isn’t as overrun by tourists as some of the other options in the area.
You can easily catch a ferry to get to Naxos which will be reasonably budget-friendly.
Since Naxos is quite large you should plan to spend at least a week here, maybe more if you want to factor in some time for relaxing by the beach. Plaka and Agios Prokopios have some of the best beaches around with white sand and crystal-clear waters. However, Naxos has much more to offer than just incredible beaches.
The cedar forests are great for exploring and hiking if you want to spend some time in the shade. Then there is the castle of Kastro where you should plan to spend an afternoon and maybe even bring a picnic to enjoy the beautiful views. Once you’ve had enough of Naxos’ stunning nature head to Chora which is the island’s little town full of restaurants, shops, and bars. Come here for nightlife although Naxos is a fairly quiet island.
Dimitsana
By Ania at The Traveling Twins
Dimitsana is a small village in Arcadia on the Peloponnese peninsula, easy to include on a road trip through Greece. It’s known for its architecture – all of which was built with locally quarried stone and has been painstakingly restored over centuries by generations of craftsmen. The result is an enchanting labyrinth that retains its original charm while incorporating modern conveniences like electricity and running water.
The old villages are beautiful and picturesque, but the Open-air Museum of Water Power is an exciting addition to any adventure. The restoration includes a flour mill, traditional cauldron used for cooking or heating water (which you can see in operation). Additionally, you will find here tannery with leather artisans handmaking shoes. Finally, you can learn a lot about gunpowder making and see the gunpowder mill, which hunters and military personnel had used during battle times.
And after all this excitement you can go for a long hike in the nearby Lousios Gorge.
We spend around Dimitsana four days, but if we could, we would happily stay longer.
Rhodes
By Alice from Adventures of Alice
The island of Rhodes is a beautiful place to visit. The weather is great, the food tastes amazing and there are so many attractions to explore. You’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning and untouched beaches, picturesque villages with colorful houses, and an old town that dates back to ancient times.
One thing that sets this destination apart from other Greek Islands is how much history it has. Rhodes is home to one of the oldest Old Towns in Europe along with the intriguing Street of the Knights, the beautiful Palace of the Grand Master, and a stunning Acropolis in the whitewashed town of Lindos.
Perfect for a week-long trip (or more), Rhodes is one of the most scenic islands in Greece and it’s also one of the largest ones too. The island has been inhabited since at least 2000 BC and there is still so much that hints towards those ancient times today. Wandering the streets of the Old Town, you’ll feel like you’re in another world.
There are plenty of great places for sightseeing on Rhodes like Lindos Village with its Acropolis-style castle and medieval ruins which offers some amazing views over the ocean, the heart-shaped St Paul’s Bay which is the perfect romantic spot for couples exploring Greece, Faliraki Beach which features a pretty pebbled shoreline and after you’ve finished sunbathing, head to Faliraki town for fantastic nightlife and restaurants.
Monemvasia
Another hidden gem on the Peloponnes Peninsula set only 3 hours away from Athens, Monemvasia should get on anyone’s Greece bucket list.
A favorite destination for locals, here you can stroll through the cobbler stone streets of the Byzantine Castle, drive to Limenas Gerakos for one of the best fish lunches you will ever have, explore some of the many beaches in the region. And don’t leave without going to the island of Elafonisos and spending one day at the Simos Beach – with Caribbean-like sand and clear water.
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