MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN GREECE
Grab your seats and prepare yourself for some eye candy! This post is probably one of the most beautiful posts ever – talking about the very photogenic islands/towns/ and cities in Greece is equal to pure beauty!
Find out about the best places to visit in Greece – here is where to go, and what to see and visit!
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Santorini
- Recommended by Fit Two Travel
Santorini is the most popular Greek island and a must for any Greece itinerary. You can’t help but fall in love with the island with gorgeous cliff-side villas overlooking the caldera and stunning sunsets.
While the walk to the Red Beach can be dangerous, the beach with red cliffs and dark sand is gorgeous. Make some time to do the walk from Fira to Oia. It is a beautiful walk that takes between 3-4 hours – offering gorgeous views along the way and you will pass several stunning villages along the way.
The whole island stops for the sunset, so make sure you find a good spot and get there early to get a view as the sun drops over the horizon. There are several places to watch it – whether you watch it in Oia or Fira – you will love the pretty sunsets.
While the small alleys along the cliffs can be busy, take a catamaran cruise out on the water for a closer look at the volcanic hot springs.
But also make sure to visit lesser-known places in Santorini – like the cute village of Pyrgos.
If you can afford it, book your stay in a villa along the caldera for a seriously amazing view. The extra money spent on a private plunge pool villa was absolutely worth it when you see the view.
Mykonos
- Recommended by Nadeen from The Sophisticated Life
Mykonos is the perfect place to take in classic Greek “Cycladic” architecture. White cubic buildings with flat roofs and colorful doors, windows, and balconies are all around you, and Mykonos is one of the best places to visit in Greece. No doubt about that.
There are several things you must do while in Mykonos. Be sure to dine at one of the many outdoor cafes located in “Little Venice.” Take in the beautiful waterfront views, including cruise ships and yachts.
While in Little Venice, stroll through the cobblestone streets and go shopping. You will find unique treasures by local artisans. Mykonos is known for its numerous windmills located around the island – climb hilltop to see them up close.
To avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season (e.g., October). If you want to experience the beach party atmosphere go by mid-September.
Sifnos
- Recommended by Susan from Best Bits Worldwide
Holidays to Greece can take many different forms – partying, sailing, sunning, but there is only one island where everyone goes specifically to eat: Sifnos, in the Cyclades.
The father of Greek cooking, Nikos Tselementes, was born here, and every Greek has a copy of his book Odigos Mageirikis somewhere in the house.
There really is not that much written about this tiny island, which is exactly why it is attractive. The restaurants are good, just with varying degrees of goodness. Every Sifnos chef has a reputation to uphold, so it’s tough to get a bad meal anywhere.
Meteora
- Recommended by Val from Wandering Wheatleys
Middle of the sky” is the literal translation to the word Meteora which is pretty much exactly what it feels like when you visit. Located in central Greece, Meteora is an area containing six monasteries, each perched at the top of a giant monolithic pillar rising above the small town of Kalambaka.
Dating back to the 14th-16th century, the act of building these holy buildings on the top of 1200-foot-tall rocks would have been no small feat for the monks residing in nearby caves at that time.
There is a lovely (albeit challenging) hike that begins at the base of the mountains in a residential neighborhood of Kalambaka and zigzags steeply up to the top where you’ll get your first of many amazing views – this one of the Holy Trinity Monastery.
Follow the road as it winds along the mountaintop and offers spectacular views of the valley below. If you’d rather tour the monasteries by car, they are all easily accessible from the road.
All monasteries have varying opening hours and require a small entrance fee but are certainly worth a tour. Sunset from the rock outcroppings along the road offers some of the most amazing views in all of Greece.
Spetses
- Recommended by Hannah from That Adventurer
Spetses is your traditional Greek island without the crowds. You can reach it only by boat (about 3 hours from Athens), and when you anchor at the tiny port of Dapia, you’ll see whitewashed houses, local cafes and shops, and narrow alleyways that are just calling out to be explored.
Whilst you could easily while away the hours going from cafe to cafe, sampling frappes and watching the water taxis come and go, one of the best activities on the island is to hire a quad bike to get around. You can hire quad bikes from several different places near the port – just make sure they give you a helmet!
West of Spetses is Bekiri Cave which is well worth stopping at. It’s a short walk down and over some rocks from the road before you see the opening of the cave. You can swim in or climb in following the narrow path and then swim out into the sea. Just watch out for the rocks as, depending on the tide, they can be dangerous.
After a swim and exploring the caves, head north to Vrelos Beach and take in the sunset. The beach is small but has a beach bar with surprisingly good cocktails and loungers. It’s such a good spot to while away a few hours.
Ios
- Recommended by Magda and Michael from Follow the View
Ios is a true paradise for those seeking both fun and relaxation. This so-called “party island” has amazing nightlife and many secluded beaches to hide from the crowd.
Mylopotas Beach is a favorite pick for all party animals, with great beach clubs located nearby. Here you will also find Far Out Beach Club. It’s a really crazy place, and if you are into partying all day & night, you can even stay in the resort nearby.
Beaches located on the eastern side of Ios are much calmer, quiet, and perfect for kids.
If you are looking for typical Cycladic white & blue houses, but you have enough crowds in Mykonos or Santorini, you’ve come to the right place. Chora is the main, extremely picturesque town in Ios with a maze of narrow streets. At sunset, go up the hill in Chora to admire a splendid view of the Aegean Sea soaking up in the sun.
Paros
- Recommended by Eileen from Pure Wander
Make sure you visit Paros for a few days. It’s about three hours from Santorini but offers a much more laid-back atmosphere and an authentic Greek way of life.
The ferry port is perfect for a bit of shopping and some nightlife after the sun goes down at the Bebop rooftop bar. Close by for sunbathing during the day is Krios Beach – In sunny October, I was the only soul on the sand.
When it’s time for dinner, though, head a few minutes uphill to Taverna Flora to catch the sunset and conquer the biggest Greek salad you’ve ever seen.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the old lighthouse next to Kolympithres Beach, near the town of Naousa. It is a 30-minute walk, and the location rewards you with unrivaled views of the Aegean Sea. To get there, you head from Lefkes to Naousa, drive past the town, past Kolympithres, until the end of the road.
The best way to experience Paros is to rent a house in one of the little villages, like Lefkes. It’s 15 minutes from the beaches but in a beautiful white-washed town with delicious restaurants and bakeries.
Naxos
- Recommended by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate
Naxos is the biggest island of the Cyclades complex and one of the best places for your Greece vacation.
Conveniently located 5 hours away by ferry from Athens and with an international airport it has become a popular holiday destination. Nevertheless, it has maintained its authenticity and quality. You can visit many places in Naxos so renting a car is totally recommended although there is a bus covering the most popular destinations.
There are plenty of things to do in Chora, the capital of the island. You can visit Portara (great door) very close to the port, which is actually a huge marble gate that was part of a temple dedicated to Apollo 2.500 years ago. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. You can also lose yourself in the winding alleys of Chora with the cute restaurants and shops until you reach the Castle.
Naxos also has many picturesque mountainous villages that have maintained its traditional architecture. Some worth visiting are Halki and Koronos.
Naxos is also famous for its sandy long beaches like Agios Georgios in Chora, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna. There is also a wealth of sports activities on the island, many hiking paths, windsurfing, kite surfing, and boat excursions to nearby islands.
Peloponnese
- Recommended by Rashmi & Chalukya from Go Beyond Bounds
Peloponnese, the peninsular region in southern Greece, is home to a gorgeous coastline with pristine beaches, pretty medieval towns, and interesting archaeological sites.
You can plan a tour exploring the best of Peloponnese – the Corinth region, Mycenae, Nafplio, and Epidaurus, which is also a popular day trip from Athens. Your first stop on the tour would be the man-made wonder Corinth Canal, the 6.4 km canal that separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese region.
Corinth region is also home to ancient Corinth – an ancient archeological site that was a major commercial center during ancient times. You can find some of the interesting archaeological findings in the museum located on the same site.
While Mycenae also has an archaeological site, Nafplio is more of a charming coastal city with neoclassical traditional buildings. The most important site in Epidavros is the Epidavros theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Greece and is still used for musical concerts and plays.
Milos
- Recommended by the Crazy Girl from The Crazy Travelista
Milos has over 70+ beaches to choose from, you will have plenty to be amazed by, and it is one of the most amazing hidden gems in Greece. If you’re looking for some secluded beaches, crystal blue/green waters, and picturesque blue, and white towns, all without the mass crowds, Milos is the perfect Greek island.
Sarakiniko is the most unusual beach on Milos, with a lunar-like landscape formed by volcanic rock formations. The bright white rock contrasting with the rich blue sea is quite something to see.
On the south of the island, don’t miss Firiplaka Beach, the prettiest beach on the island. The backdrop of the clear turquoise waters framed by the massive plunging red rock cliffs is stunning. Sip on a cocktail at the little beach bar and enjoy Mother Nature at its finest.
While on Milos, make sure to stop by one of the many traditional fishing villages, colorfully painted with a boat garage on the bottom. The fishing villages are something unique to the island you won’t see on many other Greek islands.
Make sure not to miss Mandrakia and Klima.
A visit to the abandoned sulfur mines is also great for photography lovers, as it is located right on the water. It’s a bit hard to get to with the rough roads, but the journey out there makes up half the fun.
Lesbos /Lesvos
- Recommended by Tom from Travel Tom Tom
Lesvos is a great place to explore on a road trip around the island and stay overnight in a couple of different places.
In the North definitely, don’t miss the picture-perfect town of Molyvos with its steep cobbled stoned streets and great ocean views.
In the South, you will find Plomari, the birthplace of the famous Greek drink Ouzo. In this lovely little fishing village are two Ouzo museums, many idyllic bays, and some completely deserted beaches.
Also, don’t miss the Petrified Forest with fossils dating back millions of years ago. This is also one of the reasons the complete Lesbos Island is a UNESCO heritage site. Last but not least, spend a couple of nights in the capital of Lesbos, Mytilini.
Visit the history museum and hike up to the castle on top of the hill. Mingle at night with locals in the artsy district around the port and find hip cafes and bars to go out in this university town. Hotel Pyrgos has an amazing rooftop looking over the city of Mytilini.
Last but not least, spend a couple of nights in the capital of Lesbos, Mytilini. Visit the history museum and hike up to the castle on top of the hill.
Mingle at night with locals in the artsy district around the port and find hip cafes and bars to go out in this university town.
- Hotel Pyrgos has an amazing rooftop looking over the city of Mytilini.
Athens
- Recommended by Megan from Megan Starr
Athens can leave its visitors in awe. Walk through Anafiotika and other parts of the old town while marveling at the architecture, friendliness of the people, and city views.
Wander to Exarchia, a neighborhood known for its street art, urban resistance, and cool and quirky cafes and businesses.
The neighborhood makes you feel like you are on another planet. The city of Athens is like an onion; every neighborhood and block is a layer, and once you peel it back, you are exposed to a new side of the capital, and it fuels your curiosity about the complexity of the place.
Though the beaches of Greece are utterly magnificent – but so is Athens.
- Find out more about the best activities in Athens.
- Check out Rates for Accommodation in Athens
Hydra
- Recommended by Elena from Passion for Greece
The quaint island of Hydra is renowned for its unique architectural charm, dynamic lifestyle, historical importance, and its No Cars policy. Just a short two-hour ferry ride from Greece’s capital — Athens, Hydra is a great destination to visit at all times of the year.
Since the 1960s, the island became Hollywood’s favorite hotspot, where refined vacationers fled in search of warm sunny weather, laid-back Greek hospitality, and vibrant nightlife. After the filming of the Boy on a Dolphin movie starring the glamorous Sophia Loren in 1956 — Greece became a popular tourist destination.
Hydra is a romantic island, one of those places where you retreat to escape the typical holiday resorts.
Explore the island’s numerous museums, some of which are housed in traditional mansions that once belonged to the shipowners. Go on a guided horse trekking tour and explore Hydra’s breathtaking scenery, monasteries, and beaches.
Those who wish to discover beyond Hydra’s harbor should take the route from Hydra town to Kamini, which passes through a picturesque traditional fishing village with mesmerizing Aegean Sea views.
Hydra is a magical island where you will make friends not only with the locals but with the numerous cats that practically rule the island.
Antiparos
- Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road
Paros, a rather lesser known gem of the Cycladic islands, is becoming more popular, especially among water sports lovers. Its geographic situation and exposure to the wind made it a coveted destination for young and active travelers.
Antiparos, only 1.9 km from Paros, is famous for its pristine beaches and its relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. It can be reached from Paros by ferry or by a 10-minute jet-ski ride. The main settlement is Pounda, and it has the characteristic Cycladic architecture with white houses framed by bright flowers and cobbled streets.
Like its “parent island,” Paros is famous for kite- and windsurfing, but on less crowded beaches.
Antiparos’ main attraction is, without any doubt, The Cave, a stalactite grotto in the island’s center. Several dates and names are painted on its walls, which go back hundreds of years.
You shouldn’t miss The Castle, the ruin of a Venetian castle dating from 1440.
A favorite thing to do in Antiparos though is exploring the many hidden beaches and coves – there seems to be a mere infinite number of them.
Astypalea
- Recommended by Barbara from Jet Settera
Astypalea is a beautiful butterfly-shaped island in the middle of the Aegean Sea. It is a bit off the beaten path, but it can be easily reached by ferry or plane.
It is for visitors who are looking for an authentic Greek experience. The island is less touristy than most Greek islands. The locals are friendly, and the beaches are pristine.
The typical white-blue Greek architecture can be observed everywhere.
Best activities: Hopping on a boat and sailing around the island, hiking the nearby mountains and discovering the unique vegetation of the island, spending the evening in a local restaurant with the Greeks, drinking Ouzo, and singing to live music.
Hotels and restaurants are reasonably priced as the island has not been invaded by tourists like many other Greek Islands.
Eastern Crete
Crete is quite a big island. We have two parts on Crete – divided by northern Crete and Southern Crete. Let´s start with Eastern Crete.
- Recommended by Ryazan from Everything Zany
Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the biggest in the Mediterranean – and it is surprisingly beautiful with its charming Venetian towns like Agios Nikolaus.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in the city. The Venetian fortress is worth a visit, and you can learn the colorful history of the Venetian and Ottoman occupation on the island. The palace of Knossos is one of the historical treasures in Crete. It was built during the Minoan era and has significant historical value for the Cretans.
If you are up for an adventure, not far from Heraklion is the Psychro Cave, the birthplace of Zeus located at the Lasithi plateau. It is definitely a great day’s adventure hiking and enjoying the landscape. Just be careful on your descent into the cave.
You can drive up to the mountains and onto the plateau. Alternatively, you can join group tours from Heraklion.
Western Crete
- Recommended by Natasha from The World Pursuit
If you only have a few days in Crete, spend all your time in Chania. You’ll most likely need a rental car to get around!
This is where you can check out Balos Beach, with some of the prettiest water you might see! It’s located right past Kissamos and is located at the end of a never-ending dirt road followed by a long walk down to the beach. Its seclusion makes it not completely packed with tourism even in high season.
Stefano Beach is located down a long, zig-zagged, straight downward scary road. However, once you arrive at the small parking lot, you’ll find the terrifying car ride was well worth the view. After parking your car, you still have a steep, 15-minute hike down to the beach.
Make sure to bring some snacks as there is not much around this area, and you will not want to make that drive all again just for some food.
Elefnisi is the pink beach of Crete. Yes, the sand is all shades of light pink, and it twinkles so brightly in the sunlight. The pink sand is actually caused by the coral being broken down into tiny fragments.
Rhodos
- Recommended by Anne & Clemens from Travellers Archive
The island of Rhodes is called the island of the sun, and that is to be taken literally. It has over 3000 hours of sunshine per year.
According to Greek mythology, the sunny days were because Zeus, the king of the ancient Greek gods, had redistributed the earth among the gods and had forgotten the god of the sun, Helius, but remained modest and contented himself with an island, which he later named after his wife, Rhode.
The Greek archipelago of Dodecanese consists of 160 islands. The Dodecanese means 12 islands and stands for the 12 inhabited islands, which have risen to 19, with Rhodes as the main island. When traveling to the island of the sun and spending your holidays there, you will never get away from it.
However, Rhodes has much more to offer than just a beach holiday (which is great as well). Get a rental car and experience the island yourself.
Be sure to visit the Grand Master’s Palace, the city walls of Rhodes Town, Rodini Park, and Knights Street. Also, you should not miss the “white” village Lindos, the beautiful Tsambika Beach, the Kallithea Spa, and, of course, the famous Anthony Quinn Bay.
Lindos
- Recommended by Arzo from Arzo Travels
Lindos presented itself in its best dress. Our guide had mentioned more than 20 times that Lindos was picturesque – and indeed it was.
The Acropolis, which dates back to 280 BC, is definitely a must-see place in Lindos, but so are the little shops you will pass along your way to the Acropolis. The view from the top is just amazing!
Lindos makes a great day trip if you stay on Rhodes Island – though it may seem unbelievable, one day might be enough to discover the most important places of Lindos.
And if you are finished with the sightseeing of all the beautiful, ancient sights, and you‘d like to chill, you can just do so at the beach. Lindos, a place that combines history and beaches – what else can you ask for?
Syros
- Recommended by Nathan from Foodie Flashpacker
Syros is poised to become the next “it” travel destination in Greece. Gorgeous beaches that are not yet crowded with tourists, amazing food, lots to see and do — all of this at some of the best prices in the entire country.
As it is not yet as popular as other islands, the locals are still genuinely excited to receive tourists. They are happy to show you their shops and welcome you into their restaurants.
Syros was originally a medieval settlement, making for an island with an interesting and somewhat complicated history. Make sure to ask locals about why there are so many cats on the island! Colorful blossoms hang over the narrow alleyways and whitewashed houses. Looking up, you’ll see churches with bright domes atop the hills surrounding the city.
Ermoupolis, the main town, has been declared a National Historic Landmark by the local government. This means the design integrity will be preserved.
Make sure to visit the Apollo Theater near the town center, as it’s a scaled-down version of La Scala.
But, most everyone wants to visit the beaches when vacationing on the Greek Islands. Syros has several beaches. To find the best and least visited beaches, take a boat and head north of Kini Beach. These are even more gorgeous than the impressive main beaches.
Zakynthos
- Recommended by Elena from Passion for Greece
Zakynthos or Zante is a well-known Greek island situated in the Ionian Sea.
Modern Zakynthos has gained tremendous popularity for its landmark, the Shipwreck Beach, also known as the Navagio Beach. The island is a nature lovers’ paradise as it is dotted with numerous white beaches, surrounded by turquoise waters and remarkable caves such as the famous Keri Caves and the Blue Caves.
The best natural experiences are accessible by boat, so make sure to rent a boat for the day and explore the surrounding beaches and coves, including the Marathonisi Sea Turtle Island, where the endangered Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs. If you are lucky, it is an amazing natural phenomenon to witness firsthand.
For the best views of the island, head over to Bohali, perched on a hill overlooking the harbor. During the Venetian rule, Bohali used to be an aristocratic neighborhood and has maintained its unique character until this day. The best time to visit would be around sunset, where you can witness the magic when the sun gradually disappears below the horizon.
The natural beauty of Zakynthos is guaranteed to amaze you as some of its scenes seem to be taken from somewhere else, out of this world.
Olympia
- Recommended by Lavinia from Continent Hop
Katakolo or Katakolon is a very popular port in Greece if you’re on a cruise. However, if history excites you, you need to head to Olympia, located about 20 miles away.
Once a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, 500 years in the making, the site now is full of ruins.
The games were established in 776 BC and were held at this very site for centuries till a powerful earthquake destroyed it, only to be unearthed eons later in the 1700s.
The archaeological site contains temples dedicated to various Greek gods and heroes. The one dedicated to Hera and the amphitheater is quite picturesque, helping one visualize how it may have looked before being demolished. The highlight, however, is the stadium, the original track where you can still take a sprint!
Ensure you allocate sufficient time to visit the Archeological Museum containing some great exhibits and the Museum of Olympic Games.
You could definitely explore the site by yourself as there are signs placed everywhere, which help you understand its history.
THOUGHT ON BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GREECE
I am sure I did not promise too much when I talked about the amazing and most beautiful places in Greece – this country is so full of stunning islands/beaches/towns that you could spend forever in Greece without getting bored.
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