Best Things to Do in Greece: Complete Travel Guide

Greece is one of the most historically layered destinations on earth -- it is possible to walk between a Minoan palace, a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a 21st-century beach club within a few miles. Add the Aegean islands, some of Europe's finest seafood, and a way of life that prioritises pleasure, and you have a near-perfect travel destination.

The Acropolis, Athens

The Parthenon atop the Acropolis is one of the world's great buildings -- a 2,500-year-old temple to Athena that still dominates the Athens skyline. The Acropolis Museum at the base is also superb, displaying original sculptures and explaining the buildings' history. Book timed entry to avoid the longest queues.

Santorini

• Oia village: The most photographed village in Greece -- white-washed buildings and blue domes on a caldera cliff
• Caldera views: The volcanic caldera views from Fira and Oia are extraordinary at any time of day
• Akrotiri: A Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved under volcanic ash -- older than Pompeii
• Red Beach and Perissa Black Beach: The coloured beaches formed from volcanic rock are unique
• Wine: Santorini has a wine region producing excellent Assyrtiko white wine from volcanic soils

Crete

Greece's largest island is almost a country in itself. The Palace of Knossos (the centre of Minoan civilisation, 3,500 years old), the Samaria Gorge (Europe's longest gorge), the beach towns of Elounda and Chania, and the extraordinary Minoan collection at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum make Crete worth a dedicated trip.

Delphi

Ancient Delphi was the most important religious site in the ancient Greek world -- the oracle here guided kings and city-states for centuries. The ruins are set dramatically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus with views over olive groves to the sea. An easy day trip from Athens, or stopover on the way north.

The Peloponnese

• Mycenae: The Bronze Age city of Agamemnon and the Lion Gate -- arguably the most evocative ancient site in Greece
• Epidaurus: The best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece, still used for performances in summer
• Nafplio: A charming Venetian town with a hilltop castle -- the most beautiful small city in Greece
• Monemvasia: A medieval fortress city on a rock connected to the mainland by a causeway

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Greece? May, June, and September are ideal -- warm, sunny, and less crowded than peak July and August. The islands are quieter and cheaper in the shoulder months, and the heat is more manageable.