Things to do in Greece

Mythical, sunny, joyful and convivial: Greece is unique! It is the place where you can discover the origins of our civilisation, be captivated by the charm of temples that have stood the test of time for over a thousand years, admire the artistic masterpieces of the ancient world. But it is also a country where you can indulge in idleness, indulge in a dip in Europe’s bluest sea and cheerful dinners in delicious traditional restaurants, or indulge in a wild nightlife.

Beaches, museums, ancient cities, traditional villages, a metropolis that combines ancient and modern in a fascinating mix: there is really nothing missing in Greece! But what are the must-see attractions? Get inspired by our list of things to see in Greece.

Things to do in Athens, an ideal weekend destination

Packed with cultural attractions and things to do, Athens is the ideal destination for a short city break or a longer holiday.

Attracted by its famous ancient ruins, among which the monumental Parthenon stands out, tourists who come to the Greek capital discover a modern, multifaceted metropolis that will fascinate not only history and art enthusiasts.

Of course, a visit to the Acropolis will be one of the highlights of your stay in Athens because it is unquestionably something extraordinary, but we are sure that you will also cherish the strolls through the capital’s lively neighbourhoods (so different!), the dinners in traditional restaurants, the shopping at the Monastikiri market or the boutiques in Kolonaki, the breathtaking views of the city from the hills and the energy mixed with friendliness of the young Athenians.

To make the most of your time, mark down the top attractions in Athens:

• Acropolis (Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Caryatids, Theatre of Dionysus) and Ancient Agora, so famous they need no introduction
• Panathenaic Stadium, where the Olympic Games of antiquity were held
• the National Archaeological Museum, where the artistic masterpieces of ancient Greece are preserved
• the hills of Filopappou and Lykavittos for some fresh air and splendid views of the city
• the maze of alleyways of Plaka with its numerous traditional taverns
• the graffiti of Exarcheia, the young quarter of the capital

Athens

A symbol of classical civilisation, Athens is a fascinating capital city with a strong personality that combines modern and ancient in a unique mix.

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Things to do on the islands: not only beaches and sea

Thousands of islands of which about 200 are inhabited and each with its own history and identity: the Greek islands are Greece as we imagine it, but in fact they constitute a world apart from mainland Greece.

The sea is the top attraction of the Greek islands, which remains in the hearts of all tourists for its thousands of shades of blue, its transparency and its calm waters, perfect for safe bathing. However, don’t make the mistake of snubbing the cultural attractions and hinterland of the islands because, although lesser known, they are rich in charm and fascination.

Things to see and do on the Greek islands are:

• watch the sunset over the Santorini caldera
• photograph the Wreck Beach in Zakynthos from above
• dancing day and night at wild parties in Mykonos
• visiting the palace of Knossos in Crete, where, according to myth, Theseus managed to defeat the Minotaur thanks to Ariadne’s thread
• stroll through the old town of Rhodes
• visit the remote little church where the film Mamma Mia! was filmed in Skopelos
• explore charming inland villages

Santorini

Zakynthos

Mykonos

Crete

Rhodes

Skopelos

Naxos

Skiathos

Things to do in mainland Greece

For those who want to experience a more authentic Greece, far from the postcard image of the more famous islands, we recommend an on-the-road holiday in mainland Greece.

You could choose to stay in the Peloponnese, a region where some of the most important cities of antiquity are concentrated, or visit the Chalkidiki Peninsula, which has developed a thriving tourism industry with numerous hotels and services but is still little known to tourists.

With its very long coastline, full of enchanting beaches that are no match for those on the islands, mainland Greece is also suitable for those who want to take a beach holiday.

Attractions not to be missed during a holiday in mainland Greece are:

• The Meteors, six monasteries perched on steep hills
• Olympia, the mythical ancient city where the Olympic Games were born
• the archaeological site of Delphi
• the Corinth Canal, an artificial canal that bisects mainland Greece
• the seaside village of Kalamata
• the enchanting beaches of the Chalkidiki Peninsula

The Meteora

Fascinating monasteries atop imposing pinnacles of polished rock, set in a lunar landscape: The Meteors is an attraction not to be missed.

Olympia

Olympia is the ancient city where a myth was born that lives on: the Olympics. An evocative destination that will make you relive the exploits of the great athletes.

Corinth

An artificial canal bisecting Greece and the remains of one of the most flourishing ancient cities: Corinth is a destination not to be missed.

Kalamata

Off the beaten track of mass tourism, the seaside village of Kalamata is an undiscovered treasure, capable of making even Hollywood stars fall in love!

Halkidiki Peninsula

Chalkidiki is a peninsula consisting of three peninsulas, all beautiful. Kassandra, Sithonia or Mount Athos: choose the one that best suits your dream holiday!

Peloponnese

Far from the postcard image typical of Greek islands, the Peloponnese is a fascinating region of mainland Greece waiting to be discovered.