Greece Travel Guide: Things to Do in Greece

Greece offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, blending ancient ruins with a vibrant modern lifestyle. We recommend to combine Turkey to make the most of your trips to Turkey and Greece. 

This guide highlights unique experiences, from the philosophical roots of Athens to the volcanic landscapes of Santorini, as seen through a local’s eyes.

Exploring hidden gems like Crete’s gorges or Meteora’s monasteries will deepen your appreciation of Greece’s diversity.

Top Things to Do in Greece Destination Guide for First Time Travelers

Setting the Scene
Welcome to Greece, where the past is not a distant memory, but a living companion woven into the fabric of everyday life. This is a land where time bends like the winding paths of Plaka, where the echoes of ancient philosophers still linger in the Agora, and where the sunsets of Santorini are revelations, not just views. Greece is not just a destination; it’s a mosaic of moments, each one inviting you to pause, feel, and understand.

What to Expect
Imagine a place where the sea whispers secrets to the cliffs, where ancient ruins tell tales of gods and mortals, and where even the simplest meal feels like a celebration of life. Here, the air carries the scent of wild oregano and the sound of distant bouzouki strings. The light—oh, the light!—dances across whitewashed villages and golden beaches like a painter’s brush. Greece is a paradox: ancient yet ever-renewing, chaotic yet serene, familiar yet endlessly surprising.

Your journey begins!
This guide invites you to step beyond postcard images and explore the Greece that locals cherish and travelers dream of. From the philosophical heart of Athens to the volcanic soul of Santorini, from the sun-drenched shores of Mykonos to the rugged beauty of Crete, each destination is a chapter in a story that has been unfolding for millennia. Greece is more than its landscapes, though. It’s the warmth of a stranger’s smile, the rhythm of a village festival, and the quiet contemplation in a mountaintop monastery.

What Things to Do Athens As the heart of Greece?

Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon: Wander the sacred hill at dawn to feel the pulse of ancient Greece. The Parthenon’s marble columns radiate history, showcasing Athens’ profound philosophical foundations.
Stroll the Ancient Agora: Walk where Socrates debated, surrounded by stoas and the Temple of Hephaestus. It’s a living snapshot of democratic beginnings.

Discover the Plaka Neighborhood: Meander through cobblestone streets under the Acropolis. Locals love its neoclassical charm and hidden courtyards that create a relaxed evening vibe.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum: Dive into Greece’s soul through Cycladic figurines, Mycenaean gold, and the Antikythera Mechanism—a local’s pride.
Climb Lycabettus Hill: Hike or take the funicular for panoramic views. Locals come here at sunset to see Athens sparkle, feeling the city’s timeless energy.

Santorini Island
Santorini’s volcanic beauty and whitewashed villages are a local’s muse. It’s not just about pretty views; it’s about having experiences that truly stir the soul.Embark on a journey along Oia’s Caldera Paths: Stroll the cliffside lanes at dusk for iconic blue-domed views. Locals cherish the quiet corners away from crowds, where the Aegean whispers in Santorini
Explore Ancient Akrotiri: Step into a Minoan city preserved by volcanic ash. Locals marvel at its frescoes and advanced urban design, a 3,600-year-old time capsule.
Hike from Fira to Oia: Hike the 10-kilometer Caldera Trail for rugged cliffs and breathtaking sea views. Locals do this for the raw beauty and solitude between villages.
Visit Red Beach: Swim or kayak near this striking volcanic shore. Locals love its dramatic red cliffs, a surreal contrast to the turquoise waters.
Watch the sunset in Imerovigli. Find a quiet spot in this village to enjoy a serene sunset. Locals know it’s the island’s most intimate vantage point.

Mykonos Island

Mykonos is a dazzling mix of Cycladic charm and lively energy. Locals embrace its authenticity beyond the party scene.Roam Little Venice in Chora: Wander where houses kiss the sea, their balconies vibrant with bougainvillea. Locals linger here for the evening light and gentle waves. Visit Delos Island: Take a short boat to this sacred archaeological site, Apollo’s birthplace. Locals revere its mosaics and lion statues, steeped in myth. Explore Ano Mera Village: Discover the island’s quiet heart, centered around the Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Locals value its serene courtyards and frescoes. Relax at Ornos Beach: Swim in calm, clear waters. Locals favor this beach for its laid-back vibe and family-friendly shallows. Photograph the Kato Mili Windmills: Iconic and still standing proud, these windmills are a local symbol of Mykonos’ agricultural past, best seen at golden hour.

Crete Island

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is a tapestry of rugged mountains, ancient ruins, and pristine shores. Locals live by its untamed spirit.Tour Knossos Palace: Walk the Minoan labyrinth tied to the Minotaur myth. Locals are fascinated by its colorful frescoes and complex architecture. Hike Samaria Gorge: Trek this 16km chasm in the White Mountains. Locals cherish the wild orchids, towering cliffs, and Iron Gates’ narrow passage. Visit Phaistos and Gortyna: Explore these Minoan and Greco-Roman sites. Locals admire Phaistos’ disk and Gortyna’s law code, etched in stone. Swim at Elafonissi Beach: Wade in pink-sand shallows and turquoise lagoons. Locals escape here for its untouched beauty and serene vibe. Discover Chania’s Venetian Harbor: Stroll the old town’s alleys and waterfront. Locals love its blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Cretan heritage.

Rhodes Island

Rhodes merges medieval grandeur with sun-soaked shores. Locals revel in its layered history and natural allure.Walk the Medieval City of Rhodes: Roam the UNESCO-listed Old Town’s cobbled Street of the Knights. Locals feel the echo of crusaders in its stone walls. Explore Lindos Acropolis: Climb to this clifftop temple with sweeping Aegean views. Locals adore its ancient sanctuary and whitewashed village below. Visit the Valley of the Butterflies: Stroll this lush gorge in summer, alive with fluttering wings. Locals treasure its cool, shaded paths. Swim at Anthony Quinn Bay: Dive into emerald waters framed by rocks. Locals named it after the actor who loved its rugged charm. Tour Monolithos Castle: Visit this 15th-century ruin atop a cliff. Locals are drawn to its panoramic solitude and windswept romance.

Meteora – Mainland

Meteora’s monasteries atop surreal rock pillars are a spiritual marvel. Locals see it as a divine connection to earth and sky.Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery: Explore the largest monastery, with frescoes and relics. Locals respect its 14th-century roots and cliffside serenity. Climb to Varlaam Monastery: Ascend stone steps for panoramic views and intricate icons. Locals value its intimate chapels and monk-crafted wine. Hike the Meteora Trails: Trek paths linking monasteries, weaving through rock formations. Locals hike at dawn for misty vistas and quiet reflection. Photograph Roussanou Monastery: Capture this lower, nun-run monastery from nearby viewpoints. Locals love its delicate beauty against rugged cliffs. Explore Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas: Visit this smaller monastery for vivid frescoes. Locals cherish its cozy courtyards and artistic legacy.

Delphi Mainland

Delphi, the “navel of the world,” hums with ancient mysticism. Locals feel its oracle’s presence in every stone.Tour the Sanctuary of Apollo: Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle spoke. Locals sense its cosmic energy and mountain backdrop. Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum: Admire the Charioteer statue and Siphnian Treasury friezes. Locals see Greece’s artistic zenith here. Hike the Ancient Path to the Corycian Cave: Trek this sacred trail used in ancient rituals. Locals love its wildflowers and cave’s eerie depth. Explore the Tholos of Athena Pronaia: Marvel at this circular sanctuary’s elegance. Locals find its quiet grove a meditative retreat. Walk the Stadium: Stand where Pythian Games were held, high above the valley. Locals feel the thrill of ancient athletes in its stone seats.