Greece
The idea of traveling to Greece immediately invokes an images of whitewashed buildings, historic landmarks and sunbathers on the beach. Greece is a dream for many travelers interested in exploring the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Beyond the mainland’s rich ancient history and mythical tales lies a treasure trove of enchanting islands, each with its own unique charm and allure. If you are looking to book a vacation in Greece, you are among the millions of travelers that grace the county annually.
With more than 6,000 islands and inlets there is so much to explore in Greece. There is no way you will ever explore them all. In fact, only around 227 are inhabited or open to tourist. Even with that, most visitor only descend on 6. So after you land in Athens or Thessaloniki where do you go?
Where to Go
Athens
No visit to Greece is complete without a stop in the capital city of Athens. Many start their Greek adventure here, where ancient ruins meet vibrant street life. Make a plan to visit the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most iconic symbol of Athens. Spend some time at The Monastiraki Flea Market and make a stop in the historical Plaka district to savor authentic Greek cuisine in one of the city’s charming tavernas. Indulge in traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava. From Athens, embark on a ferry or cruise to set sail for the islands.
Crete
After you’ve exhausted your time in Athens, head over to Crete one of the most populous islands of Greece. It is the the largest of the Greek islands and seamlessly blends history, mythology, and natural beauty. Explore the Minoan ruins of Knossos, hike the Samaria Gorge, and indulge in Cretan cuisine. Chania and Heraklion offer a mix of ancient charm and modern allure. While a ferry might sound appealing it is a whopping 8-9 hours so a short commuter flight would serve you better. If you’re flying here, you should know the airport is in Heraklion which was very confusing for me during my first trip.
Mykonos
Mykonos is sometimes referred to as the “party island”. Known for its lively nightlife and cosmopolitan vibe, Mykonos attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches, vibrant streets, and iconic windmills. During the day, unwind on the sandy shores, and as the sun sets, immerse yourself in the island’s famous party scene. There is no shortage of bars and clubs to keep you entertained for the evening but Paradise Beach might be the most iconic.
Santorini
Famous for its iconic white-washed buildings perched on cliffs overlooking the deep blue sea, Santorini is a must-visit destination. Most tend to stop here on cruise ships so look out for many tourist ascending the hillside from the port to get a few hours in paradise. It’s landscape was shaped from the devastating volcanic eruption in 16 BC. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets in Oia, relax on black sand beaches, and explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri. This is perhaps one of the most romantic of the Greek islands so take the time to indulge.
Rhodes
Rhodes makes you feel like you stepped onto a movie set. The enchanting medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through cobblestone streets, visit the Palace of the Grand Master, and relax on pristine beaches. Explore the ancient city of Kamiros and enjoy the panoramic views from the Monolithos Castle.
Corfu
Corfu, surrounded by lush greenery, is a captivating blend of Venetian, French, and British influences. Visitors have expressed feelings reminiscent of Italy on this romantic island. And it’s no wonder as there are Italian influences all over Corfu. While you are here, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit Achilleion Palace, and explore the charming villages of Paleokastritsa and Pelekas.
When to Visit
Greece is beautiful any time of year. It’s hard to pick a time that is not ideal. The most weather friendly times to visit are late spring (May) and fall (Sept–Oct). T he summers can be hot so visit in July or August if you can take the heat. Just keep in mind that many buildings aren’t air conditioned and it can be incredibly crowded in popular spots.
My Perspective
Greece should sit on top of any adventurers bucket list. I’ve visited a couple of times and found that cruising was a good way to see more islands but left me wanting more time to really explore them individually. If you can, spend a few nights on some of the top islands and do a little ferry hopping over to the less visited places. Either way you go, you won’t go wrong with Greece.