Greece is a famous destination for its breath-taking scenery, delicious food, and the warmth of the community. It’s like stepping into a time machine, there are ancient ruins scattered across the Greek islands, with every corner holding a story of thousands of years. It’s no wonder that first-timers love to get a glimpse of its beauty.
In this list, we have compiled 5 must-go places that will take your breath away in Greece:
Greece Day 1: Athens
To make your first-day extra special, head to the beautiful city of Athens. Located in the southern part of mainland Greece, Athens is the face of ancient Greece or the Greek Capital, as it contains a lot of great places like the iconic Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and many other majestic buildings and archaeological museums. There, you will see artefacts from Greece’s ancient past.
In the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you will see numerous Corinthian columns in all their glory, still standing through decades, all the way back to the 6th century BC. It’s worth taking tons of photos and taking short walks while you go about the area where history has dedicated its time in the temple.
The National Archeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greek history. The museum houses a very vast variety of artifacts dating all the way back from 1500 BC. Make sure to plan out your itinerary and add one of the greatest museums in the world to your day trip!
If you’re looking for a place to socialize, then the Psirri neighbourhood might fancy you, as it is one of the popular areas to grab a drink, chit chat, and have a fun time! Both locals and tourists often enjoy drinking cocktails, craft beers, and listening to live music. Make sure that you will be able to go to the establishments that offer a spectacular view of the outdoor courtyard and the breath-taking scene of the iconic Acropolis.
As for travel within the city, the best way to get around is by metro, which efficiently connects major attractions like the Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Plaka, and Syntagma Square. Additionally, I also recommend walking. Athens has some great scenery while strolling, and their streets are generally safe, but it’s still good practice to be cautious. Other than those, taxis, cycling, and other public transportation are available for everyone.
Greece Day 2: Delphi
Located in the mountains of central Greece, this region is the best for Greek Mythology connoisseurs for its landmarks, and hikers with its mountainous landscape. However, if you are not as adventurous, Delphi is also perfect for relaxation and stress-relief.
Fun fact: According to myth legend, Delphi is the central point of Earth. It is also where Pythia, a high priestess for Apollo, gave advice to a mortal men.
As our next stop, the most common way to reach Delphi is by bus from Athens, which takes about 2-3 hours. Once there, the archaeological site of Delphi is relatively compact and can be explored on foot. Guided tours are also available for a more fun and immersive visit.
In Delphi, you will see an archaeological site that includes two sanctuaries, dedicated to two famous Greek gods, Athena and Apollo. Within the site also lie a few altars dedicated to Zeus Polieus, Athena Zosteria, Athena Ergane, Eileithyia and Hygeia. There are too many important gods in one historic location, but don’t worry; there are skilled tour guides present who are more than ready to dig deep and immerse guests with their Greek stories.
Other than Greek mythology, another fun activity you can do in Delphi is paragliding in a small village in Itea. And if you are able to visit Delphi in the winter, it is a great place for skiing!
Greece Day 3: Meteora
Meteora is a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famed for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. It’s hard to believe that from the 11th century onwards, monks built these monasteries and resided in these locations.
When visiting the ancient sites, it’s respectful to wear long skirts or pants and cover your shoulders, as it’s considered a deeply sacred site. If you ever forget about the dress code – don’t worry. There are available skirts and shawls that you can borrow or buy at the monastery entrances. Since this is an elevated site, expect to do some uphill walking and encounter paved paths.
On this site, it is highly recommended that you get a guided tour to check out the monasteries and admire the views over the Thessaly plains. Also, you can visit all 6 monasteries and enjoy the breath-taking sunset.
Accommodations are available if you want to spend more time uncovering the beauty of the site. For adventurous travellers, try out the site’s hiking opportunities. We suggest going for the trails near Kastaki Village, as enthusiasts from around the world travel just to scale its impressive rock formations. Hiking enthusiasts or not, you’ll definitely enjoy the majestic view.
It’s interesting to visit Meteora from July to September because the site hosts various socio-cultural events that are fun and exciting. The events include captivating theatre performances, dance shows, and concerts that range from Greek, ecclesiastical, and international music. Lectures and exhibitions also grace the area, prepared by national and start-up artists.
Getting to Kalambaka is pretty easy, you can either take a train or bus. There are a couple of direct trains from Athens that are quite convenient. Also, you can catch trains that connect with the main Athens -Thessaloniki line at Palaiopharsala. Once you’re in Kalambaka, local buses run frequently to Kastraki and Trikala, the main towns in the region, just 20 minutes away.
Greece Day 4: Santorini
As one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, Santorini is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and whitewashed buildings perched on cliffs above the Aegean Sea.
From Athens, take a ferry boat from Piraeus Port to enjoy the views between islands or catch a direct flight to Santorini through Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos.” The best time to visit is in the middle of spring or fall, since the weather is warmer and the crowds are usually a little bit less crowded, which makes it a perfect situation to turn your vacation mode on.
Whether you’re exploring the colourful beaches or just strolling through charming villages like Oia, every corner of Santorini offers an Instagrammable, awe-inspiring view that will leave you breathless. Iconic spots in Oia that are great for taking pictures include the windmill, the cubic-shaped houses, and the Blue Dome Churches.
Gazing at the volcano and the exquisite sunset are some of the few things first-timers wouldn’t want to miss. And if you’re visiting Santorini by August, you can witness their annual Ifestia Festival (Greek Volcano Festival) – they celebrate by having a feature of a representation of an erupting volcano with fireworks, events, concerts and dance performances.
If you want to get a closer view of the Caldera, a boat tour can be arranged to go to “Nea Kameni”. From there, you’ll have an exclusive opportunity to explore the ashen land. Since there is a volcano, hot springs are a must! There are a few areas where you can go swimming near the crater to get a full-on therapeutic experience.
Other than the relaxing hot springs and the beautiful view, you definitely have to add the black and red beaches in Santorini to your bucket list. Kamari Beach, Perivolos Beach, and the Red Beach are must-visits. Santorini expert guides are readily available in Santorini so make sure you are up for the best tour ever.
Greece Day 5: Crete
If you can’t get enough of the sun, sand, and sea, Crete is our last stop. As Greece’s largest island, Crete is for history buffs and travel enthusiasts. From Santorini Thira Port, it takes approximately 2 hours to reach Heraklion Port.
One of the must-see attractions is the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Go on a day trip to get immersed in the restored frescoes, imitating the lives of ancient Greeks. The site usually gets too crowded mid-day, so it’s better to visit and stroll around either in the morning or evening.
Picture-perfect areas in Crete include the Prince of the Lilies Fresco, the Cup Bearer Fresco, and, of course, the Charging Bull Fresco. After that, you can take a 7-minute taxi ride to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where you can explore the world of Minoan art.
In a one-hour drive, you can reach the medieval town of Chania. It is popular for its 14th-century-old Venetian harbor where people enjoy strolling around, looking at a wonderful mix of archeological sites, temples, and old buildings. Chania holds a classical old town vibe that makes every experience intimate. Some famous sites are the Venetian Lighthouse and Gorge of Samaria. Cafes are perched along the harbor, where you can sit back, enjoy a latte and enjoy the view.
Another eagerly anticipated event that both locals and tourists alike attend is the various wine festivals that are held each summer. A very popular wine festival is in the village of Anogia. These festivals are not just gatherings but wine-tasting and brewing is deeply embedded in the country’s history and daily life. Greece, being one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, every Greek knows their wines like the back of their hands. If you want to start discovering the world of Greek wines, don’t be shy to ask the locals about their favorites—they might just reveal to you a lesser-known grape that captures the essence of their locale. Greeks always enjoy wine in various social settings, from casual meals at home to large celebrations.
If you’re heading to Crete for the beaches, Elafonisi Beach is definitely worth the 3-hour trip from Heraklion. Located off the west coast of the island, Elafonisi screams paradise through its crystal-clear waters and awesome rock formations. What’s more, Elafonisi’s beach sand is tinged with pink, making it one of the best beaches out there!
Tips and tricks I would recommend
To make your 5-day Greek experience memorable and fun, here are a few things to remember:
1. Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€). It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, especially outside major cities where cards may not be accepted everywhere.
2. Sunscreen: The heat can get a bit intense, especially during the summer months. Pack sunscreen with the highest SPF to protect your skin.
3. Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, since most of the archaeological sites require walking on uneven terrain. Sandals are great for warmer weather, just choose a sturdy and comfortable pair for walking longer distances.
4. Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in the Mediterranean climate. You can refill your water bottle from taps or fountains but steer clear of drinking tap water directly from the faucet.
5. Travel Guides/Maps: Even though we have digital maps on our phones, get the full-on tourist experience by having printed or digital guides for navigation. This will not only make you interact with the locals but it will also serve as a backup in case your phone malfunctions or runs out of battery.
6. Book early in high season: Greece’s peak tourist season is typically from June to August. Expect larger crowds, higher prices, and hotter weather during this time. It’s wise to book accommodations and popular attractions in advance if you plan to travel during these months.
What to wear in Greece
Before you start planning your outfit of the day (OOTD), take a moment to check out the weather forecast for Greece. Greece is located in the Mediterranean region, so expect some long sunshines, mild temperatures and little rain. There will be more hot days than cold ones, so go get your suitcase and accessories ready!
Spring (March to May):
Average temperatures: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
Clothing advice:
Men: Lightweight trousers or jeans, t-shirts or shirts, light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
Women: Skirts, dresses, jeans or trousers with tops, light layers like cardigans or scarves.
Summer (June to August):
Average temperatures: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
Clothing advice:
Men: Shorts, t-shirts or breathable shirts, sandals or comfortable walking shoes, sun hat and sunglasses.
Women: Sundresses, skirts, shorts with tops, lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen, comfortable sandals or walking shoes.
Autumn (September to November):
Average temperatures: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
Clothing advice:
Men: Trousers or jeans, long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts with a light jacket or sweater.
Women: Jeans, trousers, skirts with tops, light layers such as cardigans or jackets, comfortable shoes.
Winter (December to February):
Average temperatures: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
Clothing advice:
Men: Jeans or trousers, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or jumpers, waterproof jacket or coat, sturdy shoes or boots.
Women: Jeans, trousers, skirts with tops, warm sweaters or jumpers, waterproof jacket or coat, comfortable boots or shoes.
6 Greek Words you must know before flying to Greece
Get around and chat with locals with a breeze by remembering these words:
- 1. Γειά σας (Yassas) – Hello (formal)
- 2. Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto) – Thank you
- 3. Παρακαλώ (Parakalo) – Please/You’re welcome
- 4. Ναι (Neh) – Yes
- 5. Όχι (O’hee) – No
- 6. Γειά (Yia) – Goodbye
Cultural Events in Greece
Other than Greece’s landscapes and its natural beauty, the country is also full of life and culture from music to art to its people. And if you happen to travel to Greece, these events may be added to your plans.
Patras Carnival: The King of Festivals
The largest festival that Greece has, the Patras Carnival is considered the King of festivals as it is an event that celebrates the Greek god, Dionysus. The Patras Carnival usually starts by January 17 and ends on the first Monday of Lent. The celebration is a multi-day event with parades, balls, treasure hunts and of course, carnivals!
Athens Epidaurus Festival
The Athens Epidaurus Festival gives off a fascinating blend of ancient drama and modern performances. Here visitors can experience world-class theatre in historic amphitheatres like Epidaurus, adding a unique touch to classic Greek tragedies and contemporary acts.
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Film enthusiasts will find Thessaloniki International Film Festival a very interesting cinematic experience. It is an event that prides itself on showcasing independent and avant-garde films from around the globe. It provides a deep understanding into different cultures and storytelling techniques.
Naxos Festival
On the island of Naxos, the Naxos Festival breathes life into the medieval Venetian architecture of the Bazaios Tower with a series of art exhibitions, musical concerts, and cultural workshops that feature local talent and global themes. It is ideal for tourists eager to drench themselves in the artistic and historical milieu of the island. Each festival offers a unique slice of Greek culture, promising unforgettable experiences for first-time visitors.
Conclusion
Greece is a great country to visit! From its landscapes to its culture, the country is a must-travel for people who seek adventurous fun, whimsical nature, and mythological culture. With its many islands, each trip can be filled with so much variety. So make sure you’re able to plan your travels and fix a trip that’s right for you. Check out my Istanbul itinerary here. Let me know in the comment which country I should travel to next.
