The 10 best things to do in Greece

Why the Acropolis is Athens’ most iconic landmark

The Acropolis symbolizes the birthplace of Western civilization. Perched above Athens, this open-air archaeological site is home to the Parthenon, temples to Greek gods, and 2,500 years of history. A bonus for first-time travelers on our A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini tour is that the Athens Acropolis is just a stone’s throw away from the city center (see what we did there?).

What to see at the Acropolis

• The Parthenon: This UNESCO-listed temple is dedicated to Athena, the city’s namesake and patron goddess. Look for fluted Doric columns, a hallmark of Greek design.
• Erechtheion: Six female statues hold up the roof-like columns of this temple. Their elaborately braided hair provides structural support to the necks.
• Acropolis Museum: This air-conditioned museum displays original sculptures and friezes, showing what the Parthenon looked like in its heyday.

Why Santorini has some of the best sunsets in Greece

Oia, the most popular place to watch the sunset on Santorini, sits up to 330 feet above the Aegean Sea—creating an unmatched vantage point for sunset. This is because Santorini is a caldera, formed when the island’s volcano collapsed into the sea, creating its crescent shape. The best part? We take you to Oia for sunset on our The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete tour.

What to experience in Santorini

• Sunset in Oia: Arrive at this village at least 90 minutes early to claim a good viewing spot. This is one of the best things to do in Santorini.
• Caldera cruise: Our Caldera Cruise & Dinner excursion combines sailing, swimming in volcanic hot springs, traditional Greek food, and front-row seats to the sunset.
• Assyrtiko wine tasting: Add the Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch excursion to try assyrtiko, a citrusy wine that originated on Santorini.
• Black-sand beaches: Perissa Beach’s jet-black volcanic sand, featured in our Santorini Travel Guide, offers a unique alternative to Greece’s typical white-sand beaches.

Why Delphi was the center of the ancient world

Ancient Greeks believed Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the Earth, which met at Delphi—marking the world’s center. Here, the Oracle, a priestess called the Pythia, entered trances to deliver divine prophecies. On our A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia tour, see why people pilgrimaged to seek her guidance—making Delphi the heart of the ancient world.

What to explore at Delphi

• Temple of Apollo: “Know thyself” was inscribed at the entrance. Inside, the Oracle delivered prophecies so cryptic that kings hired poets to interpret them.
• Ancient theater: This 5,000-seat theater hosted musical competitions during the Pythian Games, the second most prestigious games behind the Olympics.
• Delphi Archaeological Museum: The greatest artifact here is the Charioteer of Delphi, a life-sized bronze statue unearthed almost entirely intact.

Why Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games

Olympia was considered sacred ground, home to one of ancient Greece’s most important sanctuaries dedicated to Zeus. Starting in 776 BC, rival city-states called truces to gather here every four years and honor the king of the gods through athletic competition. On our A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia tour, discover how this legacy inspired the modern Olympics.

What to see at ancient Olympia

• The Gymnasium: Stand on the starting line, facing thousands of seats. Did you know athletes competed without clothes to honor the human form?
• Temple of Zeus: This site, one of Greece’s top temples, was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—a nearly 40-foot-tall gold and ivory statue of Zeus.
• Archaeological Museum of Olympia: See the Hermes of Praxiteles statue and artifacts from the ancient Olympic Games, like victory wreaths and athletic equipment.

Why Meteora’s monasteries sit on rock formations

Meteora’s monasteries sit in the cliffs of the Pindus Mountains because 14th-century Eastern Orthodox hermit monks sought spiritual isolation. These remote sanctuaries offer communion with God, far from worldly distractions. On our Grand Tour of Greece, you’ll explore these UNESCO World Heritage monasteries where devoted monks and nuns preserve centuries of faith and Byzantine tradition.

What to experience at Meteora

• Chat with the nuns: Hear from local nuns who preserve Eastern Orthodox monastic traditions through daily prayers and spiritual routines.
• Ancient monasteries: Step inside two of the six surviving monasteries to admire lush flower gardens, panoramic valley views, and centuries-old frescoes.
• Unique rock formations: Marvel at 1,000-foot pillars formed over millennia—the geological wonder that drew monks to build here.

Why food is central to Greek culture and hospitality

Greeks show love and welcome strangers with shared meals, making food a centerpiece of Greek culture. On our Food of Greece: Thessaloniki, Athens & Crete tour, hosts will pile your plate high while saying “kali orexi!” (good appetite!), as you discover what makes the Mediterranean diet special. Hint: It’s more than fresh ingredients, it’s the welcoming hospitality.

What to eat in Greece

• Horiatiki salad: This traditional Greek salad has juicy tomato wedges, cucumbers, peppers, olives, and a brick of feta slathered in olive oil.
• Moussaka: Dig into warm layers of eggplant and minced lamb with cinnamon and allspice at tavernas, neighborhood eateries that serve comfort food.
• Gyro: Slow-roasted meat wrapped in pita with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and fries. Try this street food at Lucky’s on Santorini.
• Meze: These are shared small plates like tangy tzatziki, phyllo-wrapped feta drizzled with honey and sesame seeds, and crispy saganaki cheese.

Why Knossos is Europe’s most important ancient palace

Knossos is Europe’s oldest palace, dating back 4,000 years as the center of the Minoan civilization. On our The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete tour, visit with a local guide (one of the top 5 things to do in Crete) and discover how the Minoans built an advanced society, only to vanish, leaving behind one of history’s most mysterious puzzles.

What to discover at Knossos

• The Throne Room: See Europe’s oldest throne, still in its original position after 4,000 years. It’s where King Minos ruled the Minoan civilization.
• Vibrant frescoes: Marvel at wall paintings, like the daring bull-leaping fresco, that explain how Minoans lived, worshipped, and entertained themselves.
• Advanced architecture: See the drainage systems and light wells that show how the Minoans engineered comfort 4,000 years before modern plumbing and ventilation.
• Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Journey through 27 rooms housing archaeological treasures, including a mysterious snake figurine symbolizing fertility and faith.

Why Nafplio is one of Greece’s most charming towns

Nafplio is quintessentially Greek because it’s got the looks—neoclassical mansions, bougainvillea-draped balconies—and the backstory as the country’s first capital after gaining independence from the Ottomans in the 1820s. Travel from October through March on our Off-Peak Greece: Athens, Delphi & Nafplio tour, to enjoy fewer crowds as you explore cobblestone streets where Ottoman and Venetian influences meet.

What to explore in Nafplio

• Palamidi Fortress: Walk the 857 steps to this hilltop Venetian fortress (or take a taxi) for jaw-dropping views over Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf.
• Old Town: Explore Syntagma Square’s neoclassical charm, browse shops, and snag a spot at a waterfront taverna when dinner rolls around.
• Bourtzi Castle: Snap photos of this tiny fortress floating on its own island in the harbor.
• Nearby ancient sites: Join our day trips to Mycenae’s legendary ruins, the ancient city of Sparta, and the Byzantine hilltop town of Mystras.

Why Greece has some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches

Greece boasts more than 13,000 kilometers of pristine Mediterranean coastline, with beaches as diverse as the islands themselves. Volcanic black-sand beaches in Santorini contrast with the pink sands of Crete and the white pebbles of the Ionian islands. Going to the beach on our Greece tours is about slowing down, enjoying the sun, and savoring the simple pleasure of sea and sand.

What beaches to visit in Greece

• Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos: Photograph the MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in a cove in 1980, on our Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour.
• Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink-tinged sand meets shallow, lagoon-like waters in this protected natural paradise on Crete’s western tip.
• Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia: Visit this white pebble beach backed by steep cliffs and blue-green water on our Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour.
• Red Beach, Santorini: Volcanic red and black sand, a dramatic cliff backdrop, and an intimate cove setting make this beach as unique as Santorini itself.

Why the windmills are one of Greece’s most photographed sites

The 16th-century windmills are a popular backdrop on Mykonos because they dot the horizon, offering breathtaking ocean views. On our The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete tour, see why snapping photos here is one of the top 5 things to do in Mykonos. Spoiler: They’re even better in person.

What to see in Mykonos

• Little Venice: This harbor-front neighborhood evokes its Italian namesake. People-watch and grab a sunset ouzo at Caprice Bar.
• Mykonos Town (aka Chora): Get lost (in a good way!) wandering winding streets, snag a gyro from a street vendor, and hit Matoyianni Street for blue-doored homes and boutiques.
• Paraportiani Church: Take pics of this unique whitewashed church complex. It’s one of the most photographed in Greece.
• The beaches: From family-friendly Platys Gialos to vibrant beach clubs, each of Mykonos’ beaches offers something unique.

Making the most of your Greece itinerary means balancing ancient sites with island time, letting our expert guides handle the logistics, and building in moments to slow down. On our Greece tours, you’ll hit the highlights without the stress of ferry schedules or booking logistics (we do all of that!), leaving you free to soak in the Greek lifestyle at a relaxed pace.

Tips for getting the most out of your Greece itinerary

• Combine the mainland with the islands: Balance Athens and mainland sites like Delphi with island time on Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete for beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxation.
• Take a guided tour: Our expert guides provide historical context, handle ferry schedules and transfers, and ensure you don’t miss key experiences or hidden gems.
• Bake in time to slow down: Make time to linger over long meals, people-watch at cafes, and embrace Greek hospitality. It’s where the real connections happen.
• Leave the transportation to our experts: Skip the stress of coordinating ferry schedules and transfers. We manage the logistics on our Greece tours so you can just show up and enjoy the ride.