Where to go in Greece for the first time? Start your adventure and discover the hidden gems around Greece, where the ancient stories and beautiful scenery come together. See Santorini’s famous white buildings and Athens’ age-old ruins.
Greece is a place of wonders and beauty. It’s great for historical structures and beaches or food lovers. This guide is your next destination for finding The Best Places to Visit in Greece. Get set to dive into the deep history, lively culture, and friendly people that make Greece a place you’ll never forget.
Wondering where to visit Greece for the first time? You came to the right place!
Where to go in Greece for the first time?
Greece offers a plethora of captivating destinations, but for first-time visitors, Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are excellent starting points.
- Athens:
- It’s the heart of Greece’s history.
- Visit the Acropolis to see old temples like the Parthenon.
- Check out the National Archaeological Museum for cool artifacts.
- Santorini:
- Famous for its amazing sunsets and its white buildings.
- Has unique beaches with black sand.
- Explore small towns with lots of character.
- Mykonos:
- Known for fun parties, nightlife and clear blue waters.
- Enjoy the beaches and fancy vibe.
- Crete:
- The biggest island with lots to see.
- Find old ruins and learn about history.
- Visit beautiful villages and enjoy nature.
These places are The Best Places to Visit in Greece and are great for first-time visitors. You’ll find lots of things to do, from history to beaches, and get to try tasty Greek food. Plus, Greece is safe and welcoming, making it a perfect vacation spot. Remember to check out travel tips, like how to get around Greece and where to stay in Greece, to make your trip even better.
Is Greece expensive to visit?
Greece can be budget-friendly or luxurious, depending on your travel style.
Greece on a Budget:
Greece is awesome and no matter how you want to travel. Whether you’re a cheap backpacker or a luxurious, you can have an amazing adventure in Greece. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Budget-friendly: Explore in spring or fall (shoulder seasons) for good weather and the best deals. Hostels, guesthouses, and local eats keep things cheap.
- Luxury living: High season (summer) brings sunshine and splurge-worthy hotels, fancy restaurants, and exclusive experiences.
How Much Will It Cost?
Greece can be affordable, but it depends on your plans. Here’s a rough idea (prices are in Euros):
- Budget: €50-€80 per day (hostels, simple eats, public transport)
- Mid-range: €80-€150 per day (decent hotels, restaurants, some tours)
- Luxury: €150+ per day (fancy hotels, fine dining, private tours)
Best Time to Visit Greece:
The best time to visit is in April-May or September-October because the weather is nice and there are fewer people that fit for your budget.
How many days are enough to visit Greece?
The ideal amount of time depends on your interests and desired pace. A week allows a good to feel the beauty of Athens and a few islands, while a longer itinerary lets you explore more in-depth.
Quick Escape (1 Week):
- Perfect for a quick view of Greece’s ancient.
- Spend 2-3 days, can exploring Athens, and visiting the Acropolis and other historical sites.
- Choose 1-2 islands to experience the Greek island vibe. Popular options include Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete. This allows some time to relax on beaches, explore local villages, and soak up the atmosphere.
In-Depth Exploration (10-14 Days):
- Ideal for travelers who want to go deeper into Greek history, culture, and island life.
- Spend 3-4 days in Athens, is enough time to visit museums, and archaeological sites, and explore different neighborhoods.
- Enjoy the view of Athens island visit with 3-4, hopping between them by ferry. This lets you experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of each island at a more relaxed pace.
Extended Adventure (2+ Weeks):
- Perfect for travelers who are searching for a true view of Greece.
- Dedicate a week to exploring Athens and mainland Greece, including historical sites like Delphi, Olympia, or Meteora.
- Island hop for an extended period, visiting several islands and experiencing their unique charm. Consider lesser-known islands like Naxos, Paros, or Milos for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Let’s Explore The Greece:
Athens
Why visit Athens, Greece?
Athens, Greece, is an irresistible destination for travelers seeking a rich tapestry of history, culture and scenic beauty. It’s also the perfect central location to visit the many famous Greek Islands.
What’s the history behind Athens?
Founded by the legendary figure Theseus, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, is around 3000 BC. Celebrated as the “cradle of Western civilization,” it offers iconic landmarks like the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Must-See Sights in Athens:
- The Acropolis and Parthenon
- National Archaeological Museum
- Plaka neighborhood
- Monastiraki neighborhood
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Panathenaic Stadium
Day Trips from Athens:
- Cape Sounion
- Delphi
- The Athens Riviera
- The Greek Islands (Naxos, Aegina, Hydra)
Santorini
What is Santorini famous for?
Santorini, a volcanic island, is well known for its steep and tall cliffs, caldera views, whitewashed villages clinging to cliffsides and breathtaking sunsets.
Things to Do in Santorini:
- Explore the villages of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli
- Hike the caldera rim
- Relax on black sand beaches
- Visit the Akrotiri prehistoric settlement
- Take a boat tour to volcanic islands
Mykonos
What is Mykonos known for?
Mykonos is a fancy island known for its exciting parties at night, luxurious atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and traditional windmills.
Things to Do in Mykonos:
- Party in Paradise Beach and other lively bars
- Relax on pristine beaches like Paradise Beach, Elia Beach, and Super Paradise Beach
- Explore Mykonos Town (Chora) with its whitewashed houses and shops
- Visit the Mykonos windmills
- Take a boat trip to Delos, an ancient island sanctuary
Crete
What is special about Crete?
Crete, the biggest Greek island, has a mix of interesting history, culture, natural beauty and beaches. Visit the old Minoan towns such as Knossos and Phaestos, discover charming villages, hike through Samaria Gorge, and unwind on stunning beaches.
Things to Do in Crete:
- Visit the Palace of Knossos
- Explore the Samaria Gorge
- Hike the Samaria Gorge
- Relax on beaches like Elafonissi Beach, Vai Beach, and Falassarna Beach
- Visit the Venetian Harbour in Chania
Delos
What is Delos known for?
Delos is a small island close to Mykonos that no one lives on, is an open-air museum boasting ancient ruins, temples, and sanctuaries. It was once a sacred island in Greek mythology.
Things to Do in Delos:
- Explore the Temple of Apollo
- See the Terrace of the Lions
- Visit the House of Dionysus
- Hike to Mount Kynthos for panoramic views
Rhodes
What is Rhodes known for?
Rhodes is the biggest island in the Dodecanese group of islands and has a lot of history, medieval architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Things to Do in Rhodes:
- Explore the medieval Old Town
- Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
- Relax on beaches like Faliraki Beach and Tsambika Beach
- Go on a day trip to Butterfly Valley
Naxos
What is Naxos known for?
Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, is known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages, ancient ruins, and traditional Greek culture.
Things to Do in Naxos:
- Explore the Portara, a giant unfinished marble gate
- Visit the Temple of Demeter
- Relax on beaches like Agios Prokopios Beach and Plaka Beach
- Hike to the top of Mount Zeus for panoramic views
Paros
What is Paros known for?
Paros, another island in the Cyclades, is well-known for its beautiful and clean beaches, whitewashed villages, vibrant nightlife and traditional windmills.
Things to Do in Paros:
- Visit the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Our Lady of Hundred Doors)
- Explore the Venetian Harbour in Naoussa
- Relax on beaches like Golden Beach and Parasporos Beach
- Take a boat trip to Antiparos island
Milos
What is Milos known for?
Milos, a volcanic island, is famous for its beautiful and outstanding scenery, colorful beaches, charming villages, and ancient ruins.
Things to Do in Milos:
- Explore the Sarakiniko rock formations
- Relax on colorful beaches like Kleftiko Beach and Sarakiniko Beach
- Visit the ancient city of Klima
- Take a boat trip to Poliegos, a small uninhabited island
Ios
What is Ios known for?
Ios, a Cycladic island, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
Things to Do in Ios:
- Party in Chora, the main town, with its lively bars and clubs
- Relax on beaches like Mylopotas Beach and Manganari Beach
- Go cliff jumping at Kalamos Beach
- Explore the Chora’s traditional windmills
Zakynthos (Zante)
What is Zakynthos known for?
Zakynthos, an Ionian island, is known for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, Venetian architecture and loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites.
Things to Do in Zakynthos:
- Visit the famous Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) and the Blue Caves
- Relax on beaches like Kalamaki Beach, Banana Beach, and Porto Limnionas Beach
- Explore Zakynthos Town with its Venetian Castle and Byzantine churches
- Go turtle spotting in the National Marine Park
- Take a boat trip to Marathonisi Island, a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles
Corfu
What is Corfu known for?
Corfu, an Ionian island near mainland Greece, is famous for its buildings that look like they are from Venice, lush green landscapes, beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage.
Things to Do in Corfu:
- Explore the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the imposing Venetian Fortresses
- Relax on beaches like Glyfada Beach and Sidari Beach
- Discover the Achilleion Palace, a former royal residence
- Take a day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos islands
Olympia
What is Olympia known for?
Olympia, located in the Peloponnese peninsula, is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and home to ancient ruins, including the Temple of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium.
Things to Do in Olympia:
- Explore the archaeological site of Olympia
- Visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum
- See the reconstructed Temple of Zeus
- Attend a performance at the Ancient Olympia Theatre
- Hike in the surrounding countryside
Delphi
What is Delphi known for?
Delphi is located on the side of a mountain called Mount Parnassus, This is an old place where people went to worship the god Apollo. It was once a major center of religion and pilgrimage in the Greek world.
Things to Do in Delphi:
- Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo
- See the Temple of Apollo
- Explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum
- Take in the panoramic views from the mountainside
- Visit the nearby village of Arachova
Meteora
What is Meteora known for?
Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its dramatic rock formations and perched monasteries. These monasteries were built by monks seeking a secluded place for prayer and contemplation.
Things to Do in Meteora:
- Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery, the largest monastery complex
- Explore other monasteries like Varlaam Monastery and Rousanou Monastery
- Hike or take a jeep tour to the monasteries
- Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
- Experience the unique culture and traditions of the region
This revised guide provides a comprehensive introduction to 15 attractive destinations in Greece, offering a taste of the history, culture, natural beauty, and activities each place has to offer. Remember, this is just a starting point, and there are countless other islands and regions waiting to be explored!
Conclusion
Greece is awaiting! From ancient history in Athens to magnificent sunsets in Santorini, this versatile destination offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history lover, going to the beach or a foodie, Greece will leave you enchanted.
Plan your trip for the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for pleasant weather and affordability. A week allows a taste of Athens and a few islands, while longer stays unlock deeper exploration.
So, pack your bags, learn a few Greek phrases, and get ready to discover the magic of Greece!
FAQs: Visiting Greece for the First Time
1. What are the best places to visit in Greece for first-timers?
Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Naxos are all excellent choices, offering a mix of history, beaches, and culture.
2. Which Greek island is best for first-time visitors?
The best island depends on your preferences! Santorini is romantic, Mykonos is for partygoers, Crete is historical, Naxos is relaxed, and Hydra is car-free and charming.
3. How many days do I need in Greece?
For a taste of Greece, plan 3-4 days. For a more comprehensive experience, aim for 7-10 days to explore Athens, islands, and historical sites.
4. What should I pack for Greece?
Pack comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit. Consider modest clothing for religious sites.
5. Do I need a multi-attraction pass?
A multi-attraction pass can save money on popular historical sites in Athens, but it depends on your itinerary.