One of the interesting things about planning travel around Greece is just how spread out everything is. The islands are scattered across several seas, and the mainland stretches from northern mountains to the southern Peloponnese. That geography is a big part of what makes Greece so interesting, but it also means deciding where to go takes a little thought.
Mainland Greece
Athens
Athens is the capital of Greece and a place where ancient history meets modern life. You can visit landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, as well as top archaeological museums. The city’s neighbourhoods, such as Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri, are lively with restaurants, markets, and nightlife. Athens is a great place to start exploring Greece, especially if you want to see both its historic sites and daily city life.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city, found on the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. The city is famous for its Byzantine churches, Ottoman history, lively waterfront, and excellent food, influenced by Greek, Balkan, and Middle Eastern traditions. Thessaloniki shows a different side of urban Greece compared to Athens and is a great way to discover the country’s less-visited north.
Meteora
Meteora, in central Greece, is known for its centuries-old monasteries built on top of huge sandstone rock pillars. Six of these monasteries are still active and welcome visitors. The area is surrounded by hiking trails and viewpoints with sweeping views of the Thessalian plains. Meteora’s dramatic scenery and rich religious history make it a unique place to visit, especially if you enjoy photography, hiking, or exploring cultural sites.
The Peloponnese
The Peloponnese is a big peninsula in southern Greece, known for its ancient ruins, mountain villages, historic towns, and long coastlines. You’ll find important archaeological sites like Olympia, Mycenae, and Epidaurus here, as well as seaside towns like Nafplio and the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia. This region is perfect if you want to mix Greek history with visits to small towns, beaches, and countryside, without spending all your time on the islands.
Mainland Greece Ideas
- My Mainland Greece Travel Guide [Santorini Dave]
- Your Complete Guide To Visiting Mainland Greece [Hand Luggage Only]
- Best Places in Greece to Travel: A Northern Escape [Greek Transfer Services]
- Stunning and Underrated Places to Visit in Northern Greece [Balkan Wanders]
- Best Places to Visit in Mainland Greece: 22 Destinations Beyond the Islands [Greek Trip Planner]
Greek Islands
Santorini
Santorini is one of Greece’s most famous islands, known for its whitewashed villages overlooking a volcanic caldera and the blue-domed churches in Oia. The island has volcanic beaches, traditional wineries, and the ancient site of Akrotiri, where you can see a preserved Bronze Age settlement. Santorini is popular for its stunning views, romantic feel, and unique volcanic landscape, but it’s also one of the busiest and priciest places in Greece.
Mykonos
Mykonos is a small island in the Cyclades, famous for its whitewashed streets, windmills, beach clubs, and lively nightlife. Mykonos Town is full of restaurants, shops, and bars, and the island’s beaches range from busy party spots to peaceful stretches of sand. It’s a top choice for upscale beach holidays and nightlife, with a social scene that’s different from many of the more traditional Greek islands.
Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and offers sandy beaches, rugged mountains, traditional villages, and historic cities. You can visit the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, hike through the impressive Samaria Gorge, and explore beautiful coastal towns like Chania and Rethymno. Crete also has its own unique food culture. With so much to see and do, it’s a great choice if you want more than just a beach holiday and plenty to explore during your stay.
Corfu
Corfu is in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of Greece, and it looks very different from the dry, whitewashed Cycladic islands. The island is known for its green hills, sheltered bays, and the elegant Corfu Town, where you’ll see Venetian architecture from centuries of Italian influence. Corfu is a great choice if you like beaches, pretty villages, and historic towns, with a greener landscape and a unique culture compared to the Aegean islands.
Greek Islands Ideas
- 20 Very Best Greek Islands to Visit (You’ll Fall in Love With) [Hand Luggage Only]
- 8 Greek Islands I’d Actually Send a First Timer To (And Why I’m Skipping the Obvious Ones) [Alayna Abroad]
- The Best Greek Islands for Foodies [Inside the Travel Lab]
- How to Choose Which Greek Islands to Visit [Find Us Lost]
- How to Choose the Best Greek Islands for Your Island-Hopping Itinerary [Lonely Planet]
More Greece Inspiration
- 10 Best Places to Visit in Greece [Lonely Planet]
- 15 Must-see Cities and Charming Towns Across Greece [Travel + Leisure]
- Stunning Places to Discover in Greece Off the Beaten Path: A Local’s Guide [The Invisible Tourist]
- 15 BEST Places to Visit in Greece (Islands & Mainland) [Goats On The Road]
- 15 Breathtaking Places to Explore in Greece (my favorite gems!) [Global Grasshopper]
When you're ready to start planning, take a look at our research and planners to get you there.
Feral Travel