Greece Travel Guide

Best places to visit in Greece

Greece rewards exploration at every turn. Its mainland and islands together form one of Europe’s most diverse travel destinations, offering everything from world-famous archaeological wonders to breathtaking coastal scenery.

The places to visit in Greece range from thriving, walkable capital cities to peaceful island retreats barely touched by modernity. Whether you’re drawn to ancient temples, volcanic island scenery, or charming harbour towns, escorted touring connects these highlights at a comfortable, unhurried pace.

Top things to do in Greece

Greece offers an impressive variety of experiences, from archaeological sites to relaxed waterfront evenings. Many of the activities below are included within Newmarket Holidays escorted tours; others are optional suggestions that may be enjoyed during leisure time. Travellers should always check individual tour itineraries, as free time varies by tour.

1. Visit the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum

Overview: The iconic Acropolis of Athens is Greece’s most famous historic site, crowned by the magnificent Parthenon. A visit is often paired with the nearby Acropolis Museum, which houses remarkable artefacts from the ancient city of Athens, including friezes, sculptures, and finds spanning several millennia. The view from the Acropolis hill across Athens is breathtaking.

Time needed: 2–3 hours for the Acropolis; allow another 1–2 hours for the museum.
Estimated cost: Combined tickets vary slightly but are typically around €20–€30 depending on the season.
Accessibility: Paths on the hill can be steep and uneven with marble steps; the Acropolis Museum is modern and fully accessible.

2. Explore the historic centre of Athens

Overview: Wander through the lively districts surrounding the Acropolis, including Plaka and Monastiraki, known for charming streets, tavernas, markets, and Neoclassical architecture. This is the ideal way to experience the rhythm of everyday Athenian life, alongside some of the city’s finest ancient monuments.

Time needed: 1–3 hours depending on how many stops you take.
Estimated cost: Free to explore, with optional dining and shopping costs.
Accessibility: Mostly walkable but some areas include cobbled streets and slopes. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

3. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi

Overview: The spectacular sanctuary of Delphi was once believed to be the centre of the ancient world. Visitors explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the treasury buildings, and the hillside theatre overlooking a dramatic mountain valley. The on-site museum houses the celebrated bronze Charioteer, one of the finest surviving statues from antiquity.

Time needed: 3–4 hours including the archaeological site and museum.
Estimated cost: Around €12–€15 for site entry.
Accessibility: Paths are uneven with uphill walking, especially as you get closer to the archaeological site. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

4. Travel to the Island of Hydra

Overview: A peaceful island escape known for its preserved architecture, quiet lanes, and absence of cars. Visitors can explore the harbour, browse small galleries, or enjoy coastal walks with views across the Saronic Gulf. Hydra has long been a retreat for artists, writers, and those seeking a slower pace of island life.

Time needed: Half-day to a full day, depending on whether visiting as part of a tour excursion or extension stay.
Estimated cost: Typically included within Newmarket Holidays’ Hydra extension tour; independent visits may include ferry costs from Athens.
Accessibility: The island’s terrain includes slopes and uneven paths, with walking as the main way to get around. Those with mobility considerations may wish to discuss this with their tour manager in advance.

5. Experience traditional Greek cuisine

Overview: Sampling local food is a genuine highlight of any visit to Greece. Classic dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood are widely available in traditional tavernas across the country, from bustling Athens to quieter island ports. Dining in Greece is a relaxed, sociable experience that’s well worth savouring.

Time needed: 1–2 hours for a relaxed meal.
Estimated cost: Around €15–€30 per person depending on location and restaurant.
Accessibility: Most restaurants are accessible, though some older buildings or traditional tavernas may have limited access.

Signature dishes by region

Greek cuisine varies between the coast, the islands, and the inland regions, though certain ingredients – olive oil, feta, fresh herbs, and seasonal produce – run through almost everything.

Athens and mainland Greece

• Souvlaki – a popular street food and everyday casual meal across the city.
• Moussaka – the quintessential mainland taverna dish, rich and satisfying.
• Fresh grilled seafood and seasonal salads at waterfront restaurants.

Santorini and the Cyclades

• Greek salad made with local tomatoes, feta, and the finest olive oil.
• Seafood dishes featuring freshly caught fish, octopus, and calamari.
• Local island wines produced from grapes grown in the volcanic soil.

Crete

• Dakos – a traditional dish of barley rusk topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and soft cheese.
• Slow-cooked lamb and rustic vegetable dishes are central to Cretan home cooking.
• Local olive oil and aged cheeses, which are widely regarded as among the finest in Greece.

Vegetarian & plant-based dining

Vegetarian travellers will find Greece a genuinely welcoming destination. Many traditional Greek dishes already feature vegetables, legumes, or cheese as the main ingredient, and the Mediterranean diet lends itself naturally to plant-based eating. Cities such as Athens have a growing vegetarian and vegan dining scene, while tavernas and restaurants across the country usually offer at least one or two vegetarian main dishes. Salads, vegetable stews, spanakopita, and cheese-based dishes are common across all regions, and cafés and bakeries are excellent for lighter meals and snacks throughout the day.

Safe street food & drinking water tips

Street food such as souvlaki wraps and freshly baked pastries is widely available in cities and tourist areas, and local markets and bakeries are brilliant places to sample traditional sweets and savoury snacks at any time of day. Tap water is safe to drink in most mainland locations, including Athens. On some islands, travellers may prefer bottled water due to local taste or mineral content. Bottled water is inexpensive and readily available throughout Greece.

Local dining etiquette

Meals in Greece are relaxed and sociable, often enjoyed slowly and with good conversation. It’s common to share several small dishes rather than ordering individual courses, which makes dining a delightfully communal experience. Dinner is often served later in the evening, particularly during the warmer months, so don’t be surprised if the taverna only starts to fill up at 9 pm. Booking ahead is recommended in popular destinations during peak season. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving around 5–10% is typical if service has been good and is not already included in the bill.

The best time to visit Greece

Greece is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends largely on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The main factors to weigh up are temperature and rainfall, daylight hours, crowd levels at popular sites, and the seasonal character of the landscapes themselves.

Summer (June–August): 

Summer brings hot, sunny weather across the whole of Greece, with temperatures in Athens regularly reaching 35°C or above in July and August. The islands are at their liveliest, the Aegean is at its most inviting, and daylight stretches well into the evening. It’s also the busiest and most expensive period, so popular sites and resorts can feel crowded. Note that the Aegean experiences seasonal strong winds (known as the Meltemi), particularly in July and August, which can affect ferry crossings and island visits. Early June offers warmer weather and longer days with slightly fewer crowds.

Autumn (September–November): 

Early autumn is an excellent time to visit Greece. September and October offer warm, comfortable temperatures – typically 22°C–28°C in September – with the crowds of peak summer beginning to thin out. The sea remains warm well into October, and the golden light of the autumn months gives a particularly beautiful quality to the landscapes around Delphi, Olympia, and the island harbours. October is one of the best months for mainland touring, offering outstanding sightseeing conditions without the heat of summer.

Winter (December–February): 

Winter in Greece is cooler and quieter, with temperatures in Athens averaging around 12°C in January. Many island resorts close or reduce their services during these months, but Athens and the major mainland sites remain open and far less crowded. It’s a genuinely peaceful time to explore the city’s museums and ancient sites, and the festive atmosphere in December adds its own charm to the Greek capital.