From Mountains to Beaches: Plan your Greece Escape Now
Greece is God's favourite, as it has been blessed with the world's most incredible beauty. You name it, and Greece has it: shining blue beaches, ancient architectural wonders, historical sanctuaries, museums, and mountains. The country is perfect for a summer vacation with the cinematic energy all around. With Greece's stunning, vibrant culture, you will have an unforgettable experience you can cherish for the rest of your life. The country offers all the aspects that make it a tourist destination, from art and architecture to archaeological sites, food, beauty, culture, sunsets, and more. This ancient country is known for offering an outlook on what a good and happy life is and how to pursue it. So, to feel refreshed, away from city life, Greece is the best place to visit.
Capital: Athens
Language: Greek
Population: 1.04 crores (2024)
Currency: Euro
Airport: Athens International Airport is the largest and leading international gateway to Greece.
Must-Visit Cities in Greece
With more than 100 cities equally beautiful, Greece is your perfect vacation destination. The country is built on ruins and preserves them for the coming generations as well. Each city is distinct in its own and has a history to share and take pride in. Since it is impossible to cover all the towns on a vacation, here are some must-visit places that will sum up Greece for you and offer a diverse experience as well. Take a look at the must-visit cities in Greece below and plan your itinerary now:
- Santorini: Known for the white architecture and blue rooftops, surrounded by bougainvillea on all sides, Santorini is a must-visit place in Greece. It is a breathtaking Greek island on the Aegean Sea, famously known for the villages of Oia and Fira. The island was formed after the massive eruption around 1600 BC. Santorini is also known as Thira or Thera. The island is part of the Cyclades group. The island faced one of the most significant volcanic eruptions in history.
- Mykonos: According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was named after the first ruler. This island is also part of the Cyclades and lies between Tinos, Syros, Paros, and Naxos. Also known as Chora, it is famously called the Island of the Winds due to its windy location. The island's history is rich, as natives once inhabited it and later came under Roman control. Later, it became an economic hub, attracting immigrants and traders. The island is now known for its beauty and vibrant nightlife. You should visit Little Venice, the Windmills of Kato Milissi, Chora, Panagia Paraportiani, and Delos Island.
- Athens: As written in the Greek mythology, Athens is the historical capital of Europe. Many great thinkers of their time were born in Athens, such as Plato, Socrates, Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides. The city's history dates back to the 11th millennium B.C., and the town co-exists with both modern and ancient rhythms. You should visit the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, Kolonaki, Piraeus, Mount Lycabettus, and the many museums and cultural centres.
- Crete: This island is the largest and most populous Greek island. The capital and the largest city is Heraklion. You will see the remains of a civilization that once flourished. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and mountains, with a deep, green valley. In 2025, the Minoan palace centres in Crete were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Upon visiting Crete, you will discover the hidden beauty and treasures beyond the chaos. Some of the top spots are Balos Lagoon, Elafonisi, Samaria Gorge, Knossos Palace, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos.
- Rhodes: This is the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its medieval old town and beaches. The island has a history as the site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is also called the Island of the Knights. Some of the popular destinations on the island are the Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Beach, Filerimos Hill, Mandraki Harbour, and Faliraki.
- Zakynthos: Also known as Zante, Zakynthos is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. The island is also called the Flower of the Levant, given to it by the Venetians. Tourists, mainly British tourists, love this island. There are plenty of places that you can visit at Zakynthos, such as the Navagio Beach, Porto Limnionas, Gerakas Beach, Blue Caves, Kalamaki Beach, Cameo Island, Zakynthos town, and Laganas.
Things to do in Greece
Greece is a marvel to experience, and you cannot completely visit it in one trip. With its iconic architecture and natural sanctuary, you will experience Greece as a shrine in every sense. Some of the locations are known worldwide for teh historical and mythological significance that they carry, but there are still some of teh places that are teh hidden gems. To avoid the crowded areas and have a list of things to do in Greece like a native, you should refer to the points below:
- Explore the Acropolis: The Acropolis is a religious centre of the goddess Athena and is now a cultural precinct that stands as a powerful symbol of the birth of democracy, philosophy, and Western civilisation. UNESCO has recognized the Acropolis as a World Heritage Site for its role in preserving the history of Athens. You can take a day trip to learn about the city and its history.
- Climb Mount Olympus: Adventure seekers look up to it as Greece's highest mountain, towering at 2,918 meters. In ancient Greek history, Mount Olympus is considered the home of the twelve Olympian gods. The mountain is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 52 peaks, deep gorges, and rich flora and fauna. The historical geeks also look forward to visiting the beautiful mountains.
- Uncover Lake Plastiras: When you visit Lake Plastiras, you will get to see the scenic beauty and the bluish green water that is surrounded by the 18 mountain villages. The lake is artificially made and has a dam 83 meters high. You will get to see the panoramic view of the villages of Anthiro, Kazarma, and Kastania. Take a day off to visit the mountains and cycle, kayak, or hike.
- Watch the sunset in Santorini: It is such a beautiful location, spectacular at sunset. The water and the white architecture shine as the rays fall through, making it a picturesque and majestic sight. The sky is filled with orange and pink hues that wash over the blue-domed churches. So, you should spend your sunset hours in Santorini and check out the view of the Caldera.
- Explore Mykonos: Mykonos is a perfect blend of modern, rich party life, culture, and traditions. This island is one of the most popular ones amongst tourists because of the nightlife, festive gala, and the sheer dazzling life. Exploring Mykonos will take a full day, and you'll witness it transform from day to night.
Best Time to Visit Greece
If you want to experience Greece and have a perfect, sunny Mediterranean holiday, choose the time that suits you best. Greece can face harsh winter conditions that span most of the year. People usually visit Greece in July and August, as these are the summer months. The temperature is 15-30 degrees Celsius in the north and 21-35 degrees Celsius in the centre-south. This is the holiday season in Greece, and there are many festivals and attractions that you can be a part of.
If you want to skip the crowds and love winter, you will have the perfect vacation in Greece from November to March. The temperature ranges from -3 to 15 degrees Celsius in the north and 7 to 20 degrees Celsius in the south. You don't have to book in advance during this off-season, and you will get better deals, too.
Foods to try in Greece
On your trip to Greece, the land of ancient ruins and beautiful islands, it is a must that you try their local food and savour it. Greek cuisine has made a name for itself as unique and finger-licking good. With its fresh ingredients, special flavours, and rich culture and history, Greek food has a distinct taste that honours traditions, both preserved and revived, in exceptional Greek cuisine. The food is prepared with freshness, and selected ingredients are sourced from Greece's fertile land. If you are in Greece and haven't tried Greek cuisine, your trip is incomplete. So, below is a list of the Greek local food that you should try, so check them out:
- Mezedes
- Tzatziki
- Horiatiki
- Saganaki
- Dolmadakia
- Spanakopita
- Fava
- Keftedes
- Kyria Piata
- Moussaka
- Pastitsio
- Souvlaki
- Gyros
- Fresh fish and grilled octopus
- Gemista
- Loukoumades
- Baklava
- Galaktoboureko
- Glyka tou koutaliou
- Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
- Ouzo
- Raki
- Kitron
- Greek Wines
- Mythos
- Greek Coffee
Things to Keep in Mind in Greece
- Carry your comfortable cotton clothes and sunscreen.
- Keep some cash with you at all times in case of an emergency.
- If traveling in peak season, book your travel and stay early.
- Prefer bottled water over tap water due to quality reasons.
- Be aware of the pickpockets when visiting a crowded area.
- Follow the basic church etiquette and dress modestly.
- Carry your prescribed medicines and a travel kit.