10 Things To Do In Greece: The Land Of Historical Sites

dive into the shores of history and natural beauty with the best things to do in Greece.

We all grew up reading stories of mighty Greek gods like Apollo, Poseidon, Zeus, and others, but how will the place turn out when you visit it in person? For anybody who is into history or wants to marvel at ancient ruins, Greece could be a great place to visit. From amazing Athens to stunning Santorini, there’s possibly not a single place in Greece that is not beautiful. If you are wondering what are the best things to do in Greece, you will find plenty. So, if you plan on visiting the land of Greek Gods, make sure you are prepared.

Top 10 Things To Do In Greece

With so many things to do in Greece, you need a long holiday to explore the entire country. To ensure you have a great time, it is good to plan everything.

1. Explore The Best Of Athens

Athens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Greece for a memorable vacation.

Photo: Patrick / Unsplash

When you are troubled by the thought of what to do in Greece, you should visit Athens because that’s where the exploration starts. The entire place oozes with history. From the great Acropolis to the ancient Parthenon, all the top historic sites in Greece are located in Athens. Other important sites that deserve a shoutout include the Temple of Hephaestus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Temple of Olympian. As they are all located near each other, you can cover them all in a single trip. Additionally, you can visit the National Archaeological Museum and check out the artefacts.

Location: Southeast Greece

2. Basque In The Beauty Of Santorini

Santorini is a marvellous tourist destination you cannot miss out on your next vacation.

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One of the best things to do in Greece is to explore Santorini, the most iconic destination in the country. Known as the “Jewel of the Aegean Sea,” Santorini is studded with beautiful whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. People from all over the world come here to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and stroll through the charming streets of Oia and Fira. As a picturesque destination, Santorini is also home to stunning beaches like Red Beach and Kamari Beach. You can visit these beaches and spend a relaxing day with your travel mates.

Location: Southern Aegean Sea

3. Party At Mykonos

Partying at Mykonos is one of the best things to do in Greece for a wonderful holiday.

Photo: Natalie Sym / Unsplash

Mykonos is rightfully called the party capital of Greece. Besides exploring the island, you can have an unforgettable nightlife experience here. From chic bars to beach clubs and world-famous DJs, Mykonos has everything to make your nights colourful. During the day, you can spend your time relaxing at the beach and head to Mykonos Town in the evening and enjoy yourself at the top party places like Cavo Paradiso or Scorpios. However, if you want a more laid-back vibe, you should visit Little Venice, a romantic neighbourhood on the island. Here, you can drink cocktails and watch the sunset.

Location: Northern Aegean Sea

4. Enjoy The Stunning Beaches

Exploring the stunning beaches is one of the most amazing things to do in Greece.

Photo: CALIN STAN / Unsplash

When you are in Greece, you cannot go without exploring the gorgeous beaches in the country. While it may not be possible to cover all of them, you should at least visit the most popular ones. Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos Island is famous for the shipwreck where you can spend a relaxing day at the shore or take a swim in the turquoise waters. Another beach that is popular among tourists includes Elafonisi Beach in Crete. The speciality of this beach is the pink-hued sands. Other key beaches that you shouldn’t miss include Balos Beach, Lalaria Beach, and Mylos Beach.

Location: Shipwreck Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Balos Beach, Lalaria Beach, Mylos Beach

5. Hike Up Mount Olympus

A breathtaking view of Mount Olympus with rays of sunlight falling on it in the day.

Photo: Ben Dumond / Unsplash

If you are the adventurer type, you shouldn’t miss Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek gods. This majestic mountain is the highest peak in Greece and offers breathtaking views to its visitors. To hike the mountain, you start your journey at Litochoro, the gateway to Olympus, and the trails are suitable for people of all skill levels. As you move along the trail, you pass through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows. Additionally, there are hidden caves and ancient ruins that are linked to Greek mythology. Hiking Mount Olympus is not just about reaching the top, but enjoying the experience.

Location: Near the Thermaic Gulf in the Aegean Sea

6. Have An Unique Experience At Melissani Cave

One of the best things to do in Greece is having amazing memories at the Melissani Cave.

Photo: Branko Besevic / Unsplash

Located on Kefalonia Island, Melissani Cave is a natural wonder that will captivate your senses with its beauty. This enchanting cave is not counted in the list of the best things to see in Greece for nothing. The speciality of this place is the underground lake that is surrounded by stalactites and lush greenery. Here, you can take a guided boat tour to glide across the lake and watch the dramatic rock formations. Additionally, the sunlight entering through the collapsed roof and touching the water makes the place look ethereal. It can be said that visiting Melissani Cave is like stepping into another world.

Location: Kefalonia Island, Greece

7. Go On Winery Tours

Explore the lush vineyards on your next tour for amazing memories and experiences.

Photo: Elpis Vardaka / Unsplash

Counted as one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, a winery tour to explore its rich viticulture is a must for tourists. You can start your journey at Santorini and taste Assyrtiko wine on the island. This particular wine is known for its crisp, mineral-rich flavour which is different from other wines. Besides wine tasting, you can also learn about the unique methods that are used to make these wines. Another destination for winery tours is Nemea, which is famous for its Agiorgitiko red wines. After these places, if you have time left, you can go to Crete and try Vidiano and Liatiko wines.

Location: Santorini, Nemea, Crete

8. Visit The Meteora Monasteries

Visiting the Meteora Monasteries is one of the most memorable things to do in Greece.

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Located in Central Greece, the Meteora Monasteries are built on top of tall rock formations that look amazing. There are a total of 24 monasteries and all of them are open for visitors. Here, you can enjoy incredible views and get a glimpse into monastic life. Besides that, you can admire the frescoes, artefacts, and chapels while learning about the history of this sacred site. There are also hiking trails in the area that are perfect for exploring the rock formations up close. It doesn’t matter if you are interested in history or nature, a place like Meteora Monasteries is worth exploring.

Location: Between Kalabaka and Kastraki

9. Stay A While In Thessaloniki

Staying and enjoying at Thessaloniki is one of the most amazing experiences you can have.

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After Athens, Thessaloniki is probably the most important city in Greece. Visiting this place gives you access to an array of historic and ancient sites. For starters, you have the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia which is famous for its history and stunning architecture. Next, you can explore the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and see artefacts from ancient Greece. While you are in the city, you should utilise your time to visit the White Tower of Thessaloniki and Aristotelous Square. These are some of the key attractions in the city and shouldn’t be missed.

Location: Northwest corner of the Aegean Sea

10. Witness The Ruins Of Delphi

Witnessing the ruins of Delphi is one of the best experiences and things to do in Greece.

Photo: Julia Novodvorskaia / Unsplash

Visiting the ruins of Delphi takes you back in time and gives you a glimpse into the rich past of the shrine. Located on Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once the centre of the world. But today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is full of fascinating history and breathtaking views. Talking about the ancient ruins, it is believed to be constructed in 1400 B.C. Back then, it was used as a place of worship by the Greek people. While exploring the ruins, you will see the priestess Pythia and the Oracle of Delphi. These are the highlights that make your visit to the ruins more special.

Location: Central Greece

The varying things to do in Greece will surely make your trip fascinating and unforgettable. Be it Athens, Mykonos, or Thessaloniki, every place in Greece is unique and offers tons of experiences. So, if you are ready to plan for your next trip, you can consider visiting Greece. For a smooth journey, you have TripXL to sort everything for you.

Cover Photo: CALIN STAN / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Greece is home to many iconic destinations, including Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Thessaloniki.
For hikers, Greece offers excellent hiking opportunities at Mount Olympus and Meteora. You can try these popular hiking spots for a thrilling experience.
The best time to visit Greece is between May and October when the weather is warm and ideal for sightseeing.
If you are travelling to Greece with your family, you can spend your time visiting historic sites, exploring ancient ruins, relaxing at beaches, and more.
The best place to party and enjoy a vibrant night in Greece is Mykonos. This island has some of the best bars, clubs, and beach parties in the entire country.

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