15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit Greece

Beautiful Mega Portokali beach on the east coast of Sithonia, Halkidiki, Greece — Photo:
master2/Getty Images

No matter where you go in Greece, you’ll have a good time. The Mediterranean nation is filled with spectacular places to explore, from its historically rich cities like Athens and Thessaloniki to its famed islands. Greece has so many stunning places that it can feel impossible to narrow down where to go, but this list will give you more than a dozen ideas.

Best tourist destination: Mykonos
Underrated hidden gem: Gythio
Best for families: Sifnos
Best for couples: Corfu
Best for solo travelers: Athens

Whether you're all about ancient historical sites or want to swim through azure waters, here are the 15 best places to visit in Greece.

Mykonos

Mykonos is an ultra-popular island known for always being a good time. It's the place to be during the summer for beachside parties that stretch long into the night (and often into the next day, too). Of course, there’s more to the island than just parties. It's home to its fair share of gorgeous beaches and historical sites, including Kato Mili, a row of four massive windmills built by the Venetians in the 16th century. Mykonos can be reached by a 45-minute direct flight.

Gythio

The famous Dimitrios Shipwreck near Gytheio — Sebastian Condrea/Getty Images

The seaside community of Gythio is admittedly quiet, but it's by far one of the best places to visit when you need to get away from it all. Filled with colorful homes and golden-sand beaches, Gythio is also favored for its sea turtles that come and lay their eggs in early July.

Sifnos

Sifnos, a small island reachable by ferry from Athens in under three hours, is another spot known for its relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it's filled with so many beaches that you can find a large patch of sandy shoreline all for yourself, even at the height of summer. If a party scene is not your thing and somewhere low-key is your priority, Sifnos is one of the nicest Greek islands to visit.

Corfu

Want to get a taste of Italy and Greece all in one go? Make your way to the stunning, romantic island of Corfu. Thanks to its proximity to its neighboring European nation, the island comes with plenty of Italian influence, reflected in its architecture, food, and way of life.

Athens

As both Greece’s capital and largest city, Athens deserves at least a day or two of exploration — especially if it's your first time in Greece. Visitors can head to popular attractions like the Acropolis and Parthenon, but more modern neighborhoods like Exarcheia, known for its bohemian flair, are worth checking out, too.

Milos

There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, but one gaining more attention by the minute is the positively quaint Milos. Accessible via a 40-minute direct flight from Athens, this island is the place to go for total rest and relaxation. Come to explore delightfully empty beaches tucked in between craggy cliffs, dine on octopus in restaurants sprinkled across the island, and enjoy quiet evenings sipping local wine while watching the sun dip into the azure waters.

Delphi

History buffs will love the town of Delphi, located about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Athens. The community was home to the Oracle of Delphi, which people from all over the Mediterranean traveled to see. Here, visitors can still explore the Temple of Apollo's remains, along with several ancient theaters and stadiums preserved through the millennia.

Epidaurus

To find even more historical delights, visit Epidaurus at the northeastern end of the Peloponnese. It’s beloved by archeology buffs for its Ancient Theatre, built in the fourth century B.C.E. to honor the god of medicine, Asclepius. Plan your trip around the Athens Epidaurus Festival, held each June through September, to catch musical performances, plays, and children's events in this historic amphitheater.

Nafplio

Also in the eastern Peloponnese is the beautiful city of Nafplio, a 35-minute drive from Epidaurus. As Visit Greece explains, the myth behind the town is that it was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon. Today, it's filled with ancient sites, including monuments and castles galore.

Halkidiki

Admire waters a shade of blue you never knew existed in Halkidiki, a region in northern Greece 55 minutes from Athens by direct flight. This area is best known for its gorgeous beaches, which come with equally alluring soft sand, so you can lounge about all day.

Meteora

For unbelievable views, pay a visit to Meteora, located in Thessaly, three hours' drive from Thessaloniki. The area is made up of massive rock formations reaching toward the sky. Inside the gorgeous formations sit several monasteries, and the whole site is UNESCO-listed.

Kefalonia

On Kefalonia, mix island time with a quick geology lesson at the Drogarati Cave, which comes with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the ceiling and jutting out from the sea floor, respectively.

Thessaloniki

Find an urban escape in northern Greece with a visit to Thessaloniki. This port city is filled with historic sites like the White Tower of Thessaloniki and the Arch of Galerius, along with world-class restaurants and contemporary art museums, including the excellent Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, that will leave you inspired.

Messolonghi

A strip of land at the sea with umbrellas — Stamatios Manousis/Getty Images

Get a different sea view in Messolonghi, located on the western coast of Greece two hours and 45 minutes' drive from Athens. This town sits on a serene sea lake, with many who live here still making a living off fishing in the area. And though the town has great historical significance (especially around the Greek Revolution), it’s still an under-the-radar gem for international tourists.

Olympia

Make one more historic stop at Olympia, this time for a lesson in sports history. Located on the western side of the Peloponnese, Olympia was the site of the very first Olympic Games, way back in 776 B.C.E. — more than 2,700 years ago. Visitors can see the ancient stadium and the temples of Zeus and Hera all in one trip.

15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece