Oh, to walk in the footsteps of gods and likely feel much like one yourself as well. That is exactly the kind of travel experience that Greece offers visitors. Greece has long been one of Europe’s most captivating travel destinations, steeped in mythology and fascinating history, offering too many stunning islands to count, and serving up flavors that will have your tastebuds coercing you to pack your bags as soon as possible.

Whether you’re drawn to ancient landmarks, sun-soaked beaches, delicious food and drink, or vibrant culture, Greece most definitely delivers. And the proof is in the stats, with future travel bookings showing that Greece will rank in the Top 5 most popular 2025 summer travel destinations.

With so much on offer, it can be a bit overwhelming for first time visitors to know where to start when planning their Greek getaway. But not to worry because we’ll get you sorted with tips for must-see places and landmarks to ensure you don’t miss out on the essential Greek experience.

Planning a Trip to Greece: Where to Go for Your First Visit

Why Choose Greece?

Greece has become a year-round travel destination that caters to travelers on all budgets and of all interests. Whether you enjoy cruise travel, are a foodie looking to dine on Mediterranean cuisine while watching the sunset, wish to dive into the past by visiting sites like Ancient Olympia, the Acropolis, or Delphi, or want to book a nature-based wellness getaway and maybe hike Crete’s Samaria Gorge or climb Mount Olympus, Greece truly offers limitless travel experiences.

We recommend you consider a multi-destination trip as opposed to settling into just one Greek city or island. Each region and island of Greece really does have its own unique charm and culture and to limit yourself to experiencing just one would be doing yourself a huge disservice.

Planning Your Greek Getaway

Most travelers to Greece book plans at least 3 months in advance, so it’s wise to lock down your plans well in advance to ensure you won’t miss out. To make the most of your visit, start by deciding how long you plan to stay and start selecting the top must-see sites that grab your attention which we’ll dive into next. This will help you decide how much time you can devote to each spot and attraction.  

While there is no denying that Greece’s popularity with travelers ensures you won’t have all the magic to yourself, Greece has begun focusing on sustainability and diversification in tourism. The aim is to enhance visitor experiences while also protecting the country’s cultural and environmental assets​

Recent campaigns highlight eco-friendly practices, helpful advances in digital tools like a detailed tourism map, and targeted promotions for niche activities such as diving, mountain tourism, and agritourism which have helped to combat mass tourism in any one region.

While I myself have been to Greece on multiple occasions and feel I have a pretty good grasp on the top spots that are sure to have you fall head over heels for Greece as I did, it’s always a great idea to look for guidance from those who know Greece best, and they of course are the locals.

To plan your perfect trip to Greece, I encourage you to visit Greece Insiders which can help inspire you with travel ideas, offer expert guidance from real locals, and tailor-make an itinerary that will turn your fantasy of a Greek holiday into reality.

Must-Visit Destinations for First-Time Travelers

Athens: A Journey Through History

Your Greek adventure will likely and should begin in Athens, the heart of both Greece’s ancient past and modern culture. The city is home to world-renowned historical landmarks like the Acropolis which sits perched high above the city, as well as the ancient Agora which acted as the hub of life in classical Greece.

Athens is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors. Explore ancient wonders like the Parthenon and visit the Acropolis Museum to delve deeper into Athens’ fascinating history through its impressive collection of artifacts. Afterward, wander the picturesque streets of Plaka, filled with charming tavernas, boutique shops, and cozy cafes.

Just a short drive from the city, the Athens Riviera offers a serene escape with sparkling waters and sandy beaches. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy seaside dining, or try water sports like sailing.

Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city is known for its youthful energy, Byzantine history, and diverse culinary scene. Situated in northern Greece, Thessaloniki has plenty of intriguing sites to rival Athens including the UNESCO-listed Rotunda which was once a Roman mausoleum, the famous White Tower offering impressive views over the city, and historic Byzantine wall fortifications.

The food scene is equally as impressive, allowing you to sample a mix of flavors including of Greek, Balkan, and Mediterranean cuisines. You can pick up some fresh seafood at the Modiano Market and be sure to seek out local favorite pastries known as bougatsa for a treat. Thessaloniki is also credited as the birthplace of the modern iced coffee frappe which is perfect for those hot summer days.

You can enjoy delightful museums and street art by day and then an electric nightlife scene as the sun goes down, or maybe simply a romantic evening walk along the gorgeous seafront promenade.

The Allure of the Greek Islands

No trip to Greece is complete without exploring its iconic islands. Whether you’re drawn to Santorini’s white-washed buildings and dramatic sunsets, the lively atmosphere of Mykonos, or the tranquil shores of Milos, each island offers something unique.

Regular ferries between Greece’s most popular islands makes island hopping a breeze, and while you could spend a lifetime tackling the endless islands on offer, there are a several stand out islands that you should really try your best to include on your itinerary.

Santorini: A Romantic Escape

Santorini is centered on the Santorini caldera, a giant submerged volcanic crater formed by the ancient Minoan Eruption which just so happened to be one of the largest volcanic events in recorded history.

While Santorini remains an active volcano, thankfully it’s currently dormant and the only thing that spews down its hillsides are its iconic whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches once made famous via paintings and postcards and now the highlight of many travelers Instagram feeds.

Santorini oozes romance, although it does present a bit of a Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde experience due to the fact over 2 million tourists visit annually. This means you will likely have to wait your turn to capture those selfies amongst all the island’s top beautiful spots.

That isn’t to say the crowds on Santorini make it not worth the effort, rather you simply need to prepare yourself for it and maybe make use of photo editing software to remove unwanted extras in the background of your shots.

There is something to be said though for sharing such beauty with others, and I encourage you to look on the crowds not as obstacles, rather as a community of people who all came to witness something truly magical much like attending a big name music concert.

Be sure to visit Oia and Fira for breathtaking sunsets, explore unique beaches like the red sands of Akrotiri, or indulge in fresh seafood at a taverna overlooking the Aegean.

Mykonos: Vibrant and Energetic

Next stop is Mykonos, an island known for its stunning beaches, buzzing nightlife, and luxurious vibe. Mykonos offers a lively mix of beach clubs, stylish boutiques, and iconic landmarks like the windmills and Little Venice. Ferries between Santorini and Mykonos run daily sand typically takes 2 to 3 hours. You can also charter a private boat or yacht, or fly in directly from Athens.

While Santorini may offer up more popular scenic spots, there is definitely no shortage of beautiful locations and views to be found on Mykonos. You are likely to find more less-crowded and peaceful spots on Mykonos as well.

Join DJs and partygoers from around the world, with clubs and bars along the beaches and in the town of Mykonos offering late-night entertainment until dawn. By day, you can walk Mykonos Town’s charming narrow streets and maze of alleyways full of boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. Or head to the beach clubs of Paradise Beach for some relaxation and chance to return home with a Greek goddess tan.

Embrace your inner celebrity by booking a luxury hotel or private villa. You may even recognise a few famous faces from time to time, as Mykonos is a playground for the rich and famous, many who come in by private yacht.

Milos: A Hidden Gem

For an even quieter retreat, we recommend Milos which can be accessed via ferry from both Santorini and Mykonos. Milos offers an off-the-beaten-path Greek island experience, perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking for peace and beauty away from the crowds.

The beaches of Milos are unlike most others found throughout Greece, featuring unique rock formations like those found at Sarakiniko, as well as crystal-clear waters like those found at Firiplaka Beach.

Scuba diving and snorkeling the local shipwrecks, reefs, and ancient ruins are another popular activity to consider, or you may want to explore some of the hidden caves that can only be accessed by boat tours.

Take in the quiet charm of the island’s picturesque villages such as Plaka and Pollonia, savoring local delicacies like Milos pita and Milos wine.

Crete: The Large Island of Diversity

We saved the largest Greek island for last. As Greece’s largest island, Crete can be easily accessed by flight or ferry from Athens as well as regular ferries from nearby islands.

Visiting Crete offers a more intimate glimpse into traditional Greek life, seemingly a world away from the tourist-geared islands such as Mykonos or Santorini. You’ll uncover more authenticity as you roam around the island’s rural villages and quaint towns.

Cretan cuisine also stands out from other regions around Greece and seems to be a bit more varied. Must-try dishes include lamb with stamnagathi and Cretan dakos. Olive oil also features in many local dishes, which should come as no surprise when you consider Crete is home to some of the oldest olive trees in the world including one that is thought to possibly be as much as 3,000 years old and still continuing to produce olives to this day.

In addition to stuffing your mouth full of delicious flavors, you can also cram your brain with knowledge of ancient Minoan culture by visiting the Minoan palace known as Knossos, as well as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which is filled with Minoan art and artifacts.

Meanwhile, Rethymno’s Old Town is where Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences merge.  Or consider heading off into nature by hiking Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains. There are also notable beaches such as the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach or the secluded Seitan Limania Beach to check out.