Most hikes start in the village of Monodendri and end in Vikos village, like this one.
Located inside a grassy burial mound, the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum is unlike any other. The museum houses the ancient tombs of Macedonian royalty, such as Philip II, who was buried with an ivory and gold shield, full suit of gilded armor, and other glamorous treasures.
31. Rent a boat
Simply visiting the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens is an awesome experience in itself. Take your trip to the next level by doing an Olympic-style workout in the stadium! That’s right: You can learn about the history of the stadium and find out how ancient Olympians trained during this totally immersive experience. Lace up your shoes and get ready to sweat like an Olympian!
30. Go sailing with a guide
Even if it seems a little cheesy, visiting the filming locations of Mamma Mia is a fun and lighthearted way to enjoy the beauty of Skopelos Island, which is home to the famous wedding church from the movie. This tour will take you there, along with other locations.
29. Island-hop
For a speedier zip through the garden, consider renting a bike or going on a bike tour. This is a great way to see the National Garden if you don’t have as much time to walk though it.
There are 227 islands in Greece just waiting for you to experience. One of the best things to do is to spend some time hopping from island to island. There are several island chains that can be visited on their own or be made into a complete island-hopping itinerary.
28. Be wowed at the Acropolis in Athens
Melissani Lake, an unspoiled natural wonder on Kefalonia Island, is famous for its legends regarding nymphs. During its excavation, third- and fourth-century figures of nymphs were found, giving meaning to the ancient stories. A visit to this magical spot will send your imagination running wild, thinking about these mythical creatures.
Nestled in the Agrafa mountain range is the serene man-made wonder of Lake Plastira. It’s one of Greece’s largest man-made lakes and attracts visitors who are looking for a quiet place to connect with nature. The lake is surrounded by bike trails, fir-tree forests, rock-climbing spots, and more. Other activities are horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring the nearby villages and monasteries.
27. Pretend to be an Olympian at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens
If you’re like me and enjoy a good road trip, consider doing one on Greece’s Mani Peninsula. This peninsula in southern Greece is home to a population who claim to be direct descendants of ancient Spartans. It’s divided into two parts: the Outer Mani and Deep Mani. Each half has its own unique character.
26. Wander through the National Garden in Athens
It’s located in the heart of the city Thessaloniki, making it the perfect launching point for archaeological sites and other museums. Consider passing through to learn some local history and context before heading to other sites.
Whether you’re looking for your perfect island getaway, next big hiking adventure, a gastronomical paradise, or a complete historical immersion, Greece truly has it all.
25. Be charmed at Hephaestus Temple
This B-shaped lake is inside a cave with algae and moss-covered stalactites hanging down from the stone walls.
24. Time-travel at the Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus
My mouth is already watering as I think about how delicious Greek olive oil is. Can you relate? The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the entire process of olive oil making, from planting the trees to bottling the oil.
There are old footpaths throughout the surrounding region that make for perfect hikes, weaving through small settlements and forests. You’ll find ancient ruins, historic cathedrals, and Byzantine monuments along the way.
23. Go on a pilgrimage to Delphi
You’ve seen the photos of dreamy places like Santorini all over your Instagram feed, but there’s so much more to this scenic country than just that. Are you ready for one of the most diverse lists of the best things to do in Greece?
The Acropolis is easily one of the most well-known attractions in all of Greece. It is the birthplace of Western civilization, after all! For that reason, no trip to Greece is truly complete without making a stop at the Acropolis.
22. Climb Mount Olympus
Intrigued? Check out this Land Rover Safari tour that makes a stop at Dikteon Cave.
21. Marvel at the Olympia Archaeological Site
A rack-railway is a unique feat of engineering that uses cog wheels that latch onto the rail in order to help the train navigate steep terrain. Traveling along this type of railway is an exciting experience in itself, but even more exciting when paired with the magnificent views of the Vouraikos Canyon.
Not only should you explore inside the monasteries, but you should definitely take advantage of the incredible panoramic views from their decks. Consider joining a tour to learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
20. Trek through the Samaria Gorge
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19. Be a beach bum at Balos Bay
Renting a boat to sail around the Greek islands is the ultimate flex, if you ask me. The best part is that it’s totally doable, and there are several options to choose from. If you are traveling with friends, you can rent a boat together for a more customizable experience. You can also rent a yacht through Yacht Week, which is more glamorous. Read about all the different boat rental options here!
Other tombs are lavishly decorated with mythic friezes; one of them is even thought to be the final resting place of Alexander the Great’s son. If you want to check out this museum and other ancient sites nearby, this tour has an in-depth itinerary of the area.
18. See the birthplace of Zeus
Have you been? Let us know what your favorite places in Greece are!
Meteora is home to some of the most astounding feats of architecture, with monasteries that sit on top of near-vertical rock formations. The natural pillars below the monasteries reach heights of nearly 400 meters (1,300 feet), like the one underneath the Monastery of the Holy Trinity.
17. See the man-made Lake Plastira
The Pentelic and Parian marble decorations, along with the quintessential columns, are the temple’s best features. As one of the most historically significant temples in Greece, the temple is included on many tours, like this unique nighttime bike tour.
16. Witness a miracle at Meteora
There is a museum on-site that houses a variety of artifacts that bring the history of the ruins to life. If Athens is your base, consider this half-day tour of Corinth.
15. Look for nymphs at Melissani Lake
To get to Balos Bay, you will have to take a ferry from Kissamos port. Get there early in the morning for fewer crowds. You can also visit on a full-day tour.
Located in the countryside of the Peloponnese region, this rural town is home to the Palace of Despots, idyllic chapels, and hilltop views. The town has held on to its laid-back, sleepy nature, mostly due to a lack of tourism, so it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the rhythm of local life.
This tour from Get Your Guide includes a licensed guide who will take you to hidden spots like Pnyx Hill. From the Acropolis, catch a killer view of Athens and the Aegean Sea for a truly memorable experience.
14. Visit Ancient Corinth
There are two island groupings that are particularly famous. First there are the Cyclades, which include Santorini and Mykonos. Then there are the Ionians, which are just off the west coast of the Greek mainland. Whichever island chain you choose, you’re sure to find plenty of diverse culture, gastronomy, and scenery on each island.
The most notable feature of the site is the temple dedicated to the gods Zeus and Hera. Before being destroyed in a fire, there stood here a famous gold and ivory statue of Zeus, which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
13. Bungee-jump at the Corinth Canal
Outer Mani is known for its quaint coastal villages that have a more authentic feel than other, more touristy places in the country. Deep Mani has a legendary coastline and is even less visited than Outer Mani. Being able to drive through both makes for the road trip of a lifetime, full of coves, seaside views, caves, and lighthouses.
12. Sip red wine in the Nemea Region
Also on the island of Crete is Dikteon Cave, which is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. This attraction is certainly more off the beaten path, which makes a visit a unique and less touristy experience. (It is near the village of Psychro, so it is also known as Psychro Cave.)
If you want to pamper yourself, the healing thermal springs scattered across the city of Edipsos on the island of Evia are the perfect place to do so. Since ancient times, people have been visiting the magnesium-, calcium-, and iron-rich springs in search of healing.
11. Drive through the Mani Peninsula
This gorgeous temple is known to be the most-preserved temple in all of Greece. It was dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire; and Athena, the goddess of pottery and crafts. It is one of the best examples of Dorian architecture atop Agoreao Koronos Hill in Athens.
The Modiano Market’s central location makes it one of the most bustling places in town. You’ll find local people milling about, making their everyday purchases and eating at the food stalls inside. It’s one of the best places to get a feel for the local food scene and culture, so don’t miss it!
10. Take a rack-railway train through Vouraikos Canyon
The entire hike takes two days, but there are plenty of mountain refuges along the way where you can stay. For more information on how to hike to the peak of Mount Olympus, check out Olympus Climbing.
If you’re looking to get way off the beaten path in Greece, consider hiking some or all of the Corfu Trail. This 220-kilometer (137-mile) trail boasts scenery that has been untouched by mass tourism. Expect to see virgin beaches, olive groves, rugged gorges, and much more along the way.
9. Buy local goods at Modiano Market
8. Immerse yourself in history at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
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7. Peruse the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil
It’s also the perfect spot for bungee-jumping. Zulu Bungy calls itself the most exciting bungee in the world and has the best reputation of any such company. This is definitely one of the more unexpected activities in Greece and worth a try.
In the middle of the bustling city of Athens lies the breathtaking 24-hectare National Garden. Within the garden, you’ll find thousands of species of plants, a conservatory, children’s library, a small café, and six lakes. You could spend an entire afternoon simply wandering about and admiring the beauty of the garden.
6. Get underground at the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum
The Vikos Gorge is one of the world’s deepest canyons; it is located in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece. The gorge is part of Vikos National Park, which is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Greece.
5. Hike the Corfu Trail
The Olympia Archaeological Site is one of the most historically significant places in Greece, being the birthplace of the first Olympic games in antiquity. For this reason, they still host a torch-lighting ceremony before the start of every modern Olympics to carry on the ancient tradition.
There is also a museum that is worth visiting in order to learn more about the site’s history. You can see both on this private tour.
4. Explore Mystras
On Evia, you might even find some beaches with semithermal sea water that has spilled over from nearby thermal springs. Sounds like an epic spa town to me!
3. Hike from Monodendri to Vikos through the Vikos Gorge
The ancient city was the destination for pilgrims who would journey there to pay homage to Apollo and seek guidance from the Oracle of Delphi, aka the high priestess Pythia. Take yourself on your own pilgrimage to Delphi and discover its wonders. Book a guided tour here.
If you know me, you know I love a good market. In fact, I make it my mission to beeline it to the closest market in any new place I travel to. The Modiano Market in Thessaloniki is one of the absolute best places to indulge your foodie fantasies. It features local products, from spices to candies to cheeses and everything in between.
It’s no secret that Greece is known for its superb wine, and there are plenty of wine tours throughout the country. Nemea, just southwest of Corinth, has some of the best reds. (It’s also the site of Hercules’ first task of twelve: to slay the Nemean lion.)
2. Take a dip in the Edipsos Thermal Springs
You can also go for a swim at Panormos Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and the site of many panoramic shots from the movie.
This is another one for all of you adventurers out there. The Samaria Gorge, 4,000 feet above sea level, is one of Europe’s longest. It is in the White Mountains of western Crete and goes through a thousand-year-old forest.
1. Live your Mamma Mia fantasy at Skopelos Island
As one of the largest museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki has an awe-inspiring collection of historical artifacts that will keep a history buff entertained for hours. The museum itself is an excellent example of stunning modern Greek architecture.
Climbing Mount Olympus (aka the Mountain of the Gods) is one of the most epic things you can do in Greece. It’s an absolute must-do for any outdoors enthusiast. As the highest mountain in the country (9,570 feet tall), its skyscraping peak was believed to be the home of twelve ancient gods.
If you’d rather experience the gorgeous seas of Greece without the pressure of sailing your own boat, consider hiring a guide or joining a tour to take you around. Get Your Guide has hundreds of options, with a range of prices and amenities to choose from. Happy sailing!
This list is by no means exhaustive , but I hope it gives you enough variety and inspiration for your trip to Greece. With so many distinct regions with their own historic treasures, beautiful views, and unique cultures, you could spend months traveling around the country and still only skim the surface of everything there is to do and see there.
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