Think you know Greece? Maybe you have been to a Greek festival and know about the amazing food already. Living in Melbourne, Australia, I have come to love the Greek culture. They have the second largest Greek population outside of Athens in the world. The amazing thing is the food, but does it compare to the food in Greece or even the sights?
Beyond the postcard-perfect shots of Santorini lies a country packed with ancient wonders, secret beaches, and jaw-dropping landscapes that most travelers never discover. Greece is just not just the popular spots, but is full of history, over 700 islands, and of course cheap Gyros.
Santorini
Yes, Santorini belongs on your list – but not for the reasons you think. Skip the overcrowded Oia sunset crowds and head to the lesser-known village of Pyrgos for equally stunning views without the human stampede. The real magic happens at the island’s volcanic beaches: Red Beach offers dramatic crimson cliffs, while Perissa’s black sand creates an otherworldly landscape.
Visit in late May or early October when temperatures are perfect but crowds have thinned. Book accommodations in Fira or Imerovigli for caldera views at half the price of Oia.
Athens
Athens isn’t just a quick Acropolis stop between islands – it’s a vibrant city where 3,000-year-old ruins coexist with cutting-edge galleries and rooftop bars. The Acropolis Museum rivals any in the world, but don’t miss the gritty-cool Psyrri neighborhood for street art and authentic tavernas that locals actually frequent.
Book a skip-the-line Acropolis ticket online and visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid both crowds and scorching heat.
Mykonos
Mykonos earned its reputation as the party capital of the Greek islands, but beyond the beach clubs lies a surprisingly sophisticated destination. The maze-like streets of Mykonos Town hide boutique galleries, traditional windmills, and the charming “Little Venice” waterfront district where waves crash against colorful houses.
Stay in Mykonos Town rather than beach hotels – you’ll save money and be walking distance from both nightlife and cultural sites.
Naxos
Naxos delivers the classic Cycladic experience – whitewashed villages, ancient temples, and pristine beaches – without the tourist circus. The Portara, a massive marble doorway from an unfinished temple, creates one of Greece’s most dramatic sunset backdrops. Unlike other islands, Naxos produces its own food and wine, meaning authentic meals at refreshingly reasonable prices.
All the beauty of Santorini with 70% fewer crowds and 50% lower prices.
Milos
Milos looks like another planet. Volcanic activity created a landscape of colorful rock formations, hidden hot springs, and beaches that range from pure white to deep red to jet black. Sarakiniko Beach, with its lunar-like white cliffs and turquoise water, has become an Instagram sensation – but dozens of equally stunning beaches remain virtually empty.
The island’s volcanic history means you can literally swim in naturally heated pools along the coastline.
Folegandros
If you want to feel like you’ve discovered a hidden Greek island that tourism forgot, Folegandros is your answer. The main town, Chora, perches dramatically on clifftops 200 meters above the sea. No large hotels, no cruise ships, just traditional architecture and some of the most spectacular sunset views in all of Greece.
Digital detox seekers and anyone who wants to experience island life at its most authentic.
Paros
Paros combines the best of both worlds: traditional Greek island charm and world-class windsurfing conditions. The fishing village of Naoussa ranks among Greece’s most photogenic ports, while Golden Beach attracts windsurfers from around the globe. The island also produces some of Greece’s finest marble – the same material used in the Venus de Milo.
The mountain village of Lefkes, hidden in the island’s interior, offers spectacular views and traditional architecture away from coastal crowds.
Crete
Crete is so large and diverse it feels like its own country. The Minoan Palace of Knossos predates classical Greek civilization by over 1,000 years. The Samaria Gorge offers some of Europe’s best hiking. The Venetian harbor in Chania could be mistaken for Italy. And the beaches? Some rank among the Mediterranean’s finest.
At least a week to see the highlights, two weeks to really explore.
Delphi
Ancient Greeks believed Delphi was the center of the world, and standing among the ruins of Apollo’s temple, you’ll understand why. Built into the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site offers both incredible history and stunning mountain views. The on-site museum houses some of Greece’s most important ancient artifacts.
Visit in spring when wildflowers carpet the mountainside, or fall when crisp air offers crystal-clear views.
Meteora
Meteora defies belief. Six active monasteries sit atop towering sandstone pillars that rise 400 meters from the valley floor. Originally accessible only by rope ladders, these UNESCO World Heritage sites now welcome visitors via carved steps and bridges. The combination of human devotion and natural wonder creates one of Greece’s most unforgettable experiences.
The best shots come from the various viewpoints around Kalambaka town, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Nafplio
Former capital of Greece, Nafplio combines Venetian elegance with Greek warmth. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past neoclassical mansions and bougainvillea-draped balconies. The Palamidi Fortress requires a 999-step climb but rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Argolic Gulf. It’s the perfect base for exploring the ancient sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae.
Consistently ranked as one of Greece’s most romantic destinations – and it’s only two hours from Athens.
Rhodes
Rhodes Town boasts Europe’s best-preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Knights of St. John once ruled. But Rhodes isn’t just about history – the island offers 300 days of sunshine annually and beaches ranging from pebbled coves to expansive sandy stretches. The resort area of Faliraki provides modern amenities, while traditional villages like Lindos showcase classic Greek island architecture.
Explore medieval streets in the morning, relax on pristine beaches in the afternoon.
Thessaloniki
While Athens gets the attention, locals know Thessaloniki as Greece’s cultural and culinary heart. The city’s Byzantine walls, Ottoman influences, and vibrant university population create an energy unlike anywhere else in Greece. The food scene alone justifies a visit – from traditional bougatsa pastries to innovative restaurants that blend Greek and international cuisines.
Home to Greece’s best food markets, most innovative chefs, and liveliest café culture.
Halkidiki
Halkidiki’s three peninsulas offer something for everyone. Kassandra caters to resort lovers with luxury hotels and beach clubs. Sithonia provides pristine beaches and traditional villages. Mount Athos (accessible to men only) houses 20 Orthodox monasteries in a virtually unchanged medieval setting. The combination makes Halkidiki feel like three destinations in one.
Some of Greece’s most pristine beaches with far fewer crowds than the famous islands.
Why Greece Never Gets Old
The beauty of Greece lies in its layers. Scratch the surface of any destination and you’ll find ancient history, whether it’s a Byzantine church hidden in a village square or Roman ruins incorporated into a modern building’s foundation. Add warm hospitality, incredible food, and landscapes that inspired the very concept of beauty, and you understand why people have been making pilgrimages to Greece for thousands of years.
Whether you’re seeking Instagram-worthy sunsets, ancient wonders, pristine beaches, or authentic cultural experiences, these 14 destinations prove that Greece offers far more than any single trip can cover. The only real problem? Deciding which one to visit first.
Start planning now – your Greek odyssey awaits, and trust us, one trip will never be enough.