Often talked about for its rich history and ancient civilization, the beauty and diversity of Greece get overlooked. The country offers a tantalizing mix of gorgeous islands, charming villages, vibrant nightlife, and of course, an extensive insight into how Western Civilization was formed. As you plan ahead for a vacation in Europe, divulge into some of the most exciting things to do in Greece to make your vacation an unforgettable one.
Unforgettable Natural Experiences
For a country of Greece’s size, the variety of sightseeing places ranging from azure blue waters to snow-clad mountain peaks is amazing. Its diverse nature and topography make Greece an all-season destination.
1. Santorini – Watch A Magical Sunset
Located south of the Greek mainland, the island of Santorini is fast becoming one of the most frequently visited islands in Europe. It is best known for the charming houses in its multiple towns that are painted in bright white and blue.
The evenings on this island witness one of the best things to do in Greece. Watch the romantic sunset in Santorini as it looms over the gorgeous towns and gives the island like a fresh pair of clothes for the evening that is colored white and yellow.
2. Shipwreck Beach & Navagio Bay – Unwind Here
Located on the southern Greek island of Zakynthos, Navagio Bay or Shipwreck beach is a picturesque cove that leads to a beach with a shipwreck. The boat hasn’t been removed since it broke down and now the rustic vessel located amidst azure blue waters and green cliffs has become an attraction for tourists.
Tour Providers
a) Porto Vromi Maries
b) greeka.com
Cost- INR 2,000 per person
Must Read: 10 Santorini Honeymoon Villas That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Greece
3. Elafonissi Beach – Witness The Pink Corals
One of the top things to do in Greece is to take a trip to Crete Island and witness the rare natural occurrence of pink colored corals on the white sand beaches of Elafonissi. The beach is very well connected by land and sea, as a lot of local tourists looking for a Mediterranean holiday flock to the island in the summer months of July to August.
How to get there:
- By Car
Hire a self-drive car to reach Elafonissi in 90 minutes (72 km) - By Bus
The bus ride from Chania to Elafonissi costs INR 780 per person and the buses from Chania start from 07:45 am and depart until 09:00 am. Whereas, the return bus from Elafonissi leaves at 16:00.
4. Mykonos – Lose Yourself In The Sea Of White & Blue
As you set foot on one of the most traveled islands in the Aegean Sea, you will notice a maze of narrow streets and alleyways surrounded by beautiful houses and small shops painted a bright white and blue. The colorful vibe on Mykonos Island will lift your spirits and compel you to get lost in its streets and pathways to find a picturesque place at every corner.
5. Corfu Island – Spoil Yourself Like Royalty
Image Credit: fxzh for Pixabay
Corfu Island is known to be one of the most scenic islands in Greece. With its lush landscape and top-notch resorts, the island has quickly climbed up the list of luxury destinations in Greece. With the growth of tourism, the island gives a very cosmopolitan view from the outside, whereas the interior parts of Corfu are still filled with beautiful tiny villages that bear the rich Greek heritage.
Suggested Read: A Greece Honeymoon Is All You Need For A Perfect Beginning Of Your Married Life
6. Patras – Explore The Third-Largest City
The third-largest city in Greece, Patras has so many things for the visitors to do. The largest church in the country, Cathedral Of Agios is situated here. This city has everything from good food to the pleasant beaches and spots to chill. You can visit Promenade Beach to have some peaceful time with yourself or you can take a historian in you to the variety of museums available in the city.
Suggested Read: 10 Most Beautiful Beaches In Greece That Are Straight Out Of Heaven!
7. Monemvasia – Get Ready For A Romantic Getaway
Image Credit: JustinW for Pixabay
Also known as the Castle Town, Monemvasia is the destination where you’ll witness an amazing blend of beauty and architecture. It is still a very raw and untouched tourist destination which is why it has a touch of a fairytale atmosphere. You’ll also love Monemvasia if you are a history person as this place also has a unique history attached to it. Planning a getaway with your spouse? Do not forget to explore Monemvasia as it is one of the top things to do in Greece on honeymoon.
Suggested Read: 10 Castles In Greece That Testify The Country’s Glorious Past
8. Lake Plastira – Embrace The Blue Waters
Embracing unbelievable natural beauty and incomparable sereness, Lake Plastira is nothing less than a paradise on earth. The lake is surrounded by the glorious Alpine Peaks that are covered with greenery and snow at the same time. If you are looking for unique things to do in Greece then you must not miss out on this destination.
Suggested Read: Visit Greece In October For A Relaxing Vacation In The Greek Setting!
9. Turkish Baths – Rejuvenate Yourself
If you are wondering what to do in Greece then the Hammam Turkish Baths is just the place where you will forget all your problems and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. These baths are age-old but are now renovated to match up the current standards of modernity but one tradition remains the same, that is, they are opened for male on certain days and for women on other days.
10. Acharavi Beach – Have A Leisure Day
Acharavi Beach in Greece is the beach fit for all those people who like to capture beautiful pictures of the sunset and sunrise. The soft brown sand and the grey pebbles will make you come here again. Just relaxing beside the beach and enjoying the sun will become your cup of tea once you visit Acharavi.
Suggested Read: Greece In July: A Guide To Witness The Country Spreading Its Charm
Adventure Activities For Thrillseekers
A lot of things to do in Greece have a sense of adventure and exploration about them. Most of these activities take you off the marked path into places that give you adrenaline pumping experiences.
So whether it is snow-capped mountains, coves, coral reefs, ancient ruins, or caves; you just have to pick your vice and enjoy what satisfies your thirst for adventure!
11. Melissani Cave – Explore The Surreal Caves
Cave exploring is one of the lesser known activities in Greece that definitely deserves a thought. Travel to the island of Kefalonia and take a three-kilometre boat ride into the Melissani cave to reach the shores of Melissani Lake. It is lit up by natural sunlight which comes in from a huge circular opening towards the sky giving the surrounding a paradisiacal feel. If you are planning a getaway to Greece to make your kids happy, make sure that you do not forget to take them to explore these caves as it is one of the best things to do in Greece with kids.
Tour Provider: Avalon Travel
Duration: 5 hours
Cost: INR 2,700
12. Kleftiko – Sail & Snorkel
What was famous a few hundred years ago as a pirate hideout, has now become a beautiful sightseeing place for tourists. Sailing in the bright summer sun is one of the popular activities in Greece that you will find tourists doing. Enjoy the Greek summer with a day-tour on a sailing boat to the caves and rock formations around Kleftiko Beach on Milos Island.
Cost: INR 4,500 per person (including sightseeing, snorkeling, drinks, and lunch)
Time: 10:30 am to 8 pm
Tour Operators: Greeka.com
Suggested Read: Greece Nightlife: A Guide Through The Lit Streets Of The Country Beyond Its White Buildings
13. Santorini – Hike From Fira To Oia
Image Credit: AnnaBellaCaramella for Pixabay
There are many things to do in Greece that highlight the beauty and diversity of the Greek Islands. One such way to explore the island of Santorini is to go on a 10-km hike from Fira (the capital of Santorini) to the town of Oia. In order to enjoy the scenic views of Santorini to the fullest, it’s better if the travelers don’t follow Google Maps and just stick to the markers on the route instead.
Restaurants that fall between the Fira to Oia route:
a) Avocado in Imerovigli
b) Café Galini in Firostefani
14. Pindus Mountains – Ski Through Them
When people think of Greece, they often imagine history and fancy touristic islands. However, when the winter months come, many hill stations in the Greek mainland get snowfall that forms ideal conditions for skiing.
Best time to Ski in Greece
Although the Ski season in Greece is spread out from December to May, the best time to experience the thrill skiing in fresh snow is during the months of January, Feb, and March.
Best Ski Resorts in Greece
a) Parnassos Ski Resort
Website | Reviews
b) Kalvrita Ski Center
Website | Reviews
c) Ski Resort Voras Mount Kaimaktsalan
Website | Reviews
Suggested Read: Top 27 Places To Visit In Greece For A Perfect Mediterranean Vacation
15. Santa Maria – Learn The Art Of Windsurfing
Image Credit: Slatin5757 for Pixabay
The Mediterranean summer and long coastline make water activities in Greece the most sought after adventure sports. An exciting past time that is often pursued by adventure seekers and curious tourists. Easier to learn than surfing due to the supporting sail, Windsurfing has plenty of scope in Greece due to windy conditions required to enjoy it to the fullest.
Best Windsurfing spots in Greece:
a) Santa Maria, Paros
b) Prassonissi, Rhodes
c) Kouremenos, Eastern Crete
History That’s Worth Its Weight In Gold
No trip to Greece can be complete without visiting its ancient ruins, colossal museums, and intriguing ruins. Explore the roots of human history, and witness how the pillars of our modern society were laid by our ancestors thousands of years ago.
16. Acropolis Of Athens – Pay A Visit
The Acropolis of Athens is a citadel located on top of a huge 70-feet rock in the city of Athens. Built in the fifth century BC, it is considered by many historians as one of the world’s most perfectly built buildings by the most advanced civilization for thousands of years.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm (from April to October)
8 am to 5 pm (from November to March)
Cost: INR 1,500 per person (from April to October)
INR 750 per person (from November to March)
17. The Monasteries Of Meteora – Admire Their Charm
Located in Northern Greece are the incredible Monasteries of Meteora. What brings these places of worship in the list of things to do in Greece is the fact that there are 6 stunning monasteries built on separate cliffs suspended more than 100 feet off the ground.
Entrance Fee: INR 225 per person (for each monastery)
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
18. Delphi Ruins – Witness The Ancient Ruins
Located near Mount Parnassus, Delphi is the ancient site where the legendary Oracle took all its decisions regarding the issues facing the ancient Greek civilization. It is advisable for tourists to visit the ruins first and the museum later to get a better understanding of the ancient city of Delphi.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm (from April to October)
9 am to 4 pm (from November to March)
19. Mystras – Explore The 12th-Century Ghost Town
Mystras is a 600-year old abandoned town in the region of ancient Sparta. After its inhabitants moved out, the Greek government has ever since preserved the beautiful Byzantine buildings as places for sightseeing.
The town of Mystras is a great place for history enthusiasts to explore medieval churches, castles, and fortresses.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Entrance Fee: INR 375 per person
Suggested Read: 5 Most Romantic Places In Santorini That’ll Electrify Your Escape!
20. Heraklion – Visit The Archaeological Museum
If you’re a history lover then visiting The Heraklion Museum has to be on the top of your list of things to do in Greece. This museum has been given the prestigious title of the biggest and most important museum of Greek history. The museum is renowned for its Minoan art that dates back over 8,000 years.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm (from April to October)
11 am to 5 pm (from November to March)
Entrance Fee: INR 750 per person
Enjoy The Dazzling Nightlife & Rich Greek Cuisine
Once you’re done with exploring ruins, diving in deep blue seas, and hiking through the landscapes, the nightlife in Greece will give you plenty of opportunities to party and relax. Along with that, try Greek cuisine to get the most of the culture while you’re present there.
21. Baba Au Rum – Savor A Drink At The Award-Winning Bar
Image Credit: dennis and aimee jonez for wikipedia
When you’re in Athens, stop by this famous bar called Baba Au Rum to enjoy their signature rum infused cocktails. The place gives its customers a vividly pleasing experience of tasting different spirits in new forms made with years of hard work in perfecting the art of mixology.
To add to its credibility, Baba Au Rum was voted in the top 50 bars of the world in 2016 by the Worlds50Best bars organization.
Timings: 7 pm to 3 am
22. Pittaki Street – See Athens’ Bright Future On Display
Before 2012, Pittaki Street was a dark and shady lane that pedestrians avoided at all costs. But all that changed when an NGO decided to give that place a makeover by illuminating the streets with hundreds of lamps, lanterns, and lampshades.
Today Pittaki Street has transformed into a magical street in Athens that houses multiple cafes and bars that people love going to.
23. Santorini – Visit Beautiful Wine Taverns
It is known that wine has been made in Greece for over 6000 years. With that kind of experience, surely the liquor coming from the Greek taverns and wineries must be worth trying. Although wine making has spread throughout the country, the best wine is still considered to be from Santorini.
Best wine tasting tours:
24. Mykonos – Party Like There’s No Tomorrow
Apart from the scenic towns painted in a bright blue and white, Mykonos is also known for its vibrant and energetic nightlife. With bars and pubs expanding their outreach to artists around the world, Mykonos has a steady influx of tourists who love to party and have the time of their life.
Best clubs in Mykonos:
Suggested Read: Santorini Honeymoon Is The Romantic Escape Newlyweds Dream Of!
25. Street Cafes – Stop For A Quick Bite
Like most of the European countries, the best cuisine in Greece is found in many of its artistic and charming street cafes. Trying Greek cuisine is definitely one of the top things to do for leisure travelers who love to immerse into the culture of the place they are visiting.
Best street cafés in Greece:
Further Read: 13 Frolicsome Beaches In Europe For All The Excited Beach Bums Across The Globe
Still wondering how you hadn’t thought of Greece as a possible vacation destination before? We hope this list goes a long way in convincing you to try some, if not all, of these things to do in Greece on your next vacation in Europe. Make sure to customize your package down to every little detail and turn this trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Greece
What should you not do in Greece?
People are not allowed to take photographs of military installations and eating or drinking is also prohibited in metros in Athens.
Where do couples go in Greece?
There is a long list of destinations for honeymooners that can be explored in Greece, ranging from Athens to Mykonos.
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Pranav combines his love for languages, storytelling, and traveling to make a life out of it. A travel writer by profession, he believes in traveling with a purpose and sharing unheard stories through the perspective of the people and places he encounters along his way. When he’s not traveling, he likes to spend time watching sports, and binging on Netflix.
