Beautiful places in Greece to see next

Greece is one of the most perfect Summer destinations, whether you choose the islands or the mainland. However, with all the available options, choosing between the beautiful places in Greece isn’t easy.

From stunning islands surrounded by turquoise waters to hidden gems on the peninsula, authentic villages, and sandy beaches, you’ll find it all here! I’ve gathered everything in one place so that you can make an informed choice and have a perfect Greek holiday. 

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17 Beautiful places in Greece to see next

Santorini

Undoubtedly, Santorini is one of the most beautiful Greek islands and the perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic holiday. It has so much to offer. 

When looking for pristine beaches and crystal-clear water, it might not be the place to go. Still, nothing beats staying in a cave hotel with a private infinity pool, strolling through the charming streets of Oia, sailing around the caldera for sunset, or going wine tasting with a view. 

One of the most famous Cycladic Islands, Santorini, is easily reached by plane or ferry, and you can even go island hopping and explore some other smaller or larger islands in the area. 

If you know where to stay on the island, you won’t have to break the bank to afford a vacation here, and you can even spend some time on the beach. 

Corfu 

By Nina at Lemons and Luggage

The Ionian island of Corfu is popular with many tourists who visit Greece, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Whether looking for attractive, green landscapes, mountains, or stunning beaches, Corfu offers all that and more.

Corfu’s capital has an old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and museums, bars, and restaurants, including several options for vegans in Corfu. As one of few Greek islands with a university, Corfu is a very lively island even off-season, meaning you’ll never get bored.

One thing that makes Corfu stand out from the rest of Greece is the Venetian influence. Because Corfu belonged to the Republic of Venice between 1401 and 1797, the architecture in the capital resembles an Italian town.

Additionally, don’t forget to visit the Achilleion, the island’s summer palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria after her son tragically died. From the palace’s garden, you get a picturesque view of Corfu.

Corfu can easily be reached by plane from many European cities in the summer and year-round from Greece’s capital, Athens. Alternatively, there are ferries from Italy, Albania, and within Greece. Remember that the island’s Greek name is Kerkyra, so make sure you book the correct ticket.

Check out ferry timetables and prices here!

For more details, check out my post on how to spend one week in Corfu.

Agistri

By Lotte from Eschbach Consulting

Agistri is a small island in the Saronic Gulf, accessible by ferry from Piraeus Port in about one hour. There are two main villages on the island, Skala and Megalochori. Both are situated on the island’s north side.

You can find accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops in these cute little towns. Whether you base yourself in Skala or Megalochori, it’s easy to get everywhere on the island as it’s small, and distances are short. 

Agistri is home to several beautiful beaches, including Dragonera Beach. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic trip, or a traveling family, Dragonera Beach is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. You can easily walk here from Megalochori (30 minutes) or Skala (50 minutes), even with a stroller.  

Another fun activity is going on a kayak trip or scuba diving. You might not expect it, but Agistri has some great dive sites! If you prefer to keep your feet, try renting a bicycle to explore the island. Cycle to Limenaria (at the island’s Southeast tip) and admire the beautiful scenery! 

Agistri is a wonderful, easy getaway from Athens and worth a spot on your Greece itinerary. 

Thessaloniki

By Marco at Nomadic FIRE

When people talk about the “Beauty of Greece,” their minds automatically escape to the white houses of Santorini or one of the many gorgeous islands on the sunny Mediterranean. But for history lovers and amateur archaeologists, Greece is seen through a different set of sunglasses. 

With 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Greece is no stranger to the timeless beauty of the ancient world. While Athens and the Acropolis get the most eyeballs, Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city and capital of Greek Macedonia, is no ugly stepsister. 

Known as the country’s cultural hub, Thessaloniki is renowned as Greece’s affordable expat city. An attractive port city on the coast of the Aegean Sea, close to the borders of Macedonia and Bulgaria, Thessaloniki is an excellent base for exploring countries with underrated but beautiful northern beaches and stunning mountains.

There is so much for visitors looking to view a different side of Greece’s beauty. Travelers need to prioritize what they want to see. Aside from the striking monuments, there are the previously mentioned northern beaches and stunning mountains. Local museums and galleries, including the Archaeological Museum, are famous in the city. 

The good news is that Thessaloniki Airport is a low-cost European Union Airlines hub. A round-trip ticket from several European cities costs 60 EUR (72 USD), so a return trip is always on the cards. 

Check out our 3 days in Thessaloniki post for more details.

Mykonos

By Disha Smith at Disha Discovers

There are so many beautiful places in Greece, and the island of Mykonos is one of them. Mykonos is known for its gorgeous beaches, world-class resorts, romantic vibes, party scene, and much more! Two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Mykonos, as you’ll be able to enjoy everything the island offers.

Since Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the Mediterranean, you can get there reasonably quickly. You can fly into Mykonos International Airport from several European cities. You can also take a ferry from Athens or other Greek islands.

One of the best things to do in Mykonos is to wander around the town. The town is filled with picturesque, narrow, Instagrammable streets. You can grab some coffee and snacks from one of the eateries.

Another fun thing to do is to explore the Little Venice area. You’ll also find restaurants and bars in this area. Book a dinner reservation at one of the restaurants and enjoy the sunset while you eat dinner.

If you want to explore quieter areas of the island, rent a moped or an ATV. You never know what hidden gems you’ll stumble upon. Be sure to head over to the infamous windmills and Paraportiani Church.

Lastly, you can’t leave Mykonos without taking a quick day trip to the nearby Delos Island. You can swim in crystal clear waters or explore the many archaeological gems.

Kos

By Tristan at Traxpolio

Kos is one of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. It’s extremely popular because it is situated just in front of Turkey, which makes it easy to visit the gorgeous Turkish town of Bodrum.

On the other hand, you can also spend a day on Kos from Bodrum. The ferry’s current price is roughly 20€.

Check out ferry timetables and prices here!

You can also fly directly to the island of Kos since this is one of the Greek islands that has its own airport.

Kos is not a small island, offering lots of vacation activities. You can always choose to relax on the beach or hike through the beautiful mountains. Only make sure you know exactly what to pack based on the type of vacation you plan to have. 

Once you get on the island, watch the sunset from the top of the Zia mountain from one of the panoramic terraces, do some water activities at Marmari Beach (one of the many beaches on the island, with white sand and beautiful blue water), and don’t leave without experiencing some authentic Greek hospitality.

Hotel recommendation: Kos Aktis Art Hotel, where you’ll find rooms directly on the beachfront.

Gerolimenas Mani

By Chrysoula at Greece Travel Ideas

The Mani peninsula is in the middle of the three peninsulas of the southern Peloponnese and is just a few hours’ drive from Athens. With its rugged landscape, deserted beaches, and culture, Mani is a must-see on any Peloponnese road trip.

Mani is famous for its distinctive stone towers, which have been converted into shops, restaurants, and even holiday accommodations. The port town of Githio is the perfect base, with neoclassical buildings, narrow alleyways to explore, and restaurants along the waterfront. The tiny island of Marathonis has a museum telling the area’s history. The ancient theatre is the ideal setting for summer events. Selinitsa Beach, one of the best on the peninsula, is close to the town, where the female Loggerhead turtles (Caretta Caretta) lay their eggs each summer.

Another beautiful beach is at Kotronas, a small fishing village. If you like deserted beaches, The little harbor at Porto Kagio is the perfect place to stop for some excellent fresh fish. The southernmost point is Cape Tainaron (Cape Matapan), which has a bare landscape and archaeological treasures. Driving back up the east coast, Vathia is a castle town. Gerolimenas is another harbor village and a good stopover point. The caves at Pyrgos Dyrou are best explored by boat -what fun! The last stop on the peninsula is Kardamili, which has its lovely beach and restaurants. Mani is a great place to explore.

Meteora

By Aimee Stephens of Snap Happy Travel

Meteora is one of the most unique places in Greece. In the 11th century, monks built it to protect themselves from an impending attack by the Turkish army. By building their monasteries so high up on the rock face, they were spared from the attack.

There are six active monasteries in Meteora today – Holy Trinity, Varlaam, Roussanou, Great Meteoron, Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas, and Agios Stefanos. If you start your day early enough, you can see them all in one day. But, be mindful of their opening hours as they are all different.

The best time to visit is October to see the fall colors in all their glory or early June, so you escape the peak heat of Summer.

One of the best things to do in Meteora is a sunset tour of all the monasteries and some epic sunset spots along the way. There are many authentic Greek restaurants in the nearby town of Kalambaka, and two highly recommended and popular restaurants include Elias Garden & Restaurant Meteora.

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay with uninterrupted views of Meteora, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Meteora in Kastraki.

The easiest way to get to Meteora from Athens is to take the train to Kalambaka. It costs € 30 per person and takes 5 hours each way.

Thassos

By Raluca at Travel with a Spin

Thassos is the northernmost Greek island in the Aegean Sea, very close to the mainland. It can be easily reached by ferry from both Kavala and Keramoti. The Emerald Island, as it is called, is an excellent destination for families and couples looking to relax, enjoy the water and sun, hike, or enrich their culture.

Thassos has a variety of wonderful beaches, from isolated to rocky and sandy. Swimmers will be enchanted by Golden Beach, a 4km long sandy beach with shallow waters. Unusual Saliara beach, made out of small marble pieces from the nearby excavation, is fascinating to watch. Its turquoise waters offer the best snorkeling opportunities on the island. Giola, a natural pool carved in rocks, should not be missed by tourists looking for adventure. 

Thasos has fertile volcanic soil, rich vegetation, and a mountainous landscape. It is an excellent destination for hikers and nature lovers. One can follow the paths on Mt. Ypsarion to abandoned villages, springs, lakes, and caves. The more adventurous tourists can even enroll in a jeep safari tour of these attractions.

People who are more into Greek culture and history shouldn’t miss a visit to the Roman Amphitheater in Limenas, the 1000-year-old marble quarry in Aliki, or the stone-made houses with grey-tiled roofs in Theologus and Panagia. No trip to Greece would be complete without a traditional evening with music and dance, and Theologus, the oldest village in Thasos, is perfect for this.

Crete

By Mal from Raw Mal Roams

Being the fifth largest island perched on the Mediterranean Sea and the biggest Greek island, Crete has plenty to offer, from pristine, clean beaches and unique landscapes to fascinating historical monuments. Crete has something for everyone.

Nature lovers can indulge in Crete’s gorgeous beaches, such as Balos Beach, crystal-water Elafonisi, and Seitan Limania. All these stunning beaches are near Chania, so if Crete’s beaches are your leading destination, base yourself there.

But Crete is not only a pretty beach, but plenty of other things to do. If you want to test yourself, hike the whole length of the Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s a 10-mile trek with epic views and plenty of opportunities to spot exciting species inhabiting the White Mountains of Crete.

History buffs will find the island of Crete utterly inspiring. Knossos, situated 10 minutes drive south of Heraklion, is the oldest European city steeped in exciting history. The town dates back to the Bronze Age, and strolling amongst its ruins will give you a feel of how great the Minoan civilization was.

Visit Chania for history and great shopping and dining options. Head to its Venetian harbor to people-watch from one of its outdoor restaurants. Sample some Cretan specialties, such as soft cheese and fried snails.

Alternatively, you can go on an Eastern Crete holiday.

Delphi

By Roxanne at Faraway Worlds

Perched on the side of a mountain, with sweeping views across valleys and olive groves, sits the ancient sanctuary of Delphi. The legendary home of the god Apollo and his priestess, the Oracle, Delphi, is a place of peace and serenity. Mountains rise above visitors, and the ancient ruins stretch along the slopes. This is where, thousands of years ago, pilgrims (including rulers and royalty from across the ancient world) came to ask questions of the god and waited for the priestess to give the answers, usually couched in a riddle or parable.

Along with the beautiful views, the remains of many temples are visible at the site, and numerous treasures are on display at the museum. The old Temple of Athena is often the first glimpse of Delphi. From there, the path winds up the mountain, past the marble treasure houses, to the tall columns, all that remains of the legendary Temple of Apollo. It’s still an impressive spot, partially overgrown, with the mountains towering above. The best views are at the top of the hill, where the ancient theatre is still remarkably intact and, on a clear day, it’s possible to see the ocean in the distance.

Zakynthos

By Kerry Hanson from VeggTravel

Zakynthos (also known as Zante, its Italian name) is a Greek island within the clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Ocean. Zakynthos is an island that appeals to a variety of tourists. The Laganas area of the region is known for its party scene, with a large strip of bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment. Perfect for those looking for vibrant nightlife. However, Zakynthos Island is also an excellent destination for family vacations. There are many different beaches and coves to discover, so many holidaymakers rent a car to explore.

The most well-known and must-see beach is Navagio, the shipwreck beach. Surrounded by white caves and blue lagoons, this picturesque haven is worth a trip. Book through one of the many boat tours available, including snorkeling and other experiences. Other enjoyable beaches include Banana Beach, a lively yet relaxing beach with soft yellow sand. Dafni Beach is also a hidden gem with a friendly beach atmosphere.

Zakynthos has an international airport and good transport links, making it easy to travel to and around. The island is larger than many other Greek islands, which gives you many places to explore. That being said, it’s small enough to get around quickly, so explore Zante Zakynthos if you head to this beautiful island.

Milos

By Dymphe at Dymabroad

One of the most beautiful places in Greece is the island of Milos.

This island is part of the Cyclades island group, so other beautiful islands are nearby. It is very convenient to reach the islands of Santorini and Mykonos directly by ferry, so you could combine visiting several places.

Visiting Milos is a great experience. It offers a more authentic experience than visiting famous islands like Mykonos. There are fewer tourists, which means you can better see the local life of the island!

Besides that, there are some great things to do and see in Milos. When you are in Milos, you should go to Sarakiniko Beach. This is a very spectacular place and one of the best beaches on the island. On it, you can see a beautiful white volcanic stone that got its shape from the waves and wind.

Also, visit the small fishing village Klima, a charming spot on the island. Another great place on the island is Plaka. This is the island’s capital, and you will find lots of picturesque houses here.

To get to Milos, you have to take a ferry. There are many ferries from the mainland and other islands, or you can go by airplane from the capital city of Athens. You could easily spend many days here, but even if you are only in Milos for one day, you’ll indeed have a great time on this island!

Naxos

By Victoria at Guide Your Travel

Naxos is an incredible island and an absolute must-see when visiting Greece.

As the largest island of its island group, Naxos is the perfect spot to come for relaxing and exploring. It’s often considered one of the most beautiful islands in Greece but isn’t as overrun by tourists as some of the other options.

You can easily catch a ferry to get to Naxos, which is reasonably budget-friendly.

Since Naxos is quite large, you should plan to spend at least a week here, maybe more if you want to factor in some time to relax by the beach. Plaka and Agios Prokopios have some of the best beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear waters. However, Naxos has much more to offer than just incredible beaches.

The cedar forests are great for exploring and hiking if you want to spend some time in the shade. Then there is the castle of Kastro, where you should plan to spend an afternoon and maybe even bring a picnic to enjoy the beautiful views. Once you’ve had enough of Naxos’ stunning nature, head to Chora, the island’s little town full of restaurants, shops, and bars. Come here for nightlife, although Naxos is a fairly quiet island.

Dimitsana

By Ania at The Traveling Twins

Dimitsana is a small village in Arcadia on the Peloponnese peninsula, easy to include on a road trip through Greece. It’s known for its architecture – built with locally quarried stone and has been painstakingly restored over centuries by generations of craftsmen. The result is an enchanting labyrinth that retains its original charm while incorporating modern conveniences like electricity and running water.

The old villages are beautiful and picturesque, but the Open-air Museum of Water Power is an exciting addition to any adventure. The restoration includes a flour mill and a traditional cauldron used for cooking or heating water (which you can see in operation). Additionally, you will find here a tannery with leather artisans handmaking shoes. Finally, you can learn a lot about gunpowder making and see the gunpowder mill, which hunters and military personnel used during battle times.

After all this excitement, you can hike in the nearby Lousios Gorge for a long hike.
We spent four days around Dimitsana but would happily stay longer if we could.

Rhodes

By Alice from Adventures of Alice

The island of Rhodes is a beautiful place to visit. The weather is excellent, the food tastes fantastic, and there are so many attractions to explore. You’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning and untouched beaches, picturesque villages with colorful houses, and an old town that dates back to ancient times.

One thing that sets this destination apart from other Greek Islands is how much history it has. Rhodes is home to one of the oldest Old Towns in Europe, the intriguing Street of the Knights, the beautiful Palace of the Grand Master, and a stunning Acropolis in the whitewashed town of Lindos.

Perfect for a week-long trip (or more), Rhodes is one of the most scenic and largest islands in Greece. The island has been inhabited since at least 2000 BC, and much still hints at those ancient times today. Wandering the streets of the Old Town, you’ll feel like you’re in another world.

There are plenty of great places for sightseeing on Rhodes, like Lindos Village with its Acropolis-style castle and medieval ruins, which offer fantastic views over the ocean; the heart-shaped St Paul’s Bay, which is the perfect romantic spot for couples exploring Greece; and Faliraki Beach, which features a pretty pebbled shoreline. After sunbathing, head to Faliraki town for fantastic nightlife and restaurants.

Monemvasia

Monemvasia, another hidden gem on the Peloponnese Peninsula, is only three hours away from Athens. It should be on anyone’s Greece bucket list. 

A favorite destination for locals, you can stroll through the cobbler stone streets of the Byzantine Castle, drive to Limenas Gerakos for one of the best fish lunches you will ever have, explore some of the many beaches in the region. And don’t leave without going to the island of Elafonisos and spending one day at Simos Beach – with Caribbean-like sand and clear water. 

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