Discover Greece: A Travel Guide to Its Most Beautiful Cities and Islands

Greece is a land of rich history, beautiful islands, beautiful coasts and unforgettable experiences. The country is full of sights, from historic landmarks to quaint seaside villages, that can turn any holiday into a memorable one. If you are a culture lover and love to explore beautiful destinations, then Greece is a country you should add to your travel bucket-list.

As a travel content writer based in Asia, I enjoy finding out-of-the-ordinary destinations for travelers. Greece is special for its natural beauties, historical attractions, traditional food and relaxing mood. Whether you want to visit ancient ruins or just lounge on beautiful beaches, there’s plenty to love about this Mediterranean destination.

Greece is a beautiful country and here are 8 places you should definitely check out on your travels.

1. Santorini

Santorini is among the most popular destinations in Greece. White houses, blue-domed churches, beautiful sea views and famous sunsets draw visitors from all over the world.

Popular places to visit include the villages of Oia, Fira and Imerovigli. The visitors can walk along its narrow streets, look at the island’s architecture and observe the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

It is also known for its volcanic landscape and unique beaches like the famous black and red sand beaches. Santorini is a great place for tourists who want to have beautiful views and unforgettable experiences.

2. Mykonos

Mykonos is another popular Greek island that is known for its beautiful streets, traditional white houses, windmills and nice beaches.

Aerial sunset view of the famous windmills above Mykonos town, Cyclades, Greece. Credits: kensingtontours.com

The island offers a mix of relaxed coastal lounging and a buzzing nightlife. Visitors can go to Mykonos town, have dinner at local restaurants and relax on beaches like Elia Beach.

Mykonos is famous for its parties and tourist attractions, but there are quieter corners to enjoy the classic architecture and peaceful vibe.

3. Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands and a great destination for travelers who want to experience nature and history.

Its most famous landmark is the Portara, a giant marble doorway to an ancient Temple of Apollo . It is located close to the island’s harbor and makes a great backdrop for photos, especially at sunset.

Visitors can also see traditional villages, mountain scenery and the popular beaches like Agios Prokopios and Plaka beach.

Naxos is a more relaxed island experience with a lot to see and do.

4. Meteora

Meteora is one of the most incredible places in Greece. It is famous for its huge rock formations with old monasteries on the top.

The scenery is breathtaking and the monasteries are high above the surrounding scenery. Visitors can walk around the area, learn about its religious history and enjoy spectacular views from a series of vantage points.

Meteora is a completely different experience to the islands that most people go to in the country. It’s great for people who are interested in history, architecture and nature.

5. Delphi

Delphi is an important site in history and was a special place in ancient Greek culture.

It was home to the famous Oracle of Apollo who gave advice and predictions. Visitors today can walk through the archeological site, see the remains of old temples and learn about the historical significance of the area.

It has beautiful views of mountains and valleys and is an interesting place to visit for those who like to combine sightseeing with cultural exploration.

6. Corinth

Corinth is a city of ancient ruins and historical attractions. It was an important element in the history of ancient Greece, and was later absorbed into the Roman world.

Its most famous attraction is the Temple of Apollo with its impressive ancient columns. Visitors can also explore Acrocorinth, a historic hilltop fortress that overlooks the area.

The Corinth Canal is an interesting extra attraction on a tour of the region. It gives a different perspective of the waterway connecting the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf.

7. Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the most historically significant cities in the world. It is widely regarded as the cradle of democracy and has many sights relating to the ancient civilization.

The Acropolis is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You’ll find the Parthenon and other important historical buildings, perched on a rocky hill.

Visitors can also find the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and a number of museums. Athens is a place where travelers can stroll around and feel the link between ancient history and modern urban life.

8. Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and is home to a mix of beautiful beaches, historic sites, traditional villages and scenic coastlines.

One of its main attractions is the Palace of Knossos, an archeological site linked to the ancient Minoan civilization. Visitors get a glimpse into one of Europe’s earliest advanced societies.

Visitors can also go to Chania, famous for its beautiful harbor, historic buildings and charming streets. Crete is a great place to go if you want to combine history, local culture and coastal scenery on one trip.

Planning a Trip in Greece

If you are visiting several destinations in Greece, you need to plan properly, especially if you want to see both the Mainland and the Islands.

Based on the travel experience documented in the referenced article, a 15-day tour can include Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Corinth, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini and Crete.

Rental cars allow travelers to explore attractions on the mainland, while ferries are great for moving between islands. It’s also worth booking your transport and accommodation in advance, to make the journey easier.

You can stay in a hotel, an apartment or a vacation rental. Selecting a location close to major attractions or transport hubs can help you save time on your trip.

Greek Foods You Must Try

Greek gyros chopped meat in pita with french fries, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce

Traditional Greek Moussaka Recipe (Lamb & Béchamel) – Zaffaron

No trip to Greece would be complete without trying its traditional dishes. Greek food is Mediterranean influences, simple ingredients, rich flavors.

Some common dishes to try are:

Gyros: A Greek street food. It’s seasoned meat, vegetables and sauce wrapped in pita bread.

Souvlaki: grilled meat pieces on skewers, often served with pita and vegetables.

Moussaka: An oven dish with eggplant, minced meat and creamy sauce, often traditional.

Also, exploring local restaurants and indulging traditional meals is a great way to understand Greek culture.

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Greece?

Costs of travel will vary depending on the time of year, the mode of transportation, accommodations, and the number of places to visit on the itinerary.

The travel report in reference was for 15 days for a family of four in September 2018 and the total spending was €2,837.52. This included flights, ferries, accommodation, car hire, food, groceries and activities.

Transportation cost a big chunk of the travel budget as the trip involved several ferry rides and car rentals.

However, these figures are historical and should not be considered as current travel prices. If you are visiting today, remember to check updated fares for transportation, hotels and attractions before you prep your budget.

Final Thoughts

Greece has many different types of travel experiences, and deserves to be on the travel radar of people the world over. From the stunning sunsets of Santorini and the beaches of Naxos to the historical sites of Athens and Delphi, each place has something special to offer.

Greece is interesting as it combines natural landscapes, ancient history, local traditions and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing island holiday or an adventure filled with cultural discoveries, the country offers plenty of opportunities to make your trip unforgettable.

As a travel enthusiast who loves to discover destinations and share travel inspiration, I think Greece is a wonderful place for travelers who want to experience more than just beautiful sceneries. It’s a place where each stop can show you a different piece of history, culture and day to day life.