21 Best Things to Do in Greece: An Insider’s Guide to Experiencing the Best of Hellas
Let me spill the ouzo here - after 20+ years as a Greece-based tour guide, I've walked every cobblestone path from Athens to Zakynthos and swum in waters from the Ionian to the Aegean. Greece isn't just what pays my bills—it's what makes my heart sing. Buckle up for my hard-earned, sand-between-my-toes guide to the absolute best things to do in Greece, including some Peloponnese treasures that most tourists zoom right past (their loss, your gain).
Athens: Where Ancient History Meets Urban Energy
1. Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon
Look, you simply haven't done Greece if you haven't stood slack-jawed beneath the Parthenon. This 2,500-year-old marble giant watches over Athens like a proud parent. My little secret? Show up at 8:30am (when everyone else is still nursing their hangovers from Gazi) or catch the softer late afternoon light around 5pm.
Here's what the tour books don't tell you: circle the entire Acropolis hill. The south slope hides the birthplace of theater itself - the Theater of Dionysus. In April, tiny purple wildflowers carpet sections of the hill, creating Instagram gold with ancient columns peeking through. The new(ish) Acropolis Museum at the bottom is brilliant too—and gloriously air-conditioned when the summer sun feels like it's trying to personally melt you.
2. Wander Through the Plaka and Monastiraki
Just below that mighty rock lies Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood and one of my favorite things to do in Greece with first-timers. Those tiny, twisty streets lined with honey-colored neoclassical buildings will have you accidentally creating picture-perfect moments at every turn. Next door in Monastiraki, treasure hunters can dig through everything from communist-era medals to handmade worry beads.
I always tell my clients: "Ditch your phone map for one hour here. Getting blissfully lost is the whole point." Duck into the tiny bakery where the yiayia (grandmother) has been making spanakopita the same way for 40 years. Or pause at a traditional kafeneio where leathery-faced old-timers slam down backgammon pieces while debating politics with the same intensity as they did during the junta.
Island Hopping: The Quintessential Greek Experience
3. Discover the Magic of Santorini
Those postcard-perfect white buildings with blue domes spilling down volcanic cliffs? That's Santorini, showing off as usual. Watching sunset from Oia is honestly one of the most soul-stirring things to do in Greece, even with the selfie-stick crowd.
But here's where most tourists miss out: Santorini has layers beyond that pretty face. Explore Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement perfectly preserved in volcanic ash (Greece's answer to Pompeii but older). Sample assyrtiko wines grown in volcanic soil so mineral-rich it makes French vintners weep. Hike the caldera path from Fira to Oia for views that'll hijack your dreams for years afterward. And for heaven's sake, get on a sailing trip around that flooded volcanic crater—swimming in hot springs with cliffs towering above you hits different.
4. Experience the Authentic Charm of Naxos
While everyone's elbowing for space on Mykonos, smart travelers (like my repeat clients) head to neighboring Naxos. As the Cyclades' biggest island, Naxos offers the ultimate buffet of experiences and might be my personal favorite thing to do in Greece for those seeking authenticity:
• Mountain villages where Greek grandmas still make pasta by hand
• Miles of beaches with hardly a footprint in sight
• Valleys producing citron liqueur that tastes like sunshine
• Ancient marble quarries that supplied sculptures now sitting in the Louvre
Don't skip the massive marble doorway to nowhere (the Portara) at sunset, when it frames the sinking sun perfectly. Wander the medieval Castro district in Naxos Town, where Venetian descendants still live. And if beach bliss ranks high on your things to do in Greece list, the southwest coast delivers golden sand and crystal waters for days—Cedar Beach and Plaka Beach will ruin other beaches for you forever.
5. Get Lost in the Labyrinthine Streets of Mykonos Town
Yes, Mykonos has a reputation for wild parties and celebrities dripping in designer goods. But Mykonos Town (Chora) delivers something rarer: perfectly preserved Cycladic beauty. Those maze-like white alleys weren't designed to be pretty—they were built to confuse pirates! Now they just confuse tourists, which is half the fun.
The iconic windmills overlooking Little Venice (where buildings seem to hover right above the water) deliver that quintessential Greek island moment. Want my insider thing to do in Greece tip? Visit in May or late September when the crowds thin but the water's still warm. Then explore the forgotten inland villages and northern beaches where locals actually go—worlds apart from the speaker-thumping beach clubs of Paradise.
The Mainland: Greece Beyond the Islands
6. Be Awestruck by the Monasteries of Meteora
Picture this: massive stone pillars shooting up from the earth like nature's skyscrapers, topped with monasteries that seem to float between heaven and earth. That's Meteora, and it's bananas. Monks originally accessed these spiritual retreats using just nets and ropes (talk about faith!). Today, thankfully, there are stairs carved into the rock leading to six accessible monasteries.
For a truly jaw-dropping thing to do in Greece, spend a night in nearby Kalambaka. That golden hour before sunset turns the whole landscape into something from another planet. If your legs are itching for adventure, the hiking and rock climbing options around these formations will leave you both exhausted and exhilarated.
7. Consult the Oracle at Delphi
The ancient Greeks believed Delphi was literally the center of the world. Kings and peasants trudged here to ask the Oracle about everything from war to marriage prospects. Today, this mountainside archaeological wonderland still packs a mystical punch, with the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, and stadium all backdropped by Mount Parnassus and a silvery sea of olive trees stretching to the horizon.
My battle-tested thing to do in Greece tip: tour buses swarm mid-morning and vanish by 3pm. Stay overnight in modern Delphi town and hit the site at opening time or two hours before closing. You might just feel the ancient spirits whispering when you have the place nearly to yourself.
Peloponnese: Greece's Captivating Peninsula
When friends visit me, I take them to the Peloponnese. It's Greece distilled to its purest form—wildly authentic, insanely diverse, and bewilderingly undertouristed. This peninsula dangling below the mainland is my personal playground.
8. Step Back in Time at Ancient Olympia
Even after guiding hundreds of visitors through Ancient Olympia, I still get goosebumps entering the original Olympic Stadium. This simple track where the games began in 776 BCE lets you literally stand at the ancient starting line, channeling your inner athlete from 2,800 years ago.
Beyond the stadium, Olympia contains ruins of the Temple of Zeus (which once housed a 40-foot gold and ivory statue considered one of the Seven Wonders), Phidias' workshop, and one of Greece's most impressive museums. What makes this one of my favorite things to do in Greece? Visit in late March when wildflowers explode between ancient columns—a photographer's dream and a reminder that nature and history dance together perfectly here.
9. Discover the Medieval Charm of Monemvasia
Picture a massive rock rising from the sea, topped with a perfectly preserved medieval town completely invisible from the mainland. Welcome to Monemvasia, the "Gibraltar of the East" and easily one of the most magical things to do in Greece most tourists miss.
Connected to land by just a thin causeway, this car-free fortress town transports you straight to Byzantine times. The single cobblestone street winds past stone mansions now transformed into boutique hotels that would make a design magazine editor weep. Climb to the upper town for fortress ruins and views across an impossibly blue sea. My clients' number one feedback about Monemvasia? Staying overnight to experience the magic after day-trippers leave, dining beneath the stars as waves crash below.
10. Explore the Stone Towers of Mani
The southernmost finger of the Peloponnese feels like it belongs to another country altogether. Mani's harsh, sun-blasted landscape is dotted with stone tower houses—mini-fortresses built by feuding clans who apparently held grudges for generations. The Maniots developed a warrior culture so fierce even the Ottomans mostly left them alone.
Drive through ghost villages like Vathia, where abandoned towers create a haunting skyline, then push on to Cape Tenaro—mainland Europe's southernmost point. The ancients believed an entrance to the underworld lurked here (and hiking to the lighthouse on a windy day might convince you they were right). Nearby, the otherworldly Diros Caves offer boat rides through subterranean lakes where stalactites nearly touch your head—another hidden gem on my personal things to do in Greece list.
11. Wander the Perfectly Preserved Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
As a tour guide, I've watched countless visitors test the famous acoustics of this 4th-century BCE theater by dropping a pin or whispering at center stage—only to see their jaws drop when the sound carries perfectly to the top row. This isn't ancient Greek magic; it's ancient Greek mathematical precision.
During the summer Athens-Epidaurus Festival, seeing Greek tragedy performed where it was originally staged 2,400 years ago under a blanket of stars belongs high on any things to do in Greece bucket list. The surrounding sanctuary of Asclepius functioned as the ancient world's most famous healing center, where patients sought cures through everything from surgery to dream therapy. The museum houses medical instruments that'll make you very grateful for modern anesthesia.
12. Get Lost in the Charming Nafplio
Often crowned Greece's most beautiful town, Nafplio served as the first capital after independence from Ottoman rule. The architecture tells this layered story—Venetian mansions next to Turkish fountains beside neoclassical government buildings, all watched over by not one but THREE fortresses.
The mighty Palamidi fortress looms 216 meters above sea level (challenging you to climb its 999 steps, though I won't judge if you drive up). The smaller Akronafplia and the picture-perfect Bourtzi fortress sitting on its own little island complete the defensive trifecta. Nafplio's old town remains blissfully car-free, with bougainvillea cascading down honey-colored walls and hidden squares revealing themselves just when your legs need a rest. This charming base makes the perfect staging ground for many things to do in Greece's Peloponnese while offering waterfront dining that'll have you extending your stay.
Unique Experiences: Beyond the Tourist Trail
13. Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete
For active travelers, conquering Europe's longest gorge ranks high among legendary things to do in Greece. This 16-kilometer trail through Crete's White Mountains begins at 1,250 meters elevation and descends all the way to the Libyan Sea, with walls narrowing to just three meters at the famous "Iron Gates" section.
The 5-7 hour trek demands decent fitness and proper footwear (those flip-flops won't cut it, trust me), but rewards with landscapes straight from mythology. Keep eyes peeled for the kri-kri, Crete's indigenous wild goat found nowhere else on earth. The trail ends near tiny Agia Roumeli, where tradition dictates celebrating with a swim followed by grilled fish and cold beer at a seaside taverna before catching the ferry out.
14. Join a Traditional Panigiri (Village Festival)
For an authentic slice of Greek life that few tourists experience, stumbling upon a panigiri might be the most spontaneous thing to do in Greece. These traditional festivals combine religious celebration with communal feasting, live folk music, and dancing that literally continues until dawn breaks.
Nearly every Greek village hosts at least one annually, usually honoring their patron saint. They rarely appear in guidebooks because they follow the Orthodox calendar and primarily serve locals. Yet visitors are invariably welcomed with open arms and flowing raki. Look for posters announcing "Πανηγύρι" or simply ask locals about upcoming celebrations. Some of my clients' most treasured memories come from joining multigenerational dance circles around midnight, holding strangers' hands while attempting steps that go back centuries.
15. Learn the Art of Greek Cuisine
Greek food isn't just sustenance—it's philosophy made edible, emphasizing simplicity, quality ingredients, and communal enjoyment. Understanding this dimension adds depth to your list of things to do in Greece beyond mere consumption.
Opportunities abound:
• Learn to stretch paper-thin phyllo dough with mountain yiayias
• Join foraging walks to identify wild greens that pack more nutrition than superfoods
• Master the perfect grilled octopus technique (hint: it involves a lot of bashing against rocks)
• Participate in seasonal olive or grape harvests on islands like Crete and Lesvos
These hands-on experiences create connections with locals that transcend language barriers while teaching skills you'll treasure long after your tan fades.
16. Witness Marine Life in the Aegean
The impossibly clear waters surrounding Greece hide surprisingly rich marine ecosystems often overlooked on typical things to do in Greece lists. The National Marine Park of Alonissos protects the endangered Mediterranean monk seal—one of Europe's most threatened mammals. Around Zakynthos, loggerhead turtles return yearly to the same beaches their ancestors have used for millennia.
For dolphin enthusiasts, the Gulf of Corinth and Amvrakikos Gulf offer frequent sightings that'll have everyone on board gasping and pointing. Responsible operators can arrange wildlife-watching excursions that prioritize animal welfare while delivering those pinch-me moments with Greece's marine inhabitants. Even basic snorkeling reveals underwater landscapes as dramatic as those above sea level.
Hidden Gems: Places Most Tourists Miss
17. Discover the Cloud Forests of Zagori
In Greece's rugged northwest corner lies Zagori, a region so unlike typical Greek landscapes you'll check your map twice. Forty-six stone villages cling to mountainsides, connected by elegant arched bridges spanning gorges that would make Colorado jealous. Here, dense forests, rushing rivers, and the mind-bending Vikos Gorge (officially the world's deepest canyon relative to its width) create an almost Alpine atmosphere.
Traditional stone guesthouses in villages like Monodendri and Papingo offer roaring fireplaces and panoramic mountain views. Activities range from gentle village-hopping to serious mountaineering in the Pindos range. Among my favorite things to do in Greece in summer: cooling off in the natural swimming pools at Ovires. Autumn brings mushroom foraging opportunities that attract fungi enthusiasts from across Europe.
18. Experience Island Life on Ikaria
Named after the mythological Icarus who flew too close to the sun, Ikaria has gained modern fame as one of the world's "Blue Zones" where centenarians are commonplace. The island's unique approach to life—emphasizing community, minimal stress, and locally-produced food—offers visitors a masterclass in what really matters.
Ikaria remains refreshingly untouched by mass tourism, with mountain villages where festivals might start at 10pm and continue until the following afternoon. The island runs on "Ikarian time" where shops and restaurants open... whenever. This attitude might frustrate schedule-oriented travelers, but embracing it ranks among the most enlightening things to do in Greece. Hidden beaches, mineral-rich hot springs, and the world's most laid-back locals await those willing to slow down.
19. Explore the Volcanic Landscape of Milos
While Santorini gets the volcanic glory, geologically fascinating Milos offers equally dramatic landscapes without the crowds. This horseshoe-shaped Cycladic treasure boasts over 70 beaches in a painter's palette of colors—white volcanic moonscapes, rust-red cliffs, golden sand, and obsidian black pebbles.
Sarakiniko Beach, with its bone-white volcanic formations against turquoise water, delivers the most otherworldly swimming experience on my things to do in Greece list. The island's mining history (it's where the Venus de Milo was discovered) has created unique attractions like abandoned sulfur mines at Paliorema. Boat tours reveal sea caves and beaches completely inaccessible by land, including Kleftiko with its pirate legends and natural stone arches.
Practical Travel Wisdom
20. Embrace the Greek Pace of Life
Perhaps the most important advice I give clients isn't about destinations but mindset: embrace Greece's rhythm rather than fighting it. Yes, buses run on "Greek time" (translation: when they feel like it). Yes,
