“It takes a lifetime for someone to discover Greece, but it only takes an instance to fall in love with her.”

American Artist, Henry Miller

His words still ring true till this moment. Greece is a country that never fails to amaze you with its stunning beaches, incredible historical monuments, exciting nightlife, mouth-watering cuisines, and diverse culture.

You will find something that appeals to your preference.

When we think about great things to do in Greece, we think of an unending variety of activities, destinations, and tourist attractions. We do our best to compile this countdown of all you need to know before traveling to Greece.

This article will be your full guide to having such incredible things in Greece.

Let’s get started.

Why does Connolly Cove Recommend Visiting Greece for You?

We are going through a lot of cities and a lot of places with such distinct cultures. But this time is different from our other traveling experiences. Greece offers you all you need or dream in the highest possible quality.

If you ask for a historical tour, Greece comes with Athenia’s Acropolis, Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki, or Delphi’s archaeological site.

If you ask to treat yourself to delicious food, Greece is home to many savory dishes that will be beyond your satisfaction. Not to mention that Greek wine is among the best in the world.

Or, If you ask for chilling in vast landscapes, let me assure you that a trip to Greece will be an excellent investment in your well-being.

Greece is unlike any other country. It not only meets your expectations, but it also enchants everyone with its sheer magic.

What is the Best Time to Visit Greece?

The months of April through October are generally the finest for visiting Greece. However, keep in mind that the months of July and August are the busiest, with tourists and residents alike enjoying the sun and beaches.

As a result, costs normally rise throughout the summer, but the nightlife will be fantastic.

If you want to travel on a budget, April, May, September, October and November are the best months to visit. However, it appears that visiting Greece island in the spring or autumn and playing watersports such as diving, surfing, or even swimming will be tricky.

We recommend avoiding the peak summer months for as long as possible. However, if you decide to spend your honeymoon there, it would be a fantastic idea to make it a chilly vacation on one of Greece’s beautiful beaches during the summer months of July and August.

Top Things and Places to see in Greece

1- Open your sense of history: Acropolis, Athens 

Location: via Dionysiou Areopagitou
How to get there: 2 minutes walk from Akropoli metro station.
Price: Around USD 23.20

If you visit Greece, make it a point to learn about its distinct culture and history. Few monuments on the planet can compare to what Acropolis has to offer its visitors, very unique to make it your starting pickup.

Why should you visit Acropolis?

Located in the Greek capital of Athens, the Acropolis is a hilltop building that appears out of nowhere and impresses everyone who visits this ancient city. This historical site was a worship place and sometimes served as a refuge when the metropolis was attacked.

The most recognizable template, Parthenon, rises over modern Athens as the final tribute to Greece’s golden and great civilization in the 5th century BC.

This magnificent structure contains 58 columns, each with its own distinct artwork that you will see in parts of the Acropolis.

There are also other finest templates on the same site, but the Parthenon is the most famous landmark of Greece, which UNESCO has listed as the most beautiful complex of Ancient Greece.

After visiting this site, you will recognize that history makes sense, and it definitely comes into perspective better when it comes to Ancient Greece. You will intend to appreciate the most remarkable achievements made by humanity.

There is always something to see and do in this part of Athens, in the following points you will discover the treasure you are about to uncover.

Things to do:

• This spot is brimming with history, and simply walking around the archaeological place will engage you with interesting facts and legends.
• It’s impossible to be bored here, as you can visit other vital temples adjacent to Acropolis, such as Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.
• Explore the extraordinary architectural refinement of Acropolisater became a global symbol of democracy.
• Climb up the hill to admire the unforgettable 360-degree panorama over Athens, the Aegean Sea, and other monuments.
• Rotate slowly around the site to discover the Theatre of Dionysus, such a worth sightseeing

Things not to do:

• In August, avoid going to the Acropolis. It might be boiling because it is an open space, or you can come here as soon as it opens. (at 8:00 a.m.)
• Don’t wear sturdy shoes, or any shoes that don’t make you uncomfortable is not a good idea. The ground is rocky and uneven. It would be a hiking expedition of some sort.
• Even in the winter, don’t go without sunscreen. To protect your skin, you’ll need to put it on several times.

Pro tip: If you want to avoid the fuss that you could find here because tons of tourists visit this striking destination daily, it’s much preferable to come here in the morning or afternoon. Furthermore, the weather will be great for walking around without becoming weary due to the heat.

2- When Nature Embraces History: Cape Sounion

Location: Lavreotiki
How to get there: It takes about 1.5 hours from Athens by bus
Price: Around USD 7

A list of things to do in Greece should include such intriguing temples as the Temple of Poseidon. But just be prepared that in the summer, the journey from Athens may take longer than 1.5 hours due to traffic.

Why should you visit Cape Sounion? 

Cape Sounion is where you indulge in a historical place and breathtaking nature. Building on a cliff with a view of the Aegean Sea, when you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be stunned by the spectacular panorama, which is surrounded on three sides by water.

The position was strategically important since it allowed Old Athenes to keep an eye on the Aegean Sea and control its passageways from intruders.

Built in 444 BC, the Temple of Poseidon has withstood all-natural adversity admirably. The edifice, like the Acropolis, was used as a refuge in the event of an unexpected invasion.

The Temple of Poseidon exemplifies a Doric style too, but it is assumed to have been structured in the early years of Greece’s Golden Age. There is a lovely coffee shop at the entrance of the temple. After this long journey, you can take a breath here and enjoy your coffee when the sun is descending into the sea with mountains rising from everywhere. Priceless moment!

Things to Do:

• Be involved in a tour guide to listen to history about the place and how it is well preserved till this moment.
• Do not forget to capture beautiful shots of this sparkling spot to add to your adventures.
• Eat a light meal on the beach before you leave the site, or if you plan to see the sunset from here, you can get rest down there before coming up again to the temple.
• It will be a great idea if you choose to go to the Temple of Poseidon by private car as there are many beautiful places along the road. You can take a break to look around. (It will set you back big bucks, but it will be well worth it.)
• Bring your swimsuit; you can take a dip in the sea if you like, and it would be so lovely to be surrounded by all this marvel.

Things not to Do:

• The bar prices are slightly higher, so please ask about the menu before placing an order.
• If you have vertigo or don’t feel safe climbing up with a sea view, be warned that there are few chains here, and getting too close to the edge could be dangerous.
• Please check the temperature before leaving; it may be gloomy or windy, especially in the Autumn, and you will miss out on the day’s activities.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to travel far from Athens, cross this spot off your list of sights to see in Greece. Some people become irritated since it is remote from the capital, and they waste time traveling there.

 3- Go on a Wonderful Hike on Imbros Gorge

Location: Hora Sfakion, Crete
How to get there: the best way to catch the bus from Chora Sfakion, the northern coast of Greece. It takes about 10 minutes. To get Chora Sfakion from Athens, you have to book a flight.
Price: Around USD 3

Life is a tapertey filled with thrilling experiences; hiking Imbros Gorge should be one of them.

There’s so much to see in the booming open park of Imbros Gorge. But bear in mind that this trip will take you a long way from Athens; you’ll need to book a flight or rent a boat to travel to Chania, located on Greece’s northwest coast.

Additionally, Greece is renowned for its trekking options, and professional hikers from all over the world come to practice their favorite sports here. Imbros Gorge is the baby version of other largest parks, such as Samaria Gorge, which takes more than 5 hours to walk through.

Why should you visit Imbros Gorge? 

It’s an 8-kilometer walking tour through a long canyon, and it leads to the village of Komitades among beautiful roads to explore wildlife, rocky mountains, and some animals that will come across your way.

It’s an incredible experience that takes you to stunning untouched nature. There is a growing sense of exhilaration while roaming around this park with arcades, cliffs, caves, and paths in ups and downs.

You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to visit here. It is appropriate for beginner walkers; simply keep your eyes on the road to avoid stumbling.

Things to Do:

• Take part in an incredible hiking adventure that will take you on some of the more fascinating strollings than you’ve ever done.
• In the gorge, you can see several interesting historical pieces like an ancient Venetian water cistern.
• Before returning to Chora Sfakion, have a cup of coffee or a snack.
• Get in touch with nature to help your soul recover from any stress.
• After leaving the park, take a break in Chora Sfakion and unwind on the beach, which overlooks the hamlet and offers stunning mountains and small yachts.

 Things not to Do:

• Except for walking shoes, don’t go there without them. It’s downhill, and you’ll need to be at ease for the 8-kilometer stroll.
• If you don’t like long walks or hiking, simply don’t go there. It’s not the right trip for you.
• Do not stop at the “Main Entrance” signs; it’s a tourist trap to let people abruptly check the cafes and restaurants. Keep walking. The actual entrance is 1 km outside of town.

Pro Tip:  After you’ve finished your trip inside, simply take the first taxi available. They’ll demand a lower fare than you’d pay if you continued down the road. Many tourists said that they only spent $5 for a cab ride from the exit gate.

4- Don’t Miss out Acropolis Museum

Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens
How to get there: 5 minutes walk from Acropoli metro station
Price: Around USD 6

It’s a wondrous, fresh, dynamic structure that embraces a series of masterpieces from sacred rocks. With its impressive exterior design, the museum captures the details of the Golden Era of Greece that was the origin of European art and renaissance.

 Why should you visit the Acropolis Museum? 

This modern glass edifice is a symbol of the simplicity of Greek architecture. The eyes and emotions of visitors are immensely satisfied by the extraordinary design and, most notably, the artworks within. They can’t get past focusing on every detail of this miracle.

The museum provides visitors with a comprehensive image of the Acropolis and its finest antiques, displaying a comfortable building to regale its guests.

What we love most about the museum is that the glass walls of its exhibition space enable you to enjoy a panoramic view of both the Acropolis and the modern city.

Moreover, the museum boldly incorporates the imperative traces and monuments of Ancient Athens. For instance, the museum gives visitors unique access to explore an archaeological excavation site which finally brought to light through a glass floor of the interior spaces.

This corner of the museum always grabs the attention of everyone who comes here, and it’s authentic and genuine. Don’t forget to head for the gallery of the slopes compiled from the large and small sanctuaries of the adjacent sites as it should include in your list of things to do in Greece.

Things not to Do:

• Enjoy strolling through the museum to watch antiques and remnants of Ancient Athens.
• Learn more about public and private life throughout antiquity.
• Have a tasty view of the Acropolis from the refreshment and dining area while taking your coffee or trying Greek cuisine.
• Visit the hall of statues which host a number of artworks and sculptures from the archaic period that are freestanding in the exhibition space. You can check them from all sides.
• Don’t miss the ruins of the old city located beneath the museum by walking along the glass road. 

Things not to Do:

• Chairpushes for babies are not permitted on the Acropolis site; however, there is a safe to leave before entering the museum.
• Only a few areas, including the hall of statues, are allowed to be photographed.
• If you do not purchase a ticket online, you will face long lines. Be resourceful and efficient with your time.

Pro Tip: Remember to bring your passport or national identification card. Sometimes, You may not be allowed to enter without displaying your ID at the gate, and it’s better to be on the safe side.

5- Climb up Mount Lycabettus

Location: Lykavittos, Athens
How to get there: take a taxi ride from Evangelismos metro station.
Price: Around USD 9

Walking through narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets to reach the summit of Mount Lycabettus will bring you much joy and enchantment. From this high hill, Mount Lycabettus is an excellent vantage point to overlook Athens’ sights. Please come here if you want to get away from the daily grind.

Why should you visit Mount Lycabettus? 

It is Athents’ highest point, offering the most stunning views of the city. There are three ways to go to the top of the mountain:

• On foot, it could be challenging as the hill is very steep, and you can not retain your balance if you don’t make it before.
• Take a taxi
• Pay for a funicular, which we recommend. It costs a little money, but it’s a great way to immerse yourself in a fun experience.

In every scenario, you have to climb up a lot of stairs inside a lavish park to reach the summit.

On the mountain, you can see a lot of people having fun in their own unique style. Someone may curl up with a good book while taking in the breathtaking views of the city. Another brings his sketch to create a superb painting of lovely Athens.

You can relax for hours and bring your coffee while admiring these terrific moments.

Things to Do:

• Viewing from the top will give you a glimpse of how amazing this city is. And you can find its attractions sparkling in the skyline.
• Going through lovely landscapes will be helpful for your human being as we forget how nature looks like when we are in our centers.
• Stop for a while to explore a small picturesque church on the top.
• Watch the magnificent sunset view from the summit.
• Have a seat in a cafe or restaurant that is at the peak of the mountain. It’s perfect and romantic.

 

Things not to Do:

• If you decide to go there on foot, don’t forget to bring a big bottle of water.
• Don’t go there without having cash in your pocket. Credit cards are not accepted.
• Climbing up here is not a brilliant idea if you have any respiratory difficulties, especially in the spring or summer.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to get a taxi to reach Mount Lycabettus, keep in mind that the road isn’t available every day. So, before you leave your point, be prepared for a long walk and put on some comfy shoes.

6- Get Overwhelmed by Olympic Glory: Panathenaic Stadium

Location: Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue, Athens
How to get there: Just a few minutes walk from Acropolis metro station.
Price: Around USD 6

Did you enjoy watching the 2020 Olympic Games that just ended the last few months?

So did I. It was inspiring, powerful, and motivational when you watched champions achieve the impossible. Okay, let’s come back to Athens. Greece is the birthplace of the Olympics. And visiting the place that hosted the first round of the Olympics will be a wise choice.

Why should you visit Panathenaic Stadium? 

It’s an affordable trip that includes audio in English to become your own guide in discovering the history of this legendary stadium. Panathenaic Stadium is pretty close to the center of Athens to combine some attractions in one day.

Entirely built from white marble in the 19th century, the stadium is another archaeological site of Athens listed in UNESCO World Heritage. But the area dates back to 4c BC when the Roman emperors used this hall for gladiator fights.

If it’s possible for you to climb the stadium’s steps, do so and take in the view from the royal box. Lovely!

If you are lucky enough to attend some national events or concerts in the stadium, don’t hesitate a second, go for it. It would be the most beautiful thing you have done in your entire life.

Things to Do:

• Wandering around the stadium at your own pace.
• Listening to an audio guide will give you a better understanding of how the stadium looked during the first Olympics.
• Have good fitness? So, why not sprint around the stadium track and soak up the atmosphere of Panathenaic Stadium, or perhaps pretend to be an Olympic athlete?
• Stop outside to take a beautiful selfie of this majestic place.
• Visit the Olympia Theater or Museum on the far side of the stadium, including torches and memorabilia from every Olympic game.

Things to not Do:

• Don’t go there without asking the guards in the ticket window about your audio guide.
• We don’t recommend showing up here in the summer. It would be far too hot to go for a run or a walk.
•  Don’t bring food or beverages with you. They are not allowed inside.

Pro Tip: Please note that the stadium is open to the public in spring and summer (from March to October) from 08:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, during the fall and winter months (from November to February), it is open from 08:00 am to 5:00 pm.

7- Let’s Cool off on Greek Magical beaches

Location: Ionian, Crete, Naxos, Messenia, Ios
How to get there: Please keep in mind that these islands are fairly far apart, and not all of them have airports. You wouldn’t be able to complete them all during your visit to Greece. Make your decision and get ready for the most breathtaking swimming experience you’ve ever had.
Price: It all depends on when you want to go and which beach you want to hit up. It could cost as little as USD 55. Some islands, on the other hand, have public beaches and other bread and butter activities.

When you think about Greece, the first thing that pops into your mind is pristine beaches topped with white and blue houses with cozy domes. You fantasize about photographs you’ve seen on Instagram of your ideal vacation spot, where you can relax and let go of your worries.

But Greece has a lot more than this. As we are talking about things to do in Greece we can not dismiss its amazing shore. We here try to narrow your options down and include the most incredible beaches in Greece to help you know more about the other beautiful islands and beaches there.

Why should you go to Greek beaches? 

Cyclades- Naxos: Plaka Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Its pretty clear water with a stretch of golden sand will give you a perfect beach trip. Located in Naxos city, you can find a plethora of local restaurants if you plan to stay here all day.

Crete: If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Maldives, Elafonissi Beach will undoubtedly offer you Maldivian vibes, and its pink sand will transport you to another world. Elafonissi is situated in Crete, the most stunning island of Greece, so plan to have a look at the island to discover some culture of locals.

Ionian: The hues of nature are crisscrossed with white beaches in this spot. Myrtos beach is the most beautiful and famous beach on Kefalonia island, Ionian. Be prepared to see the breathtaking view when you get to the top of a hill above the beach where many movies are filmed, especially the sunset here is just from heaven.

Messenia: What you can see here is another stunning beach, Voidokilia Beach, shaped like a horseshoe. It’s like a vast quiet pool with magnificent sand dunes and blue water. You can relax here all day, and it’s suitable for kids to play and build their own castle on the shore. From here, you can see the ruins of Paleokastro (the old castle).

Ios: A lively island with a lively beach, it’s Mylopotas Beach. You can here do many water sports along with just laying on the beach enjoying blazing sunshine. You can come back here at night in the summer to enjoy some parties, plus here are the best accommodations if you want to settle down in Ios island for a couple of days.

Things to Do:

• Spending a whole day on the beach will be a big deal, and you deserve something like this.
• Taking up some watersports like paddleboarding, diving, and snorkeling. 
• Take a supper cruise with your partner and share a romantic time.
• Explore the islands you will choose; it’s not just about the water and beaches. You can keep wandering around the place. This streamlined plan will give you a glimpse of authentic Greece.
• Snapping away every place. Your shots will definitely be worth sharing.

Things to not Do:

• On some beaches, Keep an eye out for the front side of the water; some sharp stones make it not the right option for your kids.
•  Don’t go to beaches in the high summer months; it could be stuffed, and you will not be able to have an enjoyable time. In addition, prices will double.
• Some beaches are only accessible by descending a slope, so please be cautious of the tight road and turns to avoid injury.

Pro Tip: All Europeans visit during the summer vacation because Greece is known for its white-sand beaches. So, If you want to feel like you’re the ruler of the Greek islands, go in May or September. Heed my counsel. Also, don’t forget to not drink the water from the taps in the Greek islands.