Greece Travelers Recommend

Off mainland Greece, the Aegean Islands—home to dramatic rocky landscapes, crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and quiet traditional villages—attract adventure-seekers keen to escape bustling Athens. Here are a few ways to go island-hopping in the Aegean and experience the best of Greece’s stunning coastal landscapes.

Crete Tours

Greece’s largest island, with its soft-sand beaches and soaring White Mountains, is a veritable playground for travelers. Follow a guide along hiking trails above historic Agia Roumeli, explore beneath the waves on an Aegean Sea scuba dive, enjoy high-octane thrills with an off-road Jeep safari, or watch the waves roll over Elafonisi Beach. Chania and Heraklion are two of Crete’s most historic cities, and to escape civilization completely you can head to Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe.

Cyclades Islands Tours

Over a couple of days or longer, soak up the sunshine on the beaches of Mykonos, then watch the sunset from a seaside bar. Explore the pretty town of Chora (affectionately known as Little Venice), island-hop by catamaran, or visit the 19th-century Armenistis Lighthouse for stunning coastal views.

On nearby Santorini —widely considered to be the ultimate Greek island—explore the Minoan archaeological site at Akrotiri, sunbathe on the black sands of Perissa Beach, and get a taste of traditional island life in the village of Megalochori. Wine-lovers can hit the island’s vineyards and sample some of the delicate local wines in production.

And on the slightly more remote Milos, escape the tourist trail and experience a quieter side of Greek island life. Milos offers peaceful beaches, rich culture, delicious local food, and amazing sunsets. If you’re keen to see the Greek islands in their natural glory—minus the crowds—it’s a dream destination.

Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands lie off the west coast of Greece. From these shores, take to the waves and spot native loggerhead turtles swimming off Zakynthos, or explore the Drogarati Caves and Myrtos Beach on Cephalonia. On the nearby island of Corfu, discover top attractions such as 19th-century Achilleion Palace, the Byzantine-era Angelokastro Castle, and the elegant arcades of the Liston Promenade.

Dodecanese Tours

Perhaps most famous for their Byzantine churches and medieval castles, the Dodecanese Islands include the popular hotspots of Rhodes and Kos. Rhodes has its own ancient Greek Acropolis and other historic monuments, including a stadium and theater. But the island was even more of a powerhouse in the Middle Ages—and boasts one of the largest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. On nearby Kos, explore the ruins of 14th-century Neratzia Castle and Antimachia Castle, stroll along sandy beaches to mountainside villages like Pyli and Zia, or sample local wine at a family-run winery.

With the Mediterranean heat and a roster of events taking over Athens, summer is a lively time to visit the Greek capital. To help you plan your visit and battle the crowds, here are our picks of the top things to see and do in Athens this summer.

• Marvel at the UNESCO–listed ruins of the Acropolis, then learn more about the ancient wonder at the Acropolis Museum.

• Add a fun twist to your sightseeing tour and zip around the historic center of Athens on a Segway.

• Tuck into tasty Greek delicacies like bougats a (sweet or savory pastries) and loukoumades (Greek honey dumplings) on a food tasting tour.

• Take a road trip along the Sounion Peninsula and enjoy spectacular views from the seafront Temple of Poseidon.

• Escape the city heat and cruise out to the Greek islands of Hydra, Poros, and Egina.

• Journey back to ancient Greece on a day tour to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Three days on Santorini make it possible to really get a feel for the idyllic Greek island’s sights, beaches, culture, and people. Plus you’ll have time left over to do an all-day scenic hike or to get out onto the waters of the Aegean Sea and visit nearby Thirassia. Here are a few ways to fill 72 hours on Santorini. 

Day 1: Beaches, Views, and Archaeology

Spend your first day in Santorini hitting up the highlights of the island. One of the most important attractions is the archeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan town that was covered during a volcanic eruption around 1613 BC and unearthed by archaeologists in the 1960s. While in the area, make sure to check out some of the gorgeous beaches. White Beach (Aspri Paralia) can be quickly accessed by boat from Akrotiri; driving there takes about 20 minutes due to the tall surrounding cliffs. If you are short on time, head straight to Red Beach, which gets its name from the red volcanic sand and stones that pepper its shores. Other points of interest include the Monastery of Profitis Ilias and Kasteli Castle in the ridiculously picturesque village of Pyrgos—both the monastery and the castle offer great views out over the island.

Day 2: Cultural Highlights

Devote day two in Santorini to cultural experiences, but not before sailing out to visit the Santorini caldera, a stretch of leftover erupted volcano that’s now an islet. Most visitors take small-group tours out to the island, and the boat usually waits while travelers hike up to the top of the volcano (which, incidentally, is still steaming after all these years) for photos. Pack a swimsuit, as tours tend to also go to the nearby hot springs where you can hop in for a dip; many include food and drink, too. Other options for your second day include taking a cooking class, in which you savor local dishes and wines, or checking out a local winery for a tour and tasting. Come evening, journey to Oia to catch one of Santorini’s famous sunsets or consider attending a dinner show—most involve live music and folk dancing accompanied by buffet or coursed meals.

Day 3: Hiking or Sailing Adventure

Spend your final day on Santorini exploring a bit with a full-day activity. Options include hiking from the town of Fira all the way up to Oia on a scenic 6.75-mile (11-kilometer) trail that connects the two destinations, passing by attractions such as the 17th-century Byzantine Monastery of St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) along the way. Alternatively, take a day trip to the nearby island of Thirassia, a beautiful little getaway to the west of Santorini with a population of only about 200 people. This lovely island is easiest to get to using private excursions or boat charters, as ferry schedules can be unreliable, though note that many of the trips that come here stop at the Santorini volcano en route.

The idyllic Greek island of Santorini is packed from shore to shore with sights and experiences, from ancient archaeological sites and active volcanoes to gorgeous beaches and charming tavernas. With two days on the island, seeing as much as possible requires some strategic planning. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours on Santorini.

Day 1: History and Scenery

Morning: Start your day with a trip down to Akrotiri, Santorini’s most important historical site. An ancient town stood here until it was buried during a volcanic eruption in 1613 BC; archaeologists unearthed it in the 1960s. Afterwards, enjoy some beach time at Red Beach, named for its red volcanic sand and rocks.

Afternoon: Break for lunch en route to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias. This 18th-century monastery sits on the highest point of the island and looks very much like a fortress, with white, imposing exteriors. Afterwards, stop by one of the local wineries to try some of the island’s local wines.

Night: Watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea is a must-do for any visitor to Santorini, and the best place to do it is in the town of Oia, known for its fantastic views. After nightfall, pop into one of the many quaint local tavernas for a bite to eat before calling it a night.

Day 2: Local Culture and a Volcano Trip

Morning: Spend today really immersing yourself in local culture. Perhaps this means participating in a cooking class, which not only gives you the skills necessary to make Greek food at home, but also allows you to interact with local people while enjoying delicious specialties and local wine for lunch.

Afternoon: Hop aboard a tour boat (or charter a catamaran of your own) and set sail for the Santorini volcano, just off the western coast of the island. Most trips stop at the still-steaming volcano before continuing on to a local hot springs that flows right out into the sea, and some include food and drink.  

Night: A good way to wrap up your 2-day trip to the island is by taking in a dinner show at a traditional tavern. You can expect more local specialties as well as plenty of revelry in the form of traditional music and folk dancing. 

With miles of sun-soaked sandy beaches, hundreds of island escapes, and archaeological sites steeped in mythology, Greece is one of Europe's most unforgettable honeymoon destinations. Here are some ideas to make your honeymoon in Greece even more special.

• Feel like a VIP on an exclusive tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis in Athens, then discover the city’s natural beauty with a romantic picnic in the hills.

• Enjoy a tailor-made private walking tour of Athens with a personal photographer to capture your most memorable moments.

• Toast to the start of a happy marriage with a wine-tasting tour or sunset Champagne experience in Santorini.

• Learn the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine with a traditional Greek cooking class at an Athens tavern.

• Set sail around the beautiful beaches of the Greek island Mykonos, dive in the water to swim and snorkel in the Aegean Sea, then watch the sunset over Little Venice and Mykonos Town.

• Admire the UNESCO-listed monastery complex of Meteora at its most picturesque on a romantic sunset tour.

With three days in Athens, you have time to experience all of the historic city’s main draws, from its archaeological landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods, and also venture into the surrounding countryside to visit hilltop monasteries, ancient ruins, and locations central to Greek mythology. Here are some top options for three days in Athens.

Day 1: Ancient Athens

Kick off your time in Athens with a tour of its landmarks. Tour on foot or by Segway or electric bike and visit lively neighborhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki and spots including Hadrian’s Arch, Panathenaic Stadium, and the National Gardens of Athens. Most tours include a trip to the top of the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Parthenon and take in views over Athens.

In the afternoon, spend time touring a few of the city’s museums. The collection at the Acropolis Museum focuses on the famous archaeological site, while the Museum of Cycladic Art on Vasilis Sofia showcases marble statuary dating back some 3,000 years. The world’s most comprehensive collection of Greek antiquities is on display at the National Archaeological Museum.

Day 2: Modern Greece

Now that you’ve explored Athens’s past, step into its present with a day spent savoring this modern Greek city. Wander through some of the city’s less-visited areas on a guided walking tour, and take in views of the Acropolis from Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens. Head to the upmarket neighborhood of Kolonaki for a coffee break with Greek socialites or head to the Athens Planetarium, among the world’s largest and most technologically advanced.

In the afternoon, dig into the modern culinary landscape. Get hands-on with a Greek cooking class, or join a food tour and treat yourself to bites at eateries popular among locals.

Day 3: Myths and Monuments

Some of Greece’s biggest destinations are within day-trip distance of the capital city. A self-guided, private, or group tour to the UNESCO-listed town of Delphi is among the most popular day trips from Athens. Tours here usually stop at ruins of the Temple of Apollo, Temple of Athena Pronaia, and the Delphi Archeological Museum.

Other options include a train ride through the Peloponnesian countryside to the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora or a group tour to see the Mycenae ruins and well-preserved Theater at Epidaurus in the Sanctuary of Asklepios. It’s also possible to take a half- or full-day tour of ancient Corinth and visit the Temple of Poseidon on the sea cliffs above Cape Sounion.

With its beautiful white edifices topped with blue domes, charming and vivacious tavernas, and gorgeous beaches in hues of red, black, and white, Santorini is the quintessential Greek island. It’s also small enough to get a good feel for even if you only have one day. Here’s how to maximize 24 hours on Santorini. 

Morning: Cruising out to Sea

One of the best ways to see Santorini is from the sea, and most visitors to the island make a point to sail out into the caldera, where there’s a small mass of still steaming volcanic land known as Nea Kameni and a pleasantly warm hot springs that spills out into the sea. Numerous boat tours go out to the island and usually stop long enough for you to have time to hike up to the top of the islet. It’s best to go in the morning when temperatures are coolest, particularly if you’re visiting during the hot summer months.

Afternoon: Archaeology and Beach Time

After returning to shore, grab lunch and then head south to check out two of Santorini’s most important sights: Red Beach and ancient Akrotiri. Start with Akrotiri, where you can see old Minoan Bronze Age settlements that were covered during an eruption around 1613 BC. Excavations to the area have brought up everything from pottery to buildings, and much of the excavated areas are shielded from the sun. From here it’s just a short drive to Red Beach, named as such because of the rusty hue of its volcanic rocks and sand.

Night: Santorini Sunsets in Oia

Finish up at the beach in time to make it up north by the time the sun goes down. Santorini is known for its amazingly vivid, colorful sunsets, and the coastal town of Oia is considered the best place to watch them—there are also plenty of great places to eat in the area once night has fallen. Alternatively, head out to a local dinner show where you can watch live music and traditional Greek dancing as you dine on local cuisine.

Few places on earth are more enchanting than Athens, the capital city of Greece. As one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, there's no shortage of historic sites to visit in what’s considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Here, you’ll find a plethora of monuments from ancient times, including the world-famous Acropolis. However, it’s not all archaeology and antiquity; Athens is, in many ways, a very modern city, especially since the extensive revamps that led up to the Summer Olympics in 2004. See below for some of the best ways to experience Athens and its surroundings. 

Home of Aphrodite, goddess of love, and Eros, the original Cupid—not to mention Dionysus, god of wine—Greece delivers magical sunsets, fabulous food, and achingly romantic cruises. And you and your beloved can experience all this from Athens. Here’s how.

Soak Up a Sunset

Whether you’re watching the sun set over the ancient Acropolis from Areopagus Hill or marveling at Mediterranean vistas from Cape Sounion, feel the romance as twilight falls.

Cruise the Aegean

The wine-dark waters of the Aegean Sea make the perfect setting for love. Cruise the Athenian Riviera and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, or spend the day hopping the Saronic Islands. For big events, be they proposal or anniversary, charter your own sailing boat and savor an indulgent dinner on board.

Dine à Deux

There’s more to Greek cuisine than the humble taverna. Enjoy dinner at a table suspended in the sky, or feast on seafood overlooking the Aegean. Join your own personal guide for a tutored wine tasting, a food adventure, or a visit to the city’s most romantic night spots. Let your personal photographer immortalize it all.

Stroll the City

As lights illuminate the Acropolis, experience the city on a romantically themed tour. Follow in the footsteps of the love poet Lord Byron or ancient nymphs and the gods who pursued them, and soak up the timeless glamour of this city of hills.

Athens’ peak-season crowds disappear in the fall. The weather is cooler, but the Aegean is still blissfully warm, the grape and olive harvests are in full swing, and the city looks magical after dark. Here are a few ways to enjoy Athens this fall.

• Take the train to Meteora to savor the fall colors and the warm light around the monasteries.
• Treat yourself to a private food tour of the city’s best markets, delis, and artisan stores.
• Enjoy an all-day island-hopping adventure to Poros, Hydra, and Aegina without the high-season crowds.
• Tour the vineyards around Nemea as the grape harvest comes in.
• Savor local artisan olive oil with a tutored tasting.
• Watch the sunset from the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
• See the Acropolis lit up at night on an evening tour that includes dinner.
• Learn about Greek gods, myths, and heroes as you explore the city’s ancient monuments.
• Get to know locals on a bar-hopping tour.
• Discover traditional neighborhoods such as Plaka and Anafiotika on an off-the-beaten-path walking tour.
• Make like Dionysus with a wine tasting in the shadow of the Acropolis.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Athens—and all of Greece. Flowers and herbs bloom in the hills and on the islands, cooler weather makes getting active a joy, and the high season crowds are nowhere to be seen. Here are a few ways to experience the Greek capital this spring.

• Take a walking tour of the Acropolis and essential ancient ruins.
• Beat the crowds to Santorini for a night or two.
• Soak up the sun on a Greek islands day cruise.
• Explore the city or the coast on a bicycle tour.
• Learn how the first Olympians exercised with an ancient Greek workout at the Panathenaic Stadium.
• Take an overnight adventure to see spring flowers bloom at the ancient temple of Delphi and among the sky-high monasteries of Meteora.
• Hike Mount Lycabettus for sunset city views.
• Learn about Greek plants and flowers on a National Gardens tour.
• Perfect your photography with a private guided tour of iconic sights and no big groups to ruin the shot.

With its whitewashed towns, stellar beaches, and lava-sculpted topography, Santorini is a quintessential Greek island and the perfect complement to Athens. From a weekend retreat to a longer adventure, here's how to visit Santorini from Athens.

Multi-Day Santorini Tours

Multi-day tours are the easiest way to visit Santorini, combining the flexibility of independent travel with the convenience of pre-organized transport and accommodation. Check off Santorini's highlights on a short but sweet two-day tour; see more of the island on a two- or three-night tour; or combine your Santorini adventure with sightseeing in Athens on a seven-day tour. Tours typically include round-trip transport to Santorini by either ferry or speedboat, and a choice of two-, three-, or four-star accommodation.

Island Hopping Multi-Day Tours

Thousands of islands dot Greece's Aegean Sea coast, and island-hopping tours prove a popular way to visit Santorini. Set sail on an epic seven-night cruise around the Cyclades Islands, stopping at Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Syros, or opt for a five-day independent tour to explore Syros, Mykonos, and Santorini at your own pace, with island accommodation included.

Things to Know

• Ferries run from Piraeus Port in Athens to Santorini and take about eight hours, while express speedboat transfers take 5.5 hours.

• It's possible to visit Santorini on an overnight tour, but a two- or three- night option will give you more time to experience the island, especially given the travel times.

• Most multi-day tours include round-trip transport and accommodation.

• Independent tours combine the convenience of an organized tour with the flexibility to create your own itinerary.

• Tours to Santorini from Athens are often combined with visits to neighboring islands such as Syros and Mykonos.

The Acropolis rises from the heart of Athens, and remnants of ancient history appear around every corner of the city. With an early start and a bit of planning, you can catch the highlights of one of the world’s oldest cities in a single day. Here’s how to make the most of your limited time in Athens.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Some of the greatest treasures of ancient Greece are found in Athens, and there are a few ways to see them all. Join a half-day sightseeing tour to make sure you hit the highlights—you can visit the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium (home of the first modern Olympic Games) and climb to the top of the UNESCO-listed Acropolis to take in the marble columned Parthenon. Next, make your way to the Acropolis Museum to admire the Parthenon friezes and learn about the archaeology of the site.

Afternoon: Plaka and Agora

After lunch, wander the colorful streets of the Plaka neighborhood, home to numerous ancient sights, Byzantine churches, 19th-century homes, and sidewalk cafes. Take an afternoon stroll through the ruins of ancient Agora (the commercial center of ancient Greece), or book hop-on hop-off bus tickets to catch sight of some of Athens’ top spots at your leisure.

Night: Athens Illuminated

You haven’t seen Athens until you’ve seen it at night. As the sun goes down, head out on an evening tour to see monuments such as the Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, and the Greek Parliament illuminated against the night sky. Duck into a traditional taverna for a dinner of Greek favorites and an evening of traditional bouzouki guitar folk music. Alternatively, go all out on your one night in Athens with a 5-course dinner in a revolving restaurant 165 feet (50 meters) above the city.

With two days in Athens, you have time to branch out beyond the essential museums and archaeological sites to delve deeper into history, treat your tastebuds to some traditional cuisine, and explore the local neighborhoods. Here’s how to make the most of two days in Athens.

Day 1: Essential Athens

Morning: Kick off your 48 hours in Athens with a half-day city sightseeing tour. You’ll get an overview of the city’s top attractions, such as the Temple of Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Dionysos Theater, and the National Gardens of Greece. Opt for a private tour to customize your itinerary and get insider tips on the best places to visit during your stay.

Afternoon: Now that the morning crowds have cleared, head up to Athens’ main landmark, the Acropolis. Spend the afternoon exploring this UNESCO-listed archaeological wonder on your own or with a tour guide who can fill you in on the history of the ruins, including the Parthenon. Continue learning about the Acropolis and its history at the Acropolis Museum.

Night: Wind down your day of sightseeing with an evening on the town. Do it like the Greeks do with a leisurely dinner at a traditional taverna; tuck into meze (appetizers) at spots where locals go to socialize, sip ouzo or raki, and dance to the sounds of bouzoukia, a local folk music.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Morning: After getting an overview of Athens, today is the day to dig deeper into the rich culinary traditions of Greece with a morning cooking class. Classes typically include learning to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients before dining on the fruits of your labor. Alternately, hit the pavement on a walking food tour to sample some of the city’s best bites.

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon strolling through one (or more) of Athens’ neighborhoods. Colorful Plaka, the oldest residential district in Athens, is a maze of narrow lanes and alleyways lined with shops and cafes. For bargain shopping and historic ruins, head to Monastiraki in central Athens, or, for people watching, visit Syntagma Square.

Night: Treat yourself on your final night in Athens to dinner with a view. Take the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill for a meal with panoramic views over the illuminated city below, or book a table in a revolving restaurant 165 feet (50 meters) up for a look at the Acropolis while you eat.

Three days on Mykonos means you’ll have enough time to explore the windy streets of the capital city and surrounding countryside, visit the ruins of Delos, sample some local cuisine, and even explore another Greek island. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Around Mykonos

Start your morning with a walking tour of Mykonos Town (Chora), the island’s capital city and alluring port town. The community is best-known for its thatched windmills and whitewashed architecture, but you won’t want to miss a stroll through Little Venice or a chance to visit the archaeological and folklore museums. After lunch, hop in a Jeep for an island safari to some of the lesser-visited areas of Mykonos, including quiet villages, golden beaches, and ancient ruins. In the evening, grab an outdoor table at a local restaurant for an alfresco dinner of Greek seafood with views over the harbor.

Day 2: Legends and Local Food

This morning, get an early start for the quick ferry ride to the neighboring island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit with a historian to learn more about the intersection of history and legend while you visit important archaeological sites such as the Temple of Apollo, Sanctuary of Artemis, Sacred Way, and the famous Terrace of the Lions, dating back to 600 BC. Upon return to Mykonos in the afternoon, take some time to explore the island’s culinary landscape. Learn to prepare traditional dishes during a hands-on cooking class at a local farm, or head to an island winery for a guided tasting of local varietals, followed by a traditional Hellenic barbecue at Mykonos Spiti, a local home turned restaurant.

Day 3: Fun in the Aegean Sea

Mykonos makes an excellent base for beach hopping through the Aegean Sea. Board a catamaran this morning for a day of sailing to secret coves and pristine beaches far from the crowds. Charter your own boat for the entire day, or opt for the value of a small-group cruise in the morning, leaving your afternoon free for snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving in the blue waters just off the coast. End your magical Mykonos excursion with an equally magical sunset cruise.

As the cradle of European civilization, Greece is packed with remarkable ancient sights. From open-air theaters where Greek dramas were first performed to majestic temples ruins to the athletic facilities at the site of the first Olympic Games, here are our top picks of ancient sites accessible from Athens, Greece.

Corinth — 52 miles (83 km) from Athens

Though most of Corinth’s ruins date back to the Roman era, the fifth century BC, Temple of Apollo can be traced back to Classical Greece. As well as an archaeological site, Corinth also has an excellent museum. The museum houses lots of significant finds dating from ancient Greece.  

Mycenae — 71 miles (115 km) from Athens

The UNESCO-listed ancient site of Mycenae is spread around the foothills of Mount Agios Ilias and Mount Zara. Between 1600 and 1200 BC, Mycenae was the most powerful kingdom in Greece and was even name-checked by Greek poet Homer, who told of the legend of King Agamemnon of Mycenae leading the Greek forces in the Trojan War.

Epidaurus — 87 miles (140 km) from Athens

The fourth-century BC Epidaurus Theater is the star of the show of this archaeological site in the northern Peloponnese. The 14,000-seater theater has astonishingly good acoustics; even a whisper at stage level can be heard from the seats farthest-up on the hillside. 

Delphi — 110 miles (178 km) from Athens

Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, this archaeological complex was said to be home to the legendary Oracle of Delphi, who offered advice to leaders of the classical world from the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Olympia — 193 miles (310 km) from Athens

The site of the world’s first Olympic Games back in 776 BC, this fascinating mountainside complex includes remnants of the old sporting facilities, including a stadium, second-century BC gymnasium, and training hall. It also features structures that predate its time as a sports venue, such as the fifth-century Temple of Zeus. As the ancient Greek sight is a good distance from Athens, it’s best visited as part of a multi-day tour from the capital. 

Lefkadia — 327 miles (527 km) from Athens

One of Greece’s less well-known ancient treasures, the theater of Mieza was discovered in 1922. Though smaller than its Epidaurus counterpart—it would have only hosted an estimated 1,500 audience members—the rock-carved venue is nevertheless fascinating, and has been restored to how it would have appeared back in the third and fourth century BC. It was a key venue in the town of Mieza, the site where Aristotle is said to have taught a young Alexander the Great.

With picturesque villages, ancient ruins, and stunning natural surroundings, there’s a lot to do on Mykonos. Two days gives you ample time to experience the island by land and by sea, as well as explore the archaeological site on neighboring Delos. Here are some tips for how to spend 48 hours on Mykonos.

Day 1: History and Heritage

**Morning:**Get oriented this morning with a walking tour of Mykonos Town, home to whitewashed churches, thatched windmills, and narrow streets right off a postcard. Most tours include a stroll through Little Venice and flower-draped Matogianni, as well as stops at the Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, board a ferry for a short sail to the island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site straight out of Greek history and mythology. Tour the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis—one of the country’s most important archaeological sites—with a guide who can interpret what you’re seeing.

**Night:**Now that you’ve toured up an appetite, settle in for a traditional Mykonian meal in a local home turned restaurant. Learn about the island’s unique culinary customs and cooking techniques while you sip Cretan brandy (called raki) and typical dishes, such as stuffed tomatoes and peppers, tzatziki, beef with orzo, and fresh spinach pie.

Day 2: Island Adventure

**Morning:**Today’s all about adventure, starting out on land. Get off the beaten tourist track with a morning Jeep safari around the island, or head out on foot on a hiking tour through the island’s rural interior. 

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, cool off with some time in the water. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing on a local beach—Paradise, Ornos, or Kalafatis—or, for something a little more active, go snorkeling or scuba diving in the blue Aegean waters in search of seahorses, parrotfish, barracuda, and other marine life. 

**Night:**After a day of activity, unwind this evening during a relaxing sunset cruise along the coast of Mykonos. Enjoy views of Little Venice and the ruins of Delos Island in the light of the setting sun as you sip cocktails and munch on light bites from the deck—a fitting end to the ultimate 2-day trip.

With its sandy beaches, thatched windmills, beach bars, and Cycladic architecture, Mykonos ranks as one of the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea. While you could easily spend days or weeks on this little slice of Greek paradise, here are some tips for how to make the most of just 24 hours on the island.

Morning: Island Tour

Start your morning off with a guided sightseeing tour of the island. In as little as half a day, you’ll have plenty of time to catch the highlights—villages, beaches, fishing ports, and windmills. Opt for a private tour to customize your own itinerary, or join a local for an off-the-beaten-path tour to sites rarely visited by tourists. Those who’d prefer to stay in Mykonos Town (Chora) can take a walking tour of its whitewashed buildings and narrow winding streets while learning more about the town’s history and cultural heritage. 

Afternoon: Greek Flavors

Greeks love to eat, and Mykonos is no exception. Treat your tastebuds to some local flavor this afternoon during a walking tour of Chora Mykonos, visiting everything from a 17th-century underground bakery to a historic Greek taverna. Wine lovers might want to spend the afternoon enjoying a guided tasting of local varietals at a local Mykonian farm, while cooking enthusiasts can partake in an olive oil tasting workshop to learn how to pair oils with specific foods. For an introduction to Greek cuisine, head to a local farm for a traditional Hellenic barbecue.

Night: Sunset Cruise

There’s nothing quite like sunset in the Greek islands, and the best place to watch is from the deck of a boat. This evening, wrap up your ultimate day in Mykonos with a sunset cruise on the Aegean Sea. Choose between a family-friendly or adults-only option, and sit back and enjoy ocean breezes, spectacular views, and wine or cocktails on deck. If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, book a table at one of the many seaside restaurants in Mykonos Town.

Featuring seasonal vegetables, grilled meats, and delicious cheeses, Greek cuisine has something for everyone. Whether you prefer fine dining or grabbing a bite to go, your culinary experience in Athens will not disappoint. Here’s what not to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Almost any meal in Athens is likely to include a Greek salad, made of tomatoes, cucumbers, Greek olives, and shallots, dressed with Greek olive oil and topped with a slab of feta cheese. Another popular staple is tzatziki, a Greek yogurt with cucumber and garlic, and is used as a dip for meat, vegetables, or bread, or even eaten alone with a spoon.

Many Greek dishes may seem familiar as versions can be found around the Mediterranean. For example, the Greek version of moussaka is a baked dish made of layers of eggplant, ground beef, pureed tomato, onion, garlic, and spices, and topped with melted cheese.

Dolmadakia, or dolmades, are grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, herbs, and sometimes ground beef as well. If you’re in a hurry, skewers of chicken, beef, or lamb known as souvlaki are a popular street food to grab on the go, as are spanakopita —phyllo dough stuffed with spinach and feta cheese.

Must-Do Experiences

• Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner in a popular Athens tavern.

• Join a cooking class to learn about the staples of Greek cuisine and try your hand at preparing popular dishes yourself.

• Take a walking culinary tour to several bakeries and restaurants, and visit a market to sample traditional ingredients like honey, olives, and olive oil.

• Sample a variety of Greek appetizers and enjoy traditional Greek music at a lively bouzouki bar.

Santorini’s volcanic soil, sun-soaked summers, and mild, dry winters pair together beautifully to help produce many high-quality red and white wines. Here are a few ways to follow the Aegean island’s wine trail and sample some of Greece’s finest vintages in Santorini.

Must-Try Varietals

Perhaps the most popular wine produced in Santorini, Vinsanto is a sweet white wine featuring the assyrtiko grape alongside varietals such as athiri and aidani. The grapes are dried in the sun so the sugars condense, producing a full-bodied yet delicate sweetness. Oak-aged white nykteri wines are also made in Santorini, as are with a small number of reds using varietals such as mandalieria and mavrotragano.

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit traditional wineries and cellars around Akrotiri, Fira, or Oia on a guided Santorini wine tour, and sample some of the diverse Santorini wines in production.

• Take a Greek cooking class and pair traditional dishes such as caramelized pork with local wines.

• Cruise the Aegean Sea and sip Greek wine on board as the sun sets.

• Enjoy a guided history tour around Santorini and learn of the island’s rich winemaking heritage.

With three days on Corfu, there’s ample time to get acquainted with its sights and charms and explore beyond its shores. Admire the Venetian architecture of Corfu Old Town; roam palaces, museums, and tranquil countryside; and cruise to nearby islands and the Greek and Albanian mainland. Here are your options for a 3-day stay.

Day 1: Corfu Town and Highlights

On your first day, explore Corfu Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the island’s other main sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. See the Old Town’s main draws and take in the nearby views over Mouse Island. Alternatively, opt for a wider island tour on a private or shared-group basis. All combine brief sightseeing in Corfu Old Town with visits to attractions such as the splendid 19th-century Achilleion Palace and the west coast town of Paleokastritsa, home to six exquisite coves and a charming medieval monastery.

Day 2: Nearby Islands and Beyond

Now that you know Corfu a little better, today is prime for exploring farther by boat. Take a day trip to Saranda, one of Albania’s major beach resorts and just across the narrow Straits of Corfu, and opt to tag on a visit to nearby Butrint, where the remnants of a 6th-century BC city nestle in woodland. If you prefer a regular swim-and-scenery boat trip, book an all-day sailboat cruise to swim and snorkel in secluded bays, or go island-hopping to Paxos and Antipaxos just south of Corfu to enjoy their aquamarine waters. Other popular options include cruises to mainland Greece: to Syvota to bathe in its electric-blue lagoon, to the pretty town of Parga, or to the rock-pinnacle monasteries of Meteora.

Day 3: Get Under Corfu’s Skin

Devote your last day on Corfu to experiences of specific interest to you. Outdoor enthusiasts might want to hop on a Vespa to zip along the winding coastal roads of Paleokastritsa. Foodies can choose a private Corfu Town food tour and sample meze tidbits, flaky pies, and other specialities strolling the old quarter’s lanes and markets. Wine aficionados might combine a countryside tour with tastings at one of Corfu’s oldest wineries, while beach fans can spend the day lounging on Glyfada Beach. Whatever you choose, wrap up your stay in relaxed style, with a guided evening stroll to absorb Corfu Town’s nighttime vibe and lit-up landmarks. Forage for souvenirs in the alleyways, admire sights such as St. Spyridon Church, and finish with a cold drink at the illuminated Liston.

Rhodes' biggest draw might be its pristine beaches, but there's plenty to do on the largest Dodecanese Island besides top up your suntan and learn to windsurf. From exploring the island’s ancient cities to sipping wine in a traditional winery, here’s how to get the most of three days on the Greek island of Rhodes. 

Day 1: Medieval Rhodes

Start with a guided Segway tour of Rhodes’ medieval Old Town, the island’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the towering fortification walls where you can walk the legendary Avenue of the Knights to the hilltop Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, then stroll around the maze of cobblestone streets that make up Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited medieval city. In the afternoon, take some time to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, either on nearby Kallithea Beach or stand-up paddleboarding along the island’s rocky coast. Once the sun goes down, experience the Old Town illuminated at night during an evening walking tour of the city.

Day 2: Island Adventure

Spend your second day traveling around the coast to explore some of the island’s many historic attractions. Discover the ruins of the ancient Doric cities of Lindos and Kamiros, take in the views from the grand medieval Kritinia Castle, or picnic by the banks of the shaded Seven Springs. Alternatively, clamber a rock-cut stairwell to the summit of the secluded Monolithos Castle and stop off along the way for wine-tasting at the traditional winemaking villages of Emponas and Siana. Opt for a round-island Jeep safari with a professional driver or drive yourself as part of an off-road caravan. To make sure you see what you want, consider a private tour tailored to your interests. End your day with a sunset dinner cruise.

Day 3: Aegean Day Trip

Now that you’ve experienced the best of Rhodes, leave the island on a day trip, perhaps to the idyllic island of Symi, known for its picturesque harbor surrounded by colorful houses, or on a full-day cruise to Marmaris on the Turkish Riviera. Soak up the views from its hilltop medieval castle, visit an archaeological museum, or shop for Turkish keepsakes at the Marmaris Bazaar. Independent travelers can catch a ferry to Fethiye, also in Turkey, to explore this low-key harbor town and its surrounding attractions. After a long day island hopping, end your stay with a quiet dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant in Rhodes’ Old Town.

With three days in Heraklion (aka Iraklio), you can discover the area’s 4,000 years of history, savor the local cuisine, wander landscapes like the Samaria Gorge—and even visit another island. Here’s how.

Day 1: Historic Heraklion

Even if ruins aren’t normally your thing, make an exception for Heraklion. Star attractions are the Palace of Knossos, a 4,000-year-old city built by the mysterious Minoan civilization, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to ancient treasures from across the island. Check these off, then learn about Crete’s more recent history while exploring the Venetian Walls and 16th-century Koules Fortress. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Crete’s culinary delights. Tour vineyards and olive groves; sample ingredients at markets and artisan food stores; or treat yourself to a cooking class. Wrap up your first day with a dinner of local seafood (try the red mullet, a Greek favorite) in one of the pretty eateries that dot the Old Venetian Harbor.

Day 2: Off-Road Adventures

Time for an inland adventure. At 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, the Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons, and for hikers, it’s an essential Crete experience that’s particularly beautiful when the wildflowers are in season. Or, head to the mountains around the Lasithi Plateau, known for its white-sailed windmills. Don’t miss the Dikteon Cave—according to legend, the Greek god Zeus was born among the eerie rock formations framing its underground lake. Spend the evening in true Cretan style, at a dinner show—island wines and local favorites like lamb pair perfectly with folk songs and traditional dances.

Day 3: Island Inspiration

On your final day, cruise to another of Greece’s 6,000-ish islands and islets. Uninhabited Dia is closest to Heraklion, with crystal waters and unspoiled beaches perfect for snorkeling. Or, make your way to Spinalonga, a tiny islet once used to quarantine people with leprosy. Even if you’ve not read the novel The Island, Spinalonga is an atmospheric place, and many tours include a swimming stop at nearby Kolokytha. Farther afield, but easy to reach on a day trip from Heraklion, the famously scenic Santorini boasts blue and white houses perched on the edge of a giant undersea volcano. Back in Heraklion in the evening, finish up your stay by enjoying the city’s modern side, as you crawl the contemporary bars and restaurants around Agios Titos Square

With white-sand beaches, mighty cliffs, turquoise seas, and volcanic caldera views, the Aegean island of Santorini is a popular destination among sun-seeking travelers to Greece. From exciting day trips to overnight island-hopping adventures, here are the top Santorini tours from Crete.

Full-Day Tours

Full day tours from Crete to Santorini allow visitors to take in all the top island attractions in one trip—ideal for travelers exploring the region using Crete as a base. Cruise from Crete to volcanic Santorini and enjoy sweeping views over the white-washed, clifftop houses, then explore historic settlements such as Thira and Oia, and visit the black-sand beach at Perissos. Both guided and independent full-day tours are available.

Multi-Day Tours

With a little more time to spend exploring Santorini and its surrounding on a multi-day tour, enjoy the freedom to delve a little deeper into Greece's island life and culture. On a 2-day guided tour, sail by catamaran to Santorini, visit the capital city of Thira and see the island's famed volcano. On an independent 3- or 5-day tour, you'll be afforded the opportunity to go island-hopping around Santorini and Mykonos. Discover top attractions such as the windmills of Mykonos, and enjoy free time to swim and relax in the Mediterranean sunshine at your leisure.

Things to Know

• Santorini lies 89 miles (144 kilometers) to the north of Crete.

• The cruise across the Aegean Sea from Heraklion in Crete to Santorini takes between two and three hours, depending on conditions. High-speed vessels run to shorten the journey time.

• Guided and independent full-day trips usually last 12 hours and include hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a round-trip boat ride.

• Multi-day tours run from two to five days and typically include round-trip transport, day cruises, overnight accommodation, and more.

• Santorini and the surrounding islands are very hot in summer, so remember to bring sun protection and water. Some of the walking trails are rugged, so sturdy shoes are recommended.