Looking to explore the most beautiful places in Greece? This post has you covered. Greece is one of the most beautiful countries on earth, and one of the most romantic places in Europe. It is best known for its whitewashed architecture, vivid blue waters, and unique landscapes. Although the entire country is full of beauty and magic, there are a few places that stand out.
This post is perfect for anyone planning a visit to Greece and wondering where the top places to visit are. This list of the most beautiful places in Greece offers a wide range of differences, meaning you are sure to find one that fits your travel desires. Whether those are beaches, history, or nature, Greece has it all.
Prepare to fall in love with the beauty and charm that Greece holds.
18 Most Beautiful Places in Greece
Santorini
Explored by Karen Buffier from Big Adventures for Little Feet
The most prolifically photographed and visited Greek Island is the gorgeous Santorini. Santorini is stunningly beautiful with the main towns of Oia and Thira perched precariously overlooking the Santorini caldera where you can witness the famous sunsets. It is surely one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
The island of Santorini has been shaped by volcanic activity with a huge eruption in 17th Century BC responsible for forming the recognizable caldera shape of the island. There are many fabulous things to do in Santorini starting by wandering the cobblestoned narrow laneways of Thira, which is the main town. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs or artworks and to find a perfect little eatery to sample the delicious foods on offer.
In the heat of the day, it is best to discover the myriad of beaches on the island. The best way to get around Santorini is by renting a 4-wheel motorbike and riding around the island. Head to the southeast corner of Santorini to find the interesting black sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos. Even better, circle further around the peninsula to the southwestern corner to find Red Beach. Both the red and black sand beaches’ colors have been formed from the pulverized volcanic rock.
For a relaxing swim in the ocean combined with waterfront dining options head to the eastern side of Santorini to pretty pebbled Kamari Beach. It has calm waters, beautiful views, and expands for quite a distance.
Finish off the day in Santorini by visiting Oia to perch yourself somewhere prominent for the setting sun. You won’t be alone as this is a right of passage in Santorini but a perfect way to welcome the evening in.
How to get to Santorini
Santorini is located in the Cyclades group of Islands and is easily reached by either ferry from the Greek mainland or by plane. There is a decent airport on the island catering for air travel from multiple destinations depending on where you are traveling.
Kefalonia
Explored by Stella Jane from Around the World in 24 Hours
The island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. It is not nearly as well known as it should be. But that just makes it a more charming and less crowded island for visitors to admire. For those who want to get a little more off the beaten track, Kefalonia is the best island to visit.
The most famous attraction in Kefalonia is the Melissani underground caves. There is usually a line to visit, but the wait is worth it. Visitors can explore the mysteriously beautiful caves in a short boat trip led by an expert local guide.
Another famously beautiful attraction in Kefalonia is the Agios Andreas Monastery. This monastery is filled with stunning gold treasures and icons. (And unlike many religious places, they allow you to take photographs, so you can bring the memory home with you.)
For the rest of your time in Kefalonia, you’ll want to stay above ground admiring the gorgeous scenery. You’ll find some of the prettiest views in Kefalonia in charming fishing villages like Agia Effimia. Stop here for a fresh seafood lunch and go for a sail on the aquamarine waters.
How to get to Kefalonia
The easiest way to get to Kefalonia is by boat or ferry. You’ll probably arrive in the capital, Argostoli, and from there you can head out and explore the island.
Ios Island
Explored by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate
Part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea, Ios Island is nestled between Naxos and Santorini and is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, rich history, and spectacular beaches. With some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entirety of Greece, a trip to Ios Island is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
Ios Island is home to so many fantastic historical landmarks, one of the most famous being Homer’s Tomb, which is where the iconic Greek poet, Homer, is said to be buried. There is also a string of fascinating historic churches, around 365 in total; it is well worth spending some time exploring the wonderful interiors.
However, what Ios Island is most famous for is its spectacular beaches, with their luscious white sands and crystal-blue waters, it is truly a paradise. Perhaps the most popular beach is Mylopotas, where there is an abundance of beach bars, restaurants, and opportunities for water-sport activities. There are also much quieter beaches if you prefer some tranquillity, such as Kolitsani and Valmas.
How to get to Ios Island
There is no airport on Ios Island, though it is easily accessible via ferry from Athens, and many of the other larger Greek islands.
Rhodes
Explored by Stuart Forster from Go Eat Do
Rhodes is the name of both a city and the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. The city of Rhodes is a great place for history aficionados. It’s associated with the Colossus, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, a vast statue of which no trace remains. Some scholars speculate that the Colossus stood astride the entrance to Rhodes’ harbor, which today can be explored during boat tours.
Among the must-visit attractions is the Palace of the Grand Knights of Rhodes, the dominant building in the city’s medieval quarter, It tells the story of the order of knights who played an important role in the story of the crusades. From there it’s a short walk to the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, where ancient urns and mosaics can be viewed.
Beach lovers may prefer staying at Lindos, an hour’s drive down the east coast from Rhodes. The principal beach of Lindos has golden sand and is just a few minutes’ walk from the Lindian Acropolis, which offers spectacular views over the white houses and narrow lanes of Lindos.
Above all else, it’s the relaxed vibe of the island that helps make Rhodes such a popular tourist destination as well as one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
How to get to Rhodes
The airport that most international travellers arrive into is south-east of the city of Rhodes, on the island’s most northerly tip.
Antiparos
Explored by Paulina from Paulina on the Road
Located next to Paros island, Antiparos is one of the most beautiful places in Greece that has not been explored much. Despite being a small island, it is an excellent destination for day trips from Paros. If you are staying in villa rentals in Paros, you can take a day out to this pretty island.
After reaching there, you will have a lot of things to do. Start by walking from the quaint port and then take the main pedestrianized street that will give way to the heart of Antiparos Town, or Chora. Later, you will find a bunch of eateries and shops. Take a peaceful walk along the street until you reach the main square and then get lost in the air of the island’s narrow whitewashed alleys.
Wander around the Venetian Castle of Antiparos that was built in 1440. However, the main tower in the center of the castle no longer exists. The remaining base of that main tower and a Gothic gateway near the main square remind you of the castle. After admiring the island’s architecture, do not miss the sunset at Sifneiko Beach.
One thing that makes it so beautiful is the Antiparos Cave, the only vertical cave in Europe that is 85 meters deep. The cave showcases the most amazing stalagmites and stalactites making it one of the finest enchanting museums in Greece.
How to get to Antiparos
Antiparos can be reached by taking a short ferry ride from Paros island or other greek islands.
Thessaloniki
Explored by Emily from Wander-Lush
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is a treat for the senses. From mornings wandering the vibrant old town, Ladadika, to ending a day in Thessaloniki watching the sunset over the Aegean with Mount Olympus as a backdrop, this is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
Thessaloniki is nestled in a natural port on the Aegean coast and is the capital of Northern Greece’s Macedonia region. Downtown Thessaloniki is all about contrasts. The city has experienced devastating invasions, earthquakes, and fires throughout its long history, all of which have shaped the landscape into what it is today.
The crumbling ruins of Roman villas, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman bathhouses sit at the foot of towering apartment blocks, each one with its shades painted a different color. The Arch of Galerius, Rotonda, and White Tower of Thessaloniki is among the most recognizable landmarks and are all must-visits.
Meanwhile, the market district, the sprawling Kapana and glass-roofed Modiano halls are a maze of beautifully dressed produce stalls, olive oil shops, and typical Greek tavernas with blue-and-white tablecloths.
As in Athens, there’s beauty in Thessaloniki’s gritty corners as well – street art decorates decaying buildings and hand-painted signage sits above many shops and cafes. The only way to explore the city is on foot, drinking in all the glorious details as you go.
How to get to Thessaloniki
It’s easily reached by train or flight from elsewhere in the country or overland from neighbouring Balkan countries.
Mykonos
Explored by Mansoureh from Travel With Mansoureh
Mykonos is one of the most famous islands in Greece and probably one of the most photographed places in the Aegean sea.
One of the best things to do in Mykonos is roaming around the main town of the island, Hóra, where you can find the unique Cycladic architecture. While admiring the photogenic street, you can head to Little Venice and have a drink or food in one of the seaside restaurants.
Mykonos is well-known amongst tourists and its vibrant nightlife scene, but this island with its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and good weather has a lot to offer. You can take a cycling tour and go around the island and explore the less-visited beaches or take a sailing tour and go around two inhabited but historic islands of Delos and Rhenia.
You can end your day by watching the stunning sunset next to next to the Famous Windmills. The unique landscape and stunning town make Mykonos one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
How to get to Mykonos
Getting to Mykonos is quite convenient either by planes or ferries. There are direct flights all year round from a number of locations in Greece including Athens and as well as from many European cities including London. If you prefer to travel by sea you can take a ferry from either Rafina or Piraeus ports in Athens or travel from Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Syros, Andros, Tinos or some other greek islands.
Nafplio
Explored by Jamie from Travel Addict
Nafplio is a charming seaside village located on the northeastern side of the Peloponnese and one of the most beautiful places in Greece. The town encompasses not only the beautiful seaport area with a charming waterfront, but also climbs the hillside that shadows the seaport. On top of the hill is the Fortress of Palamidi and within the harbor is Bourtzi Castle, both are great places to visit and showcase the incredible history of this region of Greece.
History buffs will also love the Archeological Museum of Nafplio, with exhibitions covering a wide swath of ancient times. Modern history is prevalent in Nafplio as well, as it was the original capital of Greece after it won its independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 1820s.
Nafplio is best experienced by wandering through the bright and colorful streets and taking in all the sights: from Constitution Square to the seaport. The architectural style is unique and eclectic based on the jumbled influences ranging from Ottoman to Venetian and Byzantium as a strong foundation for the town.
How to get to Nafplio
Nafplio is only a 2-hour drive from Athens. There are a variety of tour companies who will include Nafplio on day trips from Athens to travel via coach as well; trips that often also visit the incredible ancient theatre of Epidaurus and pass over the impressive Corinth canal.
Tinos
Explored by Alina from World of Lina
Tinos is an island of the Greek Cyclades located between Andros and the party island Mykonos. Even though it offers a breathtaking landscape, enchanting villages, great beaches, and is one of the most beautiful places in Greece Tinos is one of the less touristy islands of the country.
Once on Tinos, you’ll quickly find out why this island is one of the most beautiful places in Greece and thus worth a visit. Besides sandy and rocky beaches perfect for relaxing, there are many lovely villages to explore. Panormos (or Pyrgos) in the northern part of the island is not only the largest but definitely also the prettiest and most scenic one. Some say it’s even the most beautiful one of the entire Cyclades!
Another place not to miss is Volax – a small village surrounded by big round rocks. The village itself is cute but actually not the main attraction. It’s rather the strange-looking landscape is the reason why so many people decide to go there.
Oh btw, if you roam around the island and suddenly spot a flock of pigeons flying by then there’s probably a pigeon house nearby. These beautiful white buildings with different engraved patterns are a very typical thing for Tinos.
How to get to Tinos
There’s no airport on Tinos so the only way to get there is by taking a ferry. The fastest option is flying to Mykonos and taking the boat from there. If you land in Athens, you can choose from two different ports from where ferries to Tinos depart.
Crete
Explored by Nichola from Family Hotel Expert
Crete is an amazing place for a getaway and one of the most beautiful places in Greece. The island is the largest of the Greek islands and this allows it to have a whole variety of landscapes. From the beautiful beaches, pretty villages, and rolling hills peppered with olive trees.
There are plenty of historic sites to see including the amazing Knossos, said to be one of the oldest towns in Europe and absolutely packed full of history and intrigue. Towns like Chania and Rethymno are so pretty with houses with Venetian balconies spilling over with colorful flowers.
Head to the middle of the island and the Lassithi plateau for an intriguing landscape that becomes flat and lush with ancient windmills still turning. Here you can explore breathtaking caves and fantastic views across the island. There are some wonderful resorts in Crete for families that take advantage of the climate and views across the azure sea here.
Crete is somewhere to come and really relax but don’t miss the chance to try the olive oil, explore the history, jump in the sea and eat the wonderful food. It is a beautiful island that has it all – rolling mountains, beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, and gorgeous hotels.
How to get to Crete
Getting to Crete can be done by either plane or sea. It is one of the most convenient Greek islands to visit which makes getting there easy.
Sifnos Island
Explored by Derek and Mike from Robe Trotting
Sifnos island is a premier island in the Cyclades island chain of Greece. This gem of a volcanic island is also one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Sifnos has all the traditional features of the Greek islands like whitewashed buildings along winding stone streets, but without the over-tourism of the Greek party islands. This creates a gorgeous atmosphere and authentic experience.
Some of the most beautiful parts of the island are the golden beaches, one of the best being Vathy Beach. The protected cove is sprinkled with tavernas and coastal restaurants. Another favorite is Faros beach, a favorite of locals in a small fishing village.
Another way to capture the beauty of Sifnos is to go for a hike. You can set out on Sifnos Trails – a network of awe-inspiring hiking trails stretching 100 km around the picturesque island. Along with the ribbons of the trail, you can find incredible landmarks like the Chrisopigi Monastery, a stunning monastery by the sea. You can also reach Kastros, the medieval city which has been occupied since medieval times.
Visit this low key island haven and find out for yourself why it’s one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
How to get to Sifnos
You can easily reach SIfnos by sea ferry from Athens. Ships drop off at the port of Kamares and as soon as you arrive, you will notice the unassuming beauty of the island.
Hydra
Explored by Dymphe from Dymabroad
One of the most beautiful places in Greece is Hydra. This is a beautiful island near the capital of Athens. When you arrive on the island you first see the small port of Hydra. This is a lovely place with many restaurants and a concentration of beautiful buildings around the port.
There a ton of great things to do in Hydra. One of these is a visit to the cathedral, another is to see the donkeys on the island. If you want to see other places on the island, you can take a water taxi. There are no cars on the island, making water taxis the only way to move around. Other beautiful parts on the island that are worth a visit are Kamini and Vlichos. If you are looking for a great place to swim that is close to the port, go to Spilia beach.
Hdya is known for its clear blue water and unique rock formations. The island is small and picteresuq and the perfect day trip from Athens. It is much less touristy than Athens which makes the visiting experience all the more enjoyable. Furthermore, there are many beautiful pink Bougainvillea flowers, which are beautiful!
How to get to Hydra
You can easily get there by ferry from several places in Greece. From Athens, the ferry takes you there in about 1.5 hours.
Milos
Explored by Paula Morgan from Expert Abroad
Milos spent a long time flying under the radar of most visitors to Greece but a few years ago it started appearing in high-end glossy magazines and the world began to pay attention.
This is an island for water lovers and those wanting to relax, eat, and soak in the Greek Island vibes. Sailing trips, discovering quiet swimming spots and long lunches at cute fishing villages like Mantrakia fill your days. Nightlife is very low key, but there are enough restaurants to chose a different one each day of your vacation.
Milos boasts 70 beaches the Instafamous Sarakiniko, (pictured above) is unlike any other in Greece. There are also some great hiking trails and three villages to explore, the port of Adamanas and the small village of Pollonia on the opposite side of the island and the historic chora that sits high overlooking the island. It’s easy to spend a week here but allow yourself at least 3 or 4 days to enjoy it all.
Development here has been sympathetic and the island’s natural environment remains fairly unchanged. There are no big hotels or multi-story buildings. Accommodation ranges from boutique from high-end luxury to budget-priced family vacation homes.
How to get to Milos
Sitting between Athens and Santorini in the Western Cyclades, Milos is less than three hours from these two Greek hotspots and only two hours from the charming island of Naxos. While the island has an airport, most people choose to take the ferry as the trip is relatively short, mainly on fast catamarans.
Meteora
Explored by Laurel Robbins from Monkeys and Mountains Adventure Travel
Meteora may look familiar to you, it made an appearance in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only. The Meteora Monasteries are the second most important site in Greece, only after the Acropolis. The six monasteries sit precariously on the sandstone mountains. Traditionally, the only way to reach them was either by climbing or sitting in a basket that was heaved up with a long rope. Who knew that monks were so adventurous? Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under not one, but two categories– nature and art. It’s absolutely stunning.
Besides learning about the fascinating history of how the monasteries came to be, there are also great hiking trails to hermitages and the rock climbing is outstanding.
While many visitors think they can see it all in a half-day, you can easily spend three to four days exploring which is highly recommend. It is also highly recommended to do a guided tour. The Greeks are amazing storytellers and will bring the legends of Meteora alive which you’d otherwise miss. Plus, they’ll show you places you’d never find on your own, like a monk jail. Yes, that really was a thing! You’ve got to see it to believe it.
How to get to Meteora
Meteora is located near the middle of Greece. The closest major airport is Thessaloniki and it takes just under 3 hours by train or driving. If you’re coming from Athens, it takes approximately four hours by train or by driving.
Thassos
Explored by Anda from Travel for a While
Thassos is a relatively unknown island in the Northern Aegean, quite close to the mainland. It has remained a secret for most tourists looking for a Greek island destination which only adds to its ranking as one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
Another secret is that Thassos is a luxuriant island, one of the few green islands in Greece. It is also called the Emerald Island of Greece for that reason. Thassos has it all, great weather, sandy and pebbled beaches, ancient ruins, and beautiful bays. The water is clear and you can swim, paddle, kayak, or rent a boat and discover secluded beaches around the island.
Visit some of the most popular beaches, Golden Beach or Paradise Beach, Aliki, or Marble Beach. Limenaria and Potos are trendy places but head inland and explore the traditional villages like Theologos or Panagia.
Another of my favorite places inland is Maries. This is where an easy hiking trail leading to a waterfall starts. It is also a great place to have lunch, in one of the traditional tavernas of the village. Speaking of which, food is another reason to visit Thassos. You can enjoy seafood and fresh fish as well as traditional Greek food all over the island.
How to get to Thassos
Thassos is easily accessible by ferry from either Kavala or Keramoti, and it doesn’t have an airport,
Delphi
Explored by Elisa from World in Paris
Delphi is one of the most beautiful places in Greece on the mainland. Its proximity to the Greek capital, located 181 Km North West of Athens, makes Delphi a popular day trip from Athens but it is also very easy to organize using only public transportation.
Ancient Delphi was a religious sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, the Greek Sun God, also the protector of Arts and Medicine. Actually, this sanctuary was considered the center of the world by the Greeks!
In ancient times, it was an important pilgrimage center, and it was also famous also for its oracle where the Pythia (Apollo’s priestess) was consulted about important decisions. It was believed that Apollo could speak through the priestess to tell the future.
Delphi is ideally located at the foot of Mount Parnassus in a spectacular setting. The combination of ancient marble temples and nature in Delphi is just amazing. In the sanctuary of Delphi you are going to see ruins, which means that some temples or other secondary constructions are reduced to a bunch of stones. But they are beautiful! The ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo are the most spectacular.
How to get to Delphi
The best way to go to Delphi is by booking a guided tour. You can also take a bus towards Ámfissa and stop at Delphi. The bus journey is 2,5 hours (one way).
Kastellorizo
Explored by Kylie Gibbon from Visiting Dordogne
Kastellorizo is a picture-perfect Greek Island in the Eastern Mediterranean that’s located closer to Turkey than mainland Greece. It’s the smallest island in the Dodecanese, but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in charm.
The main attraction of Kastellorizo is the small harbor which is stunningly beautiful. You can spend hours wandering around, taking time to admire the Anatolian style architecture and exploring some of the beautiful colorful houses, shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the harbor. You’ll find many local fishermen in their boats in the harbor who will take you out to the Blue Grotto on the opposite side of the island, a sea cave where you literally lie flat in the boat to enter! Once inside you can see amazing stalactites and the vivid blue of the water.
Another must-do is spending a day at St George Beach. It’s a stunning beach where you can swim in the crystal clear water and admire the tiny church dedicated to St George, the patron saint of Greece. The on-site restaurant serves amazing Greek salads, calamari, and the most delicious saganaki (fried Greek cheese).
How to get to Kastellorizo
It’s not the easiest place in Greece to get to – you can fly directly from Rhodes to Kastellorizo or take a long ferry from Athens or Rhodes. Another way to get there is to fly to Turkey (Dalaman airport), take a short drive down the coast to Kas and from there take one of the daily ferries over to the island.
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And with that you have a complete list of the most beautiful places in Greece! After learning about all these unique and stunning towns, cities, islands, and villages you will surely be itching to book a visit to this stunning country.
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Love,
SSW
I’ve still not been to Greece yet, but with the way travel is so limited at the moment now might be a good time to visit. There’s some stunning looking places on this list, too many to choose from! I might need a few weeks to fully explore the country and this will really help.
I have visited Athens, Greece once in the middle of a July when a government coup was happening. Needless to say it wasn’t a great experience. You are inspiring me to give it another try.
Reading this post makes me realise just how much of Greece I have yet to explore! I love mainland Greece, especially Delphi, for the history and Crete is just fabulous for family holidays, but I would love to get to Meteora and tour the monasteries. I must admit, I had not heard of Thassos before reading this but it looks beautiful, a real hideaway island.
There is just too many beautiful places in Greece that are on my bucket list for sure and your post definitely doesnt help cause I want to go to them all. I actually have it on my bucket list to go to the Monastery atop Meteora. It has always intrigued me. But the islands is definitely a must do as well. Hydra, Kefalonia, Santorini, heck then all are so beautiful and the water looks so inviting!
My cousin went to Mykonos last year for her honeymoon and absolutely loved it. Your pictures are amazing, and give me even more inspiration to someday visit!
These places are so gorgeous! I absolutely love Greece and would love to go back and explore more! Love your photography!!!
I’ve been to Greece but I clearly need to go back! So beautiful!
So incredibly beautiful – I cannot believe I haven’t been to Greece yet. But I am saving this guide to inspire me to finally start making plans for when I can travel again. I love all the tips and photos here.
Rhodes has been on my bucket list for ages, but Kefalonia is new to me. I’ll have to add it!
So many beautiful places! I have only been to Mykonos and Santorini before, but hope to visit more places next year.