Greece 

Greece is the go-to holiday destination for many. Why wouldn’t it be? It has the Mediterranean sun beaming on your skin, sparkling blue waters splashing on the shore, and friendly locals ready to share their culture— it’s absolute bliss.

Its striking blue and white buildings, picturesque panoramas, and cobblestone streets are even the perfect backdrops for many movies set in Greece. But which part of the archipelago should you visit, and for how long? 

Find out below to wander the narrow roads like a local on these Grecian isles soon.

How Long Do I Need in Greece?

A little-known fact about Greece is that there are actually 6,000 isles in the Greek Seas, but only about 200 are inhabited. This means you’ll have a wide variety of islands, beaches, foods, and historical landmarks to discover.

You’ll need at least 10 days in Greece to give yourself enough time to visit the most popular (and best) islands and see all the famous Greek landmarks. If you extend your trip, you may even be able to wander around smaller villages and beaches across the islands for a less-touristy vacation.

What to Do in Greece

As mentioned before, there are so many islands you can visit to get a varied view of the archipelago. So, don’t limit yourself to only a few places. That said, if you have limited time in Greece, you cannot miss the following islands.

Athens

Athens is Greece’s capital and also the largest city. It is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war, and handicraft. At over 7,000 years old, it is one of the oldest cities in the world. So, naturally, it is steeped in ancient history. 

On the island, you’ll find many monuments and ruins relating to its ancient past filled with gods, philosophers, soldiers, and Olympians. One of the most popular ruins is the Acropolis of Athens, which was the centre of Athenian life for many centuries. 

But that’s not the only place to visit in this grand city. There are many things to do in Athens, whether you’re a history or archaeology buff or you just want to laze on the white sand beaches your whole trip.

Even if you only cut your holiday short to a 7-day Greece itinerary, you surely cannot miss this iconic capital and the birthplace of democracy.

Santorini

Santorini is probably the most internet-famous island in Greece. By now, you’ve probably seen thousands of pictures of the blue-roofed houses, Santorini sunsets, and narrow winding cobblestone paths. Make your trip even more memorable by retreating for the night in one of the many cave hotels in Santorini.

The island is split into four regions, but tourists typically visit Fira and Oia the most. One of the best things to do in Oia, Santorini, is enjoy a romantic dinner at a restaurant overlooking the cliffs, harbour, and docked boats. The region also has some amazing wineries in Santorini, so a winetasting is definitely in order when here.

If you want, you can walk from Oia to Fira. The scenic trail, where you can see neighbouring volcanoes, kaleidoscopic wildflowers, and clear skies, should take between two to four hours to complete. 

Once in Fira, you can visit Greece’s black sand beaches. And you’re spoiled for choice as the city has two nearby — Kamari Beach and Monolithos Beach. The sand gets its distinct colours from the volcanic material nearby. After a long day, you can rest at one of the restaurants in Fira, Santorini, and enjoy some of their signature dishes.

Ios

Following from Santorini to Ios, this island goes by many names — Io and Nio, too. Whatever name you call it, don’t forget to add ‘party island’ in there because this is party-central.

The island has over 30 beaches — one of which is the popular Mylopotas beach. This beach holds the lively Far Out Beach Club, renowned for having some of the island’s biggest parties. The village town of Chora is another notorious party hub with winding alleys filled with bars and clubs. 

Of course, partying and recovering from hangovers aren’t the only things to do in Ios. The Cyclades island is also the poet Homer’s final resting place, has ruins dating to 3 BC and has over 365 churches in their signature blue and white uniforms.

Paxos

Paxos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and also my favourite! According to legend, this island came about when Poseidon, God of the Sea, pierced Corfu with his spear, splitting off its southern tip. As a result, the island is small, lush, and surrounded by limestone cliffs. 

One of the top things to do in Paxos, Greece, is visit its many harbour towns and beaches and eat fresh seafood. The island is known for its unbelievable Blue Caves that sit over the mesmerising cobalt waters of Paxos’ beaches. The best way to see these caves is with a cruise ship so you can experience the magic of sailing underneath the cave arches.

Don’t forget about the beautiful outdoor scenes you can experience at Paxos restaurants. The best eateries are tucked away and offer al fresco dining after a long day in the sea. You can’t go wrong with fresh seafood or traditional and meaty Paxos dish like Pastitsada, Sofrito, or Kokoras me makaronia. Yum!

Macedonia Region

The Macedonia Region includes the north of Greece and North Macedonia (the country). There are a few areas that straddle the borderline between these two countries that are often overlooked — but shouldn’t be.

Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, is a part of this region. It is a haven for foodies, and sampling local delicacies, trying street food, and eating freshly baked pasties are some of the first things to do in Thessaloniki for many. Other activities include photographing ancient architecture, visiting Greek wineries, and exploring the Roman Agora.

Halkidiki is another place to visit while here. It is a region in Nothern Greece, best known for having over 1,000 superb Halkidiki beaches. You will be absolutely spoiled for choice and are sure to have a great time beach hopping here.