Planning a trip to Greece can be surprisingly difficult. There are so many islands, coastal towns and historic cities to choose from that deciding where to spend your time is often harder than booking the flight.
Some destinations are ideal for history and sightseeing, while others are better suited to slow mornings, long lunches and afternoons by the sea. If you want a mixture of different experiences, these four places are a good starting point.
Paros
Paros has a little bit of everything that many people look for in a Greek holiday. There are sandy beaches, pretty villages, traditional white buildings and plenty of places to eat and enjoy a drink in the evening.
Naoussa is particularly popular. Its harbour is lined with restaurants and seaside bars, and it is a pleasant place to wander around once the sun starts to go down. During the day, you can head to one of the island’s beaches or explore some of the smaller villages away from the coast.
One of the best things about Paros is that you do not have to spend your entire trip following a strict schedule. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore different parts of the island, stop for lunch somewhere that catches your eye and find quieter spots away from the busiest areas.
Athens
Athens is a very different experience from the Greek islands. It is busy, energetic and full of history, with ancient landmarks sitting alongside modern cafés, restaurants and shops.
The Acropolis is an obvious place to start. Seeing the Parthenon from above the city is one of those experiences that is difficult to appreciate fully until you are there. The nearby Acropolis Museum is also worth making time for, particularly if you want to understand more about the history of the site.
Once you have seen the main attractions, spend some time simply walking around. Plaka has narrow streets and traditional buildings, while Monastiraki is a good place to browse shops and markets. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can stop for Greek food after a long afternoon of sightseeing.
If you visit in the height of summer, try to do your walking earlier in the day. Athens can become extremely hot, and taking a break during the hottest part of the afternoon can make exploring much more enjoyable. It is advisable to find a decent property in Athens near the centre so you don’t have to suffer the heat for too long while exploring.
Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and there is enough to see here for a much longer trip. It has a mixture of beaches, mountains, historic sites and towns, so you can have quite a different experience depending on where you stay.
Chania is a popular base, particularly for its old town and beautiful Venetian harbour. The narrow streets are full of small shops, cafés and restaurants, and it is easy to spend an evening simply walking around without having anywhere specific to be.
For something different, head towards the mountains or explore some of the island’s smaller villages. History enthusiasts can visit Knossos near Heraklion, while food lovers will have plenty of opportunities to try local dishes made with fresh produce, olive oil, herbs and cheese.
Because Crete is so large, avoid trying to see the whole island in just a few days. Choosing one area and exploring it properly can make the trip feel much less rushed.
Santorini
Santorini is instantly recognisable, with white buildings perched above the sea and views stretching across the volcanic caldera. It is one of the most photographed destinations in Greece, but seeing it in person is still a memorable experience.
Oia is probably the place most visitors associate with Santorini. Its narrow streets and famous views attract plenty of people, particularly around sunset. If you would prefer a quieter experience, explore early in the morning or visit some of the island’s less crowded villages.
There is plenty to do beyond taking photographs. You can visit the archaeological site at Akrotiri, explore the island’s volcanic beaches or spend an afternoon visiting local wineries.
Santorini can be busy during the main summer season, so giving yourself time to explore at a slower pace can help you see another side of the island. A few hours away from the busiest streets can be enough to discover quieter views and small local spots that are easy to miss when following the usual tourist route.
Read more: Travel posts
