Trying to create the perfect Greek bucket list? From the turquoise Mediterranean Sea to picturesque villages and historical sites, Greece is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
Many of the continent’s cities, such as Athens, are rich in history and boast some of the most spectacular ancient sites in the world.
In addition, Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets full of natural beauty, crystal clear waters and some of the best beaches in Europe.
Each island has a unique charm; therefore, you should include at least some of them on your Greek bucket list. Here are some of our favorite things to do and see on the mainland and islands.
Visit the sights of Athens
Athens is the first stop on many people’s Greek bucket lists and is known for its 5th century BC landmarks. The capital was the heart of ancient Greece and the birthplace of democracy.
One of Athens’ top landmarks is the Pan-Athenian Stadium, built in the 6th century, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. The stadium has a rich history, having hosted the Zappas Olympic Games in 1870 and 1875 and the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
The Acropolis is another must see. It is an ancient citadel perched on top of a rocky hill above the city, along with the remains of several other ancient buildings. Like the Pan-Athena, the Acropolis has an equally impressive history as the home of kings, a citadel, a mythical house of the gods and a religious center.
Another attraction worth a visit is the Central Market of Athens, which has been in operation since 1886. This bustling market is a great place to sample local cuisine and the most authentic green dishes.
If Athens is on your Greece itinerary, read our guide to find out how many days you need to spend in Athens.
Visit the archaeological site of Delphi
Delphi Archaeological Site Delphi is located between two towering rocks on Mount Parnassus in central Greece, a 3-hour drive from Athens. Delphi is home to the Panhellenic Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the Greek gods, and the Delphi Oracle, once the most important sacred site in Greece.
While Delphi is a must-see for any history buff, its breathtaking mountainous landscape makes it an extremely beautiful place to visit. Therefore, a walk through the hilltop ruins and exploring the amphitheater makes for an excellent day trip.
The guided tour departs from Athens and also includes a stop at the Delphi Museum.
Experience paradise in Zakynthos
Zakynthos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of the country, so be sure to put it on your list of places to visit in Greece. It is famous for its party town of Zante, but the island offers much more than that.
The most famous part of the island is Navagio Beach, the site of a shipwreck in 1980, which is still located today in a sandy bay surrounded by cliffs. In addition, you will enjoy the turquoise waters of the whole island and many stunning beaches such as Agios Nikolaos, Alykanas and Tsilivi.
Also check out the Blue Caves, a series of caves along the island’s northwest coast where the sun magically casts blue light onto the water, giving it a vibrant hue. You can take a boat tour here from various parts of Zakynthos and swim around the caves.
Travel to the picturesque island of Santorini
From one beautiful island to another, Santorini is one of the Cyclades Islands, famous for its iconic white houses located in the towns of Fira and Oia. However, one of Santorini’s famous attractions is the spectacular underwater crater (caldera) formed by a volcanic eruption centuries ago.
At a depth of 1,312 feet (400 meters), Santorini’s underwater crater is one of the most popular dive sites in Greece. However, you can also enjoy the volcanic scenery on land by hiking around the black lava islands of Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni.
The latter has a trail leading to the crater, while the former has volcanic hot springs and sulfurous water for swimming. In Santorini, you can also visit wineries such as Santo Wines and Venetsanos, which offer tours and have wine tasting terraces with ocean views.
Explore Kefalonia’s underground Melissani Lake
Lake Melissani on the island of Kefalonia is one of Greece’s most breathtaking and unique natural wonders. The lake is located in a limestone cave with a 300-foot high ceiling, giving the lake a dazzlingly vivid blue hue.
You can enter the lake by boat through a tunnel or swim in a tranquil spot with crystal clear water. While Lake Melissani is one of Kefalonia’s top attractions, there’s still plenty to do on the island.
So visit the quiet fishing villages of Assos and Fiscardo for a great day of learning about local life. Then, relax on the unspoiled shores of Myrtos Beach and Antisamos Beach.
Hiking to Dragon Lake
Dragon Lakes (Drakolimni) are several alpine and subalpine lakes in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece, named after the ancient dueling dragons of Greek mythology, Tymfi and Smolikas. dragon Lakes is an incredibly scenic area popular with hikers and nature lovers.
The village of Mikro Papingo is the starting point for the main trek, which takes about 5 hours to reach the lakes and a little less time to return. Therefore, it is a full day trek and physically demanding.
Other activities you can do in the area include mountain biking and rafting (on the Voidomatis River), which you can book on day trips.
Sailing around the island of Milos
The Greek volcanic island of Milos, the most southwestern of the Cyclades, is known for its natural volcanic landscape and has many beautiful beaches and landscapes due to its rich minerals. The best way to explore this island is to travel by boat.
Most cruises depart from Adamantas and sail around the western part of the island, exploring natural landscapes such as Cape Vanni, Kleftiko Bay, Arkoudes Rocks and Sykia Caves.
During the cruise, you’ll have plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the clear turquoise waters and see the colorful villages of Skinneropi and the capital of Gumelos Island from afar.
For a different experience, you can set off in the evening to watch the incredible Miconian sunset.
