15 Most Breathtaking Places To Explore In Greece
I arrived via a direct flight to Kavala (KVA), then a breezy 40-minute ferry ride whisked me to Thassos and the Insta-worthy 4-star boho retreat Meli Suites Isle. I spent my days beach-hopping between serene Paradise Beach, the white-sand Chrissi Ammoudia, and the ridiculously pretty Marble Beach, and wandered the ancient ruins of the Agora and 5th-century-BC Acropolis in Limenas.
Location: Northern Aegean Sea, off the coast of mainland Greece near Kavala | Size: medium-sized island | Vibe: authentic, lush, and low-key
My personal highlights…
11. Lefkada
This is a less well-known island but I still thought it was an absolute gem – I found colourful Ionian architecture, vividly painted buildings, charming narrow alleys, perfect white pebble and sandy beaches and striking turquoise waters with a laid-back, bohemian vibe and a touch of sophistication thrown in! I just found that it got very windy on the south coast — brilliant for windsurfers, less fun for swimming!
I landed at Preveza/Aktion Airport (PVK), drove over the small floating bridge for just over 30 minutes and loved my stay at the impressive 4-star Red Tower Hotel where the high-up sea views were just sublime! As well as kicking back on the breathtaking beaches (my favourites were the secluded Porto Katsiki and the tranquil Egremni), I hiked the beautiful trail to the photogenic Nydri Waterfalls then paid a visit to the peaceful Panagia Faneromeni Monastery.
My personal highlights…
12. Meteora, Kalabaka
I loved that this UNESCO-listed wonder dates back to the 14th century — six Eastern Orthodox monasteries somehow perched on top of 1,300-foot sandstone pinnacles! It was honestly extraordinary to see these ancient buildings in person – they rose impressively above emerald-green valleys and the stone-built town of Kalabaka below, and the whole place had such a peaceful, almost spiritual vibe as well as being impossibly photo-worthy!
I took the four-hour train from Athens and stayed for two days, tackling the steep staircases carved into the rocks (they were pretty tough, I won’t lie!). I explored the incredible monasteries — my favourites were Great Meteoron and Varlaam — wandered between the surreal rock formations and caves, hiked the scenic trails, and soaked up the rich history and beautiful Byzantine frescoes inside the monasteries!
Location: Central Greece, Thessaly region near the Pindus Mountains | Size: small town | Vibe: mystical, dramatic, and spiritual
My highlights…
- Staying at the nearby Alsos Guest House – I feasted on tyropita, fresh bread with local thyme honey on the terrace while gazing at the views of the towering Meteora rock formations!
13. Nafplio
This picturesque seaside town totally charmed me with its pastel-coloured neoclassical mansions, palm-lined promenades, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, and flower-draped lanes spilling down to a glittering turquoise bay, all wrapped beneath a dramatic Venetian fortress that glowed golden in the late-afternoon sun. It felt elegant, romantic, and effortlessly laid-back, although it was a little touristy and hot on my summer trip.
I took a two-hour road trip from Athens and spent a couple of days staying at the unique 4-star boutique Ilion Hotel, ambling along the romantic promenade to the Bourtzi fortress on a tiny islet, admiring the colourful architecture and climbing all of the 999 steps up the hillside to Palamidi Castle!
Location: Peloponnese peninsula, northeastern Argolis | Size: small coastal city | Vibe: elegant, romantic, and historic
My favourite highlights…
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Sipping a frothy freddo espresso and nibbling cinnamon-dusted bougatsa at Koustenis in Syntagma Square. I soaked up the gentle clink of cups, the hum of Greek chatter, and the echo of footsteps across the marble!
14. Mystras, Peloponnese
Mystras felt like stepping back into medieval Greece — crumbling Byzantine churches, fresco-covered chapels, fortress walls tumbling down a very green hillside overlooking Sparta, the sound of wind moving through the rocks and the earthy scent of wild herbs and dry grass in the heat. Wandering the Upper and Lower Town meant a lot of uphill walking, but the views and incredible sense of history made all the effort completely worth it!
I got up early, hopped on a 3.5-hour bus from Kifissos Bus Station to Sparta, paid the €12 entrance fee, and powered my way up the fairly steep paths in just over 30 minutes, then spent a very photogenic five hours wandering around the atmospheric fortress with extraordinary panoramic views spread out all around me. It was a very long day trip from Athens but I thought it was worth it (the last bus back was 7.30pm)!
Location: Near Sparta, Laconia region of the Peloponnese, southern Greece | Size: small hillside village | Vibe: hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric
My favourite highlight…
- Catching an early dinner at the chic Chromata Restaurant which was located at the Mystras entrance – I was totally won over by the spectacular views of the Mystras ruins and the smoky eggplant dip and gigantes plaki (baked giant beans in a rich tomato sauce with herbs).
15. Delphi Theatre, Phocis
One of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO gem, Delphi Theatre perches on a sunlit mountainside above the sacred Valley of Phocis, its stone tiers facing sweeping views of olive groves and dramatic peaks — ancient, mystical, and a little haunting… though it was a very hot spot with little shade.
I drove just under 2.5 hours from Athens, handed over the €12 entrance fee, and puffed my way up the moderately steep stone steps for 15 minutes, then happily pottered around the ruins while drinking in those epic, wide-open mountain views for an interesting afternoon!
Location: Central Greece, Mount Parnassus, Phocis | Size: ancient hillside theatre within the Delphi archaeological site | Vibe: sacred, dramatic, and wonderfully scenic
