What to see in Greece? The most beautiful places in Greece

How to plan a holiday in Greece?

Greece is among the most popular tourist destinations. Every year, up to 36 million people choose Greece for their holidays!

It is no surprise – this region delights with wild nature, blue seas, and delicious food.

Cheap flights to Greece

The most convenient way to travel is by plane. Flights to Greece are available from many cities, to the most popular islands as well as to Athens or Thessaloniki.

For those who prefer travelling by land, it is also possible to travel by car or coach.

Greece weather

One of Greece’s greatest advantages is its Mediterranean climate, which provides long, sunny summers.

The holiday season usually lasts from May to October. During the summer months, temperatures often exceed 30°C, and sea temperatures range from 24–27°C.

Spring and early autumn, on the other hand, are ideal for sightseeing – temperatures are slightly lower, often between 20 and 25°C, which is perfect for exploring historical sites, mountain trails, and charming towns.

Chalkidiki

It is one of the most beautiful places in mainland Greece.

Chalkidiki, also known as the Chalkidiki Peninsula, is located in northern Greece. Looking at the map, you will notice three characteristic “fingers” – the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. According to legend, this shape was created by Poseidon himself.

What can you find there?

• Kassandra is the most popular part of Chalkidiki, attracting the most tourists. It is full of wide sandy beaches, large resorts, and seaside bars.
• Sithonia, on the other hand, is quieter and perfect for a romantic holiday. Here you will find scenic trekking routes, wild beaches, and secluded coves.
• The mysterious Athos is an autonomous territory under the control of Orthodox monks. Even if you do not go ashore, a cruise along the bay allows you to admire monasteries rising above the water.

In Chalkidiki, everyone will find something for themselves – wide beaches, ancient cities, bars, and traditional tavernas. Want to see more? Book a local tour with SeePlaces and, in just a few clicks, combine holiday relaxation with discovering the most beautiful spots of the peninsula. Learn more: https://seeplaces.com/excursions/greece/chalkidiki/

Corfu

Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, is located in the Ionian Sea, just a few kilometres from Albania's coast. Its history dates back to ancient times – it was a colony of Corinth and later came under the rule of the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, French, and British. This mix of cultures has given Corfu a unique character: you can feel the influence of different eras and nations in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Corfu delights with various attractions, from the UNESCO-listed capital with its Venetian old town, through the port filled with interesting places, to the elegant Achilleion Palace.

Unforgettable views await in Kanoni with its postcard view of Mouse Island and in Paleokastritsa, where turquoise bays and caves are best explored by boat. In Sidari, you will see the famous Canal d’Amour. Active travellers can climb Mount Pantokrator for panoramic views that extend all the way to Albania.

Kos

Kos is the third-largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago, located in the Aegean Sea, just a few kilometres from Bodrum, Turkey.

Its history is impressive – even in ancient times, it was an important centre of culture and medicine. Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," was born here and established a medical school and the first hospital. The island was ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, as evidenced by its architecture and scattered monuments.

Kos combines history and a holiday atmosphere perfectly.

In the Kos, you will find:

• Roman Casa Romana.
• Plane Tree of Hippocrates.
• Archaeological Museum.
• It is also worth visiting Antimachia Castle, relaxing in the Embros hot springs, or exploring lively Kardamena.
• For a romantic sunset, head to the village of Zia, and for adventure seekers, a trip to the volcanic island of Nisyros.

Santorini

Imagine a place that looks like a postcard: white and blue, bathed in the light of the setting sun, with steep cliffs and the sea – this is Santorini. It is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable islands in the world.

Santorini lies in the Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades archipelago. Its unique shape is the result of a powerful volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, which formed the present caldera and bay. Today, the volcano is still active, although its activity is limited to hot springs and fumaroles (places where steam and volcanic gases escape).

There are many beautiful places in Greece, but Santorini is a gem among them! It covers a small area of 76 km², yet offers incredible diversity: from black and red beaches, through terraced vineyards, to picturesque villages perched on cliffs.

Santorini is an island straight out of a postcard – white houses, blue roofs, and breathtaking sunsets.

• In the capital, Fira, you will find museums, shops, and atmospheric streets suspended on a cliff.
• In Akrotiri, you can see the “Greek Pompeii” – the ruins of a Minoan city buried under ash.
• Unique beaches – the red one with cliffs and the black volcanic Perissa and Perivolos – attract with their distinctive appearance.
• A perfect addition to your stay is visiting local wineries, where you can taste the characteristic Assyrtiko wine with a view of the caldera.

The island combines spectacular views, unique history, and luxury relaxation. It is a place that enchants at first sight and is difficult to leave behind.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos is the third-largest island in the Ionian Sea, covering about 405 km² and having a coastline of 123 km. It has the shape of an arrowhead – the northwestern cape of Skinari features steep cliffs that drop straight into the sea; the west is mountainous (the Vrachionas range reaching 758 m above sea level); and the east consists of fertile plains, bays, and long sandy beaches.

Called Zante by locals, it can make you fall in love from the very first day. On one side are wild, spectacular cliffs and places accessible only by boat, and on the other are calm bays with soft sand where life flows slowly.

In the capital (Chora) of Zakynthos, you will find historic churches and a panoramic view from Bochali hill. In contrast, the south offers more entertainment in Laganas, with clubs and boat trips in the bay where Caretta-Caretta turtles lay their eggs. The island’s most recognisable symbol is Navagio Beach with a shipwreck, surrounded by high cliffs. The magical Blue Caves are also unforgettable – best explored by boat. It is also worth visiting traditional villages such as Volimes or Kampi to taste local cheeses and admire sunsets over the cliffs.

Zakynthos is an island of contrasts – it can be romantic, wild, family-friendly, and lively, depending on where you stay. It is a place where you can spend lazy days on the beach, explore bays, caves, and mountain trails, and then visit a local taverna in the evening.

Want to discover the most beautiful corners of Zakynthos? Take a guided tour - book it on SeePlaces: https://seeplaces.com/excursions/greece/zakynthos/

Rhodes

Rhodes, known as the “Island of the Sun”, enjoys sunshine for even 300 days a year. It enchants from the very first step with its history, beautiful views, and delicious local food.

It is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago, located where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea, just a dozen kilometres from the Turkish coast.

Its strategic location made it a stage for many historical events – from ancient times, through the rule of the Knights Hospitaller, to Ottoman and Italian influences. Traces of each of these periods can be found in architecture, cuisine, and local traditions.

• The Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and the Palace of the Grand Master.
• In Lindos, it is worth getting lost in the white streets and climbing the Acropolis for the view.
• In Prasonisi, you must see the unique place where two seas meet.
• For relaxation, the Valley of the Butterflies is perfect, while history enthusiasts should visit the ancient ruins of Kamiros. The stay is complemented by beaches - from lively Faliraki to peaceful bays like Agathi.

Rhodes is an island where, in one day, you can immerse yourself in medieval history, spend the afternoon on a golden beach, and enjoy dinner in a taverna with a sunset view. It adapts perfectly to your travel pace.

Thassos

Thassos, called the “Emerald Island” for its lush greenery and turquoise sea, lies in the northern Aegean Sea, off the coast of Thrace. Its history dates back to ancient times – it was known for gold and marble mining, which decorated many ancient temples.

The island is relatively small, but its landscape is diverse: a mountainous interior covered with pine forests contrasts with a coastline full of beaches and rocky coves. Unlike more crowded Greek islands, Thassos has preserved a calm, local rhythm of life.

Thassos tempts visitors with both historical sites and natural beauty. In the capital, Limenas, you will find ancient ruins and an excellent Archaeological Museum. In Aliki – picturesque bays with remains of temples and marble quarries. Special attention should be paid to Giola, a natural rock pool by a cliff, and to the Monastery of Archangel Michael, with a sea view.

Thassos is an island for those who want to combine swimming in warm waters with exploring history and traditions. It offers peace, authenticity, and unforgettable views.

Crete - the largest Greek island

Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most diverse – you can spend a month here and still discover something new. On the one hand, it impresses with beaches that look like those in tropical countries, and on the other hand, with mountain villages where time flows slowly. According to myths, this is where King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in a labyrinth.

The island is vast (over 8,000 km²) and divided into four regions, each with its own character: romantic Chania, historic Rethymno, lively Heraklion, and calm, less touristy Lassithi. Crete is mountainous, with peaks such as Lefka Ori and Psiloritis rising above 2,400 m. Between them lie valleys full of olive groves, vineyards, and gorges leading straight to the sea.

• The symbol of Crete is the Palace of Knossos, considered the centre of Minoan civilisation and surrounded by the legend of the Minotaur’s labyrinth.
• In the capital, Heraklion, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum and the massive Koules fortress.
• Chania, on the other hand, delights with its Venetian harbour, lighthouse, and charming Old Town full of restaurants and cafés.
• Nature lovers are drawn to the paradise-like Balos Lagoon, the pink Elafonisi beach, and the Samaria Gorge – one of the longest in Europe. For a moment of relaxation, the waterfalls of Argyroupolis, surrounded by greenery, are also perfect.

Want to see what Crete has to offer? Book a tour and experience an outstanding adventure. Check local attractions near Chania: https://seeplaces.com/excursions/greece/crete-chania/ or Heraklion: https://seeplaces.com/excursions/greece/crete-heraklion-fodele-ammoudara/

Samos

Samos is an island that smells of wine, blooming bougainvillaea, and the sea. It is a place of extraordinary history – the birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus.

In ancient times, Samos was a maritime power, famous for trade and culture. Traces of this greatness can still be seen today – from monumental ruins to ancient engineering marvels. The island is also known for producing sweet muscat wine from vines growing on terraced mountain slopes.

In the capital of Samos, Vathi, you will find pastel townhouses and an impressive kouros statue in the Archaeological Museum, while in Pythagorion, you will find harbour streets and a statue of the famous mathematician. It is worth visiting the Heraion sanctuary and walking through part of the ancient Tunnel of Eupalinos, one of the greatest engineering wonders of antiquity.

Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy Mount Kerkis with the Cave of Pythagoras and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. After sightseeing, it is best to relax on the beaches – from the turquoise waters of Lemonakia to the sandy shores of Psili Ammos.

Samos is an island that combines rich history, spectacular landscapes, and a calm local lifestyle. Turkey is so close that you can see it easily. It is worth extending your trip and visiting, for example, the ruins of Ephesus.

Summary – Greece and its most beautiful attractions

Greece is a country that enchants in many ways – with the deep blue of the sea, sunshine almost year-round, and a history that can be felt everywhere.

Each part of the country has its own character and something that makes it unique. Here you can follow the traces of ancient civilisations, walk through medieval streets, discover wild bays accessible only from the sea, swim in blue lagoons, and taste local cuisine.

Greece lets you combine lazy beach days with active sightseeing, all set against extraordinary landscapes and welcoming locals.