Think of Greece and you probably imagine blue skies, exquisite seaside retreats, centuries of art and history, fantastic food, bucolic villages, and some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. There are countless things we love about traveling to Greece—and we’re convinced you’ll love it, too.

Santorini, Greece (officially known as Thira). A good view is easy to come by on this perennial favorite Greek island which is part of the Cyclades group.

Here, we share five reasons why Greece is just as an irresistible destination for experiential travel that’s both laid back and invigorating, perfect for any burnt-out traveler in need of a recharge—and a seriously delicious meal (or twenty).

Whether you’ve never been to Greece or would like to make a return trip, an exciting journey awaits! Read on to learn more about what we think makes Greece such a special destination for your next adventure.

1. The Allure of the Greek Islands

We’ve all seen the photos. Bright blue skies, azure seas, whitewashed buildings, and the friendliest people imaginable. The Greek Islands are as beautiful and charming as you imagine them to be, and it takes seeing them in person to really appreciate just how special this place is.

Each Greek Island is so unique. Santorini and Mykonos are perennial favorites, of course. And for good reason!

Famed for its striking sunsets and whitewashed houses carved into the cliffs overlooking the vivid blue sea, Santorini delivers one stunning view after another. To say it’s picturesque is an understatement. And much of Santorini’s beauty is in the details.

The bright pink bougainvillea all over the village of Oia which contrasts beautifully with the white buildings and blue sky.

The view of the blue church dome that you glimpse along your morning stroll.

The color of the immaculately-displayed electric-blue glassware inspired by the hues of the surrounding sea.

The ceramic vase perfectly nestled above the entryway to a home.

The table situated at the top of the stairs with just the right amount of shade in the hot summer sun.

Santorini delights at every turn, even for the most well-traveled adventurer.

For a dazzling mix of cosmopolitan energy and quintessential Greek simplicity, Mykonos is the place to be.

Beyond Santorini and Mykonos, Greece is full of island after island to explore; pictured here is Paros in the Cyclades.

The island is famed for its Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, and mezze dining culture. It’s a hot spot for dance clubs and world-renowned DJs, the gorgeous beaches are a great jumping-off point for windsurfing and sailing, and there’s even a hill above the village of Mykonos that’s home to a row of 16th-century windmills built by Venetians.

Beyond well-loved Santorini and Mykonos, there are so many incredible lesser-known islands worth considering. There are 6,000 Greek islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and only 227 are inhabited.

When I work with clients to craft their Greek travel plans, I typically encourage them to take some time to venture beyond Santorini or Mykonos to visit one or more of the other island gems. Or sample a few on a cruise through the isles. You can even charter a private yacht for you and your group.

Whatever your travel style and preferences, there are countless ways to shape your itinerary in Greece.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is certainly a destination in itself. Kick back on a breathtaking beach, hike through a jaw-dropping gorge, dine on some of the best food in Europe, wander through a world-class archeological museum, visit a 500-year-old monastery… the options are endless.

When I work with clients on planning travel to Greece, I make suggestions based on what I think they will be drawn to and what will truly surprise and delight them as individuals. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter travel experiences, and say hello to your custom-tailored adventure through dazzling Greece!

2. The Art, Architecture, and History

Greece’s ancient sites are undeniably beautiful. Not all of them are intact, of course, but even in their current state, these places are rich with history and utterly awe-inspiring.

The Acropolis Museum is one of the best in the world. View artifacts found at the Acropolis, including the actual friezes and other treasures from the Parthenon.

The influence of Greek art and architecture to future generations cannot be overstated. As someone who has a degree in Art History, seeing some of these historic places in person was simply incredible.

The Acropolis Museum, consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, is a real thrill. Here, you can view remnants of the Acropolis in the exact area where it was originally situated. The museum is chock full of artifacts, including everyday objects, found in the area that have lasted all these centuries.

The Parthenon is an architectural icon, no question, and no visit to Greece is complete without seeing it. At the Acropolis Museum, you can view fragments from the sculptural friezes and pediments from the Parthenon itself. You’ll also find many original treasures of the Parthenon and surrounding buildings that are now replaced by copies for preservation, including the Caryatids or Korai, the female figures that support the Erechtheion.

The National Archaeological Museum also has some pretty significant artifacts that date from prehistoric eras to late Roman times that have been found at archeological sites throughout Greece. If this excites you, I highly recommend a visit there.

Visiting the archeological site of Knossos on the island of Crete was one of the most fascinating experiences I have had in Greece.

One of my favorite experiences was seeing Knossos on Crete. This ancient site was established well before 2000 BCE, so it’s pretty impressive that the remnants still exist. This is also the site where the Minotaur lived, according to Greek legend!

Another place worth exploring is Olympia on Greece's Peloponnese peninsula. It’s where the original Olympic Games was hosted, and the site dates back to the 8th century BCE.

Bear in mind, these are just a few of the highlights of Greece’s art, architecture, and history, and it barely scratches the surface. There is a vast array of ancient sites worthy of exploration throughout the mainland and isles of Greece.

If you’re not head-over-heels for ancient sites, don’t worry! Greece also has rich Byzantine and Medieval histories, and there are an endless array of archeological sites and art to see here. There’s something for just about every traveler here, no matter your favorite period of history or style of art.

I always recommend seeing these sites with a guide. The context they provide will bring these sites to life in a way unlike anything you’d experience by simply visiting them on your own. (It’s a rigorous process to become a licensed guide in Greece, so you’re sure to find the experience immensely satisfying!)

Beyond that, spending time with a reputed local guide gives you an intimate window into the people of Greece, their culture, and their way of life. If connecting with local people is a priority for you and your travel experiences, Greece absolutely delivers.

3. The Incredible Food

You can’t go wrong with incredibly tasty tomatoes, fresh produce, feta, and a glass of wine as you take in the incredible views of Santorini.

If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll be right at home in Greece. Greek food may not be the most ostentatious in the world, but the flavors are spectacular, and you’re guaranteed a delicious meal no matter where you go. The coast, the cities, and the islands each have their offerings and specialties of the freshest fare.

Long before it became the trendy thing to do, Greece has been serving up world-class farm-to-table and sea-to-table cuisine, and you’ll find it around every corner.

There’s also something about the soil in Greece that makes the produce here taste remarkably fresh, especially on the islands. Be sure to sample the refreshing classic Greek salad (now an international favorite), known locally as a horiatiki salata, which means village or peasant salad. It’s typically made of fresh sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and onions, then drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. The simplicity of the recipe and fresh ingredients, as with most Greek food, are the keys to making the perfect Greek salad.

The tomatoes on Santorini are without a doubt some of the best tomatoes I have had anywhere! They’re a result of the island’s dry climate and the rich volcanic soil combined with the care given by local growers (of course). These tomatoes make their way into one of the specialties you find in this area: Tomatokeftedes (or Domatokeftedes).

Wherever you go, be sure to sample souvlaki, the world’s first fast food which has its origins in ancient Greece. Really!

And I’d be remiss not to mention Greece’s marvelous wine culture. From delicious pairings with your meal to fully-fledged wine-centered experiences, there’s something here for everyone who loves a good wine.

4. Athens

Be sure to spend some time in Athens while in Greece, even if the focus of your journey is the islands.

The allure of the Greek islands is strong, so it’s easy for some travelers to overlook Athens. But it’s definitely worth spending a few days here. Yes, Athens can be a bit chaotic, but that’s part of what makes it what it is. The museums, the archeological sites, the food, the history... there’s simply too much here for the experiential traveler to pass up.

Feast on souvlaki, mezze, and delicious wines as you make your way through the city. At some point, a rooftop bar or restaurant with a view of the Acropolis is a must to cap your night.

On our last visit to Athens, we stayed at a hotel with amazing rooftop views of the Acropolis and the city. Our mornings started with a delicious breakfast and the most beautiful sunlit views. After a day of exploring, we enjoyed sunset and evening views with our drinks.

Practically speaking, Athens also makes a good base from which to venture to other sites, whether that be the coast, the ancient sites in the region, or one of the nearby islands.

5. The Easygoing Way of Life

Maybe it's the seemingly endless coasts. Or the exquisite waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Or the astonishing number of idyllic islands. But there is definitely something about Greece that makes you want to linger and take it slow, whether enjoying a meal, strolling on the coast, or taking in the views on a sailboat. The simple beauty of Greece is utterly striking, and it makes you take a second look.

Mykonos is a dazzling mix of energy and simplicity.

And the authenticity is palpable. You see it in the way people go about their day, and you feel it in their warmth toward visitors. The Greek people know their priorities—good food, wine, art, family, social connections—and they make time for them.

In Greece, schedules and structure matter less than social ties and personal interactions. Mingling in coffee shops and outdoor cafes is commonplace. For many Greeks, an afternoon nap is a non-negotiable. (Tell me, what’s more appealing than an afternoon nap in Greece?)

This all makes for a refreshing change of pace, especially for the traveler who could use a “reset” and a chance to re-calibrate.

Sound like the sort of travel experience you’re looking forward to? Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Special Considerations

As of this writing, Greece will soon be opening up to travelers. Bear in mind that given the pandemic, some of the experiences listed here may be impacted and the details are forthcoming. This can change at any time (which is one more reason it’s important to work with a travel professional).

It’s important to note that any travel in the foreseeable future should be considerate of the CDC’s current guidelines, as well as the requirements/restrictions of both your home country and any country that you are considering traveling to. Travel is complicated right now, and that will remain the case for some time.

We encourage all travelers to adhere to all recommended/required protocols and to travel safely for themselves and others.

There is also no universal set of standards or rules among airlines, hotels, accommodations, travel providers, etc. As such, protocols vary across the industry.

Circumstances are continually changing, and new information is being made available daily. So it is important to always stay tuned on the latest developments, right up to the time of travel. For this reason especially, we recommend you consider using a travel advisor, even for domestic travel. We can help you navigate the complexities of travel. Still not sure? Here are 5 Benefits You Miss Out On When You Don’t Work With a Travel Advisor.

Start Dreaming Today

It’s never too early to start envisioning your next adventure. Go ahead. Give yourself something beautiful and new to look forward to.

If you’d like to learn more about travel to Greece, reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation here. The simple and stunning beauty of Greece awaits.