Best Places to Visit in Greece 2026
Top destinations, hidden gems, costs, and tips for planning your trip
Where
Santorini, Athens, and Crete top the list of best places to visit in Greece in 2026. Each destination offers a unique mix of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Prioritize these for an unforgettable Greek itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in Greece: 2026 Expert Guide
Best places to visit in Greece include Athens for history, Santorini for world-famous sunsets, and Crete for beaches and cuisine. These destinations deliver unforgettable experiences for every traveler, whether you want to explore ancient ruins, relax by the Aegean, or sample authentic Greek food. Start planning your Greece travel 2026 adventure and search flights on Travorio for the best deals and flexibility.
Having explored Greece multiple times, I can attest to the diversity of its islands, the warmth of its people, and the stunning contrast between bustling cities and tranquil villages. From the bustling Plaka neighborhood in Athens to the caldera views in Oia, and secluded beaches near Elafonisi, Greece is an all-season destination. With direct flights from New York (JFK) to Athens on Delta or Emirates averaging $700-$1,100 roundtrip, and hotel stays ranging from $60 to $350+ per night, Greece offers something for every budget and travel style.
Top Cities and Destinations in Greece
Athens stands out as the cradle of Western civilization. The Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, and vibrant neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Plaka make it a must-visit. Expect highs of 85°F (29°C) in July and pleasant evenings spent at rooftop bars overlooking the Parthenon.
Santorini draws travelers worldwide for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and dramatic caldera views. Oia is famous for sunsets, while Fira offers lively nightlife. Summer temperatures reach 80-88°F (27-31°C), and ferries from Athens arrive in about 5 hours.
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is ideal for foodies and nature lovers. Chania’s Venetian harbor, the pink sands of Elafonisi, and Samaria Gorge hikes are highlights. Local tavernas serve Cretan specialties for $10-$18 per meal. Flights from Athens to Heraklion take just 45 minutes.
Mykonos is renowned for its party scene, chic beaches like Psarou, and historic windmills. Prices here are higher, expect $250 per night for midrange hotels in July. Mykonos also offers quieter villages like Ano Mera for a break from the crowds.
Rhodes boasts impressive medieval architecture, with the UNESCO-listed Old Town and pristine beaches like Tsambika. Temperatures in June hover around 82°F (28°C), and the island is accessible via direct flights from Athens (1 hour) or ferries.
Meteora offers a different side of Greece: dramatic rock pillars topped with centuries-old monasteries. The area is best explored by car or guided tour from Kalambaka. Hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints make it a photographer’s dream.
Hidden Gems in Greece
Naxos remains less crowded than neighboring islands yet offers stunning beaches like Plaka and Agios Prokopios, plus mountain villages such as Halki. The port town is lively but authentic, and local cheese and potatoes are a highlight.
Milos is known for its colorful fishing villages and unique lunar-like beaches, especially Sarakiniko. Ferries from Piraeus take 3-4 hours. Milos offers quiet charm even in summer, and car rental is recommended for exploring remote coves.
Zagori, in Epirus, is a mountainous region famous for its stone villages and the Vikos Gorge, Europe’s deepest canyon. Hiking, rafting, and local gastronomy draw outdoor enthusiasts. Stay in Aristi or Papigo for a traditional experience.
Symi, near Rhodes, enchants with its pastel-colored neoclassical harbor and tranquil atmosphere. Day trips from Rhodes are possible, but overnight stays let you enjoy the island after day-trippers leave. Fresh seafood here costs $15-$30 per person.
Best Time to Visit Greece
April to mid-June is ideal for mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. Temperatures range from 65-78°F (18-26°C), and prices are lower than peak season.
July and August mark the peak with temperatures of 80-95°F (27-35°C), especially on islands like Mykonos and Rhodes. These months see the highest hotel rates and packed beaches, but offer lively festivals and nightlife.
September and October are shoulder season sweet spots. The sea is warm, days are sunny (75-85°F, 24-29°C), and crowds thin out. Vineyards harvest grapes, and many islands remain active into mid-October.
November through March is low season, with cooler temperatures (50-65°F, 10-18°C) and some ferry services reduced. Athens and Thessaloniki are great for cultural trips, but island options are more limited in winter.
How to Get Around Greece
Domestic flights connect Athens with major islands like Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express offer reliable service, and most routes take under an hour. Book 2-3 months ahead for the best fares.
Ferries are the classic way to island hop. Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets run frequent services from Piraeus and Rafina ports in Athens. Santorini to Mykonos takes about 2 hours on a high-speed ferry. Reserve seats early in summer.
Trains, operated by Hellenic Train, are best for mainland routes such as Athens to Thessaloniki (4-5 hours). Buses are frequent, affordable, and connect cities with smaller towns and archaeological sites.
Car rentals, starting at $35 per day, offer flexibility, especially on larger islands or in regions like the Peloponnese and Epirus. Always book in advance and check for parking availability, especially in historic centers.
How to Book Your Greece Trip
Travorio.com makes it easy to book your entire Greece itinerary, from flights to hotels, using over 100 cryptocurrencies or flexible 'pay later' options. Start by searching flights from your home city to Athens or direct to islands like Santorini or Crete.
Book accommodation with pay later hotels using Sezzle (split your payment in 4, 0% interest for US/CA) or PayPal Pay Later. This helps you secure top properties even during peak travel season.
Travorio accepts a wide range of crypto payments, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, making it easy for digital nomads and crypto travelers. Enjoy instant confirmations and competitive rates.
Bundle your flights, hotels, car rentals, and ferries for smoother travel and better deals. Customer support is available 24/7 to assist with itinerary planning, payment, or booking questions.
Overview of Top Destinations in Greece (2026)
Quick Reference: Travel Details for Top Greek Destinations (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Athens is the top destination in Greece for first-time visitors, thanks to its world-class archaeological sites like the Acropolis and lively neighborhoods such as Plaka. You can easily combine Athens with an island like Santorini for a classic Greek experience.
A well-paced Greece itinerary should be 7 to 12 days. This allows time to explore Athens, visit 1-2 islands such as Santorini or Crete, and add a mainland destination like Meteora or Delphi.
November to March is the cheapest time to travel to Greece. During this low season, flights and hotels cost up to 40% less, though some island services are limited due to weather.
US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Greece. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.
Greece is considered very safe for travelers, with low crime rates in both cities and islands. Use common-sense precautions in busy tourist areas, especially in Athens, to avoid petty theft.
English is widely spoken in Greece, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourism services. Learning a few Greek phrases is appreciated but not necessary for most travelers.
A typical daily budget for Greece ranges from $80-$140 per person, covering midrange hotels, meals, and local transportation. Islands like Mykonos can be more expensive, while mainland towns and less-visited islands are more affordable.
The best Greece itinerary for 2026 includes Athens (2-3 nights), Santorini or Crete (3-4 nights), and a lesser-known island like Naxos or Milos (2-3 nights). Add Meteora or Delphi for extra variety if time allows.
Greece is very family-friendly, offering safe beaches, interactive museums, and welcoming locals. Islands like Crete and Rhodes are especially popular with families for their resorts and historical sites.
Greece is excellent for solo travel, thanks to its friendly locals, well-connected transport, and abundance of hostels and budget hotels. Solo travelers often find it easy to join group tours or connect with others on ferries and in communal spaces.
Ready to Book?
Search flights and hotels with crypto, Sezzle Pay in 4, or PayPal Pay Later.