Choose from 159 Fun Things to Do in Greece
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Oia
Perched on the steep edge of the caldera, looking out over the glittering Mediterranean, Oia (pronounced “ee-yuh”) is famed for its dreamy sunsets. Oia is also one of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, with its striking white buildings, blue-domed churches, and atmospheric cave houses burrowing into the volcanic rock.
The Basics
Oia is a popular inclusion on Santorini sightseeing tours, shore excursions, and boat tours, and most excursions time their visit to catch the sunset. Combine a tour of Oia with nearby attractions like the archaeological site of ancient Akrotiri or the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, a visit to traditional villages like Pyrgos or Fira, or a Santorini wine tasting. Alternatively, set sail around Thirassia island, enjoy snorkeling at Red Beach, or take a soak in the hot springs on Nea Kameni island. Then, sail past Oia on a sunset cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants in Oia.
- The hilly streets of Oia can be challenging for wheelchair users; it’s best to organize accessible transport and accommodation in advance.
- Summertime temperatures can soar in Oia so wear sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring along plenty of water.
How to Get There
Oia is located at the northwestern tip of Santorini island, about 6.5 miles (11 kilometers) north of Fira. Without your own transport, the easiest way to visit Oia is with a guided tour. However, it’s also possible to arrive by taxi or take the local bus from Fira. Hikers can also walk the coastal trail between Fira and Oia, a scenic 3- to 4-hour walk along the top of the caldera.
When to Get There
There’s no doubt that the most atmospheric time to visit Oia is at sunset and the small village can be suddenly overrun by crowds at dusk. To experience the quieter side of the village, plan to spend a night at one of Oia’s boutique hotels or visit during the winter months, when you’ll have the sunset to yourself.
A Walking Tour of Oia Village
Oia’s beautiful architecture and vast ocean views are best enjoyed on a walking tour, and the maze of narrow streets are full of shops, art galleries, and cafés. Stop to visit the tiny Naval Maritime Museum, admire the historic captains’ houses, and explore the ruins of Oia’s Venetian Fortress, then follow the 300 steps from the top of the caldera down to the fishing port of Ammoudi.
Address: Greece
From $ 58
Mykonos Cruise Port
Known world-over for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and booming nightlife, Mykonos is a favorite amongst visitors on the Greece leg of their Mediterranean tour. With a load of wonderful beaches to park at, Mykonos is also filled with museums and other tokens of cultural life. The town itself is a wonderful maze of charming little streets and traditional buildings full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Feel free to get lost when exploring Mykonos.
How to Get to Mykonos
Now with two ports, one of which is the relatively new, but smaller marina, all sorts of cruise liners, yachts and other boats swarm the island of Mykonos, making it a common ferry destination from places like Rafina or Piraeua, where you can catch a ride daily. Mykonos also has an international airport only a few miles away from the town itself, offering flights from a number of major European destinations.
One Day in Mykonos
Though there may not be much to do along the port itself, you are less than five minutes away from the village of Mykonos, where you can find plenty to do, day or night. During the day, there are a handful of sandy beaches, either in Mykonos town, or nearby Platys Gialos or Paranga. Also check out the famous 16th-century windmills or its famous folklore or archaeological museums, both unforgettable treasures of the island.
Port Information
Mykonos is capable of hosting some very large cruise ships that can also hold vehicles or higher-speed catamarans, and finding such ships is quite easy. On the ferry side, Mykonos works on a four-season schedule, each have different connections and routes depending on the company, so be on the lookout a few weeks prior to each season.
How to Get to Mykonos
Now with two ports, one of which is the relatively new, but smaller marina, all sorts of cruise liners, yachts and other boats swarm the island of Mykonos, making it a common ferry destination from places like Rafina or Piraeua, where you can catch a ride daily. Mykonos also has an international airport only a few miles away from the town itself, offering flights from a number of major European destinations.
One Day in Mykonos
Though there may not be much to do along the port itself, you are less than five minutes away from the village of Mykonos, where you can find plenty to do, day or night. During the day, there are a handful of sandy beaches, either in Mykonos town, or nearby Platys Gialos or Paranga. Also check out the famous 16th-century windmills or its famous folklore or archaeological museums, both unforgettable treasures of the island.
Port Information
Mykonos is capable of hosting some very large cruise ships that can also hold vehicles or higher-speed catamarans, and finding such ships is quite easy. On the ferry side, Mykonos works on a four-season schedule, each have different connections and routes depending on the company, so be on the lookout a few weeks prior to each season.
Address: Pros Palaio Limani, Mykonos, Mykonos Island GR-846 00, Greece
From $ 17
Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games
Every four years the city-states of Ancient Greece used to call a truce and head to Olympia for an athletics competition in worship of Zeus. The tradition began in 776 BC and continued until suppressed by Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 394 AD as too pagan.
Today, Olympia is one of Greece's most visited historic sites and has the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games.
This small museum has got plenty of information about the origins of the Olympic Games but is small enough that the kids won't get bored. You can take it all in in about half an hour.
It's located in a neo-classical building a little away from the archeological site of the ancient games but worth finding for its information about the ancient games held from 776BC to 393 AD. Did you know that races with armor were introduced in 520BC, and the race for chariots drawn by four foals in 380BC? Or that the winners in the Ancient Olympics were granted special life-long privileges like having all their food paid for by the city?
Today, Olympia is one of Greece's most visited historic sites and has the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games.
This small museum has got plenty of information about the origins of the Olympic Games but is small enough that the kids won't get bored. You can take it all in in about half an hour.
It's located in a neo-classical building a little away from the archeological site of the ancient games but worth finding for its information about the ancient games held from 776BC to 393 AD. Did you know that races with armor were introduced in 520BC, and the race for chariots drawn by four foals in 380BC? Or that the winners in the Ancient Olympics were granted special life-long privileges like having all their food paid for by the city?
Address: Olympia, Greece
From $ 112
Malia
It might not be as famous as the Palace of Knossos, but in its day Malia was a thriving Minoan city with an impressive palace complex.
These days, however, Malia is perhaps better known for the resorts and Ibiza-style nightlife of the site’s neighboring Malia town.
The seafront palace and town were destroyed by the earthquake that also toppled Knossos, and the ruins you can see on a tour of the site today were built following the disaster.
Walking around the compact site you’ll see the central courtyard of the palace, its ceremonial steps, storage rooms and workshops. One of the excavations reveals an impressive residence with a luxurious bath.
Some of the ancient sculptures and relics unearthed from Malia have been relocated to Heraklion’s archaeological museum. Perhaps the most beautiful and best known is the lovely pendant of golden bees holding drops of honey.
These days, however, Malia is perhaps better known for the resorts and Ibiza-style nightlife of the site’s neighboring Malia town.
The seafront palace and town were destroyed by the earthquake that also toppled Knossos, and the ruins you can see on a tour of the site today were built following the disaster.
Walking around the compact site you’ll see the central courtyard of the palace, its ceremonial steps, storage rooms and workshops. One of the excavations reveals an impressive residence with a luxurious bath.
Some of the ancient sculptures and relics unearthed from Malia have been relocated to Heraklion’s archaeological museum. Perhaps the most beautiful and best known is the lovely pendant of golden bees holding drops of honey.
Practical Info
Malia and the town of the same name lie 34km (21 miles) east of the capital, on the coast.
The site lies 3km (1.5 miles) east of the township of Malia, connected by taxi and bus services.
The site lies 3km (1.5 miles) east of the township of Malia, connected by taxi and bus services.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open: Tue - Sun, 8:30am - 4pm
Admission: Adults: 4 euro
From $ 60
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
Skopje's Museum of the Macedonian Struggle features 13 exhibits detailing Macedonia history from the beginning of its resistance against Ottoman rule through its declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Visitors can take a look at each exhibit to see artifacts from different periods in history, from weapons and documents to furniture and artwork. Travelers will also see more than 100 wax figures of historical Macedonian figures throughout the museum, as well as portraits of the most important revolutionaries and intellectuals in Macedonian history and paintings of important historical scenes.
Guided tours are available to take visitors through the exhibits and past Macedonia's original Declaration of Independence. The museum even opened on Sept. 8, 2011, the country's Independence Day.
Practical Info
The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is located on the Old Town side of the Vardar River, just across the Stone Bridge from Macedonia Square and not far from the Museum of Archaeology and the Holocaust Memorial Center. It is within easy walking distance of most central Skopje hotels.
Address: Str. Iljo Vojvoda, Skopje, Macedonia
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From $ 13
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses a collection of works that belongs to Nicholas and Aikaterini Goulandris. Made up of two side-by-side buildings, the sites are connected by a glass-roofed hallway. The main building holds the museum's permanent collection, while the other building is mostly temporary exhibits. The museum gets its name from the Cycladic civilization which developed mostly in the Cycladic islands between 3200-2100 B.C. The collection contains artifacts from three different time periods of the Cycladic civilization.
There is also a collection titled Ancient Greek Art that has art and other artifacts from 2000 B.C. through 395 A.D. Another collection displays Cyprian art from prehistoric times to the Roman Empire. The exhibit on the everyday life of ancient Greeks uses photos, diagrams, and videos to explain the items on display. The videos include topics such as wedding and funeral rituals, entertainment, school, going off to battle, athletics, and much more.
Practical Info
The Museum of Cycladic Art is located at 4 Neofytou Douka.
Address: 4 Neofytou Douka, Athens 106 74, Greece
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am-5pm, Tue 11am-5pm, Thur 10am-8pm
Admission: Adults € 7, Seniors, Students & Mondays € 3.5, Children 18 Years and Younger Free
From $ 8
Mystras
Mystras is a fortified town located on Mount Taygetos in Peloponnese, Greece. Not far from ancient Sparta, the history of Mystras dates back to the 13th century. Over the years, it was alternately occupied by the Byzantines, Turks and Venetians before being abandoned altogether in the 1830s. In 1989, the ruins of Mystras, including the fortress, palace, churches and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The only remaining inhabitants of the town are the nuns at the Pandanassa convent.
One of the highlights of Mystras is the Palace of Despots, which is located at the top of the ruins, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The palace has been undergoing extensive restoration. Another important stop is the 14th century Church of Agia Sofia, which features marble floors and well preserved frescoes. The Cathedral of Saint Demetrius dates back to the 13th century and is home to a small museum of exhibits from ancient and medieval times. The cathedral may be best known as the place where the last Byzantine emperor was crowned in 1449.
One of the best surviving churches in Mystras is the Pandanassa convent, where nuns sell handmade crafts and sometimes offer cool drinks to visitors. Nearby is the Perivleptos Monastery, which dates back to 1310 and contains the most complete set of frescoes in the town. Also of note are the Byzantine Laskaris Mansion, the Vrondohion Monastery and the Church of Agios Theodoroi.
Practical Info
Mystras is located about a two and a half hour drive from Athens. It is also possible to get there by bus from Athens or Kalamata via the town of Sparti. Buses to Sparti leave from the Kifissos KTEL bus station in Athens and take three hours to reach Sparti. From there, catch another bus on to Mystras, just ten minutes away.
Address: Peloponnese, Greece, Greece
Hours: Open daily 8am-8pm
Admission: 5 Euro
From $ 92
Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil
The cultivation of olives and the production of olive oil have been vitally important to Greece for centuries and hills covered in silver-leafed olive trees form an iconic part of the landscape. The country’s homage to its most important crop opened in 2002 in Laconia, one of its main olive-producing regions, and offers an informative take on the cultural and economic importance of olives as well as taking visitors step by step through the process of producing olive oil, soap and other by-products. As well as ancient amphorae used for transporting olive oil, mill stones and flat-bottomed Byzantine storage jars, highlights of the exhibition include clay tablets from the 14th century BC, which are inscribed with the health-giving properties of olive oil.
A variety of olive presses from all across Greece date from ancient times right up to the industrial age and include examples powered by water, steam, diesel and even by animal. Among the olive trees in the museum grounds are several sizeable presses, including replicas of ones from prehistoric, Classic and Byzantine times. A small store offers a range of local, organic and flavoured olive oils for sale as well as handmade soaps.
Practical Info
129 Othonos-Amalias St, Sparta. Open Mar¬–Oct 15 10am–6pm; Oct 16–Feb 10am–5pm. Admission adults €3, concessions €1.5. Southwest of Athens in the Peloponnese, Sparta is best reached by car from Athens; the journey is 133 miles (213 km) and takes around two hours 25 minutes hours via the E65.
Address: 129 Othonos-Amalias St, Sparta, Laconia, Peloponnese 231 00, Greece
Hours: Open daily Mar–Oct 15 10am–6pm; Oct 16–Feb 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: €3; Concessions: €1.5
From $ 92
Parthenon
The star of Athens postcards and arguably the most impressive of all the city’s ancient ruins, the Parthenon stands proud atop the sacred rock of Acropolis, high above the modern city.
Built between 447 and 432 BC, the temple was dedicated to Greek goddess Athena and originally housed her cult image, a giant ivory and gold-plated statue by Fidias. The restored temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a striking reminder of the glory of Ancient Greece with its grand marble façade, classic Doric columns, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The site also serves as a fascinating chronicle of Athens’ history.
The Basics
The best way to visit the Parthenon is on a walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens, including neighboring ruins such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. First-time visitors to Athens can also combine a visit with a city sightseeing tour; a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion; or even a food tasting city tour. History buffs can tack on a tour of the Ancient Agora or a visit to the New Acropolis Museum.
The Basics
The best way to visit the Parthenon is on a walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens, including neighboring ruins such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. First-time visitors to Athens can also combine a visit with a city sightseeing tour; a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion; or even a food tasting city tour. History buffs can tack on a tour of the Ancient Agora or a visit to the New Acropolis Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Parthenon
The Parthenon is located within the Acropolis on a hilltop in central Athens. Entry is via Dionysiou Areopagitou or Theorias, and the nearest underground train station is Akropoli.
When to Get There
The Parthenon is open from April to October, Monday 11am to 7:30pm and Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7:30pm, and November to March, daily from 8:30am to 3pm. As with most popular tourist attractions, you would do well to arrive when the doors open to beat the crowds.
An Awkward Encounter with England
In the early 19th century, when Athens was under Turkish rule, sculptures from the Parthenon were sold to Englishman Lord Elgin. The artifacts, nicknamed the ‘Elgin Marbles’ are now on display in London's British Museum, but they remain a point of contention for the Greek government, which still insists they should be returned.
- The Parthenon is most often visited on half- or full-day city tours of Ancient Athens.
- Come prepared for the weather, as the Parthenon is an indoor/outdoor experience.
- Wheelchair lift available to the top of the Acropolis.
How to Get to the Parthenon
The Parthenon is located within the Acropolis on a hilltop in central Athens. Entry is via Dionysiou Areopagitou or Theorias, and the nearest underground train station is Akropoli.
When to Get There
The Parthenon is open from April to October, Monday 11am to 7:30pm and Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7:30pm, and November to March, daily from 8:30am to 3pm. As with most popular tourist attractions, you would do well to arrive when the doors open to beat the crowds.
An Awkward Encounter with England
In the early 19th century, when Athens was under Turkish rule, sculptures from the Parthenon were sold to Englishman Lord Elgin. The artifacts, nicknamed the ‘Elgin Marbles’ are now on display in London's British Museum, but they remain a point of contention for the Greek government, which still insists they should be returned.
Address: Athens Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Mykonos Folklore Museum
Housed in the old captain’s house on the seafront of Mykonos Town, the Mykonos Folklore Museum transports visitors back to the 19th-century, offering a unique insight into historic life on the island. Inside, visitors can take a peek at a typical 19th-century bedroom, kitchen and sitting room, decked out in period style, with traditional oil lamps and vintage furniture.
Among the museum’s eclectic collection, highlights include antique tools, utensils and ceramics; musical instruments; rare textiles and embroidered works; and fine paintings. Also on display is a pair of canons used during the 1821 War for Independence, an impressive collection of keys and locks, and a series of sketches depicting Mykonos shipping vessels.
Practical Info
The Mykonos Folklore Museum is located in the Kastro neighborhood of Mykonos Town and is open from April to October, daily between 5:30 and 8:30pm. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
Address: Kastro, Mykonos Town, Greece
Hours: April-Oct daily 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
From $ 587
Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili)
The four windmills lined up on a hill overlooking Mykonos Town are a signature island sight. All up there are around two dozen windmills on the island, but these four are the most famous. Capped with wood and straw, the three-story conical windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to mill flour. They remained in use until the early 20th century.
The Bonis Windmill overlooking Little Venice houses a folklore museum, while others around the island now serve as very unusual homes. The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbor are stunning, especially at sunset. Sailing into harbor, the windmills are one of the first sights of Mykonos.
The Bonis Windmill overlooking Little Venice houses a folklore museum, while others around the island now serve as very unusual homes. The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbor are stunning, especially at sunset. Sailing into harbor, the windmills are one of the first sights of Mykonos.
Practical Info
The four most famous windmills overlook Little Venice and the waterfront’s southern stretch in Mykonos Town (Chora).
Address: Greece
From $ 80
Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
The ornate Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Great Mitropolis Cathedral) is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin and was 20 years in building, finally being consecrated in 1862; it is the official seat of the Archbishop of Athens, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church. The skills of four architects and marble from scores of demolished Byzantine churches were utilized in building the cathedral, which was commissioned by King Otto of Greece and constructed in ornate neo-Ottoman style with twin spires; although this is the most important church in Greece, where kings were crowned and royal dynasties married and buried, it has been under scaffolding for many years. Its three-aisled interior is in Byzantine style, covered with frescoes and priceless icons, and packed with tombs and relics of Orthodox saints.
In the piazza facing Great Mitropolis stands a statue of Archbishop Damaskinos, the World War II hero who saved thousands of lives by fighting against the deportation of Greek Jews by the country’s Nazi occupiers.
Practical Info
Located in Metropolitan Square (Plateia Mitropoleos), the cathedral is open daily from 7am to 7pm. Mass is held at 6.30am on Sunday. Metro Lines 1 and 3 can be taken to Monastiraki.
Address: Metropolitan Square (Plateia Mitropoleos), Athens 10556, Greece
Hours: Daily 7am–7pm
From $ 37
Memorial House of Mother Teresa
The Memorial House of Mother Teresa stands in the center of Skopje, the city the missionary was born in and called home until she was 18. Built to the east of Macedonia Square on the land where the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church once stood, and where Mother Teresa was baptized, the house opened to the public in 2009.
Travelers can visit to explore the museum and its displays of life-like sculptures depicting Mother Teresa and her family, including the one of the humanitarian as a 10 year old sitting on a stone and holding a pigeon. Exhibits also include memorabilia such as letters, awards, relics and photographs, while an upper-level glass-walled chapel holds mass twice a week. Visitors can head to the gift shop on the main floor to browse books and Macedonian souvenirs. The memorial house also occasionally hosts cultural exhibits.
Practical Info
The Memorial House of Mother Teresa is on one of the main streets leading out of Macedonia Square in the center of the city and is easily accessible on foot from most central Skopje hotels.
Address: Macedonia Street (Ulitsa Makedonja), Skopje, Macedonia
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From $ 13
National Archeological Museum
One of the world's great museums, Athens’ National Archaeological Museum houses the most important finds from antiquity unearthed from the many archaeological sites scattered throughout Greece.
A visit to the National Archaeological Museum provides the ultimate overview of Greek history and art, underscoring their influence on Western civilization. The scores of exhibits range from prehistory through to late antiquity.
Highlights include glittering artifacts from Mycenae, spectacular Minoan frescos from Santorini, and intricate Cycladic figurines.
There are objects excavated from Troy, Neolithic ceramics, marble sculptures from the Aegean islands, jewelry and weapons, and mummies and statues from ancient Egypt.
A visit to the National Archaeological Museum provides the ultimate overview of Greek history and art, underscoring their influence on Western civilization. The scores of exhibits range from prehistory through to late antiquity.
Highlights include glittering artifacts from Mycenae, spectacular Minoan frescos from Santorini, and intricate Cycladic figurines.
There are objects excavated from Troy, Neolithic ceramics, marble sculptures from the Aegean islands, jewelry and weapons, and mummies and statues from ancient Egypt.
Practical Info
The gift shop sells good-quality replicas of the
famous artworks and artifacts, making superb souvenirs. Guided tours and
self-guided audio guides ensure that none of the museum’s many highlights are
missed.
Address: Patision 44, Athens, Greece
Hours: Monday: 1:30pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday-Sunday: 8:30am - 3:00pm
Admission: Adult: 7 euros; Reduced: 3 euros
From $ 23
Meteora
The towering vertical cliffs of Meteora have provided a protected place to pursue spiritual contemplation for centuries. The first hermit monks lived up in caves, but eventually 24 Byzantine monasteries were built (six function today) atop the imposing rock. Part natural wonder, part manmade marvel, the dramatic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction in Greece.
The Basics
Travelers come to Meteora to visit the six operational monasteries and walk the many trails in the area. To get the most out of your visit, book a tour, which will offer historical context. Full-day tours depart from Athens or Thessaloniki to Meteora, or you can make your own way to Kalampaka to enjoy a half-day group, private, or sunset tour. Adventurous travelers can also embark on a hike or do a rafting trip down the River Ionas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and prepare to walk—all but one of the monasteries is reached by steep steps.
- Visitors to the monasteries must have their shoulders and knees covered, and wraps are provided at the entrance.
- The best options for restaurants and cafes are in Kalampaka, so bring a packed lunch if you plan to spend the day.
- Be sure to check the opening days and times of the monasteries in advance as they vary.
- Plan to visit two or three monasteries on a day tour—to visit all six, you will need a 2-day tour.
- St. Stephen's Monastery (Agios Stephanos) is the only wheelchair-accessible monastery.
How to Get There
Meteora is located in Thessaly, about 220 miles (355 kilometers) northwest of Athens, and is accessible by road from the towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki, just to the south. Guided tours often start from Athens, while direct buses and trains run to Kalambaka from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Delphi.
When to Get There
The monasteries are open year-round, but each is closed on a different day, so it’s important to plan ahead. July to October are most popular, and to avoid the crowds, opt for a morning tour. Out-of-season visitors encounter lower entrance fees and fewer crowds, while hikers might come in May or June, before the heat arrives.
Meteora’s Big Six
Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries were built by Eastern Orthodox hermit monks who settled in the area in the ninth century. Most visitors make a beeline for the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, the largest, oldest, and highest, located at around 2,000 feet (615 meters). There’s also Varlaam Monastery, founded in the 14th century by Hosios Varlaam; the dramatically situated Holy Trinity Monastery; Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, renowned for its spectacular frescoes; 16th century Monastery of Rousanou; and the most easily accessible monastery, St. Stephen’s.
Address: Kalampaka, Greece
Hours: Open daily; some monasteries have restricted schedules
Admission: €3 per monastery
From $ 63
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Herodes Atticus was an aristocratic and wealthy Greek who funded several great building projects in ancient Athens, including the Odeum (also Odeon or Herodeion), which he commissioned in 161 BC in memory of his wife. Found at the bottom of the southern slopes of the Acropolis, it was a concert hall with 32 rows of seating around a semi-circular, tiled stage and covered with a wooden ceiling to aid acoustics. Able to accommodate an audience of 5,000, the Odeum’s three-story exterior was adorned with four vast arches and decorated with statues of the muses.
Destroyed in 267 AD by Germanic invaders, the Odeum was neglected until the 1950s, when refurbishment saw the seating and stage restored. It is today a popular open-air venue thanks to its spectacular setting underneath the Acropolis and the venue for many magical summertime open-air concerts and staging of classical plays as well as the Athens & Epidarus Festival from June through August.
Practical Info
Dionysiou Areopagitou. Concert opening times and prices vary according to event, otherwise open daily Apr–Oct 8am–8pm; daily Nov–Mar 8am–3pm. Admission (also to the Theater of Dionysus) is €2 or included in an Acropolis ticket. Take the metro to Monastiraki or Acropoli.
Address: Athens 105 55, Greece
Admission: €2
From $ 23
Myrtos Beach
Tucked away at the feet of lush, green hills on the northwest coast of Cephalonia (‘Kefalonia’ in Greek), the crescent-shaped Myrtos Beach holds its reign as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Greek Islands. With crystal-clear waters, steep limestone cliffs, and white pebble shores, the beach is one of the most photographed in the world. Spend a summer day soaking in the rays and scenic surroundings, or plan a visit for late afternoon to catch a glorious sunset over the horizon. In addition to handy amenities like lounge chairs for rent and a beach shack for refreshments, the Blue Flag-awarded beach is internationally recognized for its excellent water quality and clean coasts—just one more reason to get your feet wet.
To get the most out of your Cephalonia beach day, combine a trip to Myrtos Beach with a guided boat tour of the underground Melissani Lake, available as a day trip departing from Zakynthos and Argostolion.
Practical Info
Myrtos Beach is located in Pylaros, Cephalonia. Access to the beach is down a 1.25-mile (2-km) rough track from the village of Dibarata via a series of sharp hairpin bends. Drive cautiously down to the car park or walk down (there’s a store at the top of the track that sells water). Take good footwear.
The beach can be affected by strong winds—normally during the middle of the day—and the current can become too strong for swimming. A lifeguard is always on duty in the summer.
Address: Pylaros, Cephalonia, Ionian Islands, Greece
From $ 41
Mikrolimano
Mikrolimano is the harbor area in Piraeus, a short distance away from Athens, Greece. The harbor has plenty of fishing boats and a yacht marina with luxury yachts and smaller pleasure boats, and the area is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The atmosphere feels a bit like being on one of the islands while still being just a few minutes outside of Athens. Many Greek films have used Mikrolimano due to its beauty and atmosphere.
Some people come for the charming harbor itself, but most people come to splurge on a nice seafood dinner or lunch at one of the high end restaurants. The seafood here is not cheap, and it is usually sold by the kilogram, so keep in mind that 1 kilogram equals about 2.2 pounds. If fish isn't your thing, you can still come here for the views and the experience and order steak, grilled meat, or a number of other local dishes.
Practical Info
Mikrolimano is located in Piraeus, about five miles from the Acropolis in Athens. To get there, take the metro to Piraeus and then the #20 trolley to Mikrolimano and go down the set of stairs until you reach the harbor.
Address: Akti Koumoundourou, Piraeus, Attica, Greece 18533, Greece
From $ 346
Perivolos Beach
Imagine a stretch of slate grey sands fringed by startling turquoise waters and hemmed in by sea cliffs, and you’ll understand why Perivolos is one of Santorini’s most popular beaches.
The island’s longest black sand beach is not only undeniably photogenic, but it’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, with cool calm waters, and thatched parasols and sunbeds lining the waterfront. Perivolos Beach is also notable for its lively atmosphere, with beach bars dotted along the seafront, volleyball nets set up along the sand and ample opportunities for water sports, including jet skiing and windsurfing.
Many tours of Santorini Island include a stop at Perivolos beach and visits are often combined with nearby Perissa beach. Active travelers can even hike or cycle the beach road between Perivolos and Perissa, a scenic 5km promenade that affords dazzling views along the coast.
Practical Info
Perivolos Beach is located on the southeast coast of Santorini island, around 2km south of Perissa.
Address: Santorini, Greece
From $ 40
Pelion
With its traditional mountain villages, blue flag beaches and rambling forests, the Pelion Peninsula serves up some of Greece’s most unspoiled natural landscapes, and you might even recognize it from the big screen – 2008 hit movie Mamma Mia! was filmed there. Curling south from Volos, the 32km-long peninsula is one of the undisputed highlights of Greece’s Aegean coast, dominated by the rugged Pelion Mountain – the fabled ‘Mountain of the Centaurs’.
As well as laying claim to some of Greece’s best beaches, the Pelion peninsula offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, with a network of scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding trails passing through the forests and olive groves, and skiing possible in the winter months. Exploring the villages is another popular pastime – admire the pretty whitewashed houses with their grey slate roofs in Makrinitsa, stroll the idyllic beaches of Tsagarada, or tuck into traditional cuisine in Portaria.
Practical Info
The Pelion Peninsula is located between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea in central Greece.
Address: Pelion, Greece
From $ 1,332