Greece is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world. It is full of rich history, friendly people, and stunning views. You’ll find white buildings on cliffs, clear blue seas, old temples, and colorful markets all in one place. Also it is diversified with a lot of amazing cities, so it’s not easy to conclude best tourist cities in Greece.
The best tourist cities in Greece offer a mix of old and new. You can walk through ancient ruins in Athens, watch the sunset in Santorini, party in Mykonos, or relax in quiet towns like Nafplio. Whether you love history, beaches, food, or adventure, there’s something here for everyone.
Every city in Greece is different. Some are full of stories from the past, while others are modern and full of life. You’ll find quiet villages, busy streets, island towns, and mountain cities. This variety makes Greece a great place to explore and enjoy.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best tourist cities in Greece. We’ll show you what makes each city special and help you plan a trip you’ll never forget.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Greece
Greece is full of charm, history, and beauty. From its ancient temples to bright blue seas, every city has something unique to offer. The top 10 most beautiful places in Greece are not just pretty, they are rich with culture, food, stories, and local energy. Whether you’re into ruins, romance, beaches, or adventure, you’ll find a city that fits your dream trip.
We have made a descriptive list of 10 great of greats cities in this guide, this list will cover Ancient Greece to Greece in the modern times. From Ancient looks of Greece in Athens & Romantic Santorini to Larissa which shows the Modern Greece.
Let’s explore the best tourist cities in Greece that make this country a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
1. Athens – Ancient Glory & City Buzz
Stone ruins rise beside modern buildings under the hot Mediterranean sun.
Great for lovers of ancient history, street culture, and food tours.
Athens is one of the top tourist attractions in Greece – Athens. It’s where Greek history comes to life. The Acropolis stands tall above the city, surrounded by museums, markets, and busy cafés. But it’s not just ruins, Athens has a creative energy with art, music, and amazing food on every corner.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning exploring temples and the evening eating gyros by candlelight. Whether you stay one day or one week, Athens leaves a mark on your heart.
What to do in Athens
Walk up to the Acropolis early in the morning to beat the crowds. Visit the Acropolis Museum for incredible artifacts. Shop in Plaka and Monastiraki. Try a food tour that introduces you to local Greek dishes. Athens is also home to historic theaters and modern galleries, perfect for culture lovers.
Best Hotels in Athens
For a stay that’s close to everything, Electra Metropolis offers rooftop views of the Acropolis. Coco-Mat Hotel is known for eco-comfort in the chic Kolonaki area. If you want a trendy, loft-style vibe, try The Foundry Suites in Psiri.
2. Santorini – Clifftop Views & Romance
White houses line the cliffs with sea-blue domes and sunset skies.
Best for couples, photographers, and dreamers seeking quiet beauty.
Santorini is often seen in magazines and on travel blogs as one of the top 10 places to visit in Greece. It’s that beautiful, and even better in real life. The cliffside towns of Fira and Oia overlook a deep blue sea formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. At sunset, the skies turn orange and pink, making it feel like time stands still.
The island is quiet yet full of life, offering wine tasting, fine dining, and peaceful paths to explore. It’s no wonder Santorini is considered one of the best places to visit in Greece for couples.
What to do in Santorini
Take a boat tour of the caldera and walk on the volcano. Spend your afternoon at Red Beach or Black Beach. Explore charming shops in Oia, and don’t miss a local wine tasting tour. End your day with a sunset dinner high above the sea.
Best Hotels in Santorini
For luxury, Canaves Oia Suites and Katikies Hotel are top choices. Grace Hotel Santorini offers unmatched sunset views. Budget travelers love Hotel Goulielmos for its comfort and friendly vibe.
3. Thessaloniki – Food, Festivals & Youthful Vibes
A coastal breeze flows through markets and music festivals year-round.
Best for young adults, cultural explorers, and foodies.
Thessaloniki might not be as famous as Athens, but it’s one of the best places to visit in Greece for young adults. It’s full of life, flavor, and creativity. You’ll find Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, and colorful street art all within walking distance. The city is also known for its cafes and food stalls serving up mouthwatering local dishes.
The city feels young and free, with frequent festivals, open-air concerts, and art shows. It’s also a great starting point for road trips to Northern Greece.
What to do in Thessaloniki
Visit the White Tower, stroll the waterfront promenade, and see ancient sites like the Rotunda. Explore Ladadika for nightlife and sample bougatsa, a sweet pastry you can’t miss. Check out street performances or pop-up art exhibits in the city center.
Best Hotels in Thessaloniki
The Met Hotel blends luxury with modern design. For classic comfort, Electra Palace Thessaloniki overlooks Aristotelous Square. For something artsy and hip, try The Caravan, a boutique guesthouse with charm.
4. Mykonos – Party Life & Chic Beaches
Luxury yachts, designer shops, and endless beach music fill the air.
Best for party seekers, fashion lovers, and nightlife enthusiasts.
Mykonos is often listed among the best places to visit in Greece for young adults, especially those looking to dance the night away. But beyond the party scene, it’s also home to whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, and golden beaches.
The town of Chora is lively and beautiful, filled with cafés, upscale bars, and small art galleries. Mykonos is flashy but also very friendly.
What to do in Mykonos
Spend your day at Paradise Beach or Psarou, then catch sunset in Little Venice with a cocktail in hand. Explore the nearby island of Delos, one of the most sacred places in ancient Greece. And if you’re in the mood to shop, check out high-end fashion boutiques around Matogianni Street.
Best Hotels in Mykonos
Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is an Instagram dream. For beach lovers, Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort offers direct sea access. Looking for budget and style? Try Hotel Carbonaki, a local favorite.
5. Chania – Harbors, Mountains & Hidden Coves
Stone paths wind through pastel houses beside a peaceful Venetian port.
Great for families, nature lovers, and laid-back travelers.
Chania is one of the top 10 most beautiful places in Greece, especially if you love history and sea views. Located on the island of Crete, this city blends Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman styles. The Old Town feels like a painting, narrow streets, colorful houses, and a harbor with a lighthouse watching the waves.
Beyond the city, you’ll find breathtaking beaches, mountain gorges, and small villages full of local charm. Chania is peaceful but never boring, and that balance is what makes it special.
What to do in Chania
Start at the Old Venetian Harbor, then walk to the lighthouse at sunset. Hike the famous Samaria Gorge if you’re up for adventure. Relax at Elafonissi Beach, where the sand glows pink in the right light. Visit local markets and taste Cretan olive oil and honey.
Best Hotels in Chania
Stay at Domus Renier Boutique Hotel for historical beauty near the harbor. For something quiet and stylish, Casa Delfino offers cozy rooms and rooftop views. Families will love Serenissima Boutique Hotel, known for its charm and service.
6. Rhodes – Medieval Magic & Sunny Shores
Cobblestone streets wind through ancient stone walls and seaside castles.
Perfect for families, history fans, and beach lovers.
Rhodes offers one of the most unique experiences in Greece. The Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO site, surrounded by massive medieval walls and filled with stone alleys and historic charm. It feels like you’ve walked into a knight’s tale.
Outside the city walls, Rhodes is sunny, green, and lined with beaches. The town of Lindos, with its hilltop acropolis and whitewashed homes, is a picture-perfect stop. Rhodes has the history of Athens, the beauty of Santorini, and the fun of an island resort.
What to do in Rhodes
Explore the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. Wander around Lindos and climb to its acropolis. Spend the afternoon at Tsambika Beach or take a boat trip along the coast. Try local meze at a harbor-side taverna.
Best Hotels in Rhodes
For medieval luxury, stay at In Camera Art Boutique Hotel. Melenos Lindos offers stunning views and unique design. Budget travelers love Lydia Hotel for its location and comfort.
7. Nafplio – Romance, History & Coastal Beauty
Neoclassical buildings meet turquoise bays in a quiet, elegant setting.
Best for couples, solo travelers, and peaceful escapes.
Nafplio is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, and for good reason. This charming town sits along the Argolic Gulf and was once Greece’s capital. Its old buildings are painted in soft colors, and flowers hang from every balcony.
As you stroll by the sea or through the narrow alleys, you’ll feel the calm, romantic vibe. It’s not too crowded, making it a top pick for slow travel and couples’ retreats.
What to do in Nafplio
Climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress for stunning views of the town and sea. Take a short boat ride to Bourtzi Castle, floating in the middle of the bay. Walk the Arvanitia Promenade and enjoy a coffee in the peaceful Old Town.
Best Hotels in Nafplio
3Sixty Hotel & Suites brings elegance and central access. Amphitryon Hotel has gorgeous sea views, while Aetoma Hotel is cozy, family-run, and full of heart.
8. Corfu Town – Island Culture & Lush Landscapes
Elegant buildings and green hills wrap around quiet shores and old forts.
Great for relaxed travelers, history lovers, and nature fans.
Corfu is one of the most diverse places to visit in Greece, with influences from the Venetians, French, and British. That mix shows in the Old Town’s architecture and the laid-back island vibe. The streets feel European, yet nature feels wild and Greek.
From cypress-covered hills to sparkling beaches, Corfu gives travelers a mix of culture and coast. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy every moment.
What to do in Corfu Town
Walk along the Liston Promenade, visit the Old and New Fortresses, and explore the palace of Achilleion. Rent a scooter or car and discover Corfu’s secret beaches and hilltop villages. The island also offers amazing local dishes like pastitsada and sofrito.
Best Hotels in Corfu
Corfu Palace Hotel offers classic luxury with sea views. Bella Venezia Hotel is stylish and central. Mayor Mon Repos Palace is adults-only and great for a peaceful stay.
9. Delphi – Ancient Mysteries & Mountain Views
Myths echo through stone ruins on a mountain ledge overlooking a wide valley.
Perfect for history lovers, spiritual travelers, and day-trippers.
Delphi is one of the most important historical tourist destinations in Greece. Once believed to be the center of the world, it was home to the famous Oracle of Apollo. Today, the ruins remain on a scenic slope of Mount Parnassus, offering stunning views of olive groves and distant hills.
While it’s a quieter place, Delphi has deep meaning. You don’t just visit it, you feel it. It’s a great spot to reflect, learn, and enjoy natural beauty.
What to do in Delphi
Explore the Temple of Apollo, theater, and ancient stadium. Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which holds statues and offerings from the past. Take a walk through the surrounding hills and enjoy a peaceful picnic.
Best Hotels in Delphi
Kastalia Boutique Hotel has cozy rooms with mountain views. Fedriades Delphi Hotel is perfect for travelers who want comfort near the ruins. Acropole Delphi Hotel offers beautiful scenery and kind service.
10. Larissa – Modern Greece & Local Life
Wide boulevards, lively cafés, and a youthful pulse make the city shine.
Best for modern explorers, urban travelers, and cultural immersion.
Larissa isn’t always listed in the usual tourist guides, but it offers a fresh look at modern-day Greece. Located in central Greece, it’s one of the country’s largest cities and is known for its young population, active lifestyle, and strong coffee culture. This is the Greece locals experience every day, less touristy, more authentic.
There are ancient ruins here too (including one of Greece’s largest ancient theaters), but the city’s heartbeat is found in its café-packed squares, outdoor markets, and street art. Larissa feels real, dynamic, and very much alive. If you want to understand how Greece moves today, this is your city. Larissa is some different from all other places, this is significantly a city which shows almost only the modern day Greece, which gives it a fix place in the list of best tourist cities in Greece.
What to do in Larissa
Start your day with coffee at Frourio Hill, surrounded by history and trendy shops. Visit the Ancient Theater of Larissa, still partially in use today. Walk along the Pineios River, relax in Alkazar Park, and enjoy people-watching in Tachydromeon Square. It’s the perfect city for long walks, slow meals, and good conversations.
Best Hotels in Larissa
Stay at Divani Palace Larissa for comfort and elegance in the city center. Greco Hotel offers a stylish, boutique feel for younger travelers. For business-style modern stays, Hotel Park is a convenient and friendly choice.
Best Time to Visit Greece
Greece is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Greece depends on your travel style. Want calm beach days, ancient ruins without the crowds, or vibrant festivals? Each season in Greece offers a different kind of magic.
Here’s a look at what each part of the year brings, so you can plan the trip that’s perfect for you.
Spring (Apr–May)
Spring is a beautiful time to explore Greece. The days are warm, flowers bloom across the hillsides, and the seas begin to warm. It’s one of the best times to visit Greece for cultural sightseeing, relaxed island hopping, or scenic hikes.
Athens, Crete, and the mainland towns are especially peaceful. There are fewer tourists, meaning quieter streets, better prices, and more personal experiences.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Summer is Greece’s high season. The islands are alive with beach parties, long days of sun, and big crowds. It’s perfect for those looking for once in a lifetime things to do in Greece like sunset views in Santorini, boat tours in Mykonos, and lively festivals.
Expect hotter temperatures, busy ferries, and higher hotel rates. But if you want a social, buzzing vibe, this is the time to go.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
This is often called the “sweet spot” for Greek travel. The weather stays warm, the sea is great for swimming, and the crowds fade away. This is a wonderful season for visiting places like Delphi, Nafplio, and the southern islands.
You’ll also catch local wine and food festivals, making it one of the best times to visit Greece for authentic cultural experiences.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Winter shows a quieter side of Greece. Many islands slow down, but cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa stay lively. You’ll get cool weather, great food, fewer tourists, and a more local vibe.
This is the best season for museums, coffee shops, and exploring mountain villages. It’s not for beach lovers, but perfect for slow, thoughtful travel.
When to Go
If you want a little bit of everything, nice weather, great prices, and fewer crowds, late May to mid-June and mid-September to early October are the top picks. These months offer the best balance for exploring the best tourist cities in Greece without stress.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Greece
Greece is a country full of beauty, history, and unforgettable experiences. From the ancient streets of Athens to the magical sunsets of Santorini, every city has its own story to tell. In this guide, we explored the top 10 places to visit in Greece, each offering something unique—whether it’s quiet charm, exciting nightlife, or deep cultural roots.
The best tourist cities in Greece give you more than just pretty views. They bring you into the heart of Greek life, through food, music, friendly locals, and the feeling that you’re part of something timeless. Whether you’re a couple looking for romance, a group of friends chasing fun, or a solo traveler wanting adventure, Greece truly has it all.
Choosing the best time to visit Greece also matters. Spring and autumn are perfect for calm and comfort. Summer is all about excitement and beaches, while winter brings quiet and local charm.
No matter when or where you go, Greece offers once in a lifetime things to do, from walking through ancient ruins to relaxing in peaceful villages. It’s a place that stays with you, long after the trip ends.
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FAQs
Q1: What famous tourist attraction is found in Greece?
A1: The most famous is the Acropolis in Athens, featuring the Parthenon perched above the city.
Q2: What is the nicest part of Greece to visit?
A2: Many travellers say Santorini is the nicest, thanks to pristine views, cliffside villages and sunsets.
Q3: What is the famous of Greece?
A3: Greece is famous for its ancient ruins, Aegean islands, mythology and sun‑drenched beaches.
Q4: What is the most beautiful city in Greece?
A4: Santorini, Nafplio and Chania often top lists as the most beautiful.
Q5: Which city should I go to in Greece?
A5: Choose based on interest, Athens for history, Mykonos for nightlife, Chania for natural beauty.
Q6: Is there an official Greece tourism website?
A6: Yes, the official tourist board site offers travel tips, itineraries and seasonal guides.
Q7: Are there once in a lifetime things to do in Greece?
A7: Absolutely! Sunset sailing in Santorini, visiting Delphi oracle, or sampling authentic Greek cuisine in Athens.
Q8: What top 10 places to visit in Greece do most guides recommend?
A8: They recommend Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Thessaloniki, Chania, Nafplio, Corfu, Rhodes, Delphi and Ioannina.
