Things to Do in Greece

A luxury holiday in Greece is about more than the pool. Here are the experiences our travel experts recommend, from ancient history and island hopping to long lunches by the sea.

1. Explore ancient history

Greece is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Book skip-the-line tickets or a private guide to get the most from each visit.

• The Acropolis, Athens: the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum below it
• Knossos, Crete: the restored Minoan palace near Heraklion
• Delphi: the mountainside sanctuary of Apollo, an easy day trip from Athens
• Lindos, Rhodes: a hilltop acropolis above a whitewashed village

2. Sail between islands

A private or small-group catamaran is the most relaxing way to see the coastline. Popular routes include the Santorini caldera, the south coast of Mykonos and the sea caves of Zakynthos. Most trips include swimming stops, snorkelling equipment and lunch on board.

3. Find your perfect beach

Greek beaches range from lively, organised bays with sunbeds and tavernas to quiet coves reachable only by boat. Look out for Blue Flag beaches, which meet high standards for water quality and safety.

• Elafonisi and Balos Lagoon, Crete, for pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise water
• Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, Zakynthos, best seen from a boat
• Kalogria and Kassandra beaches, Halkidiki, for calm water ideal for children

4. Eat and drink like a local

Greek food is simple, seasonal and generous. Order meze to share, try fresh fish by the kilo at a harbour taverna and finish with Greek yoghurt and thyme honey.

• Join a cookery class in a Cretan village
• Taste Assyrtiko wine at a Santorini vineyard
• Try a traditional bougatsa pastry for breakfast in Thessaloniki

5. Relax at the spa

Many of Greece’s best hotels have award-winning spas with treatments inspired by local ingredients such as olive oil, sea salt and mountain herbs. Book treatments before you travel during July and August.

6. Watch the sunset

Sunset is an event in Greece. Oia in Santorini is the most famous viewpoint, but Little Venice in Mykonos and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion near Athens are just as memorable and often quieter.

7. Get active

• Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete, open from around May to October
• Try paddleboarding, kayaking or diving in the clear Aegean water
• Cycle through olive groves and mountain villages

Tip: excursions and restaurants book up quickly in peak season. Ask our team to arrange private tours and transfers before you travel.

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