Greece Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Greece

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Enjoy Athens, the Peloponnese, Santorini & Crete - 15 Days

This lively 15-day itinerary around Greece features too many activities to list, from boating excursions and tours of ancient ruins to waterfall hikes and wine tastings. The journey begins on the mainland with sightseeing in Athens, a visit to Olympia — the site of the first Olympic Games — the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae, and more. Then you'll take off on an island adventure, starting with a ferry ride to Santorini, known around the world for its spectacular beaches and sunsets. Wrap up the trip on Crete, dividing your time between Heraklion and Chania as you discover the island's caves and coastline.

Greek History & Gourmet Adventure in Athens, Naxos & Amorgos - 14 Days

Food and wine enthusiasts — especially those looking to get off the beaten path a bit — will love this two-week itinerary around Athens and a pair of Greek islands. The trip starts with a few days in Athens, where you'll get oriented in Greek history and mythology. Then it's off to the island of Naxos, where you'll sample local sweets and visit a family-run olive oil farm. You'll also enjoy a day of sailing on the Aegean Sea before continuing to the lesser-visited island of Amorgos for several days of eating, drinking, and sunbathing. Learn how to prepare Greek food during a cooking class, sip wine with a sunset view, and pick up some bottles of locally produced olive oil to take home with you. You'll head back to Athens for one last Greek meal before the trip comes to an end.

Venture Off the Beaten Path in Greece - 15 Days

This sweeping 15-day tour of Greece features stops at popular destinations, including Athens and Santorini as well as beautiful lesser-visitid locales like Amorgos. You'll start with the Acropolis before catching a boat to the quiet island of Sifnos, where you'll hike and take a ceramics class. Then on Amorgos, you'll enjoy its dramatic scenery and delicious food, followed by kayaking sea caves, snorkeling with sea urchins, and admiring sunsets on a sailing trip.

Escape to Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 12 Days

This colorful 12-day itinerary around Greece features a wide range of cultural activities and outdoor adventures, from sightseeing at the Acropolis to sailing around Santorini at sunset. You'll begin the journey with sightseeing in Athens, then move on to explore ancient ruins at Mycenae, Nafplio, Delphia, and Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Hike around the Meteora before catching a boat to Mykonos and enjoying some relaxation on the island. You'll end the trip with several days in Santorini, plenty of time for exploring island villages, discovering quiet beaches, and taking in a glorious sunset during a sailing excursion.

Discover Corfu, Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 15 Days

Idyllic islands, ancient history, boating adventures, gourmet food and wine — this sweeping 15-day tour around Greece has it all! You'll start with several days exploring the beautiful island of Corfu before heading to the mainland, where you'll discover Athens on thematic tours dedicated to street food and Greek mythology. Continue to Mykonos for sailing tours around nearby islands, a visit to a traditional farm, and time to relax on the beach. The grand finale of the itinerary is a four-day stretch on Santorini, known for its dramatic volcano and world-famous sunsets. You'll see the sun go down over the sea on an afternoon sailing trip on the last day of the journey.

Highlights of Athens & the Mainland - 8 Days

Many trips to Greece involve island-hopping. But this 8-day tour, perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, showcases the best of the mainland! You'll begin in Athens, visiting the Acropolis and the city's top museums, then viewing the city from far away on a sunset tour to Cape Sounio. Continue on to the ancient sites of Mycenae, Nafplio, and Olympia, the host of the first Olympic Games. Spot dolphins in the water on a scenic cruise around Amvrakikos Gulf, then explore the monasteries and rock formations of the Meteora before circing back to Athens. With a mix of culture, history, wildlife, and active pursuits, this journey around mainland Greece is popular with travelers of all ages.

Wonders of Mainland Greece - 5 Days

In just five days, this diverse itinerary takes you to some of mainland Greece's top highlights. Spend a day in Athens exploring the antiquities of the Acropolis before touring Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic seaside city of Nafplio. Then move on to the ethereal rock formations of the Meteora, a series of ancient monasteries, a family-run winery, and more! You'll hike in the hills, sample regional delicacies, sleep in a mountain lodge, and learn all about Greek history and culture before returning to Athens, where the trip starts and ends.

Snorkel and swim among the ancient sunken city of Epidaurus

Adventure Tour of Athens & the Peloponnese - 10 Days

Adventure awaits on this exciting 10-day tour of Athens and the Peloponnese. You'll start in the capital with a tour of the Acropolis, a Jeep excursion around the mountains and lakes outside the city, and a day trip to nearby islands aboard a classic sailboat. Then, move on to bustling Kalamata to enjoy a sea kayaking trip along the coast and a hiking excursion to the famous Polylimnio Waterfalls. Finish in Nafplio with a culinary tour and visit to the underwater ruins of Epidaurus.

Photo courtesy of Electra Palace Thessaloniki

The Best Boutique Hotels in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki's hotels reflect the city's vibrant atmosphere with colors, artwork, and impressive design touches. Stay in the city center or near the harbor and surround yourself with a funky traveler atmosphere, classic style, or cutting-edge design at one of these hotels.

The Porch of the Caryatids at the Acropolis

Discover Athens, Milos & Santorini - 11 Days

This 11-day tour introduces you to three of Greece's most dazzling destinations: Athens, Milos, and Santorini. You'll spend several days in each place, enough time to sightsee in the capital city and explore the beaches and villages of two beautiful islands. Begin in Athens with a tour of the Acropolis, then catch the ferry to Milos, where you'll boat around the island and wander along cobblestoned streets lined with historic churches. Finish the itinerary with four days on Santorini, enjoying scenic walks, a wine tasting at a local winery, and a catamaran cruise finishing at sunset.

The 8 Best Boutique Hotels in Mykonos

A trip to Mykonos means diving headfirst into island glamour—or dipping a toe in, at the very least. Stay on the edges with some more reasonably priced accommodations in the center of town or fully submerge in the scene with luxurious beachfront villas with this list, all of which blend beautifully into the white Cycladic seascape.

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Tinos

Its signature dovecotes may be the most famous lodging on Tinos, but these hotels can provide an equally distinctive stay. Opt for a spot in town or head out to one of the island's many beaches, where your hotel will be just steps away from the sand.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Heraklion

When in Heraklion, the best lodgings are centrally located. Sample an eco-conscious smart hotel, the residence of the first Aga of Heraklion during the Ottoman era, or a luxury hotel that once played host to the city's upper crust. If you're on a slower-paced trip, head to a local winery or the nearby village of Archanes for a sedate stay under the olive trees in your own cozy villa.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Chania

Chania's varied cultural influences are apparent in its hotels, which blend historical touches and sweeping Venetian and neoclassical architecture with modern conveniences. Stay in the Old Town for cobblestone streets and proximity to the main attractions, or in the modern town center for lower rates and larger facilities.

Relax on the rooftop admiring the views of Athens (photo courtesy of Foundry Suites)

The Best Boutique Hotels in Athens

As Europe's second oldest city, Athens has been an intersection of history, culture, and cuisine for millennia. Not surprisingly, its hotels reflect different aspects beyond the ancient Greek ones. Whether you're looking for an old European atmosphere, a gastronomy-focused hotel, or a modern 21st-century experience in the heart of the historic center, you can find what you need in these best hotels in Athens.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Syros

Many of the colorful sea captain's houses that dot the Syros waterfront have been turned into hotels, allowing travelers to truly experience the island's past during their visit. Stay in one of the neoclassical buildings in the Vaporia neighborhood of the island's main town of Ermoupoli, or head to one of the beaches if you prefer more space.

Photo courtesy of Ostria Studios & Apartments

The Best Boutique Hotels in Paros

Perfect your trip to Paros with a stay on one of the island's many beaches—and there are plenty to choose from. No matter which fishing village or sweep of sand you choose, enjoy spas, sea views, and pools amid Cycladic architecture and sea breezes that will have you floating away in no time.

Photo courtesy of Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Milos

With bright white interiors and accents from land and sea, the hotels of Milos echo the island landscape and its dramatic white rock beaches. Find your spot in town, on a private nature reserve, or even inside a windmill at these lodgings.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Santorini

There are a few questions to answer when staying on the famous shores of Santorini. But whether you choose a beachside apartment or caldera views, the bustling cafés of Fira, or the quiet elegance of Imerovigli, one of these hotels will surely hit the spot.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Rethymno

The best hotels in Rethymno combine the city's beach access with the Cretan culture, serving up local specialty dishes alongside historic stones under the sun. Whether you're enjoying a former schoolhouse turned boutique, savoring suites accompanied by one of Greece's best restaurants, or slowing down on a wellness-focused farm stay, it's hard to go wrong with these options.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Nafplio

Stay inside a historical mansion or hip design suites within the pedestrian-friendly center, or head into the countryside for a hands-on farm-stay amid the olive trees as you explore this Peloponnesian destination.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Corfu

Over in the Ionian islands, Corfu's main lodgings tend more toward the resort-style. These expansive properties offer private beaches, infinity pools, and options for private villas; they even have their own seaside promenades and piazzas to sweep you away.

Explore Athens & the Cyclades - 10 Days

The beautiful Cyclades consist of hundreds of islands. You'll get to know three of the best — Naxos, Ios, and Milos — on this 10-day tour of Athens and the Greek islands. Start with sightseeing in the capital city, then travel by ferry to Naxos, where you'll go on a gourmet food tour of the island. Boat around secluded beaches on Ios, and on the island of Milos, you'll see the ruins where one of the world's most famous artworks was discovered. Finish the trip back with a sunset cruise back in Athens.

Adventure & Relaxation in Athens, Mykonos, Paros & Santorini - 10 Days

From the bustling capital of Athens to quiet villages on idyllic islands, this 10-day tour takes you to some of Greece's most appealing destinations. After sightseeing in the big city at the start of the trip, you'll sail to the island of Mykonos, where you'll tour the charming 18th-century neighborhood of Little Venice and relax on the beach. Then it's off to the lesser-visited island of Paros, a picturesque place to explore in your rental car. Wrap up the trip on the famous island of Santorini, where you'll visit a local winery, shop for handicrafts in traditional villages, sunbathe on the Red Beach, and catch glorious sunsets over the sea.

Explore Athens, Classical Greece & Santorini - 9 Days

Can't choose between Greek antiquity and picture-perfect island sunsets? This 9-day itinerary, offering a mix of both, is for you. You'll start in Athens, spending a few days sightseeing and touring the Acropolis. Then you'll explore ancient ruins at Mycenae and visit Olympia to see the site of the first Olympic Games. Catch the ferry to Santorini on day six for a few days on the idyllic island, enjoying a sunset cruise and strolls through quiet villages. You'll head back to Athens for one last night in the capital city before the trip ends.

Discover the Best of Athens, Mainland Greece & Santorini - 9 Days

On this well-rounded 9-day itinerary, you'll sightsee in Athens and explore the outdoor attractions and cultural attractions of mainland Greece, then catch a ferry to Santorini to spend a few days on the island. Highlights along the journey include a tour of the Acropolis, a visit to the ancient ruins of Delphi, a tasting at a Greek winery, an excursion to the dramatic landscapes of the Meteora, and time to wander around traditional island villages. You'll also hike, relax on the beach, and spend the night in a mountain lodge in the gorgeous Forest of the White River.

Discover the Best of Athens, the Peloponnese & Santorini - 8 Days

Explore ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, and wander through island villages on this 8-day trip around Greece. The trip starts and ends in Athens, where you'll tour the Acropolis and visit key museums. In between stays in the capital city, you'll visit the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae and the original site of the Olympic Games in Olympia. Then you'll catch a ferry to Santorini and enjoy a few days exploring the island, relaxing on the famous Red Beach, and taking in stunning sunsets over the water.

Road Trip Around Ancient Greece - 5 Days

In just five days, you can see a lot of Greek antiquity — especially if you have a good map and the keys to a rental car! On this fascinating five-day tour, you'll drive around Athens, Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplio, Delphi, and the Meteora, stopping along the journey to tour ancient ruins, visit key museums, and walk around the original site of the Olympic Games. It's not all history on this colorful road trip, though: you'll also have the chance to hunt for truffles in the woods, dine in traditional Greek taverns, and hike through quiet forests before looping back to Athens, where the trip comes to a close.

Colorful scenery on the Red Beach, Santorini

Explore Athens & Island-Hop Around Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 14 Days

This exciting two-week itinerary through Greece has something for everyone: ancient history, cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, world-class beaches, and gourmet food and drink. Spend the first few days sightseeing in Athens, learning about Greek antiquity at the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Then you'll head to Mykonos for relaxing beach time and a half-day cruise around nearby islands. Catch the ferry to Santorini next, exploring traditional villages and sampling locally crafted spirits — and soaking up views of truly spectacular sunsets, of course. Wrap up the trip on Crete, where you'll tour the Cave of Zeus and marvel at dramatic scenery on the drive to the legendary Elafonissi Beach, famed for its pink sands and clear blue waters.

Boat in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Santorini

Adventure & Relaxation in Athens, Naxos & Santorini - 12 Days

This 12-day adventure, focused around three of Greece's top destinations, offers an enticing mix of cultural sightseeing, outdoor adventure, and pure relaxation. You'll spend the first few days in Athens, visiting the Acropolis, tasting Greek delicacies on a food tour, and side-tripping to nearby islands by boat. Then you'll move on to Naxos, participating in another guided food tour, sightseeing in the old town, and sailing to beautiful beaches on the islands of Paros and Antiparos. Finish the itinerary on the gorgeous island of Santorini, where you'll kayak around sea caves, relax on the famous Red Beach, and end the trip with a sunset catamaran tour around the coastline.

Discover Greek History & Culture - 7 Days

Delve into the fascinating history and culture of Greece on this weeklong tour around some of the country's top highlights. You'll begin in Athens with a guided tour of the Acropolis, then continue to Mycenae — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the historic coastal city of Nafplio. Tour the ruins of Olympia, the site of the original Olympic Games, before moving on to discover fascinating antiquities in Delphi and Amfissa. You'll explore the otherworldly Meteora and spend some time sampling local wines and regional dishes in the countryside before heading back to Athens, where the trip ends.

Outdoor Adventure in Epirus - 7 Days

Get away from the crowds and discover a lesser-known paradise in the Greek region of Epirus! On this weeklong itinerary, you'll base yourself in the port city of Preveza, the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the area's fantastic beaches, lakes, forests, and rivers. You'll cruise to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, go horseback riding along the banks of the bright blue Acheron River, and look for dolphins in the wild on a boat tour. Then spend a day hiking around the mirror-like Ziros Lake before wrapping up the trip with a barbecue on the beach on the island of Lekfada.

Kimkim Staff Trip Report: Yenyi's Family Trip to Greece

Wondering what it's like to travel to Greece as a family during the pandemic? Our Head of Product visited Greece with her family in August 2021. While it does require extra planning, getting in and out of the country is easy. At-home test kits are a convenient way to test the whole family and have your results on hand quickly. Alfresco dining during the summer months is a safe way to enjoy Greek food and culture. Pick up more tips from Yenyi in the trip report below.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Naxos

Much like the island, the Naxos lodgings welcome you into the Cycladic lifestyle. Whether you want to stay close to town or a bit farther out on Agios Prokopios beach, you'll find brushed white architecture and the influence of the island's agricultural character. Don't be surprised if you happen to hear mooing in the distance alongside the sound of the waves.

Looking out at a new day dawning in Athens

Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Greece

Greece is one of the most irresistible honeymoon getaways on Earth. Relax on Europe's best and most diverse range of beaches on one or more of the nation's 6000-odd islands, with a level of seaside seclusion few other countries can rival. Be transported back in time in towns and cities so full of ancient monuments they seem like open-air museums, and find out about the dramatic stories of Greek gods and goddesses. Or gaze into each other's eyes over a beach-side or clifftop meal championing one of the world's most tantalising cuisines. Here are the best honeymoon destinations in Greece, and the most romantic things to do in each.

Best Places to Eat in Chania

From elegant restaurants serving grilled seafood on the beach to casual sandwich shops with a line around the corner, there's no shortage of places to eat in Chania. Try age-old recipes, like lamb slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven, and modern dishes made with freshly caught seafood. Some of the city's best restaurants are inside the Old Town, near the 14th-century port, while others are located a short drive away from the historic center. Read on to learn more about the best places to eat in Chania.

A tray of Bougatsa, a traditional Cretan pastry

What to Eat in Crete

Born out of centuries-old traditions, Cretan cuisine is simple and delicious. From fresh salads and buttery pastries to potent spirits and bold red wines, the island's most popular foods and drinks are products of Crete's sunny climate and vibrant culinary heritage. Whether you're grabbing a snack from a bakery or sitting down for a gourmet meal, the emphasis is always on freshness and quality. Read on to learn more about the delicacies and dishes you won't want to miss on a visit to Crete.

Restaurant in the medieval center of Rethymno

Best Places to Eat in Rethymno

Charming Rethymno has more to offer than beautiful beaches and a gorgeously preserved medieval center. The city, located on the western side of Crete, is also a foodie destination. Sample fried snails, slow-roasted goat, locally produced wines, and potent raki — a traditional spirit — while exploring the quiet streets of the old town. Whether you're dining with a sea view or in a lush courtyard garden, you're sure to eat well.

24 Hours in Rethymno

Many travelers spend a few days on Crete, splitting their time between Chania in the west and Heraklion in the east. As you make your way from one region to the other, don't miss the chance to spend some time in the Rethymno, home to a famous monastery, a charming old town, and excellent restaurants. What to do, where to go, and what to see—especially if you only have 24 hours to spend? Follow this guide to find out.

Culture & Adventure in Crete, Santorini, Naxos, the Peloponnese & Meteora - 21 Days

Spend 21 days in Greece with this unique itinerary that balances history, relaxation, and culture. Start in Crete, Greece's largest island with the oldest civilization. Explore the Venetian town of Chania and the massive Samaria gorge, and Crete's capital — Heraklion. Catch a ferry to Naxos where you'll learn how to cook Greek food and relax on an idyllic beach. Finish your trip in laid-back Santorini for an immersion into Greek winemaking.

Athens, the Peloponnese, Delphi & Santorini - 14 Days

Travel across the Peloponnesian peninsula and dive into Greek history with this 14-day itinerary. After a brief stay in Athens, go down to the sea to visit Nafplio, Ancient Olympia, and Delphi. Set sail for the quintessential Greek island of Santorini to end your journey on its stunning caldera.

1 Week in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

With a week to spend, you and your family can find plenty of ways to explore Greece. Whether you want to hit the highlights with interactive tours in Athens and Santorini, get into some less-explored parts of the country with a Corinthian canal cruise, or head out on a scavenger hunt through the streets of Crete, there's something waiting for everyone.

10 Days in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Greece has a multitude of wonders to attract you and your family for 10 days of adventure. It's one of the sunniest places in the world, so catch some rays as you explore the cultural capital of Athens in the company of storytellers, breathe in the healing airs of Crete on easy hikes and treasure hunts, and watch the stunning sunsets of Santorini from secret spots.

2 Weeks in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Two weeks gives you and your family plenty of time to traverse the nearly 1,000 miles of coastline that Greece has to offer. Whether you're going for a deep dive into the northern Greek mainland, island-hopping through the Cyclades, or getting cultural on Crete or in the Peloponnese, you'll find something that speaks to you.

Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 14 Days

Take older kids and teens on this two-week itinerary that will get you out into some of the most interesting natural landscapes in Greece. You'll start in Athens, exploring the capital's parks and street art scene, then head to Nafplio to explore ancient theaters and monuments by both land and sea. Visit the castles of the Mani Peninsula, learn about Greek cooking in Kalamata, and tour the Classical-era temples at Delphi before you head home.

Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 10 Days

Older kids and teens can enjoy ten days of activities that will acquaint them with Greece's personality through the ages. Start in Athens with tours of ancient monuments and modern street art, then head to Nafplio to explore sprawling sanctuaries. You'll then head to Olympia to try your hand at beekeeping and archaeology before ending your trip among the sacred stones at Delphi.

Interactive Athens and Crete for Families - 7 Days

Spend a week getting in touch with Greek culture alongside your school-aged children on this itinerary. The first half of your trip takes place in Athens, where you'll find inspiration at the Parthenon and the rest of the Acropolis and practice your running form at the Panathenaic Stadium. Then, head to Rethymno on Crete to explore ancient ruins and try your hand at an excavation.

Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 7 Days

Take a week getting out into nature in the Peloponnesian peninsula with this itinerary designed for older kids and teenagers. Start in Athens, where you'll juxtapose Classical myths with modern street art. Then head to the historic warrior city of Sparta to explore its ancient castles before you finish your trip in the seaside city of Nafplio with a kayak tour over a sunken city.

Take a sunset bike tour in the Mani Peninsula

Greek Culture & Adventure for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 14 Days

Your school-aged children can learn about Greek culture in a sun-filled and interactive style on this itinerary. You'll start off by creating comic books or learning some Greek language skills in Athens. Then head to the Mani Peninsula, full of beautiful beaches and stone villages to explore. Finish your trip in the famous olive region of Kalamata, with cooking lessons, archery, scenic hikes, and more.

Interactive Athens and Crete for Families - 10 Days

Workshop your way around Athens and Crete for 10 days with this itinerary full of family-friendly activities for school-aged children. Paint and play in Athens amid the Parthenon and Panathenaic Stadium, then take a ferry to Crete to enjoy the beaches and botanic gardens of Chania. Your last stop is Heraklion, for hands-on experiences with history and bread-making at the hearth.

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