Greece Experiences

Edit experiences overview

Uncover Greece with some of kimkim's favorite activities. Try a food and culture tour through the iconic Acropolis, wine tasting while taking in Santorini’s panoramic views, or a hands-on immersion of Naxos’ culinary traditions. You can even kayak above the sunken city of Epidaurus near Nafplio. However you decide to spend your days, don’t miss out on our recommended activities in Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Nafplio, Heraklion, or Mykonos for a truly memorable Greek adventure.

Photo from MAMAKITA
Zagori
Family Canyoning in Papigo
2 hours
·
Private
Enjoy a family-friendly version of canyoning and experience the rush of rappelling down the sides of cliffs on this 2-hour private guided tour. Zagori's natural beauty and canyons, carved over millions of years, make it the perfect place to try canyoning. Along the way, you'll discover the...
Zagori
Family Hiking in Zagori Villages
3 hours
·
Private
Discover Zagori's historic stone bridges and picturesque villages with this easy, 3-hour private family-friendly guided hike, perfect for kids. Zagori is a unique region featuring 46 villages, the Pindos Mountains, roaring rivers, and deep gorges. Many visit the area for its exceptional nature...
Zagori
Bike Tour in Zagori
3.5 hours
·
Small group
Enjoy a mountain bike excursion through the scenic Zagorian landscape with this 3.5-hour biking guided tour. You'll start from the village of Elati, known for its views of the Tymphi mountain peaks. The first leg will be a nice warm-up as you ride along a smooth, paved road, taking in the...
The catch of the day!
Paros
Self-Guided Antiparos Island Day-Trip
Self guided
Discover the charm and beauty of Paros' classy neighbor, the island of Antiparos on a self guided tour of the island. A short ferry ride takes you to this special Cycladic island, where you can walk almost everywhere in a matter of just 10-15 minutes. Enjoy swimming, roaming, eating, and drinking...
Rethymno
Self-Guided Beach Day around Rethymno
Self guided
Beach lovers flock to Crete as it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. While in Rethymno you have a few options to choose from both in town, or a short drive away. On this self guided beach day visit gorgeous tranquil beaches or even waterfalls! As this is a self guided tour,...
(Photo courtesy of Safari Experts Crete)
Heraklion
Sunset Jeep Safari
5 hours
·
Small group
Experience the beauty of a Cretan sunset with this guided off-road adventure through the island's unspoiled hinterland. Your expert driver and guide will wind through authentic villages and rugged landscapes as you stop to meet a local shepherd and their goats, glimpse the submerged village of...
Take a dip
Syros
Self-Guided: Syros Beach Day with car rental
Self guided
Today explore the beautiful beaches of Syros, where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, stroll, and more. Many feature golden sand and offer ideal conditions to windsurf or hidden coves perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. Consider your personal preferences and choose a couple of beaches from the...
Corinth
Self-Guided Tour: Natural Beauty of Aigialeia
Self guided
Explore the beauty of the Aigialeia region, situated by the northern tip of the scenic Peloponnese. You can start with the Odontotos Railway, a steep mountain railway that takes you to the alpine town of Kalavryta through the impressive Vouraikos Gorge, part of the E4 European Path. Many visitors...
Photo from Athens Insider
Athens
Athens Democracy Workshop for Kids
4 hours
·
Private
Travel back in time to the 5th Century BCE and become an ancient Athenian for a day with this 4-hour private interactive educational activity. Your guide is an expert in educational games and activities for children and will help you experience what life was like for the Athenians. You'll start...
Full Day Boat Tour Unique Sailing Experience to Agistri Moni Aegina
10 hours
·
Group tour
Escape the urban energy of Athens for the day and set sail for the Saronic Islands to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina aboard a spacious Greek sailing ship. Find your favorite spot on deck to soak up the Mediterranean sun while island-hopping.    From ancient temples and wild peacocks to pristine...
(photo courtesy of Veerna's Kitchen)
Chania
Cretan Village Cooking Experience
4 hours
·
Group tour
Learn the art of traditional Cretan cooking from a local grandmother with this half-day experience that takes place at a charming village home near Chania. After picking some fresh ingredients from the garden, you'll gather around the outdoor kitchen shaded by olive and avocado trees. Help whip...
Enjoy the views in Balos
Chania
Self-Guided Day Trip to Balos Beach
8 hours
·
Self guided
Discover one of Crete's most popular beaches with a day trip to Balos Lagoon, which draws thousands of visitors each year for its warm, turquoise waters and white-pink sand. From Chania, take a scenic drive and then a hike down to the beach to admire sweeping views of the lagoon, or take a boat...
Picture Courtesy of Travel Me to Milos
Milos
The Ultimate Food & Wine Tour of Milos
5 hours
·
Private
Milos Island's heart and soul lie not only in its history and natural beauty but also in its flourishing gastronomy, with traditional local recipes dating back decades and a range of impressive modern restaurants offering top-notch flavors. With the help of a local guide, indulge in a culinary...
Views from Delphi
Athens
Self-Guided Day-Trip to Delphi from Athens
Self guided
Embark on an enlightening journey through the rich history of Delphi, starting with a stroll through the archeological site, divided between the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Stadium. Highlights include the Treasury of Athens, a 490 BC structure, and the Amphitheater, a 4th-century BC oval...
Samaria
Chania
Private White Mountains Excursion with Wine & Olive Oil Tastings
7 hours
·
Private
Combine adventure with gastronomic explorations with this private safari tour taking you through the mountains and rugged heartlands of Chania. Feel free to customize your safari activity to make sure it suits your interests—this is a private experience, after all! Visit the National Park of...
Santorini
Santorini
Discover Traditional Santorini
4.5 hours
·
Private
Unveil Santorini’s traditions one by one with this fascinating private tour. Your local guide will take you back in time through the island's most formative years. Learn about Santorini's interesting history and how people lived on the island throughout the past centuries. After getting...
Tinos
Tinos
Self-Guided Beach Day on Tinos with car rental
Self guided
A trip to the Greek Islands goes hand-in-hand with a day at the beach! With smaller crowds than its Cycladic neighbors, Tinos makes it easy to find your own piece of paradise. And with so many options, Tinian beaches cater to all visitors. If you like to surf, you'll find beaches with excellent...
Hiking Samaria Gorge
Rethymno
Private Hike to Samaria Gorge
12 hours
·
Private
Explore Chania's Samaria Gorge for a refreshing hike along the river bed, a must-do for any traveler to the region! This 18-kilometer-long gorge is the largest in Europe, and its stunning beauty makes it the most visited trail in the country. On this guided full-day private hiking activity,...
Elafonisi
Chania
Elafonissi Beach Day Trip 
6 hours
·
Private
Experience the beauty of one of Greece's most popular and famous beaches, Elafonissi, with this half-day private guided tour. Savor the crystal-clear turquoise waters, shallow and warm swimming areas, and the pink-hued sand that hugs the shore. Together, the natural elements create unmatched...
Heraklion
Day Trip to Chrissi Island
11 hours
·
Small group
Discover Crete's southern coast and cruise to Chrissi Island. 'Chrissi' means golden, which you'll understand as soon as you see this small island's golden sandy beaches. Along the way, you'll visit the port of Ierapetra in Europe's most southerly town.  Your driver will collect you in Heraklion,...
Ladiko Beach
Rhodes
Sea Kayaking Anthony Quinn Bay
Small group
Explore the popular and sandy beaches along Anthony Quinn Bay in a sea kayaking excursion. After getting acquainted with your equipment and learning a few basic paddling techniques, you'll start slowly along the bay's southern coast. After crossing the bay and paddling past Anthony Quinn Beach,...
The ancient Portara of Naxos
Naxos
Private Mythology Experience
4 hours
·
Private
Go on a unique journey through the ancient sites of Naxos island. Visit Melanes Kouros, a 19 feet (6m) Greek statue discovered by locals. Then visit the sanctuary of Dionysus, the patron god of Naxos, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and fig trees. Learn the myth of Persephone and Hades as...
Botanical gardens
Chania
Treasure Hunt for Families in the Botanical Gardens with transfers
4.5 hours
·
Private
Discover why scientists describe Crete as "the Miniscule Continent" with a treasure hunt at the Botanical Gardens with this half-day private guided tour. Because the island shares the environment of three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe), it offers an impressively diverse fauna and flora....
Caldera-side lights
Santorini
Trace the best Caldera views of Santorini
Self guided
There's nothing like a Santorini sunset, as the island's viewpoints are some of the Cyclades' best. It isn't easy, however, to find a spot without extreme crowds. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the Caldera views is along the Fira to Oia Walking Path. This route runs underneath the island's main...
(Photo courtesy of Tours Made in Crete)
Heraklion
Olive Oil Tasting, Winery Visit & Cretan Lunch
8 hours
·
Small group
This day trip takes you south of Heraklion into the vineyards and olive groves of central Crete. Start with a visit to a family-run olive oil mill, where you'll learn about the traditional process of making extra virgin olive oil and taste different varieties of Crete's "liquid gold." Continue to...
Stone arches at a former olive oil press in Apokoronas
Rethymno
Private 7 Villages Of Apokoronas Excursion
6 hours
·
Private
Discover the history, culture, and cuisine of Crete on this guided tour of the seven villages that comprise the region of Apokoronas. Begin with a visit to the Apokoronas Folk Museum in the village of Gavalochori before continuing on to a raki distillery to sample this local spirit and see how...
Pottery Workshop
Sifnos
Private Pottery Workshop in Sifnos
2 hours
·
Private
Sifnos has been renowned for its pottery heritage since the early Cycladic period, and it remains a vital economic contributor to the island. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the island's rich pottery history and learn the art from a skilled potter. You'll delve into the...
Monemvasia
Monemvasia
Private Monemvasia Guided Tour
2.5 hours
·
Private
Discover the mysteries of Monemvasia with this 2.5-hour private guided tour of the Castle and its scenic Upper Town. Throughout the centuries, Momenvasia evolved into a popular castle-town and a strategic base of trade and military during the Byzantine Empire. The eastern Mediterranean Sea was...

Best Experiences in Greece

Hidden Gems of Santorini
Hidden Gems of Santorini

Romantic and iconic, Santorini is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. But beyond the classic whitewashed villas, there are places where the crowds thin and you can appreciate more facets of this Aegean gem. Watch the sunrise from a secret spot, stay the night in a cave, and more with this list.

A Greek man on Amorgos Island
Best Local & Cultural Experiences in Greece

Greece is warm and welcoming, and getting to know locals in the country's many bakeries and plazas will be a highlight of your trip. Here are more favorite cultural experiences on the mainland and the stunning Aegean and Ionian islands.

Villages of Santorini
Top Cultural Experiences in Greece

Greece is a country of ancient history, refreshing gastronomy, vivid art, and scenic landscapes. All of these characteristics play an essential role in Greek culture. Explore rural villages and learn how the Greek islands functioned before tourism hit. Discover the secrets behind locally sourced cheeses, olive oil, and liqueur, and learn why marble is such a staple throughout the country. Go beyond the beaten path and delve into Athens' unique neighborhoods, Santorini's authentic villages, and the fascinating history of Naxos.

The Parthenon of the Acropolis has no straight lines
Best Historical and Mythological Experiences in Greece

While many travelers understandably plan trips to Greece that center around the islands, beaches, and nature, there are incredible ancient sites all throughout the country that offer unforgettable trips to the past. Whether you want to wander the streets where the philosopher, Socrates, walked or enter a Temple of Apollo where a high priestess once spoke prophecies heard throughout the land, these experiences will help you better understand the cradle of Western civilization.

Villages and Seaside Vistas of the Peloponnese
Best Things to Do in the The Peloponnese

Although not as touristy as the rest of Greece, the Peloponnese region abounds in history, culture, and gastronomy. For over 3,000 years, this jagged peninsula was the heart of Ancient Greece. Visit some of the country's most historic spots, like Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games started, the impressive theater of Epidavros, and the fortified stone village of Monemvasia. Relax on the scenic Mani Peninsula, explore the popular coastlines, and climb the castle of Nafplio, all while noshing on local cuisine like the country's famed Kalamata olives.

The Enchanting Monasteries of Meteora
Top Active Experiences in Greece

Greece is an outdoor haven perfect for an active trip. With mountains and river gorges in the north and endless coastline in the south, you'll have your pick of sporty excursions. Whether it's hiking to ancient sites, biking along the coast, or kayaking through the sea, active adventures allow you to experience the country from a unique perspective and get up close with the local culture.

Explore Greece's World-Famous Food Culture
Top Culinary Experiences in Greece

Greek gastronomy is known worldwide as one of the freshest and healthiest cuisines, with its signature Mediterranean diet featured in numerous countries. Learn the secrets behind the country's staples with wine and cheese tastings, city food tours, farm visits, and meals with locals. Take a cooking class or visit a winery and learn about Greece's ancient farming and winemaking techniques. There's a reason why the flavors are so pronounced in Greek gastronomy, and tradition has a lot to do with it!

Kids Love Exploring the Beaches of Greece
Best Things to Do on a Family Vacation in Greece

Greece is one of the best family-friendly travel destinations in Europe, offering various activities suited for all ages. With abundant and diverse nature, your family can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and much more. Explore the cultural significance of Greek gastronomy (your kids might acquire healthy Greek eating habits!) and wander through the ancient ruins of sites like Acropolis Hill and Delphi. Learn the mythological stories behind the iconic landmarks, and learn new skills like mosaic making, painting, and archeological excavating.

The Colorful Harbor of Chania, Crete
Best Things to Do on Crete

As Greece's southernmost and largest island, Crete puts a twist on the typical Greek island ambiance. With a mix of ancient history, diverse landscapes, and some of the country's best beaches, you'll find many ways to explore the birthplace of Zeus and European civilization. Discover charming villages surrounded by olive groves, hike through scenic gorges, spend a day relaxing in the year-round warm waters, and learn more about the island's ancient civilizations.

Explore Greece's Signature Turquoise Water and Scenic Beaches
Top Beach Excursions in Greece

With over 400 blue-flag beaches and endless stretches of sand, pebbles, and turquoise waters, Greece is the perfect place for a sand-and-sea vacation. Although the Greek Islands offer some of the best beaches, even the mainland has its share of swimming hotspots. From the snorkeling haven of Voidokilia to the famous Balos Bay on Crete, every region of the country has a sandy stretch perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying water sports.

Discover Greece's Incredible Scenery by Boat
Top Sailing Excursions in Greece

No trip to Greece is complete without enjoying the open sea! With endless coastline, thousands of islands, and warm waters ideal for swimming, you can craft the perfect sailing itinerary to match your interests. Enjoy the quieter islands of the Ionian Sea, or discover the energy and history of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. Or, stay close to the mainland and explore the coast of Nafplio, the Peloponnese Peninsula, and the Saronic Gulf. Whatever you choose, a sailing adventure awaits you in Greece!

Beautiful Views on Santorini
Best Things to Do in the Greek Islands

Although most are uninhabited, Greece has over 6,000 islands dotting the waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It's no wonder they attract travelers from all over the world with diverse history, unique culture, sandy beaches, and incredible natural surroundings. The two most popular clusters include the Cyclades Islands in the heart of the Aegean and Greece's southernmost and largest island, Crete. Combining the two constructs an ideal vacation filled with some of the most beautiful coastlines and ancient history in Greece.

Athens and Acropolis Hill at Sunset
Best Things to Do in Athens

Greece's buzzy capital city is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, acting as an outdoor museum to some of the world's most historic landmarks. Athens encircles its famed Acropolis Hill with the impressive Parthenon at its crown. Walk amongst over 3,000 years of history as you take in ancient monuments and architecture touched by Byzantine, Ottoman, and neoclassical influences. Whether you want to explore archeological sites, relax on the Athenian Riviera, or savor an iconic Greek sunset atop Cape Sounio, Athens has it all.

Colorful Boats Line Mykonos' Harbor
Best Things to Do on Mykonos

As the most cosmopolitan of Greece's Cycladic Islands, Mykonos has built a reputation for glitz, glamor, and beachside nightlife. Its charming Little Venice neighborhood and iconic windmills tempt jet setters from around the world. Wander its buzzy streets and discover its quieter, more traditional side. Cruise around the island in search of picture-perfect beaches and explore the archeological sites on nearby Delos.

Village views on Naxos
Best Things To Do on Naxos

If you're dreaming of the quintessential Greek island with whitewashed architecture, amazing beaches, incredible food and culture, and rich history, then Naxos is for you. Especially if you want to avoid the crowds on some of its neighboring islands. The largest Cycladic island is just a hop, skip, and a jump from hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos, but feels a world apart.

Sunset seen from Oia, Santorini
Best Things To Do in Santorini

Santorini is the most iconic Greek island, full stop. Many, if not all, first-time travelers to Greece have this volcanic marvel on their must-see list, which comes with the usual pros and cons. Yes, it's an amazing place with views you'll never forget. And yes, it'll likely be crowded. That's why we recommend planning carefully so you'll experience the best of Santorini while avoiding the pitfalls that come with any major tourist attraction.