Greece has long been one of the best luxury travel destinations. It’s no exaggeration to call Greece the cradle of Western civilization.
Greece has long been one of the best luxury travel destinations. It’s no exaggeration to call Greece the cradle of Western civilization.
From the fabulous ruins of Athens to the Instagram islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Greece is a magnet for luxury travellers. Beyond the most popular destinations, you’ll find fascinating places to explore, including hundreds of rustic islands that don’t attract so many selfie sticks. The Greek islands alone offer extraordinary diversity: party until sunrise in Mykonos, hike dramatic gorges in Crete, sail between secluded coves in the Ionian Sea, or lose yourself in medieval Rhodes Town.
Greece sprawls across the southeastern edge of Europe, encompassing a mountainous mainland and over 6,000 islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas. Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, serves as both capital and gateway.
The Acropolis watches over graffiti-covered neighborhoods, modern metros run beneath archaeological sites, and tavernas serving traditional Greek recipes sit beside experimental fusion restaurants.
Beyond Athens, mainland Greece reveals Delphi’s mountain sanctuary, the otherworldly rock formations of Meteora crowned with medieval monasteries, and the Peloponnese peninsula where Sparta, Olympia, and countless ancient theaters await exploration.
The northern regions have dramatic landscapes and a more Balkan influence, with cosmopolitan Thessaloniki emerging as one of Europe’s up-and-coming cities.
The islands remain the biggest draw for travellers. The Cyclades have endless blue skies and white washed buildings, from glamorous Mykonos and Santorini to quieter islands like Naxos and Paros. Crete stands apart as a mini-continent with its own identity, archaeological treasures, and cuisine.
The Dodecanese islands, located near Turkey, blend Greek and Ottoman influences, while the Ionian islands to the west have green landscapes and Venetian architecture. You can spend a lifetime exploring Greece’s many islands.
Start where Western civilization began: explore the Acropolis and its breathtaking Parthenon, wander through the ancient Agora where Socrates philosophized, and trace history through Athens’ world-class archaeological museums. In Delphi, stand where the oracle once delivered (admittedly confusing) prophecies.
Island-hopping ranks among Greece’s greatest pleasures. Ferry between the Cyclades, discovering each island’s unique character. Catch legendary sunsets in Oia, windsurf in Paros, explore Naxos’s mountain villages, or party until dawn in Mykonos. Santorini’s volcanic caldera has unforgettable sailing, while Crete demands serious time for its Minoan palaces, Samaria Gorge hikes, and beaches.
While Santorini and Mykonos captivate millions of tourists, Greece’s under-the-radar destinations offer equally magical experiences without the crowds. The Mani Peninsula in the southern Peloponnese feels wonderfully untamed, where stone tower houses dot dramatic landscapes, Byzantine churches hide frescoes in mountain villages, and tavernas serve the freshest seafood to appreciative locals rather than tour groups.
Folegandros, a Cycladic island just beyond Santorini, has all the blue-domed beauty with a fraction of the visitors. Its hilltop Chora ranks among Greece’s most stunning villages, while secluded beaches require pleasant hikes through terraced landscapes. Similarly, Sifnos charms with exceptional pottery traditions, hiking trails between whitewashed villages, and a food scene that draws Greek gourmands.
On the mainland, Zagori’s 46 stone villages in Epirus offer alpine Greece – think arched stone bridges spanning rushing rivers, hiking trails through Vikos Gorge (one of the world’s deepest), and mountain guesthouses.
For island lovers, the Saronic Islands near Athens deliver quick escapes with character: car-free Hydra’s artistic community, Spetses’ pine forests and beaches, or Aegina’s pistachio groves and ancient Temple of Aphaia.
Warm and bright (20–28°C) with wildflowers in bloom and calm seas. Ideal for exploring ancient sites or quiet island stays before the summer crowds arrive.
Hot and sun-drenched (30–35°C) with long days made for the water. The Aegean’s Meltemi winds bring relief to the Cyclades but can affect ferries. Expect lively islands and full beaches.
Golden days and warm seas make this a perfect balance of ease and energy. Fewer visitors, gentle heat, and harvest flavors invite slower travel and unhurried swims.
Mild and peaceful (10–15°C) with quiet islands and vibrant mainland life. Athens shines without the crowds, while northern mountains offer skiing and cosy tavern warmth.
Athens International Airport (ATH) serves as Greece’s primary gateway, with excellent connections to Europe, the Middle East, and seasonal intercontinental flights from North America and Asia. From the airport, the metro reaches central Athens in 40 minutes.
Other international airports include Thessaloniki in the north (ideal for exploring Macedonia and heading to nearby islands), plus seasonal island airports in Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete (Heraklion and Chania), and others. These island airports mainly handle European flights April-October, making summer access incredibly easy but winter visits often require routing through Athens.
Once in Greece, domestic travel becomes an adventure itself. Ferries connect the islands, ranging from slow, budget-friendly options to high-speed catamarans that cut travel time dramatically. Book ahead in peak season and allow flexibility for weather delays. Domestic flights operated by Aegean, Sky Express, and Olympic Air link Athens to major islands in under an hour.
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