Destinations in Greece
Greece offers more destinations than most visitors ever realise, with well over two hundred inhabited islands and a mainland that is every bit as compelling as the postcard coastlines.
The islands alone range from global icons like Santorini and Mykonos to quiet hideaways in the Dodecanese, cultural powerhouses in the North Aegean, lush Ionian gems, Cycladic classics with whitewashed lanes, and remote specks of land where time genuinely slows down.
Each group has its own character, cuisine, landscape and rhythm, so island hopping can feel like moving between different countries.
Then there is the mainland, which too many travellers overlook. It delivers soaring mountains, deep gorges, ancient cities, wine regions, pristine beaches, cosmopolitan hubs and villages where you can still see Greece as it has been for centuries. From the Peloponnese to Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace, the mainland offers just as much beauty, history and authenticity as the islands, often with fewer crowds and better value.
Whether you want nightlife, nature, archaeology, food, quiet beaches or culture, Greece has a destination that fits, and most people leave wishing they had allowed more time to see just how much variety the country offers.
What to expect on the Greek Islands
• Distinct personalities from one island group to the next and even those within the same group
• Whitewashed Cycladic villages, lush Ionian landscapes, volcanic terrain in the Aegean, and quiet Dodecanese harbours
• Easy ferry connections in summer, with schedules thinning out sharply in winter
• Beaches of every style, from long golden stretches to tiny coves you reach by foot or boat
• A slower, more local rhythm once you leave the most popular tourist islands
• Tavernas built around seafood, seasonal produce and regional specialties
• Strong traditions, village festivals and a sense that people actually live here, not just work for tourism
What to expect on the Mainland
• Landscapes that change dramatically from region to region: mountains, gorges, lakes, plains and coastal areas
• Major archaeological sites like Delphi, Mycenae, Olympia and Vergina sit alongside vibrant modern cities
• Good roads that make road trips easy, although public transport can be limited outside urban centres
• Far more authentic day-to-day life, with fewer tourist crowds and better value than the islands
• Rich regional cuisines, from hearty mountain dishes to coastal seafood
• Historic villages, Byzantine monasteries, and natural wonders that most first time visitors never realise exist
• A deeper sense of Greek culture, shaped by geography, family ties and local identity rather than tourism demand
Which Greek island should I choose for my first trip?
If it’s your first time, people usually want balance and convenience. Good beaches, decent transport, plenty to see, easy logistics.
That’s why islands like Naxos, Paros and Crete come up again and again. Santorini gets a lot of attention, and we think everyone should see it at least once.
Is it better to visit the islands or the mainland?
It depends on what you want to feel.
Islands can be slower, beach-focused, and seasonal. The mainland delivers history, food, landscapes and year-round life, often at better value.
Many travellers end up doing a bit of both and wonder why they even debated it.
Which destinations are best for my travel style? Couples, families, solo?
Couples lean towards romantic or relaxed islands.
Families want easy beaches and space.
Solo travellers prioritise walkability, safety, and social energy.
Greece does all three very well, not always on the same island.
How do I avoid crowds but still get the ‘real Greece’?
It’s all about timing and expectations.
Travelling outside peak months matters more than choosing a secret island. There is no getting away from crowds in places like Mykonos, but on Santorini, it is actually not that difficult.
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