Yassas, Greece
Ancient ruins, whitewashed villages and warm blue water, with thousands of islands to choose from.
Where history meets the sea
Greece gave the world democracy, philosophy, theater and the Olympic Games, and its history is still right in front of you. The Parthenon has stood on the Acropolis above Athens for nearly 2,500 years. Just as memorable is everyday Greek hospitality, or filoxenia: long meals shared with friends, a glass of ouzo at sunset and a warm welcome in even the smallest village.
Most trips start in Athens, then head to the islands. The Cyclades, including Santorini and Mykonos, are the classic postcard of white houses and blue domes. Crete, the largest island, has Minoan ruins, mountain villages and beaches. Rhodes has a walled medieval old town. On the mainland, the monasteries of Meteora and the ancient site of Delphi are well worth the drive.
Ferries connect the islands, and fast boats make hopping between two or three of them easy. A Greek Isles cruise is another great way to see several islands without repacking. Late spring and early fall bring warm seas and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, with the strong meltemi winds that can rough up the Aegean.
Greece at a glance
Our favorite ways to spend your time
Not an exhaustive list, just the things our travelers come home talking about.
Things to do
- Watch the sunset in OiaSantorini's most famous view, with whitewashed houses glowing over the caldera. Find your spot early.
- Explore the AcropolisGo first thing in the morning to beat the heat and crowds, then visit the Acropolis Museum below.
- Hop between islands by ferryPair Santorini with Mykonos, Paros or Naxos. We'll line up the routes and timings for you.
- Swim in a quiet coveClear, calm water is never far away, from Cretan beaches to tiny coves reached only by boat.
- Take a cooking classLearn to make spanakopita, tzatziki and other family recipes, often with ingredients from the garden.
Places to go
- AthensThe Acropolis, the old Plaka neighborhood and rooftop views of the Parthenon lit up at night.
- SantoriniDramatic cliffs, a volcanic caldera, sunset views and wineries growing grapes in the ash-rich soil.
- MykonosWindmills, the waterfront of Little Venice, lively beaches and a day trip to sacred Delos.
- CreteThe Minoan palace at Knossos, the Venetian harbor of Chania and the Samaria Gorge.
- RhodesA walled medieval old town built by the Knights of St. John, plus the hilltop acropolis of Lindos.
Things to see
- The ParthenonThe great temple to Athena, the symbol of ancient Greece, still crowning the Acropolis.
- MeteoraMonasteries perched on top of towering rock pillars in central Greece. Unforgettable.
- DelphiThe ancient sanctuary of the oracle, set on a mountainside about two and a half hours from Athens.
- KnossosThe vast Bronze Age palace at the heart of the Minoan civilization, just outside Heraklion on Crete.
- The island of DelosUninhabited today and covered in ruins, a short boat ride from Mykonos.
What to eat in Greece
Dishes to order
- MoussakaLayers of eggplant, spiced meat and creamy béchamel, baked until golden.
- Souvlaki & gyrosGrilled meat skewers or shaved meat in warm pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki.
- Greek saladHoriatiki: tomatoes, cucumber, olives and onion with a thick slab of feta and good olive oil.
- Grilled octopusCharred and tender, a seaside taverna classic with a squeeze of lemon.
Where to eat
- Family-run tavernasSimple, hearty food and tables by the water. Ask what's fresh that day.
- Ouzeries & meze spotsOrder lots of small plates to share, with a glass of ouzo or local wine.
- BakeriesGrab a spinach or cheese pie, or sweet bougatsa, for an easy breakfast on the go.
What to drink
- OuzoThe anise-flavored aperitif that turns cloudy with a splash of water. Sip it slowly with meze.
- Santorini AssyrtikoA crisp, mineral white wine from vines grown in the island's volcanic soil.
- Freddo espressoIced espresso shaken until frothy, the way Greeks cool down on hot afternoons.
Let's plan your Greece trip
Whether you want to island hop by ferry, take a Greek Isles cruise or mix in Athens and the mainland, we'll help you build the right route. Tell us when you'd like to travel and we'll come back with options and current pricing.
