Come to Greece for dazzling turquoise seas, whitewashed island houses, and a leisurely laid-back vibe
When my thoughts drift to summer travels in Greece, my dreams are always in technicolor: languid days under impossibly blue skies, staring out at the even bluer Aegean, cicadas providing the only soundtrack. I picture whitewashed villages draped in magenta bougainvillea, moments of local life unfolding in sunlit doorways, and simple yet unforgettable taverna lunches of mezes (small dishes) and seafood. I imagine the ancient landscapes – rugged mainland or idyllic islands – dotted with olive trees, tiny churches, and stone remnants of a rich history, all intertwined with the pleasures of modern travel.
Whether visiting with my parents, friends, or now my own family, the magic of Greece entices me back frequently. It must be the blissful, sun-soaked memories when life’s stresses seem to fade for a few precious days or weeks. Perhaps it’s the guaranteed summer heat, boat trips to deserted coves of crystal-clear water, or the simple joy of a salad made with fresh cucumber and creamy feta, followed by an unhurried siesta. It might be the warm nights of local hospitality, washed down with free-flowing ouzo, or that romantic trip to Santorini, gazing out at the endless caldera. Or maybe it’s the unplanned adventures – to the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia in the Peloponnese, or the joy of visiting a new island, discovering its unique character and charms.
Whatever your travel style – sun-seeker, history lover, foodie, or nightlife enthusiast – Greece is the perfect summer destination.
Ancient Athens
Any visit should begin with a few days in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and now one of Europe’s most vibrant and sophisticated capitals. Near centrally located Syntagma Square, wander the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood at the base of Mount Lykabettos with its chic boutiques and refined restaurants, or lose yourself in the narrow, buzzy streets of Plaka, perched beneath the Acropolis.
If you’re craving downtime beyond the city, the Athens Riviera – a spectacular 43-mile stretch of beaches and seaside towns overlooking the Saronic Gulf – is enjoying a renaissance. Or take a guided day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mycenae and the beautifully preserved amphitheater at Epidaurus, both stunning windows into the ancient world.
Back in the city, the Parthenon is a must-see, but for the best experience, secure a guide and arrive when the gates open at 8 a.m. to savor the serene aura of the sacred hill before the crowds (and the heat) really ramp up. Afterward, cool off in the Acropolis Museum, an architectural jewel housing thousands of artifacts and offering sweeping views of the citadel.
After a day of exploring, Athens’ renowned bar scene awaits. Led by The Clumsies’ high-concept cocktails, spots like Line, Baba au Rum, and The Bar in Front of the Bar also rank among the world’s best places to enjoy a drink.
Visions of White and Blue
While Athens captivates, it’s the islands that lure travelers seeking the ultimate in summer relaxation. Greece’s 6,000 islands – 227 of them inhabited – form distinct groups, each with its own culture and landscape. The most celebrated are the Cyclades. Named for the way they encircle sacred Delos, these islands are visions of white and blue, tailor-made for Instagram and no less beautiful in real life, with their whitewashed architecture and crystalline aquamarine waters.
Mykonos, dotted with its 16 iconic windmills, attracts an international mix of families and the jet set. By day, it’s all about the beach club: Scorpios on Paraga beach offers a sophisticated, see-and-be-seen vibe; Elia beach is chic yet calmer; and Ornos beach boasts shallow, sheltered waters. By night, Mykonos Town comes alive. For a romantic evening, secure a spot by the water in Little Venice, famous for its 18th-century houses and spectacular sunsets. For a livelier scene, head to Zuma and Buddha-Bar Beach for cocktails and DJ sets, or celebrity-studded Nammos at Psarou beach, complete with designer boutiques and a fashionable beach club.
What makes the Greek islands so compelling is their diversity. Crete, the largest island and birthplace of the Minoan civilization, offers travelers many varied delights
Santorini is perhaps the most unique of Greece’s isles. Formed by a volcanic eruption around 3,600 years ago, the crescent-shaped island is famed for its caldera views and the remarkably preserved Minoan settlement of Akrotiri. Cliffside Oia is the island’s visual icon, with its blue-domed churches, white labyrinthine paths, and sunsets beloved by honeymooners and photographers. For a quieter viewpoint, descend to the tiny port of Amoudi Bay, nestled at the bottom of Oia’s red cliffs, for a taverna dinner of freshly caught seafood. Or book a table at Mavro, within the Kivotos Santorini hotel, in Imerovigli for sweeping caldera views paired with local wines gaining acclaim for their unique volcanic terroir.
What makes the Greek islands so compelling is their diversity. Crete, the largest island and birthplace of the Minoan civilization, offers travelers many varied delights scattered over its arid terrain: the Palace of Knossos, the Venetian harbor of Chania, the pink sands of Elafonisi, the culinary destination of Rethymno, and the turquoise lagoons of the Balos peninsula.
These islands are visions of white and blue, tailor-made for Instagram and no less beautiful in real life
Contrast this with lush Zakynthos, one of the Ionian islands, famed for the brilliant color of its waters, illuminated by the limestone coastline. Here, blissful days are spent boat tripping, seeking out magical coves like Navagio Beach, renowned for its glowing blue waters and shipwreck-washed shore. If you go snorkeling, you may even spot a turtle – the endangered loggerhead sea turtle is protected in these waters. Venetian architecture is a feature of the Ionian islands and Zakynthos Town is a beautiful example with its colorful façades and distinctive verandas. For panoramic views of the town, follow the scenic path up to the village of Bochali, before ordering a cocktail to savor during the spectacular sunset.
Often overlooked by travelers, Greece’s mainland is rich in history and natural beauty, encompassing coastal resorts, mountainous regions, and alpine forests. A world away from the islands in the south of Greece is the hidden gem of Aristi. In the northwestern Zagori region, it is a picturesque mountain village of stone mansions and cobbled streets, and a gateway to outdoor adventures. Immerse yourself in the natural landscapes by rafting the Voidomatis River, hiking in the Pindus mountains, or exploring the Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest.
From the urban sophistication of Athens and the jaw-dropping beauty of the islands to the stories from ancient history and the aspects of traditional culture which remain today, Greece offers endless opportunities for discovery. Start dreaming today.