The cradle of democracy, the birth place of the Olympic Games, that’s Greece! Myths and legends, temples and Gods, you can find them all here. But don’t expect your trip to Greece to be a History lesson. Greece is much more than that!

From the crowded Athens, to the sunny islands, from the Minoan labyrinth to hidden Atlantis…that’s Greece in a few words. There are many Greek islands and cities to visit. Among the most well known, and most likely a place to start planning your vacation, you will find: Arachova, Chios, Corfu, Crete, Corinth, Delphi (Delfi), Delos, Ithaca, Kania, Heraklio, Kos, Lesbos, Lefkada, Limnos, Meteora, Naxos, Mt. Olympus, Mt. Athos, Paros, Rhodes, Santorini, Samos, Sifnos, Sparta, Skiatos, Thassos, Thessaloniki.

But before starting to explore the most well known islands, why not plan to visit one (or all) of the Top 5 Secret Greek Islands? They are really easy to get to but still not over run by mass tourism. A delight for the body and spirit and a perfect place to try to local cuisine.

Alonissos

This island is still among the “unknown” destinations in Greece. The Island is starting to be famous among British and German travelers. It’s know for the marine wildlife preserve , traditional Greek villages and its beaches.

>>more information on Alonissos

Amorgos

It is the easternmost island of the Cyclades and one of the most romantic places to visit in Greece. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the traditional way of life.

>>more information on Amorgos

Athens

The capital with the most glorious history in the world, is a city of contrasts. The historical sites mix really well with the luxury shops and restaurants and the vibrant nightlife.

>>more information on Athens

Corfu

It offers a lot of interesting sights, such as The Old City (Kerkyra), the Venetian Citadel or The New Corfu Fort. Enjoy the hidden beaches, hike or fish.

>>more information on Corfu

Corinth

It was a very important city in Ancient Greece. Today it’s the second largest in the Peloponnese. The ruins of ancient Corinth are worth your time.

>>more information on Corinth

Crete

This is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The fifth largest Mediterranean island is the home to the legendary Minotaur. The Palace of Knossos still leads travelers astray when they try to visit the labyrinth by themselves. The Venetian Fortezza offers incredible views of the city and ocean. The beaches cater for every traveler, from those who want to relax to those who want a vibrant nightlife.

>>more information on Crete

Cyprus

It is a very popular stop for those visiting Greece and the surrounding areas. Great weather, history and lovely beaches recommend the island for a visit.

>>more information on Cyprus

Delphi

This is a charming city where you can find the remains of the ancient Delphi. Don’t miss visiting the circular-style temple and visit the on-site museum. Enjoy the beaches and do some jewelry shopping.

>>more information on Delphi

Fourka

It is a popular stop in Halkidiki area. Low rates, nice beaches and some history make it a nice vacation destination.

>>more information on Fourka

Hydra

The island is the favorite place where Athenians escape the city life. The small island is a haven for artists and tourists alike. Cars aren’t allowed on the island and your preferred means of transport will soon be a donkey.

>>more information on Hydra

Ikaria

Located in the Aegean Sea, the island is filled with history. The beaches are also worth your time.

>>more information on Ikaria

Karpathos

Popular for the natural sponges, Karpathos also offers superb beaches and picture perfect villages.

>>more information on Karpathos

Kefalonia

It was the setting for “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia is a lovely place to visit if you are interesting in history and spending time on the beach.

>>more information on Kefalonia

Kos

Kos is the second most popular island in the Dodecanese group. It is located very close to the Turkish coast. There are plenty of historical sites to enjoy and let’s not forget the beaches, either.

>>more information on Kos

Lesbos/Lesvos

This is the third largest of the Greek islands and a place enjoyed by travelers who want to experience the real Greece. A variety of wildlife, a unique Petrified Forest, medieval castles, traditional villages, lovely beaches…virtually unaffected by mass tourism but yet so welcoming.

>>more information on Lesvos

Meteora

This is the home to the amazing clifftop monasteries. Just beyond the town of Kalampaka, 6 monasteries are “suspended in air”. The monasteries are used as museums and offer a real interesting insight in the Orthodox monastic life.

>>more information on Meteora

Mycenae

It is one of the must-see attractions of the Peloponnese peninsula. Best known for its history, visiting Mycenae is a very popular day trip from Athens.

>>more information on Mycenae

Mykonos

The island is famous for ”Little Venice” and its windmills. Petros the Pelican has been the island’s mascot for the past 50 years. The nightlife is considered one of the best in the Mediterranean, rivaling with Ibiza and Rimini. The beaches attract thousands of tourists every year.

>>more information on Mykonos
>>more information on Getting to Mykonos from Athens by ferry

Naxos

It is the largest island in the Cyclades group. Its fertile lands allow for excellent produce to be grown here. Make sure to try kitron.

>>more information on Naxos

Paros

It is a very popular vacation destination in the Cyclades group. It stands in the center of the group and offers quick access to other islands.

>>more information on Paros

Patmos

This is a very small Greek island. It’s famous for being for being mentioned in the Christian scriptural Book of Revelation. In 2006, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, the island’s historic center and the Cave of the Apocalypse were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The island is a place of pilgrimage. Visitors come to pray in the monasteries dedicated to St. John.

>>more information on Patmos

Patras (Patra)

Greece’s third largest city is totally different than the capital or Thessaloniki. There are a lot of historical sites to check out and the main even here is the spring Carnival.

>>more information on Patras

Rhodes

This is the “sun island” and the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the World: The Colossus of Rhodes. “The Old Town” has been designated by UNESCO as a world monument of architectural heritage, while the beaches are always a must-visit in your travel agenda.

>>more information on Rhodes

Samos

Located close to the Turkish mainland, Samos is the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. There is a UNESCO Heritage Site to visit and there are, of course, beaches to enjoy.

>>more information on Samos

Santorini

The island offers the most spectacular sunrises in the world. The volcano, the black sanded beaches and the white houses create magnificent scenery. Visit the historical sites or stop to pray in one of the Orthodox churches or monasteries.

>>more information on Santorini

Skiatos

The island is popular among yachters and Athenians. The island is renowned for the honey and olive oil. An apple-scented ouzo is being produced here.

Sifnos

The island is also known as “The Poets Island” and was once famous for the gold and silver mines. Today, the local products include wine, honey, some local cheeses and pottery. But for travelers, Sifnos is known as a summer resort , a lovely island where one can admire the whitewashed houses and enjoy the magnificent nightlife.

>>more information on Sifnos

Spetses

The island is located very close to the Greek mainland and is very popular among Athenians. It is a nice destination to enjoy a relaxed day checking out the charming old port.

>>more information on Spetses

Thassos

It is one of the “secret” Greek islands, mainly visited by Greeks and Europeans. The “Emerald of the Aegean” is home to annual festivals taking place in July and August. Don’t miss visiting the Archeological Museum of Thassos and the Church of the Panagia.

>>more information on Thassos

Thessaloniki

It is one of the oldest cities in the world and the second largest in Greece. The White Tower has been city’s symbol for centuries. Historical sites, museums and entertainment, all make Thessaloniki a must-see when planning your Greek vacation.

>>more information on Thessaloniki
>>more information on Getting to Thessaloniki from Athens

Zakynthos (Zante)

It is the third largest of the Ionian islands and a very popular island among European travelers.

>>more information on Zakynthos (Zante)