Best Places to Visit in Greece

Best Places to visit in Greece

After a two-week holiday in Greece, we have visited its alluring islands, the jaw-dropping cliffs of Meteora, and Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Sharing our list of best places to go in Greece…

Meteora:

Meteora is located in the north of Greece, about a 4 hrs drive from Athens.  We highly recommend booking a sunset tour with Meteora Thrones to see the landscape of Meteora and learn about the monasteries perching high above on the clifftops.  Ask for the tour guide Dimitris – he’s fantastic!

We hired George’s Taxi to drive us to Meteora and back to Athens.  Our driver Kostas is excellent – great driver, good English, and positive attitude.  He even gave us a Greek History lesson on the way.

Santorini Island:

Another on of our favorites from our list of best places to visit in Greece is Santorini Island. Famous for its gigantic caldera and the views of white Cycladic houses and blue domed churches lining its clifftops.  The main island takes visitors breath away!

We drove straight to Oia, one of the most popular villages on the island, especially at sunset.  We stopped for a site tour at Kirini and Katikies Hotels, in case we visit again and need a place to stay – wow, stunning!

Highly recommend exploring the narrow streets of Oia, stopping along the way for great views, and checking out boutiques and art galleries.

We stepped into one of the 70 churches in this part of the island, and were impressed with all the Byzantine frescoes on the walls.

After a few hours, we drove back to the main town, and took the cable down to meet the cruise ship’s tender.  The views of Santorini from the Seabourn Cruise Ship made us realize the enormity of the cliffs in relation to the tiny homes on top.

Spetses Island: 

Spetses means island of spices, and there are lots of olives, grapes, figs and almonds produced here.  Also, a charming marina with shops and cafes on the waterfront.

Local Beaches are close by within walking distance – Agia Mamas, and Kaiki.  There are horse drawn carriages to take you around the village.

Hydra Island:

One of the most beautiful islands in all of Greece!  Vehicle-free and full of charm, you can take a donkey to anywhere you need to go.

We walked around the main village, and went searching for the perfect beach to swim.

After, we visited Bratsera Hotel, an old sponge factory that has been restored into a charming small hotel.  We sat poolside on the terrace at the hotel,  and enjoyed a healthy lunch, salads and fresh grilled seafood, before leaving for our water taxi to return us to the cruise ship.

If you need a water taxi from Spetses, contact Vasilis Akliros at:   akliros1@gmail.com.  Each way takes about 30-40 mins.

Lemnos: 

Located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, Lemnos has several beaches on its volcanic island.  We tendered from our cruise ship to the town of Myrina and walked up to the castle ruins for panoramic views.

After our hike, we stopped by the small marina for a refreshing drink, and visited shops along the narrow alleyways, before returning to the ship.

Rhodes: 

Rhodes Island has a main city Rhodes, and several small villages dotting its spear shaped island.  Nicknamed “The Island of the Knights” after the 13^th century conquerors, Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhodes city is a well-preserved with fortifications protecting its medieval old town.  Famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

We walked the alleyways of the Old Town, and visited the Palace of the Grand Master near the Kanonia Gate.  Then walked the Street of the Knights to Simi Square.

Lindos: 

While on Rhodes Island, if you can stay a night or so, we recommend Lindos Blu, a modern luxury hotel with crystal clear beaches, and only a couple miles from the ancient village of Lindos.

Visit the Lindos Acropolis with buildings from the Classic to the Medieval periods perched high on its cliff.

Athens:

Find out about our 24 hour stay in Athens and a list of favorite places to go, where to stay & dine.

Favorite Things to Do in Athens

Sneak Peek…watch a 60 seconds video about our stay in the grandest, most luxurious hotel in Greece, Hotel Grande Bretagne, click here!

Global Adventuress would like to thank the following for hosting our transfers and site tours:

• Meteora Thrones
• George’s Taxi
• Bratsera Hotel
• Vasilis Akliros Water Taxi
• Katikies Hotel
• Lindos Blu
• Mandarin Oriental Bodrum