15 Best Places to Visit in Greece for Every Canadian Traveller
Santorini and Mykonos suit iconic island trips, while Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Naxos and Milos offer beaches, food and local charm. Athens, Thessaloniki, Meteora, Delphi, Nafplio, Zagori, Pelion and Monemvasia add history, mountains and mainland culture.
When you think of a Greek holiday, sun-drenched photos of Santorini and Mykonos probably come to mind first. However, Greece offers much more than just its two most famous party and sunset islands.
Depending on your personal travel style, there are so many other nice places in Greece to visit, where you can explore ancient historic cities, quiet mountain villages, and dramatic coastlines that feel a world away from the usual tourist crowds.
Whether you want to hike rugged trails, feast on fresh Mediterranean seafood, or relax on a quiet beach, this guide will help Canadians narrow down their choices to the 15 best places to visit in Greece.
Best Places to Visit in Greece at a Glance
If you are trying to narrow down the best places in Greece to travel, this quick comparison table highlights the top fifteen spots across the islands and mainland to help match your holiday goals.
How We Chose These Destinations
Narrowing down the best travel destinations in Greece requires looking past standard travel brochures to find options that truly reward your journey from Canada. Here are the criteria we used to find the best places in Greece to travel:
- Historical significance because we wanted to include places with deep ancient roots and fascinating stories.
- Natural beauty guided our choices to ensure you experience gorgeous coastlines alongside dramatic mountain peaks.
- Accessibility mattered too so you can easily build these spots into a smooth itinerary.
- Variety of experiences ensures there is a great mix of beaches, cities, and quiet villages to cover all the top things to see and do in Greece.
- Value for Canadian travellers helps stretch your budget across the entire trip.
Best Greek Islands to Visit
1. Santorini
Why Visit
Santorini remains one of the absolute best islands to visit in Greece because of its iconic white buildings and dramatic volcanic cliffs.
Highlights
- Oia sunsets
- Caldera views
- Volcano cruises
- Wine tasting
Perfect If You...
- Want a romantic honeymoon
- Love landscape photography
- Prefer high-end luxury travel
2. Mykonos
Why Visit
Mykonos is widely celebrated for its glamorous summer lifestyle, beautiful sandy beaches, and energetic international club scene.
Highlights
- Little Venice waterfront
- Kato Mili windmills
- Paradise Beach parties
- Delos island day trips
Perfect If You...
- Enjoy vibrant nightlife
- Love luxury beach clubs
- Want excellent celebrity-spotting opportunities
3. Crete
Why Visit
As the largest island, Crete tops the list of the overall best travel destinations in Greece, due to its incredible mix of ancient history and diverse terrain.
Highlights
- Knossos Palace ruins
- Elafonisi pink sand beach
- Samaria Gorge hike
- Chania old Venetian harbour
Perfect If You...
- Want a mix of history and beaches
- Love trying distinct local olive oils and cheeses
- Enjoy hiking through deep wilderness canyons
4. Rhodes
Why Visit
Rhodes stands out because it combines perfectly preserved medieval history with sunny coastal resort areas, making it one of the best tourist cities in Greece for relaxing.
Highlights
- Palace of the Grand Master
- Lindos Acropolis views
- Anthony Quinn Bay snorkelling
- Medieval Old Town walks
Perfect If You...
- Are fascinated by Crusader history
- Are travelling with a family
- Want reliable sunny beach weather
5. Corfu
Why Visit
Nestled in the Ionian Sea, Corfu features a lush landscape and a unique blend of British, French, and Venetian architectural influences.
Highlights
- Achilleion Palace gardens
- Paleokastritsa emerald bays
- Old Fortress panoramas
- Liston Promenade cafes
Perfect If You...
- Love lush green landscapes
- Prefer Italian-influenced architecture
- Want a milder summer climate
6. Naxos
Why Visit
Naxos stands out as another of the best islands to visit in Greece for anyone looking for authentic local life and endless golden sand.
Highlights
- Portara giant marble gate
- Plaka beach dunes
- Halki mountain village
- Traditional potato and cheese dishes
Perfect If You...
- Want long uncrowded sand beaches
- Are travelling on a family holiday
- Prefer farm-to-table dining experiences
7. Milos
Why Visit
Milos has quickly gained massive popularity thanks to its surreal volcanic coastlines, which look completely different from any other island nearby.
Highlights
- Sarakiniko moonscape white rocks
- Kleftiko pirate caves cruise
- Klima colourful fishing garages
- Plaka castle sunset
Perfect If You...
- Love exploring unique geology
- Prefer a slightly slower travel pace
- Want to swim in hidden sea caves
Read more: Planning a wider European trip? Explore Best places to visit in Europe for Canadians for seasonal ideas, practical planning tips and destinations that suit different travel styles.
Best Cities & Mainland Destinations
8. Athens
Why Visit
Athens is easily one of the best places to visit in Greece for first-time travellers because it holds the historic soul of the ancient world. Checking out the ancient ruins here is one of the definitive best things to do in Greece.
Highlights
- The world-famous Acropolis and Parthenon
- Plaka historic neighborhood alleys
- Ancient Agora ruins
Perfect If You...
- Love ancient history and archaeology
- Are a first-time visitor to the country
- Want a short, action-packed city break
9. Thessaloniki
Why Visit
As the northern cultural capital, this destination is legendary for its vibrant student population, Byzantine monuments, and incredible street food culture. It easily earns its reputation as a top choice when looking for the best tourist cities in Greece to explore.
Highlights
- White Tower waterfront
- Ano Poli, old upper town
- Kapani open-air food market
- Rotunda ancient brick monument
Perfect If You...
- Consider yourself a major foodie
- Want a youth-driven local atmosphere
- Enjoy exploring diverse multicultural history
10. Meteora
Why Visit
Meteora undeniably represents another of the best travel destinations in Greece because of its breathtaking monasteries built directly onto towering stone pillars.
Highlights
- Great Meteoron Monastery
- Sunset rock viewpoints
- Kalabaka hiking trails
- Varlaam monastery bridge
Perfect If You...
- Want to see jaw-dropping religious history
- Love unique mountain photography
- Enjoy hiking through dramatic rock formations
11. Nafplio
Why Visit
Featuring beautiful neoclassical mansions, Nafplio is a romantic seaside destination that easily ranks among the best cities to see in Greece for history lovers, having served as the nation's first capital.
Highlights
- Palamidi Fortress stairs
- Bourtzi castle islet
- Syntagma Square marble paving
- Arvanitia coastal walking path
Perfect If You...
- Are planning a romantic couples getaway
- Want a quick weekend trip from Athens
- Love quiet neoclassical architecture
12. Delphi
Why Visit
Delphi was considered the center of the world by ancient Greeks, making it a crucial stop for its mystical ruins and mountain views.
Highlights
- Temple of Apollo ruins
- Delphi Archaeological Museum treasures
- Ancient mountain stadium
- Athena Pronaia circular temple
Perfect If You...
- Are fascinated by ancient mythology and oracles
- Want dramatic scenery over olive valleys
- Enjoy day trips into the mountains
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13. Zagori
Why Visit
Tucked away in the northwest, Zagori offers a rugged mountain escape defined by traditional stone villages, deep gorges, and historic arched bridges.
Highlights
- Vikos Gorge viewpoints
- Voidomatis river rafting
- Papingo stone pools
- The Kokkoris and Plakidas arched stone bridges
Perfect If You...
- Want to escape the hot coastal beaches
- Love serious alpine hiking and rafting
- Prefer staying in cozy stone-built chalets
14. Pelion
Why Visit
According to Greek mythology, Pelion was the home of the centaurs, and today it remains a lush peninsula where forested mountains meet quiet beaches.
Highlights
- Tsagarada giant plane tree
- Damouchari movie filming bay
- Milies historic steam train
- Fakistra hidden cliff beach
Perfect If You...
- Want to combine mountain forests with beaches
- Enjoy exploring quiet apple and chestnut orchards
- Prefer places where mostly locals vacation
15. Monemvasia
Why Visit
Carved entirely into the side of a massive sea rock, the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia easily earns its reputation as a top choice when looking for the best tourist cities in Greece for an unforgettable hidden escape.
Highlights
- Lower Town stone paths
- The Church of Agia Sophia and Upper Town ruins
- Fortress gate entry walls
- Seaside terrace dining
Perfect If You...
- Want to live inside a real medieval castle
- Love isolated dramatic ocean views
- Prefer completely car-free destinations
Read more: Travelling independently across the continent? Read Best places to solo travel in Europe for safe, affordable and social destinations suited to solo travellers.
Island vs Mainland Greece: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Greek islands and the mainland depends on your desired pace. Islands offer classic postcard views, while the mainland provides deep culture and dramatic scenery without ferry logistics.
To find the best places in Greece to travel for your style, use this quick breakdown:
Pro Tip: If you have a week or more, spend a couple of days exploring history on the mainland first. Then, take a short flight or ferry to relax on your favourite island.
Read more: Looking for quieter Mediterranean destinations? Explore Best places to visit in Italy beyond the tourist trail for lesser-known towns, regional food and more authentic local experiences.
Best Places to Visit in Greece by Travel Style
Matching your destination to your specific vacation goals ensures you get the most out of your itinerary. Use this quick reference guide to see which of the best travel destinations in Greece align with how you like to explore:
Sample Greece Itineraries
Maximizing your time means building a logical route that spends less time in transit and more time exploring. If you are figuring out the best places in Greece to travel within your time frame, these four proven routes perfectly balance travel logistics. They make it easy to experience the absolute best things to see and do in Greece:
5 Days: Athens → Santorini
- Best for: First-time visitors on a tight schedule.
- The Experience: Fly into Athens for iconic ruins, then take a quick flight to Santorini for world-famous cliffside sunsets.
7 Days: Athens → Naxos → Santorini
- Best for: Couples wanting a mix of romance and local charm.
- The Experience: Combine big-ticket ancient history with Naxos's quiet beaches and farm-to-table food before ending with luxury caldera views.
10 Days: Athens → Meteora → Crete
- Best for: History lovers and adventure seekers.
- The Experience: Head north by train or rental car to see Meteora's towering cliffside monasteries. Loop back to Athens for a quick domestic flight south to explore Crete's massive canyons and beaches.
14 Days: Athens → Naxos → Milos → Crete
- Best for: Island-hopping enthusiasts and families.
- The Experience: A comprehensive two-week vacation covering ancient ruins, traditional fishing villages, dramatic volcanic sea caves, and large family-friendly beach resorts.
Read more: Planning a multi-region European trip? See Best places to visit in Germany by region for fairytale towns, scenic countryside and cultural highlights across the country.
Travel Tips for Canadians Visiting Greece
Planning a getaway to the best tourist cities in Greece? Keep these quick tips in mind for a smooth trip:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons (May to June or September to October) for great weather without peak crowds.
- Entry Requirements: Canadians stay visa-free up to 90 days but must register biometrics through Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
- Currency & Cash: Greece uses Euros. While credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, keep cash for small village bakeries or remote beach kiosks.
- Flights vs Ferries: Use domestic flights to save hours when traveling long distances (like Athens to Crete). For navigating the best islands to visit in Greece, book high-speed ferries early.
- Car Rentals: Bring your Canadian licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you should secure from the CAA before leaving home.
- Connectivity: Stay connected from the moment you arrive by choosing a reliable mobile data option. An eSIM for Greece is a convenient choice for Canadians, letting you activate a local or regional data plan before or upon arrival without swapping your physical SIM card.
Staying Connected While Exploring Greece
Mapping your itinerary across the best cities to see in Greece requires reliable on-the-go data. However, relying on Canadian international roaming while travelling between these historic cities and islands is a fast way to drain your budget, often costing 70% more than a local plan.
Activating a digital Jetpac Greece eSIM before you depart ensures instant connection to high-speed networks the moment you land. With Jetpac, you are hooked into multi-network 4G or 5G coverage across 200+ destinations worldwide.
This makes managing travel logistics effortless, whether you are pulling up ferry tickets, translating local menus, or navigating island roads.
FAQs
What are the best places to visit in Greece for first-time travellers?
Athens and Santorini are the best places to visit in Greece for newcomers, combining legendary ancient ruins with postcard-perfect volcanic sunset views.
What are the most beautiful places to visit in Greece?
Meteora's towering cliffside monasteries and Milos's surreal white volcanic coastlines stand out as exceptionally nice places in Greece to visit for jaw-dropping views.
How many days do I need to explore Greece?
You generally need seven to ten days to enjoy a balanced mix of historical sightseeing on the mainland and relaxing island-hopping.
Which Greek island is less crowded than Santorini or Mykonos?
Naxos and Milos offer incredible beaches, traditional fishing villages, and authentic local food with significantly fewer crowds than the main tourist hotspots.
Is Greece expensive for Canadian travellers?
While Santorini and Mykonos command premium luxury prices, the mainland and lesser-known islands offer excellent value for your Canadian dollars.
What are the top things to see and do in Greece?
Exploring the iconic Acropolis ruins in Athens is an absolute must, alongside hiking through Meteora's cliffside monasteries and relaxing on Crete's pink sand beaches.
What is the best eSIM for Greece?
Jetpac is the top choice for travelers, offering affordable, instant data connectivity that completely cuts out traditional, expensive roaming bill shocks the moment you land.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is based on travel guidelines, destination data, and country rules available to the Jetpac team at the time of writing in 2026. Local ferry schedules, entry requirements (like the EES system), and prices are subject to change. We highly recommend checking official government and tourism websites before your trip. Jetpac is not responsible for any changes or travel outcomes based on this content.
