Why I love Greece

“I first visited Greece as an 18-year-old, sleeping on the decks of slow-moving ferries, living on olives and feta, and constantly salt-crusted from swimming in the deep blue Aegean. But it was a starlit performance at the 3rd-century BC Theatre of Epidavros that sealed my love of the country. Watching the ancient Greek drama unfold before me as I sat on stone seats worn smooth by thousands of years of use, I felt...” Read More

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Korina Miller
Writer

Top experiences in Greece

Recent articles

Top 10 experiences on the Athenian Riviera

On the southern edge of the Greek capital lies the alluring Apollo Coast, also known as the Athenian Riviera. Still defined as greater Athens, its palm tree–lined esplanades and idyllic beaches dominate a unique slice of Mediterranean coastline – urban shore brimming with laid-back elegance, a history of jet-set glamour and the feeling of spending quality time on a Greek island.

Whether you’re in the mood to hit the beaches and nightclubs, or to explore historic sights and set sail to nearby islands, the Athenian Riviera offers plenty of attractions. Here are our top suggestions for escaping the bustle of downtown Athens.
Marissa Tejada
Lonely Planet Writer

Play in the Peloponnese: top 10 experiences

The ravishing and rugged Peloponnese offers an inexpensive, off-the-beaten-path chance to immerse yourself in rural Greek life. Explore widely, from aqua seafronts to snow-capped mountains and the sites where many of the major events in Greek history have played out. Travel on tiny lanes curving between handmade stone walls to excellent dive sites and lush lagoons, ancient wonders such as Olympia and exquisite towns like Venetian-influenced Nafplio.

Nafplio’s colourful old town © Alexandros Petrakis / Shutterstock
Alexis Averbuck
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

Starting at $27.99

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Greece adventures

$2499 History & culture

Best of Greece

When you saddle a trip with a moniker as lofty as 'Best of Greece', you’d better make sure it lives up to the hype. This one does. Compiling the top moments from our best-selling trips in the region, this comprehensive tour through the cradle of Western Civilization brings the distant past and vibrant present into sharp focus. Between the must-see historical sites of Athens and Delphi, the rugged plateaus of the fabled Samariá Gorge, personal encounters in isolated Cretan villages and the breezy sway of Santorini at sundown, you won’t have a moment to waste. Witness Greece—in all her timeless glory—with us.
$395.60 Small group tours

3-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi

Visit the three most important archaeological sites from the Classical Greece period on this 3-day tour of Greece from Athens! Traveling with a knowledgeable local guide, passionate about Greek history, your tour includes excursions to Epidaurus, Olympia and Delphi, with overnight accommodation in your choice of 3- or 4-star hotels. See UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments, like the Sanctuary of Asklepios, and explore the incredible Delphi Archaeological Museum.
$395.60 Small group tours

3-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi

Visit the three most important archaeological sites from the Classical Greece period on this 3-day tour of Greece from Athens! Traveling with a knowledgeable local guide, passionate about Greek history, your tour includes excursions to Epidaurus, Olympia and Delphi, with overnight accommodation in your choice of 3- or 4-star hotels. See UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments, like the Sanctuary of Asklepios, and explore the incredible Delphi Archaeological Museum.
$597.97 Small group tours

4-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

Step back in time on this 4-day Classical Greece tour from Athens, seeing all the top attractions that date back to this fascinating era. With overnight accommodation included and an expert guide to accompany you, the tour highlights the country’s most intriguing archeological sites – four of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi, and visit 11th-century monasteries perched on the rock towers of Meteora.
$302.99 Small group tours

2-Day Santorini Experience from Athens

Stay overnight on the gorgeous Greek island of Santorini where sweeping sand beaches, volcanic vistas and pretty whitewashed villages await! The trip is independent, meaning no excursions or activities are included — just ample free time to explore at your own pace. Round-trip transport by boat is included from Piraeus Port, as well as overnight 2-star superior, 3-star or 4-star hotel accommodation. Choose between a budget-friendly, 8-hour ferry crossing or upgrade to a 5.5-hour speedboat crossing to enjoy more time on sunny island.
$205.80 Small group tours

2-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora from Athens

Visit Ancient Delphi and Meteora, two legendary UNESCO World Heritage sites, on a 2-day tour from Athens! With an expert guide, explore the archeological site at Delphi on a walking tour and learn about Ancient Greece while seeing the Sanctuary of Apollo and more. Travel through the picturesque towns of the Thessalian plains, and stay overnight in a 3- or 4-star hotel in Kalambaka, gateway to Meteora. The following day, explore two of Meteora’s beguiling cliff-top monasteries before making the journey back to Athens.
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