10 Unforgettable things to do in Greece in 2026

Here’s a curated list of 10 unforgettable places and experiences to enhance your trip to Greece in 2026, including the Acropolis, Meteora, Mykonos, Nafplio, and more. It includes what to prioritise and what’s worth the detour. From ancient sites to islands, towns, and meals you’ll think about long after you’re home, these are 10 things that make Greece unforgettable, not just Instagrammable.

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1. Explore the ancient Acropolis and Athens

Greece is full of rich history and remnants of ancient ruins and Greek civilisation, so it only makes sense to start this list with the Acropolis in Athens. This is one of the best historical sites in the world and one of the best things to do in Greece.

You’ll find key tourist sites like: 

• The Parthenon: the iconic and ancient temple sitting on the Acropolis hill

• The Acropolis Museum: We advise visiting after the Acropolis so the artefacts actually make sense. Plan the Acropolis Museum for late afternoon. It’s air-conditioned and a perfect cool-down after climbing the hill.

• Ancient Agora: the lively city center where Socrates is said to have walked

2. Watch the sunset in Santorini

Santorini is more famously known as one of the most romantic places in the world to propose in 2026. And for good reason. Oía Village’s cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings against a vibrant blue backdrop offer the most scenic caldera views. The sunsets are a whole other experience to enjoy. Stay for blue hour. Most people leave the moment the sun dips, but the soft light afterwards is just as striking. They’re considered some of the most beautiful on Earth. This is the most common viewpoint option. 

Walk a few minutes east or west of the castle ruins for the same sunset without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

If you’re a wine tasting enthusiast, you must visit the island’s most popular wineries: Santo Wines, Domaine Signals, Argyros Estate and Gaia Winery. Book a winery at sunset instead of fighting for space; many offer caldera views with far less chaos.

3. Visit the monasteries of Meteora

Meteora literally means “suspended in the air”, referring to its 60-million-year-old towering rock formations. Monks built 24 monasteries on top of these pillars, a feat which is still marvelled at today. Besides Mt. Athos, Meteora is considered to be one of the holiest places in Orthodox Christianity. It is not a place for those who have trouble walking or navigating challenging terrain. This place was built by monks using rope ladders and pulleys to escape Ottoman attacks. 

Only six monasteries remain active in this UNESCO World Heritage site, and they’re open to tourists to enjoy. You don’t need to see all six monasteries. Two or three are enough to appreciate the scale without monastery fatigue.

Hiking and rock climbing are some of the most popular activities here, with many tourists remaining until sundown to enjoy sunsets. Plan hiking routes in advance. Some of the best viewpoints are only accessible on foot and aren’t clearly signposted.

4. Island-hop through the Greek islands

You can also live out your island dreams in Greece; most of them are short ferry rides away from each other. There are thousands of islands, grouped by region, and each is known for its unique characteristics, such as nightlife, history, and stunning scenery. Some of the best Greek islands to visit are: 

• Mykonos: known for parties and vibrant nightlife

• Ios: a party island with the best sandy beaches

• Corfu: Charming fishing villages and laid-back nightlife 

• Santorini: Iconic whitewashed villages and breathtaking sunsets 

Pair one high-energy island (Mykonos or Ios) with one slower base (Naxos, Paros, or Corfu). Avoid stacking multiple “photo-heavy” islands back-to-back — they blur together fast.

5. Discover Delphi and the Oracle

Any Greek mythology, ancient history, or Percy Jackson fans? This is definitely an experience to enjoy. Delphi and the Oracle is an Ancient Greek sanctuary, considered the center of the world. What makes it special isn’t just the mythology — it’s the setting. The ruins sit on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic valley that instantly explains why the site felt sacred to the ancient Greeks. This is where the priestesses received prophecies from the god Apollo, which influenced several crucial matters in the ancient world. 

Delphi is not a half-day trip if you want it to stick. Rushing in and out misses the atmosphere entirely. The climb is steady and exposed. The site is built uphill; pace yourself and bring water.

You can visit the Temple of Apollo, an important archaeological site on Mount Parnassus. There’s a nearby Delphi Archaeological Museum to explore treasures found on the site.

6. Relax on Crete’s stunning beaches

Crete is Greece’s largest island and one of the best places to visit if you’re thinking of fun things to do in Greece. It doesn’t behave like other Greek islands. It’s vast, diverse, and impossible to “do” quickly.

It’s also known as the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus and is the largest island. Crete is too big for hopping. Pick west or east — not both. The food scene is great here, and you’ll find the best organic cuisines, including local cheese, olive oil, honey, goat, rabbit, and smoked pork dishes. 

The beaches steal the spotlight in Crete. Elafonissi, Balos Lagoon, and Vai Beach are the most popular beaches to visit. Elafonissi is known for its pink sands, Balos Lagoon for its vibrant turquoise waters, and Vai Beach for its palm trees. 

7. Taste authentic Greek cuisine 

Speaking of authentic Greek cuisine, one of the best things to do in Greece is enjoy the incredible food. Greek food isn’t impressive because it’s complex — it’s impressive because it’s honest. The main ingredients of any Greek recipe include olive oil, fresh vegetables and seafood, and herbs (oregano, mint and dill). 

Greek food changes by region. What you eat in Crete won’t taste the same in the Cyclades — and that’s the point. Let geography guide your choices instead of chasing “famous” dishes.

Some popular Greek food dishes include Moussaka, Souvlaki, Gyros, Horiatiki (Greek salad), Tzatziki, grilled octopus/fish, Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), Fava dip, Spanakopita, and sweets like Baklava and Loukoumades. 

How to know if you are in the right place:

• If locals are eating late (after 9 PM), you’re in the right place. 
• Avoid menus with photos. It’s a reliable red flag. 
• In family-owned tavernas, it’s common for the owner to sit down at your table and talk through the meal with you, more like planning an experience than taking an order. If that happens, you’re exactly where you want to be. Trust their recommendations, ask what’s best that day, and let them guide the meal.

8. Experience Mykonos beaches and nightlife

If Mykonos is your only stop, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy the best places to see in Greece. Mykonos works best when you use it selectively: mornings for exploring, afternoons for beaches, nights only if you want them. Treated this way, it becomes far more than a party stop. A classic Mykonos itinerary consists of visiting Little Venice and the windmills in Mykonos’ old town. You could also take a day-trip to the nearby Delos island. 

Beaches to choose based on mood:

• Psarou: Polished, upscale, and calm if you go early
• Agios Sostis: Unorganised, local, and one of the island’s best swims
• Fokos Beach: Wild, windy, and dramatic — bring your own everything!
• Paradise Beach: Lively, social, and loud by afternoon

Use a local Greece SIM card or an unlimited data travel eSIM to coordinate your trip and ensure everything happens on schedule.

9. Wander through Nafplio’s old town

Nafplio was once Greece’s first capital. Now, it’s considered the most beautiful town on the mainland with its history and seaside charm. The heart lies in its old town with cobbled streets and pastel buildings. Touring the local cafes is one of the best things to do in Greece.

Nafplio runs on routines, not attractions. Morning coffee, afternoon lull, long evenings. The rhythm matters more than what you see. People stay outside late. Families, older couples, kids on bikes, this isn’t a day-trip town once the sun drops.

You can also visit the Palamidi Fortress, which towers above the town and is a Venetian stronghold. From here, you’ll be able to see panoramic views over Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. While you’ll have to climb 999 steps, the views are definitely worth it. You feel how small the town is, how close the sea is, and how intentionally it’s been kept human-sized.

Deep insider cues:

• If no one brings the bill, you’re welcome to stay. That’s intentional.
• If the owner asks where you’re from but doesn’t change the menu, you’re in a good place.
• If dinner starts after 9 PM and no one is rushing, you’ve hit Nafplio’s real rhythm.
• If you’re bored for five minutes, don’t fix it — that’s the point.

10. Visit Olympia, Birthplace of the Olympics

Few places in Greece are as historically powerful as Olympia. Olympia doesn’t try to impress you. It asks something quieter: attention. And if you give it that, it becomes one of the most grounding places in Greece, less about what humans built, and more about what they believed mattered.

It’s home to the original Olympic Games and one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. Walking through the ancient stadiums where athletes competed over 2,000 years ago. 

When you step onto the original track, there’s no fence, no stage, no “photo moment.” Just packed earth and a straight line. And suddenly modern sports feel… loud. Winners didn’t receive money — only an olive wreath. Cheating was punished publicly and permanently. The games paused wars. That idea mattered more than victory.

How to experience Olympia properly: 

• Walk the site slowly. Faster than an hour is too fast.
• Sit in the stadium. Don’t take photos immediately.
• Run the track only after you’ve stood still on it.
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft, and voices are few.

Insider cues that you’re doing it right:

• You stop talking without meaning to.
• You feel oddly calm, not excited.
• You think less about history and more about discipline.

Nearby, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus are definitely a must-visit. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia displays statues, artefacts, and sculptures that bring the history of the games to life. 

Stay connected in Greece with Holafly

Managing ferry schedules and finding your way through Greece’s old towns requires reliable mobile data. Plus, you’ll want to stay connected to send those Santorini sunset photos to family and friends. 

Consider a Holafly eSIM for Greece as a stress-free way to stay connected. With unlimited data, instant activation, and no need to swap SIM cards, you can land in Greece and get online straightaway. 

On the other hand, if Greece is only a stop on your Euro trip, Holafly also offers an eSIM for Europe, which includes Greece. Stay connected smoothly across borders without buying separate SIMs. 

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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