The best cities to visit in Greece: from ancient capitals to island gems

Why is Athens a must-visit destination?

Few cities layer past and present like Athens, Greece. Ancient temples rise above lively tavernas, and marble monuments glow at golden hour while modern neighborhoods buzz below. A tour of Athens, Greece’s capital and cultural heart, is the essential starting point for understanding the country’s story—fabled, walkable, and brimming with landmarks that shaped Western civilization.

“Being at the Parthenon is easily one of the highlights of my life so far,” said traveler Gregory after visiting Athens on our A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia tour. “It’s the navel of Western civilization. Just to be in that one spot, I could just feel the history of this place.”

What to see and things to do in Athens

• The Acropolis and Parthenon: If you see one thing in Athens, make it the Acropolis (at least according to our Athens Travel Guide). The iconic “high city” is perched over Athens and offers panoramic views of the city and a close-up look at the Parthenon’s soaring columns.
• Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods: Wander Plaka and Monastiraki’s winding lanes lined with charming tavernas and lively markets, and shop for souvenirs or grab lunch among the locals.
• National Archaeological Museum: Wondering what to do in Athens in your free time? Explore the National Archaeological Museum’s marble statues and gold artifacts that bring ancient myths to life.
• Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard: Gather in Syntagma Square to watch the precise, ceremonial Changing of the Guard in front of Parliament.

Visit Athens on our A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini tour, where you’ll explore the Acropolis with an expert guide before diving into the city’s dynamic neighborhoods.

What makes Oia one of Greece’s most iconic towns?

Oia is one of the most picturesque cities in Greece. Perched high above the Aegean on Santorini and built directly into volcanic cliffs, the town feels sculpted from salt and light. Car-free marble paths wind through a vertical maze of whitewashed homes and cobalt domes, making Oia entirely walkable, with upper and lower pathways offering different perspectives of the caldera. The sunset views in particular are what our Santorini Travel Guide calls the defining Oia experience.

Top experiences to have in Oia

• Main marble pathway: Stroll Oia’s smooth marble pathway, the town’s main pedestrian artery, which begins near the bus station and winds steadily toward the castle ruins. It’s the spine of the village—every alleyway, boutique, and cafe branches off from there.
• Upper vs. lower pathways: Move between upper terraces and lower cliffside paths, discovering tucked-away hidden gems and panoramic sea views.
• Town square and church district: Pause near the blue-domed churches in the town square and listen to the bells echoing softly over sunlit rooftops. Pro tip: If you ever get turned around while exploring Oia, look for the azure domes and follow the bells to guide you back.
• Sunset viewing spots within town: Head to the castle ruins at the northern edge of town for the most iconic perspective. In busy seasons, it’s worth grabbing a table at one of the terraced cafes along the lower cliffside path for unobstructed views (and a glass of ouzo!).

On our The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete tour, you’ll enjoy a free day on Santorini with the option to wander Oia’s marble lanes at your own pace. Or, take in the views on our Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner excursion. Either way, Oia is a must-see stop on any tours of Santorini.

Why should you visit Chania, Crete?

Chania’s Old Town is divided into distinct quarters—each reflecting different periods of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek rule. Meanwhile, the Venetian Harbor acts as a compass. From here, the city’s neighborhoods radiate outward from the water’s edge in sunset colors, a mosaic of influence and architecture. (The Venetian Harbor in Chania is one of the best places to visit in Greece to snap that postcard-worthy picture!)

Neighborhoods to visit and things to do in Chania

• Venetian Harbor promenade: Follow the promenade to the elegant Egyptian lighthouse, passing colorful cafes and charming boutiques that tumble almost to the water’s edge.
• Kastelli district: Here, in the oldest part of the city, you’ll find Venetian ruins and active archeological dig sites.
• Splantzia quarter: On a free evening, dine in one of Splantzia’s neighborhood tavernas or family-run cafes for a taste of everyday life in Crete.
• Jewish quarter (Evraiki): Visit the historic Etz Hayyim Synagogue, a reminder of Chania’s multicultural past. The surrounding lanes are lined with artisan workshops (and souvenirs just waiting to be discovered).

On our The Greek Islands: Crete & Santorini tour, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Chania’s harbor and hidden lanes or head to the nearby countryside on our Crete Wine Tasting, Olive Oil Tasting & Lunch excursion.

What makes Delphi a must-see city in Greece?

Set against the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once considered the center of the ancient world. Pilgrims traveled here to consult the Oracle of Apollo, seeking guidance believed to shape empires. Today, the sanctuary’s mountain setting—olive groves cascading into the valley below, rocky peaks rising above—feels both dramatic and deeply serene.

What to explore in Delphi

• Temple of Apollo: Stand among the Temple of Apollo’s remaining columns, imagining pilgrims seeking guidance from the oracle.
• Delphi Archaeological Museum: See the bronze Charioteer of Delphi, remarkably preserved and considered one of the finest surviving sculptures from ancient Greece.
• Ancient theater and stadium: Sit in the ancient theater and take in sweeping views of olive groves rolling toward the valley.
• Mount Parnassus: Admire Mount Parnassus rising dramatically behind the sanctuary, where hiking trails wind through pine forests and wildflower meadows. In winter, the mountain’s upper reaches collect snow, lending the ruins a rare and striking backdrop.

Explore Delphi on our A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia tour, where history and mythology intertwine.

What makes Mykonos Town unique among Greek islands?

Mykonos Town, the main city on the island of Mykonos, was cleverly designed as a labyrinth to confuse pirates. There’s no true grid, only winding alleys lined with gleaming white buildings and flashes of bougainvillea. Getting lost is part of the joy (and tops our list of things to do in Mykonos). When you join one of our Mykonos tours, use landmarks like the harbor and windmills to navigate and let your curiosity guide the rest.

The best areas to visit in Mykonos Town

• Old Port to town center route: Walk uphill from the Old Port and take the pedestrian-only center route through a maze of whitewashed alleys lined with cafes, shaded courtyards, and flower-draped doors.
• Matogianni Street shopping district: Browse Matogianni Street’s boutiques, where designer labels and local jewelry sparkle in the sun. The avenue runs through the heart of town, connecting the harbor area to Little Venice and charming side streets.
• Little Venice waterfront quarter: Sip a coffee seaside in Little Venice, where colorful balconies hover just above the waves at sunset.
• Windmill district and viewpoints: Climb to the base of the iconic 16th-century windmills for panoramic views over the town and harbor, and look to them as reliable landmarks guiding your way as you explore the city.

On our The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete tour, you’ll enjoy two free days to explore Mykonos Town at your rhythm.

What makes Nafplio, Greece, worth visiting?

Rose gold-tinted Nafplio once served as modern Greece’s first capital, and it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. Compact and elegant, it’s a city made for strolling hand in hand through history. Venetian fortresses crown the hills, neoclassical mansions line marble squares, and the sea sparkles just beyond cafe terraces.

Top attractions in Nafplio

• Palamidi Fortress: Climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress (or take a cab) for sweeping views of terracotta rooftops that stretch to the sea.
• Bourtzi Castle: On a free afternoon, take a small boat to Bourtzi Castle, the island fortress floating in Nafplio’s harbor that once guarded the city from invaders.
• Old Town strolls: Meander Old Town’s neoclassical streets, pausing for coffee in Syntagma Square or gelato by the waterfront.
• Nearby ancient sites: Visit nearby Epidaurus or Mycenae to explore legendary ruins set amid olive groves, or join our Sparta & Mystras excursion to tour ancient streets and UNESCO-recognized fortifications with a local guide.

Enjoy a free day to explore Nafplio on or Off-Peak Greece: Athens, Delphi & Nafplio tour.

Why is Rhodes Town a top destination in Greece?

Rhodes Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, enclosed within towering stone walls. Inside, cobbled lanes wind past Gothic arches and fortress-palaces. Beyond the gates lies the breezier New Town and Mandraki Harbor—two distinct worlds within one island capital.

Historic districts to explore in Rhodes Town

• Street of the Knights: When you visit Rhodes, Greece, walk along this remarkably preserved medieval street, once home to the inns of European knightly orders, as it climbs toward the Palace through towering stone facades.
• Palace of the Grand Master: Explore the enormous Palace of the Grand Master, with its towers, arched gates, and mosaic-lined halls. Learn how it was restored by the Italians in the 20th century and later used by figures like King Victor Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini.
• Old Town commercial quarter: Sokratous Street is the commercial heart of the Old Town, a lively, shop-lined avenue where tourist boutiques, spice stalls, and jewelry shops jostle for attention. Veer off into the side streets for quieter lanes, local bakeries, and the occasional Byzantine church tucked between apartment buildings.
• Mandraki Harbor and New Town: Mandraki Harbor, the former site of the Colossus of Rhodes (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), is marked today by two stone deer statues standing sentinel at the harbor entrance. Beaches, restaurants, and stunning neoclassical architecture are all just a stone’s throw away.

On our The Greek Dodecanese Islands: Kos & Rhodes tour, you’ll have two free days to explore Rhodes Town at your leisure or join our excursions to the nearby Acropolis of Lindos and Symi Island.

Selecting the best cities in Greece for your next trip depends on your interests, travel style, and how much time you have to explore. If you love history, you might gravitate toward Athens and Delphi for their ancient sites and links to mythology. If sun and sand are more your speed, you’ll probably fall for Oia, Chania, and Rhodes Town. For romance, Nafplio is hard to beat, and for nightlife and energy, Mykonos Town is the place to be. If you’re still wondering where to go in Greece when there are so many fantastic options, join one of our multi-city Greece tours for a low-stress way to cross a few off your bucket list.

Matching cities to your travel priorities

• Ancient history focus: Athens, Delphi, and Nafplio offer some of the most immersive archaeological sites and world-class museums in the country—explore them all on our A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia tour.

• Romantic getaways: Plan for romantic evenings in Oia, Nafplio, or Chania, where sunsets and harbor lights set the mood. They’re among the best cities in Greece for couples traveling in our small groups who want shared experiences without planning stress.

• Beach and culture combo: Rhodes Town, Chania, and Mykonos Town make it easy to move between medieval streets and seaside dinners without sacrificing either.

• Multi-city tours: Combining Greece’s mainland and islands reveals a fuller picture of the country. Our Grand Tour of Greece: Athens, Corfu & Santorini brings those highlights together in one expertly planned itinerary.