35 Things to do in Greece
Top things to do in Greece: explore the Acropolis, watch Santorini sunsets, visit Mykonos, hike Crete, cruise Corfu and discover Zakynthos.
Discover the best of Greece
Greece gives you an extraordinary mix of ancient history, Mediterranean beaches, mountain scenery, traditional villages and island life. You can spend one day exploring archaeological sites that date back thousands of years and the next swimming in clear Aegean waters or eating fresh seafood beside a tiny harbor.
Our Greece villas put you in some of the country’s most beautiful island destinations, including Crete, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Mykonos, Paros, Paxos, Rhodes, Santorini and Zakynthos. Choose from romantic retreats, beachfront homes and substantial villas for families and groups, with many offering private pools, sea views, alfresco dining areas and easy access to beaches.
Greece covers a large area and its islands are spread across several different groups, so we recommend choosing one region or combining nearby islands rather than trying to see everything in a single vacation.
Things to Do in Greece: Athens & Mainland Highlights
1. Explore the Acropolis in Athens
Location / Neighborhood: Athens. Best For: Families, couples, history lovers, first-time visitors. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission required.
Rising above central Athens, the Acropolis is one of the most recognizable historic landmarks in the world. Walk through the Propylaea before seeing the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike, with wide-ranging views across modern Athens below. If you’re combining the mainland with a Greek island vacation, Athens makes a natural stop before continuing to one of our Greece villas. Insider tip: visit early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the strongest summer heat, and wear shoes with good grip on the polished stone pathways.
2. Visit ancient Delphi
Location / Neighborhood: Mount Parnassus, Central Greece. Best For: History lovers, couples, road trips. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $$; admission required.
Ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the center of the world and traveled here to consult the famous Oracle of Apollo. Today you can walk through the archaeological site, seeing the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, stadium and treasuries against a dramatic mountain backdrop. A museum alongside the ruins displays sculptures and artifacts recovered from the site. Insider tip: Delphi is roughly a two-hour drive from Athens, so allow a full day if you’re visiting independently and leave time for the mountain scenery as well as the archaeological site.
Things to Do in Greece: Santorini, Mykonos & Paros Highlights
3. Watch the sunset in Oia
Location / Neighborhood: Oia, Santorini. Best For: Couples, photographers, first-time visitors. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.
Watching the sun disappear beyond the Aegean from Oia is one of Santorini’s signature experiences. Whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches spill across the edge of the caldera, creating the postcard scenery the island is famous for. Stay in one of our Santorini villas and you can explore Oia at a more relaxed pace, with selected homes offering spectacular island and sea views of their own. Insider tip: Oia becomes extremely busy around sunset, so arrive early or choose a quieter caldera viewpoint if you prefer more space.
4. Sail around Santorini’s caldera
Location / Neighborhood: Santorini. Best For: Couples, families, groups, swimming. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.
See Santorini from a completely different perspective on a catamaran, yacht or sailing trip around the caldera. Excursions can take you past dramatic volcanic cliffs, offshore islands and colorful beaches, with opportunities to swim and snorkel along the way. Our Santorini villas provide a private base for combining boat trips with wineries, archaeological sites and evenings overlooking the caldera. Insider tip: choose a sunset cruise for a romantic experience or a morning departure if swimming and quieter conditions are your priority.
5. Wander through Mykonos Town and Little Venice
Location / Neighborhood: Mykonos Town, Mykonos. Best For: Couples, groups, shopping, dining, nightlife. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to evening. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Lose yourself among the whitewashed lanes of Mykonos Town, where boutiques, galleries, cafés and traditional churches sit between classic Cycladic houses. Continue towards the famous Kato Mili windmills before reaching Little Venice, where waterfront restaurants and bars overlook the Aegean. Stay in one of our Mykonos villas and you can balance lively evenings with relaxing days around your private pool or nearby beaches. Insider tip: explore earlier in the morning for quieter streets, then return later for sunset and dinner.
6. Take a boat trip to Delos
Location / Neighborhood: Offshore from Mykonos. Best For: Couples, families with older children, history lovers. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$; boat and archaeological admission required.
A short boat trip from Mykonos takes you to Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological islands. Ancient Greek mythology identifies it as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, while its surviving ruins include temples, houses, marketplaces, mosaics and statues. Our Mykonos villas make it easy to add this cultural excursion to a vacation otherwise centered around beaches, restaurants and island nightlife. Insider tip: there is limited shade at the archaeological site, so take water, a hat and sun protection.
7. Explore Naoussa and Lefkes in Paros
Location / Neighborhood: Paros. Best For: Couples, families, food lovers, photographers. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Discover two different sides of Paros in the fishing village of Naoussa and the traditional inland village of Lefkes. Naoussa’s harbor is lined with seafood restaurants and cafés, while Lefkes offers whitewashed houses, flower-filled lanes and mountain scenery away from the coast. Our Paros villas put you close to the island’s beaches, villages and watersports while giving you your own private space to unwind. Insider tip: explore Lefkes during the morning before heading to Naoussa for an afternoon by the water and dinner around the old harbor.
Things to Do in Greece: Crete & Ionian Island Highlights
8. Discover the Palace of Knossos
Location / Neighborhood: Near Heraklion, Crete. Best For: Families, history lovers, archaeology. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission required.
Step into ancient Minoan history at the Palace of Knossos, Crete’s best-known archaeological site and a place closely connected with legends of King Minos and the Minotaur. Walk between courtyards, reconstructed columns, ceremonial rooms and ancient living spaces that reveal the scale of the Bronze Age complex. Our Crete villas include stays around Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and other popular areas across the island. Insider tip: book an early visit during summer and consider a guide if you want the archaeology and mythology explained in greater detail.
9. Hike the Samaria Gorge
Location / Neighborhood: White Mountains, Crete. Best For: Hikers, active couples, older families. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $–$$; entry and transport costs apply.
If you want to see Crete beyond its beaches, hike through Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains. The long trail descends through dramatic mountain scenery, pine forest and steep rock walls before eventually reaching the coast. A stay in one of our Crete villas makes it easy to combine challenging outdoor adventures with relaxed pool and beach days. Insider tip: the gorge operates seasonally and can close because of weather or safety conditions, so check access before setting out and take proper walking shoes and plenty of water.
10. Wander through Corfu Old Town
Location / Neighborhood: Corfu Town. Best For: Families, couples, history, shopping. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; attractions extra.
Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town feels noticeably different from the whitewashed Cycladic islands, with Venetian architecture, narrow lanes, elegant squares and historic fortresses reflecting centuries of cultural influence. Stay in one of our Corfu villas and you can combine days exploring the island’s beaches with evenings in Corfu Town’s restaurants and cafés. Insider tip: explore on foot without overplanning your route — some of the prettiest lanes and small squares are the ones you discover by accident.
11. Take a boat through Melissani Cave
Location / Neighborhood: Sami, Kefalonia. Best For: Families, couples, photographers. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; boat admission required.
One of Kefalonia’s most unusual natural attractions, Melissani Cave contains an underground lake where small boats carry visitors beneath towering rock walls. When sunlight reaches the water through the collapsed roof above, the lake takes on vivid shades of blue. Our Kefalonia villas are ideal for combining natural attractions like Melissani with Myrtos Beach, traditional villages and relaxed days around your private pool. Insider tip: light conditions are particularly striking around the middle of the day when sunlight reaches deeper into the cave.
12. Spend the day in Paleokastritsa
Location / Neighborhood: Northwest Corfu. Best For: Families, couples, swimming, boat trips. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to $$; boats and activities extra.
Paleokastritsa combines sheltered bays, clear Ionian water, wooded hills and rocky coastline, making it one of Corfu’s most scenic areas. Spend your day swimming, snorkeling or taking a small boat towards coastal caves before visiting the hilltop monastery above the bays. Our Corfu villas give you the freedom to explore the island’s different coasts before returning to your own pool and outdoor living space. Insider tip: arrive early during summer when the main beaches and parking areas become busiest.
Best Things to Do in Greece with Kids
13. Explore Rhodes Old Town and Lindos
Location / Neighborhood: Rhodes. Best For: Families, history lovers, sightseeing. Estimated Time Needed: Full day or separate half-day trips. Cost / Entry: Free to $$ depending on attractions.
Rhodes gives families plenty of history without spending an entire vacation inside museums. Walk beneath the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town, explore cobbled streets and imposing fortifications, then dedicate another outing to Lindos, where whitewashed houses sit beneath an ancient hilltop acropolis. Our Rhodes villas give families their own base for alternating historical sightseeing with beaches and private-pool days. Insider tip: visit archaeological sites early in summer, then save the hotter afternoon for lunch and swimming.
14. Take a boat trip around Zakynthos
Location / Neighborhood: Zakynthos. Best For: Families, couples, wildlife, swimming. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.
A boat excursion is one of the best ways to appreciate Zakynthos, with trips exploring the island’s cliffs, coves and brilliantly colored water. Routes around the north can include the Blue Caves, while excursions in the south may visit waters used by endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Stay in one of our Zakynthos villas and you can combine boat trips with beaches, local tavernas and relaxed days beside your private pool. Insider tip: use responsible wildlife operators, keep the required distance from turtles and never disturb nesting beaches.
Unique Things to Do in Greece
15. Visit the monasteries of Meteora
Location / Neighborhood: Thessaly, mainland Greece. Best For: Couples, photographers, hikers, cultural trips. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $–$$.
Few places in Greece look quite like Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries sit high on immense pillars of rock. Six historic monasteries remain active and open to visitors, while walking routes and viewpoints reveal the extraordinary scale of the surrounding landscape. Meteora is best incorporated into a longer mainland itinerary before or after your stay in one of our Greece villas. Insider tip: individual monasteries operate different opening days and visitors are expected to dress respectfully, so check arrangements before traveling.
Cultural & Historic Things to Do in Greece
16. Explore Ancient Olympia
Location / Neighborhood: Western Peloponnese. Best For: History lovers, families, archaeology. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; archaeological site admission applies.
Walk in the footsteps of ancient athletes at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. Explore the remains of the Temple of Zeus, training areas, ancient stadium and other buildings that once formed this important sanctuary and sporting center.
The site brings ancient Greek history to life particularly well for families, as you can actually walk through the stadium where athletes competed centuries ago. Insider tip: allow extra time for the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, where sculptures and artifacts discovered at the site provide valuable context for the ruins outside.
17. See a performance at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Location / Neighborhood: Argolis, Peloponnese. Best For: History, theater, architecture, couples. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; performance tickets extra.
Visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of Greece’s most impressive surviving classical theaters and a highlight of the Sanctuary of Asklepios. Its enormous semicircular auditorium is famous for its architecture and remarkable acoustics, while the wider archaeological site reveals Epidaurus’ former importance as a center of healing.
During the summer, selected performances bring the theater back to life in an unforgettable historic setting. Insider tip: if your trip coincides with the performance season, book ahead and experience the theater in use rather than visiting only during the daytime.
18. Discover the ancient citadel of Mycenae
Location / Neighborhood: Argolis, Peloponnese. Best For: History lovers, families, mythology. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission applies.
Step further back into Greek history at Mycenae, the Bronze Age citadel associated with King Agamemnon and the civilization that gave the Mycenaean period its name. Enter through the monumental Lion Gate, explore the fortified hilltop and see ancient tombs, walls and palace remains surrounded by the landscapes of the northeastern Peloponnese.
The combination of archaeology and mythology makes Mycenae particularly memorable if you have already explored classical sites such as Athens or Delphi. Insider tip: pair Mycenae with nearby Nafplio for a full day combining ancient ruins with waterfront restaurants and one of Greece’s prettiest historic towns.
19. Spend a day in Nafplio
Location / Neighborhood: Argolic Gulf, Peloponnese. Best For: Couples, families, history, waterfront dining. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; attractions extra.
Explore the cobbled lanes, elegant neoclassical buildings and waterfront promenades of Nafplio, one of the most attractive towns on the Greek mainland. Once the first capital of the modern Greek state, the town is overlooked by imposing Palamidi Fortress, while the small Bourtzi fortress sits on an islet just offshore.
Spend your day browsing the Old Town, stopping at cafés and climbing to viewpoints across the Argolic Gulf before enjoying dinner beside the water. Insider tip: stay until early evening, when the waterfront promenade becomes especially atmospheric and daytime sightseeing crowds begin to thin.
20. Wander through Rethymno Old Town
Location / Neighborhood: Rethymno, Crete. Best For: Couples, families, history, restaurants. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; attractions extra.
Explore one of Crete’s most atmospheric historic centers in Rethymno, where Venetian mansions, Ottoman influences, stone alleyways and flower-filled courtyards create a wonderfully walkable Old Town. Follow the narrow streets towards the Venetian harbor and lighthouse before climbing towards the imposing Fortezza overlooking the coast.
Our Crete villas make it easy to combine cultural days in Rethymno with beaches, mountain villages and archaeological sites elsewhere on the island. Insider tip: stay into the evening for dinner in the Old Town, when the streets become lively and temperatures are more comfortable.
21. Take a boat to Spinalonga Island
Location / Neighborhood: Elounda / Mirabello Gulf, Crete. Best For: Families, couples, history, boat trips. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$; boat and site admission apply.
Take a short boat journey across the Mirabello Gulf to Spinalonga, a small island with a remarkably layered history. Walk through its Venetian fortifications, abandoned streets and historic buildings while learning about its later use as one of Europe’s last leper colonies.
Boats depart from locations around Elounda and the wider Agios Nikolaos area, making Spinalonga an easy excursion if you’re staying in eastern Crete. Insider tip: take water, a hat and comfortable shoes, as much of your visit is outdoors and there is limited shade while exploring the fortifications.
22. Explore Akrotiri in Santorini
Location / Neighborhood: Akrotiri, southern Santorini. Best For: History lovers, families, archaeology. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission applies.
Discover another side of Santorini at Akrotiri, a prehistoric settlement preserved beneath volcanic ash following the island’s ancient eruption. Walk along raised pathways through remarkably preserved streets and buildings and discover how sophisticated life on Santorini was during the Bronze Age.
The archaeological site is covered, making it a useful cultural attraction when you want a break from the strong summer sun. Insider tip: combine Akrotiri with the volcanic landscapes of southern Santorini for a day that connects the island’s extraordinary geology with its ancient history.
Outdoor & Adventure Things to Do in Greece
23. Hike on Mount Olympus
Location / Neighborhood: Northern Greece. Best For: Hikers, active families, mythology, nature. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to multiple days. Cost / Entry: Free; guides and mountain refuges extra.
Walk through the legendary home of the ancient Greek gods on Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest mountain and one of the country’s great outdoor destinations. Trails rise through forests and dramatic mountain landscapes towards high-altitude viewpoints and peaks, giving experienced hikers the opportunity to tackle a serious mountain adventure.
You don’t need to attempt the summit to enjoy Olympus, as lower trails around the mountain offer rewarding scenery for less experienced walkers. Insider tip: base yourself around Litochoro and choose a route suited to your experience, as higher-level hikes require proper equipment, planning and suitable weather conditions.
24. Go windsurfing in Vasiliki
Location / Neighborhood: Vasiliki, southern Lefkada. Best For: Active travelers, families, watersports. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$; lessons and equipment rental extra.
Make the most of Lefkada’s summer winds with a windsurfing session in Vasiliki, one of Greece’s best-known watersports destinations. The wide bay attracts everyone from beginners taking their first lesson to experienced windsurfers looking to make the most of stronger conditions.
If windsurfing isn’t for you, the wider island also offers sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and other water-based activities within easy reach of our Lefkada villas. Insider tip: beginners often benefit from calmer morning conditions, while experienced windsurfers tend to favor the stronger winds that develop later in the day.
25. Try windsurfing at Golden Beach in Paros
Location / Neighborhood: Golden Beach, southeast Paros. Best For: Families, active travelers, watersports. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to visit; watersports $$–$$$.
Head to Golden Beach for one of Paros’ best combinations of swimming, beach time and watersports. Its long sandy shoreline and summer wind conditions make it particularly popular for windsurfing, with equipment rental and lessons available if you want to try the sport for the first time.
You can just as easily spend the day swimming and relaxing if you prefer a slower pace, with places to eat and drink nearby. Insider tip: conditions vary throughout the day, so ask a local watersports center which time is most suitable for your experience level.
26. See loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos
Location / Neighborhood: Laganas Bay / National Marine Park of Zakynthos. Best For: Families, couples, wildlife, boat trips. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$ for guided boat trips.
Discover the wildlife of Zakynthos around Laganas Bay, an important nesting area for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Responsible boat excursions offer the chance to see turtles in their natural marine environment while learning about conservation efforts within the National Marine Park.
You can combine a wildlife-focused excursion with swimming and coastal sightseeing, but it’s important to choose operators that respect protected areas and keep an appropriate distance from the animals. Insider tip: treat any turtle sighting as a bonus rather than a guarantee and prioritize responsible tours over operators promising close encounters.
Best Beaches & Coastal Things to Do in Greece
27. Swim at Balos Lagoon
Location / Neighborhood: Northwest Crete. Best For: Couples, families, beaches, photographers. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $–$$$ depending on transport.
Experience one of Crete’s most recognizable coastal landscapes at Balos Lagoon, where pale sand and shallow turquoise water sit beneath rugged hills at the northwestern tip of the island. Visit by boat or travel overland before walking down to the lagoon, then spend your time swimming and taking in the panoramic views.
Balos makes a spectacular day trip from our Crete villas, particularly if you’re based around Chania or western Crete. Insider tip: arrive early if traveling independently and take everything you need for the day, as the remote setting has fewer facilities than a typical resort beach.
28. Relax at Elafonissi Beach
Location / Neighborhood: Southwest Crete. Best For: Families, couples, swimming, beach days. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free; parking and facilities may vary.
Spend a day beside the shallow turquoise water of Elafonissi, one of Crete’s best-known beaches. Its lagoon-like setting, pale sand and occasional pink tones created by tiny shell fragments give the coastline a distinctive appearance, while shallow sections of water make it particularly appealing for families.
The beach sits on Crete’s quieter southwestern coast, so the journey itself gives you a chance to see more of the island beyond the main northern resorts. Insider tip: visit early or later in the afternoon during peak summer, when Elafonissi can become extremely popular with day visitors.
29. Spend the day at Myrtos Beach
Location / Neighborhood: Northwest Kefalonia. Best For: Couples, families with older children, photographers, beaches. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free.
Set beneath steep green and white cliffs, Myrtos Beach is one of the defining landscapes of Kefalonia. The sweeping arc of pale pebbles and deep blue Ionian water is spectacular from the roadside viewpoints above and even more impressive once you reach the beach itself.
Spend a few hours swimming and relaxing before continuing to nearby villages or viewpoints around northern Kefalonia. Insider tip: stop at the overlook before heading down for the classic panoramic view, and always pay attention to local swimming conditions as the water can become rough when winds increase.
30. Visit Porto Katsiki in Lefkada
Location / Neighborhood: Southwest Lefkada. Best For: Couples, beach lovers, photographers. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free; transport and parking extra.
See one of the Ionian Islands’ most dramatic coastlines at Porto Katsiki, where brilliant blue water meets a narrow beach backed by towering pale cliffs. The viewpoint above the shoreline is impressive in its own right, while the beach below gives you the chance to swim beneath Lefkada’s distinctive western coastline.
A stay in one of our Lefkada villas makes it easy to combine Porto Katsiki with other beaches and scenic drives around the island. Insider tip: check current access and sea conditions before setting out and arrive earlier in summer before parking and the beach become busier.
31. Visit Canal d’Amour in Corfu
Location / Neighborhood: Sidari, northwest Corfu. Best For: Couples, families, swimming, natural scenery. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.
Discover one of Corfu’s most distinctive coastal formations at Canal d’Amour, near Sidari. Wind and water have shaped the pale sandstone cliffs into narrow channels, coves and unusual rock formations, creating a very different beach landscape from Corfu’s broader sandy shores.
Spend time exploring the viewpoints and swimming when conditions are suitable, then continue along the island’s northwestern coast. Insider tip: arrive early during summer for a quieter experience and avoid entering exposed channels when the sea is rough, as conditions around the rocks can change quickly.
32. Spend a day at the beaches of Mykonos
Location / Neighborhood: Southern Mykonos. Best For: Couples, groups, families, beach clubs. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to $$$ depending on beach and facilities.
Make time for the beaches that help make Mykonos one of Greece’s best-known island destinations. Choose Elia for a spacious stretch of coast, Ornos for an accessible resort atmosphere or Psarou for upscale beach clubs and dining.
Mykonos beaches range from relaxed swimming spots to lively stretches where music and drinks continue into the evening, so you can choose a setting that matches your group. Insider tip: reserve loungers and restaurants in advance at the most fashionable beach clubs during July and August.
Food, Wine & Romantic Things to Do in Greece
33. Explore Thessaloniki’s food scene and waterfront
Location / Neighborhood: Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Best For: Couples, food lovers, history, city breaks. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; food and attractions extra.
Discover another side of Greece in Thessaloniki, a lively northern city where Byzantine churches, food markets, contemporary culture and a long waterfront come together around the Thermaic Gulf. Walk towards the landmark White Tower, explore the historic Ano Poli district and stop along the way to sample northern Greek pastries, meze and other local specialties.
Food is an essential part of the Thessaloniki experience, so allow plenty of time for markets, bakeries and traditional restaurants rather than rushing between landmarks. Insider tip: stay into the evening and combine dinner with a sunset walk along the waterfront.
34. Taste Robola wine in Kefalonia
Location / Neighborhood: Kefalonia vineyards. Best For: Couples, groups, wine lovers, food experiences. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.
Take a break from Kefalonia’s beaches to discover Robola wine, a crisp white wine closely associated with the island. Vineyards spread across Kefalonia’s slopes and valleys, where winery visits give you the chance to learn about local production and sample wines alongside cheese, olive oil or other regional specialties.
A tasting makes a relaxed addition to a stay in one of our Kefalonia villas, particularly on a day exploring the island by car. Insider tip: arrange transport or join a guided wine tour if everyone in your group wants to take part in the tasting.
35. Cruise from Paxos to Antipaxos
Location / Neighborhood: Paxos and Antipaxos, Ionian Islands. Best For: Couples, families, groups, swimming. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.
Spend a day on the water exploring Paxos and neighboring Antipaxos, where dramatic sea caves, small harbors and exceptionally clear Ionian water create a beautiful setting for a relaxed island escape. Cruises can combine the west-coast caves of Paxos with swimming stops around Antipaxos and its turquoise bays.
Staying in one of our Paxos villas lets you explore the islands at a slower pace rather than squeezing everything into a single excursion. Insider tip: choose a smaller or private boat if you want greater flexibility over swimming stops and the amount of time spent in each bay.
Seasonal Events in Greece
Easter in Corfu
Greek Orthodox Easter usually falls in spring, and Easter in Corfu is one of the country’s most memorable places to experience it. Holy Week brings religious processions, music from the island’s famous philharmonic bands and centuries-old traditions throughout Corfu Town. On Holy Saturday, one of the most distinctive customs sees clay pots dropped from balconies onto the streets below. Insider tip: Easter is an exceptionally popular time to visit, so book your Corfu villa, transport and restaurants well in advance.
Santorini Volcano Festival
Usually held in September, Santorini’s Volcano Festival celebrates the eruption that shaped the island’s spectacular caldera. The highlight is a dramatic evening display of music, light and fireworks over the volcanic islands, visible from clifftop settlements including Fira, Imerovigli and Oia. The wider program can also include cultural performances and exhibitions. Insider tip: book a restaurant, terrace or boat experience with a caldera view if you want to turn the evening into a centerpiece of your Santorini stay.
Rethymno Renaissance Festival
Held during the summer, the Rethymno Renaissance Festival celebrates Crete’s Venetian and Renaissance heritage with theater, music, dance and exhibitions around the historic city. Performances often make atmospheric use of the Old Town and Fortezza, adding a cultural evening to a Crete beach vacation. Insider tip: if you’re staying in one of our Crete villas, check the current program before your trip and reserve ticketed performances early.
Routes in Marpissa, Paros
Usually taking place in late August, Routes in Marpissa transforms the traditional Paros village into a cultural trail of exhibitions, performances, workshops and activities inspired by local heritage. The event offers a more intimate introduction to Cycladic traditions away from the island’s beach clubs and busier coastal towns. Insider tip: combine the festival with dinner in Marpissa or nearby villages for a very different evening from Paros’ waterfront nightlife.
Plan your Greece Trip
Plan your Greece trip around the island experience that appeals to you most. Choose Santorini for romantic scenery and sunsets, Mykonos for beaches and nightlife, Paros for a quieter Cycladic escape, or Crete and Rhodes if you want a larger island with enough beaches, historic attractions and landscapes to fill a longer stay. For lush scenery and laid-back coastal living, explore Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos or Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands.
Our exclusive Greece villas give couples, families and multigenerational groups a private place to relax between adventures. Choose from beachfront villas, traditional island homes and spacious estates, with selected properties featuring optional private pools, infinity pools, hot tubs, sea views and generous outdoor living areas. Our Concierge team can also personalize your stay with services such as private chefs, airport transfers, car rental, grocery delivery, babysitting, private tours and yacht charters.
