Best things to do in Greece: Your complete 2024 travel guide

Greece captivates visitors with its blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. From exploring archaeological wonders to relaxing on pristine beaches, the country offers countless memorable experiences. We've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you plan your perfect Greek adventure in 2024.

Historical wonders and cultural experiences

1. Visit the Acropolis Museum and Parthenon in Athens

Every adventure in Greece should begin with a visit to the legendary Acropolis Museum in Athens, which was once a 5th-century BC temple complex. From there, visit the Parthenon, a temple that rests on the rocky outcrop of the Acropolis.

You can enjoy these UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the many temples with a mobile audio guide. It is available in Greek, English, Spanish, or French. You simply need to upgrade your tour access ticket to include the Official Audio Guide, curated by historians.

Fun fact: The temple on UNESCO's logo is the Parthenon.

2. Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi One of the most important and exciting archaeological sites in Greece is Delphi. These ancient ruins sit on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. It boasts a unique natural landscape that melds with the area's historical significance.

It was once the home of the renowned Oracle of Delphi, where pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean gathered to receive the prophecies of the ancient Greek god Apollo. It is believed that the prophecies were delivered from Apollo through the words of Pythia, the high priestess at the Temple of Apollo.

Today, many travelers visit Delphi to explore the remains of the Oracle of Delphi and reminisce about ancient times.

3. Take a cruise around the Greek islands Greece is one of the most unforgettable destinations because it offers a chance to explore many of the country’s gorgeous islands. Each Greek island boasts its own unique history, myths, landscapes, architecture, and culture.

There are more than 200 islands in Greece, and visiting each individually will be costly. On the other hand, an all-inclusive cruise includes stops at several islands, unlimited onboard dining, activities, and live entertainment, thus making it the perfect solution to explore as many places in Greece as possible.

4. Walk through the old town of Nafplio The “Naples of the East,” Nafplio is renowned for its quaint romantic vibe. Built on a small peninsula in the Peloponnese’s Argolic Gulf, it was the first Greek capital after the country gained independence from the Turks in the 1800s.

The Venetian influences in the city, from the lofty fortifications to the gelato, ensure it stands apart from other Greek cities. While strolling through the town, make sure to visit Palamidi Castle and the taverns serving local dishes.

5. Visit the ancient city of Epidaurus Epidaurus is best known for the town’s ancient theater, which is mentioned on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

Since the 1950s, the ancient theater has been a stage for plays during the Athens & Epidaurus Festival every summer. If you visit during this time, make sure not to miss this amazing thing to do in Greece!

6. Take a dip in the hot springs of Therma The spa town of Therma is located on the Greek island of Ikaria. Known for its healing properties since ancient times, the hot springs in the area draw crowds from all over Greece and surrounds.

The ancient spa town still retains the ruins of the ancient acropolis and spa facilities. Their construction began during the Byzantine Empire and continued to be used during the Ottoman Empire by local elders. This is sure to be one of the best things to do in Greece!

7. Explore the streets of the Plaka neighborhood in Athens Plaka is an atmospheric neighborhood characterized by narrow streets, historic houses, and ancient ruins. The stunning area is the perfect place to take memorable pictures and remember your time in Athens.

In fact, the area is so picturesque that many professional photographers offer private photoshoots to tourists exploring the neighborhood.

8. Visit the Palace of Knossos in Crete Discovered at the end of the 19t century, the archaeological site of Knossos is the largest site on the island of Crete. Visitors can explore the original ruins at the Palace of Knossos, which date back to approximately 1700 BC.

You can also see a partial reconstruction of the palace which shows how it would have looked based on the findings of early 20th Century archaeologists.

9. Take a ferry to the island of Santorini Catch a ferry to the island of Santorini, also known locally as “Thira.” Located in the southern part of the Cyclades, Santorini is renowned as a vacation destination worldwide, due to the distinct white village and blue rooftops looking out over the gorgeous sea.

Take a ferry from Athens, which is the most comfortable and affordable way to reach the island. There are frequent ferries from two ports in Athens, and they run throughout the year.

10. Explore the ancient city of Mycenae If you want to explore another famed archeological site, then Mycenae in Greece is a true must-see. One of the most famous sites in the country and located in the Argolis region, it was once a very prosperous town.

Mycenae was the kingdom of the legendary king Agamemnon, the ruler of the Greeks in the Trojan War. Gigantic walls once surrounded the ancient town, with an intricate Lion Gate at the entrance to the town.

Pro Tip: Visit these sites early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photography opportunities. Many travelers recommend booking guided tours that include skip-the-line access and historical context.

Seasonal Travel Guide:

• Spring (March-May): Ideal for sightseeing and hiking
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for beach activities and island hopping
• Fall (September-November): Great for cultural events and fewer crowds
• Winter (December-February): Best for budget travel and winter sports

Pro Tip: Local travelers suggest exploring smaller islands during shoulder season for a more authentic experience and better accommodation rates.

Important visa information for your Greek adventure

Planning to visit these amazing destinations? Let's ensure your travel documentation is in order. The Greece Schengen Visa application process requires careful attention to detail, but we at iVisa can help streamline your experience.

Download the iVisa app to easily:

• Check your visa requirements
• Track your application status
• Access important travel documents
• Receive real-time updates

Planning Your Greek Adventure: Essential Tips and Information

Greece offers countless memorable experiences, but proper planning ensures a smooth journey. Here's what you need to know about visiting this Mediterranean paradise in 2024.

-

-

Understanding Your Visa Requirements

Before planning your Greek adventure, it's essential to understand the visa process. The Greece Schengen Visa allows for:

• Multiple entries within the Schengen Area
• Maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period
• Access to 27 Schengen countries
• Various activities including tourism and business

Pro Tip: Based on customer feedback, applying at least 3-4 weeks before your planned trip ensures adequate processing time and reduces stress

Common Travel Challenges and Solutions

Many travelers face certain challenges when visiting Greece. Here's how to address them:

• Peak Season Crowds: Visit popular sites early morning or late afternoon
• Transportation Between Islands: Book ferry tickets in advance through reliable providers
• Language Barriers: Download offline translation apps and learn basic Greek phrases

-

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many days do I need to explore Greece? A: While seven days allows you to see major highlights, we recommend 10-14 days for a comprehensive experience including both mainland and islands.

Q: What's the best way to travel between Greek islands? A: Ferries are the most common and cost-effective option, while flights save time but cost more.

Q: Is Greece expensive to visit? A: Costs vary significantly by season and location. Major tourist destinations like Santorini tend to be pricier than lesser-known islands.

Pro Tip: Customer feedback suggests visiting shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices

Required Travel Documentation

Essential documents for visiting Greece include:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Greece Schengen Visa (if required)
• Travel insurance covering the Schengen area
• Proof of accommodation and return travel
• Sufficient financial means

Why Choose iVisa?

At iVisa, we've been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about Greece or the Schengen visa application. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.

Pro Tip: Based on traveler experiences, keeping digital copies of all travel documents in a secure cloud storage can be incredibly helpful during your journey

Apply for your Greece Schengen Visa today