🏖️ The best resorts in Greece: top 10 places for a perfect vacation 🇬🇷

The cradle of civilization, the birthplace of the most famous sporting events and a place glorified in many legends – all this is about Greece. The small country, located on the Balkan Peninsula and thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, attracts millions of tourists a year. Here, past and present meet at every corner, intertwining and creating a unique culture and atmosphere. Everyone should visit Greece, and we will tell you what to do!

But not only for the rich history and ancient sights it is worth coming to Greece. This warm, sunny country is perfect for a vacation. We've compared the most popular resorts so you can choose the perfect one for yourself.

Santorini

The real name of the island known as Santorini is Thira. It was formed several thousand years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption. By the way, some scientists believe that it was this event that became the basis for the legend of Atlantis.

For the past couple of decades, Santorini has been known as one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. All thanks to the amazing and unique architecture. Most of the buildings on the island are low cubic buildings with snow-white walls, between which the turquoise roofs of temples flicker. Such a bright contrast looks incredibly beautiful and impressive.

Another advantage of the island is its developed winemaking. The Assyrtiko vine variety grows well on volcanic soil, from the fruits of which dessert and dry white wines are made. 

You can relax on the shore, stroll along the picturesque streets of the villages and go explore the depths of the island. In its center is the mountain of the prophet Elijah, on the top of which there is a monastery. Alternatively, explore the ruins of the Minoan-era city at Cape Akrotiri and the over 200-year-old Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

Athens

Yes, the capital of Greece can hardly be called a resort, but on one side the city is washed by the Aegean Sea, which makes a beach holiday possible. It is simply impossible to retell the history of this place briefly – this is one of the oldest settlements in the world. Holidays in Greece are a great opportunity to discover the secrets of the past.

The same applies to attractions – their list is huge. The heart of Ancient Athens was the Acropolis and the surrounding areas – Thisio and Plaka. Now they attract the largest number of tourists. Be sure to visit the Theater of Dionysus, the Tower of the Winds, the Olympion, the Library of Hadrian, the Temple of Hephaestus. These buildings have stood for hundreds of years and are imbued with the spirit of the past. Seeing them with your own hands and touching the shrines is a rare opportunity that definitely should not be missed, especially in Greece.

And sports fans will be interested in the Panathinaikos Stadium. It was built in ancient times and hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Numerous museums in the city (more than 200!) contain the most ancient and unique relics – from sculptures depicting gods to paintings by contemporary artists. 

Athens is surrounded on three sides by mountains, but the fourth goes into the Saronic Gulf, so the city has several beaches. Let's say a few words about the best of them. 

The free public beach of Faliron is located almost in the center, next to the port. There is everything you need for relaxation – toilets, changing cabins, cafes and bars, sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. 

Another good but crowded beach is Voula. It is perfect for families with children due to the abundance of active entertainment and places to play. And you will find a gentle entrance to the sea, small pebbles on the shore and pleasant sand on the territory of the Alimos beach club.

Rhodes

This island is called the “pearl of the Mediterranean”. It has everything: amazing natural landscapes, historical and architectural monuments and beautiful beaches.

The peculiarity of Rhodes is that there are two seas near its land: the Cretan in the west, the Libyan in the east. The shore of the first is mostly pebble, the waves are high, on the other side the beaches are sandy and the water is calm. The land is interrupted on all sides by open bays and capes. The unique atmosphere on the island is created by the bright vegetation: conifers, plane trees, oaks, thyme, capers, cyclamens and many types of field herbs. A special type of deer, the platoni, is also found here.

It is difficult to choose the main attractions. The 14th century Rhodes fortress, the Petaloudes Valley, which is home to thousands of butterflies in summer, the ruins of the ancient city of Kamira, the acropolis of Lindos – each of these places is worth visiting to get a sense of the ancient history of the island.

Crete

The largest Greek island does not lose popularity among tourists. According to many, this is where the best infrastructure for recreation among European resorts is located. There are both luxury and budget hotels, shopping and entertainment centers, cafes and restaurants serving local cuisine. And three whole seas! We remind you that to visit this wonderful place, you need to get a visa.

On the northern side the island is washed by the Cretan, on the southern by the Libyan, and on the western by the Ionian. And in Balos Bay their waters, different in temperature and composition, mix, forming an amazing picture. Beaches on Crete can be found for every taste – both pebble and sand. All are clean and well-appointed. Elafonisi Beach, located in the southwest of the island, deserves special attention. There is sand of an unusual pink hue, warm water and low waves. 

The list of must-see attractions in Crete includes: the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the ancient cities of Knossos, Gortyna and Thetas, excavations in Malia, the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, and numerous necropolises, palaces and settlements are difficult to count. Of the natural places that deserve attention are the Samaria Gorge, the unique freshwater Lake Kourna and the world's oldest olive tree in Kavousi – it is about 3000 years old. Details of visiting the island can be found in our guide.

Karpathos

This island is hidden between its more famous neighbors – Crete and Rhodes, but is also great for relaxation. The traditional Greek way of life is carefully preserved here. In the villages you can see not only ancient architectural monuments, but also the life of local residents, which they lead like their ancestors centuries ago, and also become familiar with national folklore and culture. 

The distinctive features of this Greek resort are tranquility and privacy. Especially from the north side. But the southern one is more suitable for young and active people – it is in this part that fashionable hotels are located.

The untouched nature of the island will amaze anyone: mountain landscapes, orchards, olive groves and, of course, beaches. In the largest settlement, Pigadia, you will find a well-maintained sandy beach, and in Kira Panagia you will enjoy snow-white sand and emerald water.

Corfu

It is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, so the air temperature here is several degrees cooler than the others. It is perfect for tourists who cannot stand the heat. The island is incredibly picturesque, lush greenery and an abundance of cultivated crops make it bright and beautiful at any time of the year. 

The total length of the beaches is 200 kilometers! There are both sandy and pebbly ones. The southern part is most quiet and peaceful in Agios Georgios; there are impressive coastal cliffs and a cozy bay near the settlement of Sidari, and you will feel the maximum national flavor in the village of Benitses. The west of the island will appeal to sociable tourists. The Glyfada promenade is full of cafes and bars, and the Paleokastritsa cliffs offer magnificent views. 

In general, this island is great for careful and active exploration. In its center there are picturesque mountains and hills, and the coast delights with interesting bays. If you are interested in architectural values, there are plenty of them too. The old town of Corfu, the Venetian fortress of Paleo Frurio, the Palace of Saints Michael and George and its incredible garden are just a small part.

Mykonos

This is one of the most fashionable trends. In recent years, expensive and luxurious hotels, bars and clubs have appeared here. Families with children may not find it entirely comfortable on the island: night discos, a nudist beach and numerous bars create a special atmosphere.

Let's tell you a little more about the zones on the coast. Paradise is a place where modern music is constantly playing, and SuperParadise is known for the most free morals. There are several nudist beaches: Paranga and Elia. Quieter and calmer ones are Agrari and Ornos. 

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second most important city in Greece after the capital. It is located on the shores of Thessaloniki Bay of the Aegean Sea at the foot of the Chortiatis Mountains. This place is famous for its numerous festivals, concerts and fairs. But there is also where to relax, and what to see, and what to buy as souvenirs.

You shouldn’t choose this city in Greece just for the beaches; of course, they exist, but they are far from the best. The Aegean Sea here is quite dirty and muddy due to the proximity of the port. But a few tens of kilometers from the city there are many suitable towns with excellent recreation areas: Larissa, Katerina, the Halkidiki peninsula.

But it’s worth visiting Thessaloniki itself for the amazing Byzantine cultural heritage: the Basilica of St. Demetrius, the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Galerius, the Basilica of Achiropiitos and many others will amaze with their appearance and interior decoration.