13 Top Reasons to Visit Greece (Updated 2024)

Why visit Greece? Each year, millions are drawn to its sun-soaked landscapes and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean, but the allure of Greece goes far deeper than its scenic beauty.

Greece is more than just a travel destination; it’s a journey through history and mythology, where each corner tells a story, and every meal is a celebration of flavours.

From the timeless archaeological sites and the breathtaking islands to the genuine warmth of the Greek people and their delectable Mediterranean cuisine, Greece offers an idyllic escape for every traveller.

With a relatively low cost of living compared to other popular European countries and English widely spoken, Greece is a dream country for travel.

And where else could you meet a Greek store manager in Sparta who invites you to sample his homemade ouzo in his shop? Yes, that happened to us – Greek people are kind-hearted and quick to share their love of their country.

Our fabulous three-month travel through Greece was filled with treasured memories, and it’s easy to see why.

Join us now as we delve deeper into the top reasons to make Greece your next travel destination.

13 Reasons to Visit Greece

1. Greece’s Weather

One of the top reasons to visit Greece is its delightful Mediterranean climate. It offers almost guaranteed hot summers and mild winters, making it an especially attractive destination year-round.

The mountainous areas, however, can offer a cool summer retreat and in winter, there is definitely a brisk nip in the air. The higher mountain peaks even attract snow.

Due to Greece’s diverse landscape, the weather is variable. Even so, it has limited rainfall compared to many European countries, making Greece a popular destination in summer and winter.

Ideal Travel Seasons in Greece

Summer: The hottest weather and, not surprisingly, Greece’s busiest period as it coincides with the peak holiday season. If you don’t mind crowds, it’s a great time to visit and to make the most of the gorgeous beaches.

Spring and Autumn: These off-peak periods are less busy, yet you won’t miss out on fabulous weather.

Winter: We travelled through Greece from the end of autumn into winter, enjoying sunny days and beaches mostly to ourselves.

It was the ideal time to avoid the hordes of tourists visiting Greece in summer—particularly the many islands Greece is so well known for. We like to hike, and the cooler weather made this much more enjoyable.

2. The Greek Islands

You are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to visit in Greece.

Not only does Greece offer the mainland to explore, but it also offers more islands than you could visit—with more than 6,000 … 123 of which are inhabited.

Choosing which island to visit is like being in a sweet shop …

Do you choose the most popular option, a known favourite, or try something new?

Santorini

We visited the popular Greek island of Santorini in Winter, the perfect time to avoid the hordes. But if you love watersports, summer might be a better option.

You can try diving with this highly-rated beginner Scuba Diving tour from Akrotiri, Santorini or hit the skies and parasail over the island from Perivolos Beach.

Other popular islands you might visit off-season to avoid the crowds include Mykonos, Corfu and Rhodes.

Corfu

Corfu was the first place I ever flew to. I was 19 and arrived on the island in the middle of summer. It was buzzing with tourists, but that was part of the draw, I guess, when I was younger!

The bars, the nightclubs, the sun, the sea, the sand—well, there were more pebbles than sand, actually—that was what a summer holiday was all about back then.

Oh, how times have changed!

However, your first overseas holiday sticks in your mind, doesn’t it? This one may be more so because it was in Corfu that I first tried water skiing and scuba diving.

Both were disasters!

And I’ve never tried either of them again.

Unsurprisingly, I landed face-first into the water as soon as I tried to stand once the boat took off. I was being dragged along at a rate of knots, swallowing more than my fair share of the Ionian Ocean, gasping and spluttering and beginning to think I might drown when I suddenly remembered I could just let go!

How foolish!

Anyway, that day, I learned two important things. Firstly, when you are in a heightened state of panic, your brain doesn’t work properly, and secondly, waterskiing wasn’t for me.

The next day, I went on a scuba diving trip. Having no prior experience, I was kitted up on the beach, showed the emergency signal, and off I waddled into the ocean with the rest of the group.

Everyone began swimming off as I adjusted to forcing breaths in and out. Every time I pushed off the ocean floor, I sank again. Eventually, the instructor noticed me wandering around on the ocean floor like a lost sand crab. Apparently, he’d put too many weights around me!

After that, I lost all the confidence I’d initially mustered up to go on the trip. Everyone seemed to be oohing and aahing at all the colourful fish , well as much as you can tell when underwater. I guessed their finger-pointing and thumbs-up meant they were having fun.

But I wasn’t having fun, and at that point, honestly, I couldn’t care less about the fish. My ears hurt from the pressure, and I cut my leg on some coral. I wanted nothing more than to be back on the beach, sunbaking in coconut oil and sipping my way through the cocktails on the menu.

Oh, to be young and free!

I must go back and make new memories.

These activities sound much more enticing:

• 🫒 Greek Cooking Class & Olive Oil Tasting | ⭐️ 4.9/5 star reviews | Check availability
• 🥾 Corfu Guided Walking Tour and Tastings | ⭐️ 5/5 star reviews | Check availability
• 🛥️ Private Yacht Cruise | ⭐️ 4.8 /5 star reviews | Check availability

Lefkada: Windsurfing Mecca

I visited Lefkada, another Greek island, about ten years later. This time on a windsurfing holiday. You’d think I would have learnt to avoid watersports!

Fortunately, this was a great holiday in the town of Vasiliki. It’s a fabulous place to visit for watersports, and Vasiliki is internationally recognized as one of the leading Windsurfing Resorts in Europe. The season starts in April and goes through to October, with the best months being July and August.

Try the Lesser Know Tinos

Over-tourism of many Greek Islands has led the Greek tourism industry to try to attract tourists to its other islands falling under the radar.

So why not spread the love and perhaps visit Tinos, one of the 33 Cyclades islands in Greece?

Tinos is more secluded but still has sandy beaches and white-washed buildings. Those in the know say it has a foodie reputation, and it is on Tinos that you could sample local Angela Rouggeri’s malathouni cheese.

• 🍷 Winery Tour and Wine Tasting Paired with Snacks | ⭐️ 5/5 star reviews | Check Availability
• 🥾 Guided Hiking Tour | ⌛️ 3 hours | Book here
• 🏝️ From Mykonos: Full-Day Trip to Tinos Island | ⭐️ 4.3/5 star reviews | Check availability here

Skopelos & Mamma Mia

If you are a fan of the film Mamma Mia, you may want to explore the island where much of the film was made, the island of Skopelos — you can even take a Mamma Mia Island Tour.

Here’s the Dancing Queen clip from the movie to get you in the mood and give you some stunning glimpses of this Greek island.

3. Greek Ancient Artifacts

Greece is home to many amazing ancient Greek monuments and artifacts – the Greek Gods favoured this part of the world.

You can get your fill of ancient Greek architecture, culture and mythology in this mythical land. If you are interested in this type of history, that is reason enough to visit Greece.

During our Greece trip, we visited the most famous ancient areas—Olympus, Delphi, Sparta, and the Acropolis in Athens—but also found many ruins off the beaten path.  

Greece has 18 UNESCO Heritage Listed sites, hundreds of archeological sites, and museums. With a history rich in ancient culture, art and architecture, Greece is a destination of choice for discoveries for lovers of history and Greek mythology.

Towards the end of our Greece campervan trip, I have to admit that we did succumb to ‘ancient ruin fatigue’. Crumbling columns that once held up the homes of the ancient Greeks and their Gods and Goddesses no longer held their initial appeal.

We’d seen so many that we’d become desensitized to their allure.

But luckily, there are so many other reasons to visit Greece that our developed lacklustre attitude towards the hundreds of Greek ruins had little impact on our continued enjoyment of the country.

4. Greek Cats

Greece is full of cats.

Even amongst the ancient ruins, you will likely stumble upon either a brazen Tom demanding your attention or a tiny whiskered face peeping out from behind giant ancient columns.

The Greeks don’t seem to see the stray cats as a nuisance. In fact, many locals we talked to said they were useful for keeping the vermin down, and the villagers took on a communal responsibility for looking after them.

5. Masses of Blue and White

Many of you will already associate the blue framed windows and whitewashed walls with Greece.

Social media is awash with images from the popular Greek island of Santorini — instantly recognisable with its blue and white-domed churches overlooking the turquoise ocean.

Not only will you find this countrywide decorative taste in Greece’s buildings and homes, but its blue and white flag flies patriotically almost everywhere you go.

6. Tiny Greek Churches

Europe is full of churches, and huge decorative buildings dominate many city and town squares.

But Greece surpasses these with its extraordinary monasteries built into the sides of mountains and balanced precariously atop pinnacles, such as those found in Meteora and Lousios Gorge.

But you will also find a plethora of tiny churches around Greece. Many are found in the unlikeliest places, hidden high on mountain tops, built into rock crevices, and on remote coastlines, miles from anywhere.

7. Greek Food

The reasons to visit Greece are not only the sights you’ll see but also your sense of taste and smell, which are well catered for.

Olive oil is the most famous Greek food and an ingredient in most Greek dishes.

One Greek family told us that they use about 3kg of olive oil per fortnight. So it is hardly surprising to learn that Greece is also one of the world’s top three olive oil-producing countries.

Greece’s lush pastures and its free-roaming sheep and goats (whom you’ll most likely encounter meandering on the roads at some point during your trip) make Greek feta a favourite, too.

The local olives and feta make a great accompaniment to Greek country bread (Horiatiko Psomi). Snack time, anyone?  

Don’t miss out on some of the top foods to try while in Greece, such as taramasalata, dolmades, moussaka, souvlaki, gyros … and, of course, baklava for dessert.

8. Dogs With Jobs

Stray dogs aren’t exclusive to Greece; in fact, they are common sights throughout Eastern Europe particularly. But along with their feline counterparts, they are frequently spotted wandering along the streets.

However, in Greece, many are gainfully employed in shepherding sheep or cattle. On many occasions, we came across a herd being nudged along the road by a few dogs, avidly keeping their flock on track and protected. 

The tradition of using livestock guardian dogs has existed for about 2000 years. A strange phenomenon to those of us from the UK, USA, or Australia. We’re more used to seeing dogs herding sheep with farmers rather than protecting and moving them along streets without their owners!

Interestingly, the Greek dogs that guard the livestock are ‘imprinted’ with the herd from a young age and will mingle and protect it. Therefore, it’s advisable not to get too close, as they would see you as a threat to the herd.

On one occasion, I wandered close to look at a cute calf. I didn’t see the dog sitting in the grass.

However, the dog sure saw me. It let me know in no uncertain terms that I needed to back away real quick.

9. “It’s All Greek to Me”

As we travelled around Greece it was a little tricky to work out where we were sometimes because many of the signs were written in Greek. Not used to interpreting the Greek alphabet, this proved challenging on occasion. A brain teaser matching shapes on signs to those on the map.

But this is another ancient facet we should admire in Greece. The Greek alphabet is the ancestor of all modern European alphabets.

Our travels through Greece definitely embodied the old adage; it’s all Greek to me.  

This challenge was all part of the fun – most of the time. Obviously, travelling together as a couple can sometimes be less than smooth sailing – especially when travel plans get hectic – or someone is trying to navigate and give instructions when she can’t read the signs!

We’ve learnt a lot about each other and ourselves since we began our road-tripping adventure, that’s for sure. Laughing it out is definitely one of our go-to tools, among other nuggets we gathered along the way, that help us get along while travelling together.

10. Budget-Friendly Greece

Another great reason to visit Greece is that it is easier to travel on a budget here than many of its European counterparts. Greece uses the Euro currency, which is handy if you’re travelling through other parts of Europe.

Popular tourist destinations in Greece can be expensive in summer, but if you travel out of season, you can grab some super bargains. We bagged 60% off the summer rate in a boutique hotel in Santorini.

Furthermore, enjoying Greece doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

You can save significantly by dining at tavernas where locals eat; the food is more authentic and less expensive than at tourist hotspots.

Explore free public sites and museums on national holidays, and choose island ferries overflights when possible to reduce travel costs.

Remember, the local markets are treasure troves for affordable souvenirs and fresh produce.

11. Greece Hiking

Greece has many hills, mountains, and gorges that are perfect for exploring and hiking.

Meteora and Vikos Gorge in northern Greece are popular hiking areas and we made the most of the spectacular views while there.

One of our favourite hikes, though, in Greece’s southern region was through Lousios Gorge, with its spectacular ancient monasteries built into the gorge walls.

The Peloponnese was a delight and offered so many hiking opportunities, as well as towns perched on mountains that make for good hill walking exercises!

12. Greek Beaches 

Pebbled beaches, black volcanic sands, white sands, shallow bays, remote beaches or full of water sports – the variety of beaches in Greece is wide.

For us, parking the campervan on so many beautiful beaches and watching the day fade while listening to gently lapping waves was bliss. That was in winter, though. The beaches in summer would be another story altogether.

Whether you are looking for quiet relaxation or an active beach holiday – the beaches of Greece and its coastline are another reason to visit Greece, in summer or winter. 

13. Philoxenia – Greek Hospitality

And the last, but certainly not the least, reason to visit Greece? Philoxenia, of course.

Translated literally, it means love of strangers, and once you visit Greece, you’ll know all about this welcoming hospitality extended to you.

This ancient virtue of generosity toward strangers that originates in Greek mythology has survived the centuries and is well and truly alive in Greek culture today.

We experienced this time and again as we travelled through Greece, losing count of how many shots of homemade ouzo we were encouraged to try. Most tasted like burning petrol, but it’s the thought that counts.

On our way from Monemvasia to Nafplio, we stopped in a little town called Mylio. There, we passed an older man digging a trench to clear weeds from a local stream.

He was retired and just helping out the community. When he learnt we were visitors he proceeded to give us a half-hour lesson in Greek mythology. We left with an increased respect for the Olympian gods and the social consciousness of the Greeks we were meeting.

Reasons to Visit Greece … That’s A Wrap

With a rich Greek culture, numerous archaeological sites (many of which are heritage sites), warm people, delicious food, old towns, and fabulous scenery, I hope you can see why Greece is a good place to visit.

With so many islands and Greek destinations to choose from, there is bound to be something that tickles your fancy.

Head over to our Greece Travel Guide to explore more of this incredible country.

It’s already high on our list of places to return to as we road trip around the world. After exhausting Africa and camping in our 4×4, we will start house-sitting around the world, and revisiting Greece is going to be high on that agenda.

Have you been to Greece? What was your favourite destination?  

Drop us a line here or leave a comment below.

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