Greece Travel Insights

Active Athens & the Cyclades - 7 Days

Hit three major hotspots on this active seven-day tour of some of Greece's most beautiful and iconic sites. You'll start in Athens, with your first day to experience the Acropolis and buzzing neighborhoods before hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos. Here you'll explore beaches, boardwalks, and nightlife under the eyes of the island's famous windmills and take a horseback ride to the coast. End the trip in Santorini with its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, hiking, and stunning sunsets to spare.

Delightful Athens & Naxos - 6 Days

Experience captivating Athens and a lesser-known Cycladic island with this 6-day itinerary.  After getting your first taste of Greece in the capital city, you'll head to Naxos to experience the beaches, history, villages, and culture of the largest Cycladic isle.

Local Life on Crete - 6 Days

Fall in love with the largest Greek isle with the 6-day version of this unique itinerary. With a focus on culture and local flavor, you'll stick to Chania's highlights and the surrounding countryside. Make (and eat) an authentic Cretan feast, learn and lunch at the famous Botanical Park and Gardens, and relax on some of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world.

Local Life on Crete - 5 Days

The 5-day version of this compact itinerary focuses on the far west region of Chania. Arrive in Crete, the largest of the Greek isles, before heading to the traditional village of Vamos for a cooking class and two nights in a charming guesthouse. Take a guided village-to-village trek, visit the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos on a day trip, and stroll the waterfront in the city of Chania without feeling rushed.

Best of Athens & Ancient Greece - 5 Days

Long dominated by the omnipresent Parthenon, Athens mingles its classical past with a budding art scene and bustling markets. You'll spend five days exploring this city's many cultural treasures and cool neighborhoods—along with day trips to archaeological sites in nearby Mycenae. See why the epicenter of antiquity and philosophy is well worth a trip today.

Experience Local Greece: Athens, Crete, & the Cycladic Islands - 15 Days

Get to know Crete, Athens, and the Cycladic Islands on the 15-day version of this experiential tour. After visiting the capital city, head to Chania as your base for exploration on Crete, where you'll take in the medieval architecture and postcard-perfect Venetian port. Spend time hiking, eating, and more in a traditional village before wrapping up your journey with Santorini wine-tasting and a horseback ride on lesser-known Naxos.

Authentic Greece: Athens, Crete & the Cyclades - 14 Days

Experience the romance of Crete, captivating Athens, and the classic Cyclades with the 14-day version of this adventurous itinerary. You'll use coastal Chania as your base, taking in medieval architecture, elegant mansions, sculpted fountains, and a postcard-perfect Venetian port. Spend a few nights in Vamos, a traditional village, before wrapping up your journey with Santorini and lesser-known Naxos.

Taste of the Cyclades and Crete - 14 Days

The glittering Cyclades span hundreds of miles, with centuries of history under their belt. The two-week version of this itinerary starts in glamorous Mykonos before a stop in Naxos for beach time and a cooking class. Then, make your way to the volcanic sunsets and cliffside architecture of Santorini. End your trip on Crete, where amazing beaches, excellent cuisine, and great hospitality await.

Taste of the Cyclades and Crete - 16 Days

The glittering Cyclades span hundreds of miles, with centuries of history under their belt. Your trip through the island chain will start in glamorous Mykonos before a stop at relaxed Paros for lazy days of beaches and tavernas. Continue to Naxos and Ios, making your way to the volcanic sunsets and cliffside architecture of Santorini. Finally, head to Crete, where excellent cuisine and hospitality await.

History and Culture in Athens and Santorini - 7 Days

Get to know ancient Athens and get a taste of island life on Santorini with this weeklong itinerary. Sample volcanic wine varietals in centuries-old vineyards, take a mythological tour of the capital, take a cooking class based on ancient Greek culinary methods, and more.

Mainland Greek History & the Cyclades - 14 Days

Discover Athens, Delphi, and the best of the Greek islands during this fun 14-day itinerary. Visit major archeological sites, sample volcanic vintages at wine tastings on Santorini, visit an organic farm on Mykonos, sail the Athenian Riviera, and much more.

Discover Athens, Delphi, & the Cyclades - 10 Days

Hit three major Greek hotspots on this ten-day tour. Start with a full day in Athens and a day trip to the amazing ruins of Delphi before hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos. Here you'll explore beaches, boardwalks, and nightlife under the island's famous windmills. End the trip with Santorini's white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and stunning sunsets to spare.

Local Life on Crete - 8 Days

Get to know the way of life on Crete, in the island's far west region of Chania. With the 8-day version of this itinerary, you'll experience culture, scenery, and cuisine within the island's historic villages. Enjoy historical walking tours, Greek cooking lessons, and guided day trips to the surrounding countryside.

Discover Athens & the Cyclades - 7 Days

Pair historic Athens with the sun-soaked beaches of the Cycladic isles with this weeklong adventure. Begin in the Greek capital with the Acropolis and a local neighborhood tour. From here, ferry to Mykonos for relaxation and nightlife under the island's famous windmills. The grand finale is Santorini—gleaming white cliffs, caldera views, sunset cruising, and wine tasting await.

Cultural Cyclades: Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Santorini - 12 Days

Visit four distinct islands in Greece's most famous archipelago with this 12-day itinerary. Shop the glamorous boutiques of Mykonos, take a cooking workshop on cultural hotspot Naxos, experience village life on tiny Ios, and soak in the sun (and sunsets) of Santorini. Along the way, you'll enjoy lots of Greek history, glorious beach time, and pretty ferry rides across the Aegean sea.

Active Cyclades Adventure - 12 Days

Famous for their beautiful beaches, the Cyclades Islands aren't just for lounging. Hike, bike, and sail around whitewashed fishing villages and over rocky landscapes on this 12-day active tour. Start off in Paros with a cooking class and scenic horseback ride before cycling in Naxos and a sunset hike in Santorini. You'll explore more of the Aegean Sea before bidding farewell to Greece with a well-deserved wine toast.

Discover Santorini - 3 Days

Hit major hotspots on this quick three-day tour of Santorini's most beautiful and iconic sites. Spend your Greek getaway taking in the white-topped cliffs and caldera views, cruising around the island's shores, wine tasting, and enjoying sunsets to remember.

Delightful Naxos and Mainland Greece - 8 Days

Experience captivating Athens and highlights of the nearby Peloponnese Peninsula and Cycladic Islands with this week-long itinerary.  After getting your first taste of Greece in the capital city, you'll take a day trip to legendary Mycenae and charming Nafplio. Then, head to Naxos to experience the beaches, history, villages, and culture of the largest Cycladic isle.

Local Life on Crete - 7 Days

Dive deep into the Cretan lifestyle in the island's far west region of Chania with the 7-day version of this itinerary. You'll experience culture, scenery, and cuisine within the island's historic villages. Enjoy walking tours, cooking lessons, and guided day trips both through the city and surrounding countryside.

Sail & Hike the Dodecanese - 7 Days

Experience six islands in 7 days with this boat trip around the Dodecanese. You'll sail across the Aegean Sea, stopping to explore, hike, dine, and swim around medieval fortresses, deserted islands, expansive beaches, and seaside tavernas. Wrap it up in the old town of Rhodes, where ancient history is steeped into the architecture and cobblestone streets.

Active Northern Greece & Corfu - 10 Days

Northern Greece stretches across more cultures and terrains than any other region in the country. This 10-day itinerary starts off in the second largest city, Thessaloniki—a magnetic place that breathes history and character, offering some of the best food and wine in the country. From here, you'll go hiking and river rafting on the mainland and then ferry to Corfu island for beaches, kayaking, and a Jeep safari toward ancient monasteries.

Crete 101 - 9 Days

Experience the romance of Crete—Greece's largest island—with this 9-day itinerary. You'll use the coastal city of Chania, with its medieval architecture and postcard-perfect Venetian port as your base of exploration. Check out local markets, visit a traditional village, and enjoy a Cretan feast with after-dinner dancing. Then, hike the Samaria Gorge before wrapping up with relaxation on pink-sand beaches.

Argolic Gulf Adventure - 8 Days

Live like a local in Greece's idyllic Argolic Gulf with this active 8-day itinerary. You'll explore Athens for a few days and even hop onboard a fishing boat with an expert fisherman before you head to seaside Nafplio, home to winding streets and a historic water fortress. Explore this beautiful area of mainland Greece via foot, bicycle, and kayak, then get hands-on in an olive grove and try shepherding for a day.

Authentic Athens & Historical Greece - 8 Days

Athens was made for strolling, as you'll find out in this itinerary. The neighborhoods of Monastiraki, Syntagma, Plaka, and Makrygianni hide petite pedestrian streets and neoclassical homes overflowing with floral balconies. You'll see street art with an artist, be schooled by a chef, and take a sunset visit to the Temple of Poseidon. Step back into history with day trips to Delphi and Mycenae before departing.

Discover Athens & the Cyclades - 8 Days

Hit three major hotspots on this eight-day tour of some of Greece's most iconic sites. Start in Athens before hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos. Here you'll explore beaches, boardwalks, and nightlife under the island's famous windmills. End the trip in Santorini with its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and sunsets to spare.

Ultimate Guide to Meteora: Monasteries and Geological Wonders on Mainland Greece

The singular mountain region of Meteora, in central Greece, is justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage Site—but it's also a center for adventure activities. Use this comprehensive insider's guide to plan your ideal Meteora itinerary.

How to Visit Athens Like a Local

You’ve visited the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora—now it’s time to experience Athens like a local. We’ve made it easy by selecting the best places and local experiences, from neighborhoods little visited by tourists to open-air cinemas that offer a classic Athenian night out.

24 Hours in Athens

Athens is a vast, modern city brimming with antiquities. What do you do if you only have a day to spend? Here we've curated the best options that combine the popular highlights with a slice of local life.

Local Life on Crete - 9 Days

Dive deep into the Cretan lifestyle—specifically the far west region of Chania—with this unique 9-day itinerary. You'll experience loads of culture and scenery as you explore the island's historic villages, food scene, and archaeological ruins, complete with walking tours, cooking lessons, and guided day trips both through the city and surrounding countryside.

Best of Athens & Ancient Greece - 9 Days

Long dominated by the omnipresent Parthenon, Athens mingles its classical past with a budding art scene and bustling markets. You'll spend nine days exploring this city's many cultural treasures and cool neighborhoods—along with day trips to archaeological sites in nearby Eleusis, Mycenae, and Delphi. See why the epicenter of antiquity and philosophy is well worth a trip today.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Greece

When traveling to Greece, most tourists stay on the popular track: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini. But with thousands of years of history, and as many islands, Greece is full of unique beaches, sites, and treasures that reward a traveler interested in navigating the country like a local. Here are 6 ideas to help you get off the beaten path.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Mykonos

Mykonos is a Mediterranean party island to rival Ibiza. “Dance, drink, never sleep” is its mantra—but beyond the wild beach parties, there are many tranquil, lesser-known spots to explore and enjoy. Find solitude on a hidden beach, visit an organic farm and winery, hike to a historic lighthouse, and more.

How kimkim Trips Work in Greece

When it comes to visiting Greece’s islands and ancient sites, one size does not fit all. In fact, it's the perfect destination for an adventure customized to your interests and tastes. Here’s some insight into how kimkim accomplishes that and helps you plan and book your dream trip.

Guide to Hiking Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge cuts through the rugged White Mountains of Crete, running 10 miles in length and ending at the shores of the Mediterranean. Take it all in from the trail, descending past sheer rock walls, wildflowers, and endless views.

Hidden Gems of Santorini

Romantic and iconic, Santorini is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. But beyond the classic whitewashed villas, there are places where the crowds thin and you can appreciate more facets of this Aegean gem. Watch the sunrise from a secret spot, stay the night in a cave, and more with this list.

Santorini & Folegandros - 8 Days

Santorini is the glittering gem of the Cyclades. You'll spend five days exploring this iconic Greek island from top to bottom with beach time, volcano tours, and sunsets that'll take your breath away. Then ferry to neighboring Folegandros to relax on a smaller and lesser-visited (but no less beautiful) island, discovering empty coastline and medieval architecture before returning to Santorini for your departure.

Mainland Greece Adventure - 7 Days

History buffs who prefer to be outdoors can experience the ancient world on this tour of mainland Greece's top classical sites. From Mycenae to Meteora, you'll visit ruins spanning back across the ages: sample the descendants of millennia-old grapevines in Nemea, see where the tale of the Iliad started at Mycenae, and tread on the same ground as the first Olympic athletes. End the trip hiking around Delphi and Meteora's six active clifftop monasteries, surrounded by Mediterranean landscape.

Greece: Frequently Asked Questions

With thousands of years of history (and just as many islands to explore), Greece offers countless opportunities for adventure. If you're preparing for your first foray to the epicenter of the ancient world, check out these tips on traveling within the country, important info on visas, safety, etiquette, and more.

Best of Western Crete - 9 Days

Though it still belongs to the Greek archipelago, Crete has a distinct character all its own (and the size to prove it). Explore the island's western Chania region on this 9-day itinerary from its craggy gorges to bright blue lakes and seafront. You'll also visit historic villages, learn about olive oil production, relax on Mediterranean beaches, ride horses, and sample fresh food along the way as you see what sets Crete apart from the pack.

Paros & Naxos - 8 Days

Many travelers flock to Santorini and Mykonos, but during this trip, you'll visit two spectacular yet less-traveled islands in the Cyclades chain. Start off in Paros, where golden sand beaches and charming villages are yours to explore. Then hop a ferry to neighboring Naxos for a bustling Chora (main town), beautiful whitewashed villages clinging to mountainsides, and countryside filled with churches, archaeological sites, and local distilleries.

Crete & Santorini - 9 Days

This active island-hopping itinerary visits two gems in the Aegean Sea—both world-famous for different reasons. You'll start in Crete, largest of the Greek islands and home of ancient Minoan palaces and striking landscapes like canyons, gorges, mountains, and beautiful beaches. You'll then ferry over to the smaller volcanic island of Santorini and have three days to explore its whitewashed cliff-side villages with hiking, swimming, sea kayaking, and, of course, romantic sunsets.

Best Local and Cultural Experiences in Greece

Greece is warm and welcoming, and getting to know locals in the country's many bakeries and plazas will be a highlight of your trip. Here are more favorite cultural experiences on the mainland and the stunning Aegean and Ionian islands.

8 Best Places to Visit in Greece

In Greece, the highlights are many. From pinnacles topped with ancient monasteries to the buzzing capital of Athens, paradise islands to ruins once considered the center of the world, here are the country's essential places to visit.

How Many Days to Spend in Greece

Spend at least seven days in Greece, and you'll be able to comfortably explore Athens plus one or two Greek islands—pair Mykonos and Santorini, for example, or stick to the culture and cuisine of Crete. With more days to spend, add a few less-visited islands to your itinerary or explore the mainland, from the mountains of the Peloponnese to history-rich Macedonia. If you're planning a quick getaway, base yourself in Athens with mainland day trips (and an overnight on Naxos, if there's time).

Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping in Greece

Cyclades, Saronic, Dodecanese, Sporades: to plan an island-hopping trip around Greece, you'll need some background on each of the island groups. Read on to learn what to expect, where to go, and how to start planning your adventure.

5 Places Most Travelers Miss (But Shouldn't) in Greece

Of course you'll go to Athens. Chances are you'll see Santorini. But what about Greece's lesser-known treasures — places travelers often miss? From medieval villages to beachfront camping, here are a few fresh ideas for your Greek adventure.

5 Unique Places to Stay in Greece

Forget about booking traditional hotel rooms during your vacation in Greece. Your holiday will be even more memorable if you spend your nights inside a castle, cave, or within the stone walls of a historic seaside windmill. Here are five suggestions for the country's best one-of-a-kind lodging options.

Explore Mythical Athens - 5 Days

Ancient cultures and modern day life meet on this five-day exploration of Greece's capital city. Immerse yourself in the history of the Golden Age with a visit to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll the historic cobblestone streets of Athens' many neighborhoods, learn about the ancient rites of the Eleusinian Mysteries, and relax by the sea on the Athens Riviera.

Sail the Ionian Sea from Corfu - 8 Days

If you love sunny days, turquoise waters, and relaxing beaches, this tour's for you! Sweep from coastal town to coastal town as you travel by yacht from Corfu to Syvota, Paxos, and more. Explore ancient ruins, sun yourself on Ionian beaches, and fall in love with everything Greece has to offer.

Sailing the Greek Cyclades Islands - 8 Days

Sailing the Greek islands for a week sounds amazing for good reason. Board a catamaran with an experienced crew to hop from island to stunning island in the Cyclades. Along the way, explore the best of Mykonos and watch the sunset from Santorini, see ancient ruins, and swim in the azure Aegean waters before bedding down in your boat each night.