Top Experiences in Greece for First-Time Visitors
With its sparkling white beaches, crystalline water, and venerable ancient sites, Greece lives up to all the hype. However, with enough islands to suit everyone’s taste and antiquities dotting the landscape like a historical map of Western civilization, how does one navigate such a vast country? To help you choose, here’s a guide to the top experiences in Greece for first-time visitors.
Ancient Athens
Most first-time visitors will arrive and depart through Athens. An absolute must is the Acropolis, with its iconic Parthenon and the demure robed maidens (Caryatids) supporting the roof of the Erechtheion temple alongside. The modern Acropolis Museum sits just below, protecting the site’s artefacts while placing them in context. Any initiation to ancient Greece should also include the easy walk from the Acropolis down to the Ancient Agora – once the focal point of administrative, commercial, political, and social activity, and the spot where Socrates expounded his philosophy. It’s also simple to loop in other top sites, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, its colossal columns reminding us it was the largest temple in Greece, and the Panathenaic Stadium, still in use today. Roman sites abound, including Hadrian’s Arch and the Roman Agora with its evocative Tower of the Winds.
Monastiraki and Plaka
An easy add-on to the walk around ancient Athens is a browse through the bric-a-brac in the Monastiraki Flea Market. Shoulder-to-shoulder shops and kiosks hawk a riot of souvenirs, clothes, leather goods, jewelry, and burnished antiques. Head to Plateia Avyssinias, perfect for a quick break amidst heaps of restored furniture and fascinating baubles, with Acropolis views from its top floors. Nearby Plaka offers a warren of historic streets jammed with souvenir shops.
Coffee Culture
When in Greece, indulge in a long, lazy, lingering, and chat-filled kafedaki. In the cafes of Athens and the central squares of towns throughout the islands and countryside, sitting for a coffee and engaging in people-watching is a pastime not to be missed. Order a Greek coffee, either sketo (plain), metrio (with some sugar), or glyko (super-sweet), and watch the vibrant life unfold around you.
Santorini (Thira)
Ravishing Santorini lives up to the postcard-perfect photos you’ve seen, perhaps calling you to Greece in the first place. Beauty and fame come with a price: Santorini is often crowded with visitors in high season. Conversely, the rest of the year offers a more peaceful experience, making it easier to enjoy unobstructed views of the striking ochre cliffs cradling the caldera. Seek out one of the multi-hued volcanic beaches (black, red, white!) or find a seat for one of its glorious sunsets, particularly in the charming town of Oia.
Mykonos and Delos
Mykonos is synonymous with glitz, glam, and 24-hour parties. Whether basking at chic beach clubs or promenading through the maze-like streets of Mykonos Town (Hora), visitors should prepare for a lively experience. Ironically, one of Greece’s most treasured ancient sites, Delos, lies on a small island offshore. The mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Ancient Delos serves as both a shrine and commercial center, offering a deep dive into Greece’s rich history.
Island Hopping in the Cyclades
The famous islands draw visitors from far and wide each year, yet it’s well worth adding at least one other island to your itinerary. Choose one that catches your fancy, or better yet, island-hop around the Cyclades for a classic adventure! Each island boasts its own character; a visit to the wonderful volcanic Milos, precious Sifnos, rustic Serifos, or fertile Naxos adds tremendous depth to a first trip.
Hydra
If time is limited, and you don’t have the luxury of extended island hopping, head straight from Athens to the tiny Hydra in the Saronics. Just an hour and a half from Piraeus, Hydra offers a picturesque horseshoe-shaped harbor town known for its charming stone mansions stacked up the rocky hillsides. Without motorized vehicles (aside from sanitation trucks), visitors can explore unspoilt trails along the coast and into the mountains.
Festivals
Throughout the year, festivals embellish the Greek calendar. Ubiquitous Saints Days occur year-round, from small villages to big cities. Carnival (also known as Apokreas) offers a time for dress-up and parades, with Patras Carnival being the most recognized. The fabulous Greek Easter is a week-long springtime celebration, and the key summertime event is the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, featuring a top line-up of local and international music, dance, and theatre at remarkable ancient venues.
The Long Lunch
One hasn’t fully experienced the Greek way of life until enjoying the ‘long lunch.’ Ideally, gather a table full of friends and family for a seafood feast at a taverna. Sip endless afternoon ouzo while indulging in a continuous parade of mezedhes (small dishes): meatballs, zucchini balls, fresh fish, and taramasalata (fish roe dip). The experience of leisurely laughter and a delightful meal amidst the beauty of Greece, preferably beachside, is unmatched.
Beaches
No trip to Greece would be complete without serious beach time. With an abundance of options, Greek beaches offer everything from Santorini and Milos’ multihued volcanic rocks to the sweeping sands of Kefallonia and Lefkada. Additionally, the sparkling waters of Sifnos and world-class kite surfing in Paros create a mecca for beach enthusiasts. Explore a range of beaches to form your own opinions on Greece’s incredible coastal offerings.
