There are so many classic things to do and explore during a vacation to Greece! In fact, there are so many iconic sights and traditions, you may feel overwhelmed with how many you have to choose from. Don’t worry! In the list below, we’ve captured 15 things that you must do while in Greece! Take a look and carve out some time for these Grecian bucket-list items!
1. Take in a Sunset in Santorini

Widely regarded to be some of the most scenic sunsets in Greece, watching a sunset in Santorini should be on everyone’s Grecian bucket list! With the iconic, white-washed walls and cliffside cities, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. One of the most popular spots to watch is from Oia village, owing to its blue-domed churches and the sun, which dips down over the Aegean sea. It’s an absolute must-do during a trip to Greece!
2. Wander the Car-Free Streets of Hydra
If you’re looking for a vibe like Mamma-Mia, check out congestion-free Hydra! Famous for allegedly being the home of the multi-headed water monster from Greek mythology, Hydra is now a calm vacation spot. With beautiful stone mansions scattered around town and a relaxing, cosmopolitan atmosphere, Hydra is a classic vacation spot. Since only garbage trucks are allowed on the island, you can explore the streets accompanied only by donkeys, mules, and horses. It creates a truly magical environment, which shouldn’t be missed.
3. See Other-Worldly Landscapes in Milos
One of Greece’s most notable islands, Milos is known for its beaches and stunning landscapes. Milos’ gorgeous scenery owes to the geologic origins of the island, which are volcanic. If you have to choose just one spot to visit, pick Sarakiniko Beach, where the white rocks look eerily like a moonscape. The gem-toned, blue waters add to the mystical landscape. Bring your camera with you to Milos; you won’t regret it!
4. Have a Pink Sand Beach Day
Nestled on the southwest corner of Crete, you’ll find the secluded Elafonissi Beach! This beach is widely regarded for its pink sand. Although the pink appearance varies throughout the year, depending on the season and weather conditions, it is always worth a visit. The pink sand is especially stunning against the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you spend all day at the beach or spend some time exploring the surrounding cedar tree reserves, this relaxing, unique beach deserves a visit.
5. Hike Up Mount Olympus
When you’re in Greece, you have to hike up the famed-home of the gods, Mount Olympus! Not for the faint of heart, summiting Mount Olympus typically takes eleven hours of hiking, not including the return journey. The full trail stretches over twenty kilometers. Experienced hikers can tackle it in a single day by starting early and moving at an aggressive pace. If you want to be more relaxed, you can take two days to reach the summit. If you only have one day, you can cut off part of the trail by taking a ride to Litochoro or Prionia.
6. Eat Some Fresh Seafood
This should be an easy one to check off of your bucket list, but definitely one you shouldn’t miss! Island living at its peak comes out at the seaside tavernas, where you can order the catch of the day, cooked up fresh. Whether you want to get a whole, grilled fish, some delicious octopus, or something else, if it’s fresh you really can’t go wrong. To complete the meal, pair it with a glass of local wine or a fresh dessert afterwards.
7. Visit the Original Olympia
Located in Peloponnese, Olympia was an important city in ancient Greece. Historically, it was a sacred area, in the “valley of the gods.” These days, it is most widely known for being the original site of the Olympic Games, dating all the way back to 776 BC. In addition to this site, you can see various temples, such as the Temple of Zeus and Hera. If you visit during the summer, you may also experience the International Festival of Olympia, with lots of performances scattered around.
8. Tour the Acropolis
When you’re in Athens, you have to reserve time to see the Acropolis. Many years ago, every city in Ancient Greek had to have an acropolis, which was intended to protect the cities from unwanted invaders. One of the best preserved Acropolis sites in modern times, Athens’ Acropolis is known as the gem of Athens today. When you visit the Acropolis, you can visit the Parthenon, Erechtheion, the Theatre of Dionysus, and more. Make sure that you buy your tickets early, start the day early, and start at the top of the hill, working your way down for the best results. Don’t miss the Acropolis museum too!
9. Grab Some Souvenirs in Thessaloniki
As the second-biggest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has plenty to see and do. While you should definitely check out the ruins around the city, the markets are some of the best in all of Greece. With the Modiano and Kapani markets available, you can explore local products, such as spices, produce, and handicrafts. Once you’re done with the markets, you can hop from boutique to boutique in the Ladadika district, which is full of small, local boutiques.
10. Try a Sampling of Greek Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, you must pick up some traditional Greek desserts. Many Greek desserts require careful skill and local products. For the ultimate taste of regional desserts, make sure you include the following. Start with baklava, which features many layers of pastry with nuts and honey. Continue on with cake, either a classic spiced, walnut cake (Karydopita) or an orange cake featuring filo pastry (Portokalopita). Don’t miss out on the loukoumades too, which are balls of fried dough featuring honey and cinnamon!
11. Appreciate Local Music at a Festival
To get a feel for real Grecian culture, you have to check out the local music at a festival or at least a taverna! Greek music is most well known for its rhythmic patterns and modal qualities, which rely on diatonic scales. Music also normally features instruments that you won’t often see outside of Greece, such as the lyre and the bouzouki. You can find live music at any local taverna or get the full experience, by going to a festival that also features traditional dancing.
12. Hike Through the Samaria Gorge
For one of the most scenic hikes in Greece, make sure you check out the Samaria Gorge! Located in Crete, the Samaria Gorge is nearly ten miles long and is widely regarded to be one of the best gorges in the whole country. If you plan to tackle the trail, reserve around seven hours to complete it, and make sure that you pack hiking shoes with good traction. It is a demanding trail with a significant downhill slope, so don’t try it out without being confident in your fitness level! Though it takes some dedication to hike into the gorge, the views are completely worthwhile.
13. Sample Local Products in Kalamata
Yes, that Kalamata! Known for their olive production, Kalamata is a beautiful town, characterized by a relaxed pace of life, delicious cuisine, and beaches. While you have to try the local olives and olive oil that have made the town famous worldwide, there are other things to do! Wander around in the old town, spend a day by the beach, or check out the Archaeological Museum of Messenia. No matter what you do, we suggest always having a side of bread and olive oil nearby.
14. Party the Night Away on Mykonos
Out of all the Grecian islands, Mykonos is the most notorious for excellent nightlife and ritzy beach clubs. If you have the energy, you can even start the party during the day at one of the beach clubs, which tend to open as early as 7 am. In the afternoon, transition to club dancing and music at any number of spots. The nightlife is so good it is a notorious spot for many celebrities, so keep your eyes open as you party. You just might catch a glimpse of somebody famous!
15. Wander the Ruins of the Oracle of Delphi
Last on the list of can’t-miss things to do in Greece, you absolutely must visit the ruins of the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle of Delphi was an extremely important site in ancient Greece, owing to the predictions of the Oracle. In ancient times, the Oracle gave readings only nine days of the year, making the site extremely important. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is extremely well-preserved. If you find yourself near Delphi, this is an absolute bucket list item for Greece.
Best Things to Do in Greece: 15 Can’t Miss Bucket List Items
Whether it’s your first visit to Greece or you’ve been several times before, there are many can’t-miss bucket list things you should try. To classic foods and landmarks, you’ll find something for everyone in your group and get the full Grecian travel experience!
I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more. And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.