12 Best Cities to Visit in Greece in 2024

Greece is one of the most beautiful places on earth with so many islands to wander around. Though to the outer world, the most known city is Athens and the famous Islands Mykonos and Santorini, the capital city of Athens is where most of the population resides. Athens is a city full of historic structures, archaeological sites, and museums. Strolling around the streets itself is enough to treat your senses with some history. Here, we take a look at the 12 best cities to visit in Greece, offering fantastic honeymoon packages and vacation packages for an unforgettable experience.

Greece has everything from mountainous villages, all sorts of beaches and even the volcanos. Thessaloniki is another popular city in the mainland with some great attractions. Greece could be an apt destination for any kind of traveller.

Top 12 Best Cities to Visit in Greece

Athens
Thessaloniki
Chania
Rhodes
Rethymnon
Mykonos
Santorini
Crete
Corfu
Zakynthos
Naxos
Delos

1. Athens

The capital city, Athens has been visited by millions of tourists every year due to its deep-rooted history and culture. You will be awestruck by the lifestyle of the ancient greeks. The major highlight of the city is the Acropolis. Even after so many years with modernisation in place, this particular place in the city has the same charm. This is the foremost reason for the city to be very popular among the tourists. This is one of the historic and best cities to visit in Greece.

Also read: Best Attractions in Athens – Scout through One of the World’s Oldest City

Athens, Best Cities to Visit in Greece — Source: Google Images

In fact, this is the place where the Olympic games were born. The other noteworthy places around the city are Plaka, commonly known as the ‘Neighbourhood of Gods.’ This is because of its close proximity to Acropolis. Athens is the hub for international tourists to gain entry into the nation. This means you can expect some decent crowd all the time in this historic city.

Also read: Top Things To Do in Poros When On A Vacation In Greece

2. Thessaloniki

The city of Thessaloniki is also in the mainland. Situated in the Gulf of Thessaloniki, this place holds massive importance in the history of Greece. It is a friendly city with a lot of festivals and cultural events happening all over the year. The best attractions in this place include the majestic White tower. The iconic structure dates back to the 16th century. More like the other cities on the list, this also has a vibrant culture and Nightlife. The uniqueness about this place is that this a rare blend of history along with new-age sophistication.

Thessaloniki, Best Cities to Visit in Greece — Source: Google Images

The reason behind the vibrant culture and energy of this city is the large student population that resides in this place. This is what sets the clubs and the bars on fire once the sun has set. Not just this, the place also has a large number of museums and galleries where you can spend some quality time. No wonder this is the second-largest city in Greece after Athens. This is one of the most vibrant and best cities to visit in Greece.

Also read: Walking Tours in Thessaloniki

3. Chania

This picturesque city is located on the north-western coast of one of the famous islands called Crete. This is also the second-largest city on the island and definitely one of the best cities to visit in Greece.. The Venetian structures that you see on the streets of this city are adored by travellers worldwide. You will also come across some of the Turkish architectural designs as well. The place gives you an Old town feel with beautiful boutique hotels all the way. There are places for you to just sit and relax, like waterfronts.

Chania, Best Cities to Visit in Greece — Source: Google Images

In addition to this, if you are into understanding the Cretan way of living, this is where you need to head. Strolling around the streets is more than enough to keep you engaged all day, as this place won’t make you feel bored at all. People also come to visit the old port and ancient lighthouses along with it. Of course, you have the beaches and this is a home for a few of the most scenic beaches in the whole of Greece.

Also read: 10 Best Things to do in Crete (Greece)- For an amazing Vacation!

4. Rhodes

This is another old town on the island of Rhodes and it is the capital city of the island, hence it is called the Rhodes town. This place was once ruled by Greek emperors and for some time was held by the Italian government and now it is finally under Greece again. The historic structure in this place includes the Byzantine, Ottoman and some Greek castles. Rhodes Town is one of the beautiful and best cities to visit in Greece.

Rhodes Town, Best Cities to Visit in Greece — Source: Google Images

During the Italian rule, a massive renovation took place after which it has gained some serious popularity. The walk down the street could treat you with massive walled ancient structures. The streets are filled with restaurants of the highest class to serve the needs of the tourists.

Also read: Things to do in Rhodes, Greece – Top 10 things to do in Rhodes

5. Rethymnon

Rethymnon, Best Cities to Visit in Greece — Image credits: Unsplash

This is another stunning Cretan city on the list. Mush like the other Cretan cities on the list, this also has a stunning appeal to it. There are many other similarities as well, for example, you can see a similar kind of Turkish structure in this city as well. Even though it is less popular than Chania, this is one of the best cities to visit in Greece. The same good old town looks on the streets with a hefty number of the student population, this place boasts an energetic nightlife as well.

There are so many restaurants and clubs where you can spend the evening relaxing. The place comes to life at 6 P.M with colourful lights storming the streets. Though the city parties hard, the people are absolutely friendly and it is one of the safest cities to visit in Greece. Travelling around the city won’t be a hassle as you have very well maintained public transportation with proper routines.

6. Mykonos

Mykonos Island is to the south of Athens. There are regular ferries available from Athens and Santorini to Mykonos. In addition, ferries just take roughly around an hour and a half to reach Mykonos. Therefore, Reaching Mykonos shouldn’t be an issue.

Mykonos is a vibrant Island in Greece that hosts amazing beach parties. If you are looking for a destination with good nightlife in Greece, then Mykonos is your go-to destination. You can rent a bike and go for party-hopping in the evening. However, be prepared for some sleepless nights as most of the parties go on until pre-dawn.

7. Santorini

Easily one of the most beautiful islands in the World. Santorini is known for its White Dome Oia castles, enchanting views of Volcanic islands, beautiful sunsets, and luxurious properties. All this makes, Santorini a perfect honeymoon destination and one of the best places in Greece. Bollywood movies are a major factor in increasing the popularity of Destination.

The best places for accommodation in Santorini are the Imerovigli village or the Oia Region. The Oia region houses beautiful white dome structures, whereas Imerovigli properties have the best views of the island.

Santorini is well accessible from all major Greek islands. it also has an international airport, but connectivity will be limited for Indian cities. In addition, regular ferries are available from Athens and Mykonos, making it easy for commuting tourists.

8. Crete

Crete is a contrasting island compared to other islands in Greece. The island has a lush green coastline, rugged beaches, heritage sites, white mountains and caves, and a decent nightlife as well. All these make Crete a perfect destination for any kind of traveller and surely one of the best places in Greece.
Crete is quite far from all the major cities of Greece. Hence, commuting through ferries wouldn’t be ideal as all ferries are of longer duration. The best way to reach Crete is through domestic flights. Crete has a well-developed flight connectivity with direct flights available from Athens.

There are several good regions for accommodation in Crete. Chania Xania has a historical setting and hence if you are a history buff, it will be a good place to stay. Elafonisi Beach, one of the best beaches in Crete is a good region to stay for people looking for a beach holiday.

9. Corfu

Corfu is one of the best islands to visit in Greece. Amidst the mediterranean, this island boasts rich green mountains and turquoise blue waters. Picturesque in all sense, this is one of the best islands to visit in Greece among thousands of islands. This island is truly the cultural capital with so much expression of Greek culture. The buildings are built in venetian style with pastel colour paints.

The Canad d’ amour, Glyfada and La Grotta Beach are definitely not to be missed in your itinerary. Gorge at Agni Bay, Cape Drastis, Vlacherna Monastery are other options for you to consider. Mediterranean influences you for some best seafood and definitely a must try. Try not to miss visiting this beautiful island in your Greece itinerary.

10. Zakynthos

Located in Ionian islands, Zakynthos is one of the best islands to visit in Greece. The nature has blanketed all the flaws of the land. Richly scenic, Zakynthos is studded with beautiful scenery and pristine beaches. The Navagio beach here is truly a paradise. If you are looking for spending a worthwhile vacation exploring the nightlife, you will have to blindly visit Zakynthos.

Also known for resort lifestyle, this island has some of the posh resorts to stay during your vacation making your Greece holiday truly memorable. The Porto Limnionas, Marathonisi, Banana beach, blue caves, Kalamaki beach and Keri caves are definitely a must visit here. Not just with that, this island is also laden with monasteries and churches for you to spend your vacation a little differently.

11. Naxos

Located in the South Aegean island, Naxos has indefinite number of beaches, unspoilt villages, rich ruins and lush green mountains. This absolutely is one of the best places in Greece to go on a food tour. Studded with restaurants and cafes, you will find multiple options to explore the local cuisines of Greece. If you are a nature lover, there is no better place in Greece for you to enjoy your holiday. Blanketed by greens, this place is an absolute blessing for you spend your getaway vacation. Mount Zeus is definitely a must include in your itinerary. This is the highest peak in cyclades and hiking here is one of the best things to do. Moutsouna and Vivlos village are truly worth your visit.

Things to do in Naxos

Swim at the Pristine beaches
Witness the sunset at Portara
Walk through the Cedar forest at Alyko
Do some windsurfing

12. Delos

This is one of the best Greek islands for you to consider during your Greece vacation. If you are looking for a classic Greek holiday, well it is Delos you didn’t know the name about. Unmatched with Santorini and Mykonos, this city does not match your cosmopolitan desire. This land has multiple number of ancient sites which is definitely worth visiting. The birthplace of Apollo and Artemis is a not to be missed place. Archaeological Museum of Delos, Cynthus, Kapari Beach are some of the best options to consider. The restaurants here serve the authentic Greece foods which is a must try.

Things to do in Delos

Visit the archeological museum
Stroll through the ancient sites
Visit the house of Dionysos
Hike the mount Kynthos

Apparently the list of best cities to visit in Greece has to come to an end, but these are not only the cities that people visit mainstream. There are several other cities that you can choose from for those of you with a unique niche. Get in touch with the destination experts from Pickyourtrail to understand and customize your next Greece travel packages or Greece couple packages. For more information on the destinations leave a Whatsapp inquiry.