The sun-kissed country nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean has it all — from blissfully sandy beaches to bucket-list ancient history. It also caters to all, from history buffs and nature enthusiasts to clubbers and beachgoers. From years of visiting every year, here are the places that truly stood out to me in beautiful Greece…
1. Santorini
My snap of the famous Santorini view – it really was postcard-worthy!
Often called one of the most romantic islands on the planet, I couldn’t help falling for the tangle of cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, inky-blue domes, and those absurdly beautiful Aegean sunsets — yes it was busy in summer but it was still utterly special. It was cinematic and buzzing with honeymoon energy with a touch of glamorous chaos thrown in!
From Athens, I caught a 50-minute flight here, packing in as much as possible – wandering the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, watching couples stroll hand-in-hand through sunset-soaked Oia and Fira as the sky glowed, relaxing on the fiery red sands of Red Beach, and tasting a crisp, mineral-driven white Assyrtiko at the volcanic vineyards of Venetsanos Winery.
Location:Southern Aegean Sea | Size: medium-sized island | Vibe: wildly romantic and postcard-perfect
My favourite highlights…
Staying at the Insta-worthy 4-star Dana Villas & Infinity Suites – the breathtaking caldera views, my private swimming pool, and a volcanic hot-stone massage using lavender and wild thyme made it a seriously special stay!
2. Mykonos
Easily one of the most Instagrammable Greek islands, I loved the striking white Cycladic buildings, cobbled lanes, glistening Aegean views, and chic energy — a famous party island, sure, but still stunningly beautiful with idyllic beaches, exceptionally-designed boutique hotels and traditional whitewashed villages.
I cruised over from Santorini on the 2.5-hour high-speed ferry and kicked back here for a week, basing myself at the Insta-worthy 4-star WhiteArt Suites (the private pools swung it for it!) and kicked back on some seriously good beaches — lively Paradise, family-friendly Ornos, gorgeous Platis Gialos, and peaceful Elia — explored postcard-pretty Little Venice, wandered Mykonos Town’s cobbled streets, and watched an extraordinary sunset glow around Paraportiani Church.
Location:Cyclades, Southern Aegean Sea | Size: small island | Vibe: glamorous, high-energy, and ultra-stylish
My highlights…
Dancing at Cavo Paradiso which was perched atop a 100-foot cliff overlooking the sea – I was totally wowed over by the open-air dance floor, the state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system, and the cool swimming pool shaped like the island of Mykonos!
3. Athens
My photo of Athens taken from the buzzy A for Athens Rooftop Bar – the views were incredible!I took this in the Plaka district – it was such a characterful place!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Greek capital, but I ended up absolutely loving it. Among the chaos, there were pockets of truly spectacular beauty – with world-famous ancient landmarks and neoclassical buildings, edged with golden beaches and rocky coves. I thought it was a very unique city, gritty in some parts, but it was never boring – even the H&M had a preserved section of an ancient wall displayed inside a glass case!
I found a direct flight from London to Athens and was lucky enough to spend four days at the trendy 4-star Stanley Hotel (the rooftop pool was heavenly!) and dove into the Acropolis and Parthenon, got happily lost in the intriguing Plaka and Thissio districts, time-traveled through the Ancient Agora, and ended my days with golden-hour views from Lycabettus Hill!
Location:Attica, mainland Greece | Size: large city | Vibe: vibrant, epic, slightly chaotic and edgy
My highlights…
Nursing a smoky-sweet Stormy Martini at A For Athens Rooftop Bar which had incredible views of the Acropolis. It was very crowded and very hard to get a seat, but it was worth the wait!
4. Crete
My photo of Falassarna Beach – I loved how it was bathed in an orange glow!
Crete, the largest Greek island, really did have everything I needed for a perfect holiday – it was sun-drenched, ruggedly beautiful, and wonderfully varied — a big, soulful island where ancient history, quaint whitewashed towns, and dreamy beaches all mixed together to present a wonderful, laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. Yes, there were a few over-commercialised party pockets, but I found there were some incredible quiet spots to discover in Crete too!
I hopped on a direct flight to Heraklion and spent a chilled-out week hiking the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, hot-footing it to the ancient Palace of Knossos, lazing on the pink sands of Elafonissi, taking a boat trip to the stunning Balos Lagoon and paying a special visit to Takis Shelter — the social media-famous dog rescue that completely melted my heart!
Location:Southern Aegean Sea, Greece | Size: largest Greek island | Vibe: sun-drenched, diverse, and wildly scenic
My personal highlights…
Staying at the gorgeous 4-star gem Elounda Stories Boutique Hotel – I loved the boho style and the organic wellness spa, where I indulged in a Cretan olive-oil and sea-salt body ritual infused with wild rosemary!
5. Rhodes
One of the sunniest places in Europe and a very popular holiday island, it had a sun-kissed and romantic feel with a storybook medieval Old Town, golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, whitewashed villages and glorious sunsets over ancient ruins and Venetian harbors. Although I do have to admit you’ll get a very different vibe in the nightlife zones, Faliraki in particular look a bit dated and rowdy to me.
It was just over a four-hour direct flight from the UK and I spent two weeks here at the gorgeous 4-star White Olive Premium Lindos (I loved the sea views!), spending my days flopping between stunning beaches including unspoiled Tsambika and peaceful Agathi, exploring the ancient acropolis of Lindos, and hiking the gorgeous coastal trail to family-friendly Saint Paul’s Bay.
Location:Southeastern Aegean Seanear the coast of Turkey| Size: large island | Vibe: relaxed but lively holiday atmosphere
My personal highlights…
Tucking into a hearty briam (oven-roasted courgettes, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers drizzled with olive oil and oregano) and honey-scented Mastiha liqueur at the cute tavern Rustico Restaurant!
6. Zakynthos
Zante is one of those places that looks almost too good to be real — think glowing turquoise water, dramatic white-cliff coastlines, hidden sea caves, and the ridiculously photogenic Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach. I also loved the slightly tropical feel and the mix of laid-back, nature-filled corners complete with adorable loggerhead sea turtles and buzzy resort areas. Just maybe steer clear of Laganas in peak season if you like your peace and quiet!
I stayed here for an unhurried seven days at the swoon-worthy 4-star Mon Repo Secret Suites (the private pools were just wow!) and ticked off all the Insta-worthy famous spots (of course!) — explored the glowing Blue Caves, snorkelled around Marathonisi Island, relaxed on gorgeous sandy beaches (Laganas and Kalamaki were stand-outs for me), and drank in the sublime views from the hilltop Venetian Castle in Bochali!
Location:Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece | Size: medium-sized island | Vibe: balmy and wildly photogenic
My personal highlights…
Slowly enjoying a potent ouzo-based Zakynthos Sunrise while gazing at the sparkling Ionian Sea at the cosmopolitan Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar!
7. Corfu
My shot of the Old Fortress of Corfu – I loved how it glistened in the sunlight!
To me, Corfu had a romantic, old-world Mediterranean vibe — all emerald-green hills, olive groves, pastel Venetian architecture, and hidden coves lapped by dreamy turquoise water! It possessed a lively Mediterranean energy with a warm Greek hospitality and it’s also one of the greenest Greek islands home to over two million olive trees. A few of the party-hot-spots though (like Kavos) felt tacky and touristy but I still found many quiet Corfu gems.
I flew straight into Corfu Airport and checked into the ultra-Instagrammable 4-star Art Hotel Debono (the poolside cabanas were so dreamy!) — then spent the week wandering the romantic Venetian-style Old Town, lazing on gorgeous beaches like Paleokastritsa, and soaking up those wow-factor views from Kaiser’s Throne in Pelekas.
Location:Ionian Sea, northwest of the mainland | Size: large island | Vibe: lush, elegant, and atmospheric
My favourite highlights…
Visiting the cute residents at the Corfu Donkey Sanctuary – my personal favourite resident was Maios the friendly donkey hooligan who raced over to greet me!
8. Kefalonia
Increasingly popular yet still relaxed and traditional, Kefalonia won me over with its tasteful low-rise boutique hotels and seriously captivating scenery. I’d always wanted to visit ever since reading Captain Corelli’s Mandolin — and it absolutely lived up to the fantasy. Think towering limestone cliffs, silky sandy beaches washed by glistening turquoise water, and impossibly pretty villages adorned with pastel-coloured Venetian-style houses.
It was a 3.5-hour direct flight from UK and I stayed here for an exceptionally restorative fortnight at the 4-star Thalassa Boutique Hotel (my swim-up room was just incredible!) I loved Myrtos Beach for those unreal blues, took a boat ride through Melissani Cave, wandered around pretty Assos, and peaceful beach time at Antisamos — it was my perfect Kefalonia combo!
Location:Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece | Size: large island | Vibe: unspoilt with slow-paced, earthy charm
My highlights…
Tucking into delicious fried aubergines and courgettes on the outside terrace of the laid-back The MOLOS Traditional Tavern in the very-scenic town of Assos!
9. Naxos Island
I took this shot of Naxos Island at sunset – the whole beach glowed a pinky orange!
Naxos is an underrated Greek island but it totally won me over with its dreamy mix of sugar-soft beaches, green hills dotted with whitewashed villages, ancient marble temples, and a golden-hour glow that makes the whole island look like it’s been dipped in honey! It felt relaxed and quietly charismatic, Naxos with friendly locals, authentic tavernas, boho-beach days, and just enough buzz to keep things fun without the flashy party scene, although it was definitely more low-key than its glitzy neighbours!
Taking a flight to Athens, then a 3.5 hour high-speed ferry from Piraeus, I based myself at the highly photogenic Anapollo Boutique Hotel for a really wonderful ten days, mostly relaxing on stunning beaches (my favourites were the long sandy Agios Prokopios, intimate Agia Anna and soft, pale Plaka). I also explored the iconic Portara at the Temple of Apollo, wandered through the charming Old Town and Castle of Naxos, and discovered the traditional villages of Apiranthos and Halki.
Location:Central Aegean Sea, Cyclades island group | Size: large island (largest in the Cyclades) | Vibe: authentic and low-key
My highlights…
Going for a tasty vegan truffle pizza and melon cocktails at the eatery Hug Me Naxos. I loved the trendy decor and vibe here!
10. Thassos
Thassos dazzled me with emerald-green pine forests, sparkling turquoise bays, white-sand beaches lapped by glass-clear water, and honey-hued stone villages where the scent of wild herbs filled the warm air! It felt quietly luxurious — peaceful, nature-filled, and soothingly authentic rather than showy or over-touristy. This isn’t the place to go to for nightlife, but some beaches could also get busy when I was there in summer!
I arrived via a direct flight to Kavala (KVA), then a breezy 40-minute ferry ride whisked me to Thassos and the Insta-worthy 4-star boho retreat Meli Suites Isle. I spent my days beach-hopping between serene Paradise Beach, the white-sand Chrissi moudia, and the ridiculously pretty Marble Beach, and wandered the ancient ruins of the Agora and 5th-century-BC Acropolis in Limenas.
Location:Northern Aegean Sea, off the coast of mainland Greece near Kavala | Size: medium-sized island | Vibe: authentic, lush, and low-key
My personal highlights…
Devouring a bowl of lachanodolmades avgolemono — tender cabbage rolls stuffed with herby rice and drenched in a silky lemon-egg while fishing boats gently bobbed in front of me at Agistri Taverna in Limenaria harbour!
11. Lefkada
This is a less well known island but I still thought it was an absolute gem – I found colourful Ionian architecture, vividly painted buildings, charming narrow alleys, perfect white pebble and sandy beaches and striking turquoise waters with a laid-back, bohemian vibe and a touch of sophistication thrown in! I just found that it got very windy on the south coast — brilliant for windsurfers, less fun for swimming!
I landed at Preveza/Aktion Airport (PVK), drove over the small floating bridge for just over 30 minutes and loved my stay at the impressive 4-star Red Tower Hotel where the high-up sea views were just sublime! As well as kicking back on the breathtaking beaches (my favourites were the secluded Porto Katsiki and the tranquil Egremni), I hiked the beautiful trail to the photogenic Nydri Waterfalls then paid a visit to the peaceful Panagia Faneromeni Monastery.
Visiting the boutique and family-run Lefkas Earth Winery — I was really charmed by the gorgeous setting and enjoying trying their inky-dark signature Vertzami red wine.
12. Meteora, Kalabaka
I loved that this UNESCO-listed wonder dates back to the 14th century — six Eastern Orthodox monasteries somehow perched on top of 1,300-foot sandstone pinnacles! It was honestly extraordinary to see these ancient buildings in person – they rose impressively above emerald-green valleys and the stone-built town of Kalabaka below, and the whole place had such a peaceful, almost spiritual vibe as well as being impossibly photo-worthy!
I took the four-hour train from Athens and stayed for two days, tackling the steep staircases carved into the rocks (they were pretty tough, I won’t lie!). I explored the incredible monasteries — my favourites were Great Meteoron and Varlaam — wandered between the surreal rock formations and caves, hiked the scenic trails, and soaked up the rich history and beautiful Byzantine frescoes inside the monasteries!
Location:Central Greece, Thessaly region near the Pindus Mountains | Size: small town | Vibe: mystical, dramatic, and spiritual
My highlights…
Staying at the nearby Alsos Guest House – I feasted on tyropita, fresh bread with local thyme honey on the terrace while gazing at the views of the towering Meteora rock formations!
13. Nafplio
This picturesque seaside town totally charmed me with its pastel-coloured neoclassical mansions, palm-lined promenades, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, and flower-draped lanes spill down to a glittering turquoise bay, all wrapped beneath a dramatic Venetian fortress that glowed golden in the late-afternoon sun. It felt elegant, romantic, and effortlessly laid-back, although it was a little touristy and hot on my summer trip.
I took a two-hour road trip from Athens and spent a couple of days staying at the unique 4-star boutique Ilion Hotel, ambling along the romantic promenade to the Bourtzi fortress on a tiny islet, admiring the colourful architecture and climbing all of the 999 steps up the hillside to Palamidi Castle!
Location:Peloponnese peninsula, northeastern Argolis | Size: small coastal city | Vibe: elegant, romantic, and historic
My favourite highlights…
Sipping a frothy freddo espresso and nibbling cinnamon-dusted bougatsa at Koustenis in Syntagma Square I soaked up the gentle clink of cups, the hum of Greek chatter, and the echo of footsteps across the marble!
14. Mystras, Peloponnese
It felt like stepping back into medieval Greece — crumbling Byzantine churches, fresco-covered chapels, and fortress walls tumbling down a very green hillside overlooking Sparta. Wandering the Upper and Lower Town meant a lot of uphill walking, but the views and sense of history made all the effort completely worth it!
I got up early, hopped on a 3.5-hour bus from Kifissos Bus Station to Sparta, paid the €12 entrance fee, and powered my way up the fairly steep paths in just over 30 minutes, then spent a very photogenic five hours wandering around the atmospheric fortress with extraordinary panoramic views spread out all around me. It was a very long day trip from Athens but I thought it was worth it (the last bus back was 7.30pm)!
Location:Near Sparta, Laconia region of the Peloponnese, southern Greece | Size: small hillside village | Vibe: hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric
My favourite highlight…
Catching an early dinner at the chic Chromata Restaurant which was located at the Mystras entrance – I was totally won over by the spectacular views of the Mystras ruins and the smoky eggplant dip and gigantes plaki (baked giant beans in a rich tomato sauce with herbs).
15. Delphi Theatre, Phocis
Delphi Theatre in Greece – I took this while gazing at the extraordinary views!My snap of Delphi Theatre taken in summer -it was such unique place with incredible views!
One of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO gem, Delphi Theatre perches on a sunlit mountainside above the sacred Valley of Phocis, its stone tiers facing sweeping views of olive groves and dramatic peaks — ancient, mystical, and a little haunting… though it was a very hot spot with little shade.
I drove just under 2.5 hours from Athens, handed over the €12 entrance fee, and puffed my way up the moderately steep stone steps for 15 minutes, then happily pottered around the ruins while drinking in those epic, wide-open mountain views for an interesting afternoon!
Location:Central Greece, Mount Parnassus, Phocis | Size: ancient hillside theatre within the Delphi archaeological site | Vibe: sacred, dramatic, and wonderfully scenic
Scott Balaam - writer and photographer
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Australia, Ireland, UK and the USA but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting thirst for culture, good food and great football. In his spare time Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, the rest of Italy, Amsterdam, USA, Athens, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Find Scott on Linkedin, Instagram, or Twitter.
Hotel Reviewing Experience –Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Sweden, OET (Spanish Tourism Office), Sultanate of Oman and Travel Alberta. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos. Also mentioned as a top UK travel journalist.
