rick steves travel guide to greece

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Buy new: .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } -24% $18.99 $ 18 . 99 FREE delivery Friday, October 4 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35 Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

Return this item for free.

We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select your preferred free shipping option
• Drop off and leave!

Save with Used - Good .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } $11.86 $ 11 . 86 $3.99 delivery October 4 - 5 Ships from: Missouri_Goodwill_Industries Sold by: Missouri_Goodwill_Industries

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Rick Steves Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese (The Rick Steves' Greece) Paperback – May 23, 2023

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Comprehensive coverage for spending two weeks or more exploring Greece
• Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites
• Top sights and hidden gems, from the Parthenon and the Agora to the small towns and beaches of the Peloponnesian Peninsula
• How to connect with culture: Go back in time at the National Archaeological Museum, sample olives and feta in the Mediterranean sunshine, or sip ouzo at a local taverna
• Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight
• The best places to eat, sleep, and relax
• Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums
• Detailed maps for exploring on the go
• Useful resources including a packing list, a Greek phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading
• Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down
• Complete, up-to-date information on Athens, Nafplio, Epidavros, Mycenae, Olympia, Patra, Kardamyli, the Mani Peninsula, Sparta, Mystras, Delphi, Hydra, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, and more
• Print length 584 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Rick Steves
• Publication date May 23, 2023
• Dimensions 4.5 x 1.6 x 8 inches
• ISBN-10 1641715391
• ISBN-13 978-1641715393
• See all details

Frequently bought together

More items to explore

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rick Steves; 7th edition (May 23, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 584 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1641715391
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1641715393
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.5 x 1.6 x 8 inches
• #1 in Athens Travel Guides
• #1 in General Greece Travel Guides
• #12 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

About the author

Rick steves.

Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano lessons. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, which has grown from a one-man operation to a company with a staff of 100 full-time, well-travelled employees at his headquarters in Washington state. There he produces more than 50 guidebooks on European travel, America's most popular travel series on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, a weekly syndicated column, and free travel information available through his travel center and ricksteves.com. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful European tour program. Rick Steves lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. His office window overlooks his old junior high school.

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 83% 9% 5% 2% 1% 83%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 83% 9% 5% 2% 1% 9%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 83% 9% 5% 2% 1% 5%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 83% 9% 5% 2% 1% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 83% 9% 5% 2% 1% 1%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the book has useful information and tips on all the most important sites. They describe it as an excellent resource with solid advice and tips. Readers also say the author is both optimistic and realistic about traveling.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book has useful information and solid advice. They say it provides tips on all the most important sites. Readers also appreciate the detailed commentary that facilitates smart choices about their best Greek vacation. Overall, they say the book is comprehensive and helpful in planning their trip.

"...It's comprehensive and detailed with solid advice and tips on all the most important sites. It contains packing lists, dos and don'ts etc...." Read more

"...It is very comprehensive and informative about Athens but doesn't cover many of the islands, including Crete...." Read more

"...The detailed commentary should facilitate some smart choices about your best Greek vacation. Very well recommended to the enterprising traveler." Read more

"... Great detail , best towns and sites to see, best areas to stay, travel time between towns. Way worth the $25 bucks...." Read more

Customers find the book good for travel. They say Rick is optimistic and realistic about traveling, preparing you for your trip.

"...Rick is both optimistic and realistic about traveling to prepare you for your trip." Read more

" Good to have for self tour ..." Read more

" Great travel book ..." Read more

" Good travel book , but very poorly packaged for delivery..." Read more

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Registry & Gift List
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Athens, Greece, According to Travel Experts Like Rick Steves

The ancient Greek city delivers one memorable vacation.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

There’s not much that hasn’t been written about the perks of visiting Athens, Greece. The ancient city has long been a popular travel destination, thanks to its bountiful historical sites, distinct architecture, and oh-so fantastic food. But just because it’s all been said doesn’t mean it isn’t worth repeating. So, we’ll say it one more time: Athens is, without question, one of the world’s greatest travel destinations, especially for those famed attractions. And we’re not the only ones who share this sentiment. 

“The Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world, is crowned by an architectural masterpiece: the mighty Parthenon,” Rick Steves told Travel + Leisure . “I visit in the cool of the early evening, when the crowds are gone and the setting sun turns the marble golden.”

But Athens' appeal goes far beyond its history lessons. “Athens has a vibe. The restaurants and bars feel intimate, and visitors can either indulge in the city's vibrant nightlife scene or simply go for a stroll at night — the city is second to none during the evening,” Alys Colayera, the lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with T+L. Colayera also called out the city's shopping scene, noting, "The boutique shops have tons of local artisans selling high-quality Greek crafts, jewelry, and clothing.”

Ready to start plotting your own Athens adventure? Here’s how to plan the perfect trip. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Don't miss Greece's most recognizable landmark — the Acropolis. Get there early to experience it with fewer crowds.
• Spend a night at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, T+L readers' favorite hotel in 2023 World's Best Awards.
• Head to Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guard every hour on the hour.
• Grab a souvenir or a snack in the famed Plaka neighborhood.
• Order a coffee at Minu, arguably the coolest cafe in Greece, and then sit in its garden or take it to go to explore the antique shops nearby.

Courtesy of The Four Seasons

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Four seasons astir palace hotel athens.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens — a T+L reader favorite in 2023 — holds a prime location along the Athens Riviera, providing ocean views while remaining just a short drive from all the city's major attractions. It also sits on 75 private acres, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude. 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

“My all-time favorite [hotel] is the Grande Bretagne , a landmark right in the heart of the city that celebrates 150 years of history this year,” said Christos Stergiou , a T+L A-List Advisor and founder of TrueTrips . “From its rooftop restaurant to its elegant lobby and rooms, it epitomizes class and culture.” Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this property is consistently a top choice in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, coming in second for our readers’ favorite hotels in Athens in 2023. When only the best accommodations will do, this property ticks all the boxes.

Gatsby Athens

For a truly central stay in the city, there's no better place than the Gatsy Athens . Located right outside the Plaka neighborhood, the property makes for a fantastic home base for those looking to walk just about everywhere in the city. Inside, guests will find a playful space filled with art deco touches and a fantastic food and beverage program. Just don’t miss the guest-only rooftop, which provides spectacular views of the city. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Things to Do 

Visit the acropolis..

As Steves alluded to, no trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis . And it’s a sentiment Colayera agrees with. “The Acropolis is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture and a symbol of Athens. It houses several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon,” said Colayera. The best time to go is early morning or late evening, when the crowds are thinner, though you should always expect other tourists hanging around. Want to make the most of your visit? Colayera also suggested checking out the Acropolis Museum, home to a collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations of the Acropolis. “The exhibits offer insights into the daily life, rituals, and artistry of the people who lived in Athens during different periods,” Colayera added. 

See Hadrian’s Library.

Another fantastic historic landmark to visit while in Athens is Hadrian's Library. The building, built in 132 A.D., was used as an entertainment space, lecture hall, and, yes, an actual library. Today, just a few columns and sections remain, but visitors are welcome to walk through and imagine what used to be. Tickets are only $3 or can be purchased as a combination with the Acropolis. 

Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

Looking for a fun free activity in the city? Visitors to Athens can watch the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square every hour on the hour. And every Sunday at 11 a.m., the official event takes place in full regalia. Just plan to arrive a little early to snag a front-row seat. 

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

For something a little more new school, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art . The museum’s mission is to preserve contemporary works by Greek and international artists across disciplines. It includes both permanent and rotating collections, so check its website before going to know what to expect. 

Ken Welsh/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Best Shopping 

It’s hard to ignore the Plaka neighborhood of Athens. It is, after all, at the base of the Acropolis. But really, there’s no need to ignore it, especially if you want to go home with a memorable souvenir or two. Explore the area by simply allowing yourself to wander its streets, popping into any shop that catches your eye and perhaps grabbing a frappe along the way on a hot day, too. 

Find yourself in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods with a visit to Psirri. Located about a 15-minute walk from Plaka, Psirri offers travelers the chance to admire some of the best street art in the world ( book a tour with Kalliopi for the ultimate insider experience), peruse unique stores, step into a few third-wave coffee shops, and eat plenty of local Greek cuisine. 

Anthologist

For those seeking an all-around shop, where you can pick up everything from high-end goods to more affordable trinkets curated from around the globe, look no further than Anthologist . The store, owned by travel tastemaker Andria Mitsakos, is a visual paradise, filled with goodies you’ll want to stuff in your suitcase. 

RUBEN RAMOS/Getty Images

Best Restaurants 

Begin a day in Athens by mixing fantastic food with shopping at Minu , a third-wave coffee shop and boutique. The space is gorgeous — find a back corner to settle into, go all the way up to its loft area, or sit outside on the patio when the weather is right. Order a coffee and a bite to eat (menu items include smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and more).

Enjoy another delicious alfresco meal in Athens at Soil , a sustainably focused, Michelin-starred restaurant. The ingredients here are grown in the chef’s private garden, providing flavors you can’t taste anywhere else. Book a table (preferably outside) and don’t even worry about ordering, as you can opt for the seasonal tasting menu and enjoy every bite. 

Don’t leave Athens without digging into some tasty Greek desserts. When I was a child, my Greek grandmother would make loukoumades , so it’s a personal favorite, and in Athens, you can get a taste of the same at Lukumades . Smothered in honey and cinnamon, the dough balls are small enough to pop in your mouth one after another — and you won't be able to stop at just one.

Starcevic/Getty Images

Best Time To Visit

There's no bad time to visit Athens, but according to Steves, the spring shoulder season is particularly lovely. “I was last in Athens in April 2022, and it was a great time to visit. The weather was cool and pleasant, and the city wasn’t crowded,” he said. “It just felt good.” Indeed, both the spring shoulder season (April to mid-June) and the fall (September through October) offer visitors the chance to explore the city in milder weather. Summer is the peak period, and with it comes sweltering temperatures . So, if you don’t tolerate heat (or crowds) well, try to book your stay outside of July and August.  

How to Get There

By Air: Travelers from around the world can make their way to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). It’s serviced by every major airline, including Delta and American, which offers direct flights from the U.S. 

By Sea: Athens is an ultra-popular port for cruises, including MSC Cruises , Crystal Cruises , Seabourn , Royal Caribbean , and more.  

How to Get Around

By Rental Car: Rental cars are readily available in the city, at the airport, and at the ferry terminal. Just make sure to book an automatic as early as possible if you can’t drive a manual, as they tend to be in short supply.  

By Taxi: Both yellow cabs and Ubers are plentiful around Athens. Simply open the app or hail the next one you see. Prices are about €1 per kilometer .

By Metro: Athens has a robust metro system to get you around the city with ease. There's also a metro line directly to and from the airport. Pick up a rechargeable Ath.ena ticket , which starts at €1.20. 

By Foot: Athens is a walkable city. If you enjoy slowly taking in the sights and popping in and out of shops and cafes, this is the way to go. You never know what you may find along the way.

Related Articles

• Travel Guides

The Best Destinations In Greece You Can't Skip On Your Trip, According To Rick Steves

A country of many guises, Greece is a fabulous, year-round vacation destination. It's a land of deep culture with a civilization that goes back a millennia. Greece's landscape is equally impressive, with forests, towering peaks, and, of course, the famous Greek islands. It's the latter, perhaps, that captures the imagination of tourists the most, with the best Greek Islands often recommended by travelers for summer vacation . Spread across the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas, like jewels in a vast expanse of clear turquoise, they are a dream come to life. 

But the islands aren't the only places worth checking out in Greece, and for travel expert Rick Steves, they are just one of the many multi-faceted draws to the country. There are destinations steeped in deep history and under-the-radar areas that are great for hiking. We've pored over Steves' stories on Greece and pulled together a hit list of the places with which he's fascinated. Having visited a number of them, we couldn't agree more with the choices that the renowned travel expert has made.

As Steves writes on his website , in Athens, travelers can walk in the "footsteps of the great minds that created democracy, philosophy, theater, and more...even when you're dodging motorcycles on "pedestrianized" streets. Romantics can't help but get goose bumps as they kick around the same pebbles that once stuck in Socrates' sandals, with the floodlit Parthenon forever floating ethereally overhead." There are a lot of marvels around the Greek capital, not least the Acropolis, one of the most famous historical ruins in the world. Records show that people have lived here for more than 3,000 years, and today, it's a beguiling mixture of old and new and ancient and modern. 

The section known as the Parthenon, which encloses the historic city core, is like a trip back thousands of years across sites that have stood the test of time. You'll see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Acropolis — the columned highlight of it all, sitting atop a hill. The port of Athens, Piraeus, is the jumping-off point for trips to many of Greece's famed islands. It's also a major transport hub in Europe and the busiest passenger port on the continent.

This UNESCO World Heritage site has great ruins, and Steves stresses its role in Greek lore. On "Rick Steves' Europe,"  the travel expert says, " The island of Delos was one of the most important places in the ancient Greek world with temples honoring the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Centuries before Christ, Delos attracted pilgrims from across the Western world ." Mythology posits that Apollo, a pivotal god in the pantheon of deities, was born here, and for eons, worshippers would come to the island to offer prayers. 

The island became a trading hub, and the archaeology there shows the vestiges of life here from millennia earlier. The breadth of historical ruins on Delos is something of great wonder, with examples of the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic eras all visible. Unlike other Greek islands, Delos is uninhabited and only has its historical ruins and ancient infrastructure for travelers to experience on a day visit.

This town was important to ancient Greeks, and you can ski here in the winter and hike in the summer. Many centuries ago, Greeks viewed Delphi as the focal point of the planet, a place where the Earth's intangible power was centered. This explains why it hosted so many places of prayer. It was also the home of the oracle of Delphi, a priestess who served almost as a conduit for the god Apollo. Many people visited from all directions to hear the spiritual wisdom and prophecies of Pythia, as the high priestess was known. Global leaders would also come here to learn what lay in store for them.

Steves ponders the island on his website : "Perched high on the southern slopes of Mt. Parnassos, and overlooking the gleaming waters of the Gulf of Corinth, Delphi is without doubt the most spectacular of Greece's ancient sites." A number of museums at Delphi help to bring history to life. The Archaeological Museum neighbors the archaeological area, while the European Cultural Center of Delphi puts on exhibits of artworks in various mediums. But Delphi isn't just a destination solely rooted in the past. There is more to enjoy there beyond history, from a ski center on the slopes of Mount Parnassus to the many hiking trails around town.

For fans of ancient Greece, this is a destination not to miss. The archaeological site sits in the Peloponnese, a jagged peninsula that spreads across the southern part of the country. On its northeastern side is a place known as Epidaurus, and Steves notes that its highlight is the theater. Built more than 2,000 years ago, the theater was famed for its shows, especially for those that were recuperating — Epidavros was known as a center of medicine and healing. 

On his website , Steves writes that the theater "provided entertainment for those who made the pilgrimage here. Given its size (it seated up to 14,000) and obvious lack of modern amplification, the acoustics needed to be perfect. They were...and still are. Sitting in the most distant seat as your travel partner stands on stage, you can practically hear the retsina rumbling in their stomach." 

The past comes into the present at the annual summer Athens & Epidaurus Festival, when old plays are performed at the theater. Beyond the dramatic performances, visitors can also find beaches and countryside in the environs. There is also a sunken city near the Methana volcano, where a former settlement was buried after a volcanic eruption. Since this happened close to the coast, the city now sits underwater, making for a great snorkeling expedition.

This off-the-radar escape with unforgettable beaches is Steves' favorite Greek island . He describes it as a "glamorous getaway that combines practical convenience (only about two hours by boat from Athens) with idyllic Greek island ambience. Donkeys rather than cars, the shady awnings of well-worn cafés, and memorable seaside views all combine to make it clear...you've found your Greek isle," on his website . Continuing, he handily summarizes Hydra as "an easy blend of stray cats, hardworking donkeys, welcoming Hydriots (as locals are called), and lazy tourists on "island time.'"

The charms of Hydra have not been lost on tourists, and each summer, its waters fill with boats and high-profile visitors. Prior guests have included Sophia Loren and Pablo Picasso. There are fine, large houses dotted around the island, and embarking on sailing expeditions can help you to view them properly. Hydra has hundreds of churches and even a handful of monasteries, which can all be visited. Best of all, for tourists in search of a change of scene, Hydra is a car-free destination — though cruise ships dock there in the summer. For a breathtaking view of the sea and the rocky terrain of Hydra, the stop of Mount Eros, the island's highest point, is a spot not to miss.

Mani Peninsula

Among the many places to visit in this part of the Peloponnese is Kardamyli, a small village on the Mani Peninsula. For Steves, this place embodies Greece's rustic charm and is located at the southern tip of mainland Greece. As he explains on his website , "[I]t really does feel like the end of the road. In the Mani, travelers discover a timeless region of rustic villages and untrampled beaches. Empty, ghostly hill towns cling, barnacle-like, onto distant ridges, still fortified against centuries-old threats." Also written as Kardamili, the village sits on what some call the Peloponnesian Riviera. 

It is an area of intense beauty and contrasts, from the deep blue sea to the green undulating hills and batches of cypress trees. There are even mountains visible, sometimes their peaks dusted in snow, and fine sunsets over the Messinian Gulf. From the nation's capital, it can be reached in less than four hours by car. For observers of culture, it's also home to an annual literary festival and a jazz festival.

Also in the Peloponnese, this island is a sight that's hard to comprehend: a town built on a hulking rock island. Monemvasia was founded by the Byzantines, and its history extends to the sixth century. Walking around this unique destination, travelers can amble over cobbled streets, peer at stone homes that are old and faded or newly restored, and feel like they have traveled back in time. The town's name derives from the Greek "moni emvasi," which means "only access," a reference to the short bridge that is the only way onto the island. The island itself, a mammoth pile of rock, is about 5,000 feet long, about 2,000 feet wide, and rises more than 600 feet in height. It was part of the mainland until an earthquake in A.D 375 separated the two. 

This is a fascinating place to wander, as we have had the pleasure of doing. It's also  the Greek town perfect for those looking for a couple's getaway . Steves describes Monemvasia on his website as "a gigantic rock that rockets improbably up from the blue-green deep just a few hundred yards offshore, is a time-warp to the medieval Peloponnese ... This remarkably romantic walled town — with the remains of an even bigger Upper Town scattered along the peak high above — is a stony museum of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian history dating back to the 13th century. Summiting Monemvasia is a key experience on any Peloponnesian visit."

This is another archaeological site not to miss. As Steves notes on his website , "A visit to Mycenae is a trip back into prehistory to see some of the oldest remains of a complex civilization in all of Europe. Following the same ancient sandal-steps as the ancient Greeks, today's visitors continue to enjoy Mycenae's majestic setting of mountains, valleys, and the distant sea. Exploring this still-impressive hilltop, you'll discover the famous Lion Gate, a manageable museum, an enormous domed burial chamber...and distant echoes of the Trojan War." 

This was the base of the Mycenaean civilization, where Agamemnon, an icon instrumental in the defeat of the Trojans in Greek mythology, was from. Thousands of years before the era of Christ, people lived here. There are remnants of the large palaces, and the complex stone work from thousands of years earlier, and visitors can take it all in with a trip there. They will also see arches, traces of old fortifications, and fountains that attest to the formidable knowledge of the people here.

This lively Cycladic island has chic boutiques and vibrant nightlife. It's also a pretty destination, with stone alleys winding around the main town of Chora, blindingly white homes that contrast with the shimmering turquoise sea, and windmills that turn lazily in the breeze. There are plenty of places to stay here, from expensive, plush resorts to simple inns, as well as jewelry stores and art galleries for people who like to add shopping to their travel. Tourists will also discover castles, museums, churches, and an area known as Little Venice — where local merchants and traders built large homes near the water. Mykonos is a famous Greek Island that certainly lives up to its name.

For a peaceful excursion, head to the town of Ano Mera, which wraps around the monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Steves' feelings about the island are clear on his website . "Mykonos is the very picture of the perfect Greek island town: a seafront village crouched behind a sandy harbor, thickly layered with blinding white stucco, bright blue trim, and purple bougainvilleas. Mykonos' status as a fashionable, jet-set destination and a mecca for gay holiday makers also gives it a certain hip cachet (and sky-high prices) ... The core of town is literally a maze, designed by Mykonians centuries ago to discourage would-be invaders from finding their way."

On his website , Steves is effusive with praise about this Peloponnese spot. "The charming Peloponnesian port town of Nafplio is small, cozy, and strollable. Though it has plenty of tourism, Nafplio is both elegant and proud, retaining a certain genteel panache from its glory days as the capital of a newly independent Greece. It's a must-see because of its historical importance, its accessibility from Athens, and its handy location as a home base for touring the ancient sites of Epidavros and Mycenae." This town is a two-hour drive from Athens and has a mesmerizing old city with winding alleys and vertiginous stairways connecting them. There's also a waterfront with a promenade that makes for fine evening wanders and classic Greek tavernas. 

At the beaches, tourists can sun themselves by the day, or explore the town's three castles: Acronafplia, Bourtzi, and Palamidi. Nafplio was the capital of Greece in the early 1800s when it first became a country, and so it holds a special place in locals' hearts. It is named after Nafplios, the son of Poseidon and its founder, and features varied architecture, from Turkish fountains and mosques to Italian-style squares.

The famed ancient site is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Located in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula, it was a very sacred part of old Greece. Beginning in the year 776 B.C., people from all over Greece came together to compete in sports games, and the Olympic Games were born. Today's Olympia showcases its rich past, with old temples and buildings that were once thriving centers of sporting activity. At the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, aged artifacts include a statue of Hermes and sculpted works that adorned the Temple of Zeus. Each summer, festivals bring an added allure to Olympia. One features live performances, while another is a film festival that focuses on cinematic gems for youngsters. 

Writing on his website , Steves lauds Olympia's celebration of its past. "A visit to Olympia — most famous as the site of the original Olympic Games — offers one of your best opportunities for a hands-on antiquity experience. Line up at the original starting line in the 2,500-year-old Olympic Stadium. Visit the Temple of Zeus, former site of a gigantic statue of Zeus that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ponder the temple's once-majestic columns — toppled like towers of checkers by an earthquake — which are as evocative as anything from ancient times." Even with the crowds, Steves maintains that Olympia is "a magical place, with ruins nestled among lush, shady groves of pine trees."

One of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes, lies just off the coast of southern Turkey. It's a place of mountain villages and pine forests, as well as some revered historical sites. Steves describes the island aptly in a video . " Rhodes is built upon layers of civilizations — Italian, Greek, and Turkish, with a dash of medieval Crusader lore from all over Europe tossed in. Today, luxury yachts crowd the harbor. The island's main city, also called Rhodes, was one of the great cities of antiquity. The famed statue called the Colossus of Rhodes once towered above the city."  

This really is a destination with everything, from beaches backed by mountainous pine forests, ancient sites and monuments, and modern resorts that dot the coast. A visit inevitably starts in the main city, where the old town is fortified and is a proud representation of medieval architecture. This is where you would find an old palace, a lofty clock tower, museums, and churches, all set among snaking alleys. The newer part of the city is more Italian in style, a reflection of the era when Italians governed Rhodes. Beyond this hub, travelers can find buzzing resort areas like Ialysos, ancient monasteries, charming villages, and ruins of former great cities. If you yearn for attractive strips of sand, a thrilling hike will take you to one of Greece's most gorgeous, secluded beaches .

One of the most romantic destinations in Greece, Santorini is set on the caldera of a former volcano. Steves declares on his website that "this unique place has captured visitors' imaginations for millennia and might have partly inspired tales of Atlantis. But the otherworldly appeal of Santorini doesn't end with its setting. Perched along the ridgeline is a gaggle of perfectly placed whitewashed villages, punctuated with azure domes that make this, undeniably, one of Greece's most scenic spots. If this place didn't exist, some fantasy painter would have to conjure it up." Santorini is, in reality, a clutch of islands, though the main one is called Thira. 

The modern topography of Santorini resulted from a series of volcanic explosions that took place over many thousands of years, causing the volcano's main caldera to collapse and fill with water. That's why the island appears like part of a giant ring. The main town of Fira, set at one end of the caldera ridge, is a sight to behold. It's set hundreds of feet above the sea, with views of water and the island unfurling below. For many visitors, Oia is the most appealing destination, a village of pure, blinding white houses set among the lava rock. The beaches are equally hypnotic, and they come in a variety of shades, with sand that's beige, red, and black at various places around the island. It's also popular, so to avoid foot traffic,  visit this gorgeous Greek island instead of overcrowded Santorini .

Methodology

Steves clearly has a soft spot for Greece, and it's no surprise, given how beautiful and varied the country is. Visitors can see natural wonders, and also examples of man's ingenuity and architectural prowess. There are cultural tokens dotted around the lands of Greece and places of pure beauty that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler. We looked over Steves' website and videos and pulled together a list of the places that recurred, which were clearly destinations that he felt should not be missed. We supported his choices with a combination of independently sourced information from tourism boards and travel blogs, as well as our own travels around Greece.

Recommended