Greece is a place where dreams can come true. We dream about the azure seas and charming island villages. On a hill over Athens we dream about the Acropolis.

The country is grand, from the top of the mountain to the street. Travelers looking for adventure, the great outdoors, relaxing seaside vacations and immersive cultural experiences can find Greece to be perfect.

Greeks know how to live a good life, so come and try it for yourself.

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A mother showing her young son the acropolis in Athens, Greece, on a sunny day
Athens has plenty of history to keep the whole family occupied © Nadezhda1906 / Getty Images

1. Explore ancient Athens

The epitome of Western civilization, the Acropolis is stunning. The streets of central Athens are home to many other civilizations who have existed over the years. It's true that any construction project can uncover more finds.

From the Ottoman houses of the Plaka neighborhood you can go further back in time to the Roman Agora. The Ancient Agora is a commercial counterpoint to the religious function.

The National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the Museum of Cycladic Art are just a few of the monuments and sites that can be explored with more time.

2. Hop around the Greek islands

The largest Greek islands are Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Corfu. Each of the major islands that make up the several island chains in Greece has its own unique character.

It's not clear how to find the perfect Greek island. You can get around by chugging between ports on ubiquitous ferries. Sailing on your own is a great way to enjoy a sailboat. Pick a theme and hop around. Are you interested in partying? Mykonos and Ios are great places to visit. Do you prefer wild terrain? There are hidden gems. You are able to figure it out.

3. Stuff yourself silly with Greek food

Greece has something for everyone from mornings with a Greek coffee to nights with ouzo and calamari.

Fresh-pressed olive oil and sweet in-season tomatoes are some of the unique flavors of Greece. Slow-cooked roast, village cheese, and honeyed baklava are just some of the decadence. Every region has something to offer. There is a person named Kali Orexi.

4. Ask the oracle of Delphi

Delphi is the center of the ancient Greek world and is located on a hillside. The oracle at the Sanctuary of Apollo can answer any questions you may have.

It is a good idea to visit on the fringes of the day to see the soft light of morning on the temples side or the golden glow of sunset.

5. Climb the stone spires of Meteora

It looks like something from a movie. It has been used in movies like For Your Eyes Only and the Eyrie in Game of Throne.

What's the reason? Who can recreate the mind-blowing rock pinnacles of the 13th and 14th century? You can climb the stairs carved into the stone spires.

6. Sit back and enjoy Greece's cafe culture

Don't go too fast. Dropping the timescale you brought with you and merging it with the one here is one of the best things about Greece. Simply sit quay-side or street-side, sip a coffee or a cocktail, and watch the world go by. It's better to have friends.

Woman sitting on edge of roof top at Oia town in Santorini, Greece
Watch the sunset from Santorini © SweetRiver / Shutterstock

7. Take in a Cycladic sunset

Santorini with its dramatic volcanic bowl topped by whitewashed villages is known for its sunsets. If you want to see the same views in islands like Milos, a calmer volcanic isle, or Naxos, you need to go further. The island of Tinos is covered in marble and there are many walking trails.

8. Enjoy culture and history in Thessaloniki

Halara is roughly translated as "take it easy" or "it's all good". The city is on the sea and has a lot to offer. Lovers of ancient eras can visit the Tomb of Philip II of Macedon, which is located in the upper town.

Women carry bowls of bread for Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations down a narrow lane in Olympos on Karpathos Island, Greece
Women carry bowls of bread for Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations © Hector Christiaen / Shutterstock

9. Celebrate Greek Orthodox Easter

The Greek Orthodox Easter week is rich and alive until you experience it. Villages, towns and cities come to life in a big way in the days leading up to Easter Sunday.

Arrive early in the week to make sure you don't miss anything.

10. Get around by foot on car-free Hydra

The land is rare because it doesn't have cars. One of the places with its soft bowl of marble stairways is Hydra. Walk on the rough mountain trails, swim in the sea and watch the people in the chic harborfront.

11. Solve the mysteries of Knossos and Minoan culture

There is a mystery in history. The advanced society of the Minoans is still shrouded in a veil of unknown, but you can explore what we do have. The fascinating treasures in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum complement it.

A man with a surfboard standing in the turquoise water in Crete, Greece
Crete's turquoise waters are perfect to try out watersports or just chill out on the beach © Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock

12. Relax on Crete's beaches

Crete is almost a country to itself. Don't miss out on a day on the beach as you explore its plethora of villages. There are many Cretan beaches, from the soft cream sands of Falasarna to the pink, coral-tinged arcs of Elafonisi. Preveli is topped by a monastery.

13. Check out the cute villages of Zagorohoria

If elves existed in Greece, they would be found in Zagorohoria. The southern edge of the Vikos Gorge is home to a constellation of quaint stone villages. The villages are connected by a network of walking paths and make for great hiking in the warmer months.

Woman with a camera admire the architecture of Corfu Town, Greece
Wander the impressive buildings in Corfu's Old Town © urbazon / Getty Images

14. Admire the beauty of Corfu’s Old Town

A 14th-century Venetian fortress guards the sea and the town center is a warren of honey-colored townhomes and hidden plateia. Another reason to stay is the Italian cuisine.

If you want to avoid the midday crowds, stay overnight in Corfu Town.

15. Dive into history in the Peloponnese

Most tourists don't know that the giant Peloponnesian is missing. It's easy to explore for a long time.

Go for an adventure from the lovely seaside city at Nafplio to the amazing medieval Mystras, Mycenae, and Epidavros. Local culture and delicious homemade food can be found in the Peloponneses.

16. See where the first Olympic Games took place

The first Olympics were held in ancient Olympia from 776 BC to AD 395. The ruins of the stadium and buildings where the athletes lived and practiced are lovely in the springtime with the trees in flower.

The Archaeological Museum is a great place to see monumental sculptures.

The article was first published about a decade ago.