Greece
Ancient Gods. Volcanic Islands. The Sea That Started Civilisation.
Where the ruins of the ancient world stand above a capital that never sleeps, where whitewashed villages cling to volcanic cliffs above a sea of impossible blue, and where every meal is an argument for slowing down.
Planning your research? Read our Greece travel guide →
Why Visit Greece?
What makes Greece unforgettable.
The Birthplace of Western Civilisation
Democracy, philosophy, theatre, the Olympic Games, mathematics, medicine — the foundational ideas of Western civilisation were developed in Greece between roughly 800 and 300 BC. The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens has dominated its city for 2,500 years. The sanctuary of Delphi, where the ancient world came to consult the Oracle, sits in a mountain landscape of extraordinary drama. Greece is not a country where history is displayed in museums — it is a country where history is the landscape.
Islands for Every Traveler
Greece has over 6,000 islands, of which approximately 230 are inhabited. Santorini is one of the most visually dramatic places on earth — a volcanic caldera whose cliffs are topped with the white and blue architecture that has become the defining image of the Greek islands. Mykonos is cosmopolitan and one of the Mediterranean's premier luxury beach destinations. Crete is large enough to be a country unto itself. Rhodes has a medieval walled city that is one of the best preserved in Europe.
Food as a Way of Life
Greek food is one of the Mediterranean's great culinary traditions — built around olive oil, fresh vegetables, grilled fish, legumes, and cheese. A Greek salad made with volcanic-soil tomatoes and properly cured feta bears almost no resemblance to its international imitations. Grilled octopus on a taverna terrace above the sea, fresh-caught fish priced by the kilo, slow-cooked lamb with lemon and oregano — Greek food is best eaten simply, in the right place, at the right time of day.
A Climate and Landscape Built for the Sea
Greece has over 16,000 kilometres of coastline — more than any other country in Europe. The Aegean and Ionian seas are warm from June through October, clear enough to see the bottom at depth, and surrounded by landscapes — volcanic cliffs, pine forests, ancient harbours — that make sailing between islands one of the great travel experiences available anywhere. The light in Greece is specific and extraordinary — bright, Mediterranean, angled in summer in a way that turns white stone gold and blue water turquoise.
Must-Visit Places
Where to go in Greece.
Athens, The Acropolis & Beyond
The Acropolis — the rocky outcrop topped by the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike — is the most important ancient monument in the Western world. Book tickets online in advance at the Hellenic Heritage e-ticketing portal; the standard adult ticket is €30 and includes the Acropolis slopes. The new Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill is among the finest archaeological museums ever built. Allow two full days for Athens minimum.
Santorini
The most visually recognisable of the Greek islands — a volcanic caldera whose cliff-top villages of Oia and Fira produce the defining image of Greece. The sunset from Oia is one of the most photographed moments in travel — arrive at least 90 minutes early to secure a position. Beyond the spectacle, Santorini has excellent Assyrtiko white wine, serious restaurants, and the ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri — a Bronze Age city preserved under volcanic ash.
Crete
The largest Greek island and the most diverse. The Palace of Knossos is the best-preserved Bronze Age palace in the Aegean. The Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains is one of Europe's longest gorges and finest day hikes. The old town of Chania, with its Venetian harbour and covered market, is one of the most beautiful small cities in Greece. The beaches of the south coast — Elafonissi, Balos, Preveli — combine pink sand, palm trees, and turquoise lagoons.
Delphi
Two and a half hours from Athens, Delphi was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world. The sanctuary of Apollo, where the Oracle delivered prophecies that shaped decisions of city-states and kings for nearly a thousand years, sits on the slopes of Mount Parnassus at 570 metres. The archaeological site and adjacent museum — housing the Bronze Charioteer from 478 BC — make Delphi the finest day trip from Athens.
Experiences to Remember
What you'll love about Greece.
Oia Sunset
Watching the sunset from Oia, Santorini, as the caldera turns from gold to deep red
Acropolis at Opening
Standing on the Acropolis at opening time before the crowds arrive, with Athens spread below
Taverna Octopus
Eating grilled octopus at a taverna table above the Aegean as the fishing boats come in
Caldera Swim
Swimming in the caldera waters below Santorini's cliffs from a boat anchored in the bay
Samaria Gorge
Walking the Samaria Gorge from the mountain plateau to the Libyan Sea at dawn
Delphi Theatre
Sitting in the ancient theatre at Delphi and understanding why the Greeks chose this place as the centre of the world
Sample Journey
A week in Greece.
Here's how ARTA might structure your Greece experience — every itinerary is personalised to your interests.
- 1
Day 1–2: Athens
Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, Monastiraki neighbourhood, Ancient Agora, evening in Psyrri.
- 2
Day 3: Delphi
Day trip to Delphi — sanctuary of Apollo, museum, mountain landscape, return to Athens.
- 3
Day 4: Santorini
Fly or fast ferry to Santorini — caldera views, Fira town, afternoon wine tasting.
- 4
Day 5: Santorini
Oia sunrise, Akrotiri Minoan site, caldera boat trip, Oia sunset.
- 5
Day 6: Mykonos
Ferry or fly to Mykonos — old town, Little Venice, waterfront dinner.
- 6
Day 7: Departure
Return to Athens from Mykonos. Departure from Athens International Airport.
Why Travel with ARTA
Your Greece journey, in expert hands.
Personalized Planning
Every journey is designed around your preferences, timeline, and budget — not a template.
Expert Local Knowledge
Our advisors have first-hand knowledge of every destination we serve.
Complete Arrangements
Flights, hotels, transfers, activities, and visas — handled end-to-end.
Support Throughout
We're available before, during, and after your trip. You're never on your own.