Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Vacation

Is Greece on Your Bucket List?

Greece regularly ends up in articles and lists for things such as top destination, top searched country, and most beautiful. But for a first-time visitor to Greece, deciding on which town or island to visit can be overwhelming. Each has its own historical significance and beauty.

Of course, Athens is a must-visit city with the famed Acrop-olis and Parthenon as pictures don't do them justice. And on mainland Greece, you can also see Mount Olympus and Thessaloniki.

Some parts of the country can be reached as a port of call on a cruise. Or you can make your own cruise itinerary by taking advantage of hydrofoil ferries that have routes be-tween the more know islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Islands give you a great mix of historical archaeo-logical sites as well as relaxing beaches and unforgettable sunsets.

There is something for every kind of traveler in Greece which is why it deserves to be on every travel bucket list.

places to know in Greece
Places to Know in Greece
Where to visit

Greece is a top destination for many people. It is no wonder why with its creation of the Olympic games, ancient ruins, beautiful islands, and fabulous food.  But how do you decide where to visit on a vacation to Greece?  Here are eight regions of Greece to help you pick your top options for your next vacation.

Ionian Islands
Located west of mainland Greece, the Ionian islands are most known for Corfu and Ithaca.  Corfu is a lush green island and has influences from its Venetian, French and British rulers of the past.  This is where you want to go for cultural heritage, music and art.  Ithaca, though not a typical Greek vacation stop, is most famous for Homer’s Odyssey.  You can see Ithaca and how it inspired Homer on a day trip via boat.

Northern Mainland Greece
The northern mainland region of Greece is best known for historical and religious connections such as Thessaloniki and Mount Olympus.  Thessaloniki is considered a cultural capital and is a popular destination on most Greek vacations where you can enjoy great seafood, beautiful coastlines, and historical experiences like the Byzantine Baths, see a statue of Alexander the Great, and dig into religious history.  Mount Olympus is known as the home to the 12 Greek gods in mythology and is also home to beautiful flora and fauna throughout its hiking and trekking trails.

Greece packing list
Greece Packing List

Attica
Attica is the birthplace of western civilization rich in history.  This region is famous for its archaeological sites and monuments.  This region is home to Athens, the capital of Greece, where you can access the Parthenon, Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and many great museums.

Peloponnese
This region is most famous for Corinth and Olympia.  Corinth has a rich history of being at the center of many political and religious battles.  It was a Roman colony established by Caesar in 44BC and is known to Christians because of Paul’s letters in the New Testament of the Bible. A trip to see the ancient city ruins is worth your time.  Olympia, as you likely know, is home of the Olympic games which began in 776BC.  Olympia is home to the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Apollo, and the Archaeological Museum.  See where the original games took place and marvel at where the temples of the gods once stood.

Saronic
The cluster of islands in the Saronic region are a picturesque image of Greece.   Think no cars, island hopping by boat, private coves, and cobblestone pedestrian-only streets.  Aegina is the most popular island in this region with its close proximity to Athens on the mainland.  It is also home to the famous Aphea Temple, one of three sites in the “holy triangle.” This site is part of an equilateral triangle formed with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon.

Greece Itinerary Sample Idea
Greece Sample Itinerary

Cyclades
The Cyclades region is one of the more popular regions for vacationers as this is home to Santorini and Mykonos.  But don’t limit yourself to just these well-known islands.  There are 33 different islands in this region.  Mykonos is known for its luxury holiday experience with both a bustling cosmopolitan city life as well as its breathtaking views of the coast.  Santorini has a bit of everything including excellent gastronomy experiences, the famous white buildings with blue rooftops that are the perfect backdrop to unforgettable sunsets, and an active volcano.

Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island and has a bit of everything for the traveler.  On this island, you can see ancient archaeological sites, enjoy perfect sandy beaches, and hike through steep gorges.  Two of the most popular towns to visit include Chania, the capital town closest to the Samaria Gorge and Heraklion that is home to the Koules fortress.

Dodecanese
The Dodecanese islands are the southeastern set of Greek islands.  The more popular places to visit in the region include Rhodes, a popular cruise stop for its beaches and gastronomy.  Those looking for that perfect Instagram photo will want to include Symi in their travels.  This island is known for how its village has such a traditional architecture of two-and three-story stone houses.

So, what kind of Greek experience are you seeking?  Do you have visions of that perfect photo with the white buildings with blue rooftops in Santorini?  Do you want to see ancient cities and ruins like Athens?

I would love to chat with you about Greece and help you decide on which regions are just right for your next vacation and how to best pair them together.

Greece fact sheet
Greece Fact Sheet
Top Greek Food to Try

Greek food is something special! Even the most discern-ing traveler can find something that is worth the calories. Here are the top dishes and drinks that are a must try on your next trip to Greece.

  • Moussaka this is a traditional dish made of spiced meat, usually lamb or beef, cooked in tomato sauce and then layered with fried eggplant and bechamel sauce.
  • Souvlaki - this popular dish is a marinated meat (chick-en, pork, beef, or lamb) served on a skewer and often eaten with warm pita bread
  • Tzatziki - a simple dip made with yogurt, dill, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon. This dip is a fantastic addition to any appetizer or main dish.
  • Choriatiki - this is a Greek salad served with almost ev-ery meal. A classic version of this salad has cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. It is served with oil and vinegar on the side to accommodate each person's dressing preference.
  • Kleftiko - a traditional slow-roasted lamb dish that in-fuses lemon, olive oil and garlic.
  • Spanakopita – A popular savory pie made with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and eggs, all wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo dough. It's perfect as a light snack or an appetizer.
  • Dolmades – These stuffed grape leaves are often filled with rice, pine nuts, and sometimes ground meat, seasoned with lemon and herbs. A refreshing and satisfying starter!
Top Greek Drinks to Try
  • Ouzo – This iconic anise-flavored spirit is often enjoyed as an aperitif. When mixed with water, it turns a milky white color and pairs well with meze (small appetizers).
  • Retsina – A traditional Greek wine that has been flavored with pine resin, giving it a unique and earthy taste. It's perfect for pairing with grilled meats and seafood.
  • Greek Coffee – Strong, thick, and served with foam on top, Greek coffee is typically enjoyed slowly. Don’t forget to savor the grounds left at the bottom of the cup—it’s all part of the experience!
  • Metaxa – A smooth amber spirit that blends brandy with muscat wine and a variety of botanicals. It's often sipped neat or over ice as a digestif after a meal.
  • Mastika – A liqueur made from mastic resin, harvested from the mastic trees on the island of Chios. Its aromatic, slightly sweet flavor is best enjoyed cold.

Ready to explore the beauty of Greece? Start planning your adventure today and check out our other posts for more tips on navigating this stunning country!



Lia Vincent

OWNER of Vincent Vacations

Share :

Lia Vincent is the founder and owner of Vincent Vacations, All Inclusive Weddings, Magical Vacations, TravelAgentPro, Vincent Cruises and Vincent Events.Vincent Vacations is an award-winning travel agency established in 2013 that is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. All Inclusive Weddings is an affiliate of Vincent Vacations and was established in 2019. Lia has been recognized for her own work as ...  Read More >>>

An expert luxury advisor with five star luxury travel packages. With a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.



6 Reviews & Success stories

Amazing destination wedding to El Dorado Royale
Amazing destination wedding to El Dorado Royale

Lia planned my destination wedding in May to El Dorado Royale and it was the most amazing experience!
-Haley McCarthy

3 week custom trip to New Zealand, Australia and Fiji
3 week custom trip to New Zealand, Australia and Fiji

Lia went above and beyond planning a 3 week custom trip to New Zealand, Australia and Fiji for us. She even let us drive her car to Dallas when our OKC flight got cancelled at the last minute. Thank you.
-Candace Adolphson Haggard

Disney Cruise for our Group! Amazing!
Disney Cruise for our Group! Amazing!

We just got back from our Disney Cruise through Vincent Vacations and had a blast! Lia walked through the details with me and answered all my questions! She prepared us for what we could expect so we were delightfully prepared for fun things like Pirate Night and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. We had a blast!! Thanks Lia!
-Justin and Erin Cornell

6 Reviews

My Areas of Expertise

Learn more about this travel agents destinations, interests, and supplier partners.

Destinations

Interests

Supplier Partners

Latest Blog posts

Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Vacation9/16
2024
Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Vacation

Is Greece on Your Bucket List? Greece regularly ends up in articles and lists for things such as top...

Utopia of the Seas Review7/18
2024
Utopia of the Seas Review

Join our family as we review Utopia of the Seas, from Royal Caribbean.We were on the first sailing o...

Sandals St Vincent Review6/27
2024
Sandals St Vincent Review

We were some of the very first guests at the grand opening of Sandals St Vincent.This was our first ...

AVA Resort Cancun Our Reviews6/5
2024
AVA Resort Cancun Our Reviews

We had the privilege of staying at AVA Resort Cancun on its opening day. Here’s our firsthand review...

Sandals Dunn`s River Review5/31
2024
Sandals Dunn's River Review

Join us as we explore Sandals Dunn's River, one of the newest Sandals Resorts to open within the las...

21 Fun Facts about Walt Disney World4/16
2024
21 Fun Facts about Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World's 4 Theme ParksMake dreams come true in four uniquely themed parks, each with its ...

We are Certified NCL Travel Agents - Why Sail With Norwegian?3/7
2024
We are Certified NCL Travel Agents - Why Sail With Norwegian?

Why Sail With Norwegian Cruise LinesAre you thinking about booking a cruise or have just booked one ...

2024 Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres2/6
2024
2024 Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres

On February 1st, 2024, for the first time, Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, opened their doors to...

Japan with Kids1/8
2024
Japan with Kids

We took 3 kids under 12 to Japan for Thanksgiving 2023. I would like to start off with saying my kid...

Top All Inclusive Resorts for Families with kids age 8+7/28
2023
Top All Inclusive Resorts for Families with kids age 8+

I get this question a lot. There are a lot of great all inclusive resorts for families but what abou...

Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana on Spring Break6/29
2023
Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana on Spring Break

Is it a good idea? What is it like over Spring Break? See our latest: All Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels...

Disneyland Paris-What I Liked and Didn’t Like6/29
2023
Disneyland Paris-What I Liked and Didn’t Like

What I liked and didn’t like about Disneyland Paris, including staying on-property.We are a Disney f...

Top Mexico All Inclusive Resorts for families of 56/29
2023
Top Mexico All Inclusive Resorts for families of 5

Top Mexico All Inclusive Resorts for families of 5By Lia VincentA common request is, “We love this r...

Dreams Flora Resort and Spa, New Resort3/7
2023
Dreams Flora Resort and Spa, New Resort

In typical Vincent Vacations fashion, we flew down opening week to check out the newest resort for o...

Ways to Save Money on your Destination Wedding1/31
2023
Ways to Save Money on your Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding can be a great way to have a fun and memorable experience without bre...

Having A `First Look` at a Destination Wedding1/31
2023
Having A 'First Look' at a Destination Wedding

A first look means seeing your partner right before the ceremony. With destination weddings, this is...

Magic Kingdom Secrets, Tips and Facts1/28
2023
Magic Kingdom Secrets, Tips and Facts

Having just returned from a family and Disney VIP trip, I felt it was time to post about Magic Kingd...

Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen1/27
2023
Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen

I had the honor of visiting the brand new build, Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen, in the heart of Ri...

Italy Bucket List Travel Ideas12/19
2022
Italy Bucket List Travel Ideas

We are happy to assist you with all your Italy travel planning needs. Italy is a country rich in his...

23 Great Excursions & Tour Package Options for Costa Rica11/11
2022
23 Great Excursions & Tour Package Options for Costa Rica

Costa Rica is like no place in the world. From almost every vantage point, rainforest vistas tumble ...

19 Reasons to Love Jamaica11/11
2022
19 Reasons to Love Jamaica

Jamaica is a Caribbean Island steeped in history, culture and beauty that welcomes just over 4 milli...

8 Great Reasons to Book Disney with a Travel Agent11/10
2022
8 Great Reasons to Book Disney with a Travel Agent

Planning a trip to Disney takes a lot of thought and planning. That’s why you’re using a travel agen...

Secrets Bahia Mita9/20
2022
Secrets Bahia Mita

I just returned home from a wonderful 4 nights at Secrets Bahia Mita. Let me give you the scoop on t...

Scotland with Kids, Including Hogwarts Express!8/10
2022
Scotland with Kids, Including Hogwarts Express!

We hopped around Europe with our 3 kids spending 3 nights in each spot. We totally fell in love with...

Marco Island, Florida7/8
2022
Marco Island, Florida

I would like to start off by saying, “What a magical place!”I am just returning from a holiday weeke...

Tahiti: Where to Splurge & Where to Save Money6/27
2022
Tahiti: Where to Splurge & Where to Save Money

Tahiti: Where to Splurge & Where to Save MoneyI recently returned from a trip to Tahiti and this...

Rocky Mountaineer Train-Canadian Rockies5/20
2022
Rocky Mountaineer Train-Canadian Rockies

A luxury train, beautiful scenery, top notch service….these are all the things I think about when I ...

5 Must Do`s When Traveling to Ireland5/11
2022
5 Must Do's When Traveling to Ireland

I've had a lot of interest in the Ireland trip I just experienced. Here is a list of 5 must do's whe...

Family of 5 Resort ? Hyatt Regency Clearwater Resort & Spa is a perfect choice3/19
2022
Family of 5 Resort ? Hyatt Regency Clearwater Resort & Spa is a perfect choice

As a family of 5, we have the hardest time finding resorts - instead of condos - that have rooms tha...

The New Hotel Xcaret Arte – 1st Trip Thoughts2/14
2022
The New Hotel Xcaret Arte – 1st Trip Thoughts

I just returned from Hotel Xcaret Arte. This is a new resort that opened in 2021 to compliment Hotel...

Disney Cruises During Pandemic2/6
2022
Disney Cruises During Pandemic

We just returned from a wonderful week aboard the Disney Fantasy.Disney just started sailing again i...

Photo Albums

Get in touch with Lia Vincent

*Captcha:

Start Your Next Trip With All Inclusive Weddings Today!

In business for over 10 years, and in travel since 2002, we are your #1 source for destination weddings and romance travel!

See more