Quick answer
The essential things to do in Greece are the Acropolis and its museum in Athens, the Oia sunset and a caldera catamaran cruise on Santorini, Mykonos' Little Venice and a boat to Delos. With more time, add Cape Sounion, Meteora or Delphi. Book an early Acropolis slot and caldera-view hotels months ahead for summer.
13 things worth your time in Greece
- 01
Acropolis and the Parthenon
LandmarkThe 2,400-year-old Parthenon and the Erechtheion's Caryatids above the city.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹3,050 (€30)Book the 8 am timed slot. The marble is slippery and there's no shade, and the site has closed at midday during heatwaves.
- 02
Acropolis Museum
MuseumGlass floors over an excavated Athenian neighbourhood and a top-floor gallery laid out like the Parthenon frieze.
2 hoursAbout ₹1,550–2,050 (€15–20)Do it after the Acropolis, when you'll make sense of what you saw. The café terrace has a direct Parthenon view.
- 03
Plaka and Anafiotika
NeighbourhoodOld Athens below the Acropolis: neoclassical houses, tavernas and Anafiotika's island-style whitewashed lanes.
2 hoursFree - 04
Cape Sounion
Day tripThe Temple of Poseidon on a clifftop, 70 km down the coast road from Athens, best at sunset.
Half dayTemple about ₹2,050 (€20); tours about ₹5,100–8,200 (€50–80) - 05
Oia sunset, Santorini
ExperienceWhitewashed houses and blue domes tumbling down the caldera, lit orange as the sun drops into the Aegean.
2 hoursFreeArrive 90 minutes early in summer, or watch from Imerovigli or Pyrgos for a similar view without the crush.
- 06
Fira to Oia caldera walk
NatureAbout 10 km along the caldera rim through Firostefani and Imerovigli, with the views changing at every turn.
3–4 hoursFreeStart by 8 am, carry two litres of water and take the bus back from Oia.
- 07
Santorini caldera catamaran cruise
ExperienceSwimming at the volcanic hot springs and Red Beach from the water, with a meal on board and the sunset at sea.
5 hoursAbout ₹10,200–17,300 (€100–170) sharedAsk for a vegetarian meal when booking; the default is grilled meat or fish.
- 08
Akrotiri archaeological site
LandmarkA Bronze Age town buried by the volcano around 3,600 years ago, with multi-storey houses under a protective roof.
1.5 hoursAbout ₹1,550–2,050 (€15–20) - 09
Santorini winery tasting
FoodAssyrtiko vines trained into low basket shapes against the wind, and tastings on caldera terraces.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹2,050–4,600 (€20–45)Most wineries also serve local cheese, fava and tomato-fritter platters for non-drinkers.
- 10
Mykonos — Little Venice and the windmills
NeighbourhoodWaterside bars in Little Venice and the row of windmills above, the classic Mykonos sunset spot.
EveningFree - 11
Delos
Day tripThe uninhabited island sanctuary of Apollo, a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos, with the Terrace of the Lions.
Half dayBoat and site entry about ₹4,600–6,100 (€45–60)Boats don't sail in strong winds. Go in the morning and carry water and a hat.
- 12
Meteora
Day tripMonasteries perched on sandstone pillars in central Greece, some reached only by long staircases.
Full day, or better overnightDay tour from Athens about ₹10,200–15,300 (€100–150)It's four to five hours each way from Athens. A night in Kalambaka makes it far more enjoyable.
- 13
Delphi
Day tripThe sanctuary of the ancient oracle on Mount Parnassus' slopes, about 2h30 from Athens.
Full daySite and museum about ₹2,050 (€20); tours about ₹7,100–11,200 (€70–110)
What should you do on a first trip to Greece?
Most Indian travellers combine Athens with one or two islands. Two nights in Athens covers the Acropolis, its museum, Plaka and Cape Sounion. Santorini needs two to three nights for the caldera walk, a cruise and the Oia sunset. Mykonos adds beaches, nightlife and Delos.
Santorini or Mykonos?
- Santorini: caldera views, sunsets, wine and volcanic beaches. Better for honeymooners, families and anyone not looking for nightlife.
- Mykonos: beach clubs, Little Venice bars and Delos. Better for groups of friends.
- Both: they're linked by direct fast ferries in season (about 2–3 hours), which is why "Athens–Mykonos–Santorini" is the classic route.
Book these early
- Acropolis: timed entry; the 8 am slot sells out in summer.
- Caldera-view rooms: 4–6 months ahead for June to September.
- Ferries: a few weeks ahead for July and August, and around 15 August.
What do Indian travellers get wrong in Greece?
- Underestimating the sun: the Acropolis and Santorini's paths are exposed. Carry water, hats and sunscreen.
- Tight ferry connections: the meltemi wind can cancel fast boats in July and August. Keep a buffer before your flight home.
- Assuming the islands are open year-round: most Santorini and Mykonos hotels close from November to March. See the best time to visit Greece.
For vegetarians, Greece is easier than it looks — fava, briam, gemista and Greek salads are everywhere. See our Greece food guide.
Compare budgets on our Greece trip cost page, pick a village with where to stay in Santorini, and check documents with our Greece visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
