Image courtesy of The Dolli at Acropolis
Greece offers a little bit of everything: ancient history, island escapes, and a laid-back way of life that’s easy to fall into. Athens mixes ruins with rooftop bars, while the Athenian Riviera adds beach clubs and coastal views that feel a world away. Santorini is all drama and romance, with cliffside hotels and sunset sails. Mykonos brings the energy, from beach parties to designer shops. Paros and Antiparos are more relaxed, with whitewashed towns and clear, swimmable water. Cruising lets you sample it all without packing and unpacking.
Greece is right for every type of traveler, from couples and honeymooners, to families and groups looking for equal parts culture and coast. Read on to learn where to stay, what to do and how to plan your trip to Greece.
Need to know
Image courtesy of Katikies Chromata
Currency: The Euro (€) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, however it’s good to carry some cash for smaller vendors, local markets, or beachside kiosks. Tipping is customary but modest.
Languages: Greek is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. It’s still good to learn some common phrases to get by.
Key phrases: thank you (efharisto), please (parakaló), yes / no (nai / ohi), excuse me / sorry (signomi), how are you? (ti kaneis?), I don’t speak Greek (den milao Ellinika).
Airports: Athens is the country’s capital and main airport. Most travelers fly into Athens before connecting to flights or ferries to the Cyclades.
Athens and the Athenian Riviera: Athens International Airport (ATH)
Santorini: Santorini Airport (JTR)
Mykonos: Mykonos Airport (JMK)
Paros and Antiparos: Paros Airport (PAS)
Transportation:
Athens and the Athenian Riviera: Many upscale hotels offer airport pickups and private drivers for excursions. Rideshare services like Beat and Uber operate reliably throughout Athens. Central Athens is walkable, with metro lines for longer trips, and trams to northern parts of the Athenian Riviera. For most of the Riviera, especially the southern parts, renting a car or hiring a driver is best.
Santorini: Rent a car or arrange hotel transfers to get across the island. Public buses are available but get crowded fast.
Mykonos: Taxis are limited and pricey. Pre-book transport or arrange transfers through your hotel. Rent an ATV or small car to venture further afield.
Paros: Very drivable with good roads. Rent a car or use local buses to hop around.
Antiparos: Walkable and car-free in many areas, a bike or scooter is more than enough.
Best time to visit: Greece is a year-round destination, but seasonality can still come into play in parts of the country:
Athens and the Athenian Riviera: Spring (March to May) has mild weather and fewer crowds than hotter summer months (June to August). Crowds thin come fall (September to November), while winter (December to February) is cooler and even quieter.
Greek Islands: May to October is island season, with sun, warm water, and crowds. Major islands stay open longer, but smaller islands wind down by mid-October.
Cruises: Late May to early October is prime time to sail the isles. For fewer crowds and better deals, aim for the edges of each season.
Ideal length of stay:
Athens and the Athenian Riviera: In Athens, plan for at least two nights to see the sights. The Riviera is best for a one- or two-night wind-down at the end of a trip.
Greek Islands: Spend 3–4 nights in Santorini for sunsets and magic, 2–7 in Mykonos for nightlife and beach clubs, 3–7 in Paros for a laid-back yet lively vibe, and tack on a day or two in Antiparos for total serenity.
Cruises: Plan for at least a week since most Greek itineraries run seven to twelve nights, enough time to truly unwind and explore a handful of islands at a comfortable pace.
Signature dishes and drinks:
Souvlaki: One of the most popular street foods in Athens. Grilled meat, usually pork or chicken, wrapped in warm pita with tomatoes, onions, fries, and tzatziki.
Moussaka: A hearty, baked dish made with layers of eggplant, spiced ground meat, and creamy béchamel.
Dakos (Crete): This salad-like dish is built on a barley rusk base with fresh tomato, crumbled white cheese, olive oil, and oregano.
Loukoumades: Fried dough balls soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Tomatokeftedes (Santorini): Santorini’s iconic fried tomato fritters are made with local cherry tomatoes and herbs, crisped up into golden bites.
Spirits: Ouzo is light with an anise flavor, and tsipouro is more robust and fruity.
What to wear: Greece stays sunny year-round, so pack light layers, breathable fabrics, and comfortable shoes. Daytime calls for cotton, linen, and sun protection in summer months. Evenings lean dressier in Athens and upscale spots. A light sweater or scarf comes in handy for cooler nights, winter months, and visits to churches.
Travel tips:
Accessibility: Major sites have improved accessibility, but islands like Santorini still mean lots of stairs. Some cruise ports will also require tendering.
Seasonality: Most island spots open May through October, though larger destinations now stay active a bit longer.
Beach tips: Beaches are public, but some have sections run by private operators charging for loungers and amenities. Bring a towel, check ahead for rentals, and arrive early to skip the crowds. Water shoes help on rocky shores.
Ferries: Ferries are reliable but move fast, so arrive early, especially in peak season.
Athens
Image courtesy of A77 Suites
Athens energy is a creative, chaotic blend of ancient ruins, neoclassical facades, and a new wave of bars, bistros, and boutiques. In neighborhoods like Kolonaki and Koukaki, the past and present meet over natural wine, rooftop dinners, and late-night art shows.
Where to stay
The Dolli at Acropolis: A boutique, design-forward stay in the heart of Athens. Intimate and artful, just steps away from the Acropolis and vibrant neighborhoods like Plaka. Rooms are bright and carefully curated, combining modern comfort with subtle nods to Greek heritage.
Fora Perks include a welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Athens Capital Suites-MGallery Collection: Comfortable, straightforward convenience paired with modern amenities. Located walking distance from key landmarks, it’s great for visitors who want to explore by day and return to a calm, understated space by night.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
A77 Suites: Stylish and contemporary in Athens’ vibrant, artsy Exarchia neighborhood. Suites are modern and thoughtfully designed, offering a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. It’s more off-the-beaten-path, but with easy access to public transport.
Fora Reserve perks include a €50 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Athenian Riviera
Image courtesy of One&Only Aesthesis
Just beyond the city, the Athenian Riviera trades urban buzz for breezy calm. Think palm-lined promenades, chic beach clubs, and golden-hour cocktails by the sea. It’s ideal for unwinding before or after island-hopping and cruising.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens: On a private Athenian Riviera peninsula offering two distinct stays: Arion, a classic hotel experience, and the more residential-feel Nafsika and The Bungalows. The city’s energy is still within reach, but here you can slow down.
When you book Four Seasons with Fora, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.
One&Only Aesthesis: Mid-century design with low-slung buildings, natural materials, and plenty of outdoor space along the Athenian Riviera. Rooms and villas are spread out for added privacy, many with private pools or beach access. Close to the city, but just far enough away.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
One&Only Kéa Island: 45 minutes from Athens by speedboat, offering an easy island option without ferry or flight logistics. The villas are quiet and spacious, most with private pools and built to blend into the hillside. It’s perfect for island vibes without going far from the mainland.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Santorini
Image courtesy of Canaves Oia Suites
With cliffside suites, postcard views, and those famous golden-hour sunsets, Santorini brings the drama in all the right ways. Spend your days sailing the caldera, wandering ancient ruins, and sipping volcanic wines with a view.
Where to stay
Canaves Collection: Luxurious and deeply personal, the Canaves collection features five distinct properties. Canaves Epitome is ideal for privacy and sunset views over the Aegean. Canaves Oia Suites and Canaves Ena sit cliffside in the heart of Oia, with private terraces and infinity pools. Canaves Sunday offers a more boutique, artful feel, while Canaves Elefas Villas offer extra space alongside jaw-dropping views.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Andronis Hotels: Cliffside luxury with personality, Andronis offers five standout stays. In Imerovigli, Andronis Concept is a sleek wellness retreat. In Oia, Andronis Luxury Suites is classic Santorini with cave pools and postcard vistas, while Alta Mare by Andronis is intimate and romantic. Nearby, Andronis Boutique Hotel pairs charming design with high-touch service, and Andronis Arcadia combines a modern, social vibe with larger suites and sunset-facing pool.
Fora’s Preferred Platinum partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Katikies: Effortlessly elegant and distinctly Cycladic, Katikies has five refined stays. Katikies Santorini is iconic with whitewashed curves, cliffside pools, and caldera views. Katikies Chromata leans modern and minimalist, while Katikies Kirini adds a serene, wellness-focused edge. Katikies Garden trades caldera views for a peaceful, palatial setting with courtyards. For more privacy, Katikies Villa offers a standalone, high-touch escape with butler service.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort: Centered around a 400-year-old winery, the resort feels more like a hidden estate in the medieval village of Megalochori. Suite-style space (many with private pools), local design, and a village-like setting make it the right trade for caldera views.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Mykonos
Image courtesy of Cali Mykonos
Equal parts glamorous and carefree, Mykonos does it all with champagne-soaked beach clubs, charming alleyways, and breezy nights in Little Venice. It’s a see-and-be-seen scene with just enough quiet corners if you know where to look.
Where to stay
Santa Marina, A Luxury Collection Resort: Sleek, modern design just outside Mykonos Town. Unwind by the infinity pools, enjoy waterfront dining, or catch the sunset. Days here are relaxed and indulgent to balance easy access to the island’s nightlife and cultural scene.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Bill & Coo Hotel: The ultimate boutique escape, known for its chic, minimalist design and award-winning restaurant. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to the island’s buzz but savor moments of calm and luxury in between.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cali Mykonos: A design-forward hideaway with private villas, an infinity pool that spills into the Aegean, and its own dock for yacht arrivals. Earthy tones, sea views, and a focus on wellness and slow living provide serenity with easy access to the island’s buzz.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Paros
Image courtesy of Parilio a Member of Design Hotels
Paros hits that sweet spot between laid-back and stylish, where cobblestone villages meet buzzy harbors and calm beaches give way to long, leisurely lunches. Base yourself in Naoussa or branch out to explore mountain towns and hidden coves.
Where to stay
Parilio a Member of Design Hotels: Sculptural architecture and earthy color palette on the quieter side of Paros. Suites are spacious and calming, with private terraces and deep soaking tubs, while the statement pool and Elios restaurant add just the right amount of scene.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort: Polished but playful, where barefoot luxury meets modern Greek soul. Curved whitewashed walls, pops of cobalt, and suites with private plunge pools. The vibe is warm, design-forward, and effortlessly chic.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Andronis Minois: Refined yet unpretentious, bohemian elegance blends with modern Cycladic style. Soft, minimalist interiors, a serene pool deck, and a focus on wellness and elevated gastronomy make it perfect to unplug without disconnecting entirely.
Fora’s withIN by SLH partner perks include a $50-$100 food and beverage or spa credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Antiparos
Just across the water from Paros, Antiparos keeps things simple in the best way. Low-key beaches, cozy tavernas, and time that moves a little slower. Come for the stillness, stay for the sea cave, sunset spritzes, and small-island magic.
Where to stay
The Rooster: A charming boutique retreat that feels like your stylish, well-curated home away from home. Warm, rustic-meets-modern design, cozy communal spaces, and a strong focus on genuine hospitality, it’s perfect for a peaceful escape off-the-beaten-path.
Cruising to and around Greece
Image courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Cruising around Greece is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to see the Greek Isles. Most cruises run seven nights, delivering incredible value versus a few nights in a hotel equivalent. Expect a port-heavy itinerary, though. Some longer itineraries even stretch into Croatia, Turkey, or Italy. Always arrive in your departure city a couple of nights before your cruise.
Notable cruise lines
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Sleek, serene, and polished, with all-inclusive suites for just 298 guests. Longer stays in Santorini, Patmos, and Nafplio make it a standout.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $150 Onboard Credit per person, welcome amenity, bridge tour at Captain’s discretion, and exclusive suite upgrade rates.
Windstar Cruises: A relaxed, yacht-style experience that’s upscale but unpretentious, with open-deck dining. There’s also a strong focus on off-the-beaten-path ports.
Fora Perks include $300 Shipboard Credit per stateroom on select voyages.
Virgin Voyages: Adults-only, big on elevated dining, design-forward cabins, and a social, nightlife-loving crowd. Greek routes hit icons and under-the-radar ports.
Fora Perks include up to $400 Sailor Loot for Sea Terrace (balcony) cabin and above, based on booking date and voyage length.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Lively, casual, and flexible, it’s a classic big-ship experience with lots of onboard options. There’s also a mix of excursions that range from cultural to fun.
Fora Perks include up to $300 Shipboard Credit per stateroom for Oceanview staterooms or above on select voyages.
Celestyal Cruises: Locally based, Celestyal is known for shorter, value-focused itineraries. Smaller ships, warm hospitality, and routes that often include spots larger ships might skip.
History and culture
Greece’s history is one of the most storied and influential. Athens’ layers of ancient, Byzantine, and modern life intertwine in everyday scenes. In Athens, landmarks like the Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Ancient Agora offer a look into the birthplace of Western philosophy, theater, and political thought. History is alive in Orthodox Easter rituals, weekly name-day celebrations, and the strong emphasis on hospitality.
Long before the rise of democracy in the 5th century BCE, the region was home to sophisticated Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean civilizations, whose legacies still echo in ruins scattered across the islands. Each island has its own dialects, festivals, and architectural heritage. History shows up in everyday life, from feasting on rosto (a slow cooked pork dish) during village festivals in Naxos, candlelit processions honoring saints in Paros, or gathering for panigyria (religious fairs) that last into the night with music, dancing, and wine. The islands invite visitors into a rhythm shaped by centuries of history blended with the present.
Cultural celebrations & events
Paros Carnival (February/March, Paros): A colorful pre-Lenten festival filled with parades, costumes, live music, and street parties.
Greek Orthodox Easter (Dates vary, April/May): The most significant religious holiday in Greece, marked by midnight masses, processions, and traditional feasts. Many local businesses may close, so plan with that in mind.
Athens Epidaurus Festival (June to August, Athens): A renowned summer arts festival of ancient Greek drama, music, ballet, and dance in historic open-air theaters.
Mykonos Summer Festival (June to September, Mykonos): A lively mix of concerts, art exhibits, and cultural events showcasing both international artists and local talents.
Antiparos Jazz Festival (July, Antiparos): An intimate music festival drawing jazz lovers to this quieter island for evenings of live performances.
Santorini International Music Festival (July, Santorini): An event blending classical music, opera, and contemporary performances in unique venues around the island.
Ifestia Festival – Santorini Volcano Festival (August, Santorini): An event celebrating the island’s volcanic heritage with fireworks, music, and dance.
Assumption Day (August 15): A major religious and public holiday with church services, festivals, and family gatherings.
Agios Dimitrios Festival (October, Athens): Local celebrations with traditional music, food fairs, and religious ceremonies honoring Saint Demetrius.
Athens Marathon (November, Athens): One of the world’s oldest marathons, following the legendary route from Marathon to Athens.
What to do in Greece
Image courtesy of Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort
Wander ruins, browse design-forward galleries, or sail on a catamaran. From Athens to the islands, each destination serves up history, spas, shopping, art, and food worth traveling for. Here are some better kept secrets and not-to-miss sites.
Athens
The Acropolis: Skip the crowds by timing your visit around cruise ship schedules, and don’t miss the Acropolis Museum. Catch the sunset with a glass of wine from a rooftop in Koukaki.
Byzantine churches: Step into some of the lesser-known Byzantine churches in Plaka or Anafiotika. No signs, no fanfare, just cool stone, gold leaf, and quiet.
Neighborhoods: Wander upscale Kolonaki for boutiques and cafés, head to gritty-cool Psyrri and Metaxourgeio for street art and after-dark energy.
The Athenian Riviera
Lake Vouliagmeni: Spend a few hours at Lake Vouliagmeni, where warm, mineral-rich waters and limestone cliffs create a serene wellness escape.
Temple of Poseidon: Catch a sunset at the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion, where the sunset over the ancient ruins and Aegean leave a big impression.
Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre: For something more grounding, stop by this small but meaningful center, especially between beach days.
Beaches: Astir Beach is the most polished with an entry fee for loungers and designer touches. Krabo Beach, in a quiet cove, is more local. Varkiza/Yabanaki hits the sweet spot for families or groups with full amenities and a casual vibe. Legrena offers a wilder, quieter stretch perfect for a swim before or after sunset at Cape Sounion.
Santorini
Akrotiri: Explore the ruins of Akrotiri, Santorini’s ancient city frozen in time.
Wineries: Vassaltis has minimalist design meets bold volcanic whites, like the Assyrtiko. Head to Venetsanos for tastings with panoramic caldera views.
Beaches: Lounge on Perissa’s soft black sand, or check out the Red and White Sand Beaches. Head to Ammoudi Bay for sunbathing on the rocks and cliff jumping.
Thirasia: Santorini’s quieter sister island across the caldera is where life moves slower, meals stretch longer, and the scenery feels untouched.
Caldera: Head to Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni for thermal springs and hiking across volcanic terrain with epic caldera views.
Mykonos
Beach clubs: Enjoy a long lunch at Scorpios or Alemagou. Loungers turn into dance floors around 5 P.M. and the Aperol spritzes keep coming.
Delos: A short sail from Mykonos, this UNESCO site is filled with ancient temples, mosaic floors, and a whole lot of mythology.
Kalafati Beach: Head to Kalafati Beach for wakeboarding, windsurfing, or a jet ski ride with wide-open views and just enough adrenaline.
Party scene: Enjoy clifftop sunrise sets at Cavo Paradiso, high-design beats at VOID, glam-meets-casual nights at ASTRA, and Moni’s house-party vibe near Little Venice.
Paros
Cities: Naoussa brings Cycladic charm with harborfront bars and boutiques. Parikia blends historic landmarks with local life, and don’t miss Panagia Ekatontapiliani. Lefkes slows things down with stone alleys, mountain views, and a timeless village feel.
Ceramics: Step into ceramic studios like Yria or Atelier Paros to see earthy, hand-thrown pottery in progress, some even offer private lessons to try your hand.
Sunsets: For sunset, head to tiny hilltop villages like Kostos or Prodromos. Undisturbed and atmospheric, they’re ideal for golden-hour photos and dinner under the stars.
Beaches: Paros beaches each offer something unique. From windsurfing hubs like Pounta to tranquil, tavern-lined shores like Piso Aliki, with family-friendly coves at Lageri, quick-dip spots like Molos, and the otherworldly granite curves of Kolymbithres.
Antiparos
Boating: Charter a boat to the Blue Lagoon and Despotiko Island for a day of surreal swimming, ancient ruins, and beachside champagne picnics.
Antiparos Cave: This ancient cavern trades sea views for stalactites and stillness, worth it for the shift in scenery alone.
Beaches: Soros Beach is the island’s chicest stretch, with crystal-clear water and a laid-back bar. Livadia Beach is wild and remote. Psaraliki Beach, just outside town, offers calm, swimmable waters without the crowds. Faneromeni Beach feels like a secret cove at the island’s southern tip. Sifneiko Beach, known as Sunset Beach, faces west with raw beauty and a front-row seat for the setting sun.
Where to eat in Greece
Image courtesy of Mr E Restaurant, Parilio a Member of Design Hotels
From cliffside fine dining to casual seaside tavernas, here’s where to eat whether you’re craving just-caught seafood, inventive meze, or a sunset spritz with a view.
Athens
The Clumsies: Laid-back by day, lively by night, with some of the smartest cocktails in Europe and a warm, come-as-you-are vibe.
Line: This fermentation-forward bar-restaurant serves unexpected pairings and evolving flavors in a low-key, design-led space.
The Dolli Rooftop: For wide-open Acropolis views and golden-hour glow, it’s elegant but unshowy for sunset drinks or a romantic post-museum dinner.
The Athenian Riviera
Pelagos: Michelin-starred coastal fine dining at the Four Seasons Astir Palace.
Ithaki: A Riviera classic above the water in Vouliagmeni, known for fresh seafood and that perfect taverna energy done right.
Delta: Inside the SNFCC, this sleek and experimental two Michelin star restaurant with a Nordic edge has an open kitchen and a tasting menu.
Santorini
Elements Restaurant Bar: A fine-dining standout in Imerovigli with seasonal tasting menus and caldera views that rival the plates.
Aroma Avlis: Set among vineyards near Exo Gonia, this relaxed garden restaurant pairs volcanic wines with home-style Santorinian dishes done right.
To Pinakio: A Kamari go-to for locals and in-the-know travelers, with inventive meze, grilled seafood, and a warm taverna feel just off the beach.
Mykonos
Alemagou: Laid-back and design-forward, this breezy spot on Ftelia Beach pairs wild Cycladic flavors with sunset sets and an effortlessly cool scene.
Kiki’s Tavern: Off-grid and unmarked, this hillside taverna near Agios Sostis Beach is all about open-fire cooking, shady trees, and waiting with a wine bottle in hand.
Interni: Glam but grounded, Interni sits in a green courtyard in Mykonos Town and serves Mediterranean fusion under the stars.
Paros
Mr. E Restaurant: Bringing coastal elegance to seasonal Greek cooking, with polished plates, farm-fresh ingredients, and a breezy terrace just outside Naoussa.
Siparos Seaside Restaurant: A sunset favorite near Santa Maria, Siparos pairs sea views with standout dishes, perfect for a long, leisurely dinner by the shore.
Sigi Ikthios: Harbor-front dining in Naoussa with fresh seafood and stylish taverna vibes.
Antiparos
The Rooster Restaurant: Refined, seasonal Greek farm-to-table dining with an open-air view and design-led setting.
Kalokeri: Elevated taverna energy, with rustic-meets-modern plates, a sharp wine list, and a courtyard that feels both cool and cozy.
Yam: A breezy vegetarian favorite where Mediterranean flavors meet global flair, and a vibe that’s as curated as the menu.
Trips to add on
Greece is easy to mix and match experiences. Pair island time with a few days in Athens, tack on the Athenian Riviera before or after a cruise, or hop between regions for a trip that feels layered and effortless. Here are a few more add-on ideas to round things out.
Other Greek islands: Naxos offers green valleys and ruins, Crete has a variety of landscapes, Sifnos draws food lovers, and Milos delivers wild, volcanic beauty.
Peloponnese Peninsula: A quick drive opens up places like Nafplio with its Venetian architecture, Kalamata for beautiful beaches, and Monemvasia for its medieval fortress town.
Istanbul, Turkey: For a culturally rich detour, Istanbul offers a vibrant mix of history, bazaars, and cuisine. A great stopover if flying through the city.
Europe connections: Athens has good non-stop flights to major European hubs like London, Paris, and Rome. Greece works best as a relaxing start or finish to a longer European trip.
If not Greece…
If Greece is calling but you want something different, these destinations deliver the same magic in their own distinct way. From sun-soaked cities to island escapes and cruise-friendly coastlines, here’s where to look.
Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca are where beach days meet stylish nights. Expect boho coves, buzzy towns, and just the right balance of chill and scene.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Sicily: Pair sailing with land stays in Positano, Capri, or Taormina for sun-drenched views, lemon-scented streets, and layers of Mediterranean history.
Croatia: Cruise the Dalmatian Coast or charter a yacht between Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Korčula. Expect Venetian charm and island towns that feel like hidden gems.
Danish Riviera: This cleaner-cut coastal escape in Denmark, just outside Copenhagen, delivers design-forward stays and charming towns.
Cape Town, South Africa: This more adventurous swap offers dramatic landscapes, rich heritage, and a city scene that’s as stylish as it is soulful.