Greece attracts all types of travelers, from honeymooners and families to solo travelers and adventure enthusiasts, which means that it is the ideal spot to find an activity or two to suit you. Whether you like to hike through the mountains, sail from island to island or see the world below the water, then this is the country for you, and you will never get bored here.
One of the best ways to uncover some of the hidden gems of a country, including some local activities, is to get in touch with a knowledgeable local’ who has all the tips and tricks up their sleeves, ensuring you get even more out of your holiday.
With that in mind, we are here to bring you the ten best activities in Greece to make sure you get the most out of your adventure.
There will be times when you will discover excellent off the beaten path activities, either through word of mouth or by spotting an activity that interest you; however, there are ten activities that you must not miss out on when in Greece, and these are a great place to start, by turning the standard holiday into an active escapade.
Let’s take a look at the best activities in Greece:
Island Hopping:
Island hopping is one of the main activities that Greece offers, and for a good reason, considering there are around 6000 islands to discover, although you probably won’t have time to see that many. Many people opt to either charter a boat or do a boat tour when in Greece. You will be inundated with options, so don’t worry about this part, however in high season, booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
Here are a few excellent island-hopping tours to inspire you
Climb Mount Olympus:
Climbing to the summit of Greece’s highest mountain is a challenge, but it is very doable if you have a good fitness level and have previous hiking experience. The hike can take two days, although it is good to take your time and not push yourself, so if this is an option for you, then enjoy a leisurely adventure here and take it all in. This historic mountain holds tremendous significance in Greece, and not only will you be greeted with insatiable views, but you will learn a lot about the history of the area here.
Go Sea Kayaking:
One of the best spots to go sea kayaking is along the Pelion coast; however, you can do this activity just about anywhere in Greece, as long as the sea conditions allow it. If you are experienced, you can opt to rent a kayak and explore some nearby coves, hidden beaches, and inlets; otherwise, a sea kayaking tour is a fantastic way to discover it all if you prefer to have a guide and don’t feel comfortable going it alone. You will find many of these tours available throughout Greece, especially on the islands.
Go Scuba diving:
Greece has so much to see as it is, but when you look beneath the water, you will be incredibly impressed, with an array of shipwrecks, ancient caves, and fascinating marine life. The seas surrounding Greece are so undeniably clear that you will most likely add this to the list of the most visibly impressive diving areas you’ve ever been to. If scuba diving is a little daunting for you, why not try snorkeling, which will give you a great look beyond the surface without feeling too restricted. These activities can be done all over the country and are a great way to see a whole different perspective of this great country.
Kite surfing:
Greece is surrounded by two seas, the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea, so like many water activities, kite surfing can be done almost anywhere in Greece; however, some spots are famous for good winds. These are Cape Drepano near Patra and Rio Antirio and the islands of Lefkada, Naxos, and Paros.
Try out some Paragliding:
Paragliding is an excellent activity to do in Greece, and the best times to try it out are the months of Feb-Apr and Oct/Nov, when the weather is good and the winds are flowing nicely. The absolute best spots to try your hand at paragliding are:
- Agios Gordis – Corfu
- Paliki Beach – Kefalonia
- Lixouri Beach – Kefalonia
- Kathisma Beach – Lefkada
Go swimming in a waterfall:
Although you might be mesmerized by the fantastic beaches of Greece, do not forget that Greece has some magical waterfalls to be discovered, and taking a dip in one of these on a hot day, is an experience in itself.
Some of the best waterfalls to check are:
- Neda Falls
- Potami Waterfalls
- Polylimnio Falls
- Dimosari Waterfalls
- Neraida Waterfalls, all of which are truly stunning.
Do a cooking class:
There is no doubt that you will be captivated by the tastes of Greece, including all the fresh vegetables, seafood, spices, and sauces, so of course, when the opportunity to take a cooking class arises, you need to take it. Why not check out this incredible tour, which not only incorporates cooking but allows you to taste some local wines, too, as part of the experience.
A fantastic gastronomic tour in Greece
Go Climbing:
Climbing is one of the best activities Greece has to offer, and you will regularly meet climbers from all over the world who come here to enjoy the tremendous rock-climbing opportunities in Greece. Of course, some excellent spots to go are Leonidio in the Peloponnese region, Kalymnos Island near Kos, Meteora in Central Greece, and Agiofarago in Crete.
Discover ancient ruins:
One of the main reasons to go to Greece is to uncover the history, including visiting many ancient ruins, both famous and not so well known. This is a fantastic way to get to know Greece as a whole by learning about its past, its culture, and how it has shaped up to be the Greece that we all know and love. Don’t miss out on the ancient Acropolis, Olympia and the many ruins along the rugged Mani peninsula, and some ancient hilltop villages scattered around the area.
Go wine tasting:
Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, and if you are eating locally, you will most certainly get to try some wine as you dine; however, if you want to try more and learn about the process of winemaking, then there are a few areas to go. Some of the leading wine destinations in Greece are Santorini, Crete, Nemea, Drama, Samos, and Metsovo, to name but a few, but if you are looking for a tour that involves food and wine,,, then this tour is for you.
Some of the best wines to try are Assyrtiko from Santorini, Moschofilero from Mantinea, and Malagousia from Northern Greece. You will undoubtedly be offered various homemade wines from kind and welcoming locals, which is a must-try too.