Greece is a magnificent place. Its ancient history, mesmerizing islands, and deep blue seas capture the hearts of millions of travelers every year. However, not every part of this famous country is the same. Some areas might be overwhelming for a new visitor, others might feel too quiet, and some may not match your travel style. This naturally brings up a key question: Where is the best place to go in Greece for the first time?

The right plan ensures your first visit is smooth, fun, and gives you a perfect taste of everything this historic nation offers. This guide will help you craft the perfect first itinerary. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

TL;DR

For your first visit, a seamless blend of ancient history and island charm works best. You should combine the historical city of Athens with a visit to one or two islands that match your style, such as the famous Santorini or the more relaxed Naxos. The most recommended itinerary for a first-timer usually involves Athens and one or two islands. A great first trip often looks like this: 3 Nights in Athens, then 4–5 Nights on an Island.

Essential First Stop: Athens (History, Culture & Gateway)

Athens is where your Greek journey starts. As the gateway to Greece, most international flights land here, making it a natural starting point. It’s a necessary and wonderful stop because it is the cradle of Western Civilization.

Why Athens is Perfect for Your First Trip

Athens is a must-see for its incredible history. It’s the main transport hub to the islands, making travel easy once you finish sightseeing. You can easily see the most famous landmarks, and the city offers a direct connection to the country’s past.

The Acropolis and Parthenon: This is the iconic ancient citadel. It sits high above the city and is a powerful symbol of democracy and Western thought.
The Acropolis Museum: This is a world-class museum. It houses the artifacts found on the rock itself, presenting them in a modern, stunning setting.
Plaka & Monastiraki: These are charming, historic neighborhoods. They are perfect for strolling, souvenir shopping, and enjoying traditional Greek dining.

Making Athens a Luxury Experience

To turn your Athens stay into a truly unforgettable experience, consider choosing a luxury hotel with a direct view of the Acropolis. These views are especially magical at night. For example, the Hotel Grande Bretagne and the King George offer opulent settings in the historic city center. If you prefer a resort experience with city access, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens offers luxury on the Athenian Riviera. Choosing a room with a view ensures your historical immersion continues even when you are relaxing.

Top Island Choices: Finding Your Greek Paradise

After a few days exploring the mainland's history, you'll want to head to the islands. The Greek islands offer something for every type of traveler. The classic choices for first-timers are Santorini or Mykonos, but alternatives like Naxos or Paros offer great value and authenticity. Here are the top recommendations, depending on the travel style you prefer:

Santorini: Iconic Views & Romance

Santorini is famous for its postcard-perfect white and blue villages clinging to the volcanic cliffs, known as the caldera. It is the destination for breathtaking sunsets, particularly in Oia, and offers great local wine tasting experiences. Visitors should be aware that it is a popular and generally more expensive choice compared to many other islands.

Mykonos: Nightlife & Social Energy

Known for its vibrant and stylish atmosphere, Mykonos is the ideal destination for those seeking an energetic party scene, luxury resorts, and high-end shopping. Key highlights include the picturesque area known as Little Venice and the famous windmills. Like Santorini, it also tends to be quite expensive.

Crete: Variety, History, & Beaches

As the largest Greek island, Crete offers the most variety, making it an excellent choice for a longer stay. It features significant ancient history, including the Minoan ruins like the Palace of Knossos, stunning gorges for hiking, charming old towns (such as Chania and Rethymno), and beautiful, diverse beaches.

Naxos: Beaches & Great Value

Naxos provides a larger, more relaxed, and generally more affordable option than the high-profile islands of Santorini and Mykonos. It is renowned for its gorgeous, long sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent local food. The island also features a beautiful Venetian old town near the main port.

Paros: Balanced Island Hopping

Paros is similar to Naxos but is slightly more social and cosmopolitan. It offers a good balance, boasting great beaches and charming villages like Naoussa. Its central location in the Cyclades chain makes it a perfect hub for island hopping and taking easy day trips to nearby islands.

Designing Your Island Escape

When selecting your island, consider what kind of memories you want to create.

For the Picture-Perfect View: Choose Santorini. Nothing compares to the white houses perched on the edge of the deep blue caldera.
For High Energy and Parties: Choose Mykonos. It offers world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife.
For Beaches and Local Feel: Choose Naxos or Paros. These islands give you space to relax and enjoy authentic Greek island life.
For History and Adventure: Choose Crete. Since it is the largest island, it offers the widest variety of activities, from deep history to hiking.

Exclusive Island Experiences

To make your island portion truly special and align with the seamless travel experience Travel Savvy offers, focus on exclusive experiences that help you move past the tourist crowds.

Santorini: A private catamaran cruise around the Caldera offers the best views of the volcanic cliffs and the sunset. This private cruise is a stunning experience. You can also arrange private wine-tasting tours at the volcanic wineries, which offer a unique taste of the island's terroir.
Mykonos: Beyond the busy beach clubs, you can enjoy the cosmopolitan vibe by securing reservations at exclusive restaurants or chartering a private yacht. A private yacht charter allows you to visit secluded beaches or take a day trip to the ancient, uninhabited island of Rhenia.

When to Visit Greece: The Luxury Sweet Spot

The timing of your visit makes a big difference in your experience. For a traveler prioritizing lower crowd density and mild weather, the best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons. This time offers the best of both worlds: warm temperatures and fewer tourists. The shoulder seasons (late April/May and September/early October) are ideal.

Late Spring: April to June

This period offers pleasantly mild weather without the intense heat of mid-summer.

Temperatures are warm, often averaging around 17°C (68 °F) in April.
The islands are fully operational, as most businesses and services open up by May.
It is a great time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery while avoiding the peak summer heat.

Early Autumn: September to October

Early autumn maintains warm weather and warm sea temperatures, making it perfect for swimming.

Crowds start to thin out significantly once children return to school.
September and early October are considered excellent times to visit because they combine mild weather with better prices than the high summer season.

If you visit in July or August, expect intense heat and very large crowds at all major sites and on the islands. Booking well in advance for these months is essential. Traveling during the shoulder season is generally easier. It provides a more relaxed and comfortable experience, which is part of the custom-crafted luxury promise.

A Sample First-Time Greece Itinerary (8 Nights)

The classic approach allows you to see the foundational culture of the mainland and then relax on a celebrated island.

Day 1-3: Athens (3 Nights)

Day 1: Arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). Transfer to a luxury hotel with an Acropolis view. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner in the lively Plaka district.
Day 2: Morning visit to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Afternoon explores the impressive Acropolis Museum.
Day 3: Take a private walking tour of the Ancient Agora and Monastiraki. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s other neighborhoods or visiting the National Archaeological Museum.

Day 4-8: Island Escape (5 Nights)

Day 4: Take an early morning flight or high-speed ferry to your chosen island (e.g., Santorini). Check into your cliffside hotel.
Day 5: Explore the unique volcanic beaches (Red Beach, Black Beach). Enjoy a private wine tasting tour at a local winery.
Day 6: Spend the afternoon on a private catamaran cruise around the Caldera. Finish with a sunset view from Oia village.
Day 7: Enjoy a slower pace. Relax by the pool, enjoy the hotel spa, or spend the day shopping in Fira town.
Day 8: Depart the island. Take a direct flight back to Athens or connect to your next international flight home.

Designing Your Perfect Greek Debut

Choosing where to go in Greece for the first time is a personal decision that depends on your interests. The right choice is the one that gives you the best experience. At Travel Savvy, we know the difference is in the details. We use our vast experience to ensure your journey is seamless and uniquely yours.

If you want history and island charm, combining Athens with Santorini is a classic winner. If you want more beaches and local life, combining Athens with Naxos or Paros is a perfect fit. Contact us today to start planning your custom-crafted Greek journey. We’ll handle every detail, from hotels with perfect views to private tours, so you can simply enjoy the magic.

Where Is the Best Place to Go in Greece for the First Time?