Top 13 Things To Do In Greece: History, Islands And Activities
Experience the Wonders of Greece on a Cruise to the Greek Isles
By Cassie Bailey | Published: August 7, 2025 | Updated: February 25, 2026
Did you know that the sparkling waters of Greece are dotted with as many as 6,000 islands and inlets? About 227 of them are inhabited, and they each are packed with beautiful sights, vibrant cultures and centuries-old history.
With so much to offer, Greece and the Greek Isles regularly top travel wish lists. Think ancient ruins like the Acropolis of Athens, miles of sand-swept beaches, like Santorini’s famous Red Beach and fresh-from-the-sea food like grilled octopus and sea bass — all in one trip.
One of the best ways to see it all is on a Royal Caribbean cruise; it’s island-hopping — sans daily ferry schedules or packing and unpacking at every new place. Take a look at the best things to do in Greece on a cruise to many of the country’s most popular spots.
Key Takeaways: What To Visit In Greece During Your Cruise Vacation
- ● Athens: Travel back in time by exploring the Acropolis and the Parthenon, shopping for handmade pottery in Plaka or enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the water at Mikrolimano harbor.
- ● Mykonos: Beyond the famous nightlife, you can wander fairytale streets lined with 16th-century windmills or visit the nearby archaeological site of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
- ● Santorini: This destination offers more than just breathtaking sunsets; you can swim at the volcanic Red Beach, explore the preserved Bronze Age ruins of Akrotiri or soak in volcanic hot springs at Nea Kameni.
- ● Rhodes: History buffs can explore the medieval Old Town and the clifftop acropolis at Lindos, while others might prefer relaxing on white sand beaches and eating local stuffed clams.
- ● Corfu: With its unique Italian influences, this is a perfect spot to take a walking food tour or pedal through mountainside villages to admire coastal roads and historic fortresses.
- ● Argostoli: Located on the island of Cephalonia, this city invites you to explore natural wonders like the Koutavos Lagoon nature preserve and the hidden Melissani Lake, known as the Cave of Nymphs.
- ● Katakolon: This small beach town offers a distinct historical thrill where you can walk the grounds of the original site of the ancient Olympic Games.
- ● Chania: For a relaxing experience on the island of Crete, you can enjoy wine tastings at the Manousakis Winery amidst the sun-bleached coastlines
- ● Explore Greece cruises and discover the natural and cultural wonders of this Mediterranean gem.
Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and is known as both the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization. Here are some of the best things to do in Athens:
1. Visit Ancient Temples and Ruins
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time when exploring centuries-old sites like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, shopping for keepsakes like handmade pottery in Plaka, the city’s oldest district, and marveling at the grandeur of the Parthenon atop the Acropolis of Athens.
Many of these popular sites are clustered together, meaning a 30-minute taxi ride into the city will give you plenty of options to explore on foot.
2. Taste Fresh Seafood At The Mikrolimano Harbor
When you’re ready, you can step back into the present with a stroll through the picturesque Mikrolimano harbor. It’s the perfect place to begin your island-hopping adventure in Greece. Grab fresh seafood at a local taverna overlooking the glittering water.
Mykonos
The sun-drenched island of Mykonos, Greece — best known for its stark white buildings with recognizable blue shutters and doors — is noted as one of the most picturesque places in Greece. Then again, its nightlife and famous beach parties are hits, too.
3. Stroll Through The Charming Streets
Travelers say that a wander through the streets of Mykonos is like strolling through a fairytale, naming it one of the best places to visit in Greece. And it’s true; the island’s quaint villages, filled with bougainvillea-covered medieval houses, cobblestone paths, stunning beaches and waterfront cafes, are as spectacular as people say.
4. Discover Greek Mythology At Delos
Mykonos is also known as The Island of the Winds because it’s chock-full of 16th-century windmills. If you’re into history or mythology, there’s the nearby Delos to explore, an archaeological site that’s the mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis.
Santorini
If you can imagine a volcanic island featuring dynamic beaches, a unique wine culture, glowing sunsets and white, cubic houses that look like snow-capped peaks from afar, you wouldn’t even be covering a fraction of what Santorini has to offer. Here are just a few of the top attractions to explore on your family vacation:
5. View The Sunset From Oia
Few sunsets in the world rival those over villages like Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio and more in Santorini, Greece — and for many, this alone makes it a must-see destination. With golden evening light and striking cliffside villages, Santorini is a sight to behold.
Oia is the most popular sunset destination, and you can reach it via a local bus or taxi from Fira in 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re game, the hike is also worth it. At about 6.5 miles (and under the classic Mediterranean vacation sun), allocate at least two to three hours — and remember to bring a camera.
6. Swim At Red Beach
There are many more things to do in the Greek Islands while soaking up breathtaking scenery. The well-known Red Beach is surrounded by sinuous, smoked-paprika cliffs that undulate from great heights down into turquoise waters. Take a 20-minute taxi from the cruise port and bring your swimsuit for a dip in one of the region’s most captivating locations.
7. Learn About The Minoan Eruption At The Akrotiri Ruins
The island’s dramatic geography was shaped by a devastating Minoan volcanic eruption in 1600 B.C. It is now the perfect backdrop for a day of exploring the Bronze Age Akrotiri ruins preserved in ash. Fun fact: The ash makes the area ideal for Assyrtiko grapes, which are white Greek grapes often used for dry, sweet wines like Vinsanto, a dessert wine (they’re worth a tasting, too).
8. Soak In The Nea Kameni Hot Springs
You can also discover more about the land’s volcanic geology by taking a 30-minute boat ride to Nea Kameni, an island in the center of Santorini’s caldera (a large depression that forms when a volcano erupts and collapses). There, you’ll see smoking craters and can soak in the hot springs. You’ll want to allocate around three hours to explore the area and visit the springs.
Rhodes
The largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is famous for its UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, classic sun-baked Greek beaches and lively nightlife. Here’s what to do when you’re visiting:
9. Explore Ancient Wonders Of The World
The island of Rhodes, Greece, is well known for having been home to Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus stood as high as the Statue of Liberty in 280 B.C., making it the tallest statue in the world, before it collapsed during an earthquake. It’s easily reachable (and usually faster) on foot from the cruise port, but taxis are available outside the port gate.
10. Discover Architectural Ruins In Old Town
Today, you can find many other sights and experiences in Rhodes, especially historical adventures. An easy five to 15-minute walk from the cruise port will bring you to the aptly named Old Town, where there are medieval walls, Byzantine churches, Roman ruins and ancient synagogues and minarets.
11. Take In The Beaches And Try Local Delicacies
There’s also the archaeological site of the ancient city of Lindos, just an hour’s drive from Old Town. It’s known for its clifftop acropolis, which features monumental 4th-century gates. With the longest summer season of all the Greek Isles, you’ll also have plenty of ways to take in the beauty of Rhodes and its white sand beaches while enjoying local delicacies like stuffed clams, grilled sea bass and squid.
Corfu And Argostoli
Along the western coast of Greece, the Ionian Islands are home to a unique cultural identity that includes Italian influences, thanks to centuries spent under Venetian rule. Here’s what you can explore locally:
12. Take A Walking Food Tour And Cycle Through Mountainside Villages In Corfu
One of the best ways to unlock this storied past is by taking a walking food tour in Corfu, Greece — literally a moveable feast. Or, rent a bike at the port and pedal through mountain villages to explore the island’s stunning coastal roads and historic fortresses. A cycle tour typically takes up the better half of a day.
13. Visit Koutavos Lagoon And The Melissani Lake In Cephalonia
In Cephalonia, the largest of these islands, you’ll find Argostoli, a city full of natural and cultural wonders that include the Koutavos Lagoon nature preserve, about five minutes’ drive from the port. The hidden Melissani Lake, known as the Cave of Nymphs in Greek mythology, is slightly further afield, and you can reach it from the cruise port by taxi in about 30 minutes.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Should I Not Miss In Greece?
Greece offers many historic, culinary, natural and cultural gems to discover, so it really depends on the type of experiences you’re seeking. Most first-time travelers prioritize the historic Acropolis in Athens, the sunset views in Santorini and the winding streets of Mykonos.
What Is The No. 1 Attraction In Greece?
The Acropolis of Athens is the main drawcard for many visitors. It’s a massive, ancient hilltop citadel centered around the Parthenon, where you can see the original ruins up close. You’ll also snag a great view of the city from the top.
Dive Into The Mythical Wonders Of Ancient Greece On A Mediterranean Cruise
There are many adventures to choose from when you cruise through the Greek Islands with Royal Caribbean. Between the thrill of walking the original site of the ancient Olympic Games in the small beach town of Katakolon and enjoying tastings at Manousakis Winery in Chania, Greece is loaded with old-Mediterranean charm, stunning coastlines and plenty of fulfilling activities for the whole family.
Ready for your own dose of sun-bleached coastlines and myth-soaked ruins? Explore cruises to Greece sailing from Athens and lock in your getaway.
Related Articles
The Best Greek Mythology Tours and Destinations in Greece
READ MORE
Ancient Greek Architecture Guide: History, Types and Top Sites
READ MORE
Planning the Ultimate Greek Island Hopping Getaway
READ MORE
