Next Destinations to Explore in Greece for 2023

Greece has undoubtedly captured attention in recent years, showcasing a remarkable economic revival. This makes selecting your hotel and dining options on the ever-popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini a bit of a gamble if you wait too long. While these well-known spots have attracted significant foreign investment, including global brands like Radisson and Nobu, there are numerous alternative islands where you can plan your ideal Greek summer escape. Consider the Ionian and Sporades islands for a stunning blend of lush hills and turquoise waters, or explore the less-traveled isles of the Dodecanese. Athens also deserves an extended visit for its historical sites, vibrant cultural scene, and cutting-edge dining options. Here’s your ultimate guide for your next adventure in Greece—no matter what type of experience you seek.

I’m visiting the Greek islands for the first time. Which ones should I choose?

The Cyclades

Whether you have four days or a week to discover the Greek islands, focus on one specific island group. The renowned Cyclades, located southeast of Greece in the Aegean Sea, offer rugged landscapes and pristine sandy beaches. This group includes Mykonos, known as a playground for the wealthy, famous for its vibrant beach bar scene and nightlife, alongside the romantic Santorini, characterized by its deep blue Aegean waters and iconic whitewashed buildings reflecting the colors of Greece’s flag. Milos boasts golden sands and azure waters, with limestone cliffs and the otherworldly volcanic terrain of Sarakiniko beach.

Accommodation options

Beyond the extravagance of Mykonos, there's a more relaxed atmosphere on this glamorous island. The newly opened 17-suite hotel Amyth of Mykonos represents a growing trend of earthy, sunset-view boutique hotels in Tourlos, just a 10-minute drive from the bustling capital, Hora, with its lively restaurants and bars. Guests at the Yi Hotel Mykonos, opening this summer above Elia beach, can even take DJ lessons by the pool.

On Santorini, the 25-suite Nobu Hotel Santorini has launched its first full season after opening in 2022 near Imerovigli, featuring Greece’s first Nobu restaurant. Another new addition to this volcanic island is Magma Resort Santorini, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, sure to attract food lovers with its local version of Athens’s two-Michelin-star restaurant Spondi.

The Ionian Islands

Located off the western coast of Greece, the Ionian Islands feature the sophisticated Corfu, the charming Zakynthos, and the mountainous Kefalonia, renowned from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Here, you'll find stunning Venetian architecture, pine-covered hills, and inviting turquoise waters. Recently opened on Corfu, the family-friendly all-inclusive beachfront resort, Ikos Odisia, offers five à la carte dining options, tennis and football lessons for children, and an Anne Semonin spa.

For those seeking tranquility, consider chartering Lunous, a 65-foot crewed sailing yacht with four ensuite cabins accommodating up to eight adults and two children. Depart from Corfu for a week-long adventure in the northern Ionian’s sparkling waters, including a visit to the twin islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, where Voutoumi beach rivals the best in the Caribbean.

The Dodecanese

Further southeast, near the coast of Turkey, the Dodecanese islands boast notable destinations like the medieval charm of Rhodes, the birthplace of Hippocrates, Kos, and the spiritual haven of Patmos. Here, you can expect sun-kissed hills, traditional villages that have remained largely unchanged through the centuries, and welcoming locals.

Crete

As Greece’s largest island, Crete is steeped in history, showcasing marvels from the Minoan-era Knossos Palace to the charming old towns of Chania and Rethymno, shaped by Venetian and Ottoman influences. The adults-only resort Pnoé–Breathing Life, located just outside Heraklion on the northern coast, opened in June, offering breath work and oxygen therapy among its wellness treatments.

Getting to the Greek islands

Traveling to the islands has never been simpler. If you prefer not to leisurely island-hop by ferry, consider flying from Athens to your primary destination to save time. For example, from Naxos in the Cyclades, you can easily reach a quartet of tranquil isles—Koufonissia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, and Donousa—just a short boat ride away. The small yet reliable Express Skopelitis is famous for operating even when the summer meltemi winds are at their strongest. This summer, the Greek airline Cycladic will launch inter-island flights using Cessna Grand Caravans, connecting places like Syros and Naxos, or Paros and Milos.

ZenBoat, a new small group gulet cruise experience launched in 2023 by a Greek-Swiss couple, offers first-time visitors an opportunity to explore multiple islands over the course of a week. Enjoy delicious cuisine and participate in gentle fitness sessions on board as you sail between elegant islands like Spetses and Hydra.

I’ve already visited Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. What islands should I explore next?

Alonissos

While the lush landscapes of Skiathos and Skopelos, featured in the film Mamma Mia!, have attracted many travelers, their Sporades island counterpart Alonissos has largely stayed under the radar. Diving aficionados are drawn to Greece’s first underwater museum, which opened in 2020, showcasing a fifth-century B.C.E. shipwreck that went down with 3,000 wine-filled amphorae off Peristera islet. This site lies within one of Europe’s largest marine parks, where, if you're fortunate, you might spot endangered Mediterranean monk seals, loggerhead turtles, or a pod of dolphins. On a secluded peninsula in the southwest, the family-friendly Marpunta Resort has introduced a two-bedroom seafront villa available since summer 2023, offering both privacy and access to hotel amenities.

In Kefalonia, Outdoor Kefalonia offers Jeep sMytouris through the oak- and fir-forested Kefalonia-Ithaca Geopark, which was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2022. Lucky visitors may catch sight of a herd of semi-wild horses racing across Mount Ainos. The island’s unique landscapes include stunning caves and sinkholes, with Melissani being the most famous. Join a guided boat tour as a rower navigates you through two expansive chambers; one features a collapsed roof that allows sunlight to create a glowing aquatic paradise.

Accommodation options

Use the newly opened Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa in the south as your base for a few days while you explore Kefalonia.

Ithaca

From Sami port in Kefalonia, embark on your own journey to Ithaca, the legendary homeland of Homer’s Odysseus, just a 20-minute ferry ride to the northeast. Enjoy a hike with Odyssey Outdoor Activities along scenic trails that wind through pine forests and stone villages. Visit frescoed churches dating back to the 13th century, and explore the ancient ruins believed to be the palace of Odysseus from the eighth century B.C.E. Conclude your adventure at a pebbly beach for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.

Accommodation options

For your stay, a villa nestled among olive tree-covered hills, offering sweeping views of the tranquil cobalt sea, is ideal. Villa Itha, specifically designed for yoga retreats and now available for exclusive rental, accommodates up to 18 guests across nine ensuite bedrooms. Begin your day with a morning yoga session in one of three shalas, followed by buffet meals crafted by your personal chef.

Where can I relax but also have some fun?

Antiparos

If you've visited Paros, located a 40-minute flight or a three-hour fast ferry ride southeast of Athens, you may want to find refuge from the crowds on its chic little sister, Antiparos. This tiny island, just a seven-minute ferry ride from Pounta on Paros's southwestern shore, has long been a favorite retreat for Athenians. They cherish its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, traditional tavernas, laid-back nightlife, and genuine atmosphere.

Treat yourself to a leisurely, extended lunch after a swim at the island's quintessential fish taverna, Captain Pipinos, located in Agios Georgios. As evening approaches, if you're in the mood to mingle, stroll along Antiparos's only main street for delightful cocktails at Boogaloo, Vintage, or Lime.

Accommodation options

For ultimate privacy, book a stay at Villa Emma, which accommodates up to 20 guests in 10 bedrooms. This stylish, sea-view residence boasts stone exteriors and contemporary interiors adorned with works by Greek artists. Recently, unique stays like the Rooster and Beach House Antiparos have also added to the appeal of this Cycladic gem.

What should I definitely see beyond Athens’s ancient landmarks?

Petralona

Athens is more than just its city center, the charming old town of Plaka, and the wealth of archaeological treasures, particularly the iconic fifth-century B.C.E. Parthenon and its surrounding monuments atop the Acropolis. In addition to its numerous historical sites—from Hellenistic marvels to Byzantine churches and Ottoman artifacts—the Greek capital features several unique neighborhoods worth discovering. Petralona is one of the city’s last true neighborhoods, where traditional tavernas like Oikonomou, in operation since 1930, coexist with trendy bars such as Upupa Epops.

Downtown Athens

Downtown Athens is thriving with new hotels, including the Dolli, a neoclassical mansion from 1925 that has been transformed into a 46-room boutique hotel featuring a rooftop restaurant. Its infinity pool beautifully mirrors the Pentelic marble columns of the Parthenon.

The Athens Riviera

This 38-mile stretch of stunning coastline, located 3.6 miles south of the city, is alive with multi-billion-dollar tourism and redevelopment initiatives. At the site of the former Athens airport, the Ellinikon is being developed and will include a coastal park, hotels like a Mandarin Oriental opening in 2027, and luxury beachfront residences. One&Only is set to debut One&Only Aesthesis, its first Greek property and second in Europe, along the beachfront in the upscale suburb of Glyfada in October 2023.

Be sure to visit the newly reopened National Gallery, which houses over 20,000 artworks, including masterpieces by Picasso, Mondrian, and Delacroix, alongside Greek artists. This year’s Athens Epidaurus Festival boasts a lineup of renowned names and emerging talent, so act fast to secure tickets for outdoor performances in music, theater, dance, or opera. Additionally, the annual Release Athens festival on the southern coast features a diverse array of performers, including Arctic Monkeys, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Prodigy.

For me, it’s all about the food. Where should I dine?

Pagrati

At Soil, located in the Pagrati district of Athens, chef Tasos Mantis cultivates vegetables, edible flowers, and fragrant herbs from his own farm, crafting seasonally inspired fine dining menus that have recently earned the restaurant a Michelin star, along with an additional green star for its sustainable practices.

For Michelin-star enthusiasts, be sure to book a table at Delta. This latest addition to Athens’s culinary scene boasts two prestigious stars. Situated on the fifth floor of the architect Renzo Piano's Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, it offers stunning views of marinas and Piraeus while serving a sustainability-focused 12-course haute Hellenic menu that highlights fermentation and Scandi-inspired preservation techniques.

The Greek islands

During the summer, the islands come alive with culinary delights. Chef Ettore Botrini has launched his fourth restaurant at the Katikies Mykonos resort. He’s teamed up with self-taught chef Nikos Pouliasis to breathe new life into the iconic Santorini eatery Koukoumavlos, now located in the Katikies Chromata hotel. Additionally, the innovative Dimitris Katrivesis takes charge at Mavro within the Kivotos Santorini hotel, paying homage to the region's culinary traditions this season.

What about a fall road trip on the mainland for a change of scenery?

Messolongi

Rent a car and embark on a scenic journey from Athens to Messolongi, a drive of less than three hours northwest along the Gulf of Corinth. At first glance, this flat city—steeped in a poignant history from the Greek War of Independence—may not captivate you. However, delve deeper by engaging with the youth-led cultural and ecotourism organization Messolonghi by Locals. Their passionate team offers insightful tours of the expansive saltwater lagoons, showcasing how fishermen employ unique, time-honored techniques while safeguarding vital habitats for rare and endangered bird species, both migratory and local.

Our new series The Next List highlights hidden gems in well-trodden areas and uncovers the next must-visit (less-crowded) destinations this year. Discover our recommendations for where to go next in France, Italy, and Europe as well.