Some Greek islands are so close to Türkiye that you can see them from the Turkish coast with the naked eye. Yet, as the subtitle of our documentary suggests, even close neighbors rarely get to see each other this clearly. From the Parthenon to the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, from the shipwreck at Navagio to the lesser-known islands of the Aegean, Greece combines 4,000 years of history with a turquoise sea.
Athens: Ancient and modern side by side
Most trips start in Athens. The Acropolis and the Parthenon rise on a hill visible from every corner of the city. Just below, the Acropolis Museum displays the original sculptures brought down from the hill. The narrow lanes of the old quarter, Plaka, the island-village-like white houses of Anafiotika and Mount Lycabettus at sunset are classic Athens stops.
There are two great day-trip options: Delphi, the oracle center of the ancient world, and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, famous for its sunsets.
The north: Meteora and Thessaloniki
One of the most striking scenes in our documentary is Meteora. Monasteries perched atop giant rock pillars create a view that is unique both spiritually and naturally. Each monastery has different visiting days, and you’ll be asked to follow the dress code (shoulders and knees covered).
Thessaloniki, with its White Tower, Byzantine churches and lively waterfront promenade, is Greece’s second-largest city and a natural starting point if you’re arriving overland from Türkiye.
The islands: Which one suits you?
- Santorini: Volcanic caldera views, white houses and blue domes. Sunset in Oia is famous but very crowded; try Imerovigli for quieter spots.
- Crete: Greece’s largest island, with the Minoan palace of Knossos, Balos and Elafonisi beaches and the Samaria Gorge.
- Zakynthos: Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves; the beach is usually reached by boat.
- Naxos and Paros: The calmer, more affordable side of the Cyclades.
- Rhodes, Lesbos, Chios: Close to Türkiye and ideal for short getaways.
For island tours and boat trips: things to do in Greece.
When to go
May–June and September–October are Greece’s golden seasons. In July and August the islands are at their busiest, and the meltemi winds in the Aegean can disrupt ferry crossings. In winter most tourist businesses on the islands close, making it a better time for Athens and the north.
Getting around
The islands are reached by ferry (from Athens’ ports of Piraeus and Rafina) and by domestic flights. When island-hopping, staying within the same island group saves time. On the mainland, a rental car is a practical way to combine Meteora and Delphi in one trip. For flights: flights to Greece.
Where to stay
In Athens, the Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki neighborhoods are within walking distance of the Acropolis. On the islands, staying near the port makes ferry days easier: hotels in Greece.
What to eat
If you know Turkish food, much of this will feel familiar: moussaka, dolmadakia, souvlaki, horiatiki (village salad) and tzatziki. On the islands, fresh seafood takes center stage, and on Crete, dishes rich in olive oil and wild greens.
Sample itinerary: 10 days
- Days 1–3: Athens and Delphi.
- Days 4–5: Meteora.
- Days 6–10: Ferry to Naxos and Santorini.
Unusual facts
- Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets, but only a small fraction of them are inhabited.
- The monasteries of Meteora were built on top of rock pillars hundreds of meters high; at one time the only way up was by rope and basket.
- Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the first modern Games were also held in Athens, in 1896.
- Most of the country is mountainous, yet no point in Greece is very far from the sea.
- Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach on Zakynthos takes its name from the wreck resting on its sand.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- In summer, Santorini and Mykonos are very crowded and expensive; for a calmer experience, consider islands like Naxos, Milos or Paros.
- Ferries can be canceled or delayed on windy days; plan to be back on the mainland a day before your flight home.
- When renting ATVs or scooters on the islands, check license requirements and insurance; accidents are common on narrow, winding roads.
- The heat at ancient sites is exhausting; go in at opening time and bring water and a hat.
Visas & entry
Greece is in the Schengen Area. Entry rules depend on your passport: many travelers (including US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others need a Schengen visa. For Turkish citizens, a special summer program offering visas on arrival for some Aegean islands is set up anew each year; check its scope and dates with official sources before you travel.
Visa and entry rules depend on your passport and change often. Before you travel, always check the latest requirements with the destination country’s official sources and your own government’s travel advisory (for US citizens: travel.state.gov).
Frequently asked questions
Which island should first-time visitors to Greece choose?
Santorini for the views, Crete for beaches and history, and Naxos for a calmer, more affordable stay. Lesbos, Chios and Rhodes, just off the Turkish coast, are easy to combine with a trip to Türkiye.
How many days should I spend in Athens?
2–3 days is enough for the Acropolis, Plaka and the museums; add another day for a day trip to Delphi or Sounion.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
May–June and September–October: the sea is warm enough for swimming, and crowds and prices are more reasonable than in July and August.
