Discover Greece, one great trip at a time.
Practical escapes from Greece's biggest cities, with the best way to get there and the time worth setting aside.
Starting from Athens
From Athens
Nafplio
A graceful first capital of modern Greece, with neoclassical lanes, a Venetian harbour and the Palamidi fortress rising above the old town.
Stay
1–2 days
Travel
2 hr
From
€14–25 return
Intercity bus or car
Leave early for the old town, Palamidi Fortress and an unhurried waterfront dinner.
From Athens
Hydra
A car-free Saronic island known for its stone harbour, swimming coves and slow walks between whitewashed homes and sea views.
Stay
1–2 days
Travel
1 hr 40 min
From
€70–90 return
Fast ferry from Piraeus
Book the first ferry in summer; there are no cars on the island, so pack light.
From Athens
Meteora
A dramatic UNESCO landscape where historic monasteries perch on towering sandstone pillars above the town of Kalambaka.
Stay
2 days
Travel
4–5 hr
From
€45–75 return
Train or coach via Kalambaka
Stay one night in Kalambaka to see the monasteries at sunset and avoid a rushed day trip.
From Athens
Santorini
A volcanic Cycladic island of cliffside villages, caldera views and famous sunsets, best experienced at a slower pace.
Stay
3–4 days
Travel
4–8 hr ferry / 45 min flight
From
€85–180 return
Ferry from Piraeus or domestic flight
For better value, travel in May, June, September or October and stay outside Oia.
Starting from Thessaloniki
From Thessaloniki
Halkidiki
A three-pronged peninsula south of Thessaloniki, loved for bright Aegean water, pine-fringed beaches and easy summer escapes.
Stay
2–4 days
Travel
1–2 hr
From
€20–45 return
KTEL bus or car
Choose Kassandra for lively beach towns or Sithonia for quieter coves and longer stays.
From Thessaloniki
Mount Olympus
Greece’s legendary highest mountain, with forest trails from Litochoro and dramatic views across the Thermaic Gulf.
Stay
2 days
Travel
1 hr 30 min
From
€25–50 return
Train or bus to Litochoro
Base yourself in Litochoro and check the weather before choosing a hiking route.
Starting from Heraklion
From Heraklion
Chania
A charming Cretan port city where Venetian lanes, a lighthouse and nearby wild beaches make an easy long weekend.
Stay
2–3 days
Travel
2 hr 30 min
From
€30–55 return
Intercity bus or car
Pair the Venetian harbour with a full day for Balos, Falassarna or the Samaria area.
Starting from Rhodes
From Rhodes
Symi
A compact Dodecanese island with a colourful neoclassical harbour, clear water and a relaxed day-trip rhythm from Rhodes.
Stay
1 day
Travel
1–1 hr 30 min
From
€35–60 return
Day ferry
Check the return sailing time before leaving the port; schedules change by season.
Transport websites
Check live schedules, availability and final fares directly before you book.
Hellenic Train
Rail timetables and tickets, including Athens–Thessaloniki and routes to central Greece.
KTEL Macedonia
Intercity buses from Thessaloniki and northern Greece.
Blue Star Ferries
Ferry routes from Piraeus to many Cyclades and Dodecanese islands.
Seajets
High-speed seasonal ferry connections between the islands.
Aegean Airlines
Domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to the Greek islands.
Ferryhopper
Compare ferry schedules and available routes across Greek islands.
Getting around the city?
See tickets, passes and network maps for Athens and Thessaloniki.
A simple planning rule
Choose one night for every four hours of travel each way. It gives you enough time to arrive calmly, explore without rushing, and leave with a trip that feels like a break.