Go beyond the famous landmarks and discover where locals eat, explore, unwind, and experience Greece at its best.
This article has been developed by Phoenix Vlogianitis, Client Services Coordinator at insurance.com.au
Pheonix has spent years travelling back to Greece to reconnect with family, culture and the places locals know best.
Australia is home to half a million people of Greek origin. And if you ask any of them, where should I go on holiday, you’ll not only get the same answer every time (being Greece, of course), but you’ll get an insight into the way of life which makes every Greek you know so fiercely patriotic and proud of their ancestry and background.
You’ll often hear the phrase, “Φίλε μου, μόνο Ελλάδα”, which translates to “My friend, only Greece”. Where else can you enjoy breakfast overlooking the Acropolis, spend the whole day swimming in turquoise, clear water and finish the day dining on fresh, char-grilled χταπόδι (or octopus for those who don’t know).
When you travel to Greece, you don’t just travel to the destination, you immerse yourself in the life. Every coffee deserves a jaw-dropping view, conversations aren’t rushed, they go for hours and dinners always end up with everyone dancing into the early hours.
This guide will give you the true, authentic taste of Greece. And yes, Greece is very touristy; we’re proud of how popular it is. Let me take you on an itinerary which helps you weave around those bustling crowds, and makes you want to come back every year like I do every year.
Some people treat Athens as a stopover on their way to the islands. Don’t and I mean DO NOT be one of those people. The city where democracy was born, to truly understand the Greek psyche and philosophy you must give yourself a few days in Athens. History lives on every corner, and every monument reminds you how much we humans have progressed over time.
Every traveller visiting Greece has a rite of passage to see the Acropolis. Just make sure you go early, preferably at sunrise to avoid the baking Mediterranean sun and swarming crowds. Looking at the Parthenon will make you appreciate how marble columns have watched over a city for 2,500 years.
Spend a few days walking the nearby streets of Monastiraki and Plaka, with whitewashed balconies giving way to endless hidden cafes, local markets and places to shop. If you love museums and arts, you’re spoiled for choice, with the National Archaeological Museum housing collections of artefacts that made Greece the birthplace of Western civilisation.
And finally, if there’s one thing Athenian locals know how to do, it’s eat and eat well. Go to a local taverna, and order whatever the owner recommends. They will take you through their own food journey and bless your meal with a complimentary karpousi or watermelon at the end of your meal. In Greece, hospitality isn’t providing good service; it’s showing you their way of life.
If one destination could capture everything when you Google Greece, it is Chania, nestled on Greece’s biggest island, Crete.
Chania has an eloquent way of slowing down time. You arrive planning to stay a couple of days and you find yourself extending your stay there. The heart of Chania is the Old Venetian harbour, where the historic lighthouses and fishing boats create a blaze of tranquillity. The evening is where Chania lights up and the city becomes truly alive. Spend some time venturing through the narrow alleyways of the old town, with Cretans known as some of Greece’s most patriotic and welcoming people. Prepare to order a glass of local Greek red wine and sit back and appreciate the world go by.
Chania also forms the base for travelling to some of Greece’s more remote and picturesque beaches. Elafonisi Beach, only half an hour away from Chania, greets you with its pink sand, yes pink sand, making it a perfect day trip for all. Balos Beach is another must visit beach about an hour’s travel from Chania transporting you to shallow, warm lagoons and a breathtaking view of the Gramvousa Peninsula.
Santorini and Mykonos might dominate Instagram and TikTok, but most Greeks would instead direct you to Paros, nearby.
Paros offers the same thrills as the two aforementioned islands, but with a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere. It strikes the balance of being lively without overwhelming you, and at half the price.
Stepping off the ferry, the port town of Parikia welcomes you to winding, marble streets and colourful bougainvillea. Down the road is Naoussa, the island’s main town, a postcard-perfect fishing village which is one of Europe’s most charming destinations. The harbour is stocked full of restaurants and bars, a place where you’ll watch fishing boats bob gently in the water as the sun disappears into the marvellous Aegean.
Paros caters for every type of visitor. Those who love beaches are spoiled for choice, with regular hop-on hop-off ferries to secluded beaches. Those with an eye to party can enjoy endless bars and clubs without paying the exorbitant fees that nearby Mykonos charges. And those that prefer a more relaxed pace to life can appreciate the fact that you won’t be battling crowds for a sunset photo or squeezing g through packed laneways. Every day truly feels less hurried than the last.
If there’s a best kept secret in Greece, it’s Milos. Milos wins over every traveller's heart and it leaves you often stopping every few minutes to admire the beauty and view.
Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, travellers spend their time in Milos by the seaside. Each fishing village and sea cave has its own personality and is truly unforgettable.
Klima is perhaps the most famous, with traditional fishing houses built right on the water's edge. The colourful doors feel like stepping into a postcard, reflecting the calmness of the Aegean Sea. Swimming at Kleftiko is a must for those who love impossibly blue waters, with the pirate hideout an experience you’ll remember long after that Mediterranean tan fades away. Milos doesn’t fight for your attention with flashy beach clubs or crowded hotspots; it invites you to see Greece at your own pace.
A relatively short ferry ride from Athens, Hydra feels like stepping into a former era. There are no traffic lights, no cars or scooters, yes, all forms of motor transport are banned on the island. Instead, people walk the cobbled streets everywhere, locals encourage you to put your phone away and take in the experience and donkeys still help transport goods to locals in the mountainous villages.
Elegant stone mansions climb the hillside, with the island's harbour being the heartbeat. Hydra isn’t about attractions; it’s about browsing boutique galleries and following the coastal paths to the secluded swimming spots along the Saronic Gulf.
A haven for artists and musicians seeking inspiration, every corner is photogenic. The nighttime brings the golden lights of boats reflecting off the harbour, with conversations spilling out from waterfront restaurants. Hydra offers what travellers value the most, an immersive, authentic experience.
Ready to explore Greece?
From climbing the steps of Hydra and wandering the cobbled laneways of Paros to swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Milos, unforgettable adventures often come with unexpected moments.
Travel insurance may help provide cover for a range of unforeseen events while you're overseas, so you can focus on enjoying everything Greece has to offer.
Don’t let the unexpected interrupt your adventure.
Paros, Milos and Hydra offer a more authentic atmosphere than some of Greece's busier tourist destinations while still providing stunning beaches, local culture and excellent food.
Most travellers should spend at least two to three days in Athens to experience the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and the city's food culture.
Paros and Milos are popular alternatives for travellers seeking beautiful scenery without the same crowd levels often associated with Santorini.
May to June and September to October are often considered ideal months, offering warm weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Every trip is different, but travel insurance can help protect you against unexpected events, such as lost luggage, travel delays or certain medical expenses while overseas. Having the right cover in place means you can travel with greater confidence and focus on enjoying Greece.
This article has been prepared by insurance.com.au Pty Ltd (insurance.com.au) ABN 27 163 909 073, an Authorised Representative (AR Number 443422) of Community Broker Network Pty Ltd ABN 60 096 916 184 AFSL 233750.
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