Greece pairs ancient history with island beaches, buzzing nightlife and laid-back coastal towns, so the right base depends on the trip you want. Athens anchors the mainland and its classical sites, while islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete each offer a different mix of scenery, culture and coast. Choose your base around what you most want to see, then build outwards.
Which city in Greece?
First-timers and culture lovers usually start in Athens, home to the Acropolis and the country's main museums and transport links. For iconic island scenery, Santorini and its cliffside town of Oia deliver the postcard views, while Mykonos and Mykonos Town lean towards beaches and lively nightlife.
If you want history without the island premium, Thessaloniki offers a walkable mainland city around the White Tower, and Rhodes combines beaches with its atmospheric medieval Old Town. Families and travellers wanting variety often favour Heraklion on Crete, close to Knossos and a broad range of beaches, food and day trips.
6 cities to choose from
Planning a trip to Greece
- Getting around
- Greece connects its regions by a mix of domestic flights, ferries and roads. Athens is the main hub, with flights and fast ferries reaching islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete. Ferries link many islands to each other and the mainland, though frequency varies by season. On the mainland, trains and buses connect cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, and hiring a car helps on larger islands like Crete and Rhodes.
- Best time to visit
- Greece is a warm-weather destination with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Peak season runs through July and August, when islands like Santorini and Mykonos are busiest and hottest. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn typically bring pleasant temperatures, thinner crowds and easier sightseeing in places like Athens and Rhodes. Winter is quieter, with some island services reduced, though mainland cities stay lively year-round.
Greece: common questions
Which city should I stay in?
For a first trip, Athens is the natural base for history and transport links. Choose Santorini or Mykonos for classic island scenery and nightlife, Rhodes or Thessaloniki for culture with fewer crowds, and Heraklion on Crete for variety and family-friendly beaches.
How many cities can I combine?
Two or three works well for a week or more. Many travellers pair Athens with one island such as Santorini, Mykonos or Crete. Combining several islands takes longer, as ferry and flight times add up, so leave buffer days for connections.
Is Greece good for a first trip?
Yes. Athens offers an easy introduction with the Acropolis and good links onwards, and adding one island gives a balanced first visit. Santorini and Crete are popular pairings for scenery and beaches.
Should I base myself on the mainland or an island?
The mainland, especially Athens and Thessaloniki, suits history and easier logistics. Islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete suit beaches and coastal scenery, though reaching and moving between them requires ferries or flights.
Independent guides to where to stay in Greece — chosen on facts and verified before we publish.