Delos island is just a short boat ride away from Mykonos. It was the birthplace of the sun god Apollo and the moon goddess Artemis, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage area. The entire island is like an open-air museum tour - there are many beautiful temples dedicated to the gods on the island, an impressive collection of statues, and seven famous marble lions that are the guardians of the sanctuary

As one of Mykonos’s most famous party beaches, Paradise Beach is always a buzz of activity, attracting crowds who lounge on its golden sands, cool off in blue waters, and spend the nights drinking and dancing till morning. If you’re looking for the ultimate party experience in Mykonos, this is where to go.

The chapel of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani is located in the town of Chora, at the entrance of Kastro neighborhood, next to the sea. It is one of the most famous churches in Mykonos, as well as the most photographed because of its architectural quirkiness: the Paraportiani church actually consists of five small separate churches that were built one on top or next to the other.

The Acropolis of Athens, crowned by the pillared Parthenon, is the icon of Greece and is one of the world’s most famous monuments, visited by everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to Jennifer Lopez. It is here that the concept of democracy first developed, as were the foundations of politics, philosophy and free speech. Walking amongst the temple’s gleaming white marble pillars with this in mind is a heady historical experience indeed.

Located by the southeastern slope of the Acropolis hill, the Acropolis Museum whisks visitors away on a time-travelling expedition. It houses a large collection of marble sculptures and other ancient treasures that offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient Greeks. Noteworthy among the exhibits is the showcase of the Parthenon Marbles, a group of sculptures, and architectural elements, taken from the Parthenon itself, ‘which can be seen through the museum’s glass walls.’

The Dimotiki Agora, aka the modern-day Athens Central Market, is a sensory overload of colourful fruit, vegetables, seafood, spices and herbs, cuts of meat, and a cacophony of tens of thousands of locals who noisily haggle with store vendors over their weekly groceries. It’s a foodie or photography enthusiasts dream, with an intriguing sight in every direction. The food market is found halfway between the Monastiraki Square and the Omania Square.

It takes an hour and a half to drive from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, but this landmark is definitely worth the journey. The temple is a majestic and striking sight, with its aged marble columns standing tall against the deep blue Aegean sea. And it’s layered with stories of mythology and history. Do choose a tour package that includes time to watch the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is flushed with a riot of colour.

The Museum of Delphi exhibits artefacts found at the archaeological site, including offerings by pilgrims, sculptures and marble friezes. Noteworthy among the collection is a room dedicated to The Charioteer, a striking life-size bronze statue of a chariot driver found in 1896,  as well as a colossal statue of the mythical Sphinx, who according to myth, would stand on the crossroads at Delphi, challenging travellers with her famous riddles. 

The theatre at Delphi is set further up the hill from the Temple of Apollo. It is one of the best preserved in Greece.  Musical competitions and events were conducted here as part of the Pythian Games, which were held in honour of Apollo every four years.

The lovely, little Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, is down the hill from the Temple of Apollo. It includes the remains of three temples dedicated to the goddess. Of these, Tholus is the most famous. Three of its columns still stand on a round podium - it may be the ruins of a temple, but it is a very photogenic one. Group tours sometimes exclude the Sanctuary from the itinerary, so make sure you insist on visiting it!

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi is built onto the hillside; the elegance of the Doric column and weathered stone undimmed by the age of centuries. To reach it requires a walk up hill (so wear sneakers, bring a water bottle, and wear a sunhat). From the temple, a grandiose view of the valley unfurls, filled with millions of olive trees as far as the eye can see. The story of ancient priestesses  making offerings to a slumbering god comes to life before your eyes

The monastery of Prophet Elias is built on the highest peak of Santorini, near the village of Pyrgos. From this vantage point, one has a panoramic view of the entire island. According to locals, it is even possible to glimpse Crete on a very clear day. A small chapel houses rare ecclesiastical icons that date back to the 17th century.and works of art; and the monks also have a small gift shop where the sell wine, and olive oil.

Oia is one of the most photographed places in not just Santorini, but all of Greece - and for good reason. Small blue-domed chapels, pretty hotels and whitewashed houses overhung with pink, white and orange bougainvillea line the village; it’s every bit as charming as Instagram promises. The showstopper at Oia, however, is the sunset. Every evening, as the sun slips below the horizon, it flushes the sky with a riot of yellows, golds and reds, sparking impromptu applause from appreciative spectators.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the best preserved in the Aegean. The city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC and completely covered in ash. Excavations have uncovered multi-storey buildings, decorated with wall paintings and containing furniture, including a Minoan toilet and a stone bathtub! It’s so sophisticated that legend has it Akrotiri is actually the legendary Atlantis - in some ways, that makes it even more fascinating.

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is located on the coastline opposite the volcano, and as such, offers a spectacular view of the cliff-ringed caldera and sparkling sea. The village boasts a variety of boutique shops, hotels, restaurants and tavernas, pubs and bars, and has a buzzing nightlife. Fira has its own port where cruise ships dock, from where the town can be reached via a cable car or a donkey ride.

Trekking to the top of Santorini’s still-active volcanic island Nea Kameni is quite a thrilling experience (don’t worry - it has been dormant since 1950, and is regularly monitored). Jet-black rocks, short, stubby grass and yellow flowers create a wild landscape around the crater. And from here, there’s an incredible view of the caldera. Group tours usually combine a trek to the top of Nea Kameni with a visit to the nearby sulphuric hot springs.

Elafonisi is a lovely little beach with white and pink sand and turquoise water. It’s the perfect spot to spend a quiet afternoon, lazing on the beach and taking in the pretty view, wading into the waves, which are shallow and warm, or pretend you’re in a movie scene by looking wistfully at the horizon, thinking of a lost love (real or imagined). You can reach the beach by boat or by taking a bus from Chania.

Anyone familiar with the myth of the Minotaur will want to visit the ancient Knossos Palace, located south of Heraklion near the north coast of Crete. Legend has it that this is where King Minos built a labyrinth for the famous mythological creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. The palace was excavated and restored in the early 20th century. 
It’s beautifully decorated; throne room with its gypsum throne, the central courtyard, the theatre, an elegant dolphin wall fresco of a bull all speak of the grandeur and prosperity of the Minoans. The palace is made up of 1300 interconnected rooms, from throne rooms to crafting areas – a labyrinth, so to speak.

Heraklion is the capital and the largest city on the island of Crete. Although there’s plenty to see, don’t miss the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which contains more than10, 000 artefacts such as pottery, miniature sculptures, elegant gold jewellery, and frescoes, from a period of 5,000 years. Group tour packages will usually combine a visit of the Knossos Palace with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Once the capital of Greece, Chania today is one of the prettiest towns you’ll visit. Hotels, elegant mansions, and waterfront tavernas ring the  Venetian port, filled with small boats and yachts. And in the White Mountains that frame the town, valleys full of orange trees and hills dotted by shepherd’s cottage make you feel gorgeously lost.

The gorge in Samaria National Park, one of the largest in Europe, is best appreciated on a 6-hour hike - an arranged group tour means that you won’t have to worry about logistics and can just enjoy the scenery. The walk downhill zigzags through cypress forests, past white, pink and plum-purple wildflowers and small, open chapels built into the gorge side, and crisscrosses a small river. Hikers can enjoy a drink of orange juice or some ice cream at a cafe located at the end of the trail.