Travel

4 Beautiful Places In Greece To Tick Off This Euro Summer

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When it comes to bucket list-worthy destinations, it’s a safe bet that Greece is sitting pretty at the top of your list. Featuring postcard-perfect islands, shimmering coastlines and cities awash with centuries-old culture—this country is pure magic. 

Not sure where to tackle first? We’ve teamed up with our mates at Qatar Airways to curate the ultimate travel itineraries so all you need to do is book in that annual leave and start packing.

Take note, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Greece. 

Mykonos 

If you’re looking to party, then hop on the first Qatar Airways flight to sun-soaked Mykonos (with a stopover in Doha, Qatar). Here you’ll find superclubs boasting world-famous DJs, vibing bars and beach clubs galore. Known as the Ibiza of Greece, you’re never far away from a good time or party invite on this island. Your beach club hit list should include Alemagou at Ftelia beach for boho vibes; sip cocktails from beach beds at Jackie’O Beach Club and for a classic Mykonos party, make tracks to Paradise Beach Club. The institution has welcomed party-hungry travellers for years and never disappoints. When the sun goes down, sink incredible cocktails at Alley Bar, soak up waterfront views and DJ beats at Katerina’s Bar, and sip a cold aperitif at Galleraki where the Mediterranean will splash against your seat. Partying aside, Mykonos has a lot of beauty to offer. For straight up stunning scenery, stroll through the town centre of Chora and get lost in the labyrinth of buildings you’ve seen plastered all over postcards. Nearby Little Venice is equally beautiful, with white-washed dwellings hanging over the edge of the island dating back to the 16th century. Finally, be sure to snap a pic at the Mykonos Windmills and the famous Paraportiani church—they’ll provide the ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment. 

Crete

Think: golden beaches, dramatic mountains, UNESCO heritage sites and historic old towns and you’ll have described Crete in a nutshell. Often overlooked for the likes of Mykonos and Santorini, this gorgeous island deserves a spot on your must-see list. Head to Chania, the second-largest city in Crete and one of the liveliest places on the island. It’s here you’ll find the Old Town, filled with winding cobblestone alleys and Venetian architecture. There are boutiques and galleries to check out during the day, while at night the tavernas, bars and nightclubs come alive, giving the area a real buzz. While you’re in the hood, be sure to check out the Venetian Inner Harbour and lighthouse. Plus the Archaeological Museum and nearby Municipal Gardens, home to wild goats, is absolutely worth your time. Stretch your legs with a hike to Samaria (around 16kms), Europe’s longest gorge, and have your mind blown at the incredible views. Get a culture hit at Knossos, an archaeological site thought to have been settled around 7000BC, making it Europe’s oldest city. Being Greece, you know Crete is home to some epic eats too. Devour the best slow-cooked lamb of your life at Antikristo, taste delicate handmade skoufichta pasta at Kritamon and for dessert, check out Chrisostomos, who are famous for their cheese-stuffed Sfakiani pita pies drizzled with Cretan honey. Work off all that food at Crete’s vibing club scene. We love Mylos Club (who have been raving for over two decades), Ilios for authentic Cretan music  and Stone Project for the best cocktails on the island and cool interiors. 

Athens 

When it comes to culture and history, few cities rival Athens for the crown. Filled with neoclassical buildings and ancient ruins, it’s like something out of a film set and absolutely needs to be seen IRL to be believed. With a short stopover in Doha, Qatar, you can fly direct to Athens with Qatar Airways and start your trip with a visit to the Acropolis. Best viewed at sunrise, your jaw will drop as the marble monuments and cobblestone streets are bathed in a soft warm light. While you’re at it, the Temple of Poseidon and The National Museum of Contemporary Art should satisfy your culture cravings. But the real beauty comes from Athen’s eclectic mix of neighbourhoods. Kypseli, a multicultural spot full of young creatives, art galleries and stunning, crumbling mansions is well worth a visit. Wander down Fokionos Negri Boulevard and eat your way through the cafes and tavernas that line the street. If you can swing it, visit on a Sunday so you can peruse the  1930s-built municipal market boasting an organic food market and pop up shops. Next up, head to Anafiotika, a beautiful village hugging the northern slopes of the Acropolis—this is where you’ll get your content for the ‘gram. Think: white and blue-hued dwellings covered in vines mixed with centuries old churches. This is the Greece you’ve been dreaming about. Round out your visit with a trip to Varvakios Agora, a drool-worthy indoor and outdoor food market that is packed with delicious fresh produce including seafood, fruits, spices and Greek pastries. 

Santorini 

Chances are, when you picture Greece, it’s the dome-topped buildings that cover the island of Santorini. And yes, it’s just as gorgeous IRL. Some say this is the true home of the lost city of Atlantis but we just call it bloody beautiful. Made up of two islands, you’ll likely want to spend most of your time on Thira, the archipelago's largest island. It’s home to Fira and Oia. You can even hike between the two picturesque spots—spanning 10.5km you’ll score epic views along the way. After all that exercise, reward yourself with a trip to Santorini’s many colourful beaches. There’s Red Beach framed by dramatic amber cliffs and Kamari Beach, famous for its long stretch of black sand. With sparkling blue water in the front, and the imposing Mesa Vouno hill behind, it’s a breathtaking spot to spend the day. For a hit of culture and history, make tracks to Akrotiri. Known as the Greek Pompeii, the ruins will take you on a journey back to 1450 BC with pathways leading you to clay buildings, homes and artefacts. The Prophet Elias Monastery is also worth your time. Standing at the highest point of Santorini, this gorgeous church was built by monks back in 1711. Aim to arrive just before sunset for one of the best views on the island. All that exploring will surely work up a thirst, which can be happily quenched at Sigalas Winery. Hot tip: grapes grown on volcanic soil = seriously good vino. Keep the vibes high with a visit to some of Santorini’s best bars—Catch Bar Restaurant’s rooftop digs and MoMix’s incredible cocktail menu get our vote. If you needed any more convincing to hop on a plan stat, Qatar Airways have just reinstated season services throughout European summer direct Santorini — that means there's just one stop between Australia and Santorini in Doha. *books flights immediately*  

Whether it's dancing on top of tables in Mykonos, journeying through century-old towns or lounging on sparkling beaches — it's safe to say Greece is on the top of our Euro hit list. Make your Euro summer a reality now with Qatar Airways flights to Athens and Mykonos, stopping over in the extravagant city of Doha, Qatar.  

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Qatar Airways and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

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