Best for: village life

Escape the hustle and bustle of central Athens and retreat to this charming neighborhood, located at the foot of the Acropolis. Plaka's winding streets, colorful houses and lack of traffic give it the feel of a peaceful Mediterranean village, rather than a subsection of a city, and you can easily spend a day here exploring at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of cafes with outdoor seating to hop between and tavernas for when you need something more substantial, plus a clutch of museums to get your culture fix in between.

Best for: following in the footsteps of sporting greats

Step into the ancient sporting arena of Olympia, where great athletes battled it out on the track and in the gymnasium. At the site where the Olympic Games took place every four years, you can wander the ruins of the stadium and even sprint along the racetrack. There are also various impressive temples to explore around the area, plus the excellent Olympia Archaeological Museum for delving further into sporting history. Book a Princess excursion that will transport you around the site over the course of half a day.

Best for: unforgettable sunsets

In Santorini, it’s hard to pick a favorite between the town of Oia or the island’s capital, Fira. Both offer cascades of whitewashed houses peppered with colorful domes, but for most people, Oia is the eventual winner, thanks to its peaceful, romantic atmosphere and – most importantly – its status as (arguably) the best sunset-watching spot in Greece. There’s also a loose, bohemian feel to Oia, with its dinky artisan boutiques and tiny galleries showcasing work by local artists.

Best for: historical marvels

A short ferry journey from fashionable Mykonos transports you to a different world entirely: one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. People from all around the country used to make pilgrimages to the island of Delos to pay tribute to Apollo and Artemis, both said to have been born here in Greek mythology. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Delos houses numerous temples, statues, shrines and other partially preserved structures, some of which are in excellent condition. Look out for the famous Terrace of the Lions, featuring a row of snarling, stone beasts on plinths. Get to know Delos on a Princess walking tour (departing from Mykonos) that covers the highlights of the historic island.

Best for: Ancient history and archaeological sites

Athens, Greece’s timeless capital, lets you step back into the cradle of Western civilization. Stand atop the Acropolis, surrounded by ancient temples, or stroll through the Plaka district’s narrow, storied streets. Then you can go to the Parthenon, a monument to Greek art and democracy, and marvel at the incredible columns. Nearby, the Acropolis Museum offers ancient relics and sculptures dating back to the 5th century BC. In the Plaka district, explore Anafiotika’s winding lanes lined with boutiques and artisan shops selling handmade jewelry and pottery. Stop by Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani for cured meats and mezze platters, or try the famous souvlaki at Kostas, a local favorite since 1950. From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, Athens captures the magic of Greek history while embracing modern life.

Best for: Stunning sunsets, white-washed architecture, and romantic views

Get swept up in the romance of Santorini, where whitewashed buildings and endless blue skies over the Aegean make every view picture-perfect. Wander the charming streets of Oia, filled with boutique shops selling local crafts and jewelry. Shop for hand-painted ceramics and local wines in Fira, and dine at Amoudi Bay’s Dimitris Taverna, where you can savor grilled octopus and lobster pasta by the water’s edge. For a sip of Santorini’s famed Assyrtiko wine, Santo Wines offers tastings overlooking the volcanic landscape.

Best for: Lively nightlife and chic beach clubs

For those who want to mix beachside bliss with a buzzing nightlife, Mykonos delivers. By day, explore the maze-like streets of Mykonos Town, where boutiques like Mytho showcase stylish Cycladic fashions and local jewelry. The island’s iconic windmills and narrow, labyrinthine streets set a picturesque scene in town while upscale beach clubs like Scorpios and Nammos add a modern touch. By day, enjoy the golden sands of Paradise Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. At sunset, head to Scorpios for mezze plates of tzatziki, dolmades and roasted lamb before dancing the night away at Cavo Paradiso.

Best for: Venetian architecture and scenic beaches

Lush and green, Corfu enchants with its Venetian-inspired architecture, pristine beaches and multicultural influences. Stroll through Corfu Town’s narrow alleys, lined with Venetian-style buildings, then check out Paramythia, a boutique where hand-woven textiles and artisanal olive oils make for unique souvenirs. Paleokastritsa Beach, with its clear waters, is ideal for snorkeling, while the nearby Monastery of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful retreat and incredible sea views. Finish your day at the Venetian Well, a hidden gem serving refined Corfiot dishes like sofrito and bourdeto with local kumquat liqueur. The island’s blend of Italian, French and British influences is evident in everything from its cuisine to its architecture, creating a charmingly unique atmosphere in Greece.

Best for: Authentic Greek charm and traditional pottery

Just a short ferry ride from Piraeus (Athens’ port when cruising with Princess), Sifnos is Greece’s quiet charmer. Known for its ceramic artistry, Sifnos is dotted with pottery studios like Atsonios Ceramics, where you can pick up handcrafted pieces as souvenirs. Wander the charming streets of Apollonia, discovering family-run tavernas serving chickpea stew baked in clay pots and caper salad with island-grown ingredients. Vathy Beach provides a peaceful seaside escape, ideal for a day of sunbathing or a picnic by the water. For a sweet treat, stop by Gerontopoulos Bakery to try the island’s beloved amygdalota, almond cookies dusted in powdered sugar.

Best for: Unique volcanic rock formations

Often called the "Island of Colors," Milos is a 3-hour ferry ride from your Princess port in Athens and captivates with its volcanic landscapes and striking rock formations. The island’s beaches are like no other—Sarakiniko, with its smooth white cliffs and bright turquoise waters, resembles a lunar landscape. Meanwhile, Kleftiko’s sea caves are only accessible by boat, offering an adventure into hidden grottos. Milos is also home to the catacombs of Trypiti and the ancient theatre of Klima. In Pollonia, experience seaside charm at Gialos Taverna, known for its grilled octopus, saganaki shrimp and fava purée topped with capers. L’ Atelier de Milos offers locally crafted jewelry and pottery to take home as a keepsake.

Best for: one-of-a-kind views

The extraordinary sight of the monasteries of Meteora, all perched atop towering rocky pillars, is a spectacular and mind-boggling phenomenon. Viewed from afar, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled across a lost city from a fantasy novel. But don’t miss the chance to see things up close, too, as you can hike up to each of the monasteries and pay a visit. It’s a unique experience that’s definitely worth making time for before or after your cruise.

Best for: pure relaxation

A ferry ride from Athens gives you access to this gorgeous, tranquil and traffic-free island. There are a handful of museums and sights, but the real reason people come to Hydra is to do… as little as possible. The pace of life here is wonderfully slow but if you do want to exert a little more energy, there are some great hiking trails. Not that we’re lazy or anything, but we’d still suggest pitching up on one of Hydra’s turquoise-water beaches and not moving until you really have to when you port in Athens with Princess.

Best for: A vibrant cultural scene with Byzantine landmarks

Old soul, young heart — Thessaloniki is Greece’s cultural capital that honors its Byzantine history with a modern flair. If you are spending time in Athens before or after your cruise, set aside a day trip to visit this incredible city. Start at the White Tower and make your way to the Rotunda, where you can see symbols of the city’s storied past. Along the waterfront promenade, explore the bustling Modiano Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh olives to baklava. For a sweet treat, visit Terkenlis, renowned for its tsoureki (Greek brioche) stuffed with chocolate or chestnut. Art lovers should stop by MOMus, Thessaloniki’s Museum of Contemporary Art, for exhibits celebrating Greek and international artists. Thessaloniki is a city where historic sites meet a thriving creative scene.

Best for: discovering a hidden gem

If you find yourself in Thessaloniki, Halkidiki is just a short drive away and definitely worth your time. Quietly touted as ‘Greece’s best-kept secret’, this destination us characterized by its distinctive, three-pronged peninsula (only two parts of which can be visited by tourists) and is a great place for those wanting a Greek getaway that’s off the main tourist trails. The beaches here are stunning, as are the thick pine forests, the friendly, traditional villages and the surrounding mountains. A trip here is an ideal way to see some of the ‘real Greece’ without all the crowds.