On the Attica coast south-east of Athens, Lavrion combines a working-harbour atmosphere with easy access to some of Greece's most enticing sights. Once famed for its silver mines, the town still hints at its industrial past, while nearby beaches, waterfront tavernas and the dramatic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion offer a memorable taste of the Aegean.

Heraklion (Iraklio) may not be Crete's prettiest spot, but its mix of history, culture and energy makes it a great change of pace and a smart base for exploring the island. Greece's fifth-largest city offers excellent museums, ancient ruins, good shopping and a lively waterfront. Highlights include the Venetian fortress and seawall, nearby Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the pedestrian Daidalou district for cafés, fountains and local food like dakos and raki.

Rhodes blends sun-soaked beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Part of the Dodecanese in the Aegean, it offers dazzling coastline, pine-covered hills, and the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where medieval walls, Ottoman minarets, and cobbled streets echo its layered past. Visit Lindos' ancient Acropolis, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and enjoy Greek cuisine, lively courtyards, and turquoise coves perfect for both relaxation and water sports.

Explore Ephesus from Kusadasi, on the Turkish coast, just 10 miles inland. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once home to 150,000 people and is only about 20% excavated. See the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders, and the Library of Celsus, plus atmospheric ruins that host evening concerts. The museum displays 25,000 treasures. Afterward, enjoy kebabs or dolma, and Kusadasi's lively Aegean beaches, restaurants, and cafes.

Mykonos is a dazzling Greek island known for lively nightlife, superb food and wine, turquoise seas, whitewashed buildings, and iconic windmills. Explore Mykonos Town's narrow streets, artisan studios, bars, beaches, coves, and Little Venice sunsets. Rich in culture, legend, and enduring glamour, it remains a sought-after escape.

Nafplion, Greece's first capital, is a beloved seaside escape for Athenians and one of the country's most romantic towns. With beaches, clear water, fortress-backed hills and a blend of Greek, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman charm, it offers a lovely old town, seafront promenade and tavernas. Highlights include Palamidi Fortress, Acronafplia, and the offshore Bourtzi fortress. Nearby Corinth is an ancient city recovered after earthquakes.

Athens is a majestic, ancient city where elegance meets grit: highways wrap around ruins, museums and galleries stand beside street art, and its legacy spans philosophy, drama and democracy. See the Acropolis and Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, Mount Lycabettus views, and the Old Olympic Stadium. Beyond the center, beaches and temples line the coast. Slow down for Greek coffee and souvlaki.