23 days in Greece Itinerary

Few places manage to capture the world's imagination quite like Greece, a land of sun-kissed coastlines, tranquil whitewashed villages, lively seaside towns, and well-preserved ancient sites. One of the world's top tourist destinations since ancient times, the country draws nearly 20 million visitors each year. Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, continues to attract the biggest crowds and serves as a base for exploring the country and its 227 inhabited islands. Away from its cities, Greece features a picturesque countryside of olive groves, vineyards, and tiny settlements nestled against rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. Explore the old mainland on foot and discover the islands on a guided boat or ferry tour.

Located just off the west coast of mainland Greece, Zakynthos enjoys a reputation as both a party destination and a family-friendly getaway. Packed with foreign tourists along its eastern and southeastern coastline, the island also features numerous tranquil pockets in its central region of forested mountains and rolling hills. Avoid the overcrowded east by discovering the island's less-explored northern sections, which contain a series of deep caves that feature sun reflecting on seawater and white stones, creating a striking shade of azure particular to this part of the world. The northern capes of the island also offer the calmest waters, which lap a string of developed beaches with plenty of modern facilities.

Famous for its pristine natural scenery, Cephalonia boasts a string of clean and friendly towns packed with traditional taverns, trendy coffeehouses, and family-run inns. A place of rugged cliffs and lush forests, the island features a coastline of golden beaches, lapped by the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. Home to less than 40,000 permanent residents, Cephalonia clings to its relaxed way of life, seemingly unfazed by mass tourism. A devastating earthquake destroyed much of the island's old architecture in 1953, leveling all but two of its major towns. Today, in addition to modern port towns and quaint villages, you can also explore a tranquil countryside rich in lush vineyards and remote monasteries.

Connected to mainland Greece by a long causeway and floating bridge, Lefkada represents more than just an island paradise of modern seaside resorts and pristine Ionian beaches. Though it measures only 35 km (22 mi) from north to south, the island offers a mosaic of landscapes that include excellent mountain biking spots. Evade the big crowds of the southern coastline's popular beaches and soak up some local culture by visiting the small villages along Lefkada's eastern side, where you can explore traditional taverns known for serving local dishes to the tune of traditional live music.

Designated as a World Heritage Site, Corfu retains many reminders of the island's Venetian, British, and French heritage.The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, the mild-weathered city made it into mythology as the idyllic place where Poseidon enjoyed marital bliss with the nymph Korkyra. Allegedly named after this mythical beauty, the island offers a blend of well-developed seaside areas and pristine mountain ranges, popular with both package tourists and casual backpackers. The island's top attraction remains the pleasant city of Corfu, an architectural gem made for sightseeing on foot. The island also serves as a convenient jumping-off point for tours of the Albanian and Italian coastlines.