12 Weekend Getaways in Greece for a Quick Mediterranean Escape

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Are you planning a long weekend in Europe jam-packed with adventure? Searching for the best place to spend a romantic anniversary? In need of some much-needed sunshine? If you answered yes to any of those questions, Greece is the perfect place for you. Promising picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks, delicious cuisine, and pristine beaches, Greece has something for everyone.

However, with a vast mainland and over 6,000 islands and islets to explore, deciding where to stay in Greece is time-consuming and challenging.

Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ve listed 12 weekend getaways in Greece. The destinations we’ve selected offer many things to do, excellent weather, and Greek charm.

Athens

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Let’s start this list with Athens, Greece’s spectacular capital city. Athens is perfect if you’re looking for a quick and easy weekend getaway filled with historic landmarks, authentic Greek restaurants, plenty of sunshine, and epic coastal views. For starters, this breathtaking city is home to the world-famous Acropolis of Athens.

This iconic 5th century B.C. citadel dominates the city skyline with the ancient ruins of several significant structures. Highlights of a trip to the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Erechtheum, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Meanwhile, other notable historical attractions in the city include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and Zappeion Hall. Don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum, either.

Thessaloniki

Situated on the Thermaic Gulf in the Aegean Sea, Thessaloniki is another fascinating city in mainland Greece. Like Athens, this picturesque port city has many beautiful historical landmarks and impressive architectural structures. However, it tops Athens for sea views, which you’ll find in abundance along the Thessaloniki Waterfront.

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In the city, you’ll likely spend most of your time admiring the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman architecture in Ano Poli (Upper Town). However, you’ll also enjoy sunset strolls along the waterfront and authentic Greek cuisine in one of the many seafront restaurants. Significant points of interest in the city include the Ataturk Museum, the Church of Osios David, the Trigonion Tower, and the White Tower of Thessaloniki.

Rhodes Town, Rhodes

Greek Island to Visit Rhodes for Historical Immersion — © Andrei Nekrassov / Adobe Stock

If you love history, white sand beaches, craft markets, and world-famous landmarks, you must visit Rhodes Town on a Greek weekend getaway. The major city on the picturesque island of Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, Rhodes Town draws travelers in with the promise of Medieval charm, crystal-clear waters, and ancient world wonders.

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We don’t know about you, but we’re sold! A strong contender for the most magnificent city in Greece, spend your time getting lost down the narrow cobblestone streets, discovering ancient sights, and relaxing on the beach. You don’t want to miss Elli Beach, Rhodes Old Town, the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the Colossus of Rhodes landmark.

Santorini

If you’d prefer a romantic weekend with your better half, look no further than Santorini, the sparkling gem of the Cyclades. This mesmerizing island is known worldwide for its famous whitewashed buildings with blue roofs, luxury villas, and spectacular landscapes. You’ll find yourself sunning it up on the beach when you’re not sitting by a pool sipping cocktails.

Although there is much to see and do if you can drag yourself away from your Piña colada and the crystal-clear turquoise waters. In Oia and Fira, you’ll find beautiful architecture, lively squares, scenic viewpoints, and traditional Greek restaurants. Meanwhile, the island’s rugged landscape has many hiking trails, caldera cliffs, and hot springs. We can also highly recommend a sunset cruise.

Chania, Crete

Chania is a stunning town on the island of Crete that offers the best of both worlds. Loved-up couples can enjoy romantic strolls along the waterfront. History enthusiasts can explore the 14th-century Venetian harbor. Shopaholics can scour the local arts and craft shops, and families with young children can have fun on one of many white sand beaches.

Highlights of a weekend getaway in Chania include the 16th-century lighthouse, Nea Chora Beach, Balos Beach, the Maritime Museum of Crete, and Old Chania Market. A weekend might not seem long enough in Chania, but you’ll find that you have enough time to see the main sights, visit one or two beaches, and relax.

Hydra Town, Hydra

12 Must-Visit Greek Islands Hydra — © gatsi / Adobe Stock

Hydra Town is ideal if you’d prefer to spend your weekend escaping the hustle and bustle and relaxing on a Greek island renowned for its tranquility. Located on Hydra, one of Greece’s Saronic Islands, Hydra Town is famous for being entirely car-free. Therefore, you can enjoy the ultimate relaxing weekend.

You can only get around the island by foot, bicycle, or boat. You’ll take a 2.5-hour ferry ride from the Piraeus ferry port in Athens to reach the island. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with vibrant multi-colored mansions, verdant hills, a charming waterfront, and a beautiful medieval town. Spend your weekend wandering around the town, sunbathing at the waterfront, and enjoying delicious food and drink.

Milos

Another gorgeous Greek island you can reach by ferry from Piraeus is Milos, a postcard-perfect volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Like Hydra, you can reach Milos in less than three hours. This beautiful island is best known for its Cycladic settlements, authentic cuisine, lush scenery, and mesmerizing beaches.

A big hit with families and couples, you’ll never struggle to find something to do on Milos. Although, you’ll likely want to spend much of your time enjoying the turquoise waters and strolling along the white sand beaches. Noteworthy points of interest on the island include Sarakiniko Beach, Milos Mining Museum, Tsigrado Beach, and Mandrakia. One of the best ways to explore the island is by boat.

Corfu Town, Corfu

Greek Islands That Have Airports Corfu — © Serenity-H / Adobe Stock

The next Greece weekend getaway destination on our list is Corfu Town, the vibrant capital of Corfu Island. This charming town is home to Corfu’s medieval Old Town, a gorgeous waterfront, and small yet beautiful beaches. While Corfu Town best suits history lovers, any kind of traveler can enjoy its offerings.

Start your weekend at the Old Fortress of Corfu. This 15th-century fortress offers impressive town views and features a fascinating network of tunnels, mosaics, and chapels. Then, get lost exploring the town’s weaving cobblestone streets lined with Venetian architecture. You should also walk along the Esplanade waterfront and visit the breathtaking Old Castle. Achilleion Palace, the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, and Faliraki Bathing Beach are also worth visiting.

Volos

We’re back in mainland Greece now with Volos, the capital of Greece’s Thessaly region and one of the nation’s most important port cities. This beautiful city is an excellent place to visit if you want to experience all the charm of Greece’s coastline and its rugged mountain landscapes, as Mount Pelion isn’t too far away.

Volos is best suited to travelers planning a long weekend in Greece because it’s a three-hour drive from Athens. However, the promise of scenic landscapes, coastal views, and a lively city center is worth the drive. Furthermore, exciting outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, and skiing, are possible near Volos. Meanwhile, must-visit attractions in the city include Anavros Beach, Athanasakis Archaeological Museum of Volos, and Konstantinos Park.

Mykonos

Solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends looking for a lively weekend getaway in Greece, jam-packed with sun, sea, sand, and epic parties, should head to Mykonos, a beautiful Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea famed for being the queen of Greece’s nightlife. Better yet, the island is bursting at the seams with white sand beaches, historic landmarks, and scenic landscapes.

When you’re not partying hard into the early morning hours in Mykonos Town, spend time recovering on Paralia Choras Mikonou. If you’re not too hungover, explore the island’s most famous attractions, such as the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, the Windmills of Mykonos, and the Little Venice neighborhood. The best nightlife in Mykonos Town is between Matogianni Street and Enoplon Dinameon Street.

Zakynthos

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The penultimate weekend getaway destination on our list is Zakynthos, a Greek island in the Ionian Sea famed for its beautiful beaches, traditional Greek architecture, wild parties, and 5-star summer vacation resorts. Most people spend a weekend trip to Zakynthos soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring Zakynthos City, visiting Navagio Beach’s famous 80’s shipwreck, and eating delicious food.

Sounds great, right? If you stay in Zakynthos City, you can enjoy the vibrant waterfront, stay in the best hotels, and easily access the island’s best sights, such as Paralia Krioneri, Solomos Square, and Saint Dionysios Zakynthos Holy Orthodox Church. Notable attractions away from Zakynthos City include the Keri Caves, Agios Nikolaos, and Anafonitria Monastery.

Kefalonia

The final weekend getaway on our list is Kefalonia, a stunning island off mainland Greece best known for its rugged landscapes, historic landmarks, white sand beaches, and vibrant coastal towns and villages. Kefalonia is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking for the best of every possible world.

You can spend your time relaxing on the beach, trying watersports, spotting wildlife, exploring unique natural landscapes, eating traditional Greek cuisine, and hiking. However, there are certain things you don’t want to miss, including Myrtos Beach, Skala Beach, Saint Theodore Lighthouse, and the Sacred Monastery of Agios Gerasimos of Kefalonia. Meanwhile, popular places to stay include Sami, Argostoli, and Asos.