Greece Under the Radar: A Guide to Your Next Mediterranean Getaway

From secluded beaches and bustling fishing villages to lush vineyards and cities steeped in history, your Greece itinerary starts here.

|

Close to the viewer on a patio, a small round table is covered with dishes of Mediterranean food. Beyond, a private pool overlooks the sea.

It’s no wonder that Greece is a crowd-pleaser considering its whitewashed villages, cerulean waters, fresh cuisine, and millennia-old culture. Travelers often gravitate to the lively beach clubs of Mykonos and pack the cobblestone streets of Santorini, so it can be rewarding to look further afield — and avoid the peak summer season. We’re highlighting lesser-known Greek spots that offer plenty of appeal with comparatively fewer crowds.  

Athens is a natural jumping-off point, and you can arrive in comfort onboard Delta’s sleek A330-900neo aircraft. With the International Airline Program, Platinum Card® Members, and up to seven of their companions on the same itinerary, can get access to lower fares on International First, Business, or Premium Economy class tickets booked through American Express Travel®. Terms apply.

As for where to stay in Greece, when you book a Fine Hotels + Resorts® property through Amex Travel, Platinum Card Members get an exclusive suite of benefits* that includes daily breakfast for two; a room upgrade upon arrival, when available1; guaranteed 4pm check-out; and a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges, such as food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges.2 When staying two nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties*, Platinum and Gold Card Members receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges2a room upgrade upon arrival, when available1; and 12pm check-in and late check-out, both when available.

Plus, Platinum Card Members receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, or bookings of two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through Amex Travel.*

Read on for our favorite under-the-radar Greece destinations and pick the place that calls to you – or take in many ports of call on a cruise. 

History buffs and active families alike will find much to do in Pylos, a city in the Peloponnese, a peninsula at the southernmost point of Greece’s mainland. The quaint harborside city invites visitors to relax at the cafés that line its winding cobblestone streets. While hard to imagine now, Pylos was once the setting for fearsome battles. A monument to a notable victory stands in the Square of the Three Admirals, Pylos’ main square, and visitors can view memorabilia at the Antonopoulio Museum (also known as the Archaeological Museum of Pylos). 

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is tucked among ancient olive groves and uses locally sourced materials in its design. After taking a moment to appreciate the view from your suite’s private balcony, spend an afternoon getting to know the historically rich city. Travel back in time at Pylos Castle, an ancient fortress that’s among the most well preserved in Greece. It’s part of a sprawling site that features a museum with expansive views of the ocean. Marvel at the grandeur of the Palace of Nestor, once home to the king who commanded troops in the Trojan War and prominently featured in Homer’s epic works. 

Back at the resort, hit the beach with one of the property’s watersports offerings or get a hands-on introduction to Mediterranean cuisine through a cooking class taught by two women inside a traditional stone house; kids can help to make traditional Greek butter cookies. Take a dip in your suite’s private pool or book a treatment at the Mandarin Oriental’s spa. Platinum Card Members might use their $100 credit at the Three Admirals Lounge, where they can raise a glass to the past with a bespoke cocktail while admiring panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. 

 

 

While you can find fresh, authentic Greek food wherever you find yourself, it’s widely agreed that Crete – the largest of the Greek islands – boasts one of the best dining scenes. There’s a reason many trace the roots of the healthful Mediterranean diet here. 

Local tavernas typically serve the catch of the day whole, seasoned simply with olive oil and lemon, alongside local cheeses and mezze. You’ll want to request a Dakos (also known as Koukouvágia) salad, a traditional Cretan plating of tomatoes, feta, and herbs atop a barley rusk. Crete counts Greece’s greatest concentration of vineyards and wine tours abound. There are also ample opportunities to taste local olive oils, another product that flourishes thanks to Crete’s fertile soil.

Book a spacious suite with a terrace or balcony at The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton. With any luck, Platinum and Gold Card Members can get more time to enjoy the space, thanks to the new Hotel Collection benefits of 12pm check-in and late check-out, both when available. During your stay, you can feast on dishes inspired by Grecian grandmothers’ cooking at Cretamos or enjoy lamb dishes served from a round grill at Mitato. Order from the wine cellar or swing by Zeno Lobby Bar to sample a flight of Raki, a local spirit made from twice-distilled grape pomace and flavored with aniseed that’s like ouzo, but stronger, so pace yourself. 

Fine Hotels + Resorts
Location Argolida, Greece

Go on an archaeological adventure in Argolida

Argolida (also known as Argolis) has some of Greece’s most significant and ancient archaeological sites. Of note is Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can tour the Tomb of Agamemnon. Music buffs should be sure to visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a remarkably preserved amphitheater known for its acoustics – which are still enjoyed at live performances today. 

Book your stay at Amanzoe, which sits on a hill encircled by olive groves with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Inspired by classic Hellenistic architecture, the resort offers a variety of well-appointed suites with private plunge pools and villas with columns and cornices. At The Restaurant, you can enjoy complimentary daily breakfast for two; the menu features fresh Mediterranean dishes and breakfast staples. 

After fueling up, visit ancient ruins or catch a ferry to the nearby island of Spetses, which boasts a storied naval history – and some truly stunning beaches. The island doesn’t allow cars, so many visitors opt to tour Spetses by horse-drawn carriage. Grab lunch with a view of the sea at one of the many lively tavernas that line the harbor. 

Back at Amanzoe, unwind and recharge at the resort’s spa, where Platinum Card Members can put their $100 credit towards a therapeutic treatment inspired by Hippocrates’ healing practices.

Ancient Greek sculptors flocked to Paros for its quarries, which produced Greece’s highest quality marble, pure white and semitranslucent, and many of today’s visitors come for the rich artistic history.

Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros, awaits in the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa, with thoughtful design touches that channel the beauty of the Aegean Sea beyond. Suites feature private balconies to take in restorative coastal vistas and the hotel has its own private beach club where you can sunbathe on the pillow-soft sand and drink in views of the crystal-clear waters. 

Platinum Card Members can use their $100 credit to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand from the resort’s al fresco Circe Bar – staff mix up inventive cocktails like a Champagne Pina Colada. Before heading to bed, pay a visit to the Stargazing Terrace for views of the night sky through the hotel’s high-powered telescope. The Cycladic islands are noted for their exceptionally clear skies due to the region’s minimal air pollution, making for a breathtaking celestial experience.

You can easily spend a day at Paros Park, a lush nature reserve with a network of walking trails, hidden coves, caves, and secluded beaches. While the island’s ancient quarries are no longer operational, visitors can tour select sites to view the fine stone preferred by many of Greece’s most skilled artists. And Platinum Card Members can take time to visit one of the many architectural museums or small galleries – with guaranteed 4pm check-out, you’ll be in no rush.

Check out all Greece properties in Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.

Wake up to a new destination each day in the comfort of your spacious home at sea when you sail in all-inclusive luxury with Explora Journeys. All suites and residences feature private oceanfront terraces, and Mediterranean itineraries include multiple ports across Greece, as well as coastal Spain, Turkey, and Morocco. Explora’s intimate, yacht-inspired ships feature vibrant onboard amenities and immersive experiences at sea, including gourmet culinary experiences, open-air wellness programming, unlimited fine beverages, and a thermal spa.

When you book a cruise through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card, enjoy additional benefits with the Cruise Privileges Program* on eligible bookings of five nights or longer with participating cruise lines. On your voyage with Explora Journeys, receive a $300 per stateroom onboard credit to enjoy a spa day at sea, elevated fine dining experience, or on-shore experiences, and savor a sampler of modern macarons delivered to your suite or residence. Plus, you’ll earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on eligible bookings, which you can put towards your next cruise voyage using Pay with Points.*

Tips From American Express Travel Consultants

We tapped top travel agents who recently returned from Greece for advice to help you prep.

 

Beating the Crowds

Travel in shoulder season (May, September, October) as the islands really start to fill up mid-June. Do your sightseeing early as it gets hot and crowded as the day goes on. –Morgan

 

What to Pack

Sun dresses, light clothing, and hats to protect from the heat, if you do visit in summer. I’d say very beach casual, but casual upscale at night for dinners. –Katie

 

Traveling Between Islands

Ferries and planes are easy and affordable options, or you can level up by booking helicopters from Athens to the islands and between islands. –Morgan

I highly recommend not taking the ferry in spring or late fall as the Mediterranean waters can be rough. –Curtis

 

Maximizing Sea Days on a Cruise

On a sea day, take advantage of the different specialty restaurants and ship amenities, such as the Retreat on the Seabourn Encore. This is a special spa area that has an added cost, but is well worth it to get a more private pool and lounging area. –Katie

 

If You Stop in Athens

Book a private tour, book tickets in advance, and be careful if the temperatures are high, as there could be adjustments made to the opening times at the Acropolis. Also be prepared to walk at the Acropolis and wear comfortable shoes as the marble is worn and slippery. –Katie

Uber only offers its Uber Taxi service in Athens, which is the same as using a standard local yellow taxi, but provides the convenience of letting you order a ride through the Uber app. Amanda

Strofi is a highly recommended restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Acropolis. –Morgan

To book your under-the-radar Greece itinerary, visit AmexTravel.com or call 800-525-3355. And for more off-the-beaten path recommendations, explore our 2024 Trending Destinations.

Spotlight Hotel

Experience a Fantasy of Waterfront Life

LUXME White lies on the island’s stunning north coast and features open-style public spaces and generous light-filled accommodations that mirror the easy elegance of a Grecotel luxury resort lifestyle.

Rethymnon, Greece
Don't Live Life Without It