The 10 Best Places to Go in 2025
They are all in Greece, naturally. Wait, are there more than 10? There are now...
Anthony Grant explores Greece's endless options for the 2025 traveller.
While there's no guarantee that 2025 will bring any more certainty than the dismal year we're soon to (thankfully) discard, a new calendar year means it's time to start planning.
Greece is brimming with possibilities that stretch beyond the classic sea and sun holiday.
With hundreds of islands and mountains galore, pretty much anywhere the compass points in Greece will reveal tempting places for relaxation, adventure and everything in between.
1. Wine tourism is happening
It's been said before that what reveals the genius loci of a place is light - and while that definitely applies to Greece, so does wine.
As the birthplace of wine-drinking for celebratory and ceremonial purposes, it's fitting that Greece, with upwards of 1300 wineries and 33 regions with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, is experiencing a boom in "oenotourism."
Santorini is famous for its assyrtiko wine, and a popular island for winery visits whether or not it's the ventema (vine harvest) time. Says our go-to international lifestyle expert and spa guru Pam Price, “I’m not much of a wine drinker, but one sip of a great Santorini assyrtiko is enough was enough to change my mind!”
2. Explore the "secret" ruins of Athens
Most visitors to Athens take in the classic ancient sites like the Parthenon, ruins of the ancient Athenian Agora and Panathenaic Stadium. Stunners all, but give yourself an extra day to take in lesser-known sites like the archaeological site of Kerameikos, which includes some fascinating early Athenian fortifications as well as monumental funerary sculptures.
Piraeus, the port of Athens, has some amazing 'secret' ancient sites too… (here's a little preview, in Greek).
3. Take a "Volcano boat" around the Milos coast
Last summer was it? Tom Hanks was spotted splashing around the warm blue waters of Poliegos—not an island you can normally get to, as it's inhabited only by a few lucky goats (as in, the kind with horns).
But it's located very close to the better-known Milos, another Aegean island geological marvel on account of its volcanic origins. You can get up close to the marvellous coasts of both islands by taking a ride on The Volcano, a high-speed Italian-made, 15-meter long inflatable boat with just 25 seats.
Excursions take in beautiful spots around Milos like the Kleftiko sea stacks and a "secret" beach on Poliegos; you can also make a round of Poliegos and Milos with a fun Polco sail cruise.
4. Visit Mani (before everyone else does)
If you haven't heard of Mani don't worry: you’re hearing about it now.
It's the middle southern peninsula of mainland Greece and is known for its raw beauty, proud locals and villages made of stone that are sometimes so close to the sea's edge you can practically jump from your hotel balcony into the water (but don't).
This is a remote region but one well-connected by highways. There isn't a huge hotel inventory, so if the photos of rocky shores and sapphire blue sea tempt you, remember you're not the only one to fall under the spell — so book early. You’ll want to stay here.
5. Hike a volcano in Nisyros
The small island of Nisyros near Rhodes has not one, but three volcanic craters. Though steam emanates from the ksephysitres, or vents, they're safe to hike around.
Nisyros also has a charming harbor town, Mandraki, and dramatic black sand beaches that are generally free of crowds.
6. Be an ecotourist in Crete
The island of Crete has 54 areas that are part of the NATURA 2000 network of sites with protected biodiversity.
Despite this designation, some locales such as Elafonisi and Balos are veering toward overtourism — what will 2025 bring in this respect?
You will be able to visit those natural spots and others like the Xerokambos wetland and coastal landscape from Dermatos to Tsoutsouras in eastern Asterousia (in southern Crete) without many crowds.
7. Andros and Tinos
Mountainous Andros is the northernmost of the Cycladic island chain (which also includes Santorini and Mykonos) and as such, it's an easy hop of under two hours from the mainland port of Rafina to the island's port at Gavrio.
But the main town or chora is the eponymous Andros on the other side of the island. It's a stately town with many neoclassical mansions built for local shipowners. Andros has a proud maritime heritage and many sailors from the island partook in the Greek Revolution right from the start.
There are also some great beaches such as Tis Grias to Pidima, or The Old Lady's Jump.
Oh and Tinos, too.
8. Castle island of Monemvasia
Rock out your Instagram with a visit to this semi-secret citadel in the southern reaches of the Peloponnese. There's just one entrance to the Byzantine fortress, which clings to an elevated island plateau connected to the mainland by a short causeway.
The fortress dates to around 583, when locals needed to fend off Saracen raids. The walled lower town is a tangle of ancient houses, narrow cobbled streets and tiny chapels interspersed with lively shops and cafes.
A path leads to the upper town with castle ruins, the Agia Sofia church and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. You’ll want to stay here.
9. Patmos
Calm, airport-free Patmos is tucked into the northwestern part of the Dodecanese archipelago and has an alluring 63 kilometres of coastline that create a ribbon of beaches and hidden coves, encircling a heavenly landscape with rugged peaks that rise over hidden green valleys.
The ancient settlement of Chora is one of the best preserved in the Aegean, having evolved without interruption since the 12th century and some of the former merchants' houses are now home to posh restaurants and cafes.
But the spiritual heart of Chora and indeed of Patmos is the Cave of the Apocalypse where tradition holds that John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation, the final (and somewhat ominous) book of the New Testament.
Along with the Monastery of St. John the Theologian it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.