ATHENS | PAROS | NAXOS | SANTORINI | THE WINGBUDDY WAY
Greece
F or thousands of years, Greece has surpassed expectations. The azure seas and whitewashed villages of its islands and the ancient wonders of Athens have long captivated imaginations. Perhaps you’ve seen images of Greece on Instagram recently, or maybe you’ve always dreamed of going. Stop dreaming: now is the time to see Athens and the Greek Islands for yourself. In fact, at Travelzoo we’re so sure that this Mediterranean nation lives up to the hype that we’ve chosen Greece for the Travelzoo Best Bets 2025.
That means we think it’s the place in Europe that Canadians should go now, based on value and a vacation experience worthy of your holiday time. Wingbuddy, a Canadian tour company that offers multiple island-hopping trips, makes it easy to arrange the Greece trip of your dreams. They handle every detail—flights, hotels, transfers, and ferries—so you can focus on the important things: indulging in the cuisine, exploring centuries of history, and deciding which sun-drenched island has the bluest waters.
The Acropolis
There’s a reason the Acropolis—an ancient citadel built in the fifth century AD—is Greece’s most-visited archeological site. At the rocky peak of this hilltop UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be torn between gazing at the Parthenon (built for Athena, patron goddess of Athens) or taking in the 360-degree views of the city and the sparkling sea beyond. Steep yourself in classical art and mythology at preserved ruins including the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The Museum of the Acropolis is open until 8 p.m. most nights and houses many of the statues, friezes and mosaics discovered during archeological work.
A destination beyond time
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The Parthenon at the Acropolis
Parikia town
Athens
Paros
Naxos
Santorini
The Parthenon
The Acropolis
Plan your trip
Santorini
Corfu
Crete
Mykonos
The Tzistarakis Mosque
Loukoumades
Naousa
Figs
Naxos
Agios Prokopios
Greek cheeses
Santorini at sunset
Santorini's Caldera
White wine in Santorini
The Acropolis in Athens
Lorem ipsum dolor
Chora, Naxos
Fira, Santorini
Out and about in Athens
If you can’t make it to the Acropolis, you can still get your dose of history; it’s built into nearly every street in Athens. Greek statues and Roman ruins (like Hadrian’s Arch) dot the city. Moving ahead in time, you’ll see landmarks like the ninth-century Byzantine basilica Agios Nikolaos Ragavas and the Tzistarakis Mosque, an 18th-century Ottoman building that incorporates stone from the ancient Temple to the Olympian Zeus. Athens is also a shopper’s paradise. Try Kolonaki for luxury stores or Monastiraki Square for leather goods, souvenirs and the lively food halls of the Varvakeios market. Artsy Exarcheia is known for its vintage stores and (parents of teen travellers, take note) thrift shops.
A city of culinary delights
You’ll eat well all day long in Athens, whether at street vendors, casual neighbourhood tavernas or elegant Michelin-starred restaurants. For a mid-morning treat, trade your double-double and Boston cream for an intense Greek coffee and loukoumades (donuts topped with honey and cinnamon) at a local kafenion (traditional Greek café). Souvlaki is ubiquitous here — a version of the grilled meat skewers is even referenced in Homer’s Iliad — and every local will have a favourite souvlazidika to recommend. For dinner, make the most of only-in-Athens options before you head to the islands. Consider tasting menus with modern twists on Mediterranean classics, or opt for a busy city spot with dazzling Acropolis views.
Let the island-hopping begin
Welcome to the Cyclades, a group of 220 islands in the Aegean named for its circular formation around the sacred isle of Delos. Populated at different times by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, this archipelago includes Paros, the first island on the itinerary for Authentic Greek Islands and other Wingbuddy island-hopping trips. Its proximity to Athens (a three- to five-hour ferry trip away) isn’t the only reason to start your island experience in Paros. This rising-star destination offers 120 kilometres of golden-sand coastline, photogenic whitewashed villages and the buzzing nightlife of more famous Greek islands, with smaller crowds and lower prices.
What to do
An ideal base for your stay, the capital Parikia is a port town of white-washed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, colourful fishing boats and blazing sunsets. Quiet and traditional, it still has plenty of shops, cafes and bars lining its beautiful promenade. Head to Parikia Beach or Livadia Beach for sun and swimming or check out sights like the Byzantine-era Church of 100 Doors. (You can book optional excursions through your hotel. Other must-visit spots in Paros include the lively town of Naousa, the tranquil village of Lefkés, and the ancient quarries where the iconic white marble used for the Venus de Milo was once mined.
A taste of history
“Say goodbye to the island Paros,” wrote Greek poet-soldier Archilochus of his birthplace (circa 680 BC). ”Farewell to its figs and the seafaring life.” Figs still play a signature role in Paros cuisine, along with other locally produced fare such as honey, hard cheeses like Graviera and Kefelotyri, and suma, a strong spirit distilled from grape skins. The “seafaring life” is also alive and well, resulting in seafood specialties like gouna (sun-dried roasted mackerel) and kavkavia (fish soup). Plus, you’ll find a half-dozen wineries to visit and a cellar’s worth of only-in-Paros bottles. Both Parikia and Naoussa have bustling restaurant scenes; plan on eating dinner around 9 pm if you want to fit in with the locals.
Welcome to Naxos
Mountainous Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic isles, with the highest altitudes (up to 1,000 metres above sea level). The island is wrapped by sandy beaches, with an interior full of farms, olive groves and traditional villages. The Greeks themselves like to vacation here, leading to a more authentic (and less pricey) experience. With Wingbuddy, you can pick a tour that spends four nights in Naxos or opt for a shorter trip that takes a day trip to Naxos from Paros. Either way, you won’t run out of things to do (or eat).
Best beach
Naxos’ Plaka Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Greece, with a nearly four-kilometre uninterrupted stretch of golden sand. The north end has more restaurants and amenities, go to the south end for a quieter beach day. The calm, wind-protected waters of Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios are a good bet for families with smaller children. Naxos is also well-known for watersports, so if you want to go kitesurfing or windsurfing, head to the north side of Mikri Vigla beach. Ask at your hotel if you want to add excursions to your time in Naxos.
Eat it up
The island has some of the best growing conditions in the Cyclades, so expect farm-to-table or sea-to-shore goodness at restaurants and tavernas. Pick up a few local almonds to snack on while you wander through the maze-like alleys of Naxos Town. At dinner, don't skip the fries (the potatoes are famous here) and be sure to order the cheese course: you'll want to try the graviera and arseniko (both hard cheeses), plus sour cheeses xinomyzithra and xinotyro. Finish off your meal with a shot or two of the traditional citrus liqueur Kitro.
Picture-perfect
Between the golden-hour sunsets and the blue-domed roofs contrasted with the all-white architecture perched on sea cliffs high above the Aegean, Santorini is the definition of Instagram-friendly. The sunsets are so legendary that you’ll want to organize your day around where you’ll be as the sun goes down. Oia is the most famous (and crowded) village to visit, with its white buildings seemingly built right into the side of the hill. Get there early to grab a spot at The Castle of Agios Nikoloas for one of the world's best sunset views. For a more intimate experience, go to the preserved medieval village of Pyrgos at the island's highest point, where the panoramic view of the island from the 16th-century castle is tough to beat.
Volcanic legacy
Santorini is the largest of five islands that circle a dormant underwater volcano, with the caldera forming a bay between them. The volcano’s legacy is stamped all over Santorini’s geography. Visitors can cruise the cresent-shaped caldera itself, or head to the black-sand beaches on the southeast side of the village. Perissa is a peaceful seven-kilometre stretch of pebbly sand. Nearby Perivolos Beach is smaller with a vibrant nightlife. Both have crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and water sports. Then there’s Akrotiri, sometimes called “Greece’s Pompei.” A 16th-century volcanic eruption showered the Minoan port village with ash, preserving it for modern visitors to explore.
Gourmet goodies
The combination of the dry climate, cool humid nights, sea breezes and rich volcanic soil produces delicious wines unique to Santorini, and you'll find vineyards that date back millennia. Expect dry white wines that feature Assyrtiko grapes and sweet Vinsanto wines, made with aged sun-dried grapes. The growing conditions are also perfect for the only-found-on-Santorini white aubergines (eggplant) as well as tomataki (cherry tomatoes), a thick-skinned intensely sweet tomato that makes a coveted, velvety tomato paste. You’ll find plenty of seafood here, too, and some of the most stylish, high-end restaurants in the Greek Isles.
Kalyves, Crete
The Wingbuddy way
Which Greece trip is for you?
Wingbuddy has four different Greece itineraries, so you can pick the one that suits you best. The Authentic Greek Islands 14-night tour is the most popular, featuring high-speed ferries and ample time in Athens, Paros, Naxos and Santorini. If you can’t get away for two weeks, the nine-night Greek Islands Getaway (Athens, Paros, Santorini) is a terrific alternative. Lovers of ancient history can opt for the 12-night Greek Islands & the Meteora trip. It combines guided travel to Olympia, Delphi and Kalabaka with chilled-out time on the islands of Paros and Santorini.
The BLOX Building (left); The Black Diamond (right)
Photo credit: Daniel Rasmussen
Olympia
Travel times and transfers
An island-hopping trip is complex by definition. You fly to and from Canada, then travel between islands, and you have to get to and from your hotel at each leg of the journey. Wingbuddy takes care of it all. They prioritize good flight itineraries to and from Canada, and arrange the ferry trips between islands. But the best part may be the hotel transfers. When you get to Athens or a new island, you’ll be whisked to your hotel right away. You’ll be picked up for every ferry and your flight home; no flagging taxis or negotiating prices. Having all the travel arrangements made for you is a luxury you’ll appreciate again and again.
Reffen Street Food Market
Photo credits: Lukas Bukoven (left); Reffen - Copenhagen Street Food (right)
Mykonos
Travel you can trust
Between Athens and the islands, there are countless desirable sights, meals and moments to pack in to your Greek vacation. That’s why we find Wingbuddy’s Greece tours so appealing. They remove the hassle and research, so you can focus on enjoying every minute. The itineraries are carefully chosen but always include enough free time to let you enjoy the best of each island. You’ll have a representative in Greece to help you with unexpected occurrences. They’re also very well-priced; Travelzoo’s deal experts typically find savings of up to $3000 with Wingbuddy compared to trips from other providers or even do-it-yourself vacations.
Santorini
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Athens
There's no bad time to go to Greece, but consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October), when the weather is still warm and the crowds are smaller. The sprawling ancient city of Athens is an ideal place to begin, allowing immediate immersion into the country’s history, mythology and cuisine. From there, you can choose options of different lengths and itineraries, visiting islands including Paros, Naxos and Santorini. Getting around Greece’s islands is straightforward, with regular ferries connecting popular spots like Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. Wingbuddy arranges all transfers, so you can relax without worrying about schedules.
Read on to find out why Greece’s capitol and islands are so desirable, what you’ll find to eat and do, and how easy it is to visit this Travelzoo Best Bets 2025 destination for yourself.
Time to explore
All of Wingbuddy’s Greece tours include free time in Athens, so you can discover the city at your own pace. Wingbuddy’s Greek Islands Getaway, Greek Island Escape and Authentic Greek Islands trips each include time in Athens. To explore even more of Greece’s remarkable history, consider the 12-night Greek Islands & the Meteora trip. You’ll spend four days touring world-famous archeological sites including Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi, as well as picturesque towns along the way. Plus, you’ll go to the Meteora, a majestic rock formation in the plain of Thessaly topped with gravity-defying Byzantine monasteries.
Meteora
Best Bet 2025
Best Bet 2025
Greece was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2025. Only five worldwide destinations were selected for this honour, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.
ATHENS | PAROS | NAXOS | SANTORINI | THE WINGBUDDY WAY
ATHENS | PAROS | NAXOS | SANTORINI | THE WINGBUDDY WAY
ATHENS | PAROS | NAXOS | SANTORINI | THE WINGBUDDY WAY
ATHENS | PAROS | NAXOS | SANTORINI | THE WINGBUDDY WAY
The Acropolis
There’s a reason the Acropolis—an ancient citadel built in the fifth century AD—is Greece’s most-visited archeological site. At the rocky peak of this hilltop UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be torn between gazing at the Parthenon (built for Athena, patron goddess of Athens) or taking in the 360-degree views of the city and the sparkling sea beyond. Steep yourself in classical art and mythology at preserved ruins including the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The Museum of the Acropolis is open until 8 p.m. most nights and houses many of the statues, friezes and mosaics discovered during archeological work.
Out and about in Athens
If you can’t make it to the Acropolis, you can still get your dose of history; it’s built into nearly every street in Athens. Greek statues and Roman ruins (like Hadrian’s Arch) dot the city. Moving ahead in time, you’ll see landmarks like the ninth-century Byzantine basilica Agios Nikolaos Ragavas and the Tzistarakis Mosque, an 18th-century Ottoman building that incorporates stone from the ancient Temple to the Olympian Zeus. Athens is also a shopper’s paradise. Try Kolonaki for luxury stores or Monastiraki Square for leather goods, souvenirs and the lively food halls of the Varvakeios market. Artsy Exarcheia is known for its vintage stores and (parents of teen travellers, take note) thrift shops.
A city of culinary delights
You’ll eat well all day long in Athens, whether at street vendors, casual neighbourhood tavernas or elegant Michelin-starred restaurants. For a mid-morning treat, trade your double-double and Boston cream for an intense Greek coffee and loukoumades (donuts topped with honey and cinnamon) at a local kafenion (traditional Greek café). Souvlaki is ubiquitous here — a version of the grilled meat skewers is even referenced in Homer’s Iliad — and every local will have a favourite souvlazidika to recommend. For dinner, make the most of only-in-Athens options before you head to the islands. Consider tasting menus with modern twists on Mediterranean classics, or opt for a busy city spot with dazzling Acropolis views.
Time to explore
All of Wingbuddy’s Greece tours include free time in Athens, so you can discover the city at your own pace. Wingbuddy’s Greek Islands Getaway, Greek Island Escape and Authentic Greek Islands trips each include time in Athens. To explore even more of Greece’s remarkable history, consider the 12-night Greek Islands & the Meteora trip. You’ll spend four days touring world-famous archeological sites including Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi, as well as picturesque towns along the way. Plus, you’ll go to the Meteora, a majestic rock formation in the plain of Thessaly topped with gravity-defying Byzantine monasteries.
Let the island-hopping begin
Welcome to the Cyclades, a group of 220 islands in the Aegean named for its circular formation around the sacred isle of Delos. Populated at different times by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, this archipelago includes Paros, the first island on the itinerary for Authentic Greek Islands and other Wingbuddy island-hopping trips. Its proximity to Athens (a three- to five-hour ferry trip away) isn’t the only reason to start your island experience in Paros. This rising-star destination offers 120 kilometres of golden-sand coastline, photogenic whitewashed villages and the buzzing nightlife of more famous Greek islands, with smaller crowds and lower prices.
What to do
An ideal base for your stay, the capital Parikia is a port town of white-washed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, colourful fishing boats and blazing sunsets. Quiet and traditional, it still has plenty of shops, cafes and bars lining its beautiful promenade. Head to Parikia Beach or Livadia Beach for sun and swimming or check out sights like the Byzantine-era Church of 100 Doors. (You can book optional excursions through your hotel. Other must-visit spots in Paros include the lively town of Naousa, the tranquil village of Lefkés, and the ancient quarries where the iconic white marble used for the Venus de Milo was once mined.
A taste of history
“Say goodbye to the island Paros,” wrote Greek poet-soldier Archilochus of his birthplace (circa 680 BC). ”Farewell to its figs and the seafaring life.” Figs still play a signature role in Paros cuisine, along with other locally produced fare such as honey, hard cheeses like Graviera and Kefelotyri, and suma, a strong spirit distilled from grape skins. The “seafaring life” is also alive and well, resulting in seafood specialties like gouna (sun-dried roasted mackerel) and kavkavia (fish soup). Plus, you’ll find a half-dozen wineries to visit and a cellar’s worth of only-in-Paros bottles. Both Parikia and Naoussa have bustling restaurant scenes; plan on eating dinner around 9 pm if you want to fit in with the locals.
Welcome to Naxos
Mountainous Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic isles, with the highest altitudes (up to 1,000 metres above sea level). The island is wrapped by sandy beaches, with an interior full of farms, olive groves and traditional villages. The Greeks themselves like to vacation here, leading to a more authentic (and less pricey) experience. With Wingbuddy, you can pick a tour that spends four nights in Naxos or opt for a shorter trip that takes a day trip to Naxos from Paros. Either way, you won’t run out of things to do (or eat).
Best beach
Naxos’ Plaka Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Greece, with a nearly four-kilometre uninterrupted stretch of golden sand. The north end has more restaurants and amenities, go to the south end for a quieter beach day. The calm, wind-protected waters of Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios are a good bet for families with smaller children. Naxos is also well-known for watersports, so if you want to go kitesurfing or windsurfing, head to the north side of Mikri Vigla beach. Ask at your hotel if you want to add excursions to your time in Naxos.
Eat it up
The island has some of the best growing conditions in the Cyclades, so expect farm-to-table or sea-to-shore goodness at restaurants and tavernas. Pick up a few local almonds to snack on while you wander through the maze-like alleys of Naxos Town. At dinner, don't skip the fries (the potatoes are famous here) and be sure to order the cheese course: you'll want to try the graviera and arseniko (both hard cheeses), plus sour cheeses xinomyzithra and xinotyro. Finish off your meal with a shot or two of the traditional citrus liqueur Kitro.
Picture-perfect
Between the golden-hour sunsets and the blue-domed roofs contrasted with the all-white architecture perched on sea cliffs high above the Aegean, Santorini is the definition of Instagram-friendly. The sunsets are so legendary that you’ll want to organize your day around where you’ll be as the sun goes down. Oia is the most famous (and crowded) village to visit, with its white buildings seemingly built right into the side of the hill. Get there early to grab a spot at The Castle of Agios Nikoloas for one of the world's best sunset views. For a more intimate experience, go to the preserved medieval village of Pyrgos at the island's highest point, where the panoramic view of the island from the 16th-century castle is tough to beat.
Volcanic legacy
Santorini is the largest of five islands that circle a dormant underwater volcano, with the caldera forming a bay between them. The volcano’s legacy is stamped all over Santorini’s geography. Visitors can cruise the cresent-shaped caldera itself, or head to the black-sand beaches on the southeast side of the village. Perissa is a peaceful seven-kilometre stretch of pebbly sand. Nearby Perivolos Beach is smaller with a vibrant nightlife. Both have crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and water sports. Then there’s Akrotiri, sometimes called “Greece’s Pompei.” A 16th-century volcanic eruption showered the Minoan port village with ash, preserving it for modern visitors to explore.
Gourmet goodies
The combination of the dry climate, cool humid nights, sea breezes and rich volcanic soil produces delicious wines unique to Santorini, and you'll find vineyards that date back millennia. Expect dry white wines that feature Assyrtiko grapes and sweet Vinsanto wines, made with aged sun-dried grapes. The growing conditions are also perfect for the only-found-on-Santorini white aubergines (eggplant) as well as tomataki (cherry tomatoes), a thick-skinned intensely sweet tomato that makes a coveted, velvety tomato paste. You’ll find plenty of seafood here, too, and some of the most stylish, high-end restaurants in the Greek Isles.
Travel you can trust
Between Athens and the islands, there are countless desirable sights, meals and moments to pack in to your Greek vacation. That’s why we find Wingbuddy’s Greece tours so appealing. They remove the hassle and research, so you can focus on enjoying every minute. The itineraries are carefully chosen but always include enough free time to let you enjoy the best of each island. You’ll have a representative in Greece to help you with unexpected occurrences. They’re also very well-priced; Travelzoo’s deal experts typically find savings of up to $3000 with Wingbuddy compared to trips from other providers or even do-it-yourself vacations.
Travel times and transfers
An island-hopping trip is complex by definition. You fly to and from Canada, then travel between islands, and you have to get to and from your hotel at each leg of the journey. Wingbuddy takes care of it all. They prioritize good flight itineraries to and from Canada, and arrange the ferry trips between islands. But the best part may be the hotel transfers. When you get to Athens or a new island, you’ll be whisked to your hotel right away. You’ll be picked up for every ferry and your flight home; no flagging taxis or negotiating prices. Having all the travel arrangements made for you is a luxury you’ll appreciate again and again.
Which Greece trip is for you?
Wingbuddy has four different Greece itineraries, so you can pick the one that suits you best. The Authentic Greek Islands 14-night tour is the most popular, featuring high-speed ferries and ample time in Athens, Paros, Naxos and Santorini. If you can’t get away for two weeks, the nine-night Greek Islands Getaway (Athens, Paros, Santorini) is a terrific alternative. Lovers of ancient history can opt for the 12-night Greek Islands & the Meteora trip. It combines guided travel to Olympia, Delphi and Kalabaka with chilled-out time on the islands of Paros and Santorini.