Cities in Greece

Acropolis at sunrise, Plaka old town, National Archaeological Museum, and Monastiraki street food: with honest practical advice on what to skip.

Temple of Apollo, the Oracle's sacred spring, the charioteer bronze in the museum, and valley views: Greece's most dramatic archaeological site.

Lake Pamvotis island where Ali Pasha was killed, the kastro Byzantine Museum, and day trips to Vikos Gorge: the deepest canyon in the world.

Six Orthodox monasteries perched on sheer sandstone pillars, UNESCO World Heritage-listed, and how to visit from Kalambaka without the crowds.

Halkidiki travel guide: beaches, monasteries, and the three peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. The mainland alternative to the Greek islands.

Byzantine aqueduct arching over old Kavala, Mehmed Ali's birthplace, the harbour fortress, and Thassos island 45 minutes away by fast ferry.

Byzantine churches, the best street food in Greece, the White Tower waterfront, and a Modiano Market food hall that rivals any city in Europe.

Kalamata olives at the source, the Byzantine castle, Mani peninsula coast, and waterfront dining: the southern Peloponnese's most liveable city.

Venetian old town, the 999-step Palamidi fortress, Bourtzi sea castle, and day trips to Mycenae and Epidaurus: the Peloponnese's prettiest base.

Birthplace of the ancient Olympics, the original stadium and Temple of Zeus, the Hermes of Praxiteles, and how to reach it from Athens or Patras.

Mystras UNESCO ghost city, ancient Spartan battle sites, the Archaeological Museum, and gateway to the wild Mani peninsula from the Peloponnese.

Chania guide: western Crete's most beautiful city. The Venetian harbour and lighthouse, the layered Old Town, and day trips to Balos and Elafonisi.

Heraklion guide: Crete's capital. The Venetian harbour, Koules Fortress, and the Archaeological Museum, with Knossos a short bus ride away.