king travel grecia

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Greece Tours & Trips 2024/2025

Bask in the tranquillity of Amorgos, party 'til dawn in Mykonos or admire the blue-domed roofs in Santorini. A Greek vacation combining the gems of the Greek Islands with the wonders of Ancient Greece creates the perfect escape. Take an escorted adventure and see the Parthenon in Athens, hear tales of myths and legends in Rhodes, sink your teeth into the cheeses of Crete, or discover the incredible monasteries of Meteora. Travellers who go to Greece often take an island-hopping adventure tour to visit stunning Mykonos and Santorini. Add on a visit to Italy or Turkey too for the ultimate cultural immersion!

250+ Greece tour packages with 11,135 reviews

• Island Hopping

Best of Greece

• £100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sailing Greece - Mykonos to Santorini

Amazing trip and fantastic skipper. Very professional and friendly, plus super helpful

• In-depth Cultural

Athens to Santorini

Mia our leader gets 10/10! We were lucky to have her as our guide. She made everything easy and we saw so much in a short time. This has been a memorable trip. It's my first Intrepid tour. I will definitely be doing more and will recommend them to my friends!! Thanks Intrepid

Sailing Greece - Santorini to Santorini

Excellent tour, great skipper, Marios and great group participation. Though travelling alone, I never felt left out. Our skipper / guide did everything to make the tour a joy !

Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands

Outstanding organization. Amazing visits to the islands, each unique. Daily very helpful briefings.with island info, and great links sent to us, highlighted and enhanced the odyssey. Skipper highly experienced, congenial, friendly and always ready to answer our questions. Flexibility with departure, according to our needs and the daily activities. Great recommendations for dining, museum visits, extra excursion options. As a native English speaker living in Germany I did luck out with a marvelous lively mix of native speakers on our boat. I celebrated my birthday with this energetic group. The trip surpassed my expectations. I highly recommend this trip.

Greece Classic Tour

The guide was amazing!! The level of detail he shared with the group and his organisation at the locations was very good. Limitations on the lunches were frustrating - dropped at a remote location and expected to buy a meal there, the meal of the last day returning to Athens from Meteora was a rip-off!! Lunch at Olympia was amazing. Hotels were a terrific standard. There were 35 people on the bus, more than the 20 advertised.

• £150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Classical Tour of Greece and Nauplion - 5 Days

Great trip. Our driver and guide were awesome! (George and Anthony)

Looking for tours beyond just Greece?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Greece.

Classic Greece

The tour was very good and covered most of the sights that I wanted to see. The City tour on day 2 was only for half day and I took the option to visit Cape Sounio with the tour company (not part of the overall tour). It was well worth a visit to see the Temple of Poseidon. I would recommend that you mention this in the trip notes as an option as most people did not know about the Temple itself. I am not a fan of Museums and found all the visits to the archaeological museums was an overkill but those who wanted to venture out in to the archaeological sights informed our guide and ventured out on our own. Once again, I would recommend this especially when you can read up about the facts before the visit. We were so involved in the Museum in Delphi that we almost missed the Temple of Athena. Those who were in the museum missed the opportunity to visit this gorgeous temple. A tip to those visiting in the future - Go up to the stadium in the main sight (Temple of Apollo) and you can see the Temple of Athena at the bottom of the hill which is about 20 minutes walk from the main entrance. It is a walk downhill so fairly easy but be prepared to walk back up to the road level. The hotels were very good (5*) with a vast spread in the buffet. It was a 'foodie heaven'. The coaches were very comfortable and very very clean. Overall, the trip was of a good value for the money and I would recommend it to those who seek to know more about the culture and history of the country.

• Christmas & New Year

Great trip, great communication throughout the trip! Everything was taken care of

Athens, Santorini & Mykonos with 3 Guided Tours | SemiPrivate | 10 Days

I went on the trip with my husband. We had the pleasure of embarking on a remarkable tour of Greece with Travel Zone through TourRadar. From start to finish our experience was nothing short of extraordinary. We couldnt have asked for a better way to explore this beautiful country.

Greek Island Hopping | SemiPrivate with 4* Hotels | 11 Days

Travel was well organized.

Bewitching Greece with All Inclusive beach stay

Wow, really impressed with the team at TourRadar (Wendy, Rose, Alberto, Sam and others). Our first organized tour and they were fantastic! Planned us a great trip from beginning to end and were always there for us 24/7. We felt comfortable and reassured all the way. Thoroughly recommend you check them out as we will be next trip for sure. Cheers and thanks team TourRadar! Bryan and Karen

Treasures of Crete

The walk to the bus pickup was not as simple as made out as the Road is not flat. For elderly and people with mobility issues this is a problem. Please let your future clients know. Also the day trips undertaken are great however they were not scheduled as published which meant the spare day was not the first day but the last day which meant I had to change my own plans once I got to Crete. The daily tours were out sourced to TUI. Which was also not made clear until the seven day notification when all the vouchers and accommodation details were shared The TUI pickups and drop offs added an hour at least to each day and the buses even the smaller ones only just cater for the 50 or 20 passengers doing the daily tours. If you are over 5ft 3inches your knees will be against the person infront of your seat. Reduce the number of people and reduce the seats in the buses for comfort. It was alot more independent than expected. As each day trip was a different group tour guide and driver. I am about to do a second tour with Tour Radar in Greet so will see what happens with the second leg.

The Labyrinth of Crete

Everything was very well organised and the tours we made were very interesting or in beautiful nature. The guides were excellent, very kind, very helpfull and widely documented about history and special items in nature and agriculture. Darrel, the Safari driver had the real and right skills to drive on difficult paths. He was a lovely man, who told us really everything and again , he helped us with all kinds of things. My son, who is disabled , got all the help he needed, also from the passengers. The hotel was outstanding. The Sea was at our feet, the service was super and the food could’nt Be any better! For the tours we had to Be picked up in the other hotel “Creta Maris” . That was too far way for my disabled son. In the evening after a very busy day in 30° , we had to return on foot to our hotel which was really Difficult. Thomas,my son and me, we couldn’t visit the cave of Zeus. It’s far too difficult for a disabled person. I think you should have told us this, in advance. Now it was a disapointment. Our room in the hotel was too far from the dining room, again difficult for Thomas and it was quiet steep for him. But thes are little details , as we were so happy with this beautiful and relaxing journey! Congratulations Tourradar and Tui as well! Martine and Thoms

Grand Classical Tour Of Greece plus Mani and Monemvasia (Small group - In depth culture/Historical/Nature/Culinary guided tour)

A safe pair of hands. We had a great time. Agreed way to do Classical Greece, Mycenaean Greece, Lovely Greek taverns, hotels, places you won't see in a tour group bus or a do it yourself self drive. Exceeded expectations.

What people love about Greece Tours

Loved this sailing adventure and plan to do another one in the near future. The Captain Marius was excellent with a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of sailing and taking care of his passengers. Our group gelled well and we all had fun swimming, eating on board and going out to dinner and playing cards. I would definitely do this adventure again

Mia our leader gets 10/10! We were lucky to have her as our guide. She made everything easy and we saw so much in a short time. This has been a memorable trip. It's my first Intrepid tour. I will definitely be doing more and will recommend them to my friends!! Thanks Intrepid

Greece Destinations

• Greek Islands (510)
• Aegean Islands (407)
• Cyclades Greece (371)
• Peloponnese Islands (106)
• Mykonos (87)
• Ionian Islands (28)
• Eastern Aegean Islands (13)
• Dodecanese Islands (13)
• Saronic Islands (7)
• Sporades Islands (5)
• Mainland Greece (393)
• Athens Santorini & Mykonos (351)
• Central Greece (60)
• Northern Greece (51)
• Attica (21)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (287)
• Budget (187)
• Luxury (43)
• Singles and Solo (795)
• For Couples (243)
• Young Adults (25)
• Seniors (323)
• Group (768)
• Explorer (707)
• Family (652)
• Fully Guided (487)
• Personalized (446)
• Partially Guided (375)
• Private (272)
• In-depth Cultural (271)
• Self-Guided (173)
• Sailing (103)
• Custom (80)
• Hiking & Trekking (80)
• Active (58)
• Coach / Bus (51)
• Ocean Cruise (47)
• Intl. Flights Included (26)
• 3 Day Tours (56)
• 7 Day Tours (229)
• 10 Day Tours (423)
• 2 Week Tours (121)
• 3 Week Tours (45)
• Spring 2024 (687)
• Summer 2024 (789)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (813)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (197)
• Spring 2025 (323)
• Summer 2025 (268)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (266)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (88)
• April 2024 (360)
• May 2024 (733)
• June 2024 (773)
• July 2024 (725)
• August 2024 (713)
• September 2024 (789)
• October 2024 (681)
• November 2024 (220)
• December 2024 (194)
• January 2025 (143)
• February 2025 (140)
• March 2025 (193)
• April 2025 (233)
• May 2025 (273)
• June 2025 (263)
• July 2025 (247)
• August 2025 (247)
• September 2025 (265)
• October 2025 (224)
• November 2025 (98)

Greece Tours starting in

• Starting in Athens (708)
• Starting in Thessaloniki (15)
• Starting in Mykonos (14)
• Starting in Corfu (13)
• Starting in Heraklion (11)
• Starting in Chania (9)
• Starting in Santorini (9)
• Starting in Igoumenitsa (8)
• Starting in Rhodes (7)
• Starting in Crete (5)
• Greece Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day Greece Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Greece Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

The best hotels in Athens

By Rachel Howard

The best restaurants in Santorini, Greece

By Rachel Howard and Heidi Fuller-love

The best things to do in Santorini

The best Airbnbs in Santorini

By Lauren Burvill and Charley Ward

The best beaches on Santorini, Greece

The best hotels in Santorini

By Timothy O'Grady

The best alternative beaches in Europe for crowd-free shores

By Anya Meyerowitz

The best hotels in Corfu

By Heidi Fuller-love

5 of the best things to do in Kefalonia

By Jason Kaye

The Greek resort you need to know about

The best hotels in Mykonos

By David Annand

The best Airbnbs in Mykonos

By Cordelia Aspinall and Charley Ward

The best restaurants in Mykonos

By Isabelle Zigliara

The best beaches in Mykonos

By Katie Silcox

The best family hotels in Greece

By Lauren Burvill

Where was ‘One Day’ filmed: the key locations in the new rom-com Netflix series everyone's talking about

By James Medd

Kastellorizo is the secret Greek island to know about for 2024

I'm a celebrity, get me into there: these are the hottest celebrity-endorsed travel experiences right now

By Rick Jordan

The 11 best things to do in Crete, Greece

By Rachel Everett

The 15 best beaches in Crete

By Kate Morgan and Rachel Everett

• AUTUMN MODE
• WINTER MODE
• SPRING MODE
• SUMMER MODE

Amazing Destinations

North Aegean

Argosaronic

Peloponnese

Sustainable best practices

Experiences

Read our Blog

Spoon Sweet Bitter Orange (nerantzi)

Why greece golden visa is the best choice for investors in 2024.

Must-see places in Greece in 2024

Proud to Celebrate

Did you know that most days of the year are sunny in Greece? 250, to be exact.

Greece has historically engaged in wine making. Take for example Dionysus, the son of Zeus, the god of the grape-harvest, winemaking and wine. His face is seen today on the sommelier’s pin which is a symbol of respect to wine’s contribution throughout history.

Did you know that Epirus is the most mountainous territory of Greece and the poorest in the EU; however it has a unique natural wealth!

Did you know that Greece is the third largest producer of olive oil in the world? Greeks have cultivated olive trees since antiquity. Some of the olive trees that are still producing olives, date back to the thirteenth century.

Greece's national drink is ouzo. Ouzo is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif. Cheers, "stin igia mas" in Greek!

On Anafi Island, lies the rock of Kalamos, the second highest monolithic limestone after Gibraltar; a must-see for climbers who will enjoy a great challenge here.

The first philosopher is considered to be Thales of Miletus (c. 624 – 425 B.C.). He is credited as giving the first explanation for the origin of the world that was not mythological.

Greece is a leading producer of sea sponges.

Alexander the Great, one of history’s greatest warriors and leaders of all time, was Greek. Alexander the Great conquered land all the way from Greece to Asia. His achievements and conquests gave rise to the later Hellenistic period (323 BC - 31 BC).

Did you know that in Greece you can enjoy skiing with a sea view?

The very first sprint race of the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. was won by Coroebus of Elis, a cook!

Greece' s official name is Hellenic Republic. However Greeks call their country Hellas or Hellada.

Did you know that Greece is the 4th largest cheese producer worldwide. Greeks eat 28 kg per capita per year. And guess what, mostly feta cheese!

Olympus (2,917m), the mountain of Gods and Muses is the highest mountain of Greece and the 2nd in the Balkans.

Feta, which is made from sheep and goat’s milk, is Greece’s national cheese. It dates back to the Homeric ages, and the average per-capita consumption of feta cheese in Greece is the highest in the world!

The species and subspecies of the native plants in Greece are about 6,000, almost as much as 50% of the native plants of Europe!

Greek is one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe since it has been spoken for more than 3.000 years.

Τhe concept of democracy developed in Athens around the 6th century BC. The Greek word demokratia (δημοκρατία) meant “the power of the people”.

Did you know that Greece hosts 50% of the brown bear population in western & southern Europe.

Crete's history as well as the inhabitants' personality were affected by the island's mountainous landscape.

• Exhibitions

Thessaloniki

Myths and Symbols in Modern Greek Art

Athens – City Festival 2024

Spetsathlon

EuroPride 2024 Thessaloniki

Saturday in the Museum with 20+1 masterpieces

Dance Performances

ΑΣΤΥΓΡΑΦΙΑ / URBANOGRAPHY

East Med Multihull & Yacht Charter Show

XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni

The Parthenon and Byron

Explore greece.

Places to Visit

Elefsina .

A journey through time

Central Greece

Messolonghi

The Seafaring Town

Travel to the Navel of the Earth

A journey in a magical land

The jewel of Epirus

The Riviera of the Epirus Region

The Ionian fjord!

City of Experiences

A breathtaking combination of blue and green

The Lakeside Jewel of Northern Greece

The land of the Nymphs

The Picturesque Town at the Foot of Mount Olympus

Palaios Agios Athanasios

A Unique Macedonian Settlement

Where Nature's Bounty Embraces Ancient Legacy

An action-packed destination

A trip to the birthplace of the Olympic Games

A fascinating wine tourism destination

Τhe fir-covered gem of Mainalo Mountain

A legendary escape in every sense of the word

A Traditional Gem on the Slope of Mount Mainalo

Beauty, Myth and History are all here

Alexandroupoli

The noble Lady of Thrace

Kea (or Tzia)

Travel to the heart of the Cyclades

Where cosmopolitan meets traditional

A rising destination in the Cyclades

The Big Blue

The "handmade" island

The island with heavenly beaches

Welcome to the Cyclades

The Exciting Island

Simply irresistible

An island of beauty and magic

The Noble Island

An island of raw beauty

A balanced and harmonic cycladic island

Anti-conformist & carefree

The Chalk Island

Folegandros

Bathed in the sunlight of the Aegean Sea

A piece of heaven in the Lesser Cyclades

The head priest of the Cyclades

Agios Nikolaos

The cradle of the Minoan civilisation

Kastellorizo

A Butterfly-Shaped Island

The Sponge Harvesting and Rock Climbing Island

The wild beauty of the Dodecanese

Wild and Beautiful

A Remote Treasure Island

Hippocrates’ Island

Calypso’s Island

A lesser known gem in the Dodecanese

Island with a Unique Volcanic Terrain

Religious legacy meets beauty of Nature

The island of vivid contrasts

A Fairytale-like Island

The perfect choice for a laid-back holiday

Odysseus’s home

Chic and delicate by nature

Agios Efstratios

The island of the Great Gods

A Tapestry of Natural Wonders and Cultural Riches

An island of sheer beauty

The island of Hera and Pythagoras

The island of glorious past & pristine beauty

An archipelago away from the crowds

Τhe remote islands of ship owners

A Mise-en-Scène Island

Enjoy nature in all its splendour!

#VisitGreece

Share your moments in Greece

• Book a hotel, B&B or apartment...

Price: €50 - €560

City cards:, what to do in athens.

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1.1 First civilisations
• 4.1.2 Dark Ages
• 4.1.3 Classical Greece
• 4.1.4 Hellenistic and Roman eras
• 4.1.5 Arrival of Christianity and rise of Byzantine Empire
• 4.1.6 Medieval Greece
• 4.1.7 Ottoman rule
• 4.1.8 Enlightenment and revolution
• 4.1.9 19th to mid-20th century
• 4.1.10 Modern Greece
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Holidays and festivals
• 4.4 Visitor information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.6 By boat
• 7.2 By train
• 7.4 By rental car
• 7.5 By boat
• 7.6 By plane
• 7.7 By taxi
• 7.8 By boat
• 8.1 Cultural heritage
• 8.2 Islands
• 8.3 Seaside resorts
• 10.1.1 ATMs
• 10.1.2 Cards
• 10.1.3 Money exchange
• 10.2.1 Arts and crafts
• 10.2.2 Bargaining
• 10.2.3 Business hours
• 10.2.4 Costs
• 10.2.5 Kiosks
• 10.2.6 Markets
• 10.2.7 Tipping
• 10.2.9 In general
• 11.1 Vegan and vegetarian
• 11.2 Popular local dishes
• 11.3 Cover fee
• 11.4 Fast food
• 12.4 Liquor
• 12.5 Coffee
• 12.6 Iced tea
• 14.1 Modern Greek courses
• 16.1 Crime and theft
• 16.3 Photography restrictions
• 16.4 Antiquities
• 16.6 Traffic
• 18.1 Health care
• 18.2 Sexually transmitted infections
• 18.3 Natural dangers
• 19.1 Social etiquette and breaches
• 19.2 Sensitive issues
• 19.3 Religion
• 19.4 Obscene gestures
• 19.5 Smoking
• 20.1.1 Mobile internet
• 20.1.2 Calling
• 20.2 Internet

Greece ( Greek : Ελλάς, Hellas or Ελλάδα, Ellada ) is a country with a captivating history and culture that has influenced the world for thousands of years.

Ancient Greece , home to one of Europe's first urban civilizations, was the origin of Western culture. Travelers from all over the world visit Greece to view its rich cultural past and magnificent natural settings, which include majestic mountains and beaches.

Greece offers everything, whether you're a history buff, a sun seeker, or just searching for an amazing trip.

Regions [ edit ]

Greece is both a mountainous and coastal country, with countless islands spread over the Ionian and Aegean seas.

Cities [ edit ]

Major cities include:

• 37.983972 23.727806 1 Athens (Αθήνα, Athína ) — the capital and largest city, known for the Parthenon
• 35.516667 24.016667 2 Chania (Χανιά) — surrounded by beaches and the Samaria National Park
• 35.316667 25.39 3 Chersonissos (Χερσόνησος) — party capital of Crete in the summer
• 35.333333 25.133333 4 Heraklion (Ηράκλειο, Irákleio ) — Crete's largest city and main hub with the archaeological site of Knossos
• 40.941 24.403 5 Kavala (Καβάλα) — romantic port city in East Macedonia with many sights and ferry port to the North Aegean Islands.
• 38.25 21.733333 6 Patras (Πάτρα) — third largest city in Greece, known for its wine production
• 36.433333 28.216667 7 Rhodes (Ρόδος, Ródos ) — impressive medieval structures, nightlife and beaches
• 40.65 22.9 8 Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) — second largest city, the main city in the central Macedonia region
• 39.366667 22.933333 9 Volos (Βόλος) — coastal port with nice museums and architecture

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 35.309722 24.893333 1 Crete (Κρήτη) — the largest island in Greece
• 39.583333 19.866667 2 Corfu (Κέρκυρα, Kérkyra ) — large island with many attractions
• 38.4823 22.5013 3 Delphi (Δελφοί) — site of the famous oracle of Apollo, major archaeological site
• 39.714167 21.631111 4 Meteora (Μετέωρα) — hilltop monasteries
• 40.157222 24.326389 5 Mount Athos (Άθως, Áthos ) — semi-independent republic, home to many Orthodox monasteries (access restricted)
• 37.45 25.35 6 Mykonos (Μύκονος) — world famous, sophisticated holidays
• 37.638 21.63 7 Olympia (Ὀλυμπία) — sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, site of the ancient Olympics
• 36.166667 28 8 Rhodes (Ρόδος, Ródos ) — island with ancient monuments, as well as beaches
• 36.416667 25.433333 9 Santorini (Σαντορίνη or Θήρα, Thira ) — a volcanic island known for its beautiful views, towns and sunsets

See also the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece

Understand [ edit ]

Visitors are drawn to the country's beaches and reliable sunny summer weather, its nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty. In 2018, Greece received 33 million visitors, more than three visitors for each of the country's residents.

The majority of visitors come to Greece from other European countries, although tourists from other world regions have been increasing in number. The vast majority of visitors visit from April through to October. Peak season is between May and September when approximately 75% of all tourists arrive. Most of the tourists and tourism industry are concentrated in Crete , the Dodecanese , Cyclades , and Western Greek Islands , and to a lesser extent the Peloponnese and the Halkidiki peninsula in Macedonia . There are still many rewarding areas in the country free of large-scale tourism.

Many first-time visitors arrive in Greece with specific images in mind and are surprised to discover a country with such regional and architectural diversity. The famous whitewashed homes and charming blue-domed churches only characterise a specific region of the country (the Cyclades Islands). Architecture varies greatly from one region to the next depending on the local history. Visitors will find Neoclassical architecture in the cities of Ermoupolis and Nafplion , Ottoman-influenced buildings in Grevená and Kozáni, whitewashed Cycladic homes on the island of Paros , and pastel-coloured baroque homes and churches on Corfu . The nation's terrain is just as varied as its architectural heritage: idyllic beaches, towering mountain ranges, wine-producing valleys, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, and lush forests in the north. Greece's historical sights are just as varied; the country is littered with just as many medieval churches and castles as classical ruins and temples.

It borders Albania , North Macedonia , Bulgaria , and Turkey .

History [ edit ]

Greece boasts a very long history, with the Greek language being spoken in the country and throughout the Mediterranean region for nearly 4000 years.

First civilisations [ edit ]

The country's first inhabitants are now referred to as the Pelasgians. Little is known about them, but it is believed that they were a primitive people. The first advanced civilisations in Greece are known as the Cycladic in the Cyclades Islands , and the Minoan in Crete and Santorini . The Minoans had a written language which remains undecipherable to archaeologists, which is one of the most interesting and profound historical mysteries.

Dark Ages [ edit ]

Greek-speaking Indo-European peoples arrived in the country from somewhere to the north, around 1700 BC, and slowly invaded the entire country from the north all the way to Crete , as well as the west coast of Asia Minor (now Turkey ), absorbing the native peoples. Their arrival may have been responsible for ending the Cycladic and Minoan civilisations and brought the country into what is now referred to as the Dark Age of ancient Greece; although it is now understood among historians that civilisation in Greece remained sophisticated and advanced during this time. The first Greek-speaking civilisation, Mycenean, was centred in the Peloponnese region. As they do today, many ancient Greeks made a living from the sea. They were accomplished fishers, sailors and traders and the sea has profoundly shaped Greek culture.

Classical Greece [ edit ]

The rise of the Greek city-states occurred in the period 1200 to 800 BC and heralded the Golden Age of Greece, which lasted many centuries and spurred several scientific, architectural, political, economic, artistic, and literary achievements. Athens , Sparta , Corinth , and Thebes were the most prominent of the city-states (with Athens being the most prestigious), but there were several other advanced city-states and colonies that had developed across the Aegean basin. Greek settlements were also established in southern Italy and other coastal areas of the Mediterranean colonised by Greeks. The legacy of Greek Civilisation from this time period made a major impact on the world and continues to influence us to this day with the development of democracy, philosophy and theatre.

Hellenistic and Roman eras [ edit ]

The epicentre of Greek Civilisation shifted, during the 4th century BC, from southern Greece to northern Greece. The northern Macedonian kingdom, under Alexander the Great , conquered all of Greece, and proceeded eastward, conquering all the way to South Asia with the intent of expanding the Greek empire. The empire broke up after Alexander's death, and Greece was eventually annexed by the growing Roman Empire . Although weakened politically, Greek culture continued to flourish under Roman rule and indeed heavily influenced Roman culture.

Arrival of Christianity and rise of Byzantine Empire [ edit ]

Christianity arrived in Greece with the preachings of St. Paul during the 1st century AD, and eventually spread throughout Greece and the Roman Empire. In the 4th century, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great legalised Christian worship and declared it the state religion of the empire. He moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Byzantium (present-day Istanbul), which he renamed Constantinople. Internal divisions eventually divided the Roman Empire into a western half (the West Roman Empire) and an eastern half (East Roman Empire.) The West was eventually invaded and sacked by invaders from northern Europe, while the East survived for another millennium as the Byzantine Empire with Constantinople as its capital.

Medieval Greece [ edit ]

Greece's medieval history is dominated by the Byzantine Empire which revolved around Christianity, Greek Language and Roman law. It was a powerful force in the Mediterranean basin for centuries, engaging in trade, politics, and the spread of Christianity. The empire collaborated with Rome during the Crusades against the Muslims. However, during the 13th century, the Crusaders turned on the Byzantine Empire itself and sacked Constantinople. With a weakened Byzantine Empire, Frankish and Latin invaders arrived and occupied various parts of Greece. Over the following centuries, the Byzantine Empire began to regain strength and reconquer lost territory, but received a final blow in the 15th century when a growing Ottoman Turkish Empire to the east captured Constantinople.

Ottoman rule [ edit ]

With the capture of Constantinople, Greece fell under Ottoman Turkish rule , but vigorously retained its Greek-speaking Christian culture. However, many Greeks fled the country, establishing Greek communities elsewhere in Europe; these communities would later influence the Greek Revolution.

Enlightenment and revolution [ edit ]

The Italian city-states of Genoa and Venice competed with the Ottoman Turks for control of various areas of Greece and managed to conquer various islands and coastal areas, bringing pan-European movements such as the Renaissance (and later the Enlightenment) to places in Greece such as Crete, Corfu, and parts of the Peloponnese region. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment, both in Venetian/Genoese-occupied areas of Greece and from Greek communities abroad, led to an awakening among prominent Greeks and gave birth to the goal of an independent, unified, and sovereign Greek state. The Greek Revolution finally broke out on the 25th of March, 1821, and led to a long war against the Ottomans for independence. The Greek Revolution gained attention across Europe, with Russia , Britain , and France sending military aid to assist Greece.

19th to mid-20th century [ edit ]

The nation finally achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. The newly-independent Greek State was briefly a republic, before becoming a monarchy at the will of major European powers. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Greece gradually annexed neighbouring islands and territories with Greek-speaking populations. The country sided with the allies during World War I . Despite declaring neutrality during World War II , the country was invaded by Mussolini's forces on 28 October 1940. Greek forces victoriously pushed the Italians out of Greece, but the Germans then came to their aid, occupying the country until its liberation toward the end of the war. Civil war broke out in 1946 between communist rebels and royalists, the former supported by Yugoslavia (until the Tito-Stalin rift of 1948) and the latter by the West. The communist rebels were defeated by the royalists in 1949. The second world war and the civil war that followed had left the country war-torn, forcing many people to flee the country in search of a better life abroad.

Greece joined NATO in 1952; rapid economic growth and social change followed. A right-wing military dictatorship staged a coup in 1967, disbanding all political parties, suspending political liberties and forcing many prominent Greeks into exile, including Communists, who played an active part in the Greek Parliament before and after the junta. King Constantine II and his family also fled the country. Democracy returned in 1974, and a national referendum abolished the monarchy, creating a parliamentary republic.

Modern Greece [ edit ]

Greece joined the European Community in 1981, which later became the European Union (EU) in 1992. The country's tourism industry – which had begun to take off during the 1960s – began to flourish, bringing 5 million annual visitors to the country in 1980 (a figure that eventually grew to over 17 million by 2007). The country suffered serious economic stagnation in the 1980s, but began to experience remarkable economic growth in the 1990s, fuelled by heavy investment, entrepreneurship, trade, and EU aid.

By the early 21st century, Greece had seemingly achieved stability and prosperity, with a high standard of living. An influx of immigrants began in the late 1980s, transforming Greece, once an immigrant-sender, into an immigrant-receiving country. Foreign-born residents, most of them undocumented and coming from various parts of the world (Eastern and Central Europe, Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa) are estimated to number at least 1 million, or equivalent to 10% of the population. In 2004, the nation stepped into the global spotlight as it successfully hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, to the defiance of critics. Greece however, has borne the brunt of the late-2000s recession and related 2010 European sovereign debt crisis.

The main issues facing Greek society are a high and growing level of bureaucratic corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth and widespread poverty. As a by-product of the ongoing economic depression, there has also been a rise in extremism. Particularly worrying is the rise in support for Golden Dawn, a violently xenophobic opposition party that has often been described as neo-Nazi, some of whose members of Parliament have been arrested for beating foreigners in the street, and which has reportedly gained a considerable degree of control over some Greek police forces. This is unlikely to affect most travellers, but if you could be mistaken for a refugee or illegal migrant to Greece, think twice about whether now is the right time to visit (also refer to § Stay safe ). As of 2020, this party has been declared a criminal organization, and has ceased to exist, with most of its important members found guilty in court and sentenced to prison.

Climate [ edit ]

Despite its small size, Greece has a varied climate.

Most of the country, including all coastal areas, enjoys a so-called Mediterranean climate, almost identical to much of California. Summers are hot and dry with a 7-month period of near-constant sunshine generally from April until November. The remainder of the year is characterised by a relatively cold, rainy period which generally starts sometime in November and lasts until late March or early April. Sporadic rains do occur during the dry season, but they tend to be rare, quick showers. The country’s Ionian Coast and Ionian Islands tend to receive more annual precipitation than the rest of the country. The islands in the southern Aegean and parts of the southeastern mainland are the driest areas of the country.

The most pleasant weather occurs in May–June and September–October. The warmest time of the year starts in mid-July and generally lasts until mid-August, when the annual meltémi winds from the north cool the country. Mid-July to mid-August is the height of summer, and the midday sun tends to get very strong; during this time, most Greeks avoid heavy physical activity outdoors between 13:00 and 17:00. It is best advised to get in tune with the local way of life by waking up early, doing all sightseeing and errands in the cool morning hours, and then spending the afternoon in the relaxing shade or at the beach. In fact, the bulk of tourists arrive in Greece during the height of summer, to do just that! For visitors from more northerly climates, the off season from November through February can be a rewarding time to see Greece. It will not be beach weather, but temperatures are mild. The much added bonus is that there will be very few other tourists and reduced prices.

Summer evenings tend to be very rewarding. As strong as the sun may get on a summer afternoon, the low levels of atmospheric humidity in most areas of the country prevent the air from trapping much heat, and temperatures tend to dip to very pleasant levels in the evenings. But even during midday, high temperatures actually tend to be quite comfortable as long as the time is not spent doing a lot of walking or other physical activity. (Athens, however, can still be uncomfortably warm during summer afternoons due to the predominance of concrete in the city, an effect similar to New York City.) Coastal areas near open waters (away from tightly-closed bays and gulfs), especially on many of the islands, tend to be quite breezy, and can be quite cold at night.

While the Mediterranean climate characterises most of the country, two other climate systems are present. One is the cool Alpine climate which is found on mountainous areas of the country's interior, including many high-altitude valleys. Another system is the Continental climate found on the interiors of north-central and northeastern Greece, which gives those areas very cold winters and warm, relatively humid summers.

Greek weather forecast given here

Holidays and festivals [ edit ]

The following are national public holidays:

• New Year's Day - 1 Jan
• Epiphany - 6 Jan
• Clean Monday (First day of Lent) - movable
• Independence Day and The Annunciation - 25 Mar
• Holy Friday - movable
• Pascha Sunday - movable
• Pascha Monday - movable
• May Day / Labour Day - 1 May
• Pentecost Sunday - movable
• Pentecost Monday - movable
• Dormition of the Theotokos - 15 Aug
• WWII Day / "OHI(no) Day" - 28 Oct
• Christmas - 25 Dec
• Boxing Day - 26 Dec

The nation's three most important holidays are Christmas, Pascha, and the Dormition. Christmas tends to be a private, family holiday, but lights and decorations adorn city squares across the country. Dormition is a major summer festival for many towns and islands. Pascha weekend is perhaps the most flamboyant of all holidays; religious processions on Holy Friday and the following Saturday evening culminate in exuberant fireworks at midnight, Easter morning.

Contrary to most national holidays in other countries, Independence Day in Greece is a very sober holiday. There is a school flag parade in every town and village and a big armed forces parade in Athens.

Although not an official holiday, pre-Lenten carnival - or apókries - is a major celebration in cities throughout the country, with Patras and Xanthi hosting the country's largest and most famous events. Carnival season comes to an extravagant ending the weekend before Lent begins, with costumes, float parades, and various regional traditions.

In addition to nation-wide holidays and celebrations, many towns and regions have their own regional festivals commemorating various historical events, local patron saints, or wine harvests.

The Greek Orthodox Church uses a different method to determine the date of Easter from the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant churches. Therefore, Greek Orthodox Pascha and, derived from that, Holy Week and Pentecost usually fall one or two weeks later than their Roman Catholic and Protestant counterparts, but they do sometimes coincide (as in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2025).

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Greece

Talk [ edit ]

Greek is the official national language and is the native tongue of the vast majority of the population, although the English speaking visitor will encounter no significant language problem. English is the most widely studied and understood foreign language in Greece, followed by French , Italian , and German . Basic knowledge of English can be expected from almost all in the tourism industry and public transport services. Learning a few Greek terms, such as "hello" and "thank you" will be warmly received.

The Latin and Cyrillic alphabets were derived from the Greek alphabet and about half of Greek letters look like their Latin counterparts, and most Greek letters resemble their Cyrillic counterparts. With a bit of study it's not too hard to decipher written names. You'll find that place names on road signs throughout the country are often transliterated into Latin letters (some signs, especially on the newer roads, are even outright translated into English).

As true throughout Greece, you will find multiple spellings for the same place because of the transliteration from the Greek to Roman alphabet and because Greek grammar rules change the word's spelling depending on whether it is the subject or object of a verb, or to indicate possession (each of these also change the pronunciation), and because of the language reform in 1976. You will see road sign and place names on maps that spell the same place different ways. Sometimes a place will be spelled how it is pronounced, sometimes it will be spelled using Roman letter substitutions. So you will see Heraklion, Iraklion, Heraklio and Iraklio for Ηράκλειο and Rethymnon, Rethymno, Rethimnon and Rethimno for Ρέθυμνο.

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ].

Greece is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles are permitted to work in Greece without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries.

For detailed regulations applied to your country, refer to the Greek Ministry for Foreign Affairs .

By plane [ edit ]

Athens' Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport , near the Athens suburb of Spáta, is the country's largest, busiest airport and main hub, handling over 28 million passengers annually as of 2023, with flights from all over Europe, the Middle East and, mostly during the summer, from Canada, the U.S., Australia and East Asia. Other major international airports in terms of passenger traffic are, in order of passengers served per year, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion), Macedonia Airport (Thessaloniki), Diagoras Airport (Rhodes) and Kapodistrias Airport (Corfu). There are a lot of airports in general in the country and almost every significant island has one. The bulk of international flights usually land in Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete but during the high season (April-November) there are abundant flights to a lot of islands and lesser-known airports on the mainland.

Aegean Airlines , is the largest greek airline and owns most of the domestic market, whilst also operating a lot of international routes from Greece. Sky Express is the second biggest airline in Greece and operates domestic routes and also international routes by request.

Athens is also well-served by airlines from all over Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia, with flights from their respective hubs.

The presence of low-cost carriers in Greece's international market has increased tenfold within the past decade, offering service to Athens and Thessaloníki from several other European locations, such as Easyjet, Transavia, Norwegian Air, Wizz Air, and Vueling. Ryanair in addition to regular services to central airports also offers service to smaller airports in Greece.

By train [ edit ]

As of 2022, there are no long-distance international passenger services to Greece. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there used to be overnight trains from Belgrade , Bucharest and Sofia to Thessaloniki . International trains might be resumed but there is no confirmation on when. An exception to this is that from November 2022 a regional service between Florina and Bitola in North Macedonia will commence.

Travelers with an Interrail pass may obtain a discount on certain ferry crossings from Italy.

By car [ edit ]

Greece can be entered by car from any of its land neighbours. From Italy, ferries will transport cars and passengers to Greece (see by boat section). From western Europe, the most popular route to Greece was through Yugoslavia. Following the troubles in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s, most motorists from western Europe came overland by Italy, and then took a trans-Adriatic ferry from there. Although the countries of the former Yugoslavia have since stabilized, and Hungary-Romania-Bulgaria form another, albeit a much longer, alternative, the overland route through Italy now remains the most popular option.

By bus [ edit ]

There is international bus service in Greece mostly from Thessaloniki, with some companies also having routes starting from Athens. All of the balkan countries (except Bosnia and Croatia ) can be reached from the Greece, along with Turkey , Hungary and Germany .

By boat [ edit ]

From Italy , main sea routes of the Adriatic connect the ports of Venice , Ancona , Bari and Brindisi of Italy to Patras and Igoumenitsa in mainland Greece. Several ferries also connect Italy to the Ionian Islands , though mostly during summer months. Trip duration varies from a minimum of about 8 hours Brindisi to Igoumenitsa, to a maximum 26 hours from Venice to Patras. Multiple ferries depart for Greece daily.

From Turkey there are ferries from Marmaris to Rhodes , from Çeşme (near Izmir ) to Chios , from Bodrum to Kos , from Kusadasi to Samos . From July 2019 a ferry sails overnight between Lavrio near Athens and Çeşme in Turkey, operated by Aegean Seaways [dead link] .

There are also ferries connecting Piraeus (Athens) and Rhodes to Alexandria ( Egypt ), Larnaca and Limassol ( Cyprus ), and Haifa ( Israel ).

When traveling with own boat, Greece can be a quite difficult country to visit:

• It's needed to pay a special boating tax (TEPAI). It should be paid the latest on the day of arrival to Greek waters. The fine for not having paid the TEPAI tax is quite high. The TEPAI can be paid through the URL. This fee should be paid for each calendar month one stays in Greece, so be careful not to arrive at the very end of a month.
• A boat with an EU-flag may need documentation that VAT is paid. As Polish flag-of-convenience has become common in the Mediterranean sea, boats with Polish flag will frequently be asked to produce such documentation.
• If the boat has an EU flag and is sailed directly from a Schengen country it's not needed with any check-in, but it's mandatory to have an updated crew list on board at all times.
• It's mandatory to have a good liability insurance, and some officials will demand that they explicitly states that the coverage is in accordance with Greek laws. It's apparently not possible to buy extra insurance in Greece, unless being a resident of Greece - so if you can't obtain insurance explicitly valid for Greece in your home country, you may end up stuck at some port, not being allowed to leave - even with insurance documents that already was approved in several harbours.
• Boats with flag from outside the EU needs to check-in in a valid port of entry, should buy a transit log and has it stamped by the port police in every harbour visited(!), both on entry and departure.

At the plus side, most officials have a pretty laid-back attitude, many harbours are for free or costs 10-15 EUR for a night even for a relatively big boat, particularly outside the season it can be easy and cheap to stay in a harbour.

Get around [ edit ]

A frequently asked question of travellers in Greece is whether they should rent a car. The primary advantage of having a car is that you can cover a lot more ground per day if you're travelling in rural areas or on the larger islands: you can get almost anywhere in Greece by bus, but some isolated villages may only have one or two buses per day, and having your own car means you don't have to wait in the summer heat for the bus to come. Almost all archaeological sites are accessible by bus, but at some of the more remote, less famous, sites, the bus may drop you off up to a mile away from the site, while with a car you can almost always get right to the site via at least a rough road.

On the other hand, going car-free in Greece is not only possible, but offers significant advantages, while driving involves a number of disadvantages. Though many people find driving in Greece easy and even pleasant, others are concerned by the high accident rate (one of the highest in Europe), the national reputation for risky driving, and the presence of many twisty mountainous roads, sometimes hugging the side of a cliff. Gas is as expensive as anywhere. (For more on driving conditions in Greece see below.) Driving in Athens and other big cities can be a frustrating, and sometimes hair-raising, experience, and finding parking can be very difficult. And having a car greatly restricts your flexibility when island-hopping, since only the larger, and usually slower, ferries offer car transport, which must be paid for in addition to your passenger ticket. Travelling by bus is not only cheaper but offers a greater chance of striking up conversations with both locals and other travellers than going by car. Language is not usually a problem for English speakers in using public transit: wherever there is significant tourism in Greece bus schedules are posted in English, and bus drivers and conductors, as well as taxi drivers, will understand at least enough English to answer your questions

Public transport can be supplemented by taxis (see below), which in many places, especially the islands, offer fixed rates to various beaches, which can be affordable especially if the price is shared among several people. And on many islands it's possible to get places by walking, which can be a pleasant experience in itself.

Intercity buses are a very popular option for domestic travel. KTEL is the national government-subsidized network of independent businesses which cooperate together to form a dense route system serving almost the entire country. The system is efficient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. It serves both long and short distances, including routes from major cities to islands near the mainland, such as Corfu and Cephalonia (in such cases, the ferry crossing is included in the price of the bus ticket).

As KTEL companies operate independently, the quality of information available online greatly varies between each one. Most companies now support online booking, at least for routes between major cities.

The railway system in Greece is very underdeveloped compared to other European countries and most of the rail traffic is in the Athens - Thessaloniki corridor and in the suburban railways of these cities. The three other lines (Thessaloniki - Florina, Lamia - Trikala and Thessaloniki - Serres) usually have one or two trains running per day and are non-electrified with low speeds, so it is usually better to take a bus than a train. There are however multiple projects underway to greatly improve the country's railways scheduled to complete in phases from 2025 to 2027. Tickets can be booked via the Hellenic Train [1] website.

Exploring the country by car can be an extremely rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the incredibly scenic and varied terrain of the country's coastlines, interior, and islands, at your convenience. Roads are usually well-marked and well-maintained, and billions of euros are being poured into expanding the nation's network of multi-lane freeways. Because of the rapid expansion and improvement of the nation's road system, it is advised to have the most updated road map(s) possible. Many of the newer motorways are toll roads, and fees can be expensive. Road signs in Greek are usually repeated with a transliterated version in the Latin alphabet.

Drivers who do not hold an EU driving licence must carry an international driver's permit obtained in their home country. This may not be required when renting a car, but will certainly be required if the driver is involved in an accident or pulled over by the police for a traffic citation. Insurance policies may be void if the driver is a non-EU driver without an international permit.

Petrol prices are steep, but relatively inexpensive in comparison with many other EU countries.

For those used to driving in North America, driving in Greece can be a challenge. To them Greek (and other European) drivers might appear aggressive. Also the nation's topographic reality poses challenges by forcing many narrow roads in mountainous regions to take several twists and turns. Roads in towns and villages can be surprisingly narrow as well. If cars meet on a narrow stretch of road it is customary for one driver to find a spot to pull over and let the other driver pass. At times, one driver will need to back up for the other. Adherence to this practice is expected and failure to do so will bring the ire of your fellow drivers. Drive slowly through villages and small towns, because there are often pedestrians in the roadway. Another major difference between driving in North America and Greece is the range of speeds at which vehicles travel, particularly on the highways. While speed limits are as high as 120 km/h (75 mph), some vehicles will be travelling as slowly as 60 km/h (40 mph). Other vehicles will travel at speeds well in excess of the posted limits and can come up from behind very quickly.

By rental car [ edit ]

Car rental offices are present throughout Greece, especially in major cities and in highly touristed areas. About 90% of rental cars are manual, for automatics it is advised to reserve one in advance. Some companies use vehicle classification scale from A to Z instead of the four-letter SIPP/ ACRISS codes. Often rental terms restrict taking the vehicle on ferries.

Larger car rental companies in addition to well known names like Avis/Budget, Europcar, Hertz/Firefly, Enterprise and SixT include Abbycar , AutoUnion , Kosmo Car Rental and Caldera .

Cheaper companies such as Greennmotion achieve lower cost by not having a real rental desk at airport, lesser trained and knowledgeable staff, instead having sign-and-greet, then a shuttle bus to bring customers to their "airport office" which is some distance away, so their lower prices are not without drawbacks. And online reviews have noted some companies' propensity to deceive customers thru bait and switch, hidden and/or inflated charges.

Shoulder season starts from June 1, peaking at July. The rental companies' ratings on broker sites such as Rentalcars.com, Autoeurope.com are not necessarily indicative of their quality of service.

So beware of unreasonable rental conditions and unscrupulous agencies trying to attribute existing damages to new renters and inflating repair costs, make sure to do your due diligence, read terms and conditions and inspect the cars very carefully and note down the smallest irregularities before signing, as it is in their interest to not fully inform you of hidden damages.

The frequency, reliability and availability of Greek ferries are largely dependent upon the time of year. For instance, during the winter off-season (January to March), the weather on the Aegean can be extremely rough and boats are often kept in port for days at a time. This type of delay is extremely unpredictable (it is not a decision of the ferry companies, but rather, that of the port authority) and determining when a boat in harbour will actually set sail is near impossible. Therefore, travellers in off-season should build some flexibility into their schedule and not plan on departing an island in the morning and catching a flight home in the afternoon. On the opposite end of the spectrum, ferries in August fill up due to the National Holiday (15 Aug), so travellers should plan ahead. If you would like to track your ferry and get information such as live estimated times of arrival you can download the NISEA app [dead link] which provides all that information for free.

As for routes, during high-season there are extensive connections from Athens and quite a few in-between islands for "hopping." Again, in the winter, some of these ferries run once, maybe twice a week.

Visitors to Greece planning to travel by ferry should be aware of some potential complications. First, it can't be assumed that you can get from any given island to any other island every day of the week. The Greek ferry system is basically a hub-and-spoke system, with the spokes radiating from Piraeus out to the various island groups. As a result, boats within the groups are fairly frequent, but less so between the groups. Sometime islands which are geographically close together are in different groups: for instance, the Western Cyclades ( Serifos , Sifnos , Milos ) look very close on a map to the Central Cyclades ( Naxos , Paros , Mykonos ,) but these groups are on different spokes, meaning you can usually in summer get from one island to another in the same group on any day, but boats between the groups, e.g. Naxos to Sifnos , may be significantly less frequent. Second, trying to find advance information on ferry schedules can be frustrating: unfortunately there exists no single official comprehensive source for Greek ferry schedules either in print or on line, though there are a number private sites run by travel agents or other businesses which claim to give comprehensive schedules, and many of the individual ferry companies have web sites giving their schedules, in some cases offering the ability to book and pay for tickets on line. Ferry schedules are also always posted at the boat ticket offices in departure ports. Next, though getting a ticket usually isn't a problem, some boats to the most popular destinations, especially those leaving at the most convenient times, do sell out in high season or on holiday weekends. Finally, though ferries nowadays usually run on schedule, weather, strikes, and mechanical breakdowns still can occasionally delay them. None of these problems are insuperable, but they do mean you shouldn't try to micromanage your ferry itinerary too strictly in advance: be flexible, and always have a backup plan. And it's always a good idea not to count on taking a ferry from the islands to get back to Athens the same day your plane leaves, even if boat schedules theoretically should enable you to do this: this will probably work, but there's enough of a chance it won't to make it prudent to plan on getting back to Athens at least one day before your flight.

There are three ports in Athens: the main port Piraeus and outlying Rafina and Lavrio port. These serve all islands, but central Cyclades islands such as Tinos and Mykonos , it is often better to leave from Rafina .

Ferries are about the one thing in Greece that leave on time so be prompt . New "fast ferries" are cutting distance times in half but prices are slightly more expensive. Sometimes, it is more practical to fly, especially to Crete or Rhodes . However, flights are usually more expensive. Santorini is 8 hour slow boat from Athens but the entrance view from the boat is spectacular.

The major ferry companies operating in Greece include:

• Aegean Speed Lines (Cyclades)
• ANEK Lines (Crete and international)
• Blue Star Ferries (Italy-Greece and Aegean Islands and Crete)
• Hellenic Seaways (Cyclades, Argosaronic, North Aegean, Sporades)
• ANES Ferries (Saronic, Sporades, Rodos Symi Line)
• Saronic Ferries (Saronic Gulf)
• Seajets (Aegean Islands)
• Minoan Lines (Italy-Greece and Crete)
• SAOS Ferries (Aegean Islands and northern mailand)
• Superfast Ferries (Italy-Greece)
• Ventouris Ferries (Italy-Greece)
• Zante Ferries (Cyclades)
• Golden star Ferries (Cyclades, Sporades)
• Levante Ferries [dead link] (Ionian Islands)
• Kefalonian Lines (Ionian Islands)

Schedules and web sites for some very local ferry services may be found on the destination pages for the relevant islands or ports, or you can also decide to rent a sailing boat, motor boat, catamaran or a gulet and explore Greece from a deep blue sea.

Due to the limited train routes and lengthy travel times using the bus or ferries, flying is worth a consideration for travel between the mainland and the islands, as well as the far reaching major destinations at or near the mainland such as Corfu , Thessaloniki , Kalamata , Patras , and Kavala . In fact, should you book your tickets far in advance, these can cost similar to or even cheaper than the ferries! Most of Greece are reachable within an hour's flight from Athens or Thessaloniki.

The nation's domestic air travel industry is dominated by Olympic Air , Sky Express , Aegean Airlines and low-cost carrier Ryanair . These airlines offer an extensive route network within the country, including services connecting several islands and the mainland.

By taxi [ edit ]

There are many taxis in Greece. Over ten years ago, getting one could be quite a challenge, but not any more. You hail taxis on the street like in any other large city.

Transport from the airport to the center of Athens is fixed cost from the taxi line that is outside exit 3 in the arrivals level. Day time fare from 05:00–00:00 cost €38 Night time fare from 00:00–05:00 cost €54

If you need a taxi from the ferry at night from Piraeus, it might not be easy. The drivers who wait outside sometimes are looking to take at least three different individuals going in the same direction so they can charge three fares! If you are two or three people, only one person should hail the cab and then if the driver agrees to take you, have the other(s) jump in. In Greece you don't pay "per capita", unless of course the other passengers are strangers to you and you just happened to stop the same taxi. In this case you pay separately -for example you, your wife and you pay one fare, and the others pay also one fare (one fare for each "group", no matter how many there are in the same company). If you are 4 friends, you pay one fare.

The taxi situation has improved since the debt crisis in Greece, but being a tourist might make you vulnerable to "extra" charges (see also the section about the cost of living).

Many major cruise ships visit the islands and there is also the option of hiring your own boat from any main harbour such as Athens, Kos and Lefkas.

For those sailors with experience, the Greek Islands provide an idyllic sailing experience with mostly moderate winds and calm waters. An exceptional sailing opportunity with a chance to visit many places in one go. Be aware of the "Meltemi" phenomena though, strong winds coming with little warning.

There are several yacht charter companies where one can rent a boat skippered or not.

See [ edit ]

Few countries can pride themselves on a heritage as important to Western civilization as Greece. A range of first class historic landmarks remind one of the days when the great Greek emperors and writers made their mark on the development of science, literature and democracy. No less than 17 of those monuments are listed as World Heritage Sites . However, the many charming little islands, sandy beaches and picturesque whitewashed coastal towns are at least as much a reason to come for the millions of tourists that this Mediterranean country receives each year.

Apart from that Greece offers a distinct and wonderful flora and fauna, with the odd tortoise appearing on the side of the road more often than you would expect.

Cultural heritage [ edit ]

World famous are the iconic Parthenon in the bustling capital Athens and the splendid site of Delphi , where the mighty emperors sought the prophecies of the most prominent oracle in the ancient Greek world. There's the temple of Apollo at Bassae and the gorgeous old city of Rhodes , once overlooked by the Colossus of Rhodes. The archaeological site of Olympia is the birthplace of our modern Olympic Games and the place from where the Olympic flame is sent around the world. The many Eastern Orthodox monasteries of Meteora are just stunning to look at, built high on natural sandstone rock pillars. At the small town of Vergina the ancient site of Aigai was found, and many valuable artifacts were discovered in several untouched tombs, one of them being the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Proudly situated on Mt. Taygetos is the ancient town of Mystras , close to (and often mistaken for) ancient Sparta . Another great site is the island of Delos , not far from the popular holiday destination Mykonos . According to myths, this is where Apollo and Artemis were born. The island used to be the main Panhellenic sanctuary and is now dotted with archaeological remains.

Some major sights are nicely located on one of the beautiful Greek islands, allowing for a delightful combination of sightseeing and relaxing on one of the many fine beaches. Patmos is a lovely example, boasting the historic centre Chora , the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse , but also some pleasant sea side restaurants with pretty views. Corfu has the same characteristics, being a popular holiday destination with good beaches and an impressive historic town centre. The beach towns of Samos , just a stone's throw away from the Turkish mainland, are a good place to try the islands local wines (famous in the ancient world!). On the island are also the World Heritage Temple of Hera , the remains of the fortified port of Pythagoreion and the famous Tunnel of Eupalinos , a 1 km long subterranean aqueduct built in the 6th century BC. Although not an island, the ancient Mount Athos is in the north of Greece, on the peninsula of Chalkidiki . It's one of the country's most popular tourist regions with excellent beaches, numerous other ancient sites and many charming villages.

If you still want more of the historic stuff, admire the massive Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus or the Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns . The Monasteries of Daphni ( Athens ), Hosios Loukas (Beotia) and Nea Moni (on the island of Chios ) complete the World Heritage listings for Greece.

Islands [ edit ]

When it comes to Greece's famously gorgeous islands, it's hard to take your pick out of the 6000 options you have, 227 of them being inhabited. Their rocky coast lines, sandy beaches, charming villages, sheltered bays and many yacht harbours make them extremely popular among all kinds of travellers. The large island of Crete is a highly popular tourist destination, with landscapes varying from great sandy palm beaches to snow-covered high peaks and stunning river gorges and a good deal of night life in its main tourist towns. If you're looking to party at night, lovely Mykonos or Ios are good options too. The volcanic island of Santorini is one of the most romantic picks and offers some spectacular views. Its whitewashed capital of Fira is dramatically situated on the edge of a 400m high cliff, overlooking a beautiful blue lagoon. Other popular ones are Lesbos , Paros , Lefkada and Kos . The National Marine Park on Zakynthos is the primary nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The rugged, green hills and valleys of Kefalonia boast a number of vineyards, and the island's cliffs and beautiful beaches make it a tourist hotspot. For a slightly more authentic and less touristy experience, try Syros , Amorgos or any of the other small and less developed islands. But if you want to live the way of life in Cyclades , Andros is one of the most original places to visit.

Seaside resorts [ edit ]

Greece measures 16,000 kms of its coastline within the waters of the Mediterranean basin. Its seaside resorts include coastal scenery, sandy beaches and a variety of stone-built villages.

Do [ edit ]

Greece offers not only well-known beach and water sports activities but also highly rewarding hiking areas and opportunities for religious and archaeological tourism.

Beaches : In addition to the numerous islands, particularly Crete , Rhodes , Corfu , and Kos , the most famous mainland beaches can be found in Chalkidiki , Epirus , and the Peloponnese . For nude beaches in Greece, see here. The most popular islands for naturist (nudist) beaches include Crete, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Gavdos, and Antiparos.

Archaeological Tourism : The most renowned archaeological sites are located in Attica (Athens), the Peloponnese, and the islands of Samos, Delos, and Crete.

Religious Tourism : The centers of religious tourism are Mount Athos and the sites that the Apostle Paul visited during his travels, especially Philippi . The Via Egnatia in northern Greece is part of the pilgrimage route to Jerusalem.

Hiking : The most popular hiking areas are Mount Olympus , the gorges in Crete , the national parks in Epirus , and the less-known Rhodope Mountains .

Sailing : With its more than 1400 islands, Greece is one of the most attractive sailing destinations in the world. You can find countless secluded coves, cozy fishing villages with small ports, or lively promenades in larger harbor towns for evening entertainment, shopping, or making necessary repairs. There are marinas and berths along the coasts, which are still relatively inexpensive compared to France, Italy, or Croatia. While there are only a few marinas, there are small town harbors on the islands that often charge very reasonable fees. However, they do not offer services like showers, toilets, or washing machines. Water and fuel are available in most harbors, but you have to take care of it yourself by inquiring around the harbor. Power connections are almost never available in the small harbors. The harbors are usually situated in the town centers, allowing you to stroll through the streets in the evening or enjoy Greek specialties in local restaurants. The most popular sailing areas in Greece include the Ionian Islands , the Cyclades , the Saronic Gulf Islands , the Dodecanese , and the Sporades . The North Aegean Islands are less known, but the distances between islands are greater, which means fewer boats are typically present, making it easier to find anchorages. The Ionian Islands are ideal for novice sailors due to mild winds and short distances. The best times for sailing in the Aegean are spring and autumn, as July and August can bring strong Meltemi winds, reaching up to 8 Beauforts, which are more suitable for experienced skippers.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Greece uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

The euro replaced the drachma in January 2002.

ATMs [ edit ]

ATMs are present almost everywhere, with MasterCard/Cirrus and Visa/Plus being the most widely accepted cards. Many ATM machines may not accept 5-digit pin numbers; ATM card-users with 5-digit pins are advised to change their pin to 4 digits before leaving home.

ATMs usually charge €2.50–3 in addition to what your bank demands. This is added to the withdrawn amount and invoiced to your bank, but not dispensed. Thus, the larger the amount withdrawn, the less the fee percentage-wise.

Cards [ edit ]

You may get better exchange rates by using credit or debit cards directly, instead of exchanging cash. MasterCard, Visa, Maestro and Eurocard are widely accepted across the country in retail stores, hotels, and travel/transportation agencies (including ferry, airline, and car rental agencies), but are not accepted in some restaurants. Local souvenir shops usually require a minimum purchase before allowing you to use your card and may not accept it for special sales or deeply discounted items.

Money exchange [ edit ]

Common particularly in larger cities and in any touristed area. In addition to hard currency, they also accept traveller's cheques. There are also automated currency exchange machines in some areas of the country, particularly in Athens airport. Most banks will also exchange euros for some currencies—such as US dollars and UK pounds —often at better rates than currency exchanges. Banks' commission fees for these exchanges are usually structured so that it's more economical to change larger sums than smaller. Usually, only the larger, international-standard hotels will exchange money for their guests.

Branches of the Greek bank Alphabank will exchange Euro American Express Travellers Cheques and US$ American Express Travellers Cheques into euros at their usual bank rates without fee or commission.

When changing money in large amounts at a bank or currency exchange, it's a good idea to ask for mostly smaller notes, and nothing larger than a €50. Many businesses are reluctant to accept notes of larger than €50, partly because of a scarcity of change, partly because larger notes have a history of being counterfeited.

Shopping [ edit ]

Arts and crafts [ edit ].

Artisan craftsmanship has a millennia-old tradition, but it is advisable to leave the beaten track and drive especially in the islands a few kilometres into the interior to get good goods at good prices.

Bargaining [ edit ]

One can bargain on many things, especially on clothing, souvenirs etc. You can also try different spots for what you are interested in buying and see the different prices that the specific item is sold, and pick the cheapest.

Business hours [ edit ]

Greece is in the Eurozone. Outside the tourist resorts and apart from the large supermarkets, a long lunch break is usually from about 14:00 to 17:00 . Then the shops open again until 20:00 and sometimes even longer.

Costs [ edit ]

Prices are horrendous relative to wages. Petro l cost €1.8-2.1/litre as of May 2023. A packet of cigarettes about €4-5. A loaf of bread cost about €1. A coffee in a bar €3-5, a bottle of beer in a small bar about €4-5, a shot of spirits about €4-8. You can buy much cheaper water, cheese, milk, ham, fruits, soaps, health care products, et al. in a supermarket such as Lidl, but bread is cheaper in bakeries.

Public transport ticket is €1.20 for a ticket that's valid for 90 minutes irrespective of number of transfers in the metro area and €5 or more for destinations out of Athens (for distances greater than 20-30 km). The buses and trains in the cities stop at night; then you need a taxi, ride hailing apps are Beat and TAXI 18300 . The minimum charge was €3 and €0.80/km, double at night and also double when your destination is outside the city limits. Since June 2022 Beat also adds an additional €1.2 charge for calling a taxi through the app. There is an extra charge of €3 if you get a taxi from the airport -ask to see the official card with the specific costs for baggages etc. that all the taxis must have. You can eat cheap if you eat "souvlaki" (pork or chicken pieces) for €2 each stick but usually one person needs two of them. Taverna s are much cheaper then restaurants to get lunch or dinner -you can eat in a taverna spending €12-20 per person. The main dish usually costs €7-12, the salad €7, the coke €2, the "cover charge" depending on the area. If you need clothing , bath suit or shoes, bags, tea shirts etc., the cheapest shops (but by no means the best) are the Chinese which you can find almost in every block in the cities. A ticket to a cinema costs around €8 per person, with €5-8 for a drink or snack in the intermission. Seashores are usually free but around Athens many of them charge €4-5 per person. Sometimes in free beaches you pay extra (if you want) in order to use the umbrella or other facilities. Tipping is usually an extra 10%, but if you get a €3 coffee in a bar, you shouldn't leave 0.20 because it will be considered an insult. Greeks in this case leave either nothing or at least 0.40-0.50 for a €2 charge. If you like Greece and decide to rent an apartment, don't say you are a tourist, because they will ask you for more -they'll think you don't know the prices. Find a Greek to trust and let them negotiate on your behalf. Greeks pay for two rooms €250-400 in middle class areas, up to €700 for expensive areas (rarely) or down to €180 (also rarely) in areas you don't really want to live in. Electricity costs about €60-100 a month. For a single person who doesn't work and keep the air conditioning or the heat on all day long, and uses washing machine once a week, cooks every day and needs hot water on daily base, he gets to pay €80-100 a month. Tap water is about €7-10 a month. Internet and phone at home costs about €25-40 a month. An acceptable pair of shoes, about €40 (although there are shoes that cost €15 or €300), trousers €20-80. Hairdressers cost €8-40, usually around €20 if you want to leave satisfied. If you cook at home, potatoes cost €1-2/kg, olive oil €4.5-6/litre, cooking oil for frying €4/litre, tomatoes €1-3 (depending on the season), meat €5-12/kg, fresh fishes €10-20/kg in the fish market (the frozen meats and fishes are much cheaper), and the fruits (also depending on the season) €1-5. (All prices in this section as of Feb 2019)

Kiosks [ edit ]

There are newsstands (períptero) in every corner of the city, where newspapers, magazines, chilled drinks, confectionery, snacks, tobacco and ice cream can all be bought.

Markets [ edit ]

Greece farmers markets (Laikí Agorá) take place at least once a week in every town. Here agricultural products of the region but also the things of daily life are offered. They have a very special flair that you should not miss. Standowners in the big markets are vociferously promoting their products, while the small rural markets are comparatively quiet. One is rarely addressed by the sellers. But there are many other things to discover in the markets. For example olives. Stalls offer the wide selection of pickled olives. It‘s allowed to taste before you buy what you like most. Also very nice are the stalls that offer nuts. A very wide selection of nibbles, you can buy here. Again, tasting is allowed. Of course, there is also a part that offers clothes, shoes, fabrics and jewellery. Here you get the known plagiarism, but also products from Greece.

Supermarket chains are Skvalenitis , Masoutis , AB Vasilopoulos , Market In and Economy Market , smaller mini marts include OK Market .

Tipping [ edit ]

Traditionally tipping in restaurants is not customary in Greece. Rounding of the bill used to work both ways, up or down to the nearest note amount. A tip was considered insulting, and the best way to show appreciation was to come back. In touristy areas this has almost completely vanished, but off the beaten track it is still alive.

Tipping is certainly not based on a predetermined percentage. Customers usually leave a tip on the table, varying from a few coins to large amounts of money, according to how satisfied they are by the service, but usually something like €1-2. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon.

Many restaurants bring you a bottle of water and charge you without your having ordered it. Thus, if you do not like this approach, kindly refuse the bottle of water if it is a fresh and newly opened one. Tap water is generally free.

VAT [ edit ]

Value Added Tax is charged on most items, usually included in the item's price but some shops offer "Tax Free" shopping to non-EU residents. This means that non-EU residents can ask for a VAT refund at their port of exit in the EU. Ask for your voucher before leaving the shop and show that along with your items to the customs officer upon departure from the EU.

In general [ edit ]

Things you might buy at home but are (usually) fresh in Greece include olive oil, fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, grapes, strawberries, etc.), feta cheese , and some breads and sweets that are local (see the "Eat" section). As for drinks, "Retsina" and "Tsipouro" are also local, but the first has a peculiar taste and the second is really strong, like "ouzo" and "raki". Don't mix those four with other drinks if you buy some for back home. It's nice to buy small statues and miniatures of ancient Greek art, but search for the cheap ones in various shops - you can almost always find them in half the price. Shops that cater to tourists are always more expensive - a local you can trust could be of great use. Buy definitely a hat for the sun if it's summer and sunblock (see the "Natural dangers" section).

Eat [ edit ]

Greek cuisine is a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences. Neighbouring Italy and Turkey have left a major impact on Greek cuisine, and there are shared dishes with both of these nations. The traditional Greek diet is very Mediterranean, espousing vegetables, herbs, and grains native to the Mediterranean biome. Being a highly maritime nation, the Greeks incorporate plenty of seafood into their diet. Greece is also a major producer and consumer of lamb; beef, pork, and especially chicken are also popular. Olive oil is a staple in Greek cooking, and lemon and tomatoes are common ingredients. Bread and wine are always served at the dinner table.

The cuisine in Greece can be radically different from what is offered in Greek restaurants around the world. Greek restaurants abroad tend to cater more to customer expectations rather than offer a truly authentic Greek dining experience. One example is the famous gyros (yee-ros), a common item on Greek menus outside Greece. While it is a popular fast-food item in Greece today, it is a foreign import adapted from the Turkish döner kebap after World War II. It is considered by Greeks as junk food. It is never served in the home and is generally not found on the menus of non-fast-food restaurants.

Greeks live to eat, and eating out is Greece's national pastime and a rewarding experience for visitors; however, not knowing where to go or what to do can dampen the experience. In the past, restaurants that catered mostly to tourists were generally disappointing. Thankfully, the nation's restaurant industry has grown in sophistication over the past decade, and it is now possible to find excellent restaurants in highly-touristed areas, particularly areas that are popular with Greek tourists as well. Thus, it remains a good idea to dine where Greeks dine (Go search them at the times Greeks dine: 21:00-23:00). The best restaurants will offer not only authentic traditional Greek cuisine (along with regional specialities) but Greece's latest culinary trends as well.

A good sign of authenticity is when you get a small free dessert when you ask for the bill. Bad signs are when desserts are listed on the menu, large posters depicting food are seen outside or when a waiter is standing outside yelling for clients to come in or taking your plates away while you are still sitting at the table (traditionally everything is left on the table until the customer is gone, even if there is hardly any space left).

Restaurants serving international cuisine have also made a presence in the country, offering various options such as Chinese, French, Italian, and international contemporary.

Vegan and vegetarian [ edit ]

Restaurants catering strictly to vegans and vegetarians are practically non-existent outside of Athens. However, there are many vegan and vegetarian dishes in Greek cuisine. As a vegan, you'll probably end up ordering fava every time you go to a taverna but do ask the waiter if there are other vegan dishes on the menu or if the chef could make a vegan-friendly version of a particular dish. In cases when someone is not familiar with the concept of veganism, you may ask if the food you're ordering is νηστίσιμο (nistisimo), i.e. appropriate for people who fast for religious reasons. Such food may still contain honey or even seafood, so make sure to ask.

A number of vegan restaurants have opened in and around Athens. Falafel places are also becoming quite popular. There are also many shops with healthy food and a vegan shop , all in addition to ubiquitous fruit and veg shops.

But also do not miss the numerous stalls on the side of the road selling delicious local fruits, vegetables and produces.

Popular local dishes [ edit ]

The traditional fast foods are gyros (γύρος, "GHEER-ohs", not "GY-rohs" as in "gyroscope"), roast pork or chicken (and rarely beef) and fixings wrapped in a fried pita; souvlaki (σουβλάκι, "soov-LAH-kee"), grilled meat on a skewer; Greek dips such as tzatziki (τζατζίκι), made of strained yoghurt, olive oil, garlic and finely chopped cucumbers and dill or mint; and skordhalia (σκορδαλιά), a garlic mashed potato dip which is usually served with deep fried salted cod.

With its extensive coastline and islands, Greece has excellent seafood. Try the grilled octopus and the achinosalata (sea-urchin eggs in lemon and olive oil). By law, frozen seafood must be marked as such on the menu. Fresh fish, sold by the kilogram, can be very expensive; if you're watching your budget, be sure to ask how much your particular portion will cost before ordering it.

Greek salad (called "country salad" locally, "horiatiki"), a mix of tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese and onion – all sliced – plus some olives, and occasionally green bell pepper or other vegetables, usually garnished with oregano. Traditionally it is dressed only with olive oil; vinaigrette or lettuce are added only in the most tourist-oriented restaurants. It is the typical summer salad.

Also consider:

• moussaka , a rich oven-baked dish of eggplant, minced meat, tomato and white sauce
• pastitsio , a variety of lasagna
• stifado , pieces of meat and onion in a wine and cinnamon stew
• spetzofai , braised sausage with pepper and tomatoes, a hearty dish from the Mt. Pelion region
• sahanaki , fried semi-hard cheese
• paidakia , grilled lamb chops, are also popular. (They tend to have a gamier taste and chewier texture than North American lamb chops, which you may or may not like.)
• creamy peppered cheese , eggplant salad or fried zucchini
• fasolada , dry beans stew, sometimes considered Greece's national dish. A variety with a larger bean cultivar is known as "Gigantes".

Fried potatoes (often listed on menus as chips ) are a naturalized Greek dish, found almost everywhere. They can be very good when freshly made and served still hot. Tzatziki is usually a good dip for them, though they are still good on their own.

For dessert, ask for baklava , tissue-thin layers of pastry with honey, cinnamon and chopped walnuts; or galaktoboureko , a custard pie similar to mille feuille. Other pastries are also worth tasting. Another must-try is yoghurt with honey: yoghurts in Greece are really different from what you used to see at Danone stores: to start with, genuine yoghurt in Greece has 10% of fat. Fruit such as watermelon is also a common summertime treat.

For breakfast , head to local bakeries ( fourno ) and try fresh tiropita , cheese pie; spanakopita , spinach pie; or bougatsa , custard filled pie, or even a ""horiatiko psomi", a traditional, crusty village type bread that is a household staple, and very tasty on its own too. All are delicious and popular among Greeks for quick breakfast eats. Each bakery does own rendition and you are never disappointed. Go to the next Kafeneion with them and have it there with a Greek coffee to be local.

A popular drink is a frappe made with instant Nescafé, water, sugar, and sometimes milk. It is frothed and served over ice.

Cover fee [ edit ]

It's common to charge a cover fee in restaurants officially (i.e. stating it in a receipt), such as €0.30 to €2 per person, but if it's tending towards €2 you should really consider eating somewhere else.

Fast food [ edit ]

McDonald's and Domino's pizza have made a significant presence in Greece over the past 15 years. However, they face strong competition from the popular local chains and they are not really popular with natives, especially outside Athens.

Goody's [dead link] is the most popular fast-food chain in the country, offering a large variety of fast food meals, with numerous outlets throughout the country. A hamburger with Coke costs €3-5. Everest is a chain which specialises in hand-held snacks. Also in Thessaloniki you can find Subito . Flocafé is gaining popularity through its coffee and dessert items. There are also many independently-owned fast food businesses that offer typical fast food items, such as gyros. Many of these small businesses tend to be open late at night, and are popular with younger crowds on their way home from a night out.

Drink [ edit ]

Those wishing to booze in Greece would be well advised to stick to the traditional domestic Greek products discussed below, which are freely available, mostly cheap by European standards, and usually of good quality. Any imported, non-Greek alcoholic beverages are likely to be very expensive if genuine and, if cheap, may well be "bomba," a locally distilled alcohol with flavourings which sometimes, especially in island bars catering to young people, masquerade as whisky, gin, etc. If you drink it, you'll be very sorry. Drink in respectable places where you can see the bartender mix your drink.

Water [ edit ]

A glass of water is traditionally served with any drink you order; one glass for each drink, especially with any form of coffee. Sometimes you even get a glass of water first and then you are asked what you want to drink. Sometimes you might as well get a bottle instead of just a glass. In touristy areas you might have to ask for a glass of water if you want one. If you don't get water with a coffee you just stepped into a tourist-trap. Also, if you did not explicitly ask for a bottle instead of a glass, and they try to charge you for it you should refuse.

Tap water in most places a tourist would visit is drinkable; if in doubt, ask your hotel. But often though drinkable it doesn't taste very good, especially on some small islands (as it is imported in and heavily chlorinated), and many visitors, like many Greeks, prefer bottled water. By law, water prices in shops must remain within acceptable limits, making it much cheaper than in Anglosphere nations. A half litre of bottled water costs (July 2022) €0.50 if you buy it on the street, and €0.15 if you buy it from the supermarket.

Wines [ edit ]

To be able to purchase or drink alcohol in Greece, by law, you must be 17 and photographic ID will be asked for infrequently, especially in venues that sell food (many independent fast food outlets will serve alcohol).

Greece, an ancient wine producing country, offers a wide variety of local wines, from indigenous and imported grape varieties, including fortified and even sparkling wines. Greek wines are generally not available on the international market, as production is relatively small, costs are quite high and little remains for export. However, in the past decade Greek wines have won many international prizes, with the rise of a new generation of wineries. Exports are rising as well.

Wine ( Krasi : κρασί / oenos : οίνος) is most Greeks' drink of choice.

Almost every taverna has "barrel wine," usually local, which is usually of good quality and a bargain (€6-8/litre, but check this before ordering when you are in a touristy area.).

If they have it, try also the Imiglyko (Half-Sweet) red, even if sweet wine is usually not your preference, it is different from anything you know.

Retsina is a "resinated wine" with a strong, distinctive taste that can take some getting used to; the flavour comes from pine resin, which was once employed as a sealant for wine flasks and bottles. The most well-known and cheap-n-dirty is "Kourtaki Retsina".

Bottled wines have gotten increasingly more expensive; some that the beginner may find worth trying are whites from Santorini and reds from Naoussa and Drama. All wines and alcoholic beverages are cheaper in the super markets, but then you can't consume them in a bar, unless you keep them hidden in small bottles and use them very discretely.

Beer [ edit ]

Even if beer ( bira : μπύρα) is consumed all around the country, don't come to Greece for the beer. The only local varieties widely available are Mythos and Alpha, but Greeks drink mostly Northern European beers produced under license in Greece like Heineken and Amstel. Heineken is affectionately known as "green"; order it by saying "Mia Prasini."

On the quality front, there is also a microbrewery/restaurant called Craft (2 litre jug also available in large supermarkets), and new organic beer producers like Piraiki Zythopoiia.

Liquor [ edit ]

The most famous indigenous Greek liquor is ouzo (ούζο), an anise-flavored strong spirit (37.5%), which is transparent by itself but turns milky white when mixed with water. Mainlanders do not drink ouzo with ice, but tourists and Greek islanders generally do. A 200 ml bottle can be under €2 in supermarkets and rarely goes above €8 even in expensive restaurants. Mytilene (Lesbos) is particularly famous for its ouzo. A few to try are "Mini" and "Number 12," two of the most popular made in a middle-of-the-road style, "Sans Rival," one of the most strongly anise-flavored ones, "Arvanitis," much lighter, and the potent "Barba Yianni" and "Aphrodite," more expensive and much appreciated by connoisseurs.

Raki or tsikoudia is the Greek equivalent of the Italian grappa , produced by boiling the remains of the grapes after the wine has been squeezed off. It is quite strong (35-40% of alcohol) and in the summer months it is served cold. It costs very little when one buys it in supermarkets or village stores. The raki producing process has become a male event, as usually men are gathering to produce the raki and get drunk by constantly trying the raki as it comes out warm from the distillery. One raki distillery in working order is exhibited in Ippikos Omilos Irakleiou in Heraklion , but they can be found in most large villages. In northern Greece it is also called tsipouro (τσίπουρο). In Crete, raki is traditionally considered an after-dinner drink and is often served with fruit as dessert.

Coffee [ edit ]

Coffee (kafes: καφές) is an important part of Greek culture.

The country is littered with kafetéries ( kafetéria singular) which are cafes that serve as popular hangouts for Greeks, especially among the under-35s. They tend to be pretty trendy -yet relaxed- and serve a variety of beverages from coffee, to wine, beer, spirits, as well as snacks, desserts, and ice cream. In the pleasant months of spring, summer, and fall, all kafetéries provide outdoor tables/seating and they are busiest with customers in the late afternoon and evening hours. Several kafetéries also double as bars.

Kafeneia (coffee houses) are ubiquitous, found even in the smallest village, where they traditionally served a function similar to that of the village pub in Ireland. Their clientele tends to be overwhelmingly men over 50, however everyone is welcome, male or female, young or old, Greek or foreigner; and you will be treated extremely courteously. However, if you're not interested in cultural immersion to this extent, you may find the kafeneia pretty boring.

Traditionally, coffee is prepared with the grounds left in. It is actually a somewhat lighter version of Turkish coffee but in Greece it's only known as Greek coffee - " ellinikós kafés " or simply " ellinikós ." Despite being slightly lighter than the original Turkish coffee, it remains a thick, strong black coffee, served in a small cup either sweetened or unsweetened. If you don't specify, the coffee is usually served moderately sweet. Greek coffee traditionally was made by boiling the grounds and water on a stove in a special small pot called a "briki." More and more now days it's made by simply shooting steam from an espresso machine into the water/coffee mixture in the briki, resulting in an inferior drink. If you find a place that still actually uses a stove burner to make their coffee, you can be sure it's a traditional cafe.

During the hot summer months, one of the most popular coffees at the kafetéries is frappé (φραπέ): shaken iced instant coffee. This is actually an original Greek coffee and can be really refreshing, ordered with or without milk, sweetened or unsweetened.

Coffee can also be made espresso-style, French press (mainly at hotels), and with modern filter technology. The latter is sometimes known as Γαλλικός: gallikos ("French") which can lead to some confusion with the press method. It is best to ask for φίλτρου: filtrou , which refers unambiguously to filter coffee. It is best not to ask for black coffee , as it is unlikely that anyone will understand what you are asking for.

Espresso freddo or cappuccino freddo have gained much popularity the last decade, and these are the most popular coffees throughout Greece. Espresso freddo is simply espresso + ice; cappuccino freddo refers to espresso + ice + chill milk foam. They may be served from mousse containers, not prepared to order; be careful to check.

Iced tea [ edit ]

In mass-sector taverns and cafe, iced tea typically means instant; ask twice if you prefer brewed ice tea.

Sleep [ edit ]

If you enjoy the local traditions and charm, unhurried rhythm of living, small, family-run pensions are the best way to enrich your experience. Owners and personnel there are friendly and open-minded, compared to the impersonal service you normally encounter in large hotels.

If you have a bigger budget, renting a villa is a luxurious and splendid idea. They are normally near or on the beach and provide more space and a great view.

In Greece hotels, especially in the islands but also even in Athens and other big cities, tend to be simple establishments. Rooms are typically small, and bathrooms smaller, with the shower often a hand-held sprayer; if there is a bath-tub, it's often a sit-bath. Sometimes in the most basic places shower curtains are lacking. Closets are often inadequate, and sometimes there is only a wardrobe. On the plus side, such hotels typically have a balcony (though sometimes tiny) or veranda, either private or a large one shared by all the rooms (but these are usually spacious enough not to feel cramped.) Standards of cleanliness are usually good, even in the simpler places. Those who want more luxurious accommodation can usually find it in cities and on the more popular islands but should check the hotel's quality in reliable sources to be sure of what they're getting.

Most Greek hotels now, even the smaller ones, have websites and will take bookings by email, though sometimes fax is a more reliable way to communicate. There are also numerous Greek and international hotel booking services which will make bookings, and sometimes these are cheaper, or have rooms available when the hotel itself says it's sold out. If you're not really particular about choosing a hotel, you can usually find a place on a walk-in basis without too much trouble on all but the most crowded islands, where rooms can be difficult to find at the peak of the season, and even in the shoulder season on weekends and major holidays. If you do get stuck for a room, try a local travel agency (preferably one endorsed by a reputable guidebook) or alternatively, ask at a cafe whether the owner knows of any rooms for rent; often they do.

On some islands, though this varies from place to place, the owners of accommodations will meet arriving ferries to offer rooms. Often they'll have a van there to transport you from the port, and will have brochures to show you. These places are perfectly legitimate, they're sometimes among the best value places. You can negotiate prices, especially when there are a lot of them trying to fill their rooms, and prices in the range of €20-25 for a room or even a studio is not uncommon in mid-season. But they could be anywhere from a few steps away from the port to a mile out of town, so before accepting such an offer it's best to be sure you get a good idea of its location.

Places listed in the guide books tend to be booked up in advance and usually get more expensive as soon as they know they are in there!

Greek rooms typically have air conditioning nowadays. If this is important to you, ask before booking. Some rooms in old traditional buildings with thick stone walls may not need it. Televisions are also common, though the picture may be too fuzzy to be much use, and if you get the set to work you may find it receives programs only in Greek. Room phones are rare in the less expensive places.

The main problem you're likely to encounter with a Greek hotel room is noise. Anything on a road is likely to suffer from traffic noise, and even at hotels not on a major road you may find that that "footpath" outside is used as a superhighway by Greece's notoriously loud motorbikes. And tavernas and clubs nearby can be loud. If you're concerned about noise, it makes sense to choose your hotel's location carefully. The quietest ones are likely to be in an old part of the town or village accessible only by stairs which counter the prevailing "if I can drive it there I will drive it there" car and motorbike philosophy.

In addition to hotels, almost every popular Greek destination offers self-catering accommodations called studios or sometimes apartments —the terms are pretty much interchangeable. Often these are run by hotels: a hotel may include some self-catering units, or the managers of a hotel may also run a separate building of self-catering apartments. Though not listed very often in travel guides, these studios are most certainly a viable option for many travellers. Typically, a studio consists of one large room, usually larger than a hotel room (though sometimes there are multiple rooms,) with a sink, small refrigerator, and two-burner hot-plate. They usually have a private balcony or veranda, a television, and air conditioning, though rarely a room phone and almost never internet access. In contrast to a hotel, they lack a front desk, there is no breakfast or other food service, and there may be maid service only once every two or three days. Studios are often in quieter and more scenic locations than hotels. For those who don't require the full services of a hotel, studios can be an attractive alternative offering better accommodation for the money, and the chance to economize on food by preparing some meals yourself.

Learn [ edit ]

Being the cradle of Western civilisation, Greeks take education very seriously. Many of the world's greatest minds (e.g. Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato, Democritus) were from Greece, many Greeks have university degrees, and the country sends many students to universities all over the world.

Although this all sounds impressive, Greece isn't a popular destination for foreign students yet. The Greek government is trying to change that, however. Greek universities charge low tuition fees for all students, including international students.

The Greek educational system is known for being notoriously difficult, competitive, and painstaking; Greek parents often complain that children get too much homework, and the national Panhellenic exams (known as Apolytirion and are akin to A-Levels in the United Kingdom ) are widely criticised for being extremely difficult and gruelling.

If there's one thing that attracts students to Greece, it's the affordable cost of living. Costs in Greece are much lower compared to other European countries. Athens is remarkably cheaper to live in than say, Oslo in Norway .

The most prestigious univeristies in the country are as follows: The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , National Technical University of Athens , and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens .

Students from EU countries may enter many sites for free. Students from other countries have their entrance fees reduced. So take your International Student Identity Card with you.

Modern Greek courses [ edit ]

For those interested in learning modern Greek , there are several schools offering courses in language instruction for foreigners. Most of these are designed for English speakers, but some schools have courses for people with other first languages. Some schools are in Athens, some in Thessaloniki (among them the very good school of Modern Greek language in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) while others have centers in the islands offering a residential program that combines language study with a vacation. Some offer individual tutoring in addition to classes. Some well established programs are The Hellenic Culture Centre [dead link] (an associate of The Ikarian Centre,) and The Athens Centre .

Work [ edit ]

Citizens of European Union or EFTA member countries work in Greece without any restrictions, while citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries, including the United Kingdom, need a work permit to work in Greece.

Finding a job in Greece can be a difficult endeavour. There are not enough jobs for people (the unemployment rate in Greece is quite high) and many Greeks have moved abroad for employment opportunities.

Despite being a developed country, wages in Greece are rather low.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Crime and theft [ edit ].

Violent crime and theft rates are low; public disorder is rare, and public drunkenness is generally frowned upon. Visitors should rest assured that this is a safe and friendly destination, but it is always advisable for foreign tourists to exercise basic precautionary measures just as they would at home. There has been a spike in theft (or at least a perceived one), which some locals will not hesitate to blame on the influx of immigrants.

The places where the visitor is most likely to encounter crime and theft are overcrowded and popular with tourists. This includes the metro in Athens and tourist resorts thronged with younger foreigners. The more notorious of such places include Faliraki in Rhodes (calmed down since a new tough mayor was elected), Kavos in Corfu , Malia on Crete , and Ios (though this last is said to have quieted down a bit.) Most visitors to these places return home safely, but there have been increasing reports from them of theft, public indecency, sexual assault, and alcohol-fueled violence; both the perpetrators and victims are usually young foreigners, though sometimes locals are involved. Authorities have stepped up the police presence in such areas to crack down on these activities. Still, visitors to these places would do well to avoid anything that looks like trouble, especially late at night, and to remember that their own overindulgence in alcohol increases their chance of attracting trouble themselves.

Scams [ edit ]

The most commonly reported major scam against travellers is the Greek version of the old clip joint routine. This is reported primarily from central Athens, but also occasionally from other cities and even the larger island towns. A single male traveller will be approached, usually at night in a neighborhood where there are a lot of bars, by a friendly Greek who will strike up a conversation leading to an invitation to go to "this really cool bar I know" for a drink. Once at the bar, they are joined by a couple of winsome ladies who immediately begin ordering drinks, often champagne, until, at the end of the evening, the mark is presented with an astronomical bill, payment of which is enforced by the sudden appearance of a pair of glowering thugs. The reason this scam works is because most Greeks have a tradition of being friendly to visitors, and almost all Greeks who strike up a conversation with you will have no ulterior motives. But if you're a single male traveller approached by a Greek in the circumstances described above, it's safest to politely but firmly decline any invitations.

Also don't accept to change your money on the street and if someone asks you if you could change a €20 or €50 note, refuse (you might get a counterfeit note).

Photography restrictions [ edit ]

It is strictly forbidden to take photos of military installations or other strategic locations. Authorities will take violations quite seriously. Obey signs prohibiting photography. In fact, it would be best not to take photographs of anything of military significance, including Greek navy ships, or of airports or any aircraft, even civilian ones: Greek authorities can be very sensitive about such things. Many museums prohibit photography without a permit; some prohibit only flash or tripod photography, and many ask visitors not to take photos of objects (statues, etc.) which include people standing by them, as this is considered disrespectful. Officials at museums will rush over to yell at you if they see a camera or even a cell phone in your hand.

Antiquities [ edit ]

Greece also has very strict laws concerning the export of antiquities, which can include not only ancient objects but also coins, icons, folk art, and random pieces of stone from archeological sites. Before buying anything which could conceivably be considered an antiquity, you should become familiar with the current laws regarding what can be taken out of the country. Briefly, all objects made before 1830 are considered antiquities and are protected by the Ministry. Do not ever think to export or buy any piece of archeological value because it will be either be a fake or you will be arrested promptly at the airport for trafficking of goods of archeological value.

Drugs [ edit ]

Greece has some of the strictest, and most strictly enforced, drug laws in Europe, and tourists are not exempt. No matter what anyone tells you, it is most definitely not cool to do drugs in Greece, including marijuana. Furthermore, such a behaviour is strongly rejected by most locals and will almost certainly cause someone to call the Police and have you arrested. Even a very small quantity is enough to get you in serious trouble. Don't even think of offering even the smallest amount of drug to someone else. You risk being prosecuted with charges of drug dealing, leading to several years of imprisonment!

Traffic [ edit ]

The greatest danger to travellers in Greece is probably in the simple process of crossing the street: traffic can be bad even in smaller towns and horrendous in Athens and other Greek cities, and accident rates are high. Caution should be exercised by pedestrians, even when crossing with a walk light. Traffic fatalies were cut by 60% in the ten years leading up to 2018, but in that year 709 people were killed on Greek roads — 64 per million people, which is higher than the average of 49 in the rest of the European Union. Drivers often weave between lanes while speeding. Stay safe.

Cope [ edit ]

Toilets in public spaces such as restaurants and bars sometimes lack seats over the porcelain, so to avoid direct contact with the toilet's porcelain, you may want to bring disposable toilet seat covers.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Health care [ edit ].

The government's austerity program in the 2010s led to a "meltdown" of Greece's previously admired health care system, as the budgets of state-run hospitals have been cut by up to 50%. Many citizens prefer private health care for longer-term hospital stays. Hospitals face shortages of doctors, nurses and basic supplies. However, public health care is free and universal for all citizens, and for all EU nationals upon presentation of an EHIC card (formerly the E111 form). For non-EU nationals, only emergency care is provided for free.

A network of helicopter ambulances serves the islands, transporting patients who need immediate attention to the nearest island or city with a major hospital.

The country's pharmacies and medications are of top quality, and pharmacists are highly trained experts in their field. Many medications that need a prescription in the UK and US can be purchased without a prescription in Greece. When sick with a simple, common illness, a visit to the pharmacist will provide you with the medication you need. If you are looking for a specific medication, be sure to know its generic name, as brand names might be different. Most pharmacies close on Sundays, but a sign will be posted on the door indicating the nearest pharmacies that are open.

Healthcare provision is different to Anglosphere nations in that many specialists are in the community. GPs are replaced by community pathologists. Hotels and tourist agencies can provide advice on where to go if you are ill.

Sexually transmitted infections [ edit ]

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) exist in Greece as elsewhere, and travellers who may engage in sexual activity while visiting Greece should remember that even if one is on vacation and one's sexual partner is also a traveller, perhaps from one's own country, neither of these facts suspend the laws of biology. According to reports in the Greek and British media, unprotected sex among visitors to Greece, with a consequent rise in STIs and unplanned pregnancies, is especially common at the party resorts favoured by younger people, such as Ios , Malia , Kavos , and Faliraki . Condoms are available at any pharmacy and at many kiosks.

Natural dangers [ edit ]

Sun and heat pose risks that summer visitors should take precautions for. Take a good, light sun hat and sun glasses, and drink plenty of water.

In late spring and summer, the government runs public service announcements on television reminding Greeks to wear their sunblock at the beach. The Mediterranean sun tends to get quite strong, and can burn skin that has not been exposed to the sun for a long time. Any excessive daily sun exposure can also cause long-term damage to skin. Sunblock and sunscreen are widely available throughout Greece at supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, and special stores selling beach-related items, though they tend to be expensive, and the higher SPF factor blocks can be hard to find.

During the hottest months, while visiting archaeological sites, wear tank tops, carry umbrellas, and carry water. Daily high temperatures stay at about 95-100°F (35-38°C). The sun is merciless. Athens has been subject to periodic summer heat waves where the temperature can reach above 100°F (38°C), posing a risk of respiratory problems and heat stroke for some people. Many islands, especially in the Cyclades , have very little shade to ameliorate the summer heat; if hiking around such islands, including going by foot to distant beaches, it's especially important in hot weather to wear a hat and sunscreen, to take water, and to avoid being caught walking during the hottest part of the day.

Jellyfish periodically infest some beaches and their stings can be severe. The red ones are particularly dangerous. Sea urchins are common along the Greek coast, usually clinging to underwater flat surfaces such as smooth rocks and sea walls. They usually inhabit shallow water so they're easy to see. Care should be taken not to step on them, since their spines can be painful.

Don't hike cross country in Greece alone: even in popular places, the countryside can be surprisingly deserted, and if you get in trouble while you're out of sight of any houses or roads, it could be a long time before anyone notices you.

Lifeguards are rare at Greek beaches, though most of them where people congregate to swim are locally considered safe. Some beaches have shallow water a long way from the shore; others suddenly shelve steeply. If in doubt about safe swimming conditions, ask locally.

There are no required inoculations for Greece and the water is almost everywhere safe (see above under Drink.) Look for 'Blue Flags' at beaches for the highest quality water (which tend to also have good sand and facilities)

Respect [ edit ]

Greeks rate politeness with a person's behaviour and not their words. Furthermore, there is an air of informality; everybody is treated like a cousin. They use their hands to gesture a lot. Have fun with this. Sometimes over-emphasizing politeness in spoken language will only make the person dealing with you think you are pretentious. It's nice to learn basic words like "thank you" (Ευχαριστώ: ef-khah-rees-TOH) or "please" (Παρακαλώ: pah-rah-kah-LOH).

Greeks generally consider it proper etiquette to let the stranger make the first move. You may find that on entering a cafe or passing a group on the street you feel that you're being ignored, but if you take the initiative by saying hello first, you're likely to find that people suddenly turn friendly. In the countryside it is not uncommon that total strangers will greet you, greet them back in kind. Greeks like to smalltalk, and when they get carried away smalltalking, they might even forget what they were doing to begin with, ending up drinking raki with you.

Greeks are often portrayed and stereotyped as "lazy". Perpetuating this stereotype is rude. In actuality, Greeks take leisure very seriously. Don't take perceived laziness or rudeness harshly. They do it to everyone, locals and tourists alike.

Dress codes for churches sometimes include covered shoulders for women and knees covered for both sexes, but generally they don't mind about your clothes as long as they are not very provocative. This tends to be lightly enforced during the height of the summer tourist season, simply due to sheer volume! In any case, appropriate clothing is usually available at the entrance of churches and monasteries, especially the ones receiving most tourist traffic. Just pick it up going in and drop it off on the way out.

Nudism : Regulary tourists are annoying the locals, because too much skin is shown at the beaches. Nudity is not so common in the Greek public. Also topless is not accepted outside the tourist areas. Nevertheless there are on all shores of the mainland and on most of the islands nudist beaches where nudism is tolerated and even nudist hotels in Crete , Rhodes , Kefalonia , and Zakynthos .

Social etiquette and breaches [ edit ]

Respect for elders is very important in Greece. Greeks place a high emphasis on family values and it is common for Greek parents to be intimately involved in the lives of their children. Try to act in a mature, sensible fashion around someone older than you and try not do anything that would make an older person/authority figure feel challenged.

Greeks value transparency and loyalty . Don't say something if you don't mean it. Don't say "next time" if there isn't going to be a "next time".

It's common for Greeks to ask you personal questions . It's completely normal for them to ask about your family life, about your vocation, and the like. It may, however, be crass to discuss someone's religious convictions and/or their salary, matters which are normally considered private in many parts of the world.

Sensitive issues [ edit ]

Avoid saying that Greece is part of Eastern Europe . Greece is generally considered part of Southern Europe .

Avoid saying that Greece is a Balkan country ; Greeks generally dislike this label.

Avoid making strong comments about Ancient Greece , the Byzantine Empire , or Greek history in general; Greeks take pride in their country's history and are proud of what their country has given to the world.

The Macedonian issue is considered a very sensitive topic: Greeks consider that the name "Macedonia" is stolen from them and used by Tito's partisans in southern Yugoslavia to address the country created after World War II as a new constituent republic within Yugoslavia by Tito. The Greeks refer to it as "FYRoM" or the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" when dealing with foreigners and as Skopia (The Greek name of the Macedonian capital Skopje) among themselves. In February 2019, the country was officially renamed the Republic of North Macedonia in order to settle the dispute.

The military junta of the late 1960s-mid 1970s is a sensitive topic, when many Communists and other left-wing groups—have suffered severe repression and view its leaders with utter resentment.

Avoid making strong comments about the Greek debt crisis ; during the crisis many Greeks lost a great deal of purchasing power, lost their jobs, and moved abroad in search of better opportunities. Never say or imply that the Greeks "deserved" their economic demise; remember there is a clear distinction between Greek people and the Greek government.

Discussing politics is not a social faux pas in Greece and you'll very easily discover that Greece is one of the most politically active countries in the world. Political discourse tends to be quite strong, passionate, and fierce -- keep that in mind when conversing with Greeks.

After centuries of Ottoman occupation and domination, there's still some resentment towards Turkey . If you happen to be the most ardent Turkophile in the world, avoid being overly enthusiastic about Turkey in front of Greeks as it can easily arouse strong emotions. Subjects such as Turkey's occupation of Northern Cyprus , Greece being under Ottoman rule, the Greek genocide (the Ottomans massacred almost a million Greeks during World War I), and the like can very easily incite fierce, passionate, emotional debates. Bear in mind that most Greeks have nothing against people from Turkey ; rather, many disagree with the views and beliefs of the Turkish government.

Religion [ edit ]

The Greek Orthodox Church , part of the Eastern Orthodox communion, is the state religion, and nominally adhered to by over 80% of Greeks. However, freedom of religion is also constitutionally guaranteed, and contemporary Greek society is in practice rather secular. Most Greeks do not attend church regularly every Sunday, but instead only show up for important occasions such as Christmas and Easter. That said, the Greek Orthodox Church is still an important part of the Greek national identity, and many Greeks see it as integral to being Greek, so try not to criticise it unless you know your listener well.

Obscene gestures [ edit ]

Holding up your palm with your fingers extended outwards is rude in Greece, and is akin to giving someone the middle finger. This gesture, known as Mountza , is thought to originate from the days of the Byzantine Empire.

Smoking [ edit ]

Greeks smoke tremendously, and they see cigarettes as a birthright. Smoking is prohibited by law in all public places like restaurants and cafeterias. A hotline (1142) can be used to report people and establishments breaking the smoking ban, and Greeks have not been shy about using it. You will rarely, if ever, see people smoking in such places and it is best to step outside when you want to smoke.

Greece is subject to frequent forest fires during the dry summer season, so definitely avoid smoking in forested areas! The penalties for this can be especially severe.

Connect [ edit ]

Phone [ edit ], mobile internet [ edit ].

There are no Internet roaming charges for EU citizens , so you can surf the Internet in Greece as normal with your local sim card. For Non-EU citizens , you can either buy a Greek sim card or use a virtual sim cards where you can buy the GB you want as credit at home and then surf the internet anywhere in Greece until the credit is used up. This is easier than buying a Greek sim card.

There are at least three mobile carriers, Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone all of which require by law presenting some form of identification in order to activate your prepaid plan. Choose whichever has better reception in your area; GSM 900, GSM 1800 and UMTS 2100 bands are supported. Data usage is cheap. Ask the mobile carrier for more information. Mobile phone carriers support data roaming with 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE technologies.

Calling [ edit ]

The cheapest way to call someone abroad – and this is really cheap – is to use a pre-paid calling card and call from a land line anywhere (also from your hotel room). Pre-paid calling cards are sold in many shops and kiosks. The calling card is not much more than a phone number and a pin code, which you dial prior to dialling the usual phone number. If you want to call internationally, ask for an international calling card. For €1 you can call for about 45 minutes, so buy a card in the cheapest value (which is about €3). Calling someone for half an hour is cheaper than sending one email from an internet café. Cards expire usually 90 days after first use. You can also use this pre-paid calling card at public phone boxes, which are widely available.

Mobile phones are prevalent in Greek's communication, and if you need to talk with your fellow travellers it is advised that you buy a local prepaid plan instead of using roaming, as it is far cheaper.

Internet [ edit ]

Internet access is widely available throughout the country. Almost all hotels provide internet access, either free or paid. Local coffee shops usually offer free Wi-Fi access, as many other public places do. Feel free to ask for the password, if the network is locked.

News [ edit ]

You can have an update from various news agencies that provide Greek news in English like the official Athenian-Macedonian news agency and Reuters , ΕΡΤ Greek Edition (the public broadcaster) [dead link] , IN (the oldest news active Greek news site) or Kathimerini English Edition (a daily newspaper published in Athens and distributed exclusively with the International New York Times in Greece and Cyprus) but it's always safer to keep in touch with locals (for example in the case of a fire in a nearby location that you planned to visit).

Go next [ edit ]

The land border can be crossed to Turkey , Bulgaria , North Macedonia and Albania .

Greece has ultra-low-cost flights to many European countries, Jordan , Israel , Georgia and to the United Arab Emirates .

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Has caution box
• Has caution box with no date
• All destination articles
• Outline countries
• Outline articles
• Country articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

13 things to know before you go to Greece and the Greek Islands

Mar 6, 2024 • 8 min read

These top planning tips can help you prep for a trip to Greece, from health and safety to local etiquette © EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS / Getty Images

Get out your bucket list; it’s time to cross off a major line item: Greece . 

The fabled land remains tops for culture , food, outdoor travel, art and, of course, beaches and islands . As part of the border-free Schengen Area, it’s also incredibly easy to visit for many travelers worldwide. From advance booking to local etiquette – and health and safety issues when you're there – here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Greece.

1. Choose your season wisely

Your experience in Greece will be wildly different depending on when you visit . Summer is tops for action, family fun, and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, but prices are at their highest and pre-booking is necessary for everything since it’s all so popular.

The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are a delight – prices are lower, and rooms and resources are more readily available. Winter offers a moody and budget-friendly retreat, great for walking, hiking and sedate travels where you will often be the only visitor around. Bear in mind that some businesses will shut down completely during the low season.

2. Prioritize your wishlist and make a plan

Do you want a grand tour, taking in the not-to-be-missed highlights all over Greece, or would you prefer to focus your time on exploring your favorite islands  or regions, like the Peloponnese ?

The best way to choose from the dizzying array of options on offer is to focus on what is important to you – relaxing on beautiful beaches, learning more about Greece's fascinating history and culture , museums and archaeology, off-the-beaten-track wildlife, or partying until dawn – and plan accordingly.

3. Find the perfect island or region for you

Greece merits multiple trips as every island offers something different , and each of its regions is equally dazzling – you're never going to see everything on your first visit, and you'll ruin your trip if you pressure yourself to do just that. Also, don’t be fooled that the biggies are the only islands worthy of your attention. Though Mykonos , Santorini and the major names have plenty to offer, lesser-known islands (there are hundreds!) like Amorgos or Kythira are also a delight. They've also got the added bonus of smaller crowds and lower prices if that's a key consideration for you.

4. Athens isn't the only gateway to Greece

In many cases, you will find it useful to transit in or out of Greece via Athens , as its airport has connections with numerous international destinations, and the city itself is a gem . However, there are other international airports around the Greek mainland (such as in Thessaloniki ) and on some major islands (such as Mykonos , Santorini  and  Corfu ).

If you need any internal flights to get to your destination of choice, it's worth checking the price of these individually. Due to government subsidies, it can work out significantly cheaper to book each part of your Greek itinerary separately from your international flights.

5. Book everything in advance during peak season

In peak season , prices are high, and demand for car hire, accommodations and ferry tickets is even higher – this is not the time for ad hoc bookings on the fly. Greece is an incredibly popular summer destination, and the best options get snapped up well in advance.

6. Roads in Greece are for confident drivers

No one who has traveled on Greece’s roads will be surprised to hear that the country’s road fatality rate is one of the highest in Europe. Overtaking is listed as the greatest cause of accidents. Heart-stopping moments aside, your own car is a great way to explore off the beaten track if you are confident in your driving and keep a few key points in mind.

• The road network has improved enormously in recent years; many roads marked as dirt tracks on older maps have now been sealed, and a lot of the islands have very little traffic.
• There are regular (if costly) car-ferry services to almost all islands.
• Greece is not the best place to initiate yourself into motorcycling. If you're not confident on a motorbike, it may be best to park this option until you have more experience.
• All the big multinational car-rental companies are represented in Athens, and most have branches in major towns and popular tourist destinations. The majority of islands have at least one outlet.

7. Greece is not very wheelchair-friendly beyond Athens

Access for travelers with disabilities has improved somewhat in recent years, but the majority of accessible sights, hotels and restaurants tend to be located in Athens. While improvements are on the horizon for beach access,  much of the rest of Greece remains inaccessible to wheelchairs, and the abundance of stones, marble, slippery cobbles and stepped alleys create frustrating barriers for those with mobility issues. People who have visual or hearing impairments are also rarely catered for.

Careful planning before you go can make a world of difference. There are specific resources online that provide links to local articles, resorts and tour groups catering to tourists with physical disabilities.

8. Pack the right kinds of clothing

Athenians are well-dressed, and the younger crowd is trendy, so keep your smart clothes for the urban catwalk of clubs and bars. Nevertheless, in Athens and other metropolises such as Rhodes , Thessaloniki and Iraklio , everyday attire such as shorts or jeans and casual tops are just fine.

Bars or fashionable restaurants require more effort – the scene is stylish rather than dressy. Think tops and trousers rather than T-shirts and cut-offs. In out-of-the-way places, you can wear casual clothing, and in summer, the heat will make you want to wear the least amount of fabric you can get away with – bring quick-drying tank tops and cool dresses.

Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the cobbled roads, and proper hiking boots are key if you're exploring the countryside on foot . It's respectful to cover up before entering churches.

9. Learn some basic Greek phrases

Greek is a tough language to learn thoroughly, but mastering a few basic greetings and niceties will make a world of difference in how Greek speakers receive you. In touristed areas, many people speak English, so rest assured that you can get by as long as you know some key phrases.

10. Carry cash and don't rely on cards or ATMs

As part of the EU, Greece uses the euro. In restaurants, a service charge is normally included in the bill, and while a tip is not expected (as it is in North America), it is always appreciated. Taxi drivers normally expect you to round up the fare, while bellhops who help you carry your luggage to your hotel room or stewards on ferries who take you to your cabin normally expect a small gratuity of between €1 and €3.

ATMs are found in every town large enough to support a bank and in almost all the tourist areas. Be aware that ATMs on the islands can lose their connection for a day or two at a time, making it impossible for anyone (locals included) to withdraw money. It’s useful to keep some backup cash just in case this happens during your visit.

Credit cards are now an accepted part of the commercial scene in Greece, although they’re often not accepted on many of the smaller islands or in small villages. Don't rely on your cards alone, and check in advance when dining or drinking if it's your only option.

11. Make sure you have good travel insurance

Although medical training is of a high standard in Greece, the public health service is underfunded. Hospitals can be overcrowded, and relatives are expected to bring in food for the patient – often a problem for solo travelers. Conditions and treatment are much better in private hospitals, which are expensive. All this means that a comprehensive travel insurance policy is essential.

There is at least one doctor on every island, and larger islands have hospitals. Pharmacies can dispense medicines that are available only on prescription in most European countries. If the situation isn't critical, it's often best to consult a pharmacist first for minor ailments.

12. Stay hydrated and remember how powerful the sun can be

Tap water isn't safe to drink on many islands – if in doubt, ask. Keeping a supply of bottled water to hand is essential for hydration as well as safety; many tourists underestimate how hot it can get in Greece, and heatstroke and serious sunburn are common on beaches with little shade.

Break up your sun-drenched siestas with time in the shade getting hydrated, and pack plenty of high-factor sunscreen. Mosquitos are an irritant rather than a danger – packing insect repellant is recommended.

13. Pickpocketing and other petty crime is common in busy places

The major risks of theft in Greece are pickpockets in the large cities and theft of belongings when lounging on busy, popular beaches (leave passports behind in hotel safes). Never leave your belongings unattended, and don't leave your bags hanging from the back of your seat where you can't keep an eye on them. 

The tourist police work in cooperation with the regular Greek police. Each tourist police office has at least one member of staff who speaks English. If you need to report a theft or loss of passport, go to the tourist police first, and they will act as interpreters between you and the regular police.

Some unscrupulous taxi drivers will try to charge you extortionate rates from the airports to the city centers. Always make sure the meter is running or pre-negotiate and agree on the price before you get in.

This article was first published March 2022 and updated March 2024

Explore related stories

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Summer is just around the corner in the northern hemisphere. Here's where the Lonely Planet team is going.

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 15, 2024 • 4 min read

Feb 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 1, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 29, 2024 • 11 min read

Jan 19, 2024 • 11 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Meet the Greek Royals: All About the Modern Princes and Princesses of the Former Monarchy

King Constantine II was Greece’s last king before the monarchy was abolished in 1973, though his descendants still represent the country as princes and princesses

Though they are no longer legally recognized, the members of the Greek royal family remain prominent figures in society.

Beginning with King George I in 1863, the monarchy ruled in Greece until 1924, and again from 1935 to 1973. The last king of Greece, Constantine II , took the throne at age 23 after the death of his father, Paul I, in 1964. After only a few years in power, however, King Constantine was forced to flee the country after a right-wing military dictatorship staged a coup in 1967.

Following an unsuccessful counter-coup from the king and his supporters, Constantine left for Rome and eventually relocated to London, living in exile for many years with his wife, Queen Anne-Marie , and their children. The monarchy was officially abolished in 1973, but Constantine did not return to Greece permanently until 2013. Instead, he and his family lived for many years in Hampstead Garden Suburb in London, where he was said to have close ties to now King Charles III .

Even after the king's death in 2023, his surviving wife goes by the title of Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, and other members of the family still stylize themselves with royal titles.

Constantine and Anne-Marie's five children — Alexia, Pavlos, Nikolaos, Theodora and Philippos — and nine grandchildren continue to represent the now-defunct Greek monarchy. As the first son, Pavlos is his father's heir and holds the symbolic title of the crown prince.

While many of the royal family members still live in Europe, others have moved to the U.S. to pursue their education and careers like acting, modeling and entrepreneurship.

Keep reading for everything to know about Greece's royal family.

King Constantine II

Constantine II, the last king of Greece, was born in Athens, Greece, on June 2, 1940, to King Paul and Frederica of Hanover. Paul was the late Prince Philip 's first cousin and Constantine was reportedly close with his second cousin King Charles. He also became godfather to Prince William .

Constantine went to boarding school and attended the three branches of military academies before studying law at the University of Athens. In 1960, he won a gold medal in sailing at the Rome Olympics and later became a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Following the death of his father in March 1964, Constantine succeeded the throne at age 23. He married Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark on Sept. 18, 1964, and the couple went on to welcome five children: Alexia, Pavlos, Nikolaos, Theodora and Philippos.

King Constantine and Prime Minister Georgios Papandreou came into power around the same time, and the two men clashed often. In April 1967, a military regime known as the Greek junta (or Regime of the Colonels) led a coup; the junta arrested Papandreou, and the king bartered an agreement with the group by recognizing their government. But Constantine had a tenuous relationship with the junta, and in December 1967, he attempted to overthrow their military forces.

When it became clear that the king's coup was failing, Constantine and his family flew to Rome. The Greek monarchy was eventually abolished in 1973, and the junta collapsed just over a year later. Constantine lived in exile in the Hampstead Garden Suburb of London with his family for many years. He returned to Greece in 2013.

On Jan. 10, 2023, Constantine died of a stroke at age 82 in Athens.

A memorial service of Thanksgiving was held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on Feb. 27, 2024. While members of the British royal family did attend, led by Queen Camilla , Prince William wasn't one of them, despite being scheduled to read at the ceremony. Before the service began, William pulled out due to a personal matter, according to Kensington Palace.

Queen Anne-Marie

Queen Anne-Marie was born Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark on Aug. 30, 1946, in Copenhagen to King Frederick IX of Denmark and Queen Consort Ingrid of Sweden.

18-year-old Anne-Marie married Constantine in Athens in September 1964, making her the first Danish princess to marry a reigning monarch since 1680, according to the New York Times .

Just three years after she and Constantine were wed, they were forced into exile, and her wedding dress was lost in the Tatoi Palace archives. But in November 2023, Town & Country reported that the dress was found again, per a Greek journalist.

"Here is the wedding dress of Queen Anne-Marie located in Tatoi, where a few days ago it was revealed among the personal belongings of the royal family preserved and kept there," Megos wrote on Instagram in the caption in Greek.

The couple welcomed five children: Alexia, Pavlos, Nikolaos, Theodora and Philippos, all of whom are princes and princesses of both Greece and Denmark, though they don't appear in Denmark's line of succession.

At her husband's funeral in January 2023, Anne-Marie wore the same diamond cross necklace she debuted on their wedding day.

Crown Prince Pavlos

Crown Prince Pavlos was born on May 20, 1967, at the Tatoi Palace north of Athens. He is the first son and second child of Constantine and Anne-Marie, making him his father's heir. Following Constantine's death in 2023, Pavlos became the head of the Royal House of Greece.

In 1995, he married American heiress Marie-Chantal Miller. The couple share five children: Maria-Olympia, Constantine-Alexios, Achileas-Andreas, Odysseas-Kimon and Aristides-Stavros. The family has lived in New York City, London and Greenwich, Connecticut.

Pavlos is a co-founder and managing member of the hedge fund Ortelius Advisors .

Crown Princess Marie-Chantal

Crown Princess Marie-Chantal , née Miller, was born on Sept. 17, 1968, in London to American billionaire Robert Warren Miller and María Clara "Chantal" Pesantes Becerra.

She grew up in London, Hong Kong and N.Y.C. and studied for one year at New York University, but she dropped out when she became engaged to Pavlos.

In 2000, Marie-Chantal began her eponymous children's clothing line, and in 2019, she released an etiquette book , ​​ Manners Begin at Breakfast .

Princess Maria-Olympia

Princess Maria-Olympia, who goes by Olympia, was born on July 25, 1996, in N.Y.C. and is the oldest child of Pavlos and Marie-Chantal.

Olympia attended boarding school in Switzerland and graduated from NYU in 2019 after studying fashion and business. Post-graduation, Olympia became a model and a fashion "it" girl, working with brands like Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana.

According to an interview with the Telegraph , Olympia began dating publishing heir Peregrine Pearson in 2020. In April 2022, she attended Sofia Richie's star-studded wedding in the South of France.

Prince Constantine-Alexios

Prince Constantine-Alexios was born on Oct. 29, 1998, in N.Y.C. and is the second child and eldest son of Pavlos and Marie-Chantal. He is also one of Prince William 's godsons.

Constantine attended Wellington College in England for secondary school, graduating in 2017. He then enrolled at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and graduated in May 2022.

In 2019, Constantine and his father modeled for photographer Nikolai von Bismarck 's book The Dior Sessions , but he doesn't appear to have done any modeling since. The young prince has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram , where he shares his photography.

Prince Achileas-Andreas

Prince Achileas-Andreas was born in N.Y.C. on Aug. 12, 2000, and is the third child of Pavlos and Marie-Chantal.

Following in his older sister's footsteps, Achileas enrolled as a student at NYU. In addition to his studies, the prince is also an actor, having made his TV debut in 2018 on The Bold and the Beautiful . On Instagram , Achileas occasionally shares photos — including a sweet tribute to his grandfather King Constantine after his death in early 2023 — with his over 450,000 followers.

Prince Odysseas-Kimon

Prince Odysseas Instagram

Prince Odysseas-Kimon was born on Sept. 17, 2004, in London. He is the fourth child of Pavlos and Marie-Chantal and shares a birthday with his mother.

In a December 2022 Instagram post , Marie-Chantal shared that Odysseas solidified an early decision acceptance at his "dream University," though she did not specify which school.

The teenager also runs a streetwear apparel line called Gallows Humour .

Prince Aristides-Stavros

Prince Aristides-Stavros was born on June 28, 2008, in Los Angeles and is the youngest child of Pavlos and Marie-Chantal.

In April 2021, Marie-Chantal shared an Instagram photo of her youngest son and wrote, "My littlest is growing up!"

Princess Alexia

Pavlos' older sister, Princess Alexia , was born on July 10, 1965, in Greece and is the first child of Constantine and Anne-Marie.

Along with her siblings, Alexia grew up in exile and lived in Rome and London. She attended the University of Surrey's Froebel College in London and received a bachelor's degree in history and education in 1985. She later completed a graduate certificate in education, according to the royal family's official website .

In 1999, she married architect Carlos Morales Quintana in London. The couple share four children: Arrietta, Anna-Maria, Carlos and Amelia Morales y de Grecia. The family currently lives in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa.

Carlos Morales Quintana

Carlos Morales Quintana was born in 1970 in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, according to Vanity Fair España . He is an architect and yachtsman and was a member of the Spanish pre-Olympic sailing team in the Tornado class, according to the royal family's website.

He met Princess Alexia at a sailing race in Barcelona, Spain, and the pair were married in Athens in 1999.

Arrietta Morales y de Grecia

Arrietta Morales y de Grecia was born on Feb. 24, 2002, in Barcelona and is the first child of Alexia and Quintana. She enjoys skiing, sailing and swimming and she studies at the University of Madrid, according to Vanity Fair España .

Anna-Maria Morales y de Grecia

Anna-Maria Morales y de Grecia was born on May 15, 2003, in Barcelona and is the second child of Alexia and Quintana. She was named after her maternal grandmother, Queen Anne-Marie. Anna-Maria was baptized on July 19, 2003; according to the family's website , her baptism was the largest family gathering in their home country since their family went into exile in 1967.

Anna-Maria and her sister Amelia served as bridesmaids at her uncle Prince Philip pos' wedding to Nina Flohr in 2021, Vanity Fair España reported.

Carlos Morales y de Grecia

Carlos Morales y de Grecia was born on July 30, 2005, in Barcelona and is the third child and only son of Alexia and Quintana.

Amelia Morales y de Grecia

Amelia Morales y de Grecia was born on Oct. 27, 2006, in Barcelona and is the fourth and youngest child of Alexia and Quintana.

Prince Nikolaos

Prince Nikolaos was born in Rome on Oct. 1, 1969, and is the third child of Constantine and Anne-Marie.

After studying at Brown University in Rhode Island, he worked in TV production for Fox News in N.Y.C. Nikolaos used a fake name to avoid getting "preferential treatment," but his co-workers found out he was a royal after they recognized him in photos at his brother Pavlos' wedding, he recalled to Insider in 2020.

In 2010, he married Princess Tatiana on the island of Spetses in Greece. The pair were together for more than a decade before announcing their divorce in April 2024.

"Both express the difficulty of this decision, the deep appreciation and respect they have for each other, but also the love with which they have walked all these years," a statement said. "The same values ​​of respect and understanding will form the basis of their relationship in the future, a relationship of deep and sincere friendship."

Nikolaos works as a consultant and photographer and currently lives in Athens, per his website .

Princess Tatiana

Princess Tatiana (née Tatiana Ellinka Blatnik) was born on Aug. 27, 1970, in Venezuela.

According to Vogue , she grew up in Switzerland and later attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Before marrying Nikolaos in 2010, she lived in London, where she worked as an event planner for designer Diane von Fürstenberg .

In April 2024, Tatiana and Nikolaos announced their divorce after 13 years of marriage.

Princess Theodora

Princess Theodora was born on June 9, 1983, in Barcelona and is the fourth child of Constantine and Anne-Marie.

She attended boarding school in England before moving to the U.S. and graduating from Brown University. In 2010, she relocated to L.A. to pursue a career in acting. From 2011 to 2018, she had a recurring role on the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful under the stage name Theodora Greece.

In 2018, Theodora became engaged to American attorney Matthew Kumar. The couple were set to get married in 2020 but postponed their nuptials due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prince Philippos

Prince Philip pos was born on April 26, 1986, in London and is the fifth and youngest child of Constantine and Anne-Marie. He is also the godson of the late Princess Diana .

Philippos attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and has since moved to N.Y.C., where he works as a hedge fund analyst.

In September 2020, Philippos became engaged to Swiss aviation heiress Nina Flohr. The couple had three wedding ceremonies: a small ceremony in Switzerland in December 2020; a celebration in Cambridge, England, in May 2021; and a lavish ceremony in Athens in October 2021.

Princess Nina

Princess Nina (née Nina Nastassja Flohr) was born in Switzerland on Jan. 22, 1987. Her parents are Thomas Flohr, Swiss billionaire and founder of aviation company VistaJet, and Katharina Konečný, former creative director of the House of Fabergé and a founding editor of Vogue Russia and Vogue Greece .

Nina previously worked as a creative director for her father's company. After leaving VistaJet, she founded a luxury hotel and an environmental conservation center, both located in Mozambique.

In September 2020, Nina became engaged to Philippos; the couple had three wedding ceremonies.

Related Articles

Top 10 Hotels in Greece: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023

View all of the  2023 Reader’s Choice Awards winners here .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas

Katikies Kirini Santorini

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Canaves Oia

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

Astir Egnatia Alexandroupolis

Katikies Santorini

Perivolas Lifestyle Houses

Grace Hotel Auberge Resorts Collection

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Screen Rant

Park min-young’s time travel k-drama perfectly flips her most famous role 6 years later.

Park Min-young’s latest TV role, Marry My Husband's Ji-won, perfectly flips her most famous character from one of the best K-dramas of all time.

• Marry My Husband flips Park Min-young's Secretary Kim role in a revenge-filled time travel story.
• Ji-won escaped an abusive marriage after going back in time and decided to focus on her professional career.
• Both shows involve second chances and reevaluating life priorities for the main characters.

Park Min-young’s character in the time travel K-drama Marry My Husband perfectly flipped her most famous role, Kim Mi-so from What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim . One of the most acclaimed actors of her generation, Park Min-young has starred in several successful shows. This includes hits like What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim and Forecasting Love and Weather , the former of which is widely considered one of the best K-dramas of all time . Following a two-year hiatus from Korean dramas, Park Min-young recently starred in Marry My Husband , which ran from January 1 to February 20, 2024.

While shows like Her Prive Life and Forecasting Love and Weather were very well received, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim arguably remains Park Min-young’s most famous role six years later. Released in 2018, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim featured Park Min-young as Kim Mi-so, a highly efficient secretary who was now reconsidering her priorities. The show also starred Park Seo-joon as Young-joon , Mi-so’s boss. There are some interesting parallels between Marry My Husband and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim , especially when it comes to the differences between Park Min-young’s characters.

Park Min-young’s Marry My Husband Character Flips Her Secretary Kim Role

Kang ji-won has the opposite goal from kim mi-so.

In Marry My Husband , Park Min-young plays Kang Ji-won , who, at the start of the series, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. On the same day she received her diagnosis, Ji-won found out her husband was cheating on her with her best friend. Not only that, but the two of them were counting the days for Ji-won to die so that they could get the insurance money. To accelerate things, Ji-won’s husband tried to kill her once she found out about his affair. While Ji-won did tie in this timeline, she instantly woke up 10 years in the past.

Mi-so’s story was not as tragic as Ji-won’s, yet both of these characters realized there was something wrong with their lives and decided it was time to change.

Ji-won was mysteriously given the chance to rebuild her life in Marry My Husband , after which she decided not only to plot her revenge against her soon-to-be-husband but also to ditch everything that was hurting her. Ji-won built new friendships, stopped caring about pleasing everyone, and focused on her professional career instead of living for her fiancé. Ji-won regained control of her life after leaving an abusive marriage as part of a toxic family that also included an abusive mother-in-law. Her character arc in the time travel K-drama was the opposite of what Mi-so went through in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim .

In What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim , Park Min-young’s character is somewhat happy professionally but dreams of building a family and wants to focus more on her personal life. Secretary Kim had built an incredible reputation as the trustable, competent executive secretary of an important CEO, yet she was not fully happy. Mi-so was tired of being known as “Secretary Kim” and wanted to build a life outside of work. Mi-so’s story was not as tragic as Ji-won’s, yet both of these characters realized there was something wrong with their lives and decided it was time to change.

How Marry My Husband Is Different From What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim

Marry my husband was about ji-won finding her strength.

Marry My Husband and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim play with some similar tropes , including but not limited to romance at the workplace. That said, they are very different shows with very different tones. Marry My Husband adds a supernatural element to a classic tale of revenge, with the time travel aspect of the story setting the narrative for Kang Ji-won’s journey. Most of the show is told from the perspective of Ji-won, allowing viewers to connect with her as her plan for revenge progresses. Most Marry My Husband characters are oblivious to Ji-won’s secret, except for her boss, Ji-hyuk.

Marry My Husband Ending Explained: Does Ji-won Find Happiness?

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim , on the other hand, tells its story from the perspective of Park Min-young and Park Seo-joon’s characters . It becomes clear right from episode 1 that Secretary Kim and Young-joon have feelings for each other and might become a couple. From then on, the show explores how Mi-so’s decision to leave her job affects not only her life but also her boss’ life. Their pasts are slowly revealed as the show progresses, with audiences learning that their connection is deeper than anyone imagined. Compared to Marry My Husband ’s time travel plot , What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim is more grounded.

Marry My Husband & What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim Do Have Things In Common

Both k-dramas were about second chances.

Despite the differences between What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim ’s Mi-so and Marry My Husband ’s Ji-won, both shows are essentially about the same thing – second chances. Even though they were facing different challenges, these two characters were given a second chance in life and reconsidered their priorities. Ji-won’s tragedy led her to distance herself from all the toxic people in her life, which is why Marry My Husband was not only about revenge but also about fresh starts. Park Min-young’s character in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim was in a relatively good place, yet she rightfully felt like she deserved more.

Stream Marry My Husband on Prime Video

Stream What's Wrong With Secretary Kim on Hulu

Marry My Husband

King Travel, oferte de toamnă: Turcia, Portugalia, Franța sau Israel-Iordania

Bănățenii care nu au apucat să plece încă în concediu mai au o șansă. Agențiile de turism vin cu oferte variate. De la city-break până la sejururi sau circuite. Asta, depinde însă și de locurile rămase libere.

Gândul la vacanță îți zboară în fiecare minut și numeri zilele până când îți faci valiza si pleci departe. Ai vrea să cuprinzi toată lumea într-o vacanță, dar nu prea ai cum. Așa că trebuie să te rezumi la o destinație de data aceasta.

King Travel Timișoara (Regele Călător) te însoțește într-o călătorie și te ajută să trăiești experiențe de neuitat. “ Toamna e deja la ușă. Multe variante nu sunt, decât city-breakurile cu plecare din Timișoara, capitalele europene: Roma, Milano, Paris, Londra.  Excursiile, ultimele chartere care sunt fie pe Antalia, Zakynthos, Creta până la sfârsitul lunii septembrie. Un coleg de al nostru deschide un charter nou pe Egipt. Egiptul e o destinație frumoasă, tot timpul anului te simți bine acolo. Apoi sunt circuitele de toamnă pe care le au agențiile în portofoliu. King Travel Timișoara are Turcia, Cappadocia, mai avem 4-6 locuri, cu plecare în 26 septembrie.  E un circuit complet, care include 12 zile, cu mic dejun inclus la hotel de 3 stele, 8 cine, transport cu autocarul, asistență turistică. Programul e foarte frumos, avem mult de vizitat, tot ce înseamnă istoria perșilor.

O altă variantă este Istanbul, programată pe 24 octombrie. Un city-break la un buget rezonabil, preț 200 euro + 200 lei, pentru patru zile, cu cazare la hotel de 3 stele, în zona centrală. Aveți ce vizita. Mai există opțiuni de Israel –Iordania, pelerinaj, are componentă turistică și spirituală, pe 6 noiembrie.  Mai sunt 4 locuri libere la circuitul de Andalusia –Portugalia, în 12 octombrie, transport cu avionul. În general oamenii și-au planificat excursiile.  Apoi încep piețele de Crăciun: Budapesta, Viena, Praga, Dresda, et c.”, precizează Radu Fenchea, managerul agenției de turism King Travel Timișoara.

Mai multe informații cu diverse oferte de vacanță găsiți pe site-ul agenției King Travel Timișoara. Aici http://www.kingtravel.ro/ .

Citeste si :

Lasa un comentariu Cancel

Adresa ta de email nu va fi publicată. Câmpurile obligatorii sunt marcate cu *

Adresa de email *

Articole recente

Marcel Ciolacu: Timișul a fost văduvit mult prea mult timp de proiecte majore, deși este unul dintre polii de creștere economică ai țării

Depunere candidaturi Alianța PSD-PNL

Guvernul României a ajuns la Timișoara

Una din trei gravide/mame minore din România a rămas însărcinată în jurul vârstei de 15 ani

Înscrieri la concursul de admitere la una dintre Școlile Militare de Subofițeri Jandarmi

Zilele culturale ale comunei Bucovăț

Clienții Aquatim care rămân fără apă

„Pe urmele germanilor în Banat”, la Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara, cu profesorul Anton Sterbling

• Internațional

Observator de Timis

• Administrație
• Termeni și condiții

Observator De TIMIȘ

King Charles Spotted Attending Church Near Balmoral

The King went to Sunday services on what would've been Queen Elizabeth's 98th birthday.

King Charles drove himself and Queen Camilla to Sunday services, and photographers snapped the two en route:

The King and Queen went up to Balmoral to celebrate their wedding anniversary , reportedly spending time at Birkhall , their home on the royal family's Balmoral estate in the Scottish highlands. Their stay at Balmoral also coincided with Queen Elizabeth's birthday ; the late Queen would've celebrated her 98th birthday on April 21.

Last year, to mark what would've been her 97th, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a snap of Queen Elizabeth and many of her great-grandchildren . That photo has since been called into question for photo editing after the Princess of Wales apologized for editing a Mother's Day photo. This year, the royal family's social media accounts were quiet on the late monarch's birthday.

King Charles's last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he joined his siblings for church in Windsor . After services ended, he greeted members of the public:

There's no set return to public engagements for the King. Last month, his nephew Peter Phillips revealed that Charles is "very keen to get back to a form of normality. And he's probably frustrated that, recovery is taking a little longer than probably he would want it to."

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Royal Family News @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

Princess Margaret's Grandchildren

Princess Beatrice Wears Florals for Spring

Jamaica Plans to Remove Charles as Head of State

See King Frederik & Queen Mary's Gala Portraits

Who Received American Riviera Orchard Jam?

Queen Letizia Is a Vision in a Flared Blush Dress

Queen Mary Wore a Sweet Tribute to Her Husband

Princess Marie on Her Children Losing Their Titles

Meghan Brings the Heat in a Backless LBD

Lady Marina Windsor Opens Up About Her Grandfather

Will & Kate Receive New Honors From King Charles

Unpublishing this opportunity has collateral effects. If you unpublish this opportunity, 10 active application(s) will be archived. Archived applications cannot be managed by Program Officers, and they cannot be viewed or managed by applicants.

REOPENED! Summer 2024 King Center Research Project "Identifying health-threats of Toxic metal-containing particulate matter from coal-fired brick kilns in Bangladesh" (No Travel)

The King Center on Global Development's  Summer Undergraduate Full-Time Research Assistant Program  offers opportunities for fieldwork and research experience to matriculated, Stanford, undergraduates interested in global poverty and development across all academic disciplines.

When Stanford University travel policies allow, selected students spend up to 12 weeks in a low- or middle-income country conducting full-time research for a  King Center faculty affiliate . Each research assistant receives a stipend of approximately $7,500 that covers most associated costs including travel, lodging, and incidental expenses. Should travel not be permitted and the research is conducted remotely (from within the US), the base stipend will be approximately $5,500. Financial aid of up to $1,500 is also awarded to students who qualify.

Students are welcome to apply to multiple opportunities but must apply to each faculty research project separately.  Students may only accept one project if they are offered multiple opportunities.

If you have problems submitting your application, please report issues through the SOLO platform with a screenshot that includes the URL and the full page.  Please email [email protected] to also let us know of your issue(s). 

RESEARCH PROJECT SUMMARY:

Coal-fired brick kilns are major contributors to the high concentration of airborne PM2.5 within Bangladesh and pose detrimental health risks to local communities, particularly to young children. The health threats of PM2.5 formed during coal combustion in brick kilns are determined by their chemical and structural properties, which are largely unknown. The proposed project aims to 1) determine the metal content of PM2.5, 2) Quantitatively identify PM2.5 particle chemical and structural properties, and 3) Assess the health risks associated with toxic metals in the fine PM2.5. Samples have been collected from feed materials and coal-fired exhaust of brick kilns in Bangladesh. We will interrogate the particles using advanced techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM).  The results of this project will advance our understanding of the health impacts imposed by brick kilns distributed throughout Bangladesh, and they will inform targeted policies and interventions for mitigating the health risks to local communities.

Research mentor: Professor Scott Fendorf 

Dates : A minimum of ten consecutive weeks during summer quarter 2024.

• Sample preparation including drying, crushing, and sieving
• Bulk characteristic measurements including XRF and XRD
• Brick kiln simulated heating experiments using characterized coal samples in a muffle furnace
• Preparing sample for TEM and ICP-MS analysis
• Reviewing and analyzing data, then presenting data in conferences
• Stanford undergraduate students in good academic standing, and planning to return to Stanford in autumn 2024, are eligible to apply (co-terms in graduate tuition status are ineligible)
• All majors are welcome
• A background in chemistry and material characterization is helpful but not required.

Time Commitment:  

• All research assistants are required to work full time, i.e., 35-40 hours per week for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks during the summer quarter

Along with the application, applicants are asked to submit a resume or CV, and a Stanford transcript.

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact:

[email protected]

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .

• Destinații altfel

MARAMURES – BUCOVINA

VALEA ZANELOR – TRANSFAGARASANUL- SINAIA- VULCANII NOROIOSI – DELTA – BUCURESTI

DUBAI – ABU DHABI

CROATIA – COASTA DALMATIEI

CAPPADOCIA – ISTANBUL

EGIPT : ASWAN – CROAZIERA PE NIL- HURGHADA-CAIRO – ALEXANDRIA

GRECIA ISTORIE SI CREDINTA

PORTUGALIA- ANDALUSIA

COASTA DE AZUR

CORSICA – SARDINIA – TOSCANA

KUSADASI- ISTANBUL