travel tips for greece

Greece Travel: 101 things to know

It might be difficult for first-time visitors in Greece to understand or accommodate some Greek practices, habits, and traditions. That is why we have created an extended list with things that you should know or things to have in mind before you travel to Greece and the Greek islands. To make it even easier for you, we have divided this info into various categories. This is a very useful page to organize your vacations better, avoid any unpleasant surprises and familiarize with Greek reality!

Table of contents: • General Info • Packing • Communication • Money • Safety • Shopping • Food and Drink • Driving • Public Transportation • Health and Emergencies

Do not forget your passport

Do not forget your passport and other needed travel documents. Get the phone number of your embassy in Greece, just in case.

Do not try to see too many islands/locations.

Enjoy every region and relax, after all that is the meaning of vacations. Do not organize trips every other day to see as many islands / locations as possible. Give every island the time it takes to love it.

Make your bookings early

The earlier you book your hotels or air tickets , the cheapest prices you will get. Concerning ferry tickets , it is better to book the Greek ferries early if you plan to travel between mid-July to the end of August . In all cases, book early if you need a cabin or if you are traveling with a car.

Hotels ratings

As a hotel rating in Greece may be a bit different than the international hotel rating, make sure the accommodation you book has all the facilities you need. Also note that hotels are rated with stars whiles other accommodations (apartments, rooms, studios, etc) are rated with keys .

Persons with special needs

Greece is not organized very well for a disabled person. If you are a person with special needs, book early your special cabin for disabled in the Greek ferries. Unfortunately, ferries in Greece have only a few such cabins. Also, make sure that the ferry and your hotel is easily accessible for you. Moreover, some Greek islands, like the Cyclades, are much troublesome for disabled people. Prefer more "flat" islands. Read our blog article: Disabled travel in Greece

Have cash with you

Make sure you have enough some money or have ways to get some, for example, through an ATM. Always have a credit card with you. Nowdays, all restaurants accept credit cards.

Visit some mainland areas

Apart from visiting the famous popular islands, it would also be a good idea to visit some mainland , too. This is the best chance to get to know some traditional Greece but also to discover some of the most important ancient sites of Greece .

Smoking country

Smoking is a very bad habit of the Greeks and it results very annoying for tourists. In the past, smoking was allowed almost everywhere. Only recently, smocking has been prohibided in interiors (restaurants, bars, ..) and for once, Greek people respected the law.

Stray Animals

Another problem in Greece is the stray animals. You will see many dogs and cats on the streets of every single city or island. Some sensitive locals may give them food, but the problem remains unsolved and it grows with so many locals abandoning new-born animals. Once on holiday, you can visit and support the local shelters with a little donation.

Churches and monasteries

You will find churches and monasteries everywhere in Greece, As the Greeks are much bonded with religion , there are plenty of chapels in all towns and islands. In fact, there is a particular dress code to enter a church or a monastery. Visitors should be properly dressed , that means no swimming tanks, no long trousers for men and no long skirts for women.

Greek toilette system

Have in mind that the toilette system in Greece is not much advanced as in other European countries. Almost everywhere, they ask that you do not throw the paper in the toilet, but instead, there are small bins next to the toilette to put the paper. These bins are emptied by the cleaning staff.

Internet connections

Internet connection is pretty easy in Greece. If you have a laptop, you can connect in the several free WiFi spots in many squares or malls in Greece. Moreover, you can buy a prepaid internet card from the kiosk, which also includes an available phone line you can use for the dial-up connection (Note you need to show an ID). Have in mind that many hotels also offer internet connection and, of course, you can go to the many coffee shops available. Note that there are no roaming charges for European countries and a very good 4G signal is available in Greece.

Get informed on the opening hours of each museum in Greece or archaeological site. Every museum has different working days and hours. The usual practice is that they are open from early in the morning till midday, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Famous archaeological sites are open till sunset, but still, there may be differences between one site and another.

Do not forget

There are a few things you shouldn't forget when you travel to Greece: Your camera, your sunglasses, bathing suit, mosquito repellant and sun cream. Do not worry if you forget anything as you can easily find it in Greece.

Pack lightly

Do not take much luggage with you because the trip might be long. Getting on and off planes or ferries will be very tiring if you have to drag your over-packed suitcase. Moreover, the paths in the islands are paved and it will difficult to carry many things. After all, you will not need but a couple of swimming suits, some light summer clothes and a couple of flat shoes or comfortable sneakers for walking. Also, have a light sweater for some chilly evenings because the wind blows often in the islands. Take something even warmer if you going to rent a scooter.

Spring and Autumn weather

If you are coming in spring or autumn, make sure you have some heavier clothes with you because the temperature in Greece is still low (about 20-27oC in May and September but nights and mornings are cool). Also have a small umbrella as rainstorms are frequent and sometimes sudden, although they usually last no more than half an hour.

Take your camera

You will regret coming to Greece without a camera. You will find camera accessories there (batteries, storage cards, cables). Go home with plenty of memories and photos. Remember that in some archaeological sites or museums, you are not permitted to take photos and in the rest of the museums, you can't use flash because it damages the quality of the marble exhibits. If you get nice shots, you can share them with our online community .

Have some maps

Have a map and the different regions as well as travel guides with you or collect all the information from the Internet, before you come to Greece. You can find free maps in every city and island.

Plug adaptor

A few years ago, if your country had 110V electricity, you would need an electric adaptor because Greece has 220V electricity. Nowadays most current electric equipment (laptops, cell phones, etc) use chargers which adapt to voltage changes automatically, so you do not need a transformer for those. However, you do need a plug adapter, which only changes the shape of your electric plug but not the voltage.

Easy to communicate

It will be easy to communicate in Greece, even if your English is not fluent. Most Greeks are familiarized with tourists and they will help you if you need directions or an explanation. Moreover, most street signs are in both Greek and English, so no reason to really worry about getting lost? Not exactly, as most of the time there are not enough signs and many streets have no names.

Greeks are friendly people

The Greeks will be more friendly and eager to help if you try to speak some Greek, too. Just a couple of words are fine, they love it when they hear a stranger speaking their language. So, say kalimera instead of "good morning" and efkaristo instead of "thank you", and you will see some big proud smiles in their faces.

Be kind to be treated kindly

The Greeks like tourists and feel proud to welcome them, however, they get mad when tourists bother them. Ask questions nicely and do not cause problems. For example, if you are making noise because you are drunk, the Greeks will probably call the police. The locals expect tourists to be decent.

Some Greeks can be rude

The Greeks are generally polite, although in some cases they may look bored or indifferent. Do not take it hard, some people are like this to anyone, locals or tourists. You may encounter such indifferent waiters, for example. Don't be upset. Just ask in a polite way to be served and you will be served, even without a smile on the face.

Ask for help

Although the Greeks may see that you are having a problem (e.g. you may desperately search your destination on a map in the middle of the street and look confused), they will probably not deal with you unless you ask them a question. If you do ask a question, they will turn their head with a big smile. Their philosophy is not to bother tourists and to let you make the first move.

Hand communication

A very common gesture you will definitely see in Greece is moutza : hand extended, five fingers open. This is a very rude gesture to demonstrate disapproval and frequently used by drivers. Do not do that gesture, the Greeks will consider it very offensive.

Monetary unit

The official monetary unit of Greece is the Euro and no other money is accepted, so you will have to exchange your currency with the euro. You can do it in the banks, in currency exchange offices or at the airport.

Payments with credit cards

Credit cards are nowdays obligatory in all stores (big shopping stores, large supermarkets, malls, restaurants). But always have cash with you, just in case. Also even if the store window has signs that they accept credit cars, better ask before you buy to avoid any unpleasant surprise in the cashier's desk.

The best way to get money in Greece is through the ATMs that can be found almost everywhere. There are plenty of them in the large cities and the popular islands, however some small towns or remote islands might lack a bank or an ATM. Make sure there is an ATM in your destination or you should take more cash with you. You have to know that there is usually a daily withdrawal limit in ATMs, so if you have to pay a large amount (like the hotel bill) make sure you have enough money beforehand. Also better get your money from the ATM a day or two before you need them and do not wait till last minute. What if there is only one ATM on the island and it has broken down or left out of money? Note: Avoid ATMs that do not belong to a Greek Bank (Alpha, Eurobank, NBG, Pireos) as the commissions are much higher.

Personal checks

Personal checks are not much accepted in Greece unless you have made an agreement with the other part.

Safe country

Although the crime rate is on the increase in the last years, Greece is still a very safe country . No comparison to other European countries or the USA, where there are ghettos and gangs. Except for some neighborhoods in Athens, like Omonoia, where it would be preferable not to walk alone at nights, the whole country is extremely safe. Crime in smaller cities and villages is almost inexistent.

Pickpockets

The only crime you might experience (mostly in large cities) is some thefts in crowded places or in the public means of transport. Pay attention to your wallet and bag, especially on the buses, subway or trains, and do not leave it exposed.

Using or selling drugs is strictly prohibited in Greece . The country has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe. You are prohibited to use even light drugs, like marijuana. Tourists do not form exceptions in the application of these drug laws.

Woman travelers

Women do not need to be afraid of walking alone in Greece, just stay away from some specific areas of Athens (or other cities) at night. Any other time in any other place is safe. No reason to worry at all in all the touristy areas like Plaka.

Lock valuables in your hotel safes

It would be a good idea to lock valuables in your hotel safes, just in case. Although hotel thefts are pretty rare, there is no need to take the risk.

Pay attention when you cross a street because car drivers seem to totally ignore pedestrian signs. Do not expect that they will slow down when you cross the street. They are more likely to make an abrupt turn past you than slow down.

No bay watchers

Very few beaches in Greece have bay watchers, so pay attention when you swim. The Greek sea is not dangerous but you never know, especially if you are not a prompt swimmer. Better go where the locals go, just to avoid any water wells, urchins or jellyfish. Pay extra attention when the beach is pretty remote or if you go for a night swim. Never go for a night swim at a beach you haven't experienced and alone.

Emergency call

In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police and 166 for an ambulance .

Hiking & Trekking journeys

It would not be advisable to trek in some areas by yourself. Some parts of the islands and the mainland can be extremely sparsely-populated and it may take you hours to reach a village or meet someone. Always take water with you.

Drink a lot of water

Drink a lot of water if you go to Athens in the middle of the summer. Temperatures can get very high and this way you will avoid dehydration.

Stores are everywhere

Greece has stores everywhere, you will have no problem finding what you need. There are large malls, regular shopping stores, super or mini markets, frequent kiosks ( periptero ), groceries and gift shops. There are also flea markets and open grocery markets ( laiki ) in many areas. The center of Athens in the most popular shopping spot in Greece but the flea market of Monastiraki is also very famous to tourists. However, even in small islands, you will not lack anything.

Credit Cards

Most stores accept credit cards but do not take it for granted. For example, people in small grocery stores, in remote taverns and in the flea market will probably not take credit cards, so better ask before you buy.

Shopping and restaurants hours

Shopping hours vary in Greece. The general shopping hours are: Monday/ Wednesday/ Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm - Tuesday/ Thursday/ Friday from 9 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm . The Greek shop owners keep the siesta at noon, which might be inconvenient for some, but yet it is a nice tradition. Large malls in Athens and other big cities are continuously open till the evening in the weekdays and till the afternoon on Saturdays. Some are closes on Sundays. Gift shops in the islands are usually open all day, every day.

Greeks eat late. You can go to a restaurant at 10 pm and you will be served normally.

Bargains are frequently seen in Athens and other large towns. If you are seating for a coffee and a bargain approaches you, have your mind for pickpocketing. Give them a small coin or kindly ask them to leave.

There is no rule or norm for tipping in Greece. People do not expect you to tip in anywhere else than in coffee houses, taverns, restaurants and maybe room service in the hotels. But still, it is not compulsory. You can tip as much as you want or you can still no tip at all.

All kind of food and drinks

You will find in Greece the type of food and drinks that you experience in the western world. There are, of course, world ranges of cafeterias and fast-food restaurants (like McDonalds or Starbucks) in the big cities and popular islands, but there are also traditional coffee houses (known as kafenion ) and taverns.

The best known Greek food is gyros, a folded type of sandwich with pork or chicken sticks, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki/ sauce. You can find it almost everywhere in Greece and people eat it for lunch and dinner, too. You can ask for the (folded) gyros, just for the stick or for the plate. When you order, make sure you define what you want because if you don't, you will most probably get the plate than the sandwich, which is double or triple in price.

Other famous Greek dishes

The most frequent dishes you can order in a Greek tavern is Greek salad ( horiatiki ), grilled fish of any kind (pay attention because big fish are sold by the kilo and they can be very expensive), fried squids ( kalamari ), moussaka and pies (cheese pie or spinach pie mostly).

Greeks love meat. Although there are usually not special vegetarian dishes in the Greek taverns, many Greek dishes are composed only of vegetals. You will not find many dedicated vegetarians restaurants in Greece.

Bread is almost always included in the meal. Even if you don't ask for bread, the waiter will bring a basket of bread slices in your table and you will pay extra for it. It is inconceivable for the Greeks to have lunch without bread.

Greek eating hours

Taverns in summer are usually open all day. Greek eating hours are much different than westerners. The Greeks usually eat lunch at about 3 in the afternoon and start dinner from 9 in the evening till after midnight .

Greek taverns

The atmosphere in the Greek taverns is very festive, especially if the locals frequent there. The Greeks usually speak loud in the taverns, laugh and start conversations. Even if they finish eating, the Greeks do not leave but stay for an hour or two more to discuss with their company. Greek companies are usually large and include family members and friends. The same happens with cafeterias, where people take their time when drinking coffee. Having a coffee in a cafeteria usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. Leisure is an important issue for the Greeks.

Taverns closing time

The Greek taverns usually don't have a closing time, they close when the guests leave. This means that they may close at 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning. If there is live music, the closing time extends even more.

Hotels breakfast

Breakfast is sometimes not included in hotel rates. Therefore, you can either pay for it separately or have breakfast in a cafeteria. Some people just have a cheese or spinach pie from the local bakery for breakfast.

Saturday night in Greece

As people eat late, they also go out late. Usually, they go out for a drink after midnight.

Nightclubs in Greece

Nightclubs in Greece open at midnight and close when the sun rises. There is usually a ticket entrance that includes the first drink. Most Greeks prefer Greek music than international ones.

Drinking age limit

There is practically no drinking age limit in Greece. Although the legal age limit is 18 and 16 under supervision, the law is almost never obeyed. Some clubs and cafeterias have signs at the entrance saying that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted to people under 18, but nobody asks for an identity card when you enter the club or when you order a drink.

Drinking Attitude

Although the Greeks drink frequently, they expect you to be decent even if you are drunk. Public displays of drunkenness are highly disapproved by Greek society and they may call the police if you get too annoying.

Wine and Beer

People in Greece drink wine or beer on almost all occasions, even in daily lunches. The traditional Greek wine is retsina and the most frequent Greek beers are Mythos and Alpha. Ouzo, tsipouro, and raki are also traditional Greek beverages and frequently consumed by the locals along with some delicacies ( mezedes ).

Water is usually drinkable in most cities of the Greek mainland, but in the islands, you must drink bottled water. Most islands are not water sufficient and they have to carry water with the tank. This water is used for bathing or doing the laundry, but not for consumption.

Greeks drive like crazy

It is a common fact that the Greeks drive like crazy, especially in Athens. If you want to rent a car and drive in Greece, always be careful, particularly if drivers in your country are civilized!

Do not to drive a car within the city limits

First-time tourists in Athens are advised not to drive a car within the city limits. Better use public transportation or taxis . Buses go almost everywhere in Athens and it is pretty easy to find a taxi, so why bother? After all, if you are a tourist, it is most possible that you will want to move to the center, where cars will not be of use for two reasons: first, the metro (subway) goes to all the sights you will want to visit and secondly, finding a parking seat is a huge problem in the city center and will probably ruin your mood. Better rent a car if you want to drive in the mainland, away from Athens.

Traffic Jam

One of the biggest problems you will face when driving in Athens (and the major Greek cities) is a traffic jam.

Avoid taking a car in the city center between 9am and 10 am, and between 15pm and 18pm.

Don't miss your turn

If you miss your turn, do not expect that you can circle the block and get back where you wanted. Many streets in Greece are one way, so you may need to pass several blocks until you find a legal turn.

Huge trucks, lorries, and vans

Huge trucks, lorries, and vans are allowed to move anywhere at any time, even in the most popular or narrow streets.

Don't get upset with Greeks attitude

Even if you think that you bother nobody with your driving, people will do get annoyed: if you drive fast, you will be yelled at that you drive like crazy; if you drive slow, you will be yelled at that you block the cars behind! Try not to pay attention or get upset, just go on!

People go fast even if they are not in a hurry

If you are stopped in a traffic line, someone will try to pass through the tiny space between you and the other car, just to get in front of you. People go fast even if they are not in a hurry.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles will never stay behind your car. They will either go in front of you or at least at your side. They will squeeze past cars to get in front of the traffic lines.

Horns often used

When you are in the traffic line, if red goes to green and you don't leave in the first second, you will hear horns and yellings from behind. Horn in Greece is used in all cases: to prevent an accident but also to greet someone familiar in the street. The noise of horns may drive you crazy sometimes especially in Athens center.

Change lines when nobody is watching you!

If you turn on the signal to change lanes when driving, the car behind might speed up to get in front of you. Change lines when nobody is watching you!

Motorcycles and taxis must be avoided

Most of all beware of motorcycles and taxis. Taxi drivers spend half a day driving and have too many nerves, so they lack patience and may result in unpredictably. Be careful if you drive behind a taxi as they might stop at the last minute to pickup a passenger.

Always wear your seatbelt

Always wear your seatbelt. The accident rate in Greece is among the the biggest in Europe and extra attention is required.

Unless you are in the countryside or the forest, be patient when you are looking for a parking seat in the cities. We recommend to put your car in one of the many parking availanble.

The national highways around Athens are in a good state, but always pay attention because drivers usually raise the speed a lot. Always conform to the speed signs. Usually, the speed rate in the highways is 100-120 km/h. However, some roads in the mountainsides are one-lined, have a lot of windings and pass through villages, so the speed limit is much lower.

The driver might past you on the right

There are many chances that a Greek driver gets past you on the right (illegally) rather than on the left (legally). Especially on the highway during high traffic days, many drivers will use the emergency lane (!!).

Most road signs are written in Greek and English, but there may also be no signs at all.

Automatic cars

Most cars in Greece are manual, not automatic. If you want to rent an automatic car, ask it in advance from the car rental agency . Do not take it for granted that they have automatic cars.

Gas stations

Gas stations are usually open from early in the morning till the evening and some stay open 24 hours. In the islands and the countryside, there is usually, in turn, a gas station in the area open all night. Apart from fuel, gas stations offer for the free air pump and a squeegee to wash the windshield. Fuel is expensive in Greece. You are not expected to leave a tip in the gas station. If your destination is far away, make sure you have enough fuel, especially if you don't know where the next gas station is. Lack of fuel is not included in most road assistance contracts.

Driving in the center of Athens

Driving in the center of Athens and some major Greek cities are allowed in turns, depending on the days and the number of your plate.

Sheep and goats on roads

Do not be surprised if, on rural roads, you have to stop the car and let sheep or other agricultural animals cross in front of you.

Be prepared to pay tolls on the highways. A lot of them!

Map and GPS

Always have a detailed map with you or a GPS.

International Driving Permit

An EU or USA driving license is valid in Greece but you must also have an International Driving Permit.

Renting a car

You can rent a car in most areas of Greece and the Greek Islands. You need a valid driving license, to be more than 18 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience. Assurance is like in other countries in Europe. You have an assurance for third parties but have to pay an extra assurance for you and the rented car.

Renting a motorbike

Many tourists get killed every summer on Greek roads as they are not experienced with motorbikes and Greek people drive like crazy.

Developed and comfortable transportation

Public transportation is adequately developed and comfortable in Greece. There are (some) trains, suburban and urban buses, taxis and a subway system (metro) in Athens. Another subway system is being constructed in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, but it is not ready yet. It is not expected to be ready before 2025.

Athens Metro

The Metro in Athens serves a lot of neighborhoods and it really is time-saving. Tickets can be bought from kiosks inside the stations.

Athens Buses

Buses in Athens are very frequent. Itineraries begin from 6 in the morning till 10 in the evening, but there are also a couple of night buses. Tickets can be bought from special kiosks, not inside the bus.

Buses on Islands

There are buses on the islands, too, and many towns in the mainland, but the frequency of itineraries vary and in some areas, they may not be that comfortable. We recommend to rent a car .

Suburban buses (KTEL)

Suburban (KTEL) buses leave from Kifissos or Liosion stations in Athens. Make sure you know exactly where your bus leaves because these two stations are far one from the other. People usually buy tickets last minute, unless there are few itineraries to some destinations. Suburban buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and clean. Almost always, they leave on time.

Tram is another means of transport that works only in Athens. Trams are like the subway, only above the ground and much, much slower . They go coast by coast from Athens all the way to the southern neighborhoods. Trams have two departure points (Faliro and Syntagma square) and the last station is Voula. A new tram network will be available to reach Piraeus.

Taxis are frequent

Taxis are frequent. You can find them in stations (called piatsa ) in Greece or you can stop one on the road. To flag a taxi, you stand on the sidewalk, raise your hand when a taxi passes by and look at the driver in the eyes. Some may stop and wait for you to get in. Others will stop and you are expected to tell the driver your destination. If he doesn't like your destination, he will just leave and you have to look for another cab. Nowdays, in Athens, in order to avoid any surprise, the best way to deal with taxis is to donwload the application " Beat " on your smartphone.

Taxi trip sharing but the fare is not shared

Do not be surprised if you share a taxi with other people. In Athens, it is illegal to get as many passengers as the taxi can get but the practice is common. Unless you have pre-orderd your taxi, it is possible that the driver stops to ask other people where they are going. If the route fits, these other people will come on board. However, you don't share the fare, each one pays the individual taxi fare.

Night hours fares

Have in mind that fares are doubled at night hours (12 pm- 6 am).

The taximeter must be turned on

When you get in a taxi, the driver usually sets the meter. If he doesn't do it, ask him to, so that you avoid excessive and illegal costs. Sometimes on islands or remote location, taxi fares are fixed so you will always pay the same amount from one point to another. Just ask before in order to avoid surprises. Also, be aware that you have to pay some extra euro for the luggage.

Ask info from taxi or bus drivers

Do not hesitate to ask info from taxi or bus drivers. Even if some don't feel like talking, they will eventually answer you showing you the way.

Donkey and Horse Rides

An other way to get around in the islands is the donkey ride or a horse carriage, which usually have specific routes and fares. But we do not recommend this as the treatment to the animals is questionable.

There are three types of hospitals in Greece: large hospitals with all the proper equipment, small hospitals in the country towns and some islands and medical centers for even smaller or remote areas. If a patient needs special care on an island where there is no hospital, then he is transferred by ferry/helicopter to the nearest hospital. There are, of course, private doctors in Greece who offer high-quality services and speak excellent English, so it is very easy to communicate. Private doctors usually work only in the afternoon. Prices are not standard but they usually vary at about 40-50 euros.

Emergency rooms

Every hospital has an emergency room and by turns, some hospitals stay open all night. Regularly you have to make an appointment to visit the hospital in the morning, but the date of the appointment may be after a few days, so better go directly to the emergency room. The hospital emergency phone line in Greece is 166 .

Pharmacies in Greece work in business hours and they are closed on Sundays. You can distinguish them because they have a Green Cross outside. By turns, there are pharmacies open 24 hours in every neighborhood. During the hours that the pharmacies are closed, there is a schedule/announcement with the open ones on the window of each pharmacy, but it is only in Greek, so ask for the help of a local to show you the directions.

Prescribed medicine and glasses

Always have your prescribed medicine and glasses with you, when you travel to Greece and something for the mosquito bite. Also, a mosquito repellant would be of great help.

MORE INFO ABOUT TRAVELLING IN GREECE

• Share this page on Facebook
• Share this page on Twitter
• Copy the URL of this page

• Destinations

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

Greece's Largest Island Is Packed With Ancient History, Gorgeous Resorts, and a Stunning Pink-sand Beach

Get ready for plenty of fun in the Grecian sun.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Cities to visit, best things to do, best beaches, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Crete, Greece's largest island, clocks in at more than 3,000 square miles and offers plenty of ancient history, incredible food, and natural beauty to explore. But you don't have to take my word for just how special Crete is. 

"I often describe Crete as a compact, island version of California. We have surfing and backcountry skiing in winter. In summer, we have canyon hiking, mountaineering, and, my personal favorite, hidden beaches only accessible by boat. And the shoulder seasons are — chef's kiss — perfection," Anastasia Sotiropulos, a tour guide based in Chania, Crete, shared. "The real treasure of Crete, though, are the people. The farmers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, artists, restaurateurs, winemakers, musicians, and homemakers create unique experiences for those lucky enough to visit this incredible island." 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at a hotel with stunning Mediterranean views, like Elounda Bay Palace or Domes of Elounda. 
• Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos. 
• Catch some sun on Elafonissi Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful pink-sand beaches. 
• Wander the streets of Chania’s Old Town to admire Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. 
• Visit during the shoulder season to avoid the hottest temperatures and largest crowds.

Ready to start exploring for yourself? Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip to Crete.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Elounda Bay Palace

This luxury hotel has long been beloved for its mix of elegance and charm. The rooms and suites here open up to sweeping views of the azure Mediterranean waters, and the hotel's private beaches ensure you can always find a chair (and an umbrella). Make an appointment at the Chenot Spa, which offers massages, facials, and body treatments using science-forward ingredients and techniques. 

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Looking to stretch out? Domes of Elounda is the place to be. Known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the historic island of Spinalonga, the resort is home to just suites and villas, which open to fantastic patios with private plunge pools. Yes, this hotel comes with its own spa, but guests can also indulge in an in-room treatment to truly never lift a finger. 

Courtesy of Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Blue Palace

Blue Palace was named a Travel + Leisure reader favorite in the 2023 World's Best Awards , and in 2024, it's getting a whole new look. The renowned hotel is reopening as a modernist boutique hotel with just 47 bungalows and suites, all with brand-new interiors and some with private plunge pools. But even if you don't book a room with a pool, that's okay, as the hotel sits just steps from the beach anyway. 

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Find yourself in a 17th-century Venetian mansion-turned-boutique hotel at Casa Delfino . The hotel, located in the heart of Chania's Old Town, allows travelers to stay amid the action while also offering a retreat-worthy rooftop garden that comes with sweeping views of the sea. It's a perfect place for families thanks to its one and two-bedroom suites. 

A visit to Chania's Old Town is a must, thanks to its charming Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. To make the most of your time in Old Town, book a tour with a guide who can show you all the best sights and all the prime spots to get a great meal. 

Get in a little more Venetian architecture at Rethymno Old Town , one of the best-preserved historical districts in Crete. The city is built around the Venetian fortress, which provides fantastic panoramic views from its hilltop location. Don't skip the artisan shops where you can find the perfect souvenir. 

No visit to Crete is complete without a visit to its capital, Heraklion . Here, visitors can check out numerous historic sites, the Archaeological Museum mentioned below, and all the city's bustling markets, cafes, and bars. And as a bonus, the Palace of Knossos is just a short drive away. 

Elisanth_/Getty Images

Explore the Palace of Knossos.

Dive into more than 4,000 years of Greek history at the Palace of Knossos , Crete's most iconic archaeological site. The ancient complex is absolutely massive, and it comes with a gorgeous view of the sea thanks to its position high on the hill. "Crete's most famous archaeological site is the great Minoan Palace of Knossos, the oldest, largest, and most elaborate of these sites," Peter Sommer of Peter Sommer Travels , shared. "In its wide courts, shaded colonnades, and intricate arrangements of room after room, floor after floor, one can really come to grips with a civilization from far back in the Bronze Age, and grapple with questions that are still hotly debated – what did these palaces look like, what were they for, who lived in them, and how did they function?"

Hike the Samaria Gorge.

Outdoor lovers will adore spending a day hiking through the Samaria Gorge, a lengthy hike through Crete's White Mountains. The hike stretches on for nearly 10 miles through ancient cypress and pine forests and the abandoned village of Samaria before ending at the sea. However, the most famous part of the hike has to be the "Gates," where the gorge is just 13 feet apart but is more than 1,500 feet high. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you plan to hike the entire trail. The park's official site estimates that it takes about five hours to complete the journey. 

David C Tomlinson/Getty Images

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

Take a stroll through the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania and take in all the colors of Greece. Travelers can walk past homes and buildings showcasing Crete's unique melding of history, including all its Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Shop in its boutiques, grab a frappe in a cafe, view the massive fortress, and dine on plenty of fresh ingredients (hello, Greek salads) at its waterfront restaurants. Just make sure to have your camera ready, as its colorful buildings make for the perfect Instagram backdrop. 

Learn something new at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Get an even deeper education on the island's history with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Its most famous exhibit is the Phaistos Disc, a clay disc sporting more than 240 symbols that is said to be more than 3,000 years old. As the museum notes, "experts have not yet a definitive conclusion of the contents of the inscription," so maybe you can uncover what it all means during your visit.

Elafonissi Beach

Get ready to step foot on one of the world's most beautiful and romantic beaches, Elafonissi Beach . The stretch of shoreline is well-known for its pink sand — created by millions of crushed seashells —that disappears into shallow, turquoise waters. The beach, which is part of a nature reserve, is an ideal spot for families with small children thanks to the calm waters, but there are also plenty of spots for adults to put down their towels and umbrellas for a quiet day at the beach. 

Balos Lagoon

One more brilliant beach to visit is Balos Lagoon , a beach made up of brilliant white sand that's lapped by unbelievably blue water. "One of the most popular must-see places in the Chania region is the Balos Lagoon with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape," Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skylux Travel , said. "I suggest visiting the beach early in the morning to experience the lagoon at its most tranquil and skip the tourist crowds." 

Find a different style of landscape at Vai Beach , famous for the palm forest lining the coast. Once again, it's a spot where travelers can find warm, sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters, just this time with the bonus of tree shade for the perfect beach snooze. 

Related: 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

The best time to visit Crete is from June to August when the weather on the island is at its prime. As WeatherSpark notes, the warmest weather can be found between early June and late September, when the average daily high temperature hits above 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Things get particularly hot in July, when the average temperature hits 84 degrees. 

"When it comes to the best times to visit Crete, keep in mind that the island is seasonal, and during winter months, most of its attractions are closed," Marly added. "However, throughout the high season, it is full of life day and night." 

But, if you're looking to escape the crowds, try plotting a visit during the island's shoulder seasons, which fall over April to May and September to early October.  

 "If possible, I recommend visiting the island during the shoulder season when it's not too hot and crowded – from April to June or September through October — to make the most of your authentic Greek holiday, full of sunshine and unforgettable experiences," Marly said.  

Crete is accessible via its international airports in Heraklion (Heraklion International Airport, HER) and Chania (Chania International Airport, CHQ). Heraklion is the island's busiest airport, and it is also the second-largest airport in Greece, just behind Athens. Several major airlines fly into the airport, including Emirates, Aegean, RyanAir, EasyJet, and KLM. 

For those looking to avoid the airport, there is a ferry option, but be warned: It's a long ride. Travelers can hop aboard a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Heraklion or Chania, but the ride can take between nine and 10 hours.

Related: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Islands Vacation

The best and easiest way to get around Crete is with your own car. Remember, this is Greece's largest island, so if you want to explore more widely, you will need some wheels. There are a ton of rental car companies on the island, including big names like Avis, Budget, and Hertz, all ready to loan you a ride. 

Public Transit

Crete also has a robust public bus system that can get you to most points of interest. Just note the buses here tend to move more slowly than cars, but it's also a rather affordable option, with rides starting at just a few euros. 

Scooters are also a rather popular mode of transportation here, as they are in almost all of the Greek islands. Visitors do need a valid license to rent scooters and must wear a helmet while riding. 

• Bizarre Travel Stories
• Budget Friendly Travel
• Eco-Friendly Travel
• Packing Tips
• Points + Miles
• Travel Advisory + Alerts
• Travel Trends
• Cocktails + Spirits
• Dishes + Entertainment
• Restaurants
• Best Accessories
• Style + Fashion
• Travel Bags
• Travel Tech
• Animals Travel + Updates
• Celebrity Travel Alerts
• Meditation + Health
• Traveler Job Ideas
• Best Travel Guide
• Saving Tips
• Top Festivals
• Travel + Manners
• Travel Advisors
• Travel Tips + Tricks
• Trip Attractions
• Weather Updates + Places
• Bali Vacation
• Czech Republic
• Denmark Vacation
• UK Vacation
• Ecuador&Galapagos
• Montego Bay
• Turkey Vacation
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Spain&Morocco
• Kenya Tours
• Madagascar Tours
• Mauritius Tours
• Morocco Tours
• Namibia Tours
• Seychelles Tours
• South Africa Tours
• Tanzania Tours
• Zimbabwe Tours
• Antarctica Tours
• Bhutan Tours
• Cambodia Tours
• China Tours
• India Tours
• Japan Tours
• Malaysia Tours
• Myanmar Tours
• Singapore Tours
• SriLanka Tours
• Thailand Tours
• Vietnam Tours
• Albania Tours
• Armenia Tours
• Austria Tours
• Bosnia Tours
• Bulgaria Tours
• Croatia Tours
• CzechRepublic Tours
• Denmark Tours
• England Tours
• France Tours
• Germany Tours
• Greece Tours
• Hungary Tours
• Iceland Tours
• Ireland Tours
• Italy Tours
• Latvia Tours
• Montenegro Tours
• Norway Tours
• Poland Tours
• Portugal Tours
• Romania Tours
• Scotland Tours
• Slovenia Tours
• Spain Tours
• Ukraine Tours
• Argentina Tours
• Belize Tours
• Brazil Tours
• Cancun Tours
• Chile Tours
• Colombia Tours
• CostaRica Tours
• Ecuador&Galapagos Tours
• Hawaii Tours
• Los Cabos Tours
• Mexico Tours
• Montego Bay Tours
• Patagonia Tours
• Punta Cana Tours
• Egypt Tours
• Israel Tours
• Jordan Tours
• Turkey Tours
• New York Tours
• Florida Tours
• Australia Tours
• BoraBora Tours
• New Zealand Tours
• Tahiti Tours
• Arizona Tours
• New Mexico Tours
• California Tours
• Nevada Tours
• Washington Tours
• Family Vacation
• Private Tour
• Special Interest
• Adventure Travel
• Cultural Travel
• Last Minutes Hotels
• Last Minutes Vacations
• Last Minutes Cruises
• Last Minutes Flights
• Last Minutes Car Rentals
• Botswana Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking
• Kenya Safaris
• Namibia Safaris
• Rwanda Safaris
• SouthAfrica Safaris
• Tanzania Safaris
• Uganda Safaris
• Zambia Safaris
• Zimbabwe Safaris
• Book flight
• Leisure Jets
• Alaska Cruises Travel
• Best All-Inclusive
• Caribbean Cruises
• Cruises for Family
• Disney Cruises + Destinations
• European Cruises
• River Cruises
• Amusement Park
• Beach Vacation
• Best National Parks
• Culture + Activities
• Fall Vacation + Ideas
• Holiday Tour
• Luxury Travel
• Plan Road Trip
• Romantic Places
• Solo Travel + Tips
• Spring Vacation + Tips
• Summer Vacation + Tips
• Trip Suggestion
• Weekend Getaway
• Winter Vacation + Tips
• Travel Books
• Travel sized Toiletries
• Shoes/Clothing
• Travel Apps
• Music Travel Playlist
• Personal Stylist
• Packing Lists
• Language Learning
• Travel related - Movies/TV shows
• International Airlines
• US Airlines
• Visit Island
• Latest Trends
• Destination Of The Year
• Write Review
• Start Planning

Greece: Top Destinations and Essential Travel Tips For You

Greece is a dream destination for travelers around the world. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the sun-kissed islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Greece offers something for everyone. But with so much to see and do, planning a trip to Greece can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together this guide to the top destinations in Greece and the essential travel tips you need to know.

Discover the must-see sights of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis and the bustling Plaka neighborhood. Take a ferry ride to the picturesque islands of Santorini and Mykonos, where you can soak up the sun on stunning beaches and explore charming villages. And don't forget to indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, from fresh seafood and moussaka to creamy tzatziki and baklava. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our guide to Greece's top destinations and essential travel tips will help you make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to experience the magic of Greece!

Top Destinations To Visit In Greece

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a rich city in history and culture. The city is known for its ancient landmarks, such as the Acropolis, home to the iconic Parthenon. This stunning structure dates back to 447 BC and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of ancient Greece. Other must-see attractions in Athens include the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the National Archaeological Museum. Visitors can also stroll through the charming neighborhood of Plaka and indulge in some traditional Greek cuisine at the local tavernas.

Santorini is a stunning island located in the Aegean Sea. The island is known for its picturesque whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breath-taking sunsets. The best way to explore Santorini is on foot, as visitors can take in the stunning views and charming alleyways of the island's unique character. The town of Oia is a popular destination for tourists, as it offers some of the most stunning sunset views. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the caldera and explore the island's beaches, such as Red Beach and Perissa Beach.

Mykonos is another stunning island located in the Aegean Sea. The island is known for its vibrant nightlife, charming streets, and gorgeous beaches. Visitors can stroll through the island's main town and enjoy the beautiful white-washed buildings, blue domes, and charming shops. The island is also home to some of the best beaches in Greece, including Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, known for their crystal-clear waters and lively beach clubs.

Crete is the largest island in Greece, known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich history. The island is home to some of Greece's most significant archaeological sites, including the Palace of Knossos, believed to have been the center of the Minoan civilization. Visitors can also explore the charming town of Chania, hike the Samaria Gorge, and relax on the island's stunning beaches, such as Elafonisi Beach and Balos Lagoon.

Meteora is a stunning complex of monasteries located in central Greece. The monasteries are perched atop towering rock formations and offer some of the most stunning views in Greece. Visitors can explore the six monasteries that make up the complex and learn about the history of the monks who once lived there. The monasteries were built in the 14th and 15th centuries and are considered to be some of the most significant examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece.

Rhodes is an island in the southeastern Aegean Sea known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and rich history. The island is home to the Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island's past. Visitors can also explore the charming town of Lindos, hike the Valley of the Butterflies, and relax on the island's stunning beaches, such as Tsambika Beach and Faliraki Beach.

Corfu is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and rich history. The island is home to the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island's past. Visitors can also explore the Achilleion Palace, which was built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria and is now a museum. The island is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, including Glyfada Beach and Paleokastritsa Beach.

Nafplio is a charming town located in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning views of the sea, and rich history. Visitors can explore the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, which offers stunning views of the town and the sea. The town is also home to the Bourtzi Castle, located on a small island in the middle of the harbor. Visitors can also stroll through the charming streets of the old town and indulge in some traditional Greek cuisine at the local tavernas.

Delphi is an archaeological site located in central Greece and is considered one of the most significant sites in Greece. The site is home to the Temple of Apollo, which was once considered to be the center of the world. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the site's history at the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Hydra is a beautiful island in the Saronic Gulf known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and idyllic beaches. The island is car-free, so visitors can explore the charming streets on foot or by donkey. Visitors can also relax on the island's beautiful beaches, such as Vlychos Beach and Agios Nikolaos Beach.

15 Essential Greece Travel Tips: Things to Know

• Learn some basic Greek phrases : While most Greeks speak English, learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in building rapport with the locals.
• Get comfortable with the Greek alphabet : Even if you don't plan to learn Greek, familiarizing yourself with it will make reading street signs and menus easier.
• Dress appropriately for the weather : Greece can get hot, especially in summer. Pack lightweight clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Respect local customs : Greeks place a high value on hospitality and politeness. Respecting local customs and traditions is essential, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Try the local cuisine : Greek food is famous around the world for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Be sure to try some local specialties, like souvlaki, moussaka, and feta cheese.
• Explore beyond the tourist hotspots : While Athens and Santorini are popular destinations, there's much more to see in Greece. Consider visiting lesser-known islands like Naxos or Crete for a more authentic experience.
• Take a ferry ride : One of the best ways to see the Greek islands is by taking a ferry ride. The views are spectacular, and it's an excellent way to get off the beaten path.
• Pack comfortable shoes : Greece is known for its ancient ruins and steep hillsides, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes for exploring.
• Be prepared for siesta time : In Greece, many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta time. Plan your itinerary accordingly, and use this time to relax and recharge.
• Stay hydrated : With the hot Mediterranean climate, staying hydrated is crucial. Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially when spending time outdoors.
• Don't drink the tap water : While the tap water in Greece is safe to drink, it's often heavily chlorinated and has a strong taste. Stick to bottled water instead.
• Carry cash : While most businesses in Greece accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to carry cash, especially in smaller towns and villages.
• Look out for pickpockets : As with any popular tourist destination, pickpocketing can be a problem in Greece. Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
• Plan your transportation ahead of time : Whether you're traveling by ferry, bus, or car, it's essential to plan your transportation ahead of timebook tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.
• Don't rush : Finally, remember that Greece is a place to slow down and savor the moment. Don't rush from one sight to the next - take the time to appreciate the beauty and history of this incredible country.

With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Greece is an excellent destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. From Athens to Rhodes, each place in Greece is awe-worthy. And by following these 15 essential Greece travel tips , you'll be able to make the most of your trip and experience all these beautiful country offers. From learning a few basic Greek phrases to taking a leisurely ferry ride, these insider tips will help you create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime in Greece.

Is it safe to travel to Greece?

Greece is generally safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. However, as with any destination, taking precautions to stay safe is essential, such as being aware of your surroundings and not leaving your belongings unattended.

When is the best time to visit Greece?

The best time to visit Greece depends on your preferences. The peak tourist season is from June to August when the weather is hot and sunny. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October.

What should I pack for a trip to Greece?

Be sure to pack lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain, and a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. If you plan to visit religious sites, bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

What are some must-see sights in Greece?

The Acropolis in Athens, as is the ancient city of Delphi, is a must-see. The islands of Santorini and Mykonos are also popular destinations, with their stunning beaches and picturesque towns.

Can I use my credit card in Greece?

Most businesses in Greece accept credit cards, but carrying cash is always a good idea, especially in smaller towns and villages.

Is it necessary to rent a car in Greece?

Renting a car can be a great way to explore Greece, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas. However, it's important to be aware of local driving conditions and regulations, such as driving on the right-hand side of the road.

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

Learn more about leisure plans

1888-509-1184.

Signup for Exclusive Deals

Exclusive access to private sales, customized specials & more

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to…

Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does…

India travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Greece travel blog — the fullest greece travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Greece is a land of mysterious and brilliant beauty in the Mediterranean Region. Traveling to Greece will give you many new looks and discoveries of the land of Gods in Greek Mythology, the world’s most beautiful islands with stunning beaches nowhere has, the ancient cities with rich history and culture, the magnificent and sacred temples in the past along with countless renown sculptures. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Greece for the first-time visitors? Let’s check out our Greece travel blog (Greece blog) with the fullest Greece travel guide (Greece guide, Greece tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to visit, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• Taiwan itinerary 6 days — The itinerary of a trip to Taipei – Hualien – Kaohsiung for 6 days 5 nights
• India itinerary 10 days — How to spend 10 days in India perfectly?
• Jordan travel blog — The fullest Jordan travel guide & suggested Jordan itinerary for first-timers
• My trip to Nepal blog — A journey to the sacred land of the world
• Where to shop in Athens? — 15 best shopping places in Athens

Greece is not only has beautiful beaches, distinctive architecture and delectable cuisine but also is an affordable destination for any type of visitor. Greece is known as one of the cheapest tourist destinations in Europe. The traveling cost here is only about a half compared to other European countries. It is one of the most popular and beloved destinations worldwide. With beautiful islands, historic cities, signature Greek Myths make Greece more mysterious and shining in the eyes of tourists.

Greece travel blog: Overview of Greece

Greece, the official name is the Greek Republic also called the Hellenic Republic, is a country owns a strategic position in trading between Asia, Europe and Africa continents. With an area of ​​more than 130,000 square kilometers with a population of over 10 milions people and mostly rugged mountainous terrain, Greece is bordered by Albania, the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, Turkey to the east and the rest of the east and the west is bordered by the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea. With its prime location, since ancient times Greece has been considered a cultural exchange hub of many cultures.

As the country with the most brilliant civilization in antiquity, Greece is the cradle of all Western cultures, including Western democracies, Western philosophy, Olympic Games, Western literature, historic, politics, basic scientific and mathematical principles. The rich history of Greece includes 17 UNESCO Heritage Sites, among the top countries with the most heritage in Europe. Greek is the mother tongue and also the national language, through a long history Greece also has many different languages, but today’s common languages ​​such as English, French, Italian, German is still widely learnt and used. Greece is a religiously free country, in which Eastern Orthodox being the largest with 97% of the population, followed by Islam and Roman Catholicism as well as Protestantism and Judaism.

Greece is a Southern European nation, but in many documents, it is also listed in the list of Western European nations or in the Baltic region. Due to its geographical location, Greece has been considered a trading center for many economies for thousands of years.

With a coastline of more than 13,000 km. The “specialty” of this country is more than 140 inhabited islands (out of a total of 3,000 islands from large to islets which are as small as just rocky outcrops), of which Crete is the largest Greek island with a sunny climate and nice beaches. Therefore, Greece is an ideal vacation destination for Europeans.

Most of the Greek people speak Greek and it is also the official language of this country. One thing I’m quite bored that is despite being a tourist nation, Greek people speak English very bad, even they could not speak.

Greece travel blog: When to visit?

Greece has a fairly warm Mediterranean climate. Summers are usually hot and dry, especially in the north, on the islands and coastal regions. Winters are usually humid in the south, but in the mountainous regions in the north, it’s very cold and it’s not too hard to see snow and feel sub-zero temperatures here.

The best time to visit Greece is from early July to early September. And if you want to take the most virtual photos, sightseeing, admiring unique architecture, you should go in June or the end of September to early October which will be suitable because the weather will not too hot and the trip cost is also inexpensive.

Spring (April – May): April is time when the tourist season begins in Greece, locals begin to take off their winter coats to welcome the warm sunshine. The weather at this time will be extremely pleasant.

With the exception of the period around Easter, you can rest assured that the number of tourists coming to Greece in the spring will not too crowded. Spring is also a great time for you to explore this country by motorbike.

In Athens, the festival of light and sound is also held in the spring.

Summer (June – August): Summer is usually warm, sunny. It’s also the peak tourist season with very crowded travellers, especially in the coastal areas or on the famous islands like Santorini , Mykonos or Crete.

Thanks to the large number of tourists, in every bar or nightclub in Greece, there will be lively parties. However, in popular tourist destinations, prices will often double.

The Athens and Epidaurus Festival will take place in this summer.

An important thing to note, especially when you plan a trip to islands such as Samothraki (Samothrace) or Thassos (Thasos), is that these two islands only welcome tourists from July to August.

Autumn (September – October): After the blazing sun of summer, autumn comes as a relief, when it comes with more pleasant weather. Daphni Wine Festival is also an experience not to be missed in this period. The summer tourists have also gone away, leaving behind a more traditional and peaceful Greece. Prices will also come down a lot, but some tourist amenities and facilities may be closed.

In October, the weather can also get wet and unpredictable. Autumn is the perfect time to visit the historic sights of Greece.

Winter (November – March): Thanks to its geographical location, winters in Greece are not too harsh but actually extremely unpredictable, you will be completely surprised by a few days of winter with full of sunshine and warm but suddenly snow falling after several days.

Winter is the low season for tourism, leading to a marked drop in prices, but you will not have the opportunity to visit many islands dute to lack of vehicles to get there.

However, the southern part of Crete or Rhodes island still welcomes you with open arms. Christmas is also a wonderful occasion in Greece with countless cultural events are held.

Greece travel blog: How to get to Greece?

From other european countries.

Greece in particular and other European countries in general all have very convenient transport links. From neighboring countries, Greece can be reached by train and by car. But it is the most convenient to get to Greece by plane. But one matter is that airfare from other European cities to Greece is quite expensive.

I tried to find airfare on Google and found out that the airport fees in Greece are higher and there are few airlines operating flights to Greece. Therefore, you should hunt for flight tickets early through some websites such as Skyscanner , Google Flight , Kayak and avoid the peak months of July and August.

Greece blog: Transportation in Greece

There are many means of transportation in the Greek cities for you to choose from, but mostly visitors who come here often choose taxis, buses or rent motorbikes to getting around.

Bus: Domestic buses are the best solution when traveling within the country.

Train: It’s a good and cheap way to get around, but the national rail system is quite limited.

Or if you want to explore the tourist attractions here by yourself, then you can rent a self-driving vehicle such as: Scooter, ATV, car with rental prices ranging from 12 Euros to 15 Euros/day. However, to rent a car conveniently, you have to an international driver’s license, credit card or passport to make a deposit.

Getting from the mainland to the Greek islands

Because Greece has many islands, the means of transportation will be mainly ferries and boats. To take a ferry trip, it will cost about EUR36, but you will only pay about EUR12 if islands are really close together. If you book ferry tickets about two months in advance, you can save up to 25% on the cost of ticket.

From Athens, most ferries to Greek islands cost around EUR60. The ferry tickets will be expensive if you take a lot trips between islands. Taking overnight ferry can save you up to half of the normal price plus you will save a hotel night because of overnight on ferry. Slow ferries, night ferries starting at EUR13. Some famous Greek ferry companies you can refer to such as Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets… You should choose the trip that departs at dawn or dusk because the scenery is very beautiful at that time.

Alternatively, you can also take a plane. Traveling by airplanes will be more convenient and there are now many islands in Greece that welcome international flights, but the cost will be higher than taking a ferry.

Greece travel blog: What to do and where to go?

When it comes to Greek tourism, everyone will probably think of two famous places are Athens and Santorini. In addition to the above two historic, dreamy and charming destinations, Greece has many other attractive tourist destinations such as Thessaloniki City, Zakynthos, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes islands, ancient temples, stunning beaches… I will briefly introduce about these tourist destinations in Greece below.

Parthenon Temple

Along with other historic structures on the Acropolis Hill, it is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Greece. The temple of Athena, the Parthenon was built in the 5th century BC. It is the most famous building of ancient Greece that still standing until now and is hailed as a great achievement of Greek architecture with magnificent appearance along with majestic and towering stone pillars. If you have an opportunity to visit Athens, the temple definitely will be a must-visit place.

Corfu (Kerkyra)

Corfu is one of the jewels of Greece, famous for its vast coastline, spectacular mountain scenery, majestic historic architecture, peaceful villages and vibrant cultural centers. Come and explore the part of the Ionian Islands, a group of islands off the west coast of mainland Greece.

You’ll find the influence of diffirent styles from British, French, Greek and Italian in Kerkira (Corfu City), the island’s charming cultural hub. Admiring a British neoclassical beauty in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and don’t be surprised to see the Venetian style emblazoned on the Old Fort. Visit Liston Promenade to see archways and explore ancient Asian art at the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu. Visit the nearby Gastouri and marvel at the Achilleion, a majestic palace set among numerous cypress and sugar cane trees.

City of Heraklion

Heraklion, with its warm sunshine, cool breezes, wine and great range of local food which is truly a peaceful place to stop and explore ancient culture.

The city of Heraklion – the capital of Crete Island, Greece bears traces of many historical events in the past. Heraklion also known as Iraklion, is the largest city on Crete island and also the 4th largest city in Greece. Here, you can find the ruins of the famous palace of Knossos, the largest concentration of population on Crete during the Minoan civilization period (Bronze Age Aegean civilization). Although there is no archaeological evidence, Knossos may have also had a seaport located at Heraklion from 2000 BC.

The capital of Crete owns picturesque villages, romantic seaside resorts and beaches of varying beauty. Heraklion also has many restaurants and taverna specializing in Greek cuisine to meet all needs and preferences of visitors. The nightlife here is very vibrant. There are many bars and nightclubs open all year round.

In addition, Heraklion is also the shopping center of the Corfu with many shops selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, souvenirs…

The capital city of Athens

As one of the oldest capitals in the world, Athens welcomes you with a massive treasure of history and culture dating back 3000 years. Unlike the peaceful tourist islands in this country, Athens is much more vibrant, crowded and bustling. The places you cannot miss when visiting this ancient city are Ruins of Acropolis, Byzantine And Christian Museum, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the neighborhood of Pláka and Anafiotika. The most famous is the Acropolis, an ancient citadel with many historic and important buildings, especially the Parthenon Temple.

There are also the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hephaestus, the ancient Square of Kotzia and National Garden. Leaving Athens and you can visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the sacred mountain of Olympia where there also are still many well-restored and preserved temples.

Read more: The fullest Athens travel guide for the first-timers.

If there is any place in the world that closest to paradise, it definitely is the Greek island of Santorini. With houses painted in two main colors, blue and white – also the same typical colors on Greece’s flag. Santorini will attract visitors just at the first sight. Known for its breathtaking steep cliffs that hug the black sands of the sea, the island of Santorini is located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200km to the east of mainland Greece. The two nicest villages of Fira and Oia are two places you have to visit if you want to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of this island. Looming in the vast ocean are villages and churches arranged ingeniously.

Visitors often flock to Santorini the most from April to October. Because the weather is sunny, the clear blue sky allows you to participate in many interesting, fun outdoor activities. Another very unique experience you should not miss that is watching the sunset here because Santorini dubbed one of the most sunset viewing spots in the world.

Read more: The fullest Santorini travel guide for the first-timers.

The island of Mykonos is a counterweight to Ibiza, Spain. The highlight of this Greek island is its long beaches filled with healthy tanned tourists and the pounding bass from the bars that open from night to morning. Chora in Greek means city, is another name for this small island belong Cyclades Islands. Although this is the smallest island, it contains an attraction that is not inferior to large islands such as Santorini or Naxos. Proof that the upper class often owns resort apartments here and we can easily see them on the cobblestone streets of Mykonos.

Read more: The fullest Mykonos travel guide for the first-timers.

The island of Rhodes is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece with great beaches and a long history. Located in the Aegean seawaters near the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese Islands. Rhodes is also considered one of the most beautiful islands of Greece with lush pine forests and countless brilliant flowers such as bougainvillea, hibiscus, etc.

If you are a fan of the movie Descendants of the Sun, you are no stranger to the beach where the shipwreck was stucked that called Shipwreck Beach. That is the island of Zakynthos, Greece. The highlight and most attractive spot of Zakynthos is the Navagio Shipwreck Beach. In the midst of the blue water and surrounds by majestic cliffs, a boat ran aground on a beautiful white sand beach, seemingly comes straight out from movies.

Read more: The fullest guide to Zakynthos for first-time visitors.

Naxos is not crowded with tourists and is a great place to watch the sunset and sunrise without having to climb to the top of any mountain. Just go to the beach and lie on the sand, you can enjoy watching the brilliant of sunrise or sunset.

In Naxos, there is a legal nude beach, so if you like swimming, you should come to try. I stayed in Naxos for 6 days and spent a lot of time walking up to the very old unexplored houses that in my opinion they are much more beautiful than in Santorini. I also rented a car to riding around the mountains, visited many ancient ruins here. Driving in Greece is very safe and Google Map also navigates very accurate, you can rest assured to drive by yourself as long as you have an international driver’s license, you can rent a car from EUR30 / day depending on the type of car.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the Macedonia region of Northern Greece, with its vibrant festivals, social events and vibrant nightlife. All making it becomes the cultural capital of Greece. The city is steeped in Paleochristian (Early Christan) culture and was the hometown of Alexander the Great. Thessaloniki is both modern and classic with many tourist attractions in the city such as museums, art galleries, business district, famous Byzantine wall, White Tower and Turkish baths and Colorful food markets.

Although it was partly damaged by a great fire in 1917, the city was restored and still retains its characteristic Byzantine architecture. That is why in Thessaloniki you can find a harmonious blend of modernity and ancient features.

The town of Mystras

Traveling to Greece you must definitely visit the town of Mystras and and Archaeological Site of Mystras – a UNESCO World Heritage Site once because this was the center of power of the Byzantine Empire. The town stands out for its distinct architecture from the Middle Ages, where it was ruled by powerful empires for centuries. In the town of Mystras, there are many historical ruins which are kept and recognized as world cultural heritages such as Byzantine churchs, monastery and Keadas Cavern cave.

Often referred to as the most beautiful city in Greece, Nafplio was once the capital of Greece before the title was given to Athens in 1834.

Where to visit Greece? If you are still wondering, come to Meteora. Located in the vast plains, Meteora is a spectacular rocky mountain that captivates many visitors. At the top of the mountain there are many ancient monasteries. This is also the coordinates of the view that cannot be more wonderful. Today, Meteora has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Located just below Mount Parnassos (Mount Parnassus), Delphi is a cultural center of Greece and the birthplace of Western Philosophy. Delphi was considered the center of many aspects of the world in ancient times. In addition, thanks to possessing cultural and religious heritages, today Delphi has become a tourist attraction.

Greece blog: Where to stay?

Hotels in Greece are very diverse and spread from the mainland to the islands, from luxury hotel chains to budget guesthouses and hostels. There are also large and fully equipped campsites.

You can stay in a dorm with bunk beds to save money, or stay in a hotel for a higher price. In the center of the big city, the room rates is about EUR70/night, far from the center, about EUR40/night. You can also stay at a homestay but need to find out in advance where you will stay to have the most comfortable holidays.

Check out top and best hotels, places to stay in Greece on Agoda , Booking or Airbnb.

Greece travel blog: What to eat?

Thanks to its favorable geographical location, Greek cuisine is influenced by many different cuisines. It is a combination of European and Middle Eastern cuisine, making the dishes here have the most distinctive flavor.

However, because of its location, some Greek dishes can be easily found in other countries such as Moussaka, Baklava for example (2 these dishes are also typical dishes in Turkey or Cyprus).

Greeks use much olive oil for most dishes, even salads are also mixed with olive oil (of course adding with a little spices).

Stifado (Greek Stewed Beef)

This is one of the most delicious stew and best dish in Greece. The main ingredients of the dish include meat (often beef or pork, rabbit, even octopus), red wine, red wine vinegar, onion, shallots, cinnamon, honey, olive oil, bay leaves, etc. All are stewed for 2 hours. Stifado is most flavorful when served hot with fresh bread, pasta, and mashed potatoes.

Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Dolmadakia is a dish you should not forget to try. This dish is cooked from rice, adding a mixture of minced meat, herbs, parsley, mint, tomato, fennel… All is wrapped in grape leaves then simmer in 45 minutes until the rice is tender and served with lemon.

Moussaka (Greek Beef and Eggplant Lasagna)

Moussaka is perhaps the most famous Greek dish in the world with variations in flavor in each region of this southern European country. In some islands, moussaka is cooked with a more herbal in recipe, while others cook this dish with a rich and greasy flavor. Despite the difference in taste, the basic ingredients of this dish: potatoes, eggplant, ground meat and lots of cheese, béchamel sauce still remain the same. After baking for 1 hour at 350 degrees Celsius, the cake will have an eye-catching golden brown color. Today, thanks to creativity, chefs use zucchini to replace eggplant. That change will add more deliciousness to the dish.

Souvlaki (Chicken skewers)

This is very popular dish in Greece. Souvlaki is a grilled skewer of meat, delectable and juicy. Souvlaki skewers usually include beef, lamb and chicken, sometimes also fish such as swordfish. It usually eaten while still hot.

Gyro (Gyros)

Referring to the delicious food in Greece, it is impossible not to mention Gyro. It made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie (often pork, chicken, whilst beef, lamb) combines with vegetables, chips. Then is wrapped in soft flatbread like tacos. There are two types of Gyro, vegetarian and meat. Gyro is a very suitable food to recharge after a day of exploring Greece.

Lokma (Loukoumades, Fried Sweet Dough)

Loukoumades is a popular dish in Greece. Not only children but also adults love to enjoy this dish. Loukoumades are pastries made of leavened and deep fried dough, soaked in syrup or honey. After baked, the chef will sprinkle cinnamon powder, walnut powder to increase the attractiveness of the dish.

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)

Spanakopita is a Greek savory spinach pie, a very famous and divine cake in Greece. The pie has a thin crust but is very crispy. The filling is made from ingredients such as spinach and feta cheese, meat, eggplant, vegetables, etc. The dish is made with flaky phyllo sheets layered.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)

Tzatziki is a dipping dish with the main ingredient of Greek yogurt and a variety of herbs, served with meat, bread and salad.

Frappé coffee and Greek yogurt

Frappé coffee is a great choice on hot summer days. While Greek yoghurt is also a must-try food, Greek yoghurt is very delicious, it usually served with honey.

Greece travel blog: What and where to buy?

The capital of Athens offers many shopping options for visitors with Syntagma square and Plaka area being the number one choice. Located right in the heart of Athens, these two areas are truly endless fun for those with a passion for shopping. Here, you can choose very unique gifts. The Greek Evil Eye Xematiasma Belief (Greece Mati Mataki or Matiasma Evil Eye) which could againts evil that any tourist who comes here also buys and hangs at home. Statues depicting gods from Greek myths, Trojan horses, goddess Helena or pottery, jewelry in antique style crafted with the skill of Greek artisans are lovely gifts from this country.

In the Greek plains there are many lush olive groves. The Greeks are also very proud of olives and the cosmetics and dishes made from this tree. You can buy olive oil or soap as gifts for loved ones. Laurel is the national tree of Greece and was used as a laurel wreath for ancient sports champions.

And for those of you who collect magnets, in Thessaloniki, you can buy Alexander the Great magnets that are hard to find in other Greek tourist attractions.

In the souvenir shops in Greece, they often sell key chains with the image of “the precious of men”. You also buy it as gifts.

Greece blog: The traveling cost

In general, the cost of self-sufficient travel to Greece is quite affordable, I spent €552.72 for the 5D4N trip with 2 destinations of Athens and Santorini.

In which, the cost of traveling (airfare) accounts for the majority. If you intend to plan a trip to Greece, you should find airtickets in advance to save money.

The cost of food and accommodation is quite affordable. And if you are a student, you will get FREE or discounted entrance tickets to some tourist attractions.

Greece blog: Before you go

Here are some useful tips you should push in your pocket before making a trip to Greece.

Communication Culture

Greeks are usually very hospitable and friendly. If you’re meeting them for the first time, they’ll shake hands firmly, making eye contact and smile throughout the meeting. If they are friends or relatives, they will hug and kiss on both cheeks. If they were men, they would greet each other with a pat on the shoulder.

Gift-Giving Etiquette

The Greeks often give gifts to friends and family members on the occasion of naming saints, Christmas. On birthdays, gifts don’t need to be too expensive. If you give a gift of great value, it will make the recipient awkward.

If you are invited to dinner, prepare a small, carefully wrapped gift. The Greeks had a custom of opening gifts right in front of the giver’s eyes.

Table Manners (Dining Etiquette)

If you are invited to dinner, be on time. That will show respect to the host. After the meal, take the initiative to ask to be cleaned, the host will appreciate this attitude of yours.

If the host has not invited you, do not arbitrarily sit at the table. Because the Greeks will usually arrange for you a separate seat. When eating, they use a knife in their right hand and a fork in their left hand. Elderly people will have priority service. When eating, the elbow should be placed below the table, the hand should be on the table.

During dinner you can comfortably talk about fun stories but avoid political issues, especially the relations between Greece and Turkey.

This is also a country that uses the Euro currency like other European countries. Should use cash rather than credit cards when making purchases. You will be charged a small fee for withdrawing Euros from ATMs in Greece. Many small islands in Greece do not have ATMs or if they do, you also may not withdrawn, so you should have cash on hand.

Greece travel blog: My suggested Greek 5-day itinerary for you to refer.

According to my self-sufficient Greek travel experience, you should spend 4 or more days (excluding flight days) to explore 2 destinations, Athens and Santorini. You can spend another 2 days to visit more cities of Thessaloniki, Mystras or Zakynthos or Mykonos islands.

However, I think that exploring 2 destinations are Athens and Santorini is enough, because these 2 places are enough to represent 2 types of Greek tourism (sea and island tourism and discovery tourism). Adding one more island or discovery place will quickly get bored.

Here is my Greece travel itinerary for you refer:

Day 1: Santorini (arrival at night) Day 2: Santorini Day 3: Santorini Day 4: Santorini – Athens (you can go to Mykonos or Thessaloniki from here) Day 5: Athens – The UK

In addition, the tours often combine Greece and Turkey in one itinerary, because these two countries are close to each other. And you can use a valid Schengen visa to apply for a Turkish e-visa, which is very convenient. About travel experiences in Turkey, you can see more here .

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Athens you can refer to

• Private Athens International Airport (ATH) Transfers for Athens
• Private Athens International Airport Transfers (ATH) for Athens by Taxi or 7 Seater Car
• Shared Athens International Airport Transfers (ATH) for Athens
• Delphi Day Tour from Athens
• Athens Acropolis and Cape Sounio One Day Tour with Lunch
• Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour
• Meteora Day Tour from Athens with Train
• Delphi and Meteora 2-Day Tour from Athens
• Athens, Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Half Day Tour with Ticket
• Athens and Acropolis Walking Day Tour
• Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Half Day Guided Tour From Athens
• Athens Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Athens Acropolis Museum Discovery Tour

Are you looking for more Greece travel guide and top things to do in Greek destinations, check out here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Guide to shenzhen nightlife — top 5 things & what to do in shenzhen at night, ladakh trip cost per person from delhi — how much does ladakh trip by bike cost, india travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before traveling to india, coron itinerary 5 days — what to do & how to spend 5 days in coron.

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top things to do in Arashiyama

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in a day trip?

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions & best places to visit in Kunming

Must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka.

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan

Editor picks.

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to...

Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does...

India travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1459
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 208
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Travel recommendations
• The taste of travel
• Tips & tricks
• Travel experiences

A Greece itinerary for the ultimate summer holiday

The myths are true - Greece vacations are just magical! The blue Aegean Sea, whitewashed houses, delicious food and wine, and the smell of night-blooming Jasmine await.

I have been to Greece many times and absolutely love the country. After quite a few road trips I am sharing my favorite Greece itinerary with you. In addition, a 10-day Greece itinerary to see some of the best Greek islands.

In this article

How to get to Greece?

What is the best mode of transport for your greece itinerary, best time for your greece itinerary, average budget for a greece itinerary, greece itinerary 7 days - from central to east macedonia, greece itinerary 10 days - greek highlights tour.

At the moment the only direct flights from the US fly to Greece’s capital Athens. You will pay an average of $1090 for a roundtrip from NYC to Athens and $1192 for LAX to Athens (Data sourced through the KAYAK comparator search tool).

From Athens, you can either take a domestic flight or in some cases a car ferry to many other Greek destinations and islands.

If you are already in Europe, chances are you can get direct flights to Thessaloniki or Crete as well. However, the flight schedule will depend on the season and direct flights are usually only available in summer.

Regardless of where you are coming from, all U.S. citizens need to familiarize themselves with the new ETIAS requirements for travel to Europe.

Greece is best explored with your own rental car. Except for the big cities and some intercity bus connections, there is very little public transport in many places.

When heading to the Greek islands you can also use an extensive ferry network. Many of the ferries also allow cars so you won’t even have to get a new rental car. Some ferries run very frequently on any given day during the summer months, others only have once-a-day departures. Check when putting together your Greece trip itinerary so you can plan accordingly.

The good news when driving in Greece: Since 2021 a new legislation has allowed US drivers to use their domestic driver’s license in Greece if staying less than six months. Remember that Greece uses the metric system and familiarize yourself with traffic laws when driving in Europe.

Our data shows that summer months are the absolute best in Greece and from June to July temperatures soar up to 82 degrees (data sourced on weatherbase.com ). However, keep in mind that the increased popularity also means more tourists and steeper prices. Especially when the other European countries start their summer holidays things can get crowded.

A personal tip so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes: When going to Greece during the summer make sure to book a rental car for your road trip with AC!

Shoulder season is in late April and May as well as in autumn from September to early October. Afterward, Greece gets less busy and prices drop as well as temperatures. While great if you are on a budget, touristic infrastructure also becomes limited in places. This means fewer or no ferry connections, fewer open hotels, and reduced hours for sights and restaurants.

Are you ready to book your flights and start your Greece vacation? Before you click ‘book flight’ have a look at the prices I have put together for you. This will give you an idea of how much you need to budget for your Greece itinerary.

• Average price for a double room in Athens: $147 per night
• Average price of a bed in a hostel in Athens: $44 per night
• Average price of a rental car in Athens: $52 per day
• Price for a gallon of gas in Athens: $7.56*

*As of March 2024, source: numbeo.com

These are average prices based on data collected and can vary between different locations in Greece. For a 10 days in Greece itinerary covering up to 500 miles (ca. 17 gallons) with a rental car the total budget will be approximately $1060. These are the cost per person based on two people sharing a double hotel room and doesn’t include your international flights.

You will also need to add costs for domestic ferries or flights for some legs of these itineraries. Prices will vary by season, route, and how far in advance you book.

Your Greece itinerary for 7 days officially starts in Thessaloniki. Alas, if you are coming from the US you will need to fly into Athens first and then take a domestic flight. If you are already in Europe you can usually find direct flights to Thessaloniki.

Day 1 & 2: Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Athen’s much cooler little sister. While there is plenty of history to explore thanks to a 315 BC founding date, there is also a thriving young art scene. Plenty of students and some of the most innovative restaurants add to the atmosphere.

There are also some amazing beaches not far. If you want a proper beach holiday head to Halkidiki, the oceanside weekend destination for the city folk.

Hotel in Thessaloniki: The Modernist is a cool, little city hotel with the best breakfast

Beach promenade

Most visitors will start their Thessaloniki trip on the beach promenade. You will see locals go for a run, some even fish, and quite a few tourists as the promenade is home to two of Thessaloniki's most famous sights. First up is the historic White Tower, a building with a gruesome but interesting past. Next are the Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos, an incredibly cool artwork right by the water.

Museum of Photography & Port

Plenty of gritty interesting industrial space awaits at the Port of Thessaloniki. Just follow the promenade and you can’t miss it. It is also home to the Museum of Photography which hosts modern exhibitions.

Don’t forget your camera when you stroll around afterward, as the port is home to fascinating motifs for your own pictures. Later, the Kitchen Bar is a good place to chill, have a coffee or a sneaky glass of Greek wine.

Day 3 & 4: Kavala

Distance from Thessaloniki: 95 mi - less than 2 hours

Once you step into Kavala you feel like you are going back in time. The city’s past is turbulent thanks to Byzantines, Ottomans, and pirates. It is also home of Mohammed Ali who later became what is considered the founder of modern-day Egypt.

Kavala is also known as the center of tobacco production in Greece and is an all-around historic gem.

Hotel in Kavala: The Anthemion House, located in the old city close to all the sights

Leave your rental car at Mohamed Ali Square because Panagia, the old city of Kavala, is best explored by foot. Start by visiting the house, now a museum of Mohammed Ali as well as his beautiful Imaret. The old Islamic school is now a very stunning hotel.

After that you can make your way up cobblestoned roads to the castle. From the top of its tower, you have a panoramic view of Kavala.

Mud Bath of Krinides

For a special kind of wellness head to Krinides. Mud bathing is great for the skin and joints and has been done for ages in the area. First you will see a doctor who will advise on treatments before you enter a huge pond of mud. You basically float on the mud, a weird and wonderful feeling. If you want you can also book massages on the property.

Expert tip: Make sure to pack an old bathing suit or swim trunks as the mud is very hard to get out of fabrics.

Day 5 & 6: Thassos

Distance from Kavala: 30 mi - 2 hours including car ferry

Thassos is also known as the Emerald Island and an absolute stunner. And that says something considering how many beautiful islands Greece has to offer. Thassos is also known for its bright white marble which is world-famous and was even used to retile Mecca. There are quarries all around as well as dark green forests, beautiful beaches, and of course some crystal clear water.

Hotel in Thassos: Angelica Hotel, a seaside retreat right by the Harbor

Marble Beach

Marble Beach, also called Paralia Saliara, is made entirely of marble sand and rocks. The sand is almost too bright here and feels like powdered sugar. A good pair of sunglasses is a must!

Getting there is no easy task as you are driving on steep white sandy roads and your rental car will need a wash afterward. But it is worth it because the bay has a fun beach club and is just oh-so-beautiful.

Island boat trip

A boat trip around the island is a very special experience in Thassos as much of the island’s charm can only be discovered from the water. For example, the ancient ruins of Aliki that are also considered the first marble quarry of Thassos.

Then there is an island inhabited only by goats, an old iron ore factory, and Giola. This is a natural rock pool in the south you can jump into if you dare.

Day 7: Thessaloniki

Distance from Thassos: 140 mi - 4 hours including car ferry

To get back to Thessaloniki you first take the car ferry from Thassos back to Kavala. Make sure to check the departure times before though the ferry does go quite frequently during the summer season. From the port, you will head to the airport in Thessaloniki where you can drop off your car.

Just like at the beginning of your Greece travel itinerary, you will need to catch a domestic flight from Thessaloniki to Athens now. If you can’t make all your connections in one day, it might be better to book your international flight for the next day. There is a lovely Sofitel hotel directly in Athens airport where you can spend the night.

This trip takes you to some of the best-known places in Greece. While you can road trip the entire itinerary you will need to budget extra time for some lengthy car ferry rides. An alternative is to book domestic flights from one destination to the next and get a new rental car in each place.

If you have enough time you can also expand this to a Greece itinerary for 14 days. In this case, I recommend you add an extra day for a day trip from Athens and three more days in Crete. This being the largest Greek island there is so much to do and see, I promise you won’t get bored.

Day 1 & 2: Athens

Your Greek vacation starts in Athens, the country’s historic but cool capital. There are archeological sites everywhere making it one of the most important European cities for those interested in ancient history.

However, Athens is anything but dusty and there are rather hip areas like Psyrri and Exarchia as well as an innovative food scene.

Hotel in Athens: Acro Urban Suites , a simple hotel in the middle of the Plaka

The Acropolis is the most famous sight in Athens and landmark of the city. The ancient citadel towers over the streets of Athens. It is an absolute must-see even if you are not particularly into history.

It comprises different buildings with the Parthenon being the most significant one. You can go on your own or do a tour - this might be a better option to gain more insight into the history and meaning of the Acropolis.

Expert tip: Go as early as possible especially if you are traveling during the summer months. It is always crowded here but at least in the morning, you can avoid the worst heat.

Plaka is the old town of Athens and located at the foot of the Acropolis. Its cobblestone streets are steep but incredibly picturesque. There are also cute cafes and restaurants everywhere and it is the perfect place for a glass of wine and to soak up the atmosphere of Athens.

Day 3-6: Crete

Distance from Athens: 250 mi - approximately 11 hours with the car ferry

Crete is Greece’s largest island and yet somehow feels a world away. Cretans are proud of their heritage and proud to be a bit different. Personally, it is my favorite Greek island as there is just something very special about it. A long coastline with stunning beaches, mountain paths, and the most incredible food said to be one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.

Hotel in Chania: Fagotto Art Residences , a cute boutique hotel in a historic building by the Venetian Harbor

Chania’s city center is historic and cute with buildings and restaurants dotted around the Venetian Harbor. This is a great place for a stroll during sunset. There are plenty of incredible restaurants that show off the best of Cretan cuisine.

In the morning you should head to one of the city beaches. While these are not the best beaches you will find in Crete, they are convenient and offer a glimpse into local life. Usually, you will see many senior citizens gather in the calm waters early in the day to have a chat with their friends.

Botanical Park & Gardens of Grete

The Botanical Park & Gardens are a truly special place especially for plant lovers. Surrounded by mountains and olive groves you can find three different climate zones and their flora here. This includes alpine, tropical, and Mediterranean plants. Walking through the garden is like walking through an enchanted paradise.

They also have an incredible and super local restaurant that only uses produce from Crete - you won’t even get a Coke. Instead opt for Romeiko, a wine made from an indigenous Cretan grapes.

Balos Beach

It may look like a Caribbean lagoon but Balos Beach is still firmly set in Crete. It is one of the best beaches in Greece and for good reason. The water is shallow, warm, and sparkly turquoise and the sand is white.

To get there you can book an organized boat trip or go on an adventure. Reaching Balos from land is not easy as it requires a dusty car ride and a hike. Make sure to check with your rental car company that your car is adequately insured.

Day 7-9: Santorini

Distance from Crete: 90 mi - 2 hours with the car ferry

Santorini, also called Thera, is an island known for its wine, over-the-top romantic sunsets, and a lot of glitz and glamor. It is also a mostly submerged caldera with its volcano in the middle, one of the few active ones in Europe. You will probably start your trip in the capital Fira before making your way to Oia. This village is home to houses carved into lava rock and probably the best-known postcard picture of Santorini.

Wine tasting

While you may think that every Greek island is a wine island (and you wouldn’t be that wrong) Santorini takes the cake. Excavations show that wine-making was already a thing here in prehistoric times.

The lava stone, hot temperatures, and strong winds make for a very special terroir. You will find vineyards and wineries all over the island where you can go for a tasting and to learn more about the Santorini grapes.

Volcano visit

You can visit Santorini’s volcano which is located on the islet Nea Kameni. You will need to take a boat to get there before you go on land to explore the bizarre volcanic landscape.

From the water, you also have a great view of the caldera that is Santorini with its traditional white houses on top. Should you get cold you may want to take a dip in the volcanic hot springs on the islet Palea Kameni.

Day 10: Athens

Distance from Santorini: 190 mi - 5 hours by car ferry & 1 hour to the airport

From Santorini it is quite a distance to get back to Athens by ferry. Then it is another one-hour drive from the port to the airport. Make sure to add a buffer to your travel time so you won’t have to worry about catching your flight. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in Santorini and take a quick domestic flight to Athens.

If you want to explore more check out our Greece travel guide and have a look at these six amazing Greek islands to prolong your vacation.

The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.

About the author

Explore more articles

California consumers have the right to opt out of the sale * of their personal information. For more information on how we securely process personal information, please see our Privacy Policy .

Do not sell my info ON

* The definition of "sale" under the California Consumer Privacy Act is applicable only to California consumers.

10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Greece, from a local

• I'm from Athens, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling to Greece .
• Pace yourself if you're planning on staying out at the bars and clubs all night.
• It's worth it to do some research on smaller islands and local cuisine before your trip.

Thanks to its ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and incredible food, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations. In 2023, over 32 million people visited.

I was born in Athens and currently split my years living between the US and Greece , so I've spent plenty of time in the beautiful European country.

Here are 10 things I think tourists should know before visiting.

There’s so much more to see in Greece than the popular islands.

It seems like everyone visits Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros, but Greece has over 220 inhabitable islands. Plus, most of them are more budget-friendly than the popular spots.

I recommend looking into places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros.

The Greek mainland is also beautiful. There's a lot to see there, from UNESCO sites at Delphi and Meteora and the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese to the stunning mountains and villages of Epirus.

Athens is more than the Acropolis.

Athens has great nightlife , restaurants, museums, and cool neighborhoods like Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati.

Tourists who just swing by to check the Acropolis off their list are missing out. I've always found it to be one of the liveliest cities in the world.

You don’t need to tip 20%.

Greek servers generally rely on hourly wages, so there isn't the same tipping culture as the US .

I normally just round up the bill or leave a couple of Euros on the table as a tip — unless I had exceptional service or dined at a more formal (and tourist-oriented) restaurant.

Pace yourself when drinking alcohol.

A lot of travelers take advantage of Greece's lax attitude toward alcohol restrictions. Coupled with the fact that Greek bars and clubs close pretty late (like 4 a.m. late), some tourists get sloppy.

Locals usually intersperse drinks with food and water so they can last the whole night, and I recommend tourists do the same.

Slow down and take Sundays off.

Greeks have a pretty relaxed relationship with time — people often arrive late and stores may open half an hour after they said they would.

Service in Greece can seem slow to people from more fast-paced places, especially on the quieter islands . A lot of stores and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays, even in Athens.

I know this can be annoying at times, but I recommend just enjoying the slower pace of life.

Don’t try to visit too many islands on one trip.

So many people ask me if they can fit four or five islands into a seven-day trip, and I never recommend it. Take your time and enjoy each destination for at least a couple of days.

Half the joy of the Greek islands is getting to destress. If you're hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover the highlights, you'll miss out on the best parts of the country.

Be sensitive about natural disasters.

I never thought I'd have to say this, but I have seen multiple tourists in the last few years posting about how "pretty" the skies or sunsets are thanks to the glow from raging wildfires .

At a time when a lot of Greek people are wondering if their houses are still standing or their loved ones have gotten to safety, it's a pretty insensitive thing to do.

Don't skip out on experiencing a traditional taverna.

Athens and other popular Greek destinations now have a lot of upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. But make sure to eat in a traditional taverna at least once.

A taverna is a casual restaurant with family-style dining. Diners can spend hours in them chatting with friends while sharing food paired with some great wine or ouzo (a Greek aperitif).

Greek food is more than just gyros.

Well-known dishes like gyros and souvlaki are truly delicious, but Greek cuisine is so much more than that.

For example, a lot of Greeks start their day with a tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee. Each region also has local specialties that I recommend inquiring about.

In tavernas, popular menu items include calamari, octopus, all kinds of fish, grilled and fried cheeses (like saganaki and halloumi), and side dishes like fava.

Learn a few local words.

Most younger Greek people understand English, but you may run into problems communicating with older people — especially in more rural areas.

Even if a local person can understand you, I think it's nice to learn a few simple words and phrases like "good morning," "thank you," and "how are you?"

It's nice when tourists make a little bit of an effort.

• Main content

Planning a Trip to Greece: Your Travel Checklist

It seems like a trip to Greece is on everyone’s travel bucket list, and we can hardly blame them! Allison and I have both traveled extensively around Greece, exploring both mainland Greece and far-flung islands.

Since traveling to Greece can incorporate so many different types of travel styles, it’s common for people to have a lot of questions as they start planning a trip to Greece. Especially if you’re coming to Greece for a special event like an anniversary or a honeymoon, you’re probably concerned with how to plan the best Greece vacation.

To make it easier, we’ve created this easy 11 point checklist for traveling to Greece to help you make sure you’ve covered all of the important pre-trip planning steps so you can sit back and enjoy your Greek vacation once you get here! Consider this your one-stop Greece trip planner.

Want to pin this guide to planning your Greece trip? Click below!

> Read Next: 30 Magical Things to Do in Athens in Winter & Athens Winter Day Trips! <<

Where to Stay in Greece

If you’re visiting Greece any time soon, you’ll probably spend some time in Athens before moving to discover other amazing places in the country. In that case, it’s a good idea to check this  accommodation guide to Athens  to find the best places to stay in Greece’s capital. Check  this article  as well, if you’d like to book a room with unforgettable Acropolis views.

Remember that booking early is always the best way to get better prices and nicer rooms! We recommend checking out  Booking.com  as early as possible since this is a popular time to visit. These are some of the places we suggest you check.

Budget:  If you’re looking for a budget hotel in lively Monastiraki, book a stay at  Fivos Hote l. Located right by Monastiraki Station, the hotel has free wifi and ensuite bathrooms.  Check out prices and availability at Fivos Hotel here .

Mid-range:  If you want more traditional accommodation, stay at the  Kimons Athens Hotel  in Plaka. The rooms are cozy and there’s a roof terrace that guests can enjoy.  Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Kimons Athens Hotel here .

Luxury:  To enjoy a bit of luxury in Monastiraki, check into the four-star  Emporikon Athens Hotel  on Agia Irini Square. The rooms are sophisticated and swanky, with a traditional take on comfort.  Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Emporikon Athens Hotel here .

Step 1:  Check to See if You Need a Visa

Greece is one of the two Balkan countries that are part of the Schengen Zone, the block of twenty-six European countries that use a common visa system.

Passport holders from Schengen Zone member countries do not need a travel visa to visit Greece:

Austria, Hungary, Norway, Belgium, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Latvia, Slovakia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Finland, Lithuania, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, Greece, and the Netherlands

Additionally, passport holders from these countries can visit the Schengen Zone without a travel visa for up to 90 days out of a 180 day period:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong S.A.R*, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao S.A.R*, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova*, Monaco*, Montenegro*, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Serbia*, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan**, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela

Countries marked with an asterisk have special requirements to be allowed visa-free travel to the Schengen zone.

Note that travel to one country in the Schengen Zone starts the clock on your ninety days, so you can travel to Greece for up to ninety days or spread it out amongst different countries.

If you have been traveling the Schengen Zone for a while before arriving in Greece, make sure you have enough days left so that you don’t overstay.

While we will try to keep this post updated, you also always want to check visa rules ahead of time with the country you are visiting as well as your own country. You can check updated Schengen Zone information here .

Step 2. Book Your Tickets

I’ll never forget seeing the view out of the plane window the first time I flew to Greece. Landing in Athens, it looked like I was flying into a mythical paradise.

I’d actually decided to visit on a whim since Athens was the cheapest flight from Cyprus, where I’d been staying. However, as soon as I saw Greece first-hand, I was hooked.

I am not the only traveler first enticed to visit Greece because of the abundance of cheap flights available. The country has a lot of cheap flights available from most of Europe, as well as having a lot of great budget flights to help you hop between Greek islands .

If you are coming from North America, flights will be more expensive. However, you may want to compare the prices of flying into Athens and flying to one of the islands directly when it comes time to plan a trip to Greece.

You may save money by spending a few days in Athens and booking a separate flight to the islands (or even taking a ferry).

To find the best value for your flights, we suggest  Skyscanner  and  Google Flights . Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature to check all of the various airports in Greece, since the country has so many different ones. Google Flights has a nicer interface and updates with the correct prices faster, so there are no disappointments when you click through, unlike Skyscanner.

Step 3. Plan Your Greece Itinerary

Many people who visit Greece explore a combination of Athen and the mainland plus some islands. However, there are so many places to visit in Greece that it would be impossible to give one example itinerary that would cover all the best options. Here are some things you need to ask yourself when it comes time to plan your trip to Greece.

• Am I interested in exploring Athens and seeing ancient sites like the Acropolis?
• Do I want to spend time on mainland Greece seeing Meteora, Olympus, or the Oracle of Delphi?
• Do I want to spend time exploring multiple islands and experiencing how they are different?
• Do I want to explore one Greek island in-depth?

The answer to these questions will help you figure out how best to divide your time. I’ve spent almost two months in Greece, and I’ve barely scratched the surface! Don’t feel bad if you can’t see everything you want to on your first trip here. You can always come back!

Here are some good guidelines to keep in mind when planning a Greece vacation.

If you have four days or less to travel in Greece, stick to one place. This would be a great amount of time for an initial trip to Athens. You can even include one day trip like the Oracle of Delphi or a cruise to the nearest three Greek islands.

If you have a week, you can explore two places. Alternatively, you can base yourself somewhere for the week and add in a day trip or two. For example, you can spend three days in Athens and then four days in Crete  or Rhodes.

You could also spend the week in Athens, but add in a day trip to Delphi, an island day cruise, or Meteora. Or you could spend three days in Athens, and then rent a car and see Meteora , Olympus, and Delphi on a Greek road trip. Greece has so many options, and it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to choosing how to plan a trip to Greece!

If you have more than a week, then I suggest spending a few days in Athens and then picking a few Greek islands to explore. For each island, you’ll want three or four days so that you have time to sightsee and also to relax.

While the most popular islands are Santorini , Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes, Greece has dozens of amazing islands for you to explore. You can also combine a few popular ones with one or two that are less touristy.

An important part of picking your Greece vacation itinerary is going to be knowing how you’ll get between destinations (unless you’re staying in one place). Check prices for both flights and ferries, and book these ahead of time if you’re traveling between April and September when it’s high season.

If you are trying to decide where to go in Greece, we’ve created a few pieces to help you decide:

• Where to Go in Greece: 27 Top Greece Vacation Destinations
• Greek Island Hopping: The Best Islands to Visit

If you are combining a trip to Greece with visits to additional Balkan countries, you’ll want to check out these Balkan travel resources. We think Bulgaria is the best country to combine with Greece, but Turkey is also an excellent choice.

• These are the 12 Balkan Countries Plus the Top Reason to Visit Each One
• The 10 Balkan Itinerary Commandments
• 41 Balkan Travel Tips
• Balkan Bus Trips: 10 Things You Must Know Before Your Ride

Step 4. Plan Your Activities

After you decide where you’re going to go, you’ll want to decide which activities to enjoy. In Athens, it’s popular to do day trips to some of the more important sites on the mainland like Delphi, Cape Sounion, and Meteora. If you’re going to be on the islands, you will want to look into boating activities, water sports, and walking tours.

We use and recommend GetYourGuide for booking tours in Greece and the Balkans.  We like that they have the best price guarantee and that they tell you the name of the tour companies they partner with (unlike Viator), so you can research it and be sure it’s worth your money!

If you are traveling between April and September, you will want to make sure your tours and activities are booked in advance since Greece is a hot tourist destination. I have traveled to Greece in the shoulder season (early April and October), and I still found that my tours were full or almost full.

Step 5. Budget Your Trip

Once you know where you want to go and how long you have, you can put together your trip budget.

Greece is a great budget-friendly destination compared to most of Western Europe, but if you’re traveling through the rest of the Balkans first, prices will seem a bit higher.

Even in cities like Athens and touristy cities like Rhodes, there are budget options available. We personally choose to stay in private rooms in hostels or AirBnB apartments over hostel dorms, but there are dorm beds available on almost every island to help you save money.

You can find hostels in Athens for around $15 a night, but expect to spend a bit more on the islands, up to $30 or even $40 in popular places like Santorini in the high season.

You can travel through Greece on $40 USD per day by staying in dorms, eating falafel and other cheap street food, and minimizing your activities and travel between places.

When I travel through Greece, I typically spend closer to USD 60 per day and enjoy that Greece offers some true bargains in this price range.

For someone wanting the best of everything, like fancy hotels, fine dining, and the best activities, you’ll find that this will cost much less than a similarly luxurious trip in France or Italy. So if you want to have a seriously bougie time somewhere, Greece is a great value.

Good ways to cut down costs without sacrificing quality is to travel with someone so that you can split costs, enjoy your nicer meals at lunch when there are specials, and opt for public transportation between cities whenever possible.

Step 6. Book Your Accommodations

Once you’ve decided out what you want to spend per night on accommodations, it’s time to book! We use Booking.com  because we like that they have free cancellation if you end up changing your plans. This is critical in Greece since you may decide to change your itinerary if you uncover a new Greek vacation spot that you need to add.

Booking.com  also has a wide selection of types of accommodations. On my last trip to Greece, I stayed at a budget hotel in Rhodes, a private villa in Crete , and a mid-range hotel in Athens.

One great way to keep accommodation costs down is to stay somewhere nice at one destination, and then pick a budget hotel at your next destination.

Step 7. Research Any Vaccinations You May Need

Greece has a lot of animals, both stray and wild. There are stray dogs and cats everywhere, many of which are taken care of by local business owners and families. Since we can’t help ourselves, visiting Greece is basically like visiting one giant petting zoo of friendly dogs and cats. The only animals we wouldn’t feel comfortable petting in Greece are bats (not that I would pet those anyways). According to the CDC :

Rabies is present in bats in Greece. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).

People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).

Anyone not at high risk for a bat run-in just needs to be up-to-date on normal shots:

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Step 8: Learn a Few Common Greek Words and Brush Up on the Greek Alphabet

One thing that a lot of travelers from North America and Western Europe overlook is that Greece still uses the Greek alphabet. This means that reading maps, street signs, and menus will be more difficult.

The more off-the-path you are (like when we visited the tiny beach town of Agia Triada outside of Thessaloniki), the more helpful knowing the Greek alphabet will be.

Most tourism professionals and people in the service industry speak amazing English. The one area where my friends and I found it more difficult not speaking Greek was when it comes to dating since locals who don’t interact with many tourists are less likely to speak fluent English. This does make for some fun misunderstandings, though!

The Greek alphabet was the precursor to Cyrillic, so many letters are similar. Plus, anyone who’s taken secondary math and science classes will be familiar with some of the letters.

For Americans who were in fraternities or sororities in college, your days of memorizing the Greek alphabet for rush will certainly come in handy here! (That’s how I learned it). Here’s a great primer  for anyone who wants to brush up!

Here are the Greek phrases we recommend you have handy for your trip to Greece:

Hello   = Yasou

Hi (Informal) = Yah

Good Morning = Kaliméra

Good Evening (Can also be used for Good Afternoon though it doesn’t technically mean this)  = Kalispera

Good Night (right before bed only) = Kalinikta

Goodbye = Antío Sas or Yah

Please = Parakaló

Thank You = Efkharistó

Excuse Me = Synchoréste Me

Okay or Good = Kalós

I Don’t Understand = Den Katalavaíno

Do You Speak English? = Milás Angliká

Note that Greek is an inflected language, so pronunciation and inflection change the meaning. If a Greek doesn’t understand the word’s meaning based on your pronunciation, don’t be offended! English and Greek speakers mentally classify words differently in our heads.

One of the biggest misunderstandings native English speakers have in Greece is with the Greek word for yes. When a Greek says  Ne,  a lot of English speakers will inadvertently hear No . Be careful since this can cause headaches!

We always recommend a good translator app, like Google Translate, just in case!

Step 9. Pack Your Bags

We are in the process of creating packing lists to help you know what to pack for Greece, but until then, here are some items you don’t want to leave home without:

• A Lonely Planet guidebook, to help you plan when on the ground
• An unlocked smartphone, so you can buy a cheap SIM card and use taxi apps in Athens
• An extra swimsuit so you can enjoy Greece’s beaches without having to put a wet one back on. Never go to Greece without a swimsuit! Even when you don’t think you’ll be at a beach, Greece tends to surprise you!
• Seasickness pills and Seabands for taking the ferries between Greek islands.
• Sunscreen (if you’re bringing checked luggage). Sunscreen and other cosmetics can be expensive in Greece compared to back home.

Step 10. Prepare For Your Arrival

Since there’s no universal way to arrive at a destination in Greece , you’ll want to do some prep work beforehand to make sure you know how you’ll get from the airport, ferry station, or bus station to your hotel.

Flying into Athens

This is the most common way for visitors to arrive in Greece. Since I first traveled to Greece in 2016, several things about Athens ground transportation have changed. Uber has been kicked out, so you have two options. Take a taxi from the official taxi stand (with a set rate) or take the train. I’ve used both, and the train will save you a lot of money while the taxi will save you a lot of time.

We were able to convince a taxi driver to take five of us into the city for ten euros more than the official rate, which saved us money. I don’t recommend this, however, as the ride was a bit harrowing!

While you can’t use Uber at the airport, you can use the taxi app Beat which works similarly to Uber after you’re in the city.

If you plan on taking the train into Athens, have the instructions written out and easily accessible since you may not have working data on your cell phone yet. We also recommend downloading the Google Maps area for wherever you travel so that it’s available offline.

Flying into Other Airports

I’ve also flown into Thessaloniki, Crete, and Rhodes, and at all three I found that the taxi rate was set from the airport. My Airbnb host graciously arranged to pick us up when we arrived at Thessaloniki, saving us a few euros.

Most airports also have public transportation options, though not all do. Because there are so many Greek airports, research the airport individually. For example, Crete alone has two airports with two different systems.

Before You Leave the Airport

You’ll want to have some Euros on you for your taxi or to get on a bus. You can take them out at the ATMs in the airports for the best exchange rates. Just make sure you don’t have big ATM withdrawal fees from your bank. Some banks require a travel notice, and others will still put fraud blocks on cards making purchases outside of their home country.

Tell your bank when and where you’ll be traveling to avoid this. They may still put a block on your card at some point (mine frequently does). To rectify this, you’ll need to call them or respond to an email if they send one. This is one reason it’s good to always travel with multiple cards attached to different accounts.

Note that many places in Greece take Visa and Mastercard, but you’ll still need some cash to be able to travel through Greece smoothly. It can be difficult finding places that take American Express.

Step 11: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

We put this last so it’s fresh on your mind: travel insurance is essential for Greece and travel in general! Allison and I have both been paying customers of World Nomads  for the last two years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. Also, car rental accidents in Cyprus, that time a goat peed on Allison’s dress, many cracked phone screens, the time I was too sick to fly to Santorini, etc. You get the idea!

While Greece is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” is true!

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin This Guide to Be Ready for Your Next Trip to Greece

Have you been to Greece before or are you planning a trip to Greece now? Leave your best Greece travel tips and any questions below!

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

Related posts

27 comments.

Hi….Thanks for your valuable advise. I am in greece from 31.5.19 to 7.6.19 and planning to spend my days in athens,santorini and mykonos. Kindly help me in distributing the days. My flight will reach at 20:25 to the Athens airport. Will I have enough time to catch a connecting flight to Santorini at 22:35 or 23:15 ? Is it safe for a family to land in santorini so late ?

Hi Harsh! I imagine this message is too late, somehow we missed your comment, sorry! We hope you have a great trip to Greece, sorry we weren’t able to get your message in time.

Hello. This article sure helped to get a picture of Greece. I am planning to visit Greece in August, probably 6-7 days. Athens being the airport i will arrive and leave Greece. Apart from Athens, i intend to visit Mykonos and Santorini. So could you please help me on how to split the tour. Like where to start from and how many days per place, etc. Or do you think i should cut off one island and visit a destination in mainland Greece. Your input will be very helpful. Thanks

Hi Vivek, with only 6-7 days I would recommend cutting off one island and then adding a day trip to either Meteora or Delphi (we have posts on them both) or perhaps doing a day trip from Athens where you visit 3 of the nearest islands. I would say 3 days in Athens (including 1 day for a day trip) and 3 days in either Santorini and Mykonos and one day free for travel at some point would be a good way to split it. Otherwise you’ll spend all of your time in transit with such a short trip.

My wife and I are planning a trip there in the near future. It has always been a dream of ours and we thought we wouldn’t ever be able to afford it since our kids steal all our money lol. But your article and looking around has made us see that this is a strong possibility for us! How many days would you recommend staying to really see Greece?

Hi Stefan! It definitely is a possibility for you – Greece is a lot more affordable than it looks! I highly advise traveling outside of the summer period when prices are easily 3x higher. For example, Stephanie and I had a room in Rhodes for $18 USD a night – no kidding – on Rhodes in mid-April, and it was already warm enough to swim (but just barely). Santorini and Mykonos are easily 2-3x the price of other islands. I’d strongly recommend focusing on cheaper islands if budget is a concern (so basically, stay away from Santorini, Mykonos all times of year and away from Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu in the summer high season).

Greece has hundreds of islands you can visit as well as a rich and diverse mainland – you could easily spend a year traveling it and not scratch the surface. But I’d say 10 days is a minimum to see mainland Greece and some of its archaeological wonders (Meteora, Delphi) and some of its islands. 14 days would be even better.

Thanks for sharing these excellent tips. Great post. This is really going to help me with my next greece Trip.

Thanks! Enjoy!

Hello! your article is so educative. Thanks for sharing! I’m planning to visit next year for 10days with a group of friends. What tips can you give?

1. Where to go (islands, structures, tourist spots) 2. Where to stay 3. Budget friendly hotels

Hi Moyo! Check out the following posts for more info:

1. Where to go: https://sofiaadventures.com/where-to-go-in-greece-vacation-destinations/ 2. Where to stay: We are working on filling out our guides but these ones are finished — https://sofiaadventures.com/where-to-stay-in-athens-hotels-accomodation-hostels/ for Athens and https://sofiaadventures.com/where-to-stay-in-rethymnon-hotels-hostels-crete/ for Rethymnon in Crete. 3. Those posts above should have budget hotels listed.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for your valuable advice! I want to plan my next autumn trip from Hamburg to Athens, and then I plan to go to Santorini. I have read that I have to rent a car in Santorini, if I want to wander around. Is that true? Are there buses on the island that go to the best beaches and villages?

Hi Getrud! Thanks for your comment. Renting a car in Santorini will definitely make things easier. There are some buses, but in autumn, the running times may be less frequent (though they will also be less crowded). Taxis are also an option, but they are expensive. I’d rent a car for a few of the days, but not all, if you are staying for a while in Santorini.

Athens is a city of history and culture. I love greek history and their lots of monuments and architectural amazes. I wish to travel Athens soon.

Thanks for your amazing travel guide, that was informative for me.

Thank you Tiana! We’re happy you enjoyed the post!

Hi! This is great information on Greece. I hope to travel to Athens with my 20 yrs son next year. Is October a good month to travel? How is the weather in October?

I love Athens in October! I spent the entire month there in 2016. The weather is cooler, but it can still get hot. It’s not beach weather anymore, but it’s great sightseeing weather! It definitely gets colder as the month goes on.

Am planning a trip with my friends to Athens in April of 2021. We enjoy the culture and history ofGreece. Great information.Very helpful. Thanks .

You’re welcome! We will publish TONS more post about travel in Greece between now and then, so come back and check our resources down the road!

Is February 2020 a good time to visit Greece mainland and Santorini and the ship wreckage island? Will 10 days enough to cover? Any day tour agency to recommend Delphi and Meteora? Pls advise. Thank you. Jessy .

Hi Jessy – it’d be a little cold, but no reason why not! The shipwreck island is Zakynthos and it’s quite far from the mainland and Santorini. I’d suggest cutting that and focusing on mainland Greece (Delphi + Meteora via Athens) and Santorini. That’d be a lot less stressful! We have tour company suggestions for Delphi + Meteora which you can find here: https://sofiaadventures.com/visit-delphi-or-meteora-greece/ . If you need more help, we offer itinerary planning services here: https://sofiaadventures.com/bespoke-balkan-itinerary-planning/

Hi, is late March a good time to visit Santorini? Is one week too long just to stay in Santorini? Would you recommend Athens + Santorini for a week? Also is it cheaper to book return flights to Athens from my home country and get a separate domestic ticket between Santorini and Athens? What are the baggage allowances for the domestic flights within Greece? Thank you so much for your help in advance!

Late March would be lovely! I was there at end of October and it was still quite crowded, but when I talked to my friends who visited in March they said there were very few people but it was perfect. Personally, I was in Santorini for 4 days and found that to be just right. I think one week would be ideal for Santorini and Athens, as Athens has some great sights to see and 3 days is a good introduction. It’s definitely usually cheaper to book flights to Athens roundtrip and then a separate ticket for Santorini and Athens. As for baggage, it will 100% depend on the airline so we can’t advise that! Sky Express I believe has the most generous allowances and Volotea is more strict, but there are a half dozen or so airlines serving this route and I don’t know them all 🙂

Hi. V well written. It was a grt insight for me to start planning. Which is a non – touristy month

The months that are the least “tourist” with weather that’s still nice are October and April!

Hello! is the corona virus affecting Greece? I am not sure whether to book a holiday there or leave it for a few months?? Any advice?

Sorry for the delay, I was taking maternity leave. Yes, I’m sure by now you’re aware that it’s affecting all of Europe. Greece is closed through at least May. I would avoid booking a holiday until borders are reopened.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

New on Sofia Adventures:

• How to Spend a Magical One Day in Istanbul: Mini Itinerary
• 30 Insanely Delicious Greek Street Foods You Need to Try
• 13 Things That EXIT Music Festival Visitors Should Know

• 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

Greece is a leading producer of sea sponges.

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!

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

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

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.

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

Did you know that in Greece, 47 mountains are over 2000m., 105 mountains between 2000 and 1500m., 155 mountains are between 1500m. and 1000m. The number of mountains under 1000m. have yet not been recorded.

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.

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.

An old Greek legend says that when God created the world, he sifted all the soil onto the earth through a strainer. After every country had good soil, he tossed the stones left in the strainer over his shoulder and created Greece.

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

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!

Continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years, Athens is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Greece is the place where democracy was born. But democracy in ancient Athens was significantly different from modern democracies. It was both more participatory and exclusive, and there were no political parties in Athenian democracy.

No part of Greece is more than 137km from the sea.

Did you know that Greece has the biggest EU consumption of olive oil per capita, with around 12 kg per person per year?

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

Do you know what rakomelo is? It is a Cretan hot cocktail! A delicious mixture of honey, spices and the alcoholic beverage tsikoudia. Bottoms up!

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.

• 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

Sacred Music Festival

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

Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Athens Greece Travel Tips

In this collection of tips and advice for first time visitors to Athens, Greece, you’ll find practical insights to safety, itinerary planning, and transportation. Basically, everything you need to know before you go!

Tips for visiting Athens

Planning a trip to Athens in Greece? You’ve probably read a few city guides and itineraries like this 2 day Athens itinerary , but are left wondering what is Athens actually like? More importantly, what do you really need to know before you go to Athens on vacation?

This is where I can help! I’m coming up to 9 years of living in Athens now (no idea where that time went!), and have put together this condensed list of tips for visiting Athens.

I hope this Athens travel information helps you plan ahead a little better, lets you know what to expect, and offers some practical insights to make your time in Athens go smoother.

Athens Travel Tips

These Athens insider tips are broken down into short sections for easier reading. Here's a taster of what to expect in this list:

• Don't drive in Athens – the actual driving is bad enough, the parking is worse!
• Tipping – People's opinions varied from 0 to 10%. Generally speaking, tipping is not part of the culture as it is in the US (but tips for good taverna or cafe service are always appreciated!).
• Taxi Scams – People still mention taxi scams either in the airport or city. I recommend you to use Welcome Pickups  to pre-book your ride for a hassle free experience.
• Pickpockets – On the metro and crowded places. 
• Be careful crossing the road – Just assume that traffic won't stop for you even if they are on a red light!

Reader feedback has been really helpful in putting all this together. If you have any questions or anything to add, you can leave a comment at the end of this Athens travel guide.

Ok, let's dive in….

Tips On When To Visit Athens & Weather

Already know when you are visiting Athens Greece, or can only travel in certain months? Don’t worry – Athens is a big city, and there’s always plenty to see and do.

Sure, some months are better than others in terms of tourist numbers or weather, but if you can’t pick and choose your dates it’s not a problem.

However, if you have yet to book your trip to Athens and are flexible with when you can go, these Athens travel tips are something to keep in mind:

• Visit during the shoulder seasons : The best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons, which are April to May and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months.
• August is a contrarian time to visit Athens : If you can put up with the heat (40 degrees is not rare), August can be an interesting time to visit Athens. Most Athenians head to the islands during August which means the city is a lot quieter on the traffic front. I like Athens in August – it is a touch on the warm side though!
• Enjoy Greek Orthodox Easter : If you happen to visit Athens during Greek Orthodox Easter, join the celebration and witness the impressive Good Friday candlelit procession on Mount Lycabettus Hill.
• Christmas In Athens : It’s a lot less commercial than many other countries, and low key as it’s the off season. You’ll still see decorations and trees in Syntagma Square, and you should for sure check out the Little Kook cafe in all its gaudy weirdness!
• Off season travel considerations : With shorter daylight hours, archaeological sites in Athens close earlier than in the summer. Plan accordingly!
• Off season Athens travel hack : Save money in Athens on the first Sunday of each month from November until March, when you can enjoy the riches of ancient Greece with free entry to government run Archaeological Sites and Museums.
• Peak season travel considerations : There will be a LOT of other visitors in Athens with similar ideas to you on places they want to see.

Also read: Best time to visit Athens

Keep Connected In Athens

A quick word about mobile phones and connectivity while you are on vacation in Athens and other parts of Greece.

• Make sure your cell phone company knows you are traveling overseas if you need data.
• Roaming data can be expensive! Switch your phone to flight mode when you don't need it.
• Athens is a good place to pick up a local sim card , which may be especially useful if you are spending longer in Greece. In the long run this will be cheaper.
• WiFi is everywhere – Whenever you sit down at a cafe or taverna, just ask for the WiFi code.

Athens Money Tips

Here's a few money related tips for when you visit Athens. They can mostly be applied to the rest of Greece as well.

• Cash isn’t King anymore : If you’ve read that you have to carry cash everywhere, you’re reading out of date info. I can’t remember the last time I used cash in Athens, as cards are accepted everywhere. From March 2024, even taxi drivers have to accept cards now. I do carry a few coins for tips at tavernas.
• To Tip Or Not To Tip : Tipping in Greece is basically a matter of rounding up or leaving a couple of Euros depending on the circumstances. Greece does not have a tipping culture, although tips in bars and restaurants are always welcome of course. If you are from the US, tipping is nothing like it is there.
• Tell Your Bank : Before your trip, make sure your bank knows you are traveling to Greece and you want to use your cards there. This way your bank and credit cards won't get frozen while you are on vacation in Athens.
• Bring more than one card : You don't want to be left with no options if something happens to the bank card you bring when you travel to Athens. So, take extra bank cars on vacation, and even for different accounts to be on the safe side.
• That won’t do nicely Sir : Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere. American Express is much less widely accepted.
• ATM Charges : If you want to withdraw cash from an ATM, there will be a charge of 2 or 3 Euros, so you probably want to withdraw larger amounts in one go rather than 10 Euros at a time. Never accept the ATM exchange rate, always accept your bank’s rate – It’s always the better rate.

Also read: Money in Greece

Athens Transportation Tips

If you are staying in the historic center of Athens, you will find the city quite walkable. Public transportation comes in the form of a good metro system, along with a slightly less intuitive bus system, and some trams. You will recognize official taxis in Athens as they are bright yellow cars.

• The Athens Metro : It currently has three lines (a fourth being built), which are known by their colors. Every important landmark, museum, and the most famous places for sightseeing in Athens are located next to or very near a metro station.
• Metro Tickets : Can be bought at machines in every metro station using cash or card. All Athens metro ticket machines have English menus, and various ticket options.
• Athens Metro Pickpockets : It seems to get worse every year. The green line has a bad reputation. A friend of ours just recently had a phone lifted from her handbag – and she had her hand on the zip! These pickpockets have magical skills. Nowadays, I recommend that people travel from Athens Airport to their hotel in Athens city center by pre-booking a taxi for a hassle-free journey.
• Walk Everywhere You Can : Most people will not need to use public transport during their Athens city stay. Part of the beauty of exploring Athens is doing it on foot. There are large pedestrian areas all around the Acropolis Hill and you can get to the vast majority of popular tourist attractions on foot. Everything within the historic center is within walking distance of one another.
• Be extra careful at the crosswalks : Be cautious at pedestrian crossings. Drivers may not always stop, even though they are required to. The only place where they seem to stop is the crossing from Syntagma Square to Ermou Street. The green pedestrian crossing signal sometimes allows cars to turn right onto the crossing, so cross with caution. This information applies everywhere in Greece.
• Don’t rent a car in Athens to see the city : Athens isn’t LA. The very center of the city is more like a small town so you really don’t need to look into car rentals. A car is almost impossible to park in the city center, and you will rarely see a car without a bump or dent on it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Also read: How to get from Athens Airport to the City Center

(Photo taken inside Syntagma metro station)

Tips About Athens Scams

While Athens is generally a very safe place to visit, like any city in the world, it has its share of scammers and pickpockets. The vast majority of travelers to Athens enjoy their city break without any issues. Some however don't, and these are some of the things that readers have brought to my attention so I could tell others about them. Here's some Athens travel tips to help you avoid potential issues in the city:

• Taxi Scams in Athens : I personally think that cab drivers in Athens get a bad rap and have never had a bad incident, but unfortunately not everyone has the same experiences with them as I do. Some taxi drivers might take longer routes to increase the fare, claim that the meter is broken, charge extra for items in the trunk. Uber does not work the same way in Greece as in other countries, so even there the fare may be different than you expect. Pre-book your taxis to and from airport and ports with Welcome Pickups. You'll thank me later for the hassle it saves.
• Pickpocketing in Athens : The green line metro is a hotspot, but in any crowded area such as Syntagma square they might be around. If you carry a handbag, always have it in front of your body, and guys, don't keep your wallet in your back pocket! You might want to avoid keeping in your cards and money in one place.
• Restaurant Scams : Occasionally, restaurants in tourist areas might add items to your bill that you didn't order. It's a good idea to check prices before ordering and review your bill carefully. In Athens, the tap water is drinkable, so if you feel the bottle of water is overpriced, just ask for tap water. Always ask for a receipt – by law, if they don't give you one, you don't have to pay.
• Bag snatching and table snatching : When sitting down to eat or have a coffee, don't leave things like bags on the back of the chair. Put them where you can see them, or where other people you are with can see them. Try not to leave your phones on the table – a common scam is that someone will approach with a piece of paper for you to read (a sob story scam) placing it on top of the phone. Then, when they remove the paper, they take the phone away with it.
• Tourist Traps : There's no real tourist traps to speak of. Personally I find that the restaurants in Psirri are better than those in Plaka, but that's just me! You'll find locals and foreign visitors alike in the Plaka coffee shops – fewer locals eat in this area though.

Also read: Is Athens safe?

Athens Accommodation Tips

Selecting the right accommodation in Athens, Greece is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your upcoming trip. Nowadays, you can see reviews for most hotels on Booking and Google maps. You want to check the most recent reviews before booking a hotel in Athens or anywhere else for that matter!

• Location is Key : Choose a location that is central or close to the major attractions you plan to visit. Areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma are popular choices as they are centrally located and offer easy access to historical sites, dining, and shopping.
• Budget Considerations : Athens offers a wide range of accommodation options to fit various budgets. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb rentals, consider what fits your budget while still meeting your needs for comfort and location.
• Read Reviews : Before booking, read reviews from previous guests. If you're traveling in the summer, make sure the reviews about the air con are all good – Athens can get hot!
• Pre-book hotels : I recommend Booking as the best place to choose where to stay. Before you rush our and get an AirBnB, see if it is on booking first. They quite commonly are, and a lot cheaper too!

Also read: Athens hotels near the Acropolis

Athens Sightseeing Tips

There's more to Athens than just the Acropolis. With other ancient ruins like the Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Roman Agora, as well as top class museums like the National Archaeological Museum and Acropolis Museum , it might be best to plan out a rough itinerary before you go.

Here's some of my Athens travel itineraries you might find useful:

• One day in Athens
• Two days in Athens
• Three days in Athens
• Four days in Athens

Acropolis Tips

From April 2024 onwards, there’s going to be a shake up of the ticketing system to see the Acropolis. Out is the combo ticket (where you could effectively get in cheaper at other places like the Agora and Hadrian’s Library). In are higher ticket prices, potential VIP tours pre-opening and closing times for the super rich (5000 Euros per group!), and a time-slot system.

• You don’t need a guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon with a bit of pre-reading. There are also information boards in front of the various buildings.
• Getting there at opening time during the summer still makes the most sense, especially with the timeslot system. Tip: in 2023 people were queuing up at 07.00 to get inside even though they had pre-bought their ticket in the time-slot system! Why on earth did they do that? They could have just waited until 08.10 and strolled straight in.
• The official government website to buy tickets for the Acropolis is at hhticket.gr . Other websites selling skip-the-line tickets do so at a mark-up.

Athens Tips

Exploring Athens offers a mix of historical and contemporary experiences. While ancient sites are a significant draw, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy. Here are some sightseeing tips for Athens that go beyond the ancient wonders:

• Changing of the Guards : Watch the ceremonial changing of the Evzones guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square. This happens every hour, but the Sunday ceremony at 11 am is more elaborate.
• Stroll in Plaka and Monastiraki : Wander through these charming neighborhoods with their narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant marketplaces. They offer a blend of traditional and modern Athens.
• Lycabettus Hill : For the best panoramic views of Athens, including the Acropolis, climb or take the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill, especially at sunset.
• National Garden : Take a break from the urban environment in the National Garden, a large public park in the heart of Athens, near Syntagma Square.
• The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center : This modern cultural complex houses the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. It's a center for art, education, and entertainment with a stunning park and recreational spaces.
• Museum Visits : Apart from the famous Acropolis Museum, visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the Museum of Cycladic Art for different aspects of Greek history and culture.
• Street Art Tour : Athens is known for its vibrant street art scene. Explore the city’s graffiti and murals, especially in neighborhoods like Psiri and Exarchia.
• Anafiotika Area : This picturesque neighborhood on the slopes of the Acropolis hill resembles a Cycladic village, with its small white houses and narrow pathways.
• Shopping in Ermou Street : For a shopping experience, head to Ermou Street, one of the main shopping streets in Athens, which runs from Syntagma Square towards Monastiraki.
• Monastiraki Flea Market and Plaka Neighborhood : With souvenir shops and antique stalls, you'll find something nice to take back to friends and relatives in your home country. Olive oil is a popular choice, just make sure to pack it very protectively. Spilt olive oil in a suitcase is not a pretty sight! 

Day Trips From Athens Tips

If you're wondering whether or not Athens is a good base from which to explore nearby attractions, it certainly is! Some of the most popular day trips include guided tours to Delphi , a Unesco World heritage site, Mycenae, Epidavros, and nearby islands like Hydra and Aegina.

Here's a quick look at some of the popular destinations in Greece you can visit under your own steam or as part of a guided tour from Athens:

• Delphi : Visit the ancient sanctuary of Delphi , once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek times. It's a place full of archaeological treasures and natural beauty.
• Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon : Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon stands overlooking the Aegean Sea.
• Meteora : Although a bit further, a trip to Meteora with its monasteries perched atop giant rock formations is a breathtaking experience.
• Nafplio : Explore the charming town of Nafplio, with its picturesque streets, historic fortresses, and lovely waterfront.
• Corinth and the Corinth Canal : Visit the ancient city of Corinth, known for its significant archaeological site and the nearby stunning Corinth Canal.
• Epidaurus : Known for its ancient theater with remarkable acoustics and the sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.
• Aegina Island : A short ferry ride from Athens, Aegina is perfect for a day trip to enjoy beaches, the temple of Aphaia, and the charming town.
• Hydra Island : A car-free island known for its preserved architecture, donkeys for transport, and relaxing atmosphere.
• Mycenae : Explore the archaeological site of Mycenae, home of the legendary Agamemnon and known for its Lion Gate and royal tombs.
• The Peloponnese : Venture into the Peloponnese region to explore ancient cities like Sparta and Olympia.

Also read: Best day trips from Athens

Tips On Eating Out In Athens

Greek food is one of the most underrated cuisines in the world, and also one of the tastiest! Not particularly heavy on spices, emphasis is placed on traditional dishes cooked in a variety of ways. You'll have heard of moussaka of course (and many restaurants around the historic center of Athens feature it on their menus), but there's a lot more to it than just that.

There's no particular etiquette to eating out in Greece. Dishes can be shared between people, you can order all starters and no mains, or mix and match as you please. Greek cuisine has numerous dishes. Try gemista (stuffed tomatoes) – they are my favorite!

The more touristy places to eat in Athens are to be found with Acropolis views. I'd personally avoid these, but at the same time, eating a meal with an Acropolis view is probably only going to happen once in your life, so why not!

Eat Cheap : Want some cheap eats? My tip is to head to a souvlaki place and buy a couple of wraps. Two of them will be pretty cheap, will cost you less around 7 Euros and keep you going for hours. They make a great lunch!

Also read: Greek food

Tips On Greek Culture

Some readers have asked in the past if there are any faux pas to avoid when visiting Greece and Athens. The answer is not really! There are a few tips on Greek culture that might be useful to help you adjust though:

• Greeks can be loud : Greeks talk loudly, whether they're on the phone or talking to one another in a cafe. Some Athens visitors might think there's an argument going on, but in reality its just a discussion on the best way to cook something! Oh, and there's a lot of hand gestures with the conversation as well.
• Greeks speak pretty good English : In Athens, most Greeks you encounter will speak English, so if you are lost, don't be afraid to ask for directions!
• Respect for Traditions : Greece has a plethora of traditions and religious customs tied to the Orthodox Church. Easter is the biggest religious event of the year. Christmas is a low-key affair and not as commercialised as other countries.
• Siga Siga : Greeks often have a famously relaxed attitude towards time. The best example of this, is that you can sit quite happily nursing a coffee in a coffee shop for several hours as you people watch, and meals in tavernas can last all evening. If you've come from the ‘eat up and leave' dining culture in the UK, it can be quite a pleasant change!
• Rules are guidelines : If there's one phrase that sums up Greece for me it is this! For the most part it seems that rules are there as guidelines. You'll see this with the cars parked on the pavements in Athens, motorbikes going the wrong way down streets, and numerous other things.
• Bureaucracy : Seemingly at odds with the relaxed approach to time and rules is the fact that mindless bureaucracy is embedded into daily life. As a tourist you may not encounter it, but if you ever decide to move to Greece or get involved in the ‘system', you'll encounter a level of bureaucracy that puts India to shame!
• Toilet paper : I n Greece, you should not flush toilet paper down the toilet. The sewage pipes in Greece are narrower than in many other countries (2 inches in diameter compared to 4 inches in the U.S.), and toilet paper can cause them to clog. Instead, you should dispose of toilet paper in a bin provided next to the toilet.

Tips On Onward Travel From Athens To The Greek Islands

Athens is a gateway to onward travel to the Greek islands and other places in mainland Greece. A popular 7 day in Greece itinerary includes Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, but there are many other places you can combine when Greek island hopping. Here’s some preparation tips on how to carry on the adventure from Athens to other destinations!

• You can find the latest ferry schedules and book ferry tickets on line using Ferryscanner
• Where possible, leave Athens as the last destination on your trip. If a ferry is delayed from an island, it won’t jeopardise your flight back home!
• Athens has three ferry ports – Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. It is generally easier to leave or arrive at Piraeus Port if you want to spend time in Athens city center.
• Don’t take rental cars with you on the ferries – they will not be covered by insurance and it increases the ticket price. Instead, rent a car on each island. Use Discover Cars for local car rentals in Athens and Greece.

What to do before going to Athens?

Before going to Athens, it's a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance. Athens is rich in history, landmarks, and cultural experiences. Exploring its iconic landmarks and monuments, as well as enjoying its creativity and energy, are key activities​​.

Is Athens tourist-friendly?

Athens is a popular destination and is considered tourist-friendly. It offers a wealth of experiences, from ancient Greek ruins like the Acropolis to world-class museums. The city is well-equipped to accommodate tourists with numerous dining options, cafes, and tours​​.

Is Athens safe to travel to right now?

Athens is generally safe for tourists compared to other global capitals. While major crimes are rare, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur. Some neighborhoods, such as Omonia, Exarchia, and Metaxourgeio, might be less appealing for less confident travelers at night, but they are not necessarily dangerous​​.

Is 3 days in Athens too long?

Three days in Athens is not too long; it allows for a more relaxed exploration of the city. In addition to the main highlights and attractions, you can include visits to the Benaki and Cycladic art museums and even consider day trips from Athens, like the popular trip to Delphi​​.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Lonely Planet's guide to Athens

Nov 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are things a traveler should know on their first trip to Athens, one of the world's most storied cities © Lisa Schaetzle / Getty Images

Founded in 508 BCE, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and it's regularly touted as one of the Mediterranean’s best capital cities to visit. From the iconic Parthenon and the unique street art rivaling that of Berlin  to the city's glittering coastline, there’s so much to see and do in this ancient capital. 

One thing’s for sure: whether you’re into architecture, mythology, ancient sites, modern art or simply relaxing by the beach, Athens has something for everyone.

When should I go to Athens?

Greece generally attracts most people during the summer months (June to August) and Athens is no different, but we recommend visiting in the spring and autumn to avoid the heat. These shoulder seasons – March to May and September to October – offer cooler temperatures and a more comfortable travel experience overall. It’s also worth remembering that Athens is a humid place thanks to its coastline, which creates humid heat in the summer and gives the winter cold an extra chill. Consider this when packing and bring layers for all seasons.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually falls in April or May and the run-up to it, plus the event itself, is a huge celebration in the Greek calendar – even more so than Christmas. Expect street carnivals to mark the end of Lent and street processions to the various neighborhood churches on the Easter weekend, culminating in Mass and a huge meal on the Easter Sunday with a lamb on the spit. 

Restaurant prices won’t change much throughout the year, but accommodation prices do vary.  The same four-star hotel located near the Acropolis could be €140 per night in March and jump up to €320 in June for a weekend date, with Easter time seeing similar price rises.  It’s often cheaper to book directly, and hotels generally only publish their prices about two to three months in advance. 

How much time should I spend in Athens?

Many Europeans come to Athens for a weekend break, and long-haul travelers often use the city as as a stopover on the way to the Greek islands. 

You can get an initial taste of the city in two days, but we recommend a longer stay to truly understand the essence of this ancient capital. With four days, you can spend a day and a half at the capital’s famous sights, spend an afternoon wandering its neighborhoods , and still have time time to explore the beaches and ancient ruins of the Athenian coastline for a day or two.

Is it easy to get in and around Athens?

Located at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, Greece (and Athens in particular) attracts many tourists, which means the travel infrastructure is well developed and easy to use. Athens International Airport is 33km (21 miles) and a 30- to 45-minute drive – or a 45-minute metro ride – from the city center. There are also good ferry connections to Greece from Italy, with coach or rail services to and from Athens. 

Island hoppers will set out from the port of Piraeus , which is 45km (28 miles) from the airport and 10km (6 miles) from the city center. Piraeus is well linked to both the center (20 minutes by metro) and airport (a 24-hour bus service that takes about 90 minutes).

Public transport around Athens itself is easy, accessible and affordable, with a single ticket valid for a 90-minute journey and costing a mere €1.20. There is also a range of ticket deals, including  tourist passes lasting three and five days. 

The four modes of transport in Athens are:

• the very clean metro system . Note: no food is allowed.
• the overground train that connects the center to Piraeus port and other mainland destinations.
• an extensive network of  buses and electric trolleys . These primarily run to urban neighborhoods beyond the touristic center. 
• a tram service that connects the city center to the Athens coast and its beaches in about an hour.

After you’ve gotten yourself from the airport to the city center, most of Athens’s popular sights sit within a compact, walkable area. Just be aware of the traffic – cars don’t always immediately stop at red lights, and motorbikes occasionally mount the sidewalk to park.

Top things to do in Athens

Naturally, many visitors head straight to the Acropolis and the  Parthenon , Athens' most notable sights. The Acropolis has a daily visitor’s cap to avoid overcrowding and to preserve the ancient monument, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. It’s not really necessary to have a guide for the Acropolis – which can be booked on site – unless you’re very interested in dates and knowing the intricacies of ancient Greek history.

At the foot of the Acropolis lies the impressive Acropolis Museum , which showcases treasures from the Archaic to Roman periods, plus a stunning glass floor that reveals the excavated ruins underneath it. There’s also a terraced restaurant on the top floor with gorgeous views across to the monument.

Ancient artifacts crop up all over the city in random places, too; the metro stations of Monastiraki, Akropoli and Syntagma are like mini museums in their own right, and there's even ruins of a Roman tomb in a glassed-off area of the Zara clothing store on the shopping street of Ermou.

If it’s shopping you’re into, pedestrianized Ermou St is the place to go. It runs for nearly a mile from the Acropolis area up to Parliament in Syntagma Square, and features tons of fashion brands such as Mac, Desigual and the aforementioned Zara, plus a huge H&M. Greece’s main department store, Attica, is also here, and it's a great place to stock up with your holiday essentials. 

Looking for free and low-cost things to do in Athens ? Meander along the streets of Monastiraki flea market on a Sunday to peruse all the random wares for sale (everything from old drachma coins to shop mannequins), or take a stroll through the National Garden  next to the Parliament building, with its many species of plants and parrots flying freely. Witness the changing of the evzones (presidential guards) on the hour outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , or make your way to  Filopappou Hill /Hill of the Muses with its pine forest – a great destination on a hot day thanks to its abundant shade. Be sure to head up here at sunset for views across to the Saronic Gulf.

My favorite thing to do in Athens

As an aficionado of street art, I love exploring the burgeoning street art scene here and getting to know the various neighborhoods where it proliferates. Take in the famous Praying Hands Mural just off Omonia Sq, for example, which depicts Jesus praying for the people down on Earth – a play on Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands (1508).

I also love wandering around the hidden village of Anafiotika , which sits beneath the northeast side of the Acropolis. A sub-district of Plaka, it was built in the mid-1800s when King Otto brought in workers from the Greek island of Anafi to construct his palace. Homesick, the workers set about making their neighborhood a replica of their homeland, building white, sugar-cubed houses with flat stone roofs and brightly painted wooden doors and shutters, like those found in the Cyclades. Pink and white bougainvilleas wind their way up these buildings, several of which have roof gardens. 

Anafiotika is a bit difficult to find, but worth the effort. Start at the Acropolis main entrance, and walk to your left along the path; keep the monument to your right until you reach the Church of Metamorphosis. Continue straight past the church and follow the wider path up a steep hill. The path turns right and runs into stairs – this is the start of the island village.

How much money do I need for Athens?

Athens isn’t an expensive place to visit compared to other European destinations, especially outside of the high summer season when prices rise significantly.

• Hostel dorm room: approx. €26 per night
• Basic room for two: €36–128, depending of style of hotel and location
• Self-catering apartment: €65 per day
• Public transport ticket: €1.20 for a 90-minute journey, €10 from the airport, €4.10 for a day pass, €20 for a three-day pass including one airport journey, €8.10 for a five-day pass (not including airport)
• Coffee: €2–2.50
• Typical Greek gyros with salad and fries: €2–3
• Dinner for two: €30 (add €2.50 for beer or wine)
• Beer at a pub: €2.50+

What do I need to know before going to Athens?

Bring layers, no matter the season 

As Athens is located on the coast, it’s sticky in the summer and quite chilly in the spring, fall and winter evenings. Layers are always a good idea: think T-shirts, light sweaters and a jacket for the cooler months. For the really hot summer months, bring a sports cooling towel to wrap around your neck to cool off as you explore.

Be aware of your belongings on the metro

As with any capital or big city, pickpockets can take advantage of large tourist crowds, especially on crowded public transport. Avoid hanging large cameras around your neck and keep your backpack in front of you. You may also want to invest in a hanging cord for your cell phone to loop across your body so it can’t be snatched from your hands.

No flushing toilet paper!

The plumbing in Athens is antiquated and the pipes tend to be very narrow. Flushing paper down the toilet will clog things up, so you’ll always find a bin with bag inside it in the bathroom for you to place toilet paper inside. This is removed daily by housekeeping.

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Mar 6, 2024 • 8 min read

These local tips can help you prepare for the perfect trip to Greece.

Mar 4, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 23, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 15, 2024 • 4 min read

Feb 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 30, 2024 • 17 min read

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 25, 2023 • 4 min read

• Work with us
• Privacy Policy
• Meet the Team

Greece Travel Secrets

plan your trip to Greece here

Greece Travel Secrets is a website committed to helping you get the most out of your visit to Greece and the Greek islands

Yassas and hello!

We are Sandy and John Papas, from Brisbane, Australia.

Thanks to Johns fabulous Greek heritage we visit Greece each year, sometimes twice,  and explore as much of the country as we can, as well as returning to old favourites. We love to cook (and eat) Greek food and are huge advocates of the wine, the way of life and the ‘Filotimo’, ( love of honour and other virtues).

Like you we are visitors, and have become experts at wrangling suitcases, ferry hopping and airport intricacies. We think we’ve learnt a trick or two and hope to pass on those tips to make your visit the best it can be.

We are parents to 3 great young adults who have been to Greece with us many times, and two furry daughters too, Penelope and Pandora.

RECENT ARTICLES

A complete guide to ano syros, day trips from santorini to other islands, day trips from naxos, one day in corfu, why you must see the greek wedding show santorini, things to do in corfu, one day in heraklion, crete, things to do in psiri athens, milos santorini naxos and athens itinerary, the most romantic places in greece – towns, villages, hotels and villas, what to do and where to stay in koufonisia, one day in santorini, how to get to olympia greece and what to see, indulge in an hammam athens experience, car hire in greece, 37 of the best mainland greece beaches, how to get to kalamata, greece, day trips from kalamata, top things to do in kalamata, greece, athens to sifnos – transport options and tours.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Crete Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

When I finally got to Crete , it exceeded all my expectations. There’s a lot to love about Crete beyond its ancient ruins: a beautiful variety of stunning beaches, excellent hiking, quaint historic towns, and incredible food and wine.

Plus, it’s affordable, making it an excellent budget destination to visit. And the island’s size ensures you can explore freely and escape the crowds that flock here during the busy summer months.

This travel guide to Crete can help you plan the perfect visit to this ancient island and ensure you save money in the process!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Crete

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Crete

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

This is Greece’s second-largest archaeological museum. The collection here spans over 5,500 years of history. The museum houses elaborate pottery, jewelry, sarcophagi, colorful frescoes from Knossos, and more. Its Minoan collection is the most extensive in the world. Overall, the museum is incredibly detailed and should not be missed. Tickets are 12 EUR in the summer and 6 EUR in the winter.

2. Relax on the Pink Beach

Elafonisi Beach is located in the southwest corner of Crete, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Chania. The waters are crystal clear and the beach has rose-colored sand (hence the name). It is super popular in the summer (so get here early), with rentable sunbeds and umbrellas lining the beach. There are plenty of secluded coves nearby if you want to get away from the crowds. The water is shallow enough that you can walk out to the small island of Elafonisi, which has a tiny lighthouse and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.

3. Explore Chania

This area has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was a major Minoan settlement named Kydonia. Today, Chania is the second-largest city in Crete and has a scenic Venetian quarter and harborfront lined with tavernas (small Greek restaurants), cafes, and shops. While here, check out the historic Firka Fortress (built in 1620) as well as the Maritime Museum located inside the fortress.

4. Visit Knossos

Knossos was the ancient capital of the Minoan empire and its Bronze Age ruins are some of the oldest in Greece (it’s considered the oldest city in Europe). The area has been inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, flourishing between the 19th-14th centuries BCE. You need a few hours here to roam the rebuilt palaces, courtyards, private apartments, baths, villas, tombs, and more. Admission is 15 EUR (free admission on the first Sunday of every month during the winter).

5. Hike Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of Greece’s National Parks and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The main hike is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek that offers wonderful views of the White Mountains and finishes at the beach town of Agia Roumeli. Keep in mind that this is a fairly long, rocky trek that takes around 5-7 hours to complete. Because of the length of the trek, you aren’t allowed to start it after around 2pm (you can still do part of it, but you will have to turn around at a certain point). But for nature lovers, it’s well worth it, and you can grab a beer at one of the seaside tavernas when finished. Try to avoid mid-summer as temps can reach up to 40°C (104°F) and there’s no shade. The park is open May-October and admission is 5 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Crete

1. take a trip to spinalonga island.

Located in northeastern Crete, the Venetians built a large fortress here in 1579 to protect Mirabello Bay and Elounda Bay from the Ottomans. The defenses held strong until 1715 when the Ottomans sieged the island. When the Ottomans left in the late 19th century, the island became a leper colony and remained that way for decades. Visitors can now take a boat there and walk a short trail that takes you through the ruined church, a leper disinfection room, a hospital, and a cemetery. Admission is 8 EUR and it’s open from April-October.

2. Explore Koules Fortress

Located in Heraklion, Koules Fortress was built in the 13th century when Crete was under Venetian rule. It was designed to protect the city from invasion and at its height housed a mill, bakery, prison, barracks, and more. Nowadays, you can walk through the tunnels and visit the various rooms. There are a lot of informative exhibits explaining the history of the castle and area too. Admission is 4 EUR (closed on Tuesdays).

3. Visit Aptera

This ancient 12th-century monastery is located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) outside of Chania. During your visit, you can admire the restored monastery as well as the remains of the original fortified tower, a temple from the 5th century BCE, a city gate, monastic walls, Roman cisterns and baths, and an amphitheater. There was also a Turkish fortress built here in 1872 that overlooks Souda Bay. Admission is 4 EUR.

4. See the Lassithi Plateau

The Lassithi Plateau in eastern Crete stands 900 meters (2,952 feet) above sea level. To get there, you have to drive up winding mountain roads overlooking the Dikti mountain range (which is dotted with white windmills). While here, you can visit Psychro, home to the Dikteon Cave that, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of Zeus and the place where he was hidden as an infant to be protected from his father. It’s 6 EUR to visit the cave, or you can combine it with a full-day ATV experience across the plateau for 75 EUR.

5. Wander Rethymnon

Located in northwestern Crete, this city is the third-largest in Crete (after Heraklion and Chania). Rethymnon is famous for its spectacular 11-kilometer (7-mile) long beach as well as its Venetian old town, port, and fortress. I love getting lost in the streets here, exploring the 16th-century fortress, and eating all the tasty food the city has to offer. It has a phenomenal food scene!

6. Tour the Historical Museum of Crete

If you’re interested in the more modern history of Crete (from the early Christian period to the mid-20th century), this museum in Heraklion is awesome. It’s small, but there’s a lot to see, including two stunning paintings by El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine . There’s also a giant model of the city from the Venetian era (around 1650 CE) before its Turkish occupation, and a re-creation of author Nikos Kazantzakis’s study where he wrote Zorba the Greek (a popular novel-turned-film written in 1946). Admission is 5 EUR.

7. Hit Balos Beach

Balos Beach in the northwest corner of Crete offers a nice mix of white and pink sand, as well as a lagoon that is a warm place for a swim. It’s a peaceful place to hang out and soak up the sun, though it does get very crowded in the summer as it is one of the most popular beaches on Crete. You can get here by car (and then hike down to the beach), ferry (though it doesn’t leave a lot of time at the beach), or private boat. There are no places to buy food here so bring your own.

8. Take a wine tour

Crete is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Europe, with a history that dates back 4,000 years. There are some 30 wineries around the island and you can explore many of them as day trips from Chania or Heraklion. If you don’t have a car, there are several wine tours that leave from both cities, including Chania Wine Tours and Made in Crete (Heraklion). Both offer dedicated wine tours as well as wine and olive oil tours. Tours start from 85 EUR per person.

9. Wander Chrissi Island

Located 15 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of southeastern Crete, this Caribbean-looking island is a protected nature reserve with a unique cedar forest covering most of the island. Its deep blue waters and white sand beach make it a popular spot to spend the day, snorkeling, swimming, and lounging around. Ferries leave from the mainland in the morning and come back starting around 3pm in the afternoon. The island is completely uninhabited, meaning that there are no services, so bring everything you need (though you can buy food and drinks on the ferries if you need to). The round-trip ferry costs around 25 EUR.

10. Visit Plakias

Located 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Rethymno in the southern part of the island, this little town is popular with older tourists looking for a quiet time. I don’t really love the beach here (too rocky for me) but there are some phenomenal sunsets and a few nearby hikes that make it worth a visit. It’s a good base to visit nearby beaches (a boat taxi hops between a bunch of them).

11. Relax at Preveli Beach

Located close to Plakias, this beach is famous for its palm trees and swimmable river. It starts a few kilometers up and runs through a gorge before emptying out into the sea. Legend says the palm trees were brought here by pirates. It’s one of the nicer beaches and the river is super nice to swim in. You can sometimes hike through the gorge depending on trail and river conditions. Be sure to check beforehand. It’s a hugely popular day-trip destination so expect crowds.

12. Take a Cretan cooking class

Greek food is legendary, and after eating your way around the island, you might want to bring a taste of your trip home with you. By taking a cooking class, you can learn how to make uniquely Cretan dishes like dakos (a Cretan version of bruschetta), kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), and tsigariasto (a stewed meat dish). Vamos Village and Cretan Cooking Classes both offer a variety of classes starting at 75 EUR per person.

13. Visit a Cretan olive oil farm

Dive deep into the island’s olive oil tradition by visiting a farm and taking a tour to learn more about this iconic staple. The aptly named Cretan Olive Oil Farm and The Olive Farm in Chania both offer tours of the groves and production facilities, which also include tastings. Both farms also offer a variety of other classes and workshops, including wine tastings, cheese making, and other cooking classes. Tours start at 45 EUR.

  For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Crete Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, basic plots without electricity for one person start at 13.50 EUR per night in the summer and 11 EUR per night off-season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 25 EUR in any of the main cities during the summer. In the off-season, prices start around 20 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Crete. For a private room, expect to pay at least 40 EUR, while an entire home/apartment averages closer to 150 EUR per night (you can find them for half that if you book early though).

Food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

Crete also has its own unique dishes, such as snails in cracked wheat ( kohli bourbouristi ), slow-cooked pork with potatoes ( psitos ), Cretan dakos (Crete’s version of the Greek salad), and horta (wild greens).

Street food like gyros or souvlaki costs about 4.50 EUR each, or less. A hearty Greek salad also costs about 4.50 EUR, while a warm cheese pie (called kalitsounia ) is about 2 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 11 EUR.

If you stick mostly to traditional Greek dishes, you can eat very well on a budget in Crete. A plate of pork souvlaki is around 9 EUR while calamari is about 7.50 EUR. A hearty dish of moussaka starts at 7 EUR, while a platter of grilled chicken or beef costs between 8-11 EUR. A beer to go with it costs from 3.50 EUR.

At a higher-end restaurant, you can get an appetizer and a seafood or steak entree for about 25 EUR. Pasta dishes are about 16 EUR, while a vegetarian main starts from about 12 EUR. A glass of local wine is another 4.50 EUR.

If you’re cooking your own meals, expect to spend around 45-50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, veggies, eggs, cheese, and some meat.

Backpacking Crete Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Crete, expect to spend about 55 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a dorm, cooking some meals and eating some cheap fast food, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and mostly sticking to free activities like hanging out on the beach and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 115 EUR per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take the occasional taxi, drink more, and do some paid activities like visiting the Archeological Museum and Knossos.

On a “luxury” budget of 205 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, enjoy some drinks, get a scooter rental, take more taxis, and do all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Crete Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Crete, like the rest of Greece, is very budget-friendly. But if you’re looking to cut down your expenses even more, here are some of my favorite ways to save money in Crete:

• Use the Greek salad/bread rule – If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive. Use this rule to figure out how to eat at cheap restaurants.
• Travel in the off-season – Crete is one of the rare Greek islands that has a sizeable year-round tourist population, so hotels and attractions are almost always open (unlike places like Santorini and Mykonos). If you come during the shoulder season or off-season, you can find lower accommodation rates and tour prices while still getting the best of what the Greek islands have to offer.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can host you for your stay. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll get access to a local that can share their insider tips and information. Just be sure to send your requests early as there are not a lot of hosts here.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!

Where to Stay in Crete

Crete’s a big island and you’ll likely book a few different places if you’re planning on exploring the full extent of the island. These are my recommended places to stay while you’re here:

• Youth Hostel Plakias
• Rethymno Youth Hostel
• Cocoon City
• Intra Muros

How to Get Around Crete

Most buses cost between 4-10 EUR per trip. For example, a 90-minute trip from Heraklion to Rethymnon costs around 6 EUR, while a three-hour trip from Heraklion to Chania is about 10 EUR.

Boat Scooter Rental – If you want more flexibility in getting around, a scooter rental is the way to go. They cost as little as 14 EUR per day. There are lots of rental companies, but I recommend Greenways.

Bicycle – Daily rentals start from about 20 EUR per day for a mountain bike or road bike but decrease the longer you rent them for. Joyride is an excellent company to rent from, though since scooter rentals are cheaper you might as well get one of them instead!

Taxi – Taxis in Crete charge about 1.20 EUR per kilometer and have a 1.80 EUR starting charge. There is usually a surcharge to and from the airport. In short, skip the taxis if you can as they add up!

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental when booked in advance. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have had their license for at least one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Crete

Crete has lovely weather year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 12°C (61°F) in the coldest months and averaging 26°C (79°F) daily during the summer.

May to the end of September are the busiest tourist months, so if you want to avoid the crowds and inflated prices, come during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). October is a particularly nice time to visit, as the average daily temperature is still pleasant 21°C (69°F), and the crowds are virtually gone.

That said, it’s a big island so there are always places here during peak season without crowds if you don’t mind getting off the beaten path.

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete has a large year-round population. While some businesses are seasonal, you won’t have any problem finding a place to stay, and most museums and attractions are open all year.

How to Stay Safe on Crete

Crete is a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is rare and petty crime (like pick-pocketing) is your only real concern (and even that is uncommon). Keep your valuables close at tourist attractions and while on the beach and you should be fine.

If you’re driving, be extra cautious on Crete’s winding roads. Locals drivers can be erratic. Moreover, some of the roads are under-developed and there’s no real signage. Drive cautiously.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re going hiking, bring lots of water and always wear sunscreen and bring a hat too. It can get sweltering in the summer!

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Crete Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Crete Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Greece and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Your Guide to the Very Best Beaches in Greece to Visit This Summer

“Mythological” doesn’t even begin to to describe these eye-wateringly blue destinations.

For Misty Belles, an executive at luxury travel consortium Virtuoso , the Greek island with the best beaches is Santorini. “The volcanic rock provides a diversity in color and composition with red, white, and black shores,” she says. And for those seeking more than natural beauty, solitude, and stuffing their faces with taramasalata, some of the Greek islands, Belles reminds us, are well known for their Dionysian nightlife. Mykonos , anyone? But at the end of the iméra, whatever your vibe—or vice—at least one of these 15 Greek beaches will fulfill your needs.

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Sarakiniko is a surreal lunar landscape of white volcanic rock contrasting with the deep blue of the Aegean. It’s a solid 10 on the rugged-otherworldly-beauty-o-meter.

Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos

Tucked away on the tiny island of Antipaxos, Voutoumi does a number on your eyeballs with its crystalline waters and powdery white sand, surrounded by lush green cliffs. It’s almost too perfect.

Voidokilia Beach, Messinia

For the Before Midnight fans out there, this amphitheater-shaped beach is located in the heart of the Peloponnese. In addition to its aesthetic bona fides, the beach is said to be the home of Nestor’s Cave, the place where the deceitful god Hermes kept the cattle he stole from his half-brother Apollo.

Seychelles Beach, Ikaria

It turns out that the Seychelles are closer than Expedia might have you believe. Named after its resemblance to the shores of the East African archipelago, this rugged beach on the island of Ikaria is a good choice for those looking to stray from the beaten path.

Elafonissi Beach, Crete

We’ve seen a lot of white sand so far, but if pink is still your color after the Barbiecore craze beat it to death, then Elafonissi is for you. Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, the beach looks like it’s been super-soaked in Whispering Angel.

Plaka Beach, Naxos

On the western coast of Naxos, Plaka Beach is white sand and azure waters framed by rolling dunes and towering cliffs. It’s also a haven for nudists, so if you’re going for the full bronze statue look, Plaka awaits.

Paliorema Beach, Milos

Paliorema is more than the sum of its red cliffs and clear turquoise waters. In fact, the beach is home to the remnants of an abandoned 19th-century sulfur mine. Between sunbathing sessions, you can explore the ruins of the still-extant facilities.

Possidi Cape, Halkidiki

When the Aegean Sea gives you the finger, you should be happy. Possidi Cape in Halkidiki is a digit-shaped stretch of seemingly untouched coastline, perfect for beachgoers seeking just a little more solitude than usual.

Kolimvithra Beach, Tinos

Kolimvithra blends natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. Sun-stroked visitors can take a break to check out ancient ruins and traditional Tinos villages.

Astir Beach, Athens

Away from the urban din of Athens center lies Astir, a ritzy private beach club along the Athenian Riviera. Beyond the beach, the food offerings are righteous, and there are numerous historic sites nearby, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, just 50 minutes away by car.

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

Framed by towering limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat, Navagio, on the island of Zakynthos, is a flex. Getting there shows commitment, but once you’ve arrived, the social media content creates itself.

Apantima Beach, Antiparos

Apantima is synonymous with unspoiled beauty and cultural heft. It’s surrounded not just by rugged cliffs, but also by ancient ruins and charming villages steeped in tradition.

Platys Gialos Beach, Mykonos

The party starts and ends here. Platys Gialos on Mykonos epitomizes Greek island luxury. It’s the height of glam, perhaps why celebrities gravitate to it.

Balos Beach, Crete

Venturing to the northwestern coast of Crete gets you to the Balos, a beach endowed with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes. Nearby, there are historic sites aplenty, including the ancient city of Aptera, which features Minoan and Roman ruins, ancient walls, and a cistern.

Red Beach, Santorini

Better dead than red? Not in Santorini! Come for the dramatic crimson landscape of Red Beach, where its towering lava cliff frames a crescent of dark sand on the Aegean. LEARN MORE

Charles Curkin is ELLE Decor's Articles Editor, covering everything related to luxury watches, design, and travel, and has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Paris Review.

A Chic Person’s Guide to Shopping in Milan

The 11 Best Hotels in Milan to Book in 2024

The Best NYC Museums Where Kids Can Get in Free

20 Breathtaking Black Sand Beaches

12 Mind-Blowing Cave Hotels to Book Now

The Most Beautiful Walled Cities in Spain

The 35 Best Hotels in Paris

Are These Bucket List Trips Worth The Hype?

Here Are the Most Stunning Art Deco Buildings

21 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Paris

10 Cozy Hang-Outs for NYFW—and Beyond

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Greece - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Greece.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Greece.

If you decide to travel to Greece: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Greece.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months of remaining validity recommended.

One page per stamp.

10,000 euros or the equivalent.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy athens.

91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue 10160 Athens, Greece Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +30 210 729-4444 or +30 210 729-4301 Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki Plateia Commercial Center 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th floor 546 23 Thessaloniki Greece Telephone: +30-231-024-2905 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +30 210 729-4444 or +30 210 729-4301 Fax: +30 231-024-2927 Email:  [email protected] U.S. Embassy Athens provides all regular consular services including U.S. passports, notarials, and reports of birth and death abroad.

U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki provides notarial service. Embassy Athens consular staff periodically provide regular consular services in Thessaloniki. Please check the U.S. Embassy Athens website for information on the next scheduled visit. Visa services are provided at Embassy Athens only.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Embassy of Greece website for the most current visa information.

Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement; therefore, U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet .

• For entry into Greece, your passport should have at least six months of remaining validity . While Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond the intended date of your departure, if you are transiting a country that requires six months of validity, you may not be permitted to continue your trip. We recommend that you have at least six months of validity to avoid any travel disruptions.
• U.S. citizens traveling on a passport reported lost or stolen will not be permitted entry into Greece and may be returned to their original departure point. This decision is the purview of the Greek immigration authorities; the U.S. Embassy cannot intervene. Emergency passports are issued only at the Embassy in Athens. Staff members do not travel to the air, land, or sea ports of entry.
• You must arrive in country with proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or other evidence that you will depart Greece if asked. The sufficient funds requirement is often met with credit cards.
• U.S. official and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa prior to arrival. If you are traveling on a U.S. official or diplomatic passport, you will not be allowed to enter Greece without a visa.
• If traveling on official military orders , review the guidance in the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide .

If you are a U.S. citizen with a passport listing your place of birth as the Northern Republic of Macedonia, the Greek authorities will stamp your passport.

If you are a U.S. citizen with a passport listing your place of birth as Skopje or the Republic of Macedonia, your U.S. passport should be recognized as a valid travel document. However, be aware:

• Greek Immigration officers at ports of entry (land, air, and sea) will not place entry stamps in a passport listing the traveler’s place of birth as Macedonia or the Republic of Macedonia.
• You will be asked to complete a short form on which the entry stamp will be placed.
• Keep the form with your passport while you are in Greece and present it upon departure. If you lose the form, you must visit a police station and file a report before the Greek authorities will permit you to depart the country.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Greece.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs information on our website .

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. In the past year, there have been multiple terrorist attacks in Europe. Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets. In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Strikes and Demonstrations:

• Domestic strikes, demonstrations, and work stoppages are common throughout Greece and can become violent. Stay informed through local news, hotel security, the U.S. Embassy website , and the Consular Section’s Facebook page . Enroll in STEP to receive alerts sent by the Embassy.
• Transportation sector strikes interrupt traffic, public transportation, taxis, seaports, and airports. Confirm domestic and international flights before heading to the airport.
• Avoid all areas affected by the annual November 17 demonstrations, including the U.S. Embassy.
• Anarchists and criminals have used university campuses as refuges. Demonstrators frequently congregate in the Polytechnic University area, Exarchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in Athens; and at Aristotle Square, Aristotle University, and the Kamara area in Thessaloniki.
• Violent anarchist groups have joined public demonstrations to clash with police and vandalize public and private property.

Crime: Crimes against tourists, such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching , occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation, especially the metro. A common tactic is one person causes a commotion on the metro or pushes travelers to distract them while another person snatches the belongings. Thieves also seek out and break into rental cars to steal passports, valuables, and luggage. The Embassy has received reports of alcohol-induced attacks targeting individual tourists at some holiday resorts and bars.

Take the following precautions:

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave bags unattended, especially on the metro and the Athens Airport train or in your vehicle.
• Avoid standing near bus or train doors. Thieves often strike as the doors open then disappear into the crowd.
• Use alcohol in moderation and remain in control.
• Never leave drinks unattended in bars or clubs.
• Be discreet when discussing plans and organizing belongings upon arrival.
• Protect yourself and your money by using well-lit, public ATMs.
• Be aware of internet scams with online thieves posing as loved ones or romantic interests.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crime to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+30) 210-720-2414 or the Emergency after-hours telephone (+30) 210-729-4444 if you require assistance. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends, with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in certain cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home in certain cases of destitution
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tremors and earthquakes occur regularly.  Forest fires are common, especially during the dry summer months, and occasionally cause road closures. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the instructions of local authorities. Contact the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, which responds to emergencies, at 210-335-9900 for more information. Operators speak English. Monitor the U.S. Embassy Athens’ website and Consular Facebook page .

Tourism : The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities, such as Athens or Thessaloniki. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Possession of a U.S. passport will not prevent you from being arrested, prosecuted, or jailed.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Marijuana is illegal in Greece.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail.
• Photographing military installations is prohibited and may lead to arrest.
• Mace or pepper-spray canisters are illegal in Greece. Such items will be confiscated, and police may arrest or detain you.
• Carry your passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Police may detain you for questioning if you do not have proper identification with you.

Some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Greek Antiquities: Customs authorities strictly regulate the export of Greek antiquities, including rocks from archaeology sites. Do not remove anything, no matter how small, from archaeological or historical sites. Do not purchase protected antiquities and carry receipts for any purchases that may appear to be antiquities.

Military Service for Dual Nationals:

• Greek males between 19 and 45 are required to perform military service.
• If the Greek government considers you to be a Greek citizen, you may be required to fulfill this obligation whether or not you consider yourself Greek or possess a U.S. or third country’s passport.
• Authorities can prevent you from leaving Greece until you complete your military obligations . Contact the Greek embassy or nearest Greek consulate with questions.
• Generally, required military service will not affect your U.S. citizenship, but contact U.S. Embassy Athens if you have questions.

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Greece. LGBTI individuals in Greece are protected by anti-discrimination laws, and gender identity is among the grounds covered by laws against hate speech; however, non-governmental organizations report that social discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is widespread in Greece and violence against LGBTI individuals remains a problem.

See our LGBTI travel information page and section six of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While Greek law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or intellectual disabilities and local law requires access to buildings, sidewalks, and public transportation, application and enforcement of these laws is lacking.

• Handicapped parking spaces and sidewalk ramps are often occupied or blocked by parked vehicles.
• Sidewalks often are narrow with broken paving stones and large holes and obstructed by trees and street signs.
• Buildings with ramps might lack accessible elevators or bathrooms.
• A small percentage of public buildings (primarily in Athens) have full accessibility. Some buildings and intersections include accommodations for visually-impaired travelers.
• The Athens metro and Athens International Airport are fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
• Ask your hotel about accessibility before booking.

The Deputy Ombudsman for Social Welfare handles complaints related to persons with disabilities, especially those related to employment, social security, and transportation.

Students: See our students abroad page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

Most public medical facilities in Greece offer adequate care, although service quality and hospital appearance may differ from the United States. Some private hospitals have affiliations with U.S. facilities and provide high-quality care. Many doctors trained in the United States or elsewhere in Europe.

• Private hospitals usually require proof of adequate insurance or cash before admitting a patient. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Public hospitals often employ minimal nursing staff overnight and on weekends in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare is not accepted overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You may be required to pay upfront and seek reimbursement from your insurance company. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance before their trips to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Greek Embassy or consulate in the United States , the Customs office at Athens International Airport (+30 210-3542126) or the National Organization of Medicines ( [email protected] , www.eof.gr , +30 213-204-0000) to ensure the medication is legal in Greece. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Short-term Car Rentals: Greek law requires that visitors carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and an international driver’s permit (IDP), even if the rental company does not request to see your IDP. The Embassy does not issue IDPs. You must obtain your IDP in the United States from the American Automobile Association ( AAA ) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance ( AATA ). Contact AAA directly to inquire about their mail in option that will allow you to apply from overseas, but note that it will likely take days or weeks. If you drive without these documents, you may face high fines (1,000 Euros or more) or be responsible for all expenses in the event of an accident.

Road Conditions and Safety: Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union. Exercise extreme caution as both a driver and a pedestrian, and follow these tips:

• Drive defensively.
• Expect heavy traffic, obscured traffic signs, and vehicles traveling at high speeds.
• Driving at night in inclement weather and on mountain roads can be hazardous.
• Local law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet.
• Check for motorbikes between lanes and on either side of you.
• Do not rely on lane markings. On many two-lane highways, slower traffic will drive on the shoulder, and cars will pass straddling the center double-yellow line.
• Review your insurance coverage before renting. Most insurance companies require that you have both your valid U.S. license and an international driver’s permit (IDP) for coverage in Greece. Small motorbike and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rental firms frequently carry no insurance and require customers to cover the cost of all damages to their vehicles. Your insurance company may not cover two-wheel or ATV rentals.

Traffic Laws:

• Talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is illegal. The police check phone records when investigating accidents.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, and police conduct random alcohol testing.
• A Greek license is required if you stay more than 185 days in Greece. Contact the Regional Office of Transportation and Communications for more information.

See our road safety page for more information, including information on IDPs. Visit the Greek National Tourist Office website for more helpful tips.                                        

Public Transportation: Purchase and validate your ticket by touching it to the pad on the turnstile prior to boarding a bus or train. Inspectors randomly check for tickets. If you do not have a ticket, have the wrong ticket, or fail to validate your ticket, you could be fined up to 60 times the basic fare.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Greece’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Greece should monitor U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci , the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, https://homeport.uscg.mil , and the NGA broadcast warnings website https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal . Greece implemented a Recreational and Daily Tour Cruise Ships Fee on all private and professional leisure ships with a total length of over seven meters, regardless of flag, in Greek territorial waters. Mariners should consult https://www.aade.gr/polites/etepai for details.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Greece . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Greece island hopping: A guide to the best routes and how to explore Greek culture

Greece ’s wide scattering of differently sized, culturally distinct islands makes it a dream for a multi-stop trip. Come May and June , ferry services ramp up for summer, with hops between different islands taking as little as 20 minutes.

Some islands are vast and ripe for exploring, requiring a taxi, hire car or moped to get across their width. In others, you’ll simply find a bijou port and a forested interior, fringed by rocky or sandy coves you can stroll to. Wherever you go, you’ll find waterfront tavernas, petite churches, hushed beaches and sunkissed portside bars. Plus, there are Greek Isles hotels that will seriously make you want to linger.

But where to start? Greece’s ferry networks are complex, with different services available at different times of year; it’s best to use a journey planner such as Ferryhopper.com to check ahead for timings and operators. Services can run late, so leave plenty of time between your last ferry and your flight home – an easy (and stressful!) first-time mistake to make.

Read more on Greece travel :

• The ultimate Greece travel guide
• The perfect holiday destinations in Greece for every type of traveller
• The hotels in Rhodes

Best for first timers: The Argo-Saronics

Route: athens-poros-hydra-spetses.

Close to the capital of Athens and its port, Piraeus, these islands huddled around the Greek mainland are fab for a first go if you’re not sure island hopping is for you. Spend a few cultured nights in the capital, then hop on the ferry to nearby Poros, just over an hour away: here you’ll find a smart little red-roofed port topped with a clock tower and a handful of hotels and apartments. Dine by the waterfront, then go off in search of the emerald waters at Love Bay.

Just 35 minutes’ boat-ride from here is Hydra, a tiny but glamorous speck which has attracted artists, musicians and photographers since the Sixties. Bask in its romantic port and sunset bars, then walk the coast road to find secret pebble bays, or take a boat trip to its quietest corners.

Next up is Spetses, 40 minutes away – the mellow, car-free island where recent film The Lost Daughter was shot. Seek out its Cave of Bekiris, tiny whitewashed churches and one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece; then take the 2hr 50min catamaran all the way back to Piraeus for a flight out of Athens.

These undiscovered islands don’t get as much footfall as the Cyclades (below) so you can go in peak July and not feel too much of a crush. However, September is a delightful, quieter time to visit.

Where to stay

In Athens, historic Asomaton is walking distance from the sights.

On Poros, try the mellow Saga Hotel for a bougainvillea-draped pool.

On Hydra, guesthouse Hydra Icons has 360-degree views from its rooftop.

On Spetses, Niriides Guesthouse is a chic three-star with a family-run feel.

For classic looks: The Cyclades

Route: santorini-milos-sifnos-serifos-paros-mykonos.

There are two key ingredients for a successful island-hopping adventure: cheap and plentiful flights into and out of your start and end point, and plenty of ferry links in between. In the Cyclades, where the houses are tiny and whitewashed and the cliffs and bays dramatic and undeveloped, there are UK flights to both Mykonos and Santorini – so compare prices and consider flying into one and out of the other. You could start on Santorini for its jaw-dropping cliffside views, killer sunsets and upmarket dinners, taking the two-hour Seajets ferry on to Milos after two or three days.

Klima’s brightly painted fisherman’s houses are the top sight here, but head to lunar-like Sarakiniko Beach, too (this island is beach central) and take a boat to the Caves of Milos. Next up is Sifnos, 40 minutes away, where you’re spoilt for pretty whitewashed villages to potter around (don’t miss Chrissopigi Monastery); then to Serifos, 20 minutes on, an unspoiled spot with a particularly beautiful Chora, or port town. You’ve just got time for a stop on Paros (a 90-minute service that runs every few days) – which has a slightly more modern feel and a bit of nightlife – before a 40-minute boat on to Mykonos, for ample flights home.

Best time to go

These islands fill up during July and August, so go in early June or mid-September for the best combo of weather and quiet-ish landscapes.

On Santorini, the delightful Vasilicos guesthouse is family-run and tailored to you.

On Milos, Milos Summer Time is all cerulean-painted shutters and sea views; on Sifnos, the Sigma Residences are the trendy pad du jour.

On Serifos, the team at stylish Nostos Boutique Hotel will help you get out and explore

On Paros, affordable Ayeri Hotel is slightly out of the port crush.

On Mykonos, Marisso Hotel is a chilled overnight before a flight home.

For unspoiled nature: The Ionians

Route: lefkada-kefalonia-ithaca-kefalonia-zakynthos.

Substantially larger, with more towns and trails to dig into, these forested isles are some of the nearest to the UK. Flights into Preveza (connected to Lefkada island), Kefalonia and Zakynthos give you flexibility on route and order. We’d suggest flying into Preveza for the first few nights on Lefkada, staying in relaxed Nidri or Vasiliki for boat trips out to its mind-blowingly beautiful beaches. From Vasiliki you can take the West Ferry to Fiskardo on Kefalonia’s north coast (1hr 45m), then spend up to a week seeing undeveloped beaches, pine forests and gorgeous Venetian towns on this dazzling island.

Heading east to Sami port, take the 20-minute boat on to Ithaca, a petite, forgotten-feeling speck of gorgeous wild beaches, tiny port towns and chic guesthouses. From here, you could nip back to Kefalonia and fly home; or voyage 3hr 45m onward to Zakynthos, home to some of the Ionians’ most beautiful beaches. Take in its poster-child “Shipwreck Beach”, Navagio, snorkel with loggerhead turtles or take boats to vivid caves before flying home.

Ferries run between May and September, so go May to early June or September for the best chance of quieter bays and plenty of ferry seats.

On Lefkada, chilled out apartments like Santa Emelia cost from as little as £75 a night.

On Kefalonia, Anthi’s Beach Apartments fit in with the tranquil vibe of Fiskardo.

Further south on Kefalonia, southerly F Zeen is a fitness-focused splurge.

On Ithaca, Korina Gallery Hotel is near the restaurants and boats of Vathy harbour.

On Zakynthos, try the chic Tsamis Zante Suites.

Read more: The best hotels in Athens

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

• Travel News

The One International Destination Everyone Wants to Go to This Summer

New data from delta air lines shows a surprising european city is surging in popularity..

Published on 4/24/2024 at 11:29 AM

It will probably be no surprise for you to find out that this summer, the common answer to the question "where do you want to travel to?" is "outside the country." At least, that's what Delta Air Lines' latest data featuring its list of the most-searched summer travel destinations for 2024 revealed. But that's not all of it.

According to the data, while your evergreen and iconic tourist destinations unsurprisingly dominate the top of the list, one city that usually attracts more niche travelers is actually popping off with searches this year.

By taking into consideration data from US-based searches on the Delta website between November 2023 and March 2024 for summer travel this year, the study found that Athens, Greece is actually the international destination that witnessed the highest surge of interest compared to last year. On the list, the Greek city sits at the fourth position overall, but flaunts a 248% increase in searches when compared to 2023 data. To give you a sense of it, other cities in the top 10 noticed a decidedly more modest 150% search volume increase from last year.

Athens' tourism has been growing exponentially since after the pandemic, with last year's tourism numbers seeing almost an 80% increase compared to 2019 levels, according to French newspaper Le Monde . The city, in fact, already started worrying about the presence of too many tourists last summer. In an effort to curb overtourism, the city had to introduce time slots to visit the Acropolis , a city landmark that last year noticed a 70% increase in visits compared to 2022.

This is not to say that you shouldn't visit Athens, of course. If you do want to have the best experience, though, you might want to try and visit it outside of peak summer travel times, so ideally before May or after August.

If you're actively trying to stay away from large masses of tourists, take Delta's most-searched international destinations list into account, and use it as a handy tool to help you understand where to go (and possibly, where not to go) this summer. You can find it below:

1. London, England 2. Paris, France 3. Rome, Italy 4. Athens, Greece 5. Cancun, Mexico 6. Amsterdam, Netherlands 7. Tokyo, Japan 8. Dublin, Ireland 9. Barcelona, Spain 10. Vancouver, Canada

Looking for more travel tips?

Whether you need help sneaking weed onto a plane , finding an airport where you can sign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or making sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to when your flight is canceled , we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for up-to-date travel hacks and all the travel news you need to help you plan your next big adventure.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

Royal Couple Announces Divorce: "Thank You Very Much for Your Respect and Discretion."

Prince Nikolaos and Princess Tatiana of Greece shared news of their separation this week.

"Prince Nikolaos and Princess Tatiana, after fourteen years of living together, have decided to dissolve their marriage," the statement reads. "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. The same values ​​of respect and understanding will form the basis of their relationship in the future, a relationship of deep and sincere friendship."

They do not have any children together and plan to "continue to live and be active in Greece, the place they both feel at home."

The statement ended with: "Thank you very much for your respect and discretion."

The news comes just a few weeks after Nikolaos and Tatiana appeared together in the UK for a memorial event honoring Nikolaos's father, King Constantine, the last king of Greece, who passed away at the age of 82 in January 2023 after treatment in an intensive care unit.

Notably, Prince William unexpectedly missed a planned appearance at the service of thanksgiving for his godfather, with the Palace citing a personal matter as the reason. Even though a Palace aide added that Kate “ continues to be doing well ” following her abdominal surgery, William's absence only spurred on rumors regarding Kate's health, speculation which was only put to rest after she announced her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message.

As the digital director for Town & Country, Caroline Hallemann covers culture, entertainment, and a range of other subjects 

@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;}}

Who Received American Riviera Orchard Jam?

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

38 Royal Family Photos Taken By Kate Middleton

Prince Louis's Sweetest Moments

Meghan Markle Wears Trendy Disc Earrings

New Photo of Louis for His 6th Birthday

Statue of Queen Elizabeth is Complete With Corgis