Greece Travel Guide: The ultimate Greece vacation guide

Greece is the country we are proud to call our homeland. We consider ourselves lucky to live in a country rich in civilization, beautiful people, landscapes, flavors, and the blue Mediterranean Sea. Its historical monuments, as well as Greek Mythology, are the reasons worth visiting Greece. The history of this small country is so rich that it will impress you. In addition to the magnificent Acropolis, there are so many other ancient temples worth visiting.

Apart from the famous Greek islands and their wonderful beaches with clear turquoise waters, the mainland also offers equally incredible experiences. Rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and endless mountaineering and hiking trails waiting to be discovered. But wherever you stay in Greece, the only sure thing is that you will be filled with Greek hospitality. The locals are willing to help you with whatever you may need, but also to make you feel like a king or queen. Regarding traditional food, we have dedicated an entire section below!

All this, together with other elements we will analyze in our article below, makes Greece one of the world’s most famous destinations!

General information

• For information on travel documents and visa requirements for your nationality, visit iVisa.com.

• The voltage in Greece is 220 V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Socket types C, E, and F.

• The currency in Greece is the Euro (€). For the latest exchange rates, visit XE Currency Converter.

• It has several mobile phone companies, such as Vodafone, Cosmote, and Wind. You can buy a SIM card for data upon arrival at the airport. If you travel often, we recommend purchasing an affordable eSIM from Airalo for global internet access in over 200 countries.

• Greece is the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula.

• It has 11 locations in countries with the longest coastlines, at 13,676 km. The number of islands is estimated at 2,500, with 165 to 266 of them habitable.

• The capital of the country is Athens. Other important cities are Thessaloniki, Patra, and Nafplio.

• Greek is the official language, and the majority of the population also speaks English.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend travel insurance for any vacation to Greece, especially if island-hopping, where ferries can be delayed or canceled due to weather. Compare options on our Travel Insurance page.

Budget

Those who visit Greece usually choose to stay in Athens or on an island. But beyond the famous islands of the country, there are just as many unique locations on the mainland that stand out. In each place, the accommodation options are sufficient and can accommodate all budgets. There may also be price fluctuations depending on the season of your visit. Here are some typical examples:

Low budget: For those who are interested in a cheap room and do not care about room space. There are many options in every part of the country. A typical room in Athens can start from 20 € and can reach up to 70 €. The same prices apply to rooms in other locations such as Santorini, Crete, or Meteora. They usually consist of dormitories with mixed rooms and a shared bathroom, as well as rooms with private bathrooms and additional amenities. Wi-Fi is free, and the hotel is close to the main points of interest in your destination.

Find budget hostels in Athens on Hostelworld

Mid-budget: For rooms with a private bathroom and within walking distance of tourist attractions, prices start from 80 € to 150 € per night. Mid-range hotels also have private rooms or small suites, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. In most cases, a free breakfast is included in the price, and other free amenities are available.

High-budget: In the third part of accommodation, we offer luxurious experiences for those seeking special attention and pampering during their stay. In this case, the rooms start from 160 € and obviously exceed 800 € per night. These hotels are located in the center of the area, and they have gyms, spas, swimming pools, and everything else you need to make your stay unforgettable.

Book your Athens airport transfer with Welcome Pickups

Traditional Food

Souvlaki: The most famous traditional dish of Greece, and you can find it everywhere. It consists of pieces of cooked meat, such as pork, beef, and chicken, on a stick. It is usually accompanied by baked pitta bread, tzatziki or other sauces, and French fries.

Tzatziki: One of the most popular accompaniments in Greece. It is a yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill. Chances are, you have tried it in another country, as it is widespread worldwide, but it does not compare to what is served in Greece!

Greek salad: The most beloved Greek food! It is simple, fresh, and available in every corner of the country. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, oregano, and olive oil are the ingredients of this favorite salad. Another dish that you may have tried in another country, but the fresh ingredients of Greece are unique!

Spanakopitta: Pie with spinach, feta cheese, onion, and egg. The filling is wrapped in foil (filo pastry). It is a delicious dish at any hour of the day, as a snack or an accompaniment.

Moussaka: The traditional moussaka recipe consists of layers of stir-fried eggplants and potatoes at the base, minced meat, and on top, béchamel and grated cheese. You can also find it without potatoes or the vegetarian version without minced meat. A dish worth trying for those of you in Greece. It is undoubtedly a dish anyone in Greece should try, as it is considered one of the country’s first and most famous traditional dishes and is very tasty.

Pastitsio: Some consider it a variation of moussaka. However, it is a separate dish, with thick spaghetti in the first layer, minced meat, and béchamel on top. Another adored dish all over the country.

Kalamari: Fried squid served in traditional taverns as an appetizer. It is usually accompanied by lemon and French fries, or horta (boiled greens of the day).

Gemista: Stuffed vegetables, mainly tomatoes and peppers, with rice and spices. As a variation, many families fill the vegetables with minced meat as well. There are many different recipes for stuffing, and different spices and herbs are used to add unique flavors.

Dolmadakia: This delicious dish consists of stuffed grape leaves filled with minced meat and rice. They are usually served as an appetizer.

Fresh fish: In any fish tavern, you will try the freshest and tastiest fish! Fish from the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea are tastier due to the salt content of the seas and are usually served whole, grilled, sprinkled with lemon, oil, and oregano. Smaller fish, such as anchovies, “marides”, and sardines, are also tastier and are served fried.

Browse top tours and activities across Greece on Viator

Transportation

Getting to Greece — Flights

Most international visitors fly into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) or directly to island airports such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete (Heraklion or Chania), Corfu, Rhodes, or Zakynthos, especially during summer when direct flights from Europe and the US are plentiful.

For the best flight prices to Greece, we recommend comparing prices on Skyscanner and setting up price alerts for your dates to get the best deals.

Plane: There are several airports in Greece for domestic flights. Athens is home to the most famous airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). Busy airports are located in Thessaloniki and on large islands, such as Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, and Zakynthos. It is the fastest mode of transportation, but also the most expensive among those we will list below.

Ferry Boat: The most enjoyable way to travel for us. With the ferry boat, you can travel by sea and enjoy the Greek seas and the wonderful air. Your trip will be accompanied by seagulls, and maybe you will even spot dolphins, diving in and out of the waves. Many companies serve different itineraries. The main port of Athens is Piraeus, which connects you directly to the country’s most famous islands.

Find and book Greek island ferry routes on Ferryscanner

Buses: Within the big cities, some buses cover quite long distances and routes that will take you to the place you want. Also, for those who wish to travel, KTEL operates long-distance routes. Ticket prices vary depending on the route. It is one of the most economical ways to travel in the country.

Metro: In Athens, the capital of the country, the metro operates for the fastest underground transportation. The ticket per route costs € 1.20. This is a modern construction in Athens, where the itineraries are frequent, and the wagons are clean and modern. Also, there is a service to and from the airport for 9€ per route.

Taxi: They exist in every city in Greece and are used for transportation within cities and between them. What is special about taxis is that each city has its own taxi color. For example, in Athens they are yellow, and in Thessaloniki they are grey. The minimum charge per route is about €3.

Private vans: The most private and deluxe transport in Greece. Several companies provide private vans for VIP travel, private tours, and excursions. Seats are available for 1-8 people in the Mini Van and up to 20 people in the Mini Bus. It may be more expensive, but it is a way to travel with more comfort

Rent a car and motorbike: The easiest way to get around Greece the way you want. Without programs and specific itineraries, you can literally do what suits you. You can enjoy both the cities and the rural part of the country and nature by making as many stops as you want, or choose the activities that suit you best.

Compare car rental prices across Greece on Discovercars

What to do in Greece

Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the most ancient cities and is full of treasures. Anyone in Athens will definitely visit the Acropolis, one of the most important attractions of any civilization, and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Along with the tour of the Acropolis, many choose to visit the modern Acropolis Museum and then walk through the narrow streets of picturesque Plaka, situated at the foot of the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. We suggest you climb to the highest point of Athens, the hill of Lycabettus, where you will enjoy the view of the city.

At a very close distance from Athens, along the coastal road, on the cape of Sounio, is the Temple of Poseidon. This marble temple was built by the ancient Athenians to honor Poseidon and to guide sailors safely home. It would be better to visit the Temple of Poseidon in the afternoon to catch the beautiful sunset, with the sun falling on the sea and offering you a spectacular view.

Book your Athens tours and activities on GetYourGuide

Greek Islands

The Greek islands are the country’s main tourist destination and the most well-known worldwide. As we mentioned in the General Information, there are 165 to 266 inhabited islands in Greece, and it is difficult to describe them all in detail. However, we will try to categorize them into island groups.

Cyclades: The Cyclades are located in southern Greece, between Athens and Crete. They consist of 39 islands, 24 of which are inhabited. The main features of this group of islands are their white-washed houses and churches with blue windows and doors. Their narrow, paved alleys offer the quintessential Greek landscape, straight from a postcard.

Santorini is definitely the most famous island in the Cyclades, primarily a destination for honeymooning couples. The most famous and most photographed places are Thira, perched high above the cliffs and offering the island’s spectacular landscape, and Oia. It’s the most beautiful place to enjoy the sunset. One can also take a boat to the opposite volcanic crater, which is no longer active and was responsible for much of the island’s sinking. Some say this was the “lost Atlantis.”

The next famous island is Mykonos. It is famous for its cosmopolitan parties from morning to night, featuring the world’s best DJs. The most famous beaches are Psarrou and Super Paradise, an ideal island for holidays with your friends. The next well-known islands of the Cyclades are Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Milos, Kythnos, etc. Each of them will offer you unique experiences and enchanting landscapes. Ios was also the birthplace of Homer.

Dodecanese: The Dodecanese islands are located southeast of the Cyclades, between the Cyclades and the coast of Turkey. With a different style from the Cyclades, these Greek islands stand out for their medieval architecture and their quiet beaches. The most popular islands are Rhodes and Kos, while Karpathos, Astypalea, and Symi have also become famous in recent years.

Ionian Islands: The islands of the Ionian Sea lie west of Greece and are beautiful, with stunning natural landscapes and lush vegetation. Their main features are the enchanting beaches with crystal clear waters, the imposing Venetian architecture, and the stone paths. Zakynthos, with its amazing beaches, such as Shipwreck Beach, and its intense nightlife, and Corfu, with its aristocratic atmosphere and golden-sand beaches, will amaze you!

In Lefkada, you will find beaches with golden and silver sand, which you can reach by boat. In Paxos, you will find a combination of white beaches, picturesque ports, and a peaceful atmosphere. In Kefalonia, you will discover one of the world’s most famous beaches, with crystal-clear waters, wonderful green landscapes, and the magical lake of Melissani, which is located inside a cave and invites you to take a romantic boat trip. Ithaca, the island of Odysseus, has the most hospitable inhabitants and is the ideal island for quiet and relaxing holidays. There are also quite a few seals in the clean waters, and they even come to rest on the quiet beaches occasionally.

Sporades: The islands of the northern Aegean, which have a trademark of beautiful pine-covered beaches. These islands are Skiathos, the most cosmopolitan; the quietest, Skopelos; Alonissos, with its beautiful beaches and the monk seal’s sea parks; and Skyros, for its rare beauty. The Deep Blue was filmed years ago in Alonissos, and Mamma Mia was filmed in Skopelos. On top of the small island of Skyros is the grave of the poet Rupert Brooke, who died there during World War I.

Argosaronikos Islands: At a very short distance from Athens, the Argosaronikos islands have a frequent and daily connection with the port of Piraeus. The nearest island is Aegina, which attracts many visitors even for a day. Poros is a picturesque and quiet island with wonderful beaches. Hydra is unique in that vehicles are prohibited, making it the ideal destination for escaping the city’s stress. The only way you can travel on Hydra is on foot or by horse or donkey, as the entire island is full of stone steps or wild, mountainous terrain. The entire island and its architecture are under the auspices of the Ministry of Civilization. Finally, Spetses will win you over with its neoclassical buildings, green hills, tall pines, beautiful beaches, and cosmopolitan alleys.

Crete: We left the largest island of Greece last, as we consider it to be a separate category in itself. It offers stunning beaches for relaxation, as well as imposing mountain peaks and gorges to discover. It is also known for its rich history, particularly at Knossos and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, where you will learn about the Minoan Civilization. In Heraklion, you may also visit the grave of Kazantzakis, a world-renowned Greek writer.

For nature lovers, the Samaria Gorge is ideal, with a beautiful route that ends at the sea. Regarding the beaches, the most famous that are worth discovering are Vai, Balos, Elafonissi, Falasarna, Agiofarago, Chrissi, and many more. Elafonissi is located in the southwestern tip of Crete, with incredible pink waters and turquoise sand, which, unfortunately, many tourists have not respected. Finally, do not miss the opportunity to experience the feast and fun of the Cretans, either at a traditional wedding or at a festival!

Meteora

One of the most impressive landscapes in Greece is located northwest of the Thessalian plain, in the city of Kalampaka. The imposing rocks of Meteora were formed many centuries ago and exceed 600 meters in height. Many years ago, monks found refuge on these rocks and founded one of the most important monastic communities in Greece. Today, there are 8 Holy Monasteries, of which 6 are in operation, 4 for men and 2 for women. What impresses the visitor, however, is how the Monasteries’ buildings were built so high and how they transport their food and supplies from one to the other in baskets.

Meteora is a top travel destination in Greece, due to the impressive Paleolithic rocks with their steep peaks and the Byzantine monasteries with their rare frescoes and relics. Meteora has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, the wider area of Antichasia is part of the European ecological network NATURA 2000, as it contains rare flora and fauna. Some activities include visiting the Holy Monasteries (especially in the morning, when they are open to the public), hiking the Meteora trail along the rocks, and enjoying panoramic views from various points atop the rocks. We suggest you not miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the most magical sunsets in Greece, as the sun casts shades of orange and pink across the rocks.

Book your Meteora tours and monastery visits on GetYourGuide

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and one of its co-capitals. The “Bride of Thermaikos” combines a rich multicultural history, hospitable locals, and, especially, the city’s intense yet relaxed vibes. The first and main attraction is the White Tower, which is open to the public today, offering visitors an amazing panoramic view from the top.

Very important museums worth visiting include the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, which showcases our Macedonian culture from prehistoric times to later history, especially the legacy of Alexander the Great and his vast empire. Furthermore, the Museum of Byzantine Culture presents a complete picture of the Byzantine Empire, which lasted for eleven centuries. The city’s nightlife is centered in Ladadika, where, among the neoclassical buildings, you will find cafes, traditional taverns, bars, and clubs. We also suggest you experience the rhythms of Thessaloniki on your walk along Nea Paralia, where the shops and green-themed gardens create a unique setting.

Halkidiki

A few kilometers from Thessaloniki is Halkidiki, with the three peninsulas, or the “feet,” as the locals call them: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. Halkidiki combines blue and green for all tastes. First of all, the most famous and special beaches that are worth discovering are Poseidi, Kavourotripes, Mikro and Megalo Karydi, Kalogria, Kriopigi, Agios Mammas, and Sani. On the beaches, you have many options for water activities, to discover many hidden coves with a boat, but also to camp.

Beyond the beaches, for mountain lovers, Halkidiki has many mountainous areas to discover. The whole peninsula is covered with pines, oaks, firs, and chestnuts, and there are many walking routes to enjoy. Mount Athos is a peninsula dedicated to monasteries and incredible biodiversity.

Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia, or “valley of the gods,” is one of the most prestigious landmarks in the world, as it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeological Site of Olympia, and walk amongst the ancient monuments which the Ancient Greeks used as places of worship, sports, and conferences. For those at the Archaeological Site, we also recommend the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which houses the most important ancient finds, including the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, the Victory of the Peony Nike, and the sculptural decoration of the Temple of Zeus.

Also, do not miss the opportunity to discover the natural landscape of the Alpheus River and dive into the natural ponds formed by the waterfalls of Neda. For fans of outdoor activities, this natural landscape offers many options, including hiking, cycling, rafting, kayaking, and kitesurfing.

Delphi

One of the most important archeological sites in Greece, where the ancient oracle of Pythia and the Temple of Apollo are located. Delphi for the Ancient Greeks was a religious and spiritual center. Today, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the importance of its unique archaeological and historical findings, as well as its natural landscape at the foot of Mount Parnassos. It is also worth visiting the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. There, you will have the opportunity to admire masterpieces of the ancient world up close.

Book your tour for Delphi on GetYourGuide.

Mount Olympus

Olympus is a mythical mountain in Greek mythology, believed to be where the 12 gods lived. With the highest peak in Greece, Mytika, and its beautiful natural landscapes, it attracts lovers of hiking and nature. Find more information on Olympus hiking.

Zagorochoria

One of Greece’s favorite mountain destinations, Zagorochoria offers picturesque landscapes and traditional villages. They are located in Northern Greece, 15 km from the city of Ioannina, the 5th largest city in Greece. A landmark of Zagori is the gorge of Vikos, not only for the Guinness World Record due to its morphology, but also because it is one of the most important ecosystems in Greece, with rare flora and fauna.

Packing Tips

Greece is a holiday destination year-round. It is known for its warm climate with temperatures ranging from 10 to 40 degrees Celsius. It has the classic Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Some of the basic items you should have with you are:

Summer light clothes: For both women and men, we recommend comfortable, airy clothing due to the high temperatures. With these, you will avoid the unpleasant effects of humidity, making it easier to enjoy your tours.

Hat and sunscreen: The absolute must-have for Greece! Most of the day, you will be exposed to the sun, so you need to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. You should have them with you, whether you are relaxing on a beach or taking a walk in the central parts of the country. With these, you will take the appropriate precautions to avoid burns and other annoyances that can ruin your vacation.

Swimwear: An integral part of your summer vacation, especially when you are visiting an island! And because one is not enough, take a lot with you! Many tourists walk around in their swimsuits even in the city center during the day.

Cardigan: The temperature may be quite high during the day, but in some areas in the evening it drops, so a cardigan or light jacket is needed.

Best time to visit Greece

Greece is a year-round destination, but the experience varies significantly by season:

April–June (Best overall): Warm weather, fewer crowds, lower prices. Perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and beach time. Wildflowers everywhere.

July–August (Peak season): Hot, very crowded, highest prices, especially on the islands. Book everything well in advance. Santorini and Mykonos are extremely busy.

September–October (Second best): Sea still warm, crowds thin out, prices drop. Arguably, the best time for island hopping.

November–March (Off-season): Many island businesses close. Athens and mainland destinations remain open and offer the best prices. Ideal for cultural tourism.

💡 Our personal recommendation as locals: May and early October are the sweet spots, with perfect weather, manageable crowds, and a chance to feel the authentic rhythm of Greece rather than the tourist rush.

Useful words

Frequently Asked Questions for a Greece vacation