If you’ve ever made a bucket-list of dreamy summer destinations, im sure that Greece made the cut. Afterall, who wouldnt want to spend days sipping on bubbly cocktails by the Agean Sea, gasping at UNESCO World Heritage sites, and catching picturesque sunsets? This island-filled country has also been a long requested destination by my newsletter readers. So, I did some research, consulted friends who have visited Greece in the past year and interviewed avid travellers to gather a detailed list that I hope will help you organize your first (and likely not your last) trip to Greece.
FAQS
Visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Greece. Be sure to check the visa requirements for your country before you travel.
Language: The official language of Greece is Greek, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Currency: The currency in Greece is the Euro. It is a good idea to exchange some money before you travel. ATMs are found in every town large enough to support a bank and in almost all the tourist areas. Be aware that ATMs on the islands can lose their connection for a day or two at a time, making it impossible for anyone (locals included) to withdraw money. It’s useful to keep some backup cash just in case this happens during your visit.
Transportation: Greece has a good transportation system, with buses, trains, and ferries connecting major cities and tourist areas. You can also rent a car if you prefer to have more flexibility in your travels. This is an especially good option for the less touristy islands. Avoid renting a car for Mykonos or Santorini as it is extremely crowded and difficult to find parking.
Ferries: You will inevitably use ferry rides to access some of the islands like Santornini, Mykonos and Crete. Consider ferry companies like Let’s Ferry and make sure to make a reservation with time in advance.
Always book lodging, ferry tickets and rental cars in advance during peak season. This is not a destination to leave planning to the last minute.
When to visit?
The best time to visit Greece depends on what you're looking to get out of your trip.
If you're looking to enjoy warm weather and spend time at the beach, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when temperatures average in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit.
Pro Tip:
Keep in mind that these are the high peak season months and that you will run into crowds. If you have to travel during this period, I recommend aiming for dates after August 20th to avoid the thick of the high season.
If you're more interested in exploring the country's rich history and culture, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are a good time to visit, as the weather is still warm and there are fewer tourists.
Where to go?
Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, many of which are popular tourist destinations. Some of the most famous islands include Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini. As a first timer to Greece, you won't be able to see the whole country in one go, therefore, the best tactic is to pick a few places and spend one or two days in each island depending on your timeline and travel style.
The most popular ones:
Athens: The capital city of Greece is home to many ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Pro Tip:
Athens is very historic and the main highlight is the ruins. If you are looking for a more scenic experience and don’t care much for ancient landmarks, I recommend going straight to the other popular islands.
Crete: The largest and most populous of the Greek islands, Crete is home to beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a rich history.
Activity recommendations:
For the nature lovers 🌳 🌻 🐦 : Hike the Samaria Gorge, a popular hiking destination in Crete.
For the foodies 🐟 🍲🍅 : Crete is known for its delicious food, including dishes such as dakos (a type of bread topped with tomatoes and feta cheese), moussaka (a baked eggplant and meat dish), and pastitsio (a baked pasta and meat dish). Restaurants you should add to your list include Peskesi, Pelagos, or Parasites.
Mykonos: Located in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages, and vibrant nightlife. Mykonos is the great glamour island of Greece and welcomes all who are ready to party extravagantly and are ready to pay the price for it. Mykonos is also used as the jumping-off point for the archaeological site of the nearby island of Delos.
Activity recommendations:
For the day party and music lovers 🕺 💿 🎶: Spend a day at Paradise Beach Club.
For the beach bums 🏝️ 🏖️ 👣 : Spend the day lounging at the less crowded Agios Sostis Beach.
Santorini: a popular tourist destination in Greece known for its stunning white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and beautiful sunsets. The island is also home to the caldera, a large volcanic crater that offers breathtaking views.
Pro Tip:
Of any destination in Europe, Santorini is the one place where splurging on a great hotel is money well spent. In many hotspots (Paris, London, Rome), travelers spend the majority of their days out and about. But in Santorini, with those incredible views, it’s common for people to spend a good chunk of their vacation lounging on their decks, jaw dropped, staring out into the caldera. (*Find a list of recommended hotels under the general tips section at the bottom of this article).
Other equally as beautiful ISLANDS:
Paros: a great destination to enjoy unbothered and much less crowded beaches including Golden Beach, Kolymbithres Beach, and Molos Beach.
Activity Recommendations:
For the foodies 🐟 🍲🍅 : Take a cooking class with a local and learn to make a 6 course meal.
For the romantics 😍 💛 🌅 : Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar with stunning views. Check out Bebop on the west side of Parikia village with an unobstructed view of the sun sinking into the sea from the rooftop terrace and balcony.
Delphi: Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was an important center of ancient Greek culture and was home to the Oracle of Delphi.
Pro Tip:
The main attraction of Delphi is the well-preserved ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo, which includes the Temple of Apollo, the theatre, the stadium and the treasuries. It is also the location of the famous inscriptions of the Delphic Maxims which are a collection of sayings and aphorisms offering advice for living. Book a tour in advance to take full advantage of your days on this island.
Meteora: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a group of monasteries built on top of towering rock formations.
Pro Tip:
There are various ways of seeing the monasteries. To mix things up a bit, I recommend reviewing the list of unique experiences on Airbnb that include e-bike tours and paragliding.
wHERE TO STAY
There is a wide range of accommodation options in Greece, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Your best accommodation option in Athens is Airbnb.
In Santorini, check out the Grace Hotel by Auberge for a 5-star experience, for a boutique hotel consider Aenaon Villas. If you are looking for a budget-friendly stay, check out Kavalari Hotel.
For Mykonos, consider Mykonos Blu for a Luxury Hotel experience, Panormos Village for a boutique hotel experience or Myconian Villa Collection for a family-friendly stay. For a more budget friendly option, consider Petinos Beach Hotel.
wHAT TO EAT
Greek cuisine is known for its Mediterranean flavors and ingredients such as olives, feta cheese, and lamb. Greek wine and ouzo (an anise-flavored aperitif) are also popular.
Other resources:
Youtube: How to plan your first trip to Greece by Stay Faboulous