Greece travel guide

Explore Athens

Journey around the Greek capital of Athens and see iconic monuments such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens and Mount Lycabettus.

Take in the Views at Santorini

Santorini is an island known for incredible sunsets and luxurious accommodation. But it’s more than just that, with quaint villages filled with boutique cafes and restaurants, the island is a travellers’ paradise.

Climb the Steps to Meteora

This UNESCO World Heritage Site nestles on the top of a pillar-like mountain. Climb the 140 steps to the very top to the monastery and you’ll be greeted with dream-like views.

Go Sailing Through the Greek Seas

With 227 islands to explore in Greece, it’s no wonder people can get overwhelmed. However, this is where a sailing tour of the Greek isles comes in handy, as you can explore Rhodes, Santorini, Milos, Paros, and much more.

Read Next: Island Hopping in Greece

Scale Mount Olympus

At 2,916 metres in the sky, Mount Olympus provides unforgettable views of the rolling Greek foothills. This outdoor experience will make you fall in love with Greece.

Party it Up in Mykonos

Visit the island that never sleeps and experience some of the best nightlife in Greece. Enjoy some extravagant parties you won’t forget anytime soon at the best beach clubs in Mykonos.

Explore the Iconic Shipwreck Beach

With towering sandstone cliffs encapsulating a soft white-sand beach, it’s no wonder the exclusive Shipwreck Beach is so famous.

Explore Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea, so you can imagine there are plenty of wonderful things to see on the island. From the small town of Fiskardo to the breathtaking Drogarati Caves, there is plenty for you to explore.

Enjoy the Pretty Cafes in Corfu

Aside from its mesmerising blue caves, Corfu has lovely cafes that offer beautiful views of beaches such as Paleokastritsa.

Admire the Cycladic Architecture

Greece is well known for its Cycladic architecture – whitewashed adobe with rounded corners and flat roofs. You can experience this iconic style everywhere, from hotels to beautiful churches across the country.

Explore Mainland Greece

Athens – Corinth – Sparta – Monemvasia – Olympia – Delphi – Kastoria – Thessaloniki – Mount Olympus – Volos – Athens 

Go Island Hopping Through Greece

Mykonos – Paros – Santorini – Milos  – ferry to Athens –Zakynthos- Kefalonia  – Lefkada – Corfu – Paxos

Enjoy a bike ride around Lake Pamvotida in the Turkish-style town of Ioannina. You can admire the remnants of Ottoman mosques throughout the town.

If you are in Greece during winter, visit Mount Timfristos, also known as the ‘Switzerland of Greece’. Get cosy in log cabins and ski down the lovely slopes of this mountain paradise.

Dishes to try

Bougatsa – Start your day right with light phyllo pastry stuffed with creamy custard and a sprinkling of icing sugar and cinnamon.

Moussaka – A classic Greek dish, Moussaka is layers of beef mince, soft potatoes, decadent béchamel, and tender eggplant.

Dolmadakia Yalantzi – A unique Greek delicacy, these appetisers consist of fragrant rice wrapped with tender grape leaves straight from the local vineyards.

Greek Olives and Feta – You can’t say you’ve been to Greece without trying the local olives and feta. They are to die for!

Drinks to try

Ouzo – With hints of aniseed, this classic Greek beverage is best with rich dishes and is a lovely palette cleanser.

Raki – Made from local grapes, Raki is a crystal clear drink that packs one hell of a punch. You can drink it straight or have it warm with honey and cinnamon.

Travel costs and budgeting depend on when you plan your Greece trip, guide books will often tell you that travelling in the shoulder seasons is the best time to get the best value for money.

You can also save money with items such as the Athens Pass, which allows you to see all the major attractions in the city without paying for the destinations individually.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range $81-120 / £60-105
  • Luxury $120-$800 / £105-650
• Food – $20-60 / £15-50
• Public Transport $3-5 / £2.50-£4 but ferries are expensive 
• Attractions – $5-20 £4-15

Safety

In general, Greece is a safe country. You’re unlikely to encounter any crime or violence, but stay vigilant – particularly at night, as petty theft in the streets can happen.

Health

Greece is a relatively safe region to travel to, but there is a very small chance of contracting West Nile Virus. You can take preventative measures with mosquito repellent. 

Tipping

While tipping in Greece isn’t mandatory, a tip between 10% and 15% of the bill is the norm for great service.

Tips for travelling

• Try to carry money wherever you go, as Greece still uses physical cash regularly.
• Pack according to the season, as winters can get cool while summers are scorching.
• Plan well in advance as transportation and accommodation are scarce in the peak tourist season. 

How to see the best for free

While Greece is a major tourist destination, you don’t have to spend your entire savings to have fun.

Some of Greece’s best beaches, like Myrtos, are free to visit. In fact, you’ll rarely need to pay to access a beach (although you will need to shell out if you want to get a lounger).

Free walking tours are perfect for exploring Greece’s towns without dipping into your pockets. And, most of the country’s hiking trails are free, so you can explore the Greek wilderness at your own speed.

Packing

• Your Greece packing list should contain high SPF sunscreen first and foremost. 
• Clothing-wise, Greece is very casual, so packing light and airy clothes will help you fit in with the locals. 
• I recommend getting a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun. 

Read my ultimate Greece packing list for a more detailed dive into the nitty gritty bits of preparing for your Greece trip.

Travel insurance

When visiting any part of the world, travel insurance is a must. From theft to accidental injuries, travel insurance will always have you covered and should be one of the first things you look for when planning a trip.

Suggested guidebooks

The best Greece travel guide book is Fodor’s Essential Greece or the Lonely Planet Greece travel guide. Both are available in paperback or as an e-book.

Interesting facts

• You can add 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to your travel guide to Greece.
• Athens has more theatres than any other city in the world.
• Greece sees roughly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year.
• Greece is the country with the most archaeological sites in the world.

Handy phrases

Although English is not uncommon in Greece, the primary language is Greek. So you must learn some key phrases, especially if you intend to visit the more remote parts of the country.

Efcharistó – Thank you

Chariete – Hello

Naí – Yes

Ochi – No

Neró – Water

Sas parakaloúme – Please

Póso kostízei aftó? – How much is this?

Time zone

Greece uses the Eastern European Summer Time (GMT+3).

Electricity and adapters

Greece operates on a 230V supply voltage and uses plug types F and C. To prevent any charging hassles, bring along a handy universal electrical adapter.