Greece holidays

Few countries have as much history as Greece. From its archaeological sites like the Acropolis and Mount Olympus to its electric blue coastline and whitewashed villages, holidays to Greece promise a symphony for the senses. Whether you come for the ancient ruins, the nature, the food or the laid-back island lifestyle, get ready to be rocked by the cradle of Western civilisation.

Top destinations in Greece

Zakynthos

Sunbathe, cruise the Ionian Sea and snorkel with sea turtles during holidays to Zakynthos. Then explore the wineries and lush valleys of this paradise Greek island.

Rhodes

Welcome to Rhodes, Greece’s fourth-largest island, where archaeological wonders, crystalline water and juicy olives are the order of the day.

Skiathos

The tiny island of Skiathos became the star of the show when Hollywood came to town. Come explore its sandy shores, forest-clad hills and sun-bleached cliffs.

Athens

Visit Athens and discover an ancient city that’s surprisingly young at heart. The Greek capital gets the balance between ancient marvels and modernity just right.

Naxos

Laid-back nightlife and an exploding food scene find a home among the glorious beaches, traditional culture and ancient history in Naxos. Come see how island life was meant to be lived.

Paros

Blue-domed churches, cobblestone streets and a thriving taverna scene are the backdrop of this enchanting Greek island. Strike a pose: Paros is ready for its moment.

Corfu

With its forested landscape, Greece’s ‘Emerald Island’ stands out among its neighbours. But there’s still enough sparkling coastline and fascinating history here to keep you busy for weeks.

Chania

Cobbled alleys, Turkish architecture and sandy beaches where you can lose a day staring out at the calm, blue sea — is there a better city in the Greek Islands?

Crete

Greece’s largest island brims with sparkling beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Go beyond the coast to explore its fascinating archaeological sites, history museums and secret caves.

Greece: fast facts

Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

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Greece holiday highlights

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Ancient history

Athens’ archaeological sites like the Acropolis and the Roman Agora are some of the best things to see in Greece. But there are dozens more ancient wonders beyond the capital. Visit the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Archaeological Site of Olympia in the Peloponnese. For fewer crowds, check out the ruins of the ancient city of Karthaia, located on the island of Kea.

Idyllic islands

Take your pick of more than 160 inhabited islands, from the more remote Hydra and Symi to the white-domed houses and lively nightlife of Santorini and Mykonos. Movie fan? Soak up the romance of Kefalonia, the island backdrop for the film adaptation of the book ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’. Or have the time of your life on Skopelos and Skiathos, featured in the movie ‘Mamma Mia’.

Greek wine

Greece’s winemaking tradition dates back thousands of years and is still going strong. Crete is one of the country’s oldest wine regions, with dozens of vineyards to visit. And Santorini’s volcanic soil and gusty winds yield some of the country’s most distinctive grapes. Big on Greek mythology? Taste your way through the wine region of Thrace, said to be the birthplace of Dionysus, the god of wine.

Things to do in Greece

Kastrákion

Top attractions

The mighty Acropolis rises above Athens and can’t be missed. Soak in the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, standing proudly at its summit. Follow the Sacred Way through the Sanctuary of Apollo on Delphi, where an oracle once delivered prophecies from the god himself. Pink-sand Elafonissi Beach on Crete is often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Beaches

Home to the Mediterranean’s longest coastline and hundreds of islands, Greece offers some of Europe’s most popular beach getaways. Navagio Beach, on the island of Zakynthos, is famed for its shipwreck. And Kefalonia’s Myrtos Beach draws crowds with its incredible blue waters. If water sports are your thing, dive among Santorini’s underwater lava formations or spot sea life while snorkelling around Skinaria on Crete.

Nature

Greece isn’t just rich in ancient treasures — it’s packed with natural wonders too. Spot pelicans flying over Byzantine churches around the Prespa Lakes and eagles soaring above the Vikos Gorge in Zagori, Greece’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Explore the Blue Caves of Zakynthos or get an eyeful of seals, dolphins and turtles in Alonissos National Marine Park.

Culture and museums

Greece has no shortage of cultural treasures. The New Acropolis Museum in Athens is one of the most important museums in Greece, home to artefacts found at the Acropolis. For more ancient wonders, look no further than the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki or the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Craving something different? Try the Eggares Olive Oil Museum on the island of Naxos.

Cuisine

Greece is famous for its fresh Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll feast on ‘moussaka’ (layered eggplant and meat casserole) and ‘souvlaki’ (grilled, skewered meat) at traditional tavernas. Tuck into grilled octopus and ‘psarosoupa’ (fish soup) at island restaurants in Greece. Need a cheap bite? Try street food like ‘gyros’ (meat and salad in pita) and ‘spanakopita’ (spinach and feta pie).

Family friendly

Kids and adults alike will love climbing aboard the ‘trainaki’ (tourist train) to explore Zakynthos’ scenic coast and countryside. A glass-bottom boat tour of Santorini’s volcanic caldera is a fun way to discover the mysteries of the Aegean. And in Athens, the Kids Corner at the Acropolis Museum brings Greek history and mythology to life through games and crafts.

Find the best time to visit Greece

Weather in Greece

March – May: After a rainy winter, spring brings wildflowers and sunshine. With fewer crowds than summer, it’s one of the best times to visit Greece’s ancient ruins. The Aegean stays chilly throughout the season.

June – August: Summer is sunny and hot, often creeping above 32°C. By August, the sea can reach a balmy 28°C. Northerly winds around the islands mean welcome sea breezes.

September – November: Summery weather continues until late September. October brings cool evenings and rain showers.

December – February: Winter is relatively mild on the coast and islands, with periods of wind and rain. Temperatures drop in the northern regions, and cities like Thessaloniki even see some snow.

Events in Greece

Apokries (January to March): Apokries, the Greek Carnival season, is celebrated all over the country, but no place does it better than Patras. Festivities peak in March with a grand parade, complete with floats, masked performers and thousands of marchers.

Athens and Epidaurus Festival (July): This popular arts festival hosts cutting-edge performances in the same open-air theatres that once showed plays from Ancient Greek dramatists like Sophocles.

Fistiki Fest (September): The humble yet delicious pistachio is the star of the show at this food festival. The island of Aegina celebrates its famous crop with music, art and delicious pistachio treats.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

When visiting a Greek Orthodox church or monastery, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Some sites offer shawls or wraps if needed. Wine and spirits like ouzo are an important part of Greek dining culture, but always enjoy them with food. Drinking to excess, especially without a meal, is considered impolite.

Health and safety

If you’re swimming or snorkelling, stay alert for jellyfish. Especially the mauve stinger, which is common here and can leave painful blisters. Obey all flags and warning signs on beaches. There is a risk of wildfires from April to October. Local organisations provide up-to-date monitoring of fire danger and other resources.

LGBTQ+ travel

Greece is mostly an LGBTQ-friendly country, although some rural areas can still be conservative. Athens and Mykonos are popular destinations for queer travellers. In Athens, the Gazi neighbourhood offers everything from cosy cafes to all-night dance parties. In September, the island of Lesbos — birthplace of the poet Sappho — hosts the International Eressos Women’s Festival.

Budget

Generally, the mainland is more affordable than the islands. But planning a cheap holiday to Greece is doable no matter where you go. Expect to pay 15 euros (€) for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant and about €4 for a local beer or coffee. A short taxi ride will run you around €6.

Getting around Greece

Ladiko

Public transportation

Buses: Mostly operated by KTEL, buses are a cheap way to travel across Greece. Routes connect Athens to most major mainland towns, as well as large regional towns to smaller villages. Seats aren’t guaranteed, so arrive early.

Trains: Greece’s rail network is limited but improving. Intercity trains connect major cities, while regional services cover shorter routes. High-speed trains link Thessaloniki and Athens in about four hours, making it a convenient option for travelling between Greece’s two largest cities.

Boats: Ferries are ideal for island hopping around the Aegean. Different services link the islands, from large car ferries to speedy hydrofoils. Though service to Athens and some of the major islands runs year-round, many routes slow or shut down between November and March.

Domestic flights

Domestic carriers Olympic Air and Aegean Air offer flights to popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu. Fares are usually cheap but can sell out early.

Find domestic flights

Driving

Driving can be a great way to get off the beaten path, but not all rural roads are well maintained. Cities tend to be congested, and drivers can be aggressive. That said, hiring a car is a popular and easy way to explore many of the islands, where roads are quieter and distances are short.

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FAQs about Greece holidays

Travelling in Greece can be very affordable, depending on where you go. Popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini are pricey, especially during high season. Save money by travelling in May or September. Explore lesser-known islands, like Naxos and Paros, or explore the mainland.
Greece is a safe, tourist-friendly destination. But it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables tucked away when you’re on busy streets, in crowded markets or while using public transport. Be careful if you’re driving — Greek traffic can be aggressive, and roads aren’t always well maintained.
Greece’s currency is the euro (€). You should be able to use debit and credit cards in Greek cities and tourist areas. But in the countryside and on the smaller islands, you may need cash. Tipping isn’t mandatory in Greece, but leaving an extra 10% for good service is appreciated.
Greek is the official language in Greece. Though in Athens and other major cities, many people speak English, especially in the hospitality sector. It’s always helpful to know a few Greek basics like ‘kalimera’ (good morning), ‘parakalo’ (please) and ‘efcharistó’ (thank you).
The best time to visit Greece is April, May, September and October. During these months, the weather is still perfectly warm for exploring the outdoors, but there are fewer crowds than during the peak season from June to August. Greece’s low season is the winter. While you may score better deals on flights during that time, know that many of the islands shut down.
History, culture or outdoor adventures? For a holiday with a little bit of everything, check out Crete. Lively Heraklion is packed with history to explore, like the palace of Knossos. Hike kilometres of trails, or hit the beach.

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