Greece – Destination Guide

Greece is a sun-drenched land of myth, history, and Mediterranean charm. From the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades to ancient ruins in Athens and wild landscapes in Crete, Greece offers a perfect balance of relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re sailing between islands, exploring ancient temples, or feasting on local cuisine – Greece is timeless, romantic, and endlessly captivating.

🏝️ Regions to Explore

🏛️ Athens & Mainland Greece
The cradle of Western civilization, full of ruins and urban life.

• Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon

• Stroll through Plaka and Monastiraki

• Explore Delphi, Meteora, and ancient Olympia

🏖️ Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos)
The most iconic island group – white villages and deep blue seas.

• Watch sunset in Oia, Santorini

• Party in Mykonos or relax in Naxos

• Hop between quiet beaches and traditional villages

🏞️ Crete
Greece’s largest island – rugged, historic, and self-contained.

• Hike the Samaria Gorge

• Discover Minoan ruins at Knossos

• Swim in Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi Beach

🌅 The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia)
Lush, green, and Venetian-influenced.

• Explore beaches like Shipwreck Cove (Zakynthos)

• Visit monasteries and olive groves in Corfu

• Sail between quiet coves and clear turquoise waters

⛵ Dodecanese & North Aegean
Lesser-known islands with character and calm.

• Wander medieval Rhodes Old Town

• Discover Samos and Lesvos for culture and food

• Enjoy laid-back vibes in Symi and Kalymnos

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

May – June and September – October

• Warm weather without peak summer crowds

• Perfect for swimming, sailing, and sightseeing

• July – August is busiest and hottest

✈️ Major Airports

• Athens International Airport (ATH) – Main hub

• Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) – For Crete

• Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), Rhodes (RHO) – For islands

• Direct ferries connect most islands from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina ports)

🚙 Getting Around

• Ferries connect most islands – book via Ferryhopper or Greek Ferries

• Domestic flights are quick for longer island hops

• Car hire ideal on Crete and larger islands

• Taxis, buses, and scooters/ATVs common in tourist areas

📱 SIM Cards & eSIMs

• Major providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, WIND

• SIMs available at airports and kiosks

• Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🛂 Visas

• Part of the Schengen Zone – 90 days visa-free for many nationalities

• Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure

• Check requirements at: https://travel-europe.europa.eu

💬 Language

• Greek is the official language

• English is widely spoken in tourism areas

💰 Currency

• Euro (EUR)

• ATMs widely available

• Cards accepted, but carry cash for small purchases and remote villages

🙏 Etiquette

• Greet with “Yassas” (hello) and “Efharisto” (thank you)

• Cover shoulders when entering churches or monasteries

• Tipping expected: 5–10% at restaurants, €1–2 for porters and taxis

🧷 Safety

• Greece is safe and welcoming

• Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas

• Stick to licensed taxis and official ferries

🍽️ Food & Drink

Greece’s cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Meals are social, often slow-paced, and best enjoyed with local wine or ouzo by the sea. Whether you’re dining in a taverna or nibbling meze at a beach bar, the food is always a highlight.

• Moussaka – A baked dish with layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and béchamel sauce

• Souvlaki & Gyros – Grilled meat skewers or wraps with pita, tzatziki, and salad

• Greek Salad – Tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, and feta – no lettuce!

• Dolmades – Vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs

• Fresh seafood – Grilled octopus, sardines, and calamari in coastal areas

• Baklava – Sweet layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and honey

• Meze – Small plates of dips, olives, cheeses, and more – perfect for sharing

• Ouzo or Tsipouro – Traditional anise-flavored spirits served with snacks

• Local wine – Try Assyrtiko (white) from Santorini or Xinomavro (red) from the north

🧳 Practical Info

• Electricity – Plug type C and F; voltage: 230V / 50Hz

• Internet – Fast 4G/5G in cities and islands; hotel Wi-Fi common

• Water – Tap water safe in most cities; bottled water recommended on islands

• Vaccinations – Routine vaccinations recommended; no specific entry requirements

• Travel insurance – Recommended for medical, theft, and cancellations

• Packing tip – Bring sunscreen, good walking shoes, and a lightweight scarf for churches

📍 Why Visit Greece?

Greece is where history, beauty, and lifestyle come together. Whether you’re lounging by the sea, walking in the footsteps of philosophers, or enjoying mezze by the water – Greece is a dream destination with a soul. It’s a place where every meal, every sunset, and every ruin tells a story.