Greece

Greece scatters ancient ruins across sun-bleached islands and a mainland thick with mythology, where whitewashed villages tumble down cliffs into an impossibly blue Aegean Sea. Travelers can wander the Acropolis in the morning and be island-hopping by ferry before sunset.

Where to Stay

Plaka Heritage Hotel

$$$

A neoclassical building beneath the Acropolis, with a rooftop bar facing the ruins.

Cycladic Cliffside Suites

$$$

Whitewashed cave-style suites in Santorini with private caldera-facing terraces.

Athens Backpacker Lodge

A budget-friendly hostel near Monastiraki with a lively rooftop common area.

Getting Around

Ferry

Ferries connect Athens to the islands, ranging from slow car ferries to fast catamarans.

Local Transit

Athens has a compact metro system that reaches most major sites and the airport.

Flight

Short domestic flights are useful for reaching farther islands like Crete or Rhodes quickly.

Car

Renting a car helps explore mainland regions and larger islands at your own pace.

Local Foods to Try

Moussaka

Layered eggplant and spiced ground meat baked under a creamy bechamel top.

Souvlaki

Grilled skewered meat served with pita, tomato, and tzatziki, a beloved street food.

Greek Salad

Ripe tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a thick slab of feta dressed simply in olive oil.

Travel Tips

Book island ferries early

Popular routes sell out during peak summer months, especially to Santorini and Mykonos.

Wear sturdy shoes

Ancient sites and cobblestone village streets can be uneven and slippery.

Carry cash for small islands

Card machines aren’t always reliable in smaller villages and tavernas.

Weather & Climate

Greece has a classic Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, though mountainous inland areas can turn cold.

Spring

20°C / 11°C

Mild and green, before the summer crowds arrive.

Summer

31°C / 22°C

Hot and dry, peak season for island travel.

Autumn

23°C / 14°C

Warm seas linger with fewer crowds.

Winter

13°C / 6°C

Mild on islands, colder and occasionally snowy inland.

Best Time to Visit

May to June and September. These months bring warm, swimmable seas and pleasant temperatures without the peak-summer crowds and prices.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements vary by nationality, so check current Schengen entry rules before booking.

Yes, a well-developed ferry network connects most inhabited islands, though schedules thin out in winter.

Athens and popular islands like Santorini can be pricey in summer, while lesser-known islands offer better value.