Greece travel guide
Greece Tourism | Greece Guide
You're Going to Love Greece
Known as the birthplace of western civilization, Greece's stunning archeological treasures, beautiful seaside villages and sun-soaked beaches make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
A haven for all sun-seekers, Greece has something to offer all types of travelers, from history and culture buffs to party animals, as well as those looking for rest and relaxation.
What to do in Greece
1. Enjoy the Unique Scenery
Get the Instagram perfect shot of the sunset over whitewashed rooftops in Santorini.
2. Go on a Hiking Trip
If you love the outdoors, go on the ultimate adventure of climbing Mount Olympus.
3. Behold Remarkable Ancient Buildings
Explore Athens and take in the magnitude of the ancient Acropolis, one of the most famous traces of Classical architecture.
4. Visit the Famous Islands
Take the time for island hopping and explore top destinations like Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes.
5. Eat Like a Local
No matter which final destination you choose in Greece, indulge in the fine local cuisine where fresh fish, feta cheese and olives are stars.
When to visit Greece
May through October are the best months to visit Greece if you're looking for good weather and lots of time at the beach. For travelers on a budget, avoid the most expensive month, August, and plan your trip for between March and May and for October and November.
How to Get to Greece
Entry Requirements
Greece is part of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement. Most foreign travelers, including those from the United States and Canada, don't need a visa to enter Greece as long as their stay is shorter than 90 days. All you need is a valid passport. Immigration or customs control may apply if you're traveling from a country outside the Schengen zone.
Plane
Athens International Airport is served by regular international flights all year long, followed by the airports of Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Corfu, and Heraklion. In the high season, the number of regular flights increases to both the mainland and the islands.
Train
Trains are operated by state-owned company Trainose, with regular connections from Thessaloniki to other European cities via Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia), and Skopje (North Macedonia). One-way train tickets can be found for around €12-34, depending on your final destination.
Car
Travelers driving to Greece can do so via Italy and cross the Adriatic Sea to Greece by ferry. An alternative overland route is to drive through the Balkan Peninsula.
Bus
There are no international bus connections to Greece. However, if this is your preferred mode of travel, you can take a bus to neighboring Bulgaria, Serbia, or North Macedonia, and then take a train to Greece.
Boat
Regular ferries arrive in Greece all year long from Italy, Cyprus, and Turkey.
Popular airports in Greece
Popular airlines serving Greece
Where to stay in Greece
As a popular tourist destination, you'll find a mix of accommodation types in Greece from budget-friendly family-run pensions to luxury villas. Short-term rentals are also common in areas with a larger influx of tourists, such as Santorini.
Where to stay in popular areas of Greece
Most booked hotels in Greece
How to Get Around Greece
Public Transportation
In most towns in Greece, getting around on foot or by local bus is the norm. In larger cities like Athens, it's best to use a combination of subway and bus to get around.
Ferry
Considering the number of islands in Greece, ferry connections are frequent during the summer months, with easy access from major cities to popular islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu.
Trains
Domestic train travel is limited to a regular connection between Athens and Thessaloniki, however expansion is in progress to extend this to other cities around the country.
Bus
Local buses in Greece are operated by KTEL and are one of the most popular and affordable ways to get around. If you're traveling to one of the islands by bus, the ferry ride is typically included in the bus fare.
Car
Most roads in Greece are well-maintained, so getting around by car is a comfortable option. Language is not a barrier, considering that road signs are written in both Greek and the Latin alphabet.
Plane
Domestic flights are frequent between the mainland and the islands. In addition to local Aegean Airlines, you can also book domestic flights on low-cost carrier Ryanair.
The Cost of Living in Greece
A meal for two at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around €10. On average, a one-way ticket for local public transport can cost approximately €2 per passenger. In larger cities, most businesses accept payments with debit or credit cards. In smaller towns or villages, it's best to pay in cash when possible.