Greece
Island time, ancient sites and some of the easiest coastline in Europe.
Last reviewed September 2026
Greece rewards a simple decision made early: how many islands you will actually visit. One or two islands plus Athens makes for a calm, scenic week. Four islands in the same week turns a holiday into a ferry schedule.
GREECE at a Glance
Best for
Islands • Coastline • Ancient Sites • Slow Travel
- Ideal Stay
- 7–10 Days
- Best Months
- May, June, September and early October
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- Greek
- Drive On
- Right
- Emergency
- 112
Official resources
Overview
Most trips begin in Athens, then continue by ferry or short flight to the islands. The Cyclades — Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Milos — are the best known; the Ionian islands and Crete suit travelers who want more space and greener landscapes.
Ferry times vary by season and route, so island order matters more than island count.
Why Visit
Clear water, unhurried meals and archaeological sites that genuinely change how you see the region.
- Strong value outside July and August
- Short domestic flights make longer distances practical
- Excellent swimming from late May through early October
Best Time to Visit
Late May to June and September to early October bring warm water, full ferry schedules and fewer crowds than midsummer. Many island businesses close between November and March.
How Many Days You Need
Three days for Athens alone. Seven days for Athens plus one island. Ten days for Athens plus two islands at a comfortable pace.
Weather & When to Go
Summers are hot and dry with strong seasonal winds in the Cyclades. Shoulder seasons are mild and pleasant; winter is cool and wet, particularly in the north.
Airports & Arrival
Athens International
ATHMain gateway, connected to central Athens by metro and airport buses.
Airport transport
- Metro to Syntagma
- Airport express buses
- Taxis (fixed city fare)
- Private transfers
Santorini
JTRSmall airport with seasonal European flights; transfers are short but busy in summer.
Airport transport
- Hotel transfers
- Taxis (limited)
- Local buses
- Rental cars
Heraklion, Crete
HERBest base airport for eastern and central Crete.
Airport transport
- Local buses
- Taxis
- Rental cars
Flight schedules, fares and transport services change. Check official airport and operator information close to your travel date.
Getting Around
- Ferries between islands — book ahead in high season
- Short domestic flights for longer hops such as Athens to Crete
- Rental cars on larger islands; scooters and ATVs are common but require care
- Athens metro is quick and inexpensive
- Taxis are widely available; confirm the fare basis before departure
Official operators: Greek ferry schedules (ferries.gr). Check timetables close to your travel date.
Where to Stay
Choose the area before the property — it shapes the trip far more than the room does.
Athens — Plaka & Monastiraki
Best for First visits
Walking distance to the Acropolis and the main museums.
Santorini — Imerovigli
Best for Quiet caldera views
Calmer than Oia with similar sunsets and easier walks.
Santorini — Oia
Best for Iconic views
Busiest at sunset; best if you plan to be out early and late.
Naxos — Chora
Best for Value and beaches
Good base for families and longer stays, with a strong local dining scene.
Maps & Routes
Useful maps for Greece show ferry routes between islands and, on each island, the relationship between the port, the main town and the beaches.
Athens orientation
The airport, the historic centre around the Acropolis and the port of Piraeus.
Open in Google MapsPiraeus to the Cyclades
Ferry orientation from Athens toward Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini.
Open in Google MapsSantorini: airport, port and towns
How the airport, Athinios port, Fira and Oia relate on the island.
Open in Google MapsCrete: Heraklion to Chania
The north-coast road linking Crete's two main bases.
Open in Google Maps
Routes open in Google Maps for orientation. Drive times vary with season, traffic and road conditions — download offline maps before you travel.
Current weather & conditions
Seasonal patterns are a planning guide, not a forecast. Check current conditions for Greece in the days before you travel, and again before any driving or hiking day.
Check Current WeatherWhat to Pack
Packing
Greek island packing
Adjust for your season and activities — this list is a starting point, not a requirement.
For U.S. Travelers
Before You Go — Greece
Practical starting points for the paperwork side of your trip. Entry, health and safety requirements change, so treat everything here as an orientation and confirm the details through official sources.
Passport & Entry Requirements
Requirements depend on your nationality, the purpose of your trip and how long you're staying. Check the official destination page before booking, and again before you fly.
U.S. Department of State destination informationVisa, eTA or Electronic Authorisation
Some destinations require a visa in advance, others an electronic authorisation, and many allow visa-free entry for short visits. These systems are added and amended periodically, so verify current rules through official channels rather than previous experience.
Passport Validity
Countries set their own validity rules — often several months beyond your date of entry. Airlines can deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet the destination's requirement.
Check current destination requirementsTravel Advisories
Advisories describe current conditions and practical considerations for each country. Read the destination page rather than the headline level alone.
Current travel advisoriesHealth & Vaccination Information
Official travel health pages list recommended and required vaccinations and current health notices by destination. We don't provide medical advice — speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances.
CDC Travelers' Health — GreeceSTEP — Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
A free U.S. Department of State service that lets citizens and nationals enrol their trip with the nearest embassy or consulate, receive destination safety updates, and be contacted more easily in an emergency.
Official STEP informationEmergency Information
Note the local emergency number and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel. Keep emergency contacts written down as well as stored on your phone.
Nearest U.S. embassy or consulateEntry requirements, advisories, health guidance and regulations change without notice. This section was last reviewed in September 2026 and is editorial guidance only — it is not an official source and should never be relied on in place of current government information.
Safety & Travel Preparedness
Sensible preparation rather than worry. A short checklist covers most of what matters.
- Read the current official travel advisory for your destination.
- Note the local emergency number — 112 here and save it in your phone.
- Locate the nearest embassy or consulate and note its contact details.
- Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and key confirmations.
- Keep your accommodation address written down, including in the local language.
- Review travel insurance terms against your actual itinerary.
- Arrange phone and data access before you land.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many islands should I visit?
- One island for a week-long trip, two for ten days. Ferry days consume more of your trip than most itineraries assume.
- Is Santorini worth it?
- Yes, with expectations set: the views are extraordinary and the main villages are busy. Staying outside Oia makes the visit calmer.