Greece

Greece is a land of ancient ruins, sun-drenched islands, and Mediterranean flavors. Athens blends classical history with modern energy, where the Acropolis towers over lively tavernas. The Greek islands, from Santorini’s whitewashed cliffs to Crete’s rugged landscapes, offer stunning beaches and rich traditions. Mainland gems like Meteora’s rock-top monasteries and Delphi’s oracle site add to the country’s deep past. Fresh seafood, olive oil, and ouzo fuel long meals by the sea, while local festivals keep traditions alive.

Most visitors come to explore Athens, home to iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which provide a glimpse into Greece’s rich classical past. Beyond Athens, the country offers a variety of experiences, from the whitewashed buildings and turquoise waters of the Cyclades (including Santorini and Mykonos) to the ancient ruins of Delphi and Olympia. The Peloponnese is home to dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and ancient ruins, while the Ionian Islands, such as Corfu and Zakynthos, offer lush greenery and scenic beaches. Whether you’re exploring ancient sites, relaxing on pristine beaches, or enjoying Greek cuisine, Greece offers a diverse range of experiences.

Greece is an affordable destination in many areas, though prices can vary depending on the region and season. The islands, especially popular ones like Santorini and Mykonos, can be more expensive, with luxury hotels and high-end dining options. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations and restaurants throughout the country, especially in Athens and smaller islands. Greek food is a highlight, with staples like souvlaki, moussaka, and tzatziki widely available. Seafood is fresh and abundant along the coast, and local wines and ouzo are integral to the Greek dining experience.

Getting around Greece is relatively easy. The Greek ferry system connects the islands to the mainland and to each other, making it simple to hop between islands. Buses and trains are the primary mode of public transport on the mainland, with Athens and Thessaloniki offering metro systems. Renting a car is a great option for exploring more remote areas, and cycling is popular in cities like Athens. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and Greek is the official language. Greece is a safe country for tourists, with low crime rates and welcoming locals.

Why Go to Greece?

• Athens’ Ancient Landmarks: Visit the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, and explore ancient ruins like the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
• Santorini & Mykonos: Enjoy the whitewashed buildings and stunning sunset views on the Cycladic Islands, famous for their turquoise waters and picturesque villages.
• Delphi & Olympia: Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient mythology, and Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
• Greek Islands & Beaches: From the Ionian Islands like Corfu to the Saronic Islands, Greece boasts some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.
• Peloponnese’s Ancient Sites: Discover the ancient ruins of Epidaurus and Mycenae, and explore beautiful villages in the Peloponnese.
• Greek Cuisine & Wine: Indulge in traditional dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood, accompanied by local wine and ouzo.
• Vibrant Festivals & Traditions: Experience traditional Greek festivals like Carnival, Easter celebrations, and the Athens and Epidaurus Festival for a taste of Greek culture.

Greece is a country in Southeastern Europe, located at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, with coastlines along the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. Greece is known for its ancient history, islands, mountains, and beaches. The capital, Athens, is home to famous landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon, while the country’s numerous islands attract visitors with their scenic landscapes, whitewashed villages, and crystal-clear waters.

Greece’s landscape is mountainous and coastal, with about 80% of its land covered by hills and mountains. The Pindus Mountains run through the mainland, while Mount Olympus is the country’s highest peak. The coastline stretches over 13,000 km, making Greece one of the most maritime-influenced countries in Europe. The country is divided into the mainland and more than 6,000 islands, though only about 200 are inhabited. Greece has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Tourism in Greece is centered on its ancient ruins, beach destinations, island hopping, and traditional villages.

Most international visitors arrive at Athens International Airport, which serves as the country’s main gateway. Other major airports include Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, and Santorini, which offer access to regional destinations and islands. Greece has an extensive ferry network, with services connecting the mainland to the islands, as well as routes to Italy and Turkey. The train system is limited but provides connections between major cities, while buses and domestic flights are popular for long-distance travel.

Attica and Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is the heart of the country’s history, politics, and cultural life, while the surrounding Attica region offers coastal getaways and archaeological sites.

• Athens: Known for the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, and Plaka district.
• Piraeus: The main port of Athens, serving as a gateway to the Greek islands.
• Sounion: Home to the Temple of Poseidon, offering spectacular sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
• Marathon: Famous for its Battle of Marathon site, archaeological museum, and beach resorts.
• Lavrio: A coastal town known for its ancient silver mines and ferry connections to the Cyclades.

The Peloponnese

A region rich in ancient history, vineyards, mountain villages, and coastal resorts. It is home to some of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

• Nafplio: A charming seaside town known for Bourtzi Castle, Palamidi Fortress, and neoclassical architecture.
• Mycenae: An archaeological site famous for its Lion Gate, Cyclopean walls, and links to the Trojan War.
• Olympia: The birthplace of the Olympic Games, featuring the Temple of Zeus and ancient stadium.
• Sparta: Known for its warrior legacy, Leonidas Monument, and nearby Mystras Byzantine ruins.
• Monemvasia: A medieval fortress town built on a rocky island, known for its narrow streets and stone houses.

Central and Northern Greece

This region is home to mountains, lakes, historical cities, and the famous Meteora monasteries.

• Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city, known for its Byzantine history, White Tower, and food scene.
• Meteora: A UNESCO-listed site with monasteries built on towering rock pillars.
• Delphi: The site of the ancient Oracle of Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo and Theater of Delphi.
• Ioannina: A lakeside city with Ottoman heritage, castle ruins, and island monasteries.
• Mount Olympus: The legendary home of the Greek gods, a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering.

The Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are divided into several groups, each with its own unique charm. They are known for whitewashed villages, beaches, and traditional Greek culture.

The Cyclades

This famous island group is known for its white-and-blue architecture, beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

• Santorini: Known for its caldera views, blue-domed churches, and volcanic beaches.
• Mykonos: A cosmopolitan island famous for its nightlife, windmills, and luxury resorts.
• Paros: A picturesque island with beaches, traditional villages, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Naxos: The largest of the Cyclades, known for its ancient ruins, beaches, and mountain villages.
• Milos: Famous for its colorful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and the discovery of the Venus de Milo statue.

The Dodecanese

These islands are located in the southeastern Aegean and have a mix of Greek, Ottoman, and Italian influences.

• Rhodes: Known for its medieval Old Town, Knights’ Quarter, and beaches.
• Kos: Famous for its ancient ruins, healing hot springs, and sandy beaches.
• Patmos: A religious destination known for the Cave of the Apocalypse and monasteries.
• Symi: A colorful island known for its neoclassical harbor and secluded beaches.
• Karpathos: An island with rugged mountains, traditional villages, and unspoiled beaches.

The Ionian Islands

These islands, located west of the mainland, are known for their lush greenery and Italian influences.

• Corfu: Known for its Venetian Old Town, fortresses, and beaches.
• Zakynthos: Famous for its Navagio Shipwreck Beach, turtles, and sea caves.
• Kefalonia: Known for its Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, and wine production.
• Lefkada: Famous for its white sandy beaches, windsurfing, and coastal cliffs.
• Ithaca: Known as the legendary home of Odysseus, with secluded beaches and traditional villages.

Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island, offering a mix of ancient history, mountains, and beautiful coastlines.

• Heraklion: The capital, home to Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and historic Venetian harbor.
• Chania: A charming city with a Venetian harbor, Ottoman history, and beaches.
• Rethymno: Known for its medieval Old Town, Venetian fortress, and traditional tavernas.
• Elafonissi: A famous pink-sand beach with crystal-clear waters.
• Samaria Gorge: A stunning hiking trail through one of Europe’s longest gorges.

Highlights

Athens: the capital of Greece is a smoggy, noisy and chaotic city, but beyond its surface, it turns out to be an ancient, classical location offering visitors numerous neighboring archaeological sites, dominated by the Acropolis.

The Acropolis: is the most important historic monument in the Western world. The best time to get here is as early as possible to avoid being trampled down by the enormous tourist crowds.

Santorini: with its sea-filled caldera surrounded by black-sand beaches, this island is considered as one of the most stunning in Greece. Do not hesitate to try some of the top wines in the world, which are produced here.

Crete: unique landscapes with mountains, caves and gorges as well as paradise beaches and remote coves impress visitors to this island, while the 3,000-year-old Knossós palace contributes to the cultural understanding of the Minoan era.

Mykonos: another postcard-island which lies in the Cyclades; you will almost certainly get lost in Mykonos Town, where a labyrinth of narrow streets was designed in the 18th century in order to confuse the harassing pirates.

The peak period (July/August) is least recommended due to masses of tourists and almost unbearably hot temperatures. June and September are superb months, especially for the islands. In October, you might be hit by a storm, especially in the west, but fall is generally a very pleasant season. The coldest time is between December and March, when snow falls in the mountains.

Festivals & Events

The Greek calendar is packed with hundreds of cultural events and festivals, especially in summer. Here are some of the most recommendable.

April: Easter is definitely the most essential Greek festival of the year (considerably more than Christmas), with processions and fireworks displays.
June to September: innumerous cultural festivals, with the Hellenic Festival being the most famous. Highlights include classical drama and music in amphitheaters at Athens, Epidaurus, Dion and Dodona.
July to September: every couple of days, religious festivals are celebrated, particularly in the countryside.
October: Óhi Day is a national holiday with folk-dancing and parades to remember Metaxa’s one-word answer to Mussolini’s ultimatum in 1940: “Ohi!” (No!).
November: International Thessaloniki Film Festival has become a main regional festival in Europe.

Cultural sightseeing: is obligatory, with the country’s mythological history and culture, outstanding landmarks and beautiful scenery.

Sailing: it goes without saying that Greece is among the top countries for sailing.

Scuba diving: below the surface of the crystal blue waters lies the marine beauty of Greece.

Walking and trekking: are magnificent here, where you are never far from nature for exploring mountains, forests, gorges, caves or islands on foot.

Skiing and snowboarding: are probably not among your first associations with Greece, but there are 18 ski resorts in the 6,500-feet-high mountains, so after going skiing in the morning you can enjoy some fish for lunch by the sea!

Dining: the Greek cuisine is one of the richest and also the oldest (the first cookery book was written in 330 BC).

There are direct flights to Athens from overseas, and charter flights can be booked from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris. Road connections are existent from Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Turkey. Car ferries leave from Italy and Turkey, and there are boats from Cyprus and Israel. Trains go from Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia and Turkey. The bus is the standard public transport inside the country, and ferries steer toward any of the 166 populated islands.

The major health problem here has to do with visitors’ overexposure to the sun, leading to actinocutitis (sunburn), so be alert, particularly on boats and in the water. Make sure that your polio and tetanus vaccinations are up-to-date. In any of the larger cities you can consult English-speaking doctors. The water is safe, but if you are feeling precautious, bottled water is offered almost everywhere. The crime rate in Greece is low, particularly theft.