Discover

Greece

Greece, with its ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean charm, has long been a favorite destination for travelers. From the iconic ruins of Athens to the beautiful beaches of Mykonos and Santorini, Greece is a country full of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Quick Facts

Capital: Athens
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: Approximately 10.4 million
Area: 131,957 km²
Languages: Greek (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas
Religion: Predominantly Christian (Eastern Orthodox)
Plug Types: Type C and F; 230V, 50Hz

Hello:

Γειά σας

(Yia sas)

Thank You:

Ευχαριστώ

(Efharisto)

Excuse Me:

Συγγνώμη

(Signomi)

Greece

Greece is a country known for its deep-rooted culture and history, and it is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization. From the ancient monuments in Athens to the idyllic islands in the Aegean Sea, Greece offers a mix of ancient history, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, or relax on picturesque beaches, making it one of the most versatile travel destinations in Europe.

Travel Guides

Ultimate Packing List

Welcome to the ultimate packing list, your go-to guide for all your travel adventures! Whether you’re heading to a sunny...

July 7, 2023

A to Z Travel Photo Challenge

I was inspired to do an A to Z Travel Photo Challenge. I will post photos from my travels in...

June 9, 2020

Where in Europe Photo Quiz

Can you match the picture to where in Europe it was taken? Comment below with how many you got correct...

May 3, 2020

How to Visit Every Country in the World as an American

How many countries are in the world? This is a tough question to get a definitive answer for. It depends...

May 2, 2020

Best time to visit Greece

Festivals

Athens & Epidaurus Festival (June–August): A major cultural festival featuring theater, music, and dance.
Carnival (February–March): Celebrated with parades and festivities, especially in Patras.

Weather

The best time to visit Greece is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is warm and the crowds are smaller. Summer is perfect for island-hopping but can be quite hot. Winter (November to March) is quieter, with cooler weather but fewer tourist services.

High Season (June–August): Warm and sunny, perfect for beach vacations but expect large crowds, especially in popular areas like Santorini.
Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October): Mild temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing.
Low Season (November–March): Less crowded but colder, especially in the north, with some tourist areas closing for the winter.

Public Holidays

New Year’s Day (January 1)
Epiphany (January 6)
Clean Monday (Date varies)
Independence Day (March 25)
Labor Day (May 1)
Assumption of Mary (August 15)
Ohi Day (October 28)
Christmas Day (December 25)
Boxing Day (December 26)

Food

Greek cuisine is characterized by fresh ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, and seafood. Famous dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and baklava.

Culture

Greece’s culture is rooted in its ancient history, with famous monuments like the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the ruins of Delphi. Greek music, especially bouzouki, and traditional dance, such as the Sirtaki, are an integral part of the culture.

People

The Greek people are known for their strong family bonds, hospitality, and pride in their ancient cultural heritage. Greeks are passionate about their history, traditions, and food, and this is reflected in their everyday lives. While urban centers like Athens and Thessaloniki are bustling, many Greek islands maintain slower, traditional lifestyles where agriculture and fishing remain central to their economy.

History

Greece is the cradle of Western civilization, with a history that dates back thousands of years to ancient Greece, known for its philosophy, democracy, and architectural marvels. After being part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The country’s modern history includes periods of turmoil, including dictatorship, but it emerged as a democratic republic in 1974.

Today, Greece is a member of the European Union and a popular tourist destination. Its cultural influence remains significant worldwide, and it continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

Environment

Greece features a mix of mountainous terrains, Mediterranean coastlines, and over 6,000 islands, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Its diverse landscapes offer opportunities for hiking, sailing, and exploring ancient ruins. Greece is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Acropolis of Athens and the sanctuary of Delphi.

How to get to Greece

International Airports

Athens International Airport, Thessaloniki Airport, and Heraklion Airport (Crete)

Train Connections

Greece has a reliable train network, with connections between major cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras

Visa

Schengen visa may be required for non-EU travelers; check specific requirements based on your nationality. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days.

Getting Around

To/From Airports

Major airports in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete are well-connected to the city via metro, buses, and taxis. Ferries are a common mode of transport for getting to and from the islands.

Public Transport

Greece’s public transport includes buses, metro systems in major cities, and ferries connecting the islands. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Rentals

Renting a car is ideal for exploring the mainland or specific islands, especially if you plan to visit less accessible regions. Bike rentals are available in many tourist areas, and some islands are perfect for cycling.

Safety and Travel Tips

Greece is a generally safe destination, but tourists should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially in Athens.
It’s advised to keep valuables in hotel safes and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
The transportation system is efficient, with a good network of buses, metro, and ferries connecting mainland Greece and the islands.

CURRENT TRAVEL ADVISORY

Greece - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Please check the travel.state.gov website for the latest advisory level, as it may not be up to date.

Travel Advisory Levels

1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

2 - Exercise Increased Caution

3 - Reconsider Travel

4 - Do Not Travel

Best places to visit in Greece

Athens: Explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora.
Santorini: Famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters.
Crete: A large island with rich archaeological sites, such as Knossos, and beautiful beaches.
Mykonos: Known for its lively nightlife and pristine beaches.

Athens

Santorini

Crete

Mykonos

Bucket List Experiences

Find Flights

via Skyscanner

Get a Visa

via iVisa

Find Hotels

via Booking.com

Find Hostels

via Hostelworld

Get Travel Insurance

via Safety Wing

Find a Rental Car

via Rentalcars.com

Book Public Transit

via 12Go

Book Tours

via Viator

Get Travel Essentials

via Amazon

Plan Your Trip

via Wanderlog

Is Greece cheap to visit?

Greece is relatively affordable, especially outside of the high season. Tourist areas can be more expensive, but there are budget options for food and accommodation.

Can I drink tap water in Greece?

Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of Greece, especially in Athens and major cities. However, it’s recommended to drink bottled water in some islands.

Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?

Schengen visa may be required for non-EU travelers; check specific requirements based on your nationality. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days.

What language do they speak in Greece?

Greek is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

Is Greece safe?

Greece is considered very safe for tourists, with low crime rates.

What power plug type does Greece have?

Greece uses Type C and F plugs, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.

Why You Should Travel to Greece

Greece offers travelers an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or indulging in Mediterranean cuisine, Greece is a destination that promises a unique and enriching experience for all types of travelers.