Planning your trip to Greece
Greece is a small country but there is a lot to see! Adding to that the fact that I am a born and raised Greek, I pretty much have infinite suggestions for places to go and things to do! However, I will do my best to simplify my advice to you.
Depending on your interests and whether or not you see yourself visiting Greece more than once or this is a once in a lifetime trip for you, here are the main ways you can experience the best of Greece:
1. ‘A Whirlwind Island Hopping Tour’ (summer):
Explore as many islands as you can by public ferry or private sailing boat, starting or ending your trip in Athens. Perfect for those who love exploring and wish to see the highlights of Greece.
2. ‘The Classical Grand Tour’ (year round):
Discover the main archaeological sites of mainland Greece, the Acropolis, the Oracle of Delphi, the theatre of Epidavros and ancient Olympia. For a bit of a jolly, pop to one of the islands close by or continue heading south on the Peloponnese for incredible beaches and traditional villages. Perfect for those who love a bit of history.
3. ‘The Greek Summer Experience’ (summer):
When in Greece do as the Greeks do and spend a blissful week on an island. Spend your days on the beach and the evenings navigating the village alleyways, people watching, wining and dining. Perfect for those who like to travel slow, have young children or have already seen the major sights of Greece.
4. ‘A Long Weekend’ (year round):
Spend a long weekend in Athens and tick the sights off your bucket list. Visit Thessaloniki, Greece’s youthful second largest city for a decadent weekend of wining, dining and living life on the waterfront. Pop to one of the larger islands for a quick jolly. Perfect for those with easy access to a major European airport.
5. ‘A Mountain Adventure’ (year round):
Did you know that some 80% of Greece is mountainous? River trek to ‘the gates of the Underworld’ in Epirus, hike mount Olympus to discover ‘the home of the Gods’, stay in traditional stone villages or admire the monasteries of Meteora. Don’t worry, you can still head to the beach to cool off after that. Perfect for those who love off the beaten track adventures.
As you can tell, no matter where you go in Greece, you are never too far away from a perfect beach or a thrilling historical site. Add to that friendly people, uncomplicated, scrumptious food and great local wine and you have got yourself a perfect trip!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: GREECE
LANGUAGE: Greek; most people also have a good knowledge of English
CURRENCY: Euro (€) (Greece is part of the EU & Eurozone)
PLUGS: Types C and F (230V supply voltage and 50Hz)
VISA REQUIREMENTS: Passport holders from a selection of countries including the USA, Australia, EU, Canada, UK can enter Greece without a visa for short term travel. Check with your government’s online services or the local Greek embassy / consulate. More details can also be found here.
A Greek’s Guide to Greece
Your cheat sheets for visiting Greece.
My advice for effortless travel & authentic experiences.
WHEN TO GO TO GREECE?
Weather, events & calendar
WHERE TO GO IN GREECE?
How to choose your Greek destination & travel inspiration
HOW TO GET THERE?
Practical advice for travelling to and around Greece & the islands
GREEK ISLAND HOPPING ITINERARIES
The best island hopping itineraries starting from or ending in (or passing through) some the most famous and easily accessible Greek islands. You can do all of these itineraries, completely on your own. No guides or ‘experts’ required. You don’t even need to speak a word of Greek (though you will get big smiles if you try!). Grab your friends, partner, family or head out solo! Hop on a ferry and explore some of the best corners of Greece. All itineraries combine popular ‘must-see’ Greek islands with off the beaten track gems that you will fall in love with.
Stay on each island as long as you like | Route works in reverse too | The itinerary is easily done with public ferries
Learn more: A Greek’s Guide to Greece – Practical advice for travelling to and around Greece & the islands
…for those planning that once in a lifetime trip to Greece
Read the travel guides:
Stay on each island as long as you like | Route works in reverse too | The itinerary is easily done with public ferries
Learn more: A Greek’s Guide to Greece – Practical advice for travelling to and around Greece & the islands
…for those who love the road less travelled
Read the travel guides:
Stay on each island as long as you like | Route works in reverse too | The itinerary is easily done with public ferries
Learn more: A Greek’s Guide to Greece – Practical advice for travelling to and around Greece & the islands
…for breathtaking views & dramatic sunsets
Read the travel guides:
Stay on each island as long as you like | Route works in reverse too | The itinerary is easily done with public ferries
Learn more: A Greek’s Guide to Greece – Practical advice for travelling to and around Greece & the islands
…for those who want an island getaway close to Athens
Read the travel guides:
Stay on each island as long as you like | Route works in reverse too | The itinerary is easily done with public ferries
Learn more: A Greek’s Guide to Greece – Practical advice for travelling to and around Greece & the islands
…for those who seek the best beaches & lively nightlife
Read the travel guides:
GREEK ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDES
Cyclades
Dusty paths in the sun burnt landscape, demure white houses with windswept colourful shutters, the deep nautical blue of the Aegean and a history that spans millennia… The beauty of Greece echoes in the most vivid and purest of ways in the Cycladic archipelago.
The 56 islands and islets comprising the Cyclades are probably the most famous of the Greek islands and, for good reason.
You probably already know international superstars Mykonos and Santorini, and… yes, they are totally worthy of their celebrity status.
Nevertheless, you will get a more authentic experience and stunning Cycladic scenery in Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, Andros, Tinos, Syros, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos, Amorgos (to name the main ones).
But wait, there is more! The tiny islands of Koufonisia, Schinousa, Irakleia and Donousa comprise the ‘Small (or Minor) Cyclades’ and are the epitome of island life and charm.
Explore one of a kind Santorini…
Feel the heat in Paros, Europe’s newest ‘it’ island…
Discover the hidden gems of the Cycladic archipelago…
Dodecanese
The islands of the Dodecanese archipelago reflect the rich and delightful diversity of the natural and built environment of Greece. They are also testaments to fascinating aspects of more recent Greek history.
Dodecanese means twelve islands in Greek. Nevertheless, the main islands in the Dodecanese archipelago are, in fact, 15. In addition to those, there are also another 90+ islets comprising this island group in southeastern Aegean Sea.
Apart from popular Rhodes and Kos, Patmos, Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Chalki, Kasos & Kastellorizo, Agathonisi, Leipsoi and Tilos are the main Dodecanese islands.
While one could argue that the Cycladic islands mostly look alike, the Dodecanese islands don’t. From the medieval castles in Rhodes, Nisiros’ volcanic landscapes, Karpathos’ mountainous stone villages to the Cycladic-like sceneries in Patmos and Astypalaia and colourful neoclassical mansions in Symi and Chalki, each one of the 15 main islands has a distinct scenery and character offering unique travel experiences.
TRAVEL GUIDES FOR MAINLAND GREECE
& NEARBY ISLANDS
Athens, Delphi, Peloponnese,
the islands of Hydra & Spetses
A journey through some of the most glorious pages in the big book of Greek history:
Excavations reveal that Delphi was inhabited as early as the 15th century BC. The cult of Apollo was brought in the 8th century BC, establishing the famous oracle.
The ancient theatre of Epidavros was originally built circa 4th century BC. The most perfect example of ancient Greek theatre is fully operational till this day.
Mycenae is celebrated by Homer as the seat of King Agamemnon who led the Greeks in the Trojan War; the city’s history starts circa 1600BC.
In 776 BC, the first Olympic Games were held in Olympia in honour of Zeus.
The Parthenon, the most famous of the Acropolis’ structures was built between 447-432 BC during the golden years of the Athenian Republic.
Monemvasia, the ‘Gibraltar of the East’, was founded in the 6th century AD on a monolith by the sea. Built in the 13th century AD, the castle town of Mistras sits at the top of a steep hill overlooking Sparta. These breathtaking medieval castle towns were centres of Byzantine power and preserve unique corners of medieval history.
Greece’s revolution against the 400-year Ottoman occupation started in the Peloponnese officially on the 25th March 1821. Front runners In the struggle for freedom were maritime powerhouses Hydra and Spetses. Nafplion became the first capital of the modern Hellenic Republic (the official name of Greece) in 1823.
Today, Voidokilia bay and Simos beach in Elafonisos are regarded as some of the best beaches in Europe.
