There are plenty of destinations in Europe for truly incredible experience and Greece is chief among them.
As one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, it is unsurprising that Greece is so popular: there’s more history and culture here than in most parts of the world and you can also enjoy a range of budget friendly activities. From exploring ancient ruins to windsurfing in the Aegean Sea, whatever floats your boat you’ll be well looked after.
If you are looking for one of the best place to go this year then look no further than Greece! Greece has always popular amongst tourists because you are almost always guaranteed to have great weather, tasty food and meet very friendly locals.
It’s only a few hours away from the UK as well, so you know that you won’t have to be sitting on a place for a day or transiting through some random airport to make it to your final destination. Due to it’s close proximity to the UK and other European destinatons, it is an ideal location for everyone, from budget packers, party animals, couple seeking a romantic break and also families that want a stress free holiday.
If you can find a cheap Greece flight, you really need to go!
Essential Greece Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Find cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Get the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Weather & Climate
Summer is by far the most popular time to visit, perfect due to the sun, and choice of amazing destinations and resorts. You can see why Greece is one of the best European summer holiday resorts, but if you are planning a trip on a backpackers budget you might want to consider avoiding June to August – this is when prices for flights and accommodation are at a premium. Spring and Autumn are also great to visit for general sightseeing as the temperatures are cooler.
Getting Around
Getting around in Greece is easy and there are lots of modes of transportation available.
Car Rental
One of the most popular modes of transportation for tourists is car rental which are very simple to do and affordable. Having a car gives you the freedom to go and travel anywhere when you want. You should make sure that the price provided by car rental services already includes insurance, taxes and fees.
Mopeds
One of the most popular ways to explore attractions is on a moped. Almost all tourists destinations offer moped rentals and generally you just need a driver’s license and pay the daily fee. You might be required to leave your passport to ensure that you will return the moped. This transport can be a bit dangerous if you are an inexperienced driver though. Be sure to wear a helmet since many of the roads around Greece are narrow and ill-preserved. Travel insurance is also recommended.
Bus
Cheap and convenient, the bus lines and buses of Greece can take you many places you want to go. The intercity bus system is a great way to travel anywhere on the mainland of Greece with the KTEL green busses. Every city of Greece has a KTEL bus station which is popular with locals. The bus system can be a bit confusing for tourists though due to the language barrier. This is a cheap way to get around though and you might want to check online or ask locals for the assistance.
Ocean
Ferries and boats are to navigate the islands of Greece. Getting to islands does require a flight or a boat ride that varies in length from Athens or Thessaloniki. The best option to getting to islands near the mainland is through hopping on a ferry. Most ferries may have a number of stops on the different islands surrounding their last destination. A number of the islands have airports that offer short flights from Athens International Airport or Thessaloniki. Flying Dolphins are faster than most ferries.
Air
Greece has lots of international airports, with generally Athens and Thessaloniki being the most popular and connected to other Greek/European cities.
Organised Trips
Lots of local and international travel operators offer small group tours taking you to discover the highlights of the country. Search small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
Train
In Greece, the Greek Railways Organization, known in Greece by the initials OSE, operates the rail network. Though travelling by train in Greece is probably the cheapest form of transportation, it is also one of the slowest so use your discretion whether or not it will be worth the extra waiting time to get to your destination.
Taxi
Taxi cars in tend to be yellow with illuminated sign marked “TAXI” on top. One can stop a cab by simply raising a hand or go to Taxi stands (piatsa), which are located everywhere in Athens and the major cities and resorts.
In certain tourist areas, you may be asked to pay a predetermined (standard) amount for a ride to a specific destination; thus, before boarding a taxi make sure to seek information from another source on the exact fare for the journey.
When the meters flag is lighted the taxi is available for hire. The fares in Greece and the Greek Islands are cheaper than anywhere else in Europe but the price is doubled between 12h00 midnight and 06h00 this applies for the person and also the luggage.
Where to Go
Greece, is one of the most beautiful countries that there is in the world with ancient historic cities and beautiful islands. Whether you are planning a short break, a summer holiday or want to tour the whole country, these are some places you should add to your Greece itinerary: Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, Corfu, Paros, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Zakynthos, Naxos, Meteora, Chania, Heraklion and Cepalonia.
Sights & Attractions
With its long and colorful history, and the natural wonders that it contains, the list of attractions in Greece can be very lengthy. So to help you out, here’s a brief list of popular sights that you have to visit especially if it’s your first time here.
Mainland Greece
Athens
If you don’t mind skipping the beach, then a city break to Athens has something for everyone. By day you can look around the museums or ruins, or take the kids to the zoo at the National Gardens, or by night you can either watch traditional Greek theatre, or wine and dine in one of the many restaurants and bars during this thrilling city break. Shopping holidays to Athens are very popular, due to the eclectic mix of boutiques, general stores and flea markets.
In Athens, the Acropolis and Parthenon are unmissable sights whilst on holiday in Greece. It was from here that that the city was founded and the collection of buildings that crown it mostly date from about the Golden Age – 5th century BC.
The Acropolis – “Sacred Rock” was the focal point of art, architecture and knowledge during the 5th century BC. After the establishment of democracy and under the charismatic leadership of Pericles, many historical monuments were built during that time.
One of these is the Parthenon, a temple to honor the Greek goddess Athena. The Doric-style architecture exhibited by the Parthenon is the finest in the whole world, so much so that this historical structure has become the epitome of Greek architecture.
A trip in Acropolis will also allow you to marvel at other monuments such as the Theatre of Dionysus and the Propylae. More Athens attractions.
Athens itself contains so many sites to visit so do not think of hopping into a bus out of Athens yet if what you’ve visited is only the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum should be on top of your list if you’re intending to visit any museum in Greece.
The biggest museum in the country, it houses some 20,000 exhibits that were excavated in archaeological sites all over Greece. The structure of the museum itself is already worth the visit – the neoclassical building erected towards the end of the nineteenth century is impressive.
The former spa of Kalithea – also in the Athens district – was built in the 1920s by the Italians. It has now been abandoned, leaving the splendid domed pavilions, with pink marbled pillars and Moorish archways. It was in these beautiful gardens that the film ‘Escape to Athena’ with Telly Savalas and Roger Moore was filmed, as well as some scenes from ‘The Guns of Navarone’.
Olympia
The ancient ruins at Olympia are probably the most popular tourist attraction in Greece. This is due to the fact that Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympics. Starting in 776 B.C., athletic competitions were organized every four years in honor of Zeus.
It is of no wonder, therefore, that the Temple of Zeus is situated here. Before its destruction, it housed a magnificent gold and ivory statue of Zeus. Another popular temple found in Olympia is that of Hera, Zeus’ wife, where the table that contains garlands for the games’ victors once stood.
Other structures related to the Olympics are the Stadium and Hippodrome, the setting of the ancient games; the Prytaneion, where the original Olympic flame once burned; and the Gymansium, where athletes train for a month before the competition. More about Olympia.
The Monasteries at Meteora
In Meteora, twenty-four monasteries were originally perched above sky-high rocks, although only six remain today. The landscape is truly amazing.
The monasteries are built on top of the natural pinnacles, apparently with great difficulty. Despite that, the monks persisted to build the structures starting on the 15th century. This is one of the must-see sights in Greece if you have time to visit areas outside of Athens.
Cretan Gorges
If you wish to get away from tourist buses and want to commune with nature while hiking, you may opt to visit several fascinating gorges in Crete.
The Samaria Gorge in western Crete ranks among the top attractions in Greece. It’s the longest gorge in Europe, an 18-km stretch of exceptional and unspoiled. Although Samaria is the most significant gorge in Crete, there are also other important gorges such as the Imbros, Aradena and Tipoliano.
Halkidiki
In Halkidiki – the Macedonian region of mainland Greece, visit the 7000,000 year old Petralona Caves, which house fossils of some now-extinct animal species, as well as human fossils. Take your camera up Mount Athos – otherwise known as the Self-governed Monastic State of the Holy Mountain – to marvel at the views and 20 Eastern Orthodox Monasteries here.
Pelloponese
The Pelloponese region in the southernmost part of mainland Greece enjoys amazing sun and is home to the more subdued, authentically Greek resorts. Go to Finikounda to see the fortress and castle of Methoni and the Turkish and Byzantine ruins nearby.
Porto Heli, also in the south, stretches around the head of a large bay at the tip of the Argolic Peninsula, opposite the island of Spetses. On the south side of Porto Heli bay are the ruins of the ancient walled city of Halieis and the pine covered peninsula of Ermioni boasts ruins to the Temple to Poseidon. Further afield is Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. An impressive 13th century citadel stands guard over a maze of narrow streets and squares with buildings dating from the Venetian, Turkish and neo-classical era.
The picturesque town of Parga lies along the Ionian Coast of mainland Greece, just opposite the small island of Paxos. Ruins of a Venetian Castle sit high on the hill, overlooking the maze of pretty cobblestone pathways, winding down to the cosmopolitan harbour area.
Greek Islands
Greece is home to thousands of islands that are all as scenic and as beautiful as you could ever imagine. Many of these islands are small spots of concentrated paradise.
With literally thousands to choose from, its hard to pick exactly which island would best for your trip. So here is a quick guide to a few of the countries best islands to visit and soak up some Grecian culture.
Rhodes
Another island near Turkey is Rhodes. This island is the perfect mix of history and relaxing holiday. Rhodes is known for its historic Old Town, Temple of Apollo, the Governor’s Palace, the Rhodes Footbridge, and the Acropolis of Lindos just to name a few. But it isn’t all about history for a holiday on this island. There are plenty of beachfront resorts to take in the sun and small villages to get some modern Greek culture in.
Crete
Crete is the largest of all of the Greek islands. This may also be the island that has the most variety of activities and things to do. There are several options for hiking, bike riding, swimming, gorge trekking, and much more. As any part of Greece there is also great history to experience. You can visit Knossos Palace from the Minoan civilization and several archaeological sites scattered throughout the island. Cheap flights to Crete are not hard to find either.
Santorini
Maybe the most famous of the Greek islands, Santorini speaks for itself. The whitewashed buildings set against the back drop of a deep blue ocean set the stage for a dramatic view that is hard to believe is real. The cobblestone streets of the city are lined with cafes and tavernas filled with Greeks doing what they do best, enjoying life.
Mykonos
Up there with the number one summer celebrity destination in Europe, Mykonos with its white washed buildings, hotels, beaches, restaurants and nightlife will leave you wanted to stay!
Chios
This is a tiny island near Turkey, just a short boat ride away in fact. Chios is the perfect island for sightseeing, especially for someone who loves ancient history. In the center of the island is Nea Moni. Nea Moni is an 11th century monastery that is still in pretty good shape considering how long its been around! You can also make your way to the south of the island to see ancient medieval villages and the walls and towers that once protected them.
Skiathos
If you love taking holiday to explore a bit of nature, then this is the island for you. This northern island is a home to plenty of beautiful sandy beaches and pine covered hills. There is a nature conservatory on the island and there is plenty of wildlife to look in on as you walk around the forest trails. You can also see monasteries, Byzantine churches, and visit plenty of museums.
The Ionian Islands
If you take a holiday to Zante, take your camera to Smuggler’s Cove in Kalamaki. It is the most photographed cove in the whole of Greece, with its tall cliffs, golden sands and wrecked ship half-buried in the sand.
The highest point on Corfu, Mount Pantokrator (906 m/2973 ft) is north of Corfu Town . It makes a great day out if you have a car, as you can drive all the way up to the summit for some fabulous views. Spring is the best time, when the slopes are carpeted with flowers, including rare orchids. At the summit is a monastery containing ancient frescos and icons, which was built in the 17th century and has now been restored.
On the island of Kefalonia, go underground at Drogorati’s cave system. This is a great activity for family holidays to Greece, as the kids will love the spooky noises and echoes!
Lesbos
Famed for its Ouso, Lesbos is one of the lesser tourist-centric islands of Greece. Nature-lovers will enjoy visiting Eressos in Anaxos due to the haunting petrified forest and the surrounding wildlife. Fans of birdwatching often flock to the landscape of Skala Kalloni, where various species can be observed.
Visit Mirina, the capital of Lemnos. Built in the 12th or 13th Century BC, Mirina is dominated by an impressive Venetian castle. The headland and castle straddle the two bays of Mirina, belonging to the town’s Greek and Turkish quarters.
Today the only permanent inhabitants of the fortress are wild deer, introduced to the village in 1970 from Rhodes. This island also houses the most ancient Neolithic colonisation in the Aegean – the city of Poliochni, where excavations have revealed a close relationship with the ancient city of Troy.
The Sporades Islands
The capital town, and island, of Skopelos is a beautiful place to take a trip to on your holiday in Greece, with over 360 churches to look round and admire. On the island of Skiathos is the ancient capital of Kastro, which is perched on a cliff on the northern tip of the island and accessible only by boat or jeep. It was built in the 16th Century to protect the islanders from Turks and pirates but fell into ruin when Greece became independent.
Kos
Kos is another popular holiday destination with history, beaches and resorts. The capital of Kos is the former headquarters of the invading Roman, Turk and Italian armies – all of whom have left their architectural mark on the buildings that border its wide tree-lined streets and open squares.
There are so many reasons to visit the Greek islands
Greece Travel Tips
It’s easy to choose Greece as your next destination, once you do you need to be prepared. I don’t think there is every too much preparation for a trip, so here are my essential Greece holiday tips.
Book Your Trip in Advance
If you are planning to take day trips or are going to be visiting a part of Greece that is far from the airport you arrive in then you need to book all of this travel in advance. This travel can either be in trains, planes or ferries.
If you have gone through an agent to book your holiday then they should be able to help you book everything with ease. I know we hear a lot about the Greek economy slowing down but I can assure you that all domestic transport will be very busy at the weekends.
You will also get a discount if you book in advance, perfect!
Pack the Right Clothing
The clothes you bring are important, so make sure that you don’t pack a load of unnecessary clothing. If you are planning on a beach holiday then you don’t need to pack your whole wardrobe, a lot of light clothing is essential.
Remember that even though you are on holiday you can’t walk around looking like you have just got out of bed, so if you want to visit some of the higher class establishments make sure that you have a decent pair of shoes and something nice to throw on.
Get Ready for the Heat
I know that the it is difficult to judge the weather, but if you are going to be in Greece Spring and Autumn time then expect it to get very hot indeed. If you go there for the summer it is going to get even hotter! So make sure that you have sunglasses, a hat and some decent sun lotion. We all love the sun but we need to remember how much damage it can do to us if we are not careful.
Money
The official currency used in Greece since 2002 has been the Euro. The Euro comes in varying coins and notes: 1,5,20,50 cent coins then the 1 & 2 Euro piece coins and the notes go from 5,10,20,50,100,200,500 Euros. Food and drink is very cheap and there are so many Greek dishes to try.
Tipping
Tipping in Greece can be tricky. It’s good to ask beforehand if your restaurant bill will be rounded up. If not, 5 to 10 percent is much appreciated, but only if given directly to the waiter. (Take note: some owners do not allow their employees to accept tips at all, so ask.) Tip taxi drivers by rounding up the bill, and know that if you are being taken to a touristy area most drivers expect a bit more.
Culture
The inhabitants of Greece are very proud people – and deservedly so. Not only do they have one of the most remarkable empires and remaining architecture in history, but they founded leading ideas in philosophy, literature, religion and theatre.
Remarkably, they still retain their same ancient alphabet instead of succumbing to the now almost completely globalised Roman system. The family is all-important in Greece, but due to their warm and welcoming nature, friends are just as likely to be treated as if they were blood.
Meal times are like small parties in Greek gatherings. Talking is non-stop, guests eat off each others’ plates and ouzo and wine flow freely. The younger generation aren’t retaining as much of this ‘feasting’ tradition, and prefer to dress up in branded gear instead and go out to the dance clubs.
The wealthier Greek regions and certain resorts have an untamed party vibe – so are ideal for those that are after large nightlife while on holiday in Greece. A mix of traditional and chart dance music are played in the clubs until early hours – but be careful not to imbibe too much of the local firewater.
It’s considered distasteful to appear drunk and staggering in Greece (unless you are an old papa in one of the village taverns – in which case it’s the norm!) and the strict police will crack down hard on any behaviour deemed antisocial.
The Greek islanders are friendly, warm and chatty. On the most part, they welcome the tourism and the wealth it has brought to the country. Plus, with almost year-round sun, wouldn’t you be pretty friendly too?!
Health & Safety
Is Greece Safe?
Greece is one of the safest countries in the world, but the height of the tourist season does usually see an increase in petty theft cases, particularly in crowded areas one of the worst areas is around Omonia in central Athens – keep track of your valuables here, especially on the metro and at the Sunday flea market.
Visitors are advised not to carry valuables on them and keep them in their rooms or in a hotel safety box (most hotels have these). Violent crime is infrequent, but there have been incidents on some Greek islands and lone visitors are advised not to accept lifts from strangers.
Hospitals/Health Care:
If you’re a EU citizen, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC; formerly the E111) covers you for most medical care but not emergency repatriation home or non-emergencies. It is available from health centres, and post offices in the UK.
There is at least one doctor on every island and larger islands have hospitals and of course all cities and tourist areas have hospitals in the area. Conditions and treatment are much better in private hospitals, but are expensive so if you choose this option a good health-insurance policy is essential.
Emergency Numbers:
Greece has a different number for each emergency service and they are as follows:
Ambulance: 166
Police: 100
Fire Brigade: 199
Useful Phrases
Here are a few useful words and phrases to help get you by on your trip to Greece:
Good morning – Kalimera
Good evening – Kalispera
Good night – Kalinichta
Hello – Yassou (singular/informal) Yassas (plural/formal)
How are you? – Ti kanis? (singular/informal)Ti kanete? (plural/formal)
Very well thank-you – Poli kala, efharisto (singular/informal)
Please You’re welcome – Parakalo
Thank-you – Efharisto
Excuse Me Sorry – Signomi
Yes – ne
No – ohi
A table for two, please – Ena trapezi ya thio atoma, parakalo
Can I see the menu, please – Ton katalogho, parakalo
The bill please – To logariasmo Parakalo
Stamps – Gramatosima
Bank – Trapeza
Hospital – Nosokomio
Doctor – Yiatros
Police – Astynomia
Plan Your Trip to Greece
It is easy to see why Greece one of the most visited destinations in Europe, it’s somewhere I really like and I could keep going back as there are so many places to go, especially during summer. Go explore Greece and fall in love!