Greece
Whenever we think about Greece, we immediately imagine turquoise blue seas, white-washed houses with blue doors, domes, and crazy parties at its Islands.
Greece is home to incredible beaches, clear turquoise waters, a massive coastline, authentic picturesque villages, pretty landscapes, culturally rich history, and delicious cuisine.
Greece is made up of several islands with many being inhabited as it’s a country of varied terrain and geography.
Greece serves as a perfect destination for celebrating any special occasions from birthdays to anniversaries, romantic honeymoon, bachelors & bachelorettes due to its party atmosphere, breathtaking sunsets, incredible sea-views, and romantic shores and villages with fantastic Greek hospitality.
Anyone who would go to Greece would return happy and content.
Transportation & Cuisines
Greece is accessible in many ways by road, flight, train, and sea. Traveling to Greece is relatively simple and easy by combining various modes of transportation.
AIR
Greece is well connected globally and domestically. Athens serves as the major international airport of Greece connecting major cities and countries to this beautiful land.
ROAD
The Greek road network is extensive allowing visitors to travel well within the different corners of the country and other European and Asian countries. However, one must note that there are very few English signboards on the roads as major signboards are in Greek making it difficult for non-Greek drivers.
FERRIES
Ferries are the trademark of Greece as internal islands are well-connected by the mode of Ferries majorly as compared to flights. There are 2 types of ferries – The regular ones are the big boats which take a longer duration (about 8hrs) to reach the destination and there are fast ferries which reach your destination quickly (about 5hrs) but surely those are priced more. Even the smallest island is accessible by the ferries and they are in huge demand so needs to be pre-booked.
CRUISES
Greek island cruises are one of the best ways to explore the Mediterranean. Cruising along the Greece waters is a jaw-dropping experience as you would explore the rugged coastline, translucent waters along dramatic sunsets. Cruises disembark and embark at a lot of ports giving you chance to explore the local sights, cuisine, and shop, and thus it’s a must to select one of the best cruise companies to receive fantastic hospitality and cruising experience.
TRAIN
The Rail network in Greece has been undergoing good developments over the years thus providing affordable and comfortable journeys. It passes through many scenic routes and landscapes. The Athens-Thessaloniki line is a wonderful choice for whoever wishes to travel either on the express which completes the journey in 4.5 hours.
COACH
Coach services are cost-effective and a convenient way to travel within the country along with inter-country travels. Since the rail network was underdeveloped, coach services were the most preferred ones to save on the cost and provide safe journeys.
Greek cuisine is an integral part of Greek culture which is a Mediterranean cuisine using a wide range of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine, and meat and is also influenced by Middle Eastern cuisines.
Olive oil is one of the definite characteristics of Greek Cuisine and they use a lot of herbs and spices. Greece is one of the producers of Feta cheese which is consumed worldwide.
Taverna restaurants are the traditional type of restaurants serving authentic Greek food.
Modern Greek cuisine is often a mix of traditional cooking with innovations that chefs implement.
Pita gyro is one the famous fast food served with consist of pork, fries, tomato, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in a Pita bread. There are several other foods include Kleftiko (a lamb specialty dish), Souvlaki (Grilled meat dish), Keftedes (Greek meatballs), Moussaka (one of the national dishes consisting of sauteed eggplants with meat and veggies – it can be made vegetarian too), baked feta cheese, etc.
Appetizers in Greece are also known as “Mezes” or “Orektiko” and are widely served across restaurants. The famous appetizers include – calamari (fried squid), Saganaki (a name for small dishes fried in a small pan), dakos (a Cretan appetizer consisting of dried bread with chopped tomatoes and feta or mizithra cheese), dolmadakia (stuffed grapevine leaves), horiatiki (famously known as Greek salad), etc.
Good To Know
Tour Plan
Glamorous Greece
Athens (2N) + Santorini (2N) + Mykonos (2N) + Athens (2N)
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Evening: Sunset Trip to Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
Day 2: Athens
Morning: Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour, Change of guards
Afternoon: Temple of Olympius Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium
Day 3: Athens to Santorini by Ferry by Fast Boat (4.5 Hrs)
Afternoon: Fira Town & Oia sunset tower or guided wine tour
Day 4: Santorini
Morning: Tour to Volcanic Crater and Hot springs visit
Day 5: Santorini – Mykonos by Ferry (2.5 Hrs)
Evening: Paradise & Super Paradise Beach
Day 6: Mykonos
Morning: Visit local sights – Windmills, Little Venice
Day 7: Mykonos – Athens by Ferry (2.5 Hrs)
Evening: Leisure in and around Athens
Day 8: Athens
Morning: Full Day Excursion to Delphi
(Can you reduce 1N in Athens if you want to skip Delphi)
Day 9: Departure
Greece Delight
Athens (2N) + Santorini (2N) + Crete (2N) + Mykonos (2N) + Athens (1N)
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Evening: Sunset Trip to Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
Day 2: Athens
Morning: Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour, Change of guards
Afternoon: Temple of Olympius Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium
Day 3: Athens to Santorini by Ferry by Fast Boat (4.5 Hrs)
Afternoon: Fira Town & Oia sunset tower or guided wine tour
Day 4: Santorini
Morning: Tour to Volcanic Crater and Hot springs visit
Day 5: Santorini – Crete (2 Hrs)
Explore the island at your own pace
Day 6: Crete
Morning: Sailing Trip to Dia Island
Day 7: Crete - Mykonos by Ferry (4.5 Hrs)
Evening: Paradise & Super Paradise Beach
Day 8: Mykonos
Morning: Visit local sights – Windmills, Little Venice
Day 9: Mykonos – Athens by Ferry (2.5 Hrs)
Evening: Leisure in and around Athens
Day 10: Athens
Morning: Full Day Excursion to Delphi
(Can you reduce 1N in Athens if you want to skip Delphi)
Day 11: Departure
City Break
Athens (5N)
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Evening: Day at leisure
Day 2: Athens
Morning: Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour, Change of guards
Afternoon: Temple of Olympius Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium
Day 3: Athens
Morning: Full Day Excursion to Delphi
Day 4: Athens
Morning: Full Day Excursion to Meteora
Day 5: Athens
Evening: Sunset Trip to Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
Day 6: Departure
Greece With Turkey
Athens (2N) + Santorini (2N) + Mykonos (2N) + Athens (1N) + Istanbul (2N) + Cappadocia (3N) + Pamukkale (1N) + Kusadasi (2N) + Istanbul (1N)
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Evening: Sunset Trip to Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
Day 2: Athens
Morning: Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour, Change of guards
Afternoon: Temple of Olympius Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium
Day 3: Athens to Santorini by Ferry by Fast Boat (4.5 Hrs)
Afternoon: Fira Town & Oia sunset tower or guided wine tour
Day 4: Santorini
Morning: Tour to Volcanic Crater and Hot springs visit
Day 5: Santorini – Mykonos by Ferry (2.5 Hrs)
Evening: Paradise & Super Paradise Beach
Day 6: Mykonos
Morning: Visit local sights – Windmills, Little Venice
Day 7: Mykonos – Athens by Ferry (2.5 Hrs)
Evening: Leisure in and around Athens
Day 8: Athens – Istanbul by Flight
Evening: Enjoy Bosphorous Cruise and Dolbamache Palace
Day 9: Istanbul
Morning: Local Sights – Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar
Day 10: Istanbul to Cappadocia by Flight
Morning: Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihara Valley, Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City
Day 11: Cappadocia
Early Morning: Hot Air Balloon Ride
Morning: Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin Old Village, Pasabag & Devrent Valley
Day 12: Cappadocia
Early Morning: If didn’t do hot air balloon previous day
Morning: Explore Red and Rose Valley
(can skip 1N in Cappadocia to reduce days if required)
Day 13: Cappadocia to Pammukale by Road via Konya (13 Hrs)
Afternoon: Visit Konya – Mevlana Museum & Ancient Silk Route
Day 14: Pammukale – Kusadasi by Road (2 Hrs)
Morning: Visit White Travertines of Pammukale & Hierapolis
Day 15: Kusadasi
Morning: Day Excursion to Ephesus
Day 16: Kusadasi – Istanbul by Flight
Afternoon: Explore Spice Bazaar, Istiklal Street, Taksim Square
Day 17: Departure
Best Time To Visit
Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures, extensive sunshine, and less rainfall.
Greece receives a lot of attention during the summer months of June – Mid September as its sunshine makes Greece’s scenery magical. During summers especially July & August there is intense heat and increased costs as it's flocked by tourists wanting to explore this delightful place. Summer is the best time to travel as you can enjoy its real vibe and party atmosphere which is suppressed during winters.
April to June & September to October are milder months to travel to Greece for tourists that wish to avoid the intense heat, lesser tourists, cooler weather, and extremely good offers for accommodations.
In winters, travelers can enjoy skiing in the mountainous regions or the city life of Athens and nearby locations as certain islands are closed or in less operation due to the cool weather.
To summarize, Greece is an enjoyable destination to visit year-round.
Cities
The capital city of Greece is filled with history and culture enticing its visitors to dwell in its rich glorious heritage. Athens is a bustling vibrant modern city with amazing nightlife and an exciting blend of culture. Athens also serves as the start and endpoint for its travelers wishing to visit its breath-taking Greek Islands.
Tourists would discover its fascinating monuments and museums, charming cafes and restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and exciting shopping.
Athens has hotels with world-class facilities suiting all sorts of travelers. The Plaka neighborhood is a top tourist spot as it's extremely beautiful and picturesque due to its charming village ambiance, cute narrow pedestrian streets, and pastel-colored houses.
Architectural and historical fans would love this city because of its historic heritage.
Thessaloniki is also known as Salonica, is the 2nd largest city of Greece. This charming coastal city does have some hidden gems with lots of sightseeing’s majorly historical and cultural, tasty food, vibrant nightlife, and a seaside promenade with a relaxed vibe and friendly ambiance.
This city is less crowded as compared to Athens and has its multi-ethnic heritage determined by different civilizations. Its also known for its music scenes and live band performances are a regular occurrence at the different venues throughout the year.
If you are intimidated by history and archaeology then this is a place you must consider visiting along with Athens.
Santorini is one of the Cyclades Island in Greece is a fairly small island packed with quaint towns, colorful villages, exciting cafes, awestruck sunsets, and pleasing beaches. It's renowned the world over for its white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow pedestrian streets inviting travelers to experience the best of its beauty in a romantic setup.
The crazy nightlife and party atmosphere start from June to September. To make the most of this place, hire an ATV so that you can move about everywhere on this pretty island as taxis work out expensive.
Santorini serves as a perfect destination for couples looking for romance with its unimaginable hotels overlooking caldera and sunsets, friends looking for some adventures and fun, and solo travelers who love to explore destinations and their beauty. Santorini is a less recommended place for families with kids.
Over the years, Mykonos has gained popularity for its party atmosphere, windmills, sandy white beaches, and its iconic white-washed buildings. Mykonos vacations imply laid back vibe and relaxation on its beaches while gazing at the sunlight.
Mykonos should be visited between mid-May to September as the party schedules are at their peak during these months and you would feel the vibe of this fanatic place.
One can hire an ATV as it’s the most convenient way to explore the island. Mykonos is a must-visit for travelers interested in nightlife and parties, looking for a romantic getaway and it’s a good platform to meet new people if you are a solo traveler.
Crete is the largest island of Greece with an incredible coastline, mountainous villages, archaeological sites, golden sand beaches, blue waters of the Mediterranean, beautiful natural landscapes, and friendly locals.
One can reach Crete by flight or ferry and moving within the island is best by hiring cars, scooters, and quad bikes.
Crete has lots of historical sites due to its long history with the most famous being Knossos & Phaistos. It’s even a good place for adrenaline junkies for some outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, horse-riding, and perfect landscapes to be explored.
Crete is in no shortage of some mind-blowing beaches suiting every sort of traveler with the most famous being Balos and Elafonissi for its stunning backdrop. Cretan cuisine is one of the best to try when on this island. Chania area is the most touristy place which serves as a base for staying and Agios Nikolaos is a charming small city overlooking Mirabello Bay is a tourist town worth exploring.
Corfu is studded with natural beauty, rugged limestone rock formations, Mediterranean views, and lush green hills thus capturing the hearts of travelers around the world.
Corfu town, a lovely capital of the island filled with Venetian-era buildings and known for expansive green square - the Esplanade between tightly packed buildings of the Old Town and the Old Fortress.
Travelers can relax on the sandy beaches, snorkel or swim, stroll across the old town and historical sites, walk around traditional villages, and binge on its hearty local delicacies. Families enjoy warm hospitality; couples enjoy its romantic vibes and solo travelers enjoy activities on offer and its beautiful landscapes.
Rhodes is an island perfect for visitors who wish to relax as well as prefer action-packed holidays. Rhodes is blessed with golden sandy beaches, rich green hills, and valleys.
The old town is one of the largest medieval towns set within the medieval fortress walls and packed with old houses, gates, minarets, and busy squares making its visitors feel the aura of the medieval era.
As per its geographical location, it's much near to Turkey and can be reached by flight from Athens & Thessaloniki and by ship through Piraeus port of Athens. Travelers would enjoy visiting its glorious archaeological sites and laid-back beaches with excellent facilities for its tourists.
Naxos is calm as compared to Mykonos and is a family-friendly island serving as a popular destination for island hopping in Greece. Naxos has some amazing weather during the summer months and it’s the largest island in the Cyclades and thus less touristy as compared to the famed nearby islands.
Naxos serves to all sorts of travelers; as adventure junkies can enjoy hiking or water-sport activities, nature-centric can enjoy walking through quaint villages and towns, people interested in history have archaeological and historical sites to visit, and beach bums for sure have some amazing beaches to explore.