Greece: Complete Travel Guide

Why Greece Is Magical

Greece is the cradle of Western civilisation wrapped around impossibly blue water. There are some 6,000 islands (only around 227 inhabited), ancient ruins that still set the standard for the word "classical", and a Mediterranean cuisine built on olive oil, fresh vegetables and unhurried meals. Athens has quietly transformed from a one-day stopover into a destination in its own right, and beyond it lie island worlds that feel completely different from one another.

The art of a Greece trip is balancing the icons against the crowds and the cost. Santorini and Mykonos are gorgeous and priced accordingly; islands like Naxos, Paros and Crete deliver just as much for far less. Getting the timing and the ferry logistics right is what separates a smooth trip from a stressful one.

This guide covers when to go, what a day realistically costs using our verified data, and how to plan island hopping without overspending.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-June): wildflowers, comfortable temperatures and warm-enough seas by June, with far fewer crowds than summer.
• Summer (July-August): peak everything — hottest weather, busiest islands, highest prices. The meltemi wind can affect ferries in the Cyclades.
• September: for many the ideal month — the sea is at its warmest, the light is beautiful and the crowds thin out.
• Winter (November-March): Athens stays lively, but many island services and hotels shut down.

What Greece Actually Costs

According to our verified city data, a day in Athens works out to about 58€ for a backpacker, 167€ mid-range and 382€ for a comfort trip, covering accommodation, food and local transport. Islands vary widely: budget islands sit near these Athens figures, while Santorini and Mykonos in peak season run considerably higher.

For flights, our verified route data shows one-way fares to Athens around ~40€ from Rome, ~96€ from Barcelona, ~103€ from Paris and ~111€ from Madrid, with cheap regional links like ~35€ from Istanbul and even the ~30€ Athens-Santorini hop — see the Rome to Athens route. Ferries between islands range from about 20€ on slow boats to 60-80€ on fast catamarans. Model your trip in our trip cost calculator.

Island Hopping

Island hopping is the classic way to see Greece. Popular routes:

• Classic Cyclades: Athens → Mykonos → Paros → Santorini (about 10 days)
• Relaxed: Athens → Naxos → Amorgos → Ios (about 8 days)
• Adventure: Athens → Crete → Milos → Folegandros (about 10 days)

Top Destinations

Base your mainland plans on our Athens guide.

Athens

The Acropolis and Parthenon, the lanes of Plaka and Monastiraki, and a genuinely good food and bar scene.

Santorini

The most photographed island in the world — blue domes, the Oia sunset and volcanic beaches. Beautiful, and priced for it.

Mykonos

Whitewashed villages, windmills, chic beaches and legendary nightlife.

Crete

The largest island: Minoan Knossos, the Samaria Gorge, superb beaches and arguably the best island food.

Naxos & Paros

Less touristy, more affordable, with excellent beaches and authentic villages — the value picks of the Cyclades.

How Long to Stay and What It Adds Up To

A Greece trip is really Athens plus an island choice, and ferry times shape the plan. Two useful shapes:

• 7-10 days (Athens plus the Cyclades): 2-3 days in Athens, then two or three islands linked by ferry — a classic first-timer route.
• 2 weeks (slower, or Crete-focused): the above at a gentler pace, or Athens plus a deep dive into a single large island like Crete.

Putting the numbers together, using our verified data: at Athens's mid-range rate of about 167€ a day, a 4-day city stay runs roughly 670€ on the ground; islands vary, with budget islands near that figure and Santorini or Mykonos climbing higher in peak season. Flights are cheap (around 40€ from Rome, 96-111€ from Spain), and ferries add 20-80€ per hop. Backpackers nearer 58€ a day, sticking to Naxos, Paros or Crete rather than the glamour islands, can travel Greece for far less.

Greek Cuisine

• Moussaka — Layered aubergine, mince and béchamel
• Souvlaki & Gyros — Grilled meat in pita, the perfect cheap meal
• Greek salad — Tomato, cucumber, olives and a slab of feta
• Spanakopita — Spinach and feta filo pie
• Tzatziki & Ouzo — The classic meze pairing

Beaches and Swimming

Greece has some of the Mediterranean's best beaches, and they vary hugely by island:

• Crete — Elafonisi's pink sand and the lagoon at Balos are the headline acts
• Naxos and Paros — Long, sandy, shallow beaches ideal for families and windsurfers
• Milos — Otherworldly white rock formations at Sarakiniko
• Zakynthos — The famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Cove on the Ionian side

The sea is warmest from July into October. On many islands the best beaches are a short drive or bus ride from the main town, so factor in local transport.

Getting Around

• Ferries: the heart of island travel, from slow, cheap car ferries to fast catamarans that cost roughly double. The main hubs are Piraeus (Athens) and Rafina.
• Domestic flights: Aegean and Sky Express connect Athens with the larger islands (Santorini, Crete, Rhodes) — often worth it for far-flung islands where a ferry eats a whole day.
• On the mainland: the Athens metro is quick and cheap, and KTEL intercity buses reach most towns. Trains are limited but link Athens with Thessaloniki.
• On the islands: hire a car on large islands like Crete; a scooter, quad or the local bus is plenty on smaller ones.

Practical Tips

• Visa: EU citizens need nothing; US, Canadian and many other travellers can typically stay up to 90 days visa-free under Schengen. Confirm the rules for your nationality before booking.
• Currency: the euro. Many tavernas and small islands are cash-preferred, so carry some.
• Sun & pace: the summer sun is intense (SPF 50), and islands tend to shut down for a midday break — plan sightseeing for morning and evening.