Greece – Travel Guide
Greece, a cradle of Western civilization, invites travelers to explore its ancient ruins, pristine islands, and vibrant cities. Athens, the capital, boasts iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora. The Greek Islands offer picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages, including Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Delphi and Olympia showcase ancient archaeological sites and historic significance, while Meteora impresses with its towering rock formations and monasteries. Greece`s warm hospitality, Mediterranean cuisine, and rich cultural heritage make it a captivating destination for history buffs, beach lovers, and adventurers alike.
All about Greece
Greece FAQ
What is Greece known for?
Greece is famous for being the birthplace of democracy, the creation of the Olympic Games, and for its unique and historical architecture. Some examples include the Acropolis in Athens, the Sanctuary of Delphi, and the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The country offers the most beautiful natural landscape and a fascinating culture.
Officially called the Hellenic Republic, Greece is an absolutely beautiful country. The land of Greece is infused with ancient mythology and if you like archeology, history, art, and philosophy then you will love Greece. The country is also famous for its delicious cuisine, cliffs tumbling into sparkling blue water, sand and pebble beaches, and a balmy Mediterranean climate, which all make this destination a prime tourist destination.
What are the best places to visit in Greece?
Known for its abundance of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, it is no wonder that Greece ranks among Europe`s top travel destinations. But the reason that tourism exists in the first place is that it`s just so beautiful here. Often, you`ll find that beauty on the many Scattered Islands, lying like little gems in the seas surrounding the Grecian peninsula. Each one offers its own share of spectacular landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes and cultural delights.
There`s a wealth of these to explore. From the Ionian Islands in the west – including Kefalonia Island and Corfu Island – to the Aegean Sea, boasting Mykonos Island, Santorini Island, Paros Island, Kos Island and Rhodes Island, amongst others. Then there`s the pre-Hellenic Minoan culture of Crete Island to the south. Back on the mainland, there`s scenery worthy of the gods all over the place. The monastery of Meteora, the ruins at Delphi, and then, most legendary, the capital of Athens and all of Mainland Greece to explore.
How many days should I spend in Greece?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Greece?
For some visitors, going to Greece is all about going to the islands. For others, it`s the 2,500 years of history in Athens, on the Peloponnese Peninsula and beyond. But for most travelers, it`s a combination of islands and inland, city and countryside, culture and leisure.
Getting from each destination is as varied as the places themselves. Whether you`re traveling for a week or longer, chances are you`ll find yourself using boats, trains, cars and maybe even mopeds.
By Boat/Ferry: Greece has 227 inhabited islands and more than 8,500 miles of coastline, so it should come as no surprise that boats are one of the most common ways to get around. The country offers an expansive network of ferries between the various islands and archipelagos, as well as ferry services to Italy and Turkey.
Within easy reach of the Athens International Airport is Piraeus, which is the main port for ferries plying the Aegean Sea. From there, there are regular routes to the major islands in the Cyclades, Crete, the Saronic Gulf Islands, the Dodecanese chain and the Northeast Aegean Islands. A smaller port in Athens is Rafina, which has ferry service to Evia, some of the northernmost Cycladic Islands and many of the Northeast Aegean Islands.
If you’re traveling to the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, most ferries leaves from Patras or Kyllini on the Peloponnese or Igoumenitsa in Epirus.
There are a number of ferry companies, with sea-going vessels that range from traditional large ferries carrying both passengers and vehicles to faster-moving catamarans and hydrofoils.
By Train: The national rail system (OSE) is extremely limited and they don`t cover the whole country. Trains are slow and generally not very clean. That said, the importance of rail travel is now being rediscovered, and the national rail network is under major renovation. The project`s completion is still a long way off. There has been extensive (and continuing) modernization of the Athens-Thessaloniki corridor, with travel times being significant reduced.
By Car: Driving the mountainous roads of the mainland and the busy streets of some of the more popular islands is not for everyone. If you`re up to the challenge, over 21 years old and comfortable with a standard transmission, renting a car is definitely a great way to explore remote villages in the countryside that are not reachable via public transportation.
You will need an International Driving Permit accompanied by a valid driver`s license from your home country. In the U.S., these are available through AAA (American Automobile Association) and NAC (National Automobile Club).
Car rental offices are present throughout Greece, especially in major cities and in highly touristed areas. The cars offered generally have manual gearboxes; automatics do exist, but it is advised to reserve one in advance. Some car rental agencies and insurance policies do not allow the car to be taken out of Greece.
What is the currency of Greece?
The currency of Greece is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR.
Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the different cities. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Greece.
Do people speak English in Greece?
Greek is the official national language and is the native tongue of the vast majority of the population, although the English speaking visitor will encounter no significant language problem. English is the most widely studied and understood foreign language in Greece, followed by French, Italian, and German. Basic knowledge of English can be expected from almost all in the tourism industry and public transport services. Learning a few Greek terms, such as `hello` and `thank you` will be warmly received.
Best time to visit Greece
Generally speaking the best time to visit Greece is during spring (from April until mid-June) and fall (September – October). During these months the weather is mild, and the crowds are less.
Read More
July and August are very hot months, and it`s very crowded, especially in popular destinations like the Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, etc.
Due to its mild climate, Greece is an all-year-round destination. Every season in this country has its charm, as well as its pitfalls, so when to go depends on your travel type, destination and what activities you`re interested in. Like many other countries, you can have a very different experience depending on when you decide to visit. Here is an overview of Greece in all four seasons that will help you make a decision what`s the best time of year for you to visit.
November – March
(Winter)
The winter months are the best time of year to go to Greece if you are looking to save money, with many hotels offering lower rates. The weather can be chilly, December to March being the coldest and least reliable sunny months. The more northerly latitudes and high altitudes endure far colder and wetter conditions, with the mountains themselves under snow from November to May. The mildest winter climate can be found on Rhodes, or in the southeastern parts of Crete.
One of the main attractions in the winter, possibly making it the best time to go to Greece if you aren`t looking for a beach vacation, is the fact that the country is the least crowded during this time and fairly quiet. However, because of this, bear in mind that many shops and accommodation options will be closed for the season. Most of the islands` infrastructures are closed between October-April (hotels, many restaurants, etc.) so in all likelihood there will not be much to do on the islands in the winter months. However, if you really want to spend some time on the islands during the winter, be sure to choose an island that is as far south as you can go (Crete) or as far east (Rhodes) as they hang on to the better weather for longer. Warm, sunny days are never a guarantee, but they typically have better weather than other islands nearby.
Also, with winter brings skiing in Greece, being that the country is mostly mountainous. In fact, so many people go to Greece for skiing that many resorts have to be booked in advance. If you love to ski, then winter is definitely the best time to visit Greece.
Events and Festivals
– December 25th, Christmas
– January 1st, New Year`s Day
– January 6th, the Epiphany (fest of Agia Theofania, or Fota, which celebrates that day when the `kalikatzari` are re-banished to the netherworld by the church`s rites.
– February – March, The Carnival – three weeks of feasting and dancing, takes place three weeks before Lent Monday.- March 25th, Feast of Annunciation
– Easter – this is the most important festival of the Greek Orthodox Church. It starts 7 weeks before Easter Sunday and comes to its peak the Holy Week.
April – June
(Spring)
Just about everyone agrees that spring is one of the best times to visit Greece (fall being the other). This way, you`ll avoid the summer high season, with its inflated prices, hordes of tourists and high temperatures. This is also a great time to visit if you are interested in hiking and being outside in nature. As spring slowly warms up, April is still uncertain, though superb for wild flowers (more than you could have imagined), green landscapes and photography; by May the weather is more settled and predictable. You`ll be able to go mostly anywhere in the country and not have to fight crowds. Beaches in particular are much easier to enjoy during the spring because of the lack of crowds although the sea is still a little cool for swimming.
Something to consider if you are coming to Greece in the spring: During Easter week, nearly every hotel room outside of Athens is booked well in advance by city Greeks who head to the country to celebrate Greece`s most important holiday. Many sites and museums are closed Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday, while many shops close on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. And when St. George`s Day (usually celebrated Apr 23) falls in Lent, it is celebrated on the Monday after Easter Sunday, which just prolongs the Easter break.
Events and Festivals
– Easter – The most important festival of the Greek Orthodox Church. It starts 7 weeks before Easter Sunday and comes to its peak the Holy Week.
– April 23rd, The feast of Saint George (Agios Georgios) – The feast celebrates the Knight who killed the Dragon.
– May 1st, Labor Day
– May/June, The Day of the Holy Spirit – The feast takes place 40-50 days after Easter. It celebrates the day that the Holy Spirit presented to the Apostles and asked them to teach Christianity to the world.
July – August
(Summer)
July and August are the two hottest months in Greece. It is also when everything is fully open and operating at high rhythm. However, summer high season brings inflated hotel prices, hordes of tourists and high temperatures (heat waves of around 100°F are pretty common). With extremely high heat, crowds, overbooked planes, ferry boats, and hotels, you may want to avoid these months.
However, if the summertime works best for you, we strongly urge you to keep your Greek summer plans. Greece is gorgeous – it`s hard to have a bad time there no matter when you go. Just be prepared and drink lots of water, plan a bunch of water activities, go swimming, and wear a hat and lots of sunscreen. Also, if you plan on going to Athens, although hot, August is the perfect month to visit since everybody is away.
On average the weather reaches its highest temperatures in July. The average temperature this month is 81°F, while the average low is a warm 72°F, and the average high is a stifling 100°F.
There are some benefits to visiting Greece in the summer. If you want to experience life on the islands in particular, summer is by far the best time to do it (with Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete being the most popular ones, and for good reason)! With everything open and in full swing, you`ll have much more shopping and accommodation variety if you chose to visit Greece in the summer. Also, the waters are warmest during summer, making this the optimal time to go swimming and enjoy water activities. And if you`re looking to party, you`re in luck – this is the when nightlife also kicks into high gear.
Events and Festivals
– August 15th, The Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary – This feast celebrates Mary`s ascent to Heaven.
– Athens Epidaurus Festival – Tae Festival takes place every summer (from June – August) and includes various performances, like modern theatre, ancient drama, ballet, opera, jazz and classical music concerts and art exhibitions..
– Megaro Gyzi Festival – Takes place every August in Santorini Island. It includes music concerts, performances, art exhibitions and lectures that take place in Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center.
– July/August – Naxos Festival in Bazoes Tower, Naxos island.
– More Festivals in Greece – A large range of cultural events and festivals take place all around Greece and the Greek islands. Most festivals are organized in summer.
September – October
(Fall)
Fall is also considered a `shoulder season` and one of the best times to visit Greece (along with spring), and still offering lots of sunny weather. This is also when you`ll start to see reduced hotel prices. Because of this, you`ll find that a rather affordable vacation in Greece is possible, compared to the expensive summer months. Everything is still open but the hordes of tourist have all gone home. Beaches in particular are much easier to enjoy during the spring and fall months because of the lack of crowds.
Another major benefit to visiting Greece in the fall, the weather is absolutely amazing during this time! Come autumn, everything changes to beautiful colors of gold and brown. This is an ideal time to be outside while you`re on a Greek vacation, since the temperatures are comfortable and not ridiculously hot. It`s the best time to travel to Greece if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, especially if you want to visit Athens and it`s ruins without sweating profusely. In addition, September is definitely the best time for the beach and swimming in general as the water has spent all summer warming up – meaning the sea will feel like a bath tub at a warm 75°F.
It`s also worth noting that the grapes in Greece are harvested in September. This makes it the best time to go to Greece if you`d like to sample their delicious wine while you`re on vacation!
Events and Festivals
– October 28th, National Anniversary
Tipping in Greece
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Read More
In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Europe tipping is not as habitual, and in Greece it is not always expected. This can leave some travelers confused. In Greece, tipping is a kind gesture and appropriate in some situations.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Euros?
The currency of Greece is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Euros upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Europe you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
First thing is first: Tipping varies throughout different parts of Greece. In Greece there are likely two charges that you will notice on your bill, and it is important to note that they are not a gratuity. The first is the standard 13% VAT Tax charged on all food and drink (which is changing to 18% in late 2015/ early 2016). Most restaurants will include two prices for each item, the first is the actual cost, and the second is the price with the VAT included (the price you will be paying). The second is the kouver, or `cover charge,` which is quite literally a charge to cover the table with a cloth and for the bread and non-bottled water. This charge is not removed even if you decide not to eat the bread, and it is usually 1 Euro per person. Some restaurants also charge a service fee, which will be indicated on the menu. The price quoted on the bill is final and inclusive of the VAT, cover charge, and service fee if applicable. Check over the bill for obvious errors and bring any substantial errors to the attention of your waiter. If you notice a minor discrepancy use common sense to decide if it`s worth trying to sort it out.
Now, as far as the actual tip, in general expectations are much lower than most tourists are used to. Major cities have the most experience with tourist traffic and the western tipping practice; in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete servers have become accustomed to western tipping practices. In smaller areas, it is less likely that a server will be expecting a tip. Keep in mind that most servers are salaried, but tips are always appreciated. The most common practice is to round the bill up by a few Euros. Be sure to tell the server to `krata ta resta,` or keep the change. Alternately, give the tip directly to your server, as it is customary to leave some small change at the table for bus boys and if you leave the tip on the table, your server may not receive it! In Greece it`s assumed that tourists will tip but some restaurants will still round-up the bill, so be careful. Don`t leave any extra money if they have.
For exceptional service, 10% is more than admirable (or even expected) as a thank you for wonderful service.
In cafes and bars tipping is also at the customers discretion, although it will likely win you favor with the person taking your order. One or two Euro per round of drinks, or one Euro for a coffee order will generally expedite service. Just be sure to tip while placing your order to get their attention!
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
The practice of tipping is also fairly uncommon in Greek hotels. In most hotels a service charge is included in the bill for staff, however, Porters and Chambermaids regularly receive tips due to their relatively low salaries.
If a Porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is 1 or 2 Euros per bag, usually no more than 5 Euros total. For Chambermaids in moderate hotels a 1 Euro tip, daily, is adequate; while in deluxe hotels 2-3 Euros daily is more suitable. Leave these tips on the bed or the bedside table. Hotel Concierge staff can be very helpful for first time travelers; they are a wealth of information from directions to restaurant suggestions and reservations. Tip them 1 or 2 Euros accordingly for their helpful service, if so desired. Some hotels (and upscale restaurants) will have Restroom Attendants, tip them with small change and bless them, since without them, there would be no toilet paper or soap there.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Let`s be flat out: Taxi drivers serving tourists expect tips. Most drivers will charge a minor fee for handling luggage; this is not a tip, but an official charge. Generally tourists are expected to cover toll road fees, so ask if your route will include any tolls. For the tip itself, round up the fare, or leave between 5% and 10%. If you`ve hired a private driver leave around 20 Euros per day. If they went above and beyond you can always tip more. Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
In Greece it is standard etiquette to tip on tours. For group tours, you can tip between 2 and 5 Euros per person, per day. For private tours, tip 20 Euros per person, per day. For ferry charters, a 5-15% tip for the captain is customary.
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
The Greek Attitude: Some people view Greeks as rude, when in fact the Greeks are generally polite. The attitude they adopt is that of letting tourists approach them instead of the other way around. Do not be afraid to ask for help, whether it is reading a map or a menu. Don’t be taken aback if your server seems indifferent, be polite and you will be served, even without a smile on the face. Always thank your server, and the owner if available, if you have a good experience.
Restaurant Policy: Some restaurant owners do not allow staff to keep the tips; check with your server if you want to leave a tip, otherwise you are only paying extra for your meal. Keep cash on hand for tips, if you pay by credit card and tip using the card it is highly unlikely that your server will benefit from your generosity. You may also find that many restaurants do not accept credit cards or require a minimum to use them.
Smoking: Smoking also deserves a mention. Greeks are the heaviest smokers in Europe, and although smoking is legally prohibited in restaurants and bars, in practice the law is almost universally disregarded.
Other Services: In the event that you are in Greece for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% range.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Greece than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
As a last resort, the Greek Tourist Police are available throughout major cities or by dialing 171. Though most travelers to Greece will never need them, the Greek Tourist Police can be guardian angels. They admittedly spend most their time providing directions, but if by chance you have had a horrible experience and feel ripped off, do not hesitate to contact them. They exist to handle complaints and assist tourists . Whether it is a cab fare dispute, a dinner check that just didn`t add up or if you are confused by charges on your hotel bill, they`re here to help. The Tourist Police officers receive special training in dealing with visitors and they speak several languages.
Driving in Greece
The roads in Greece vary in their quality and state of repair, with all major cities being connected by nice wide, multi-lane highways, and smaller cities being served by the narrow variety.
Read More
To navigate to the most spectacular and remote locations you might have to negotiate through very narrow roads that might turn into gravel for large stretches of the trip often doubling the estimated time of arrival you calculated looking at the little red line on a map. Greece is a mountainous country and driving can yield spectacular views, but also it can be a cause for motion sickness. If you are traveling with small children make frequent stops and allow extra time to get to your destination.
Driving in Greece is not to be taken lightly. Greece has a very high accident rate compared to other European countries and much caution is advised. The most dangerous roads are the one lane roads which connect large cities and host large tractor trailers, small cars, older cars, and even smaller motorcycles, all driving at wide ranges of speed. Be extra careful when you pass slower vehicles and have to cross over to the opposite direction lane. There is no avoiding this maneuver on Greek roads especially if you are stuck behind a slow moving tractor trailer on a long uphill for the last 24 minutes.
Another dangerous maneuver in Greece is the dreaded left turn on any road. Chances are good that whoever follows behind you at double your speed is busy lighting a cigarette or fiddling with his stereo all while he is calculating the physics of passing you on the left without hitting the oncoming traffic and analyzing his trajectory to allow his wheels to avoid the two pot holes on the street. A good practice is to turn the blinker on early, then extend your arm out of the window pointing to the left for at least 600 feet.
Driver’s License
A European Union drivers license, or a USA drivers license is valid in Greece, and it should be accompanied by an International Drivers Permit.
The International Driving Permit is an official translation of your valid driver’s license into 10 different languages, and they are valid for one year from the date issued. You can obtain an International Driving Permit from your local AAA for $10, or from ATAA. All you need is your valid US Drivers License, the completed application, two passport size photos (often taken on the spot at the AAA office), and you must be over 18 years old. You can go to your local AAA office, and the whole process takes about 10-15 minutes, or you can obtain your permit by mail.
Road Signs
Road signs are easy to understand since they contain no text and most resemble European signs.
Seat Belts
Wearing seat belts is mandatory and at times police ‘blocks’ are set-up to enforce the rule.
The Cars
The majority of the cars in Greece are new and well maintained thanks to a series of laws that gave people incentives to replace their old vehicles with new, more energy efficient ones. All cars are of the manual transmission variety, and if you are used to automatic transmissions, Greece might not be the place to begin fiddling with the stick.
Gas Stations
Gas stations in Greece are efficient and plentiful save for the most remote areas of Greece and offer a variety of services to the travelers, albeit, clean bathrooms is not often on the list of offerings. All gas stations offer unleaded fuel and close around 7:00pm on weekdays, and for the whole day on Sundays.
By law, at least one gas station must remain open in each area at night and on Sundays. If you are driving in a town desperate for gas during a night or in the weekend, ask the locals to point you towards the one gas station that is open in the town. The gas in Greece is expensive and you should factor it into your budget because even with moderate driving it can be a major part of it.
The majority of gas stations in Greece are ‘full service’. Pull up to the pump, and within a few minutes someone will come to fill your tank with gas. Hand them the keys if the gas tank is locked, and tell them how much gas you wish to purchase. Very rarely the gas station attendant will provide more service than filling your tank, and you are not expected to leave a tip. In large urban centers it is possible to find some self-service gas stations, but they are far and few in between.
Every gas station offers a free air pump, water, and a squeegee for washing your windshield. The great majority of gas stations is attached to a mini market where you can buy auto accessories, food, drinks, or ice cream.
Top cities in Greece
More cities in Greece
A – Z
What to expect while traveling
