How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Greece is April through October, months which encompass the country’s spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The spring months of April to June are relatively quiet, but flowers bloom as the sunshine cascades the cliffs to the coastline. In fall, from September to October, there are far fewer tourists on the islands and in famous cities like Athens. If you are comfortable navigating the crowds, the summer months of July to August are best for warm weather and clear skies.

If you want to spend Christmas in Europe or ski the slopes of the Peloponnese, then the winter months of December through February are great times to visit. As a year-round destination, when you go depends on the type of vacation you are planning.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Greece

You should spend at least eight days in Greece, with enough time to explore highlights like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, or partake in a brief island-hopping adventure.

To discover more of Greece on trips that include Crete, Naxos, or mainland sites like Meteora, anywhere from eight to 28 days is excellent. On a vacation longer than eight days, you will have time to explore hidden gems like the affluent island of Spetses, enjoy several days at leisure, or visit another Mediterranean country.

The length of your trip depends on the destinations you would like to visit, the experiences you wish to have, and more, with eight days being the minimum for a tour of the highlights.

Learn more: 8 Day Greece Itineraries • 12 Day Greece Itineraries • 2 Week Greece Itineraries

From Greek islands that produce wine and boast sparkling beaches to historic cities preserving images of ancient Greece, here are the most popular destinations to visit:

• Athens
• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Crete
• Naxos
• Paros
• Thessaloniki
• Corfu
• Meteora
• Chania

On your trip, you can walk around the towering columns of the Acropolis in Athens, wander the white-washed village of Oia in Santorini, and discover the monasteries of Meteora. Our guide on the best places to visit in Greece shares more possibilities in these destinations and beyond.

Learn more: Best Cities to Visit in Mainland Greece

Trips to Greece typically include days in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. However, there is more to the country than what guidebooks share. You can explore unknown parts of the country and its islands, with trips to the following hidden gems:

• Kastellorizo
• Ithaca
• Milos
• Paxi
• Chios
• Mani
• Epirus
• Monemvasia

Learn more: Hidden Gems in Greece to Visit

Travelers flock to the Greek islands to embrace Mediterranean beauty during summer or discover unique cultures. The following list shares the best islands to visit:

• Crete
• Naxos
• Paros
• Santorini
• Rhodes
• Folegandros
• Milos
• Tinos
• Symi
• Paxos
• Skopelos
• Zakynthos
• Mykonos

Explore golden shores, view historic landmarks, and indulge in delicious seafood at award-winning restaurants on the Greek islands on our Greek island hopping vacations. You can snorkel to coves, wander Minoan and Roman villages, and appreciate cinematic beach backdrops with our guide on the best islands to visit in Greece.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands

Greece’s beaches are some of the best in Europe and the following list includes those you should visit:

• Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
• Red Beach, Santorini
• Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
• Elafonisi Beach, Crete
• Plaka Beach, Naxos
• Ornos Beach, Mykonos
• Faragas Beach, Paros
• Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
• Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu
• Stafylo Beach, Skopelos

On these beaches, you can enjoy romantic strolls along glimmering shores, partake in watersports like kayaking and snorkeling, and tuck into Mediterranean mezze at gourmet seafood restaurants.

Embrace Mediterranean sunshine on Elafonisi’s pink sands, explore the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, and cruise from one Greek island to the next. Here are a few of the best things to do:

• Immerse yourself in the history of ancient Greece on guided tours of historic landmarks, including the Acropolis, Olympic Stadium, and the Temple of Hephaestus
• Witness the massive remains of the Temple of Poseidon and cruise the beautiful coastal roads of Cape Sounion
• Encounter the heritage and unravel the folklore of ancient Athens with actors disguised as mythical figures at historical sites
• Discover ancient Delos on a full-day tour to find the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and embrace cruises to other mythical islands
• Indulge in local flavors at a Mykonos cooking class that introduces you to the culinary traditions and unique cooking techniques of Ancient Greece
• Relax on famous beaches known for their powdery white sand, lazy waves, and golden Mediterranean sunlight, including Plaka Beach on Naxos, Paleokastritsa on Corfu, Red Beach on Santorini, and Sarakiniko on Milos
• Delight in a wine-tasting tour through the historic vines of Santorini, revealing the distinct qualities of the volcanic vineyards of the caldera
• Enjoy a sunset cruise on the beautiful caldera of Santorini for an unparalleled view and decadent cocktails as the Mediterranean sun casts mesmerizing colors across the island
• Hike from Fira to Oia for stunning views of Santorini’s azure caldera and the rugged cliffs that surround these historic and charming island villages
• Traverse the ancient city of Akrotiri to find representations of the once-thriving Minoan port and delve into the range of cultural influences in Greece

Learn more: Top Things to Do in Greece

The most popular ways to travel around Greece include planes for domestic transfers, trains for day tours across the mainland, private transfers for city tours, and boats for island hopping.

You can fly from airports on the Greek mainland to other parts of the country, including the Greek islands, which have international airports. Another option for visiting the islands is to take a ferry, catamaran, or speed boat across the Aegean, Mediterranean, or Ionian seas. Trains allow you to admire the countryside, private transfers are comfortable for tours, and car rentals are available for road trips.

Public transportation is also popular for getting around cities and towns, and the Athenian metro and KTEL buses are accessible and comfortable.

Learn more: How to Get Around Greece

Greece is an excellent destination for the entire family. You and your children can collect shells and build sand castles on picturesque beaches, swim with dolphins, visit the birthplace of Ariel’s grandfather Poseidon, and indulge in vibrant and healthy Mediterranean meals.

The history of Greece comes to life in archeological sites like the Acropolis of Athens, where you and your children can trace Greek mythology of gods and goddesses. The culinary culture is also yours to devour during cooking classes, where you can pick secret ingredients from the ground in olive farms or create the perfect baklava.

From land to sea, the experiences are endless for families with young children or teens visiting Athens, Santorini, Crete, and more on Greece family vacations.

Learn more: Best Places and Cities to Visit in Greece with Family

Hospitality is a cornerstone of Greek culture, having its own ancient word, philoxenia, which translates to ‘friend to a stranger’. This is a large part of the destination's appeal for senior travelers. You can enjoy the pleasures of philoxenia during your trip as you spend your days in five-star seaside resorts, taking slow tours through friendly neighborhoods like the Plaka in Athens, or feeling the breeze as you glide from island to island by catamaran.

Greece is safe, the locals are welcoming, and the tourism industry suits travelers of all ages. Whether you explore the origins of Ancient Greece on tours of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Knossos, or spend your afternoons soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine, you will discover that Greece and its islands are brilliant places to relax and unwind on our Greece tours for seniors.

There is plenty to cherish as a couple in Greece. Toast with an authentic Greek ouzo aperitif as you watch the sunset over the Santorini caldera, snorkel with giant sea turtles off secluded shores in Zakynthos, or climb the monastic mountains of Meteora.

You can spend your afternoons relishing clay treatments or soaking in Ancient Greek mineral baths, admiring the Doric and Ionic architectural ruins, or visiting extravagant contemporary art galleries in Athens.

Every corner of Greece offers intimacy away from the crowds, whether you discover the hidden gems of the Plaka or set sail on a private yacht to the secluded bays of Crete on our Greece tours for couples or Greece honeymoons.

Learn more: 6 Steps to Plan Your Perfect Honeymoon in Greece • Most Romantic Places in Greece for Couples

Bite into crispy layers of baklava, grab zucchini fritters, kolokithokeftedes, with your mezze, and savor dolmadakia, stuffed grape leaves, as you taste your way through the country’s top foods:

• Baklava, layered phyllo pastry with nuts and syrup or honey
• Bougatsa, cream-filled phyllo pastries
• Kolokithokeftedes, Greek zucchini fritters
• Dolmadakia, stuffed grape leaves
• Tomatokeftedes, fried tomato balls
• Ellinikos, Greek coffee
• Greek fava dip, yellow split peas puree dip
• Galaktoboureko, semolina custard baked in phyllo pastry
• Choriatiki, Greek salad
• Keftedes, Greek meatballs

You can indulge in these dishes on culinary tours along Greece’s Mediterranean coastlines, where mezze is a main attraction, or in mainland villages, where Greek cuisine takes center stage in gourmet restaurants and cooking classes.

Greece is a very safe destination to visit as a solo traveler, family, group, or couple, ranking as one of the safest in the world. Locals are welcoming and eager to share their culture, public transportation is safe and accessible, and there are very few instances of crime affecting travelers.

You should, however, be aware of pickpockets and scammers, as these petty criminals can be problems in any tourist destination, not just Greece. The easiest way to avoid them is to stay vigilant in busy public places and keep your belongings out of sight, especially in areas like Syntagma and the Plaka. Traveling with a tour guide, you will likely avoid running into scammers.

Regarding the climate, you should be mindful of the heat in summer and apply plenty of sunscreen when visiting beaches. Also, be aware of the tides and currents when swimming and enjoying watersports on the islands as rugged rocks and cliffs frame most beaches.

Greece’s official language is Greek.

Most of the population speaks Greek, but many locals also speak and understand English. You should have no trouble communicating on your trip and your guide will help with translations should you need assistance when visiting rural towns or areas where English is not as widely spoken.

Several vaccinations are recommended and the CDC Greece vaccination information provides a list of those you should consider. Your Zicasso travel specialist will also offer information when you plan your trip.

As with any international journey, we recommend consulting your doctor or travel nurse regarding vaccination recommendations for the areas you will visit.

For most travelers, the most convenient airport to arrive at in Greece is Athens. The second most accessible airport to fly in or out of Greece is Crete’s Heraklion Airport (HER). There are also airports on the islands and in other areas, making domestic transfers to different regions possible. Below, we share the best airports to consider:

• Athens International Airport (ATH), Athens
• Heraklion International Airport (HER), Crete
• Chania International Airport (CHQ), Crete
• Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), Thessaloniki
• Rhodes International Airport (RHO), Rhodes
• Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR), Santorini
• Mykonos International Airport (JMK), Mykonos

As part of the Schengen area, American travelers can enter Greece without a visa for trips of up to 90 days.

When planning your trip with Zicasso, a travel specialist can provide you with the latest visa information should anything change between now and your departure date.

The official currency of Greece is the euro (€).

You should travel with euros as they are accepted across Greece and its islands. Even though modern establishments like restaurants and hotels in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini accept electronic payments with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, having euros helps you avoid payment issues that may arise when touring rural areas.

When you work with Zicasso, a travel specialist will help you plan your entire trip, with our favorite Greece vacations and exclusive luxury Greece vacations sharing ideas of what is possible for your vacation.

After browsing these sample tours, you will have a clearer idea of how you could spend your time in Greece, whether for your honeymoon on the islands or with your family exploring the culture of Athens, Santorini, and beyond.

When you are ready, fill out a trip request in which you can narrow down your destinations, trip duration, travel style, and budget. Our Travel Care team will use this information to match you with a top Zicasso travel specialist in Greece.

Our experts will help you plan every aspect of your trip, from organizing your transfers and tours to booking your accommodations. In addition, they will be available to you on vacation to ease travel stress and ensure you have a sensational stay.

Learn more: How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps • How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Whether you wish to learn how to master Mediterranean cuisine, sail between islands, or step into the myths of a Greek labyrinth, you can find the right inspiration for your trip with sample itineraries from our Greece vacations.

The splendor of Greece can take you from Athenian ruins to the cliffs of Santorini, enjoying radiant beaches and indulging in medieval stone towns. You can discover more travel tips and top experiences in our Greece travel guide.