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Greece

Acropolis sunsets, island-hopping, and taverna feasts. Athens' antiquities, Santorini's caldera, and Crete's Minoan legacy. As part of Southern Europe in Europe, Greece suits travelers drawn to beachside, historic, and islands. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Greece

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct

Athens

Athens is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Greece, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Santorini

Santorini is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Greece, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Crete

Crete pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southern Europe route through Greece.

Meteora

Plan at least a full day in Meteora to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Greece, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Acropolis and Parthenon overlooking Athens
  • Santorini caldera sunsets and whitewashed villages
  • Meteora monasteries perched on rock pillars
  • Crete's Minoan Palace of Knossos
  • Moussaka, souvlaki, and feta in village tavernas
key City
name
Athens
label
Capital
why
Ancient ruins sit beside rooftop bars and the port of Piraeus, where ferries depart for every major island in the Aegean.
Places to visit
  • area
    Athens
    attractions
    • name
      Acropolis
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead in summer; go at opening.
    • name
      Parthenon
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ancient Agora
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Plaka District
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Santorini
    attractions
    • name
      Oia Village
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Fira Caldera View
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Akrotiri Archaeological Site
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      Timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead at UNESCO sites in peak season.
    • name
      Red Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
  • area
    Crete
    attractions
    • name
      Knossos Palace
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Samaria Gorge
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Elafonissi Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Heraklion Archaeological Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
  • area
    Meteora
    attractions
    • name
      Great Meteoron Monastery
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Varlaam Monastery
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Roussanou Monastery
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Meteora Rock Formations
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Rhodes
    attractions
    • name
      Medieval City of Rhodes
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Palace of the Grand Master
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Lindos Acropolis
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      Timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead at UNESCO sites in peak season.
    • name
      Anthony Quinn Bay
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Greece Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Athens
    • Santorini
    • Crete
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Athens
    • Full day discovering Santorini
    • Full day discovering Crete
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Athens
      description
      Land in Athens, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Greece trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Santorini
      description
      Dedicate the day to Santorini: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Crete and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Crete visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Greece
    duration
    10 days
    locations
    • Athens
    • Santorini
    • Crete
    • Meteora
    • Rhodes
    highlights
    • Cover Athens and Santorini
    • Explore Crete
    • Explore Meteora
    • Explore Rhodes
    best For
    Balanced sightseeing and relaxation
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Athens
      description
      Land in Athens, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Greece trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Santorini
      description
      Dedicate the day to Santorini: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Crete
      description
      Dedicate the day to Crete: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Explore Meteora
      description
      Dedicate the day to Meteora: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      5
      title
      Rhodes and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Rhodes visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Greece Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Santorini
    • Crete
    • Rhodes
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Santorini
    • Coastal day in Crete
    • Coastal day in Rhodes
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Santorini
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Santorini.
    • day
      2
      title
      Crete coast
      description
      Spend the day on Crete's shoreline: Knossos Palace, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Rhodes and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Rhodes, visiting Medieval City of Rhodes, Palace of the Grand Master, Lindos Acropolis before you depart Greece.
  • title
    Greece Countryside
    duration
    9 days
    locations
    • Athens
    • Santorini
    • Crete
    • Meteora
    • Rhodes
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Athens
    • Rural stop: Santorini
    • Rural stop: Crete
    • Rural stop: Meteora
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Athens
      description
      Reach Athens, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Santorini countryside
      description
      Explore Santorini at an easy pace: Oia Village, Fira Caldera View, Akrotiri Archaeological Site with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Crete countryside
      description
      Explore Crete at an easy pace: Knossos Palace, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Meteora countryside
      description
      Explore Meteora at an easy pace: Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, Roussanou Monastery with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      5
      title
      Rhodes and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Rhodes, stopping at Medieval City of Rhodes, Palace of the Grand Master, Lindos Acropolis before heading home.
  • title
    Greece Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    9 days
    locations
    • Meteora
    • Crete
    • Athens
    • Santorini
    • Rhodes
    highlights
    • Must-see: Great Meteoron Monastery
    • Must-see: Varlaam Monastery
    • Must-see: Knossos Palace
    • Must-see: Samaria Gorge
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Meteora
      description
      Start in Meteora with Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, Roussanou Monastery, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Crete monuments
      description
      Focus on Crete's tourist favorites: Knossos Palace, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Athens monuments
      description
      Focus on Athens's tourist favorites: Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Santorini monuments
      description
      Focus on Santorini's tourist favorites: Oia Village, Fira Caldera View, Akrotiri Archaeological Site with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      5
      title
      Rhodes landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Rhodes, including Medieval City of Rhodes, Palace of the Grand Master, Lindos Acropolis, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
April through June and September through October deliver ideal conditions for Athens antiquities, Cyclades island hopping, and Crete hiking without midsummer heat or cruise-ship swarms. Spring wildflowers cover Peloponnese ruins, while autumn seas stay warm for swimming.
typical Weather
Athens Apr-Jun/Sep-Oct: highs 20-28°C (68-82°F), lows 12-18°C (54-64°F), 20-40 mm rain. Santorini: highs 22-26°C (72-79°F), sea 20-24°C (68-75°F). Crete south coast warmest. Mountain villages cooler at night.
details
  • Jul-Aug is peak on islands; Mykonos and Santorini prices and crowds soar.
  • Easter week (Mar-Apr) is culturally rich but busy; many ferries sell out.
  • Nov-Mar many island hotels close; Athens and Crete stay open year-round.
  • Meltemi winds can disrupt ferries Jul-Aug in Cyclades.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Off-season when many island hotels close delivers Greece's lowest rates on mainland Athens and Crete while Cyclades properties that stay open discount sharply. Winter city breaks offer exceptional value.
details
  • Athens hotels discount 40-50% in Jan-Feb.
  • Crete and Rhodes hotels off-season promotions Nov-Mar.
  • Santorini properties that stay open cut winter rates.
  • Ferry fares to islands cheaper in low season.
most Expensive
period
Jul – Aug
summary
Mediterranean summer peak drives Greece's highest island prices when Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete sell out and cruise ship days flood Athens and island ports.
details
  • Santorini caldera hotels require booking months ahead at peak rates.
  • Mykonos beach clubs and hotels premium in Aug.
  • Easter week (variable) spikes Athens and island demand.
  • Island ferry tickets scarce and pricier in peak summer.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos is the main hub, with islands served by regional airports.
airports
  • name
    Athens International Airport
    code
    ATH
    location
    Spata, serving Athens
    distance From Center
    33 km (21 mi) east of central Athens
    transfer Note
    Metro line 3 reaches Syntagma in about 40 minutes
  • name
    Heraklion International Airport
    code
    HER
    location
    Heraklion, Crete
    distance From Center
    5 km (3 mi) east of central Heraklion
    transfer Note
    Buses serve Crete's north coast
  • name
    Santorini (Thira) National Airport
    code
    JTR
    location
    Santorini
    distance From Center
    6 km (4 mi) southeast of Fira
    transfer Note
    Buses and taxis reach caldera hotels
Getting around
overview
Greece combines national rail, urban transit, and buses; ride-hailing apps operate in major cities.
trains
  • name
    Hellenic Train
    description
    National rail including Athens-Thessaloniki corridor.
    ticketing
    Book at trainose.gr or station counters.
ferries
  • name
    Blue Star Ferries
    description
    Ferries serve Greek islands from Piraeus and regional ports.
    ticketing
    Book online or at port agencies in season.
subways
  • name
    Athens Metro
    description
    Metro Lines 1, 2, and 3 serving Athens.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets at station machines or use cards.
public Transit
  • name
    OSY Athens Buses
    kind
    public
    description
    City buses and trolleys across Athens.
    ticketing
    Same tickets as the metro for integrated rides.
ride Share
  • name
    Uber
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Ride-hailing in major Greece cities.
    ticketing
    Book and pay through the Uber app.
  • name
    Bolt
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Ride-hailing available in urban areas of Greece.
    ticketing
    Book through the Bolt app.
Rail passes
name
Eurail Greece Pass
description
U.S. and other non-European residents can use a Eurail One Country Pass for flexible train travel across Greece, including many regional and intercity routes on participating operators.
ticketing
High-speed and overnight trains often require a seat reservation fee even with a pass; buy and activate before your first train.
Currency
code
EUR
name
euro
symbol
€
note
Euro banknotes and coins are legal tender throughout the euro area.

Convert your travel budget ↗

Visas & official entry links
Local customs
summary
Greeks are expressive, late-dining, and philoxenia, loving strangers, in village life. Island and mainland rhythms differ. Orthodox churches and monasteries expect modest dress and quiet respect.
customs
  • Coffee is sipped slowly in kafeneia; rushing the bill is unnecessary.
  • Name days can matter as much as birthdays socially.
  • Island siesta hours quiet villages early afternoon.
dos
  • Greet with kalimera and efharisto in shops and tavernas.
  • Dress modestly at monasteries like Meteora and Patmos.
  • Tip 5 to 10 percent at restaurants if not included.
  • Use licensed taxis or ride apps in Athens at night.
  • Carry cash for small island tavernas.
donts
  • Do not flush toilet paper in many island plumbing systems; use bins.
  • Do not touch icons or enter restricted altar areas in churches.
  • Do not assume tap water is potable on all islands.
  • Do not feed stray cats inside tavernas without owner okay.
  • Do not fly drones over archaeological sites without permits.
Useful travel phrases
language
Greek
phrases
  • english
    Please
    local
    Παρακαλώ
    pronunciation
    Parakalo
  • english
    Thank you
    local
    Ευχαριστώ
    pronunciation
    Efharisto
  • english
    Yes
    local
    Ναι
    pronunciation
    Nai
  • english
    No
    local
    Όχι
    pronunciation
    Ochi
  • english
    How much?
    local
    Πόσο κοστίζει;
    pronunciation
    Poso kostizei?
  • english
    Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
    local
    Πού είναι το πλησιέστερο εστιατόριο ή μπαρ;
    pronunciation
    Pou einai to plisiestero estiatorio i bar?
  • english
    Where is the airport?
    local
    Πού είναι το αεροδρόμιο;
    pronunciation
    Pou einai to aerodromio?
  • english
    I need help
    local
    Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια
    pronunciation
    Hriazome voithia
  • english
    I need a hospital
    local
    Χρειάζομαι νοσοκομείο
    pronunciation
    Hriazome nosokomeio
  • english
    Call the police
    local
    Καλέστε την αστυνομία
    pronunciation
    Kaleste tin astinomia
Longer stays
visa Summary
U.S. citizens may visit Greece visa-free under Schengen rules for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Residence permits include Golden Visa investment programs, work and study visas, family reunification, and digital nomad visas for remote workers meeting income thresholds. Greece updates financial minimums and permit procedures periodically, so confirm with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Practical tips.

  • Book ferry tickets on official company sites early for July and August island hops because popular routes sell out.
  • Carry cash for small tavernas on less touristy islands where minimum card charges still apply.
  • Visit the Acropolis at opening time and wear sturdy shoes because marble paths are slick and midday heat is intense.
More travel tips ↗

Locate Greece.

Location map of Greece

Before you go.

Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Greece ↗