🇬🇷Greece

About Greece

Athens anchors most trips, with the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the Plaka district within walking distance of each other. The mainland beyond it is often skipped and shouldn't be: Delphi sits on a mountain slope above the Gulf of Corinth, Ancient Olympia preserves the original stadium, and the monasteries at Meteora balance on rock pillars. Island-hopping is the other half of a Greek trip, whether to Santorini's caldera villages, Mykonos, Crete for Knossos and the Samaria Gorge, or the greener Ionian islands such as Corfu. Ferries link the islands from Piraeus and Rafina, with high-speed catamarans cutting journey times at a premium; booking ahead matters in July and August. Taverna meals of grilled fish, souvlaki, feta and olive oil are inexpensive, and a budget day costs around $50 to $80, mid-range $120 to $180, with Santorini and Mykonos at the top and the mainland noticeably cheaper. Summer heat peaks in July and August, when the meltemi winds can delay ferries, and many island businesses close from November to March. Late May to June and September to October bring warm water, thinner crowds and the best balance of weather and cost.

Greece at a Glance

When to Visit Greece

High Season (July-August): Hot, dry, and crowded across the islands and mainland coast. Athens and the Cyclades regularly reach 30-35 C, with occasional heatwaves pushing 40 C. Island hotels and ferries are at peak capacity with prices 50-80% above shoulder rates. Santorini and Mykonos sell out weeks or months in advance. July and August also bring the famous meltemi winds in the Aegean, which cool things down but can disrupt ferry schedules. Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Arguably the best time to visit. Temperatures range from 22-30 C on the islands and 18-28 C in Athens. Crowds are 40-60% thinner and prices drop significantly. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June through October. Spring (May-June) has wildflowers and longer days; autumn (September-October) offers warm sea temperatures and harvest season in wine regions like Crete and Santorini. Low Season (November-April): Mild and wet on the mainland (10-15 C in Athens), cooler and windier on the islands. Many island hotels, restaurants, and ferries close from November to March. However, Athens and Thessaloniki are excellent for city sightseeing, archaeological sites are nearly empty, and hotel rates drop 40-60%. Winter is also the season for skiing in the Pindus Mountains and on Mount Olympus.

Visa Policy for Greece

Entry rules for Greece depend on your passport. We track visa-free stays, e-visas and visa-on-arrival rules for US & Canadian, EU & UK, Chinese, and Australian & Japanese passports — with official sources and last-verified dates.

Visa policies are subject to official sources. Please verify with the embassy/consulate before travel.

Travel Budget for Greece

Budget: $50-80/day (hostel dorm or budget hotel 25-40 EUR, street gyros/souvlaki and taverna lunches 15-25 EUR, local buses and ferries 10-20 EUR, free ancient sites + 1 paid attraction 10-15 EUR) Mid-Range: $120-180/day (3-star hotel or Airbnb 60-100 EUR, taverna dinners with wine 35-60 EUR, ferries and domestic flights 20-40 EUR, archaeological sites and island tours 25-40 EUR) Luxury: $250+/day (4-5 star hotel or boutique resort 150-400+ EUR, fine dining and rooftop bars 80-150 EUR, private transfers and yacht charters 100-300+ EUR, private guided tours and wine tastings 50-100 EUR) Per person per day in USD, excluding international flights. Santorini, Mykonos, and other popular islands in peak season are 40-80% above average. Athens and the mainland are 20-30% cheaper. Shoulder season (May-June, September-October) offers the best value.

Prices are per person per day in USD, excluding international flights.

Must-Visit Attractions

Travel Guides for Greece

Other Countries in Europe

Frequently Asked Questions about Greece