FAQ

The best time to visit Greece depends on the type of holiday you are planning.

For a classic beach holiday and island escape, June to September is generally the most popular period. July and August offer the hottest weather and the busiest atmosphere, particularly on popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Rhodes.

For a more relaxed experience, May, June, September and October can be excellent choices. The weather is generally pleasant, the sea can still be warm and many destinations are considerably less crowded than during the peak summer months.

Spring and autumn are also particularly attractive for city breaks, cultural tourism, hiking and exploring mainland Greece.

Related searches: best time to visit Greece, Greece holidays, Greece travel season, Greek islands in September.

Greece offers a remarkable variety of destinations, from historic cities and archaeological sites to famous islands, mountain villages and coastal resorts.

Popular destinations include Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Naxos, Paros and Milos.

However, travellers looking for a different experience can also explore mainland destinations such as Pelion, Epirus, Meteora, Nafplio, Mani, Zagori and the Halkidiki peninsula.

The best destination depends on whether you are looking for beaches, nightlife, history, gastronomy, nature, luxury accommodation, family holidays or a quieter escape.

Santorini and Mykonos are among the most famous Greek islands and are popular choices for first-time visitors.

Santorini is particularly known for its volcanic landscape, caldera views, sunsets and romantic atmosphere, while Mykonos combines beaches, restaurants, nightlife and luxury hospitality.

Travellers looking for a more traditional island experience may prefer Naxos, Paros, Crete, Corfu or Rhodes.

For travellers interested in quieter destinations, islands such as Milos, Serifos, Sifnos, Koufonisia and Astypalaia can offer a more relaxed experience.

There is no single answer because different couples look for different experiences.

Santorini is ideal for couples seeking dramatic views, romantic hotels, sunsets and fine dining. Paros and Naxos are excellent for couples who want a combination of beaches, villages, restaurants and authentic island life.

Milos is particularly attractive for couples interested in spectacular beaches and scenic landscapes, while Crete offers much greater variety, including beaches, villages, gastronomy, history and outdoor activities.

Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Naxos and Kos are among the Greek destinations that can work particularly well for family holidays.

Families often look for destinations with easy access to beaches, family-friendly accommodation, restaurants, activities and reliable transportation.

Naxos is especially appealing because it combines family-friendly beaches with villages, local food and a relatively relaxed atmosphere.

Crete and Rhodes offer a much wider range of accommodation and activities, making them suitable for longer family holidays.

Greece can be an excellent destination for solo travellers because many popular destinations have good tourist infrastructure and a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and activities.

Crete, Naxos, Paros, Rhodes and Corfu offer plenty of opportunities for independent exploration.

Smaller islands can also be rewarding for solo travellers looking for a slower pace, local experiences and opportunities to meet other travellers.

Absolutely.

Although Greece is internationally associated with its islands, mainland Greece offers beaches, mountains, archaeological sites, traditional villages, national parks and some spectacular coastal destinations.

Popular mainland destinations include Athens, Pelion, Epirus, Zagori, Meteora, Nafplio, Mani, Halkidiki and the Peloponnese.

For travellers who want an island-like experience without taking a ferry, several mainland destinations offer beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes.

Greece has thousands of kilometres of coastline and an extraordinary variety of beaches.

Some destinations are famous for spectacular sandy beaches, while others are known for secluded coves, crystal-clear waters or dramatic cliffs.

Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Milos, Naxos, Paros and Halkidiki are particularly well known for their beaches.

The best beach destination depends on whether you prefer organised beaches, family-friendly shallow waters, secluded coves, water sports or dramatic scenery.

The most common way to travel between Greek islands is by ferry.

Major ferry networks connect destinations in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands and other island groups.

Popular ferry routes include Athens/Piraeus to destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos and Milos.

Some islands are also connected by domestic flights, which can significantly reduce travel time when planning a multi-destination itinerary.

Always check the current ferry timetable before travelling because routes and frequencies can vary depending on the season.

Several popular islands can be reached relatively easily from Athens.

Piraeus is the main ferry gateway for many Aegean destinations, while Rafina is particularly useful for some Cyclades routes.

Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Milos are among the popular islands connected with Athens by ferry services.

Athens International Airport also provides domestic flights to several major Greek islands.

For short trips, choosing an island with frequent ferry or flight connections can save considerable travel time.

For a first trip, 7 to 10 days can provide a good introduction to Greece.

A one-week itinerary could combine Athens with one or two destinations, while a 10- to 14-day trip allows travellers to explore more than one island or combine the islands with mainland Greece.

Travellers staying for two or three weeks can create a much more varied itinerary combining Athens, archaeological sites, mainland destinations and several islands.

It is generally better to spend more time in fewer destinations rather than trying to visit too many islands during a short holiday.

Yes.

Athens is much more than an arrival point for the Greek islands. The city combines ancient history, world-famous archaeological monuments, museums, neighbourhoods, restaurants, nightlife and a modern cultural scene.

The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are major highlights, while neighbourhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri and Koukaki offer very different experiences.

Spending at least two days in Athens can add significant cultural depth to a Greek island holiday.

Greece offers activities for almost every type of traveller.

Popular experiences include:

• Visiting archaeological sites and ancient monuments
• Exploring traditional villages
• Swimming at Greek beaches
• Island hopping
• Hiking in mountainous regions
• Sailing around the Greek islands
• Exploring local food and wine
• Visiting museums
• Experiencing Greek festivals and traditions
• Exploring historic towns
• Taking road trips through mainland Greece
• Enjoying Greek nightlife and beach bars

One of the biggest advantages of Greece is the ability to combine several types of experiences within the same trip.

Greek cuisine is one of the highlights of travelling in Greece.

Traditional dishes worth trying include moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, grilled seafood, fresh fish, stuffed vegetables, pies, local cheeses and traditional desserts.

However, Greek cuisine varies considerably between regions.

Crete is famous for its distinctive Mediterranean culinary tradition, the Cyclades have their own local cheeses and dishes, while mainland regions such as Epirus and Pelion are known for traditional pies, meats and regional products.

Trying local food is one of the best ways to experience the character of each destination.

Greece offers a wide range of travel options, from budget accommodation and inexpensive local restaurants to luxury resorts, private villas and high-end dining.

Prices can vary significantly depending on the destination and season.

Popular islands such as Mykonos and Santorini are generally more expensive, particularly during July and August.

Travellers looking for better value can consider destinations such as Naxos, mainland Greece, Crete, northern Greece or travelling during the shoulder seasons.

Greece has become one of Europe’s leading luxury travel destinations.

Santorini and Mykonos are particularly well known for luxury hotels, private villas, premium restaurants and exclusive experiences.

Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and the Athenian Riviera also offer a growing selection of luxury resorts and high-end accommodation.

Luxury travel in Greece increasingly includes private boat trips, personalised tours, wellness experiences, gastronomy, wine tourism and exclusive beach experiences.

Mykonos is internationally famous for its nightlife and beach clubs.

Athens offers a completely different nightlife experience, with cocktail bars, clubs, live music venues and rooftop bars.

Ios is traditionally associated with a younger party crowd, while Rhodes, Corfu and Crete also offer lively nightlife during the summer.

For travellers looking for a more relaxed evening experience, destinations such as Paros, Naxos and Milos combine restaurants, bars and atmospheric waterfront locations.

Authentic Greek culture can be experienced throughout the country, not only in the most famous tourist destinations.

Travellers can explore traditional villages, local festivals, monasteries, regional food markets, archaeological sites and family-run tavernas.

Mainland destinations such as Epirus, Zagori, Pelion, the Peloponnese and Mani can provide a particularly strong connection with traditional Greek life.

On the islands, smaller villages away from the main tourist centres can offer a different perspective of local culture and everyday life.

September and October can be excellent months for travelling around Greece.

Popular islands remain attractive, but the atmosphere becomes generally more relaxed after the peak August period.

Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Naxos and Paros can still offer excellent beach conditions during early autumn, while Athens and mainland destinations are particularly enjoyable for sightseeing, hiking and cultural travel.

Autumn is also a good period for food and wine experiences.

Yes.

Greece is a year-round destination, although the experience is very different from a summer island holiday.

Athens, Thessaloniki and other mainland cities remain active throughout winter.

Mountain destinations such as Arachova, Metsovo, Pelion and Zagori can be attractive for winter escapes, while Crete and southern Greece generally offer milder weather than northern mainland Greece.

Winter is also a good time to explore archaeological sites and cities without the summer crowds.

Greece has a surprisingly diverse landscape for outdoor activities.

Mountain destinations such as Zagori and Epirus are particularly well known for hiking, while Crete offers numerous trails and dramatic landscapes.

The Peloponnese, Pelion, Olympus and several Greek islands also provide opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.

Travellers interested in outdoor activities should consider Greece beyond its beaches.

Mainland Greece is particularly suitable for road trips.

Popular routes can include Athens and the Peloponnese, Epirus and Zagori, Thessaloniki and northern Greece, or Pelion and the surrounding areas.

Road trips allow travellers to combine beaches, mountains, archaeological sites, villages and local gastronomy without being restricted to ferry schedules.

The Peloponnese is especially attractive for travellers who want to combine coastal landscapes with historic towns and archaeological sites.

Greece offers many opportunities for more responsible travel.

Travellers can support locally owned accommodation and restaurants, choose local products, travel outside peak season, reduce unnecessary transfers and respect beaches, protected areas and archaeological sites.

Exploring lesser-known destinations can also help distribute tourism beyond the busiest islands and major tourist centres.

The most popular destinations can become very busy during July and August.

Travellers looking for quieter experiences can consider smaller islands, mainland destinations and less tourist-oriented regions.

Destinations such as Serifos, Sifnos, Astypalaia, Tinos, Ikaria, Amorgos and several areas of mainland Greece can provide a different experience from the busiest tourist centres.

Travelling during May, June, September or October can also significantly reduce crowd levels.

Start by choosing one island group rather than trying to connect islands that are geographically far apart.

For example, the Cyclades offer many convenient combinations including Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Milos and Santorini.

Check ferry routes first and then select accommodation around your transport schedule.

A good island-hopping itinerary should allow enough time on each island rather than changing accommodation every one or two nights.

Island travel requires a little more planning than staying in one destination.

Check ferry schedules, allow extra time for transfers, consider the location of your accommodation and check how you will reach your hotel from the port or airport.

During July and August, booking accommodation and transportation in advance is recommended for popular destinations.

Weather can also affect ferry schedules, particularly during periods of strong winds.

Santorini is one of the world’s best-known romantic destinations and is particularly famous for its caldera views and sunsets.

However, couples looking for something different can consider Milos, Paros, Naxos, Corfu, Crete or the Peloponnese.

The best choice depends on whether the priority is luxury, beaches, privacy, gastronomy, nature or nightlife.

Travellers interested in gastronomy should explore Greece beyond the typical tourist dishes.

Crete is internationally recognised for its distinctive culinary heritage, while destinations throughout mainland Greece and the islands have their own regional products and recipes.

Santorini is known for its volcanic terroir and wine, while the Cyclades offer distinctive cheeses, seafood and traditional dishes.

A gastronomic trip can be built around local markets, wineries, olive oil producers, tavernas and regional food traditions.

Travelling Greece covers developments in Greek hospitality and hotel openings, including new properties and major hospitality projects.

The website’s dedicated Hotel Openings section provides updates for travellers and tourism professionals interested in the evolving Greek hotel market.

Travelling Greece publishes tourism updates covering developments across the Greek tourism industry.

The Tourism Updates section includes news and developments relevant to destinations, hospitality and the wider Greek travel market.

The Aviation section of Travelling Greece covers developments affecting air travel to and from Greece, including new routes, airline announcements and airport developments.

This can be particularly useful when planning international travel to Athens or connecting with Greek island destinations.

Travelling Greece’s Sea World section covers developments related to ferry travel, cruises, Greek ports and maritime tourism.

Ferry connections are particularly important for island-hopping and connecting mainland Greece with the Greek islands.

Travelling Greece combines destination inspiration with tourism, hospitality, aviation and maritime travel content.

Instead of focusing only on hotel listings or generic destination guides, the publication tells stories about Greece and follows developments across the country’s travel ecosystem.

The website covers destinations alongside tourism updates, hotel openings, aviation and sea travel, creating a broader source of information for people interested in Greece.