Plan Your Trip to Greece: Top Tips for Planning and Traveling to Greece

Air Travel - Paul Kostadimas © Spotlight Sojourns

Planning a trip to Greece and looking for tips? Whether it’s endless fun in the Greek sun or ultimate cultural experiences, let’s make your travels smooth and easy, magical and memorable.

There are so many reasons why Greece ranks in the Top Ten most visited European countries and a worthy bucket-list destination:

Ancient ruins and vibrant communities. Long history and modern vitality. And, of course, beautiful beaches and pristine seas.

All these reasons invite and await you to explore, experience, and be inspired in glorious Greece.

So if you’re dreaming to explore exciting Athens or the enchanting Greek Islands, we’re here to help with your need-to-know info for planning and traveling to Greece.

You’ll find custom interactive maps in this article. As well as firsthand observations and top recommendations from our many years of meaningful travel in Greece.

The topics dive into some detail with top tips, best recommendations, and important things to know in each section. Just click the Table of Contents to head to a specific topic straightway.

Ready? Πάμε, let’s go!

Table of Contents: Plan Your Trip to Greece

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Plan Your Trip to Greece: 4 Essential Questions for Every Trip

When planning a trip to Greece, whether it’s your first time or your fifth visit, there are four essential questions to ask yourself.

Planning a Trip to Greece: Why?

The first and most crucial question to ask yourself is: Why Greece?

Why you want to go is key, because your answer shapes the contours of your trip to Greece.

To help spark your ideas, here’s our answer to the question: Why Greece?

So when you imagine yourself in Greece on your bucket list first trip – or on subsequent trips after you fall in love with Greece! – do you see yourself:

  • Visiting famous historic sites like the crown jewels of ancient Greece, landmarks on the Acropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Island hopping to the most popular places with glam beach bars, glitzy nights, and great party vibes.
  • Diving into outdoor adventures like snorkeling, scuba diving, or mountain trekking.
  • Relaxing with a good book on peaceful beaches and pampering wellness experiences.
  • Immersing in modern Greek culture and contemporary Greek cuisine in big cities.
  • Exploring hidden treasures off the beaten path, such as lesser-known islands, remote areas, and rural villages.

There’s no right or wrong answer. Since it’s completely personal to you, your perspective, and your priorities.

Planning a Trip to Greece: When?

Now that you’ve answered the first and most critical planning question, the second planning question is: When can I go to Greece?

Your answer to “When?” involves not only the month or season but also the length of your trip to Greece.

For instance, do you foresee your Greece itinerary to include a couple of days in the capital? Perhaps seven or 10 days of island hopping? Enough time for a two-week odyssey?

If you’re planning a family trip with children, then when you go and how long you stay likely centers around school holidays and summer vacations.

But if you have flexibility with your travel schedule – you’re a solo female traveler, for example, or a wanderlust couple – then your Greek trip timing may present different options.

Keep reading, because more on the seasons of Greece and the best times to visit are coming up!

Planning a Trip to Greece: How?

Cruise liner coming into port. Travel by cruise ship is an ideal way to travel in Greece

Next, the third essential planning question is: How do I want to travel to Greece this time?

Basically, the three ways to travel in Greece are as:

  • Independent travelers, planning and booking your own air, ground transportation, hotels, guided tours, etc.
  • Group tour guests, with the complete travel package and agenda arranged for your convenience.
  • Cruise ship passengers, visiting multiple ports of call in the Mediterranean Sea.

The best way to travel to Greece is the way that suits your travel style. And your travel style can change from trip to trip as a solo traveler, travel couple, friends, or family members on a Greek vacation.

Planning a Trip to Greece: Where?

Once you’ve answered why, when, and how to visit Greece, the fourth essential planning question is: Where do I really want to go in Greece?

Modern Greece encompasses far more than the most famous, popular, and in-demand destinations.

Not surprisingly, of course, many visitors to Greece desire these fabled and fabulous places, either on their first trip or subsequent trips.

In order of annual visitors, the top five most popular and most visited locations in Greece are:

  • Athens, the capital city of Greece
  • Santorini in the Cycladic Island group of the South Aegean Sea
  • Mykonos in the Cyclades Islands of the South Aegean Sea
  • Crete in the Cretan Sea
  • Rhodes in the Dodecanese Island group of the South Aegean Sea

Given that, let’s take a brief glimpse of the geography and regions of Greece. As we’ll see, only one of the top five locations above are on the Greek mainland.

Map of Greece and Regions of Greece

Map of Greece and Regions of Greece includes mainland Greece and the Greek Islands

Plan Your Trip to Greece: Geography

Let’s take a quick geographical overview, beginning with mainland Greece and its European borders.

Mainland Greece borders the Ionian Sea and Adriatic Sea to the west. Albania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of North Macedonia to the north. And Türkiye to the east.

Then, the Peloponnese peninsula forms the southern border of mainland Greece.

Next, various Greek Island groups dot the Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and Cretan Sea of Greece.

Surprisingly, say our friends at the Greek National Tourism Organization, only 227 islands are inhabited out of roughly 6,000 Greek Isles, smaller islands, and tiny islets overall.

Lastly, the remote island of Gavdos – one of the nearby islands of Crete, the largest island in Greece –marks the southernmost point of Europe.

Fourteen official administrative regions comprise both the mainland and all the islands of modern Greece.

The Greek capital city, Athens is located in Attica, the first of these 14 official Greek Regions.

But it’s important to clarify, Greek regions aren’t strictly divided by physical geography or necessarily numbered in alphabetical order.

For example, big-city Patras is physically located on the Peloponnese peninsula. Patras, however, doesn’t belong to the Region of Peloponnese. Instead, Patras belongs to the Region of Western Greece.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Geography

Secluded wooded bay with turqoise sea in sprintime Greece. Plan your trip to Greece in shoulder season

In truth, this little Greek geography lesson isn’t one of the top tips for planning a trip to Greece.

Except more than once before, we’ve been corrected – politely, of course! – that the region we were in geographically, wasn’t the right region technically.

Instead, here’s the most important things to know about Greek geography:

Each Greek region rightly boasts its own deep history, rich heritage, cultural traditions, and delicious foods.

Every Greek region, on or off the beaten path, famously features its own unique Greek landmarks.

All Greek regions proudly offer their own characteristic cities, small towns, and little villages.

And then the people – oh, the Greek people! Strongly rooted in family, community, and country. Welcoming you with authentic hospitality of philoxenia (Φιλοξενία, literally “kindness to strangers”).

Quite simply, there’s something special to discover and someone special to meet whenever, however, and wherever you travel in Greece.

Plan Your Trip to Greece: Peak, Shoulder, and Low Seasons

View of medieval walled city of Nafpaktos with fortification walls, castle, wooded hill and azure sea. Include lesser sites when planning your trip to Greece.

Greece officially has three tourism seasons, which aren’t specifically meteorological seasons:

  • Peak season, also known as high season, is the summer months.
  • Shoulder season occurs twice yearly, i.e., the spring and the fall months.
  • The low season, or the off season, is the winter months.

Firstly, let’s define clearly the three seasons and seasonal dates in terms of Greek tourism.

Secondly, let’s discuss candidly the advantages and disadvantages of each tourism season. Because in truth, any time can be a great time to visit Greece when you know what to expect.

Peak Season or High Season in Greece

Peak season or high season in Greece runs from mid-June until mid-September.

The summer months tend to be very hot and dry weather – and, oh yes, very crowded!

Accommodations, attractions, activities, and services are in high demand.

Particularly in major cities such as the Greek capital city, Athens, and the cultural capital, Thessaloniki.

And particularly in the top tourist areas and the most popular islands, especially Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes.

The big benefits of peak season are that everything is open just about everywhere – accommodations, restaurants and beach bars, attractions, and guided tours.

Additionally, archaeological sites and museums have the longest opening hours in high season.

The seas are the warmest and calmest waters, the best time of year for beach lovers, boat trips, and summer sports.

Finally, you’ll have the most variety of transportation options to and from destinations on the Greek Island and mainland Greece.

Shoulder Season in Greece

Park in Corfu blooming in early spring. Plan your trip to Greece in off season, like spring or autumn

The Spring shoulder season in Greece starts April 1st, when cruise ships set sail in earnest, and continues until mid-June.

Then, the Fall shoulder season runs from mid-September until October 31st.

Both in Spring and Fall shoulder season, the weather in Greece is usually perfect – not too hot, not too cold.

The majority of accommodations, attractions, activities, and services are indeed open. Although, yes, not everything may be open everywhere.

Additionally, the seas are calm, and island hopping to smaller islands is an option. Especially if you plan ahead with plane tickets or ferry tickets.

Sunbathing, swimming, and water sports are well underway on beautiful Greek beaches.

Ancient sites, archaeological museums, and top tourist attractions are also somewhat less crowded than in high season.

Low Season or Off Season in Greece

The low season of winter runs from November 1st until March 31st.

On the one hand, various services, accommodations, and attractions close after shoulder season in places off the beaten track.

On the other hand, wonderful winter experiences – not to mention better deals on hotel rooms – await you during the low season.

However, archaeological sites and museums do remain open in winter, albeit with shorter opening hours.

Winter weather in Greece is basically windy and rainy – sometimes very rainy. The seas are their coldest and roughest waters.

For many international visitors, the blustery weather in winter months is the main drawback.

However, Greek locals and savvy visitors alike know that certain mountains of mainland Greece offer not only winter beauty but also winter snow and ski resorts.

In ski areas such as Arachova and Kalavryta in the Region of Western Greece and Kastoria in the Region of Central Macedonia, the off-season isn’t winter.

Winter, in fact, is actually the peak season on the ski slopes and alpine villages of these mountainous destinations.

Worst Time to Visit Greece

Sandy beach with beach umbrellas. Every trip to Greece must have a visit to a fabulous beach.

From others’ perspective, the worst time to visit Greece is July and August.

Whereas from our perspective, based on slow travels during every Greek tourism season, July and August in Greece a matter of pros and cons.

Yes, without a doubt, July and August are the highest of the high season in Greece, not to mention in Europe and countless other locales.

Besides international tourism, July and August asee domestic tourism in full swing:

Many Greeks take vacations to coastal destinations, summer homes, and ancestral villages to celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου), the August 15th national public holiday.

On the negative side, July and August present the hottest weather, biggest crowds, and higher prices. Plus the greatest demand for services, hotels, and attractions.

On the positive side, July and August provide the warmest waters, brightest beaches, liveliest beach bars, and dynamic nightlife.

And on the whole, we heartily attest that Greece proffers many marvelous and magical places to visit on and off the beaten track.

So you can certainly find serene and special locations in every season, even during the reputedly “worst time” to visit Greece.

Best Time to Visit Greece

From our perspective, the ideal best time to visit Greece is May, late September, and early October.

May, late September and early October are warmer months, pleasant but without the intense summer heat.

The weather is usually lovely, if occasionally unpredictable. But layered clothing and a sturdy, foldable travel umbrella are always reliable travel gear to pack.

In sum, we find the months of late spring and early autumn to be the best times to visit Greece.

Because places are generally less crowded, people seem more relaxed, prices trend a little lower, and the pace overall is slower.

Map of Schengen Countries

Map of Schengen Countries includes all 29 Schengen Area nations as of Mach 15, 2025

Plan Your Trip to Greece: Traveling to Greece

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Schengen Countries

Established in 1985 with the Schengen Agreement, the Schengen Area today includes a total of 29 member nations.

As of March 15, 2025, the 29 Schengen countries are:

  • E.U. member countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
  • Non-E.U. member countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Following are important tips to know about visiting Greece vis-à-vis Schengen requirements. For a deep dive into all things Schengen, the official E.U. Schengen website delivers all the myriad details.

Firstly, citizens of the E.U. and Schengen Area member nations may move freely between the Schengen Zone borders.

Secondly, visitors from specific visa-exempt nations may travel visa-free within the Schengen Zone.

Approximately 60 visa-exempt nations include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc.

Passport holders from these visa-free nations can visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days overall within a 180-day period.

If you travel to Europe often for business or leisure travel, our recommendation is to check your remaining travel days with a Schengen calculator such as the E.U. short-stay calculator tool.

Thirdly, no visa is presently required for U.S. citizens in the Schengen zone.

However, starting in mid to late 2026, American citizens must apply beforehand to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About the ETIAS

An electronic visa waiver, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will provide visa-free access to European Union and Schengen Zone member countries.

The ETIAS allows visa-free access from citizens of approximately 60 non-E.U. nations, for instance, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc.

The official ETIAS website, etias.com, outlines all the eligible visa-exempt countries and their related ETIAS requirements.

Once launched, the ETIAS application, payment, security checks, and approval process will occur entirely online.

The ETIAS application processing fee is presently set at 7 euros for people between the ages of 18 and 70. Applications for younger children and older adults are free.

Once your ETIAS application is approved, the ETIAS approval will cover multiple trips. It will be valid either for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know for U.S. Citizens

The following information applies specifically to citizens of the United States of America, since we ourselves are American citizens.

Firstly, when planning a trip to Greece, check that your current U.S. passport satisfies two crucial conditions:

  • Your passport remains valid during your entire visit to Greece or another country in the Schengen Area.
  • Your passport doesn’t expire at least three months after your departure date from Greece or another Schengen country.

If otherwise, please allow yourself plenty of time to renew your passport before arriving at Athens International Airport!

Secondly, as shown above, U.S. citizens can travel to Greece and other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Plan Your Trip to Greece: Arriving and Departing Greece

Aegean plane in Athens airport. Greece's multitude of airport all over the country allows travel planning with no flight being over an hour from Athens.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Athens Airport Arrivals

Athens International Airport, “Eliftherios Venizelos” (ATH), is the primary gateway for international flights around the globe.

Not only is Athens International Airport (ATH) the biggest and busiest airport in the nation, but it’s also one of the largest international airports in Europe.

Athens International Airport handles tens of thousands of regional and international flights monthly, as well as tens of millions of passengers yearly.

Likewise, Athens International Airport will be your main hub for any domestic flights in mainland Greece and the Greek Islands.

Once you’ve arrived in Greece, there are ample choices for getting around Greece.

There are regular flights between Athens Airport and mainland or island airports on the national carrier Aegean Airlines – as well as Olympic Air, Sky Express, and other airlines.

Continue reading, because ferries, tours, and other transportation options are coming up next!

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Athens Airport Departures

When it’s time for you to depart from Athens International Airport, we highly recommend arriving at least three hours prior to an international flight, and two hours prior to a domestic flight – and even earlier during peak season.

As mentioned above, Athens Airport is among the busiest European airports. That means arriving to Athens Airport earlier is always better than later!

Indeed, queues can be long for check-in and luggage drop-off, as well as the necessary departure procedures such as Security Control and Passport Control.

Once you’ve cleared Security and Passport Control, the Airport Agora offers boutique shops, duty free shops, casual cafes, full-service restaurants, and lounges galore.

Plan Your Trip to Greece: Getting Around Greece

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Ferries

Ferry in Greece speading through turquoise seas. When you plan your trip to Greece you will need to take a ferry, especially to reach far away islands.

Greek Island hopping means Greek ferry boating. Larger islands have airports with varying frequencies of service, but many islands require a ferry.

And ferries can be so much fun in the summertime! The atmosphere is upbeat, the vibes are positive, and outside decks become social hot spots.

The best time to book ferry tickets is in the planning process. Don’t delay, because ferries sell out during every season.

Particularly in peak season when demand for supply is highest.

In other seasons, too, when supply is more limited but demand is still high due to religious and national holidays in Greece. Such as Pascha (Πάσχα) in Spring, and Ohi Day (Ημέρα του όχι) on October 28th.

Greece still has lots of travel agency offices, with local agents ready to assist you. Where you can walk in, ask questions, and book your tickets in person.

Additionally, you can book ferry tickets online, plus any onboard enhancements such as sleeping quarters, car space, etc.

Our go-to online resource for Greek ferries is FerryScanner.com

We use FerryScanner.com because it’s simple and straightforward in English. Clear in prices, confirmations, and cancellations. And also helpful in email and app communications.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Guided Tours

Sitting on a rock of the Acropolis enjoying a view of the Parthenon. Plan your trip to the Parthenon ahead of your trip. High demand in season can sell out time entries to the Acropolis.

In this ancient and enduring land of mist-shrouded myths, long-gone civilizations, and modern-day realities, guided tours are great ideas.

Guided tours let you see more, learn more, and experience more in Greece.

Whether it’s day trips to important archaeological sites or neighborhood walking tours, e.g., Athens hidden gems

Professional local tour guides deliver expert insight and also deepen your understanding of places, traditions, and people. They bring Greek mythology and ancient history to life for you.

Day trips and half-day excursions also provide round-trip tour transportation. Having a professional driver at the wheel can help you relax and enjoy the experience more fully.

In short, it’s a real benefit to leave the guiding, navigating, and driving in professional hands!

In the same way that flights, hotels, and ferries sell out, so too do guided tours. So. we recommend to book earlier, rather than later.

Where timed entry tickets are required, for example, at ancient archaeological sites and main museums, check to ensure the available time slot suits your travel itinerary.

Also check if the gratuities for the guide and/or driver are included or additional at your discretion.

You can buy tour tickets in person at walk-in travel agencies or from on-the-spot representatives in tourist destinations.

Alternatively, you can book guided tours, walking tours, boat tours, and adventure excursions online.

Our favorite online resource for tours, activities, and excursions is GetYourGuide.com

We’ve booked wonderful experiences through GetYourGuide in several countries. Here’s why we use GetYourGuide:

Firstly, the booking platform is easy to use. Secondly, the providers are verified – and the reviews are verified, too. Lastly, the pricing, inclusions and extras, confirmation, cancellation, and other information are clear and understandable in English.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Public Transportation

When in Athens, you don't need a car. Public transportation like this bus and train allow you to plan your trip around the city with ease.

Greece’s two largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, both offer urban subway systems.

The Athens Metro system opened in 2010, servicing Central Athens and Athens’ extensive suburbs: North Athens, East Athens, and West Athens.

Athens Metro connects the historic city center, main tourist attractions, Athens International Airport, Athens Tram, and Athens Suburban and Regional Railway.

Thessaloniki Metro Line 1 debuted in November 2024, running about 6 miles (9.5 km) from the downtown core.

Greece has a solid nationwide public bus system, KTEL, which operates just about everywhere on the mainland and the islands.

Long-distance buses, regional buses, and local buses are a long-standing staple of Greek life in cities, towns, and villages.

The Athens Metro is the best and fastest way to get around Athens – easy to use, efficient, extensive, and safe.

The signage is in Greek and English. Not to mention, you can see antiquities that were unearthed during the excavations!

You can buy the “Ath.ena” tickets at Metro and Athens Tram stations. The reloadable “Ath.ena” ticket works on all forms of Athens’ public transportation system.

There’s also a special “Ath.ena” 3-day tourist ticket with 72 hours of unlimited transportation from the first validation. Plus, it’s the only “Ath.ena” ticket that includes round-trip airport transportation.

It’s a good idea to double-check the schedule and station details beforehand.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Taxis

Taxi line in Athens Airport. Taxis in Athens are plentyful and easily accessible.

Another decades-long staple of Greek life is the taxi: local taxis, city taxis, and long-distance taxis.

The government strictly licenses and regulates taxis, taxi drivers, and taxi rates by the kilometers and by the hour.

Although the traditional taxi color is yellow, you’ll occasionally see other colors on the street and at taxi ranks.

Despite some variety in paint colors, every licensed taxi has a sign that displays “TAXI” and its cab number.

Every licensed taxi also has a meter – and, yes, the meter must work.

You can pay in cash, debit card, or credit card as shown on the legal sticker – you may ask if the driver prefers cash – and in turn, receive a receipt.

It’s a prudent best practice to make sure the meter is turned on and reset at the start of every ride.

Why? Well, for many years, some Greek taxi drivers had notorious reputations for petty scams on locals and visitors alike.

It’s rare now these days, but occasionally a random bad apple may still bob up – as we unexpectedly experienced about six months ago. However, since we always check the meter, the driver sheepishly and promptly made things right when we politely pointed this out.

Everywhere in Greece, you can get licensed cabs at taxi ranks. Or possibly hail a passing cab on the street.

Hotels, restaurants, and shops will also call a licensed taxi for you.

In Athens, furthermore, you can “call an Uber” with the UberTaxi app – that’s right, it’s a licensed taxi.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Things to Know About Car Rentals

Visiting off the beaten path monasteries in a rental car. A rental car in Greece allows you to plan a trip off the beaten path.

Rental cars are an easy way to explore off the beaten path in Greece – whether for a day of island exploration or a long road trip, let’s say, from Athens to Epidaurus.

The best car rental agencies and automobile choices are usually found at major airports in major destinations, chiefly Athens International Airport.

Book your rental car on Booking or Expedia:

It’s necessary to clarify and understand your insurance coverage before traveling abroad. For medical and travel insurance, obviously, and also for rental cars.

In order to rent a car in Greece, then you must have either a valid European Union driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license.

So before you pack your bags for Greece, make sure you have a current international driver’s license, valid for one year from the date of issuance.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the official authorized agency to issue the IDP to state-licensed drivers.

You’ll find the official AAA International Driver Permit information and application link in the Resources section below.

Plan Your Trip to Greece: Where to Go for the First Time

Boats parked infront of a colorful city in Greece with medieval fortifications

As mentioned previously, the top five most popular places in Greece are Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes.

Each of these most-visited destinations hold tremendous appeal for first-time visitors, frequent travelers, and locals alike. Hence the summer crowds!

Plan and prepare accordingly in advance, so the seasonal hustle and bustle doesn’t dampen your vacation satisfaction.

Set your expectations for a booming scene during the Greek summers, as well as important holidays.

Then, simply embrace the remarkable beauty, rich history, and robust community in these beloved destinations.

Tips for Travel to Greece: Top Destinations and Attractions

View of Oia with the ships in the  Caldera in Santorini Greece

Athens, Region of Attica:

  • Must-See Sight: Acropolis of Athens
  • Athens Riviera Beach: Akti Vouliagmeni Beach
  • Sunset Vista Point: Philopappos Hill or Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion
  • Iconic Area for Walking Tours: Plaka and Monastiraki Historic City Centre

Santorini, Region of South Aegean:

  • Must-See Sight: Caldera of Santorini
  • Black Sand Beach: Kamari Beach
  • Sunset Vista Point: Oia
  • Iconic Area for Walking Tours: Caldera Hike

Mykonos, Region of South Aegean:

  • Must-See Sight: Windmills of Mykonos
  • Party Beach: Paradise Beach
  • Sunset Vista Point: Little Venice
  • Iconic Area for Walking Tours: Delos Sacred Island

Crete, Region of Crete

  • Must-See Sight: Minoan Palace of Knossos
  • Pink Sand Beach: Elafonissi Beach
  • Sunset Vista Point: Rethymno Fortezza
  • Iconic Area for Walking Tours: Chania Old Town

Rhodes, Region of South Aegean

  • Must-See Sight: Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
  • White Sand Beach: Lindos Beach
  • Sunset Vista Point: Acropolis of Rhodes
  • Iconic Area for Walking Tours: Rhodes Old Town

Now that you know the top five fabulous destinations and top tourist attractions in Greece, we’d like to recommend a couple other equally fabled but somewhat less crowded Greek Island options:

Corfu, Region of Ionian Islands

  • Must-See Sight: Old Fortress of Corfu*
  • White Sand Beach: Paleokastritsa Beach
  • Sunset Vista Point: Cape Drastis
  • Iconic Area for Walking Tours: Corfu Old Town

Paros, Region of South Aegean

  • Must-See Sight: Lunar Landscape of Kolymbithres Beach
  • Windsurfing Beach: Nea Chrissi Akti New Golden Beach
  • Sunset Vista Point: Agios Ioannis Detis Paros Park and Amphitheater
  • Iconic Area for Walking Tours: Naousa Village or Antiparos Village

Learn more about these and other must-see sights in the article, Famous Landmarks in Greece.

Interactive Map: Where to Go in Greece for the First Time

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Plan Your Trip to Greece: Resources

American Automobile Association (AAA) International Driving Permit official website information and application.

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) official website information and application. Target launch date, Q4 2026.

European Union ETIAS official website information.

European Union Schengen official website information.

Michelin, Streetwise Athens and the Greek Islands Map: Laminated City Center Street Map of Athens, Greece. Michelin Streetwise Maps, 2023.

Rosetta Stone, Greek Language Instruction Software: Learn Unlimited Languages with Lifetime Access. Rosetta Stone, 2019.

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Plan Your Trip to Greece: FAQs

How to plan a trip to Greece?

To plan a trip to Greece, firstly ask yourself: Why, when, how, and where do I want to go? Secondly, decide if you’d rather arrange your own flights, hotels, and activities; or have a professional travel agent book an all-inclusive group tour or cruise ship itinerary. Thirdly, choose which beautiful places to visit in mainland Greece or Greek Islands.

What is the best time to visit Greece?

While any time can be good, the best time to visit Greece is May, late September, and early October. The weather is generally warm but not too hot. Most tourist attractions, accommodations, and services are open. Places tend to be less crowded and occasionally cheaper than during the summer and early autumn.

Is Greece part of Schengen?

Greece is part of Schengen, one of 29 member countries as of March 15, 2025: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

What does ETIAS stand for?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. The ETIAS is an electronic visa waiver for non-E.U. citizens from eligible countries including USA, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and United Kingdom. With the target launch Q4 2026, the ETIAS application, payment, and approval process will take online only at the official ETIAS website, etias.com.

What are the top 5 places to visit in Greece?

The top 5 places to visit in Greece are the Greek capital city and four Greek Islands. These top five most popular destinations are: 1) Athens, 2) Santorini, 3) Mykonos, 4) Crete, and 5) Rhodes.

What is peak season in Greece?

The tourism peak season or high season in Greece is the summer months from June until mid-September. Peak season brings the most visitors to Greece, one of Europe’s top tourist destinations.


A man and woman posing for the camera.

All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own.

All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas, not AI. We’re the Hidden Gemologists of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts, storytellers, and advocates of meaningful travel. Because meaningful travel is part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.

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