Greece travel guide: how to plan your trip
Travelling in Greece combines ancient history, island life and a generous food culture along a long, varied coastline. You can climb to the Acropolis in Athens, hop between Cycladic islands by ferry, hike gorges in Crete and see monasteries on the rocks of Meteora. Summers are hot and dry, while spring and autumn are mild.
When to go
The most comfortable months are May, June, September and early October, when the sea is warm enough to swim, the light is clear and sites are less crowded. July and August are hot and busy, and the meltemi wind can make Aegean crossings rough. Spring brings wildflowers and Orthodox Easter, the biggest holiday of the year. In winter Athens and Crete stay mild, but many smaller islands quieten down and ferries run less often.
Where to go
Athens
The capital is built around the Acropolis, with the Parthenon above and the Acropolis Museum at its foot. Walk through Plaka and Anafiotika, see the Ancient Agora, eat in Psyrri or Koukaki and watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or at Cape Sounion.
The Cyclades
White villages, windmills and dry, rocky islands in the Aegean. Santorini is known for its caldera and Oia, Naxos for long sandy beaches and mountain villages, Milos for volcanic coves such as Sarakiniko, and Paros for its harbours. Ferries link them easily in summer.
Crete
Greece's largest island feels almost like a country of its own. Explore Chania's Venetian harbour, the Minoan palace of Knossos near Heraklion, the Samaria Gorge, the pink-tinged sand of Elafonisi, Balos lagoon and mountain villages where raki is part of every welcome.
The Peloponnese
The peninsula south-west of Athens gathers key ancient sites such as Mycenae, the theatre of Epidaurus and Olympia. Base yourself in elegant Nafplio, drive the Mani peninsula with its stone tower houses and visit the Byzantine ghost town of Mystras or the fortified rock of Monemvasia.
Meteora
In central Greece, monasteries stand on top of huge sandstone pillars above the town of Kalambaka. They are linked by roads and old footpaths, and the light at sunrise and sunset makes the rock formations especially striking.
What to do
Ancient sites beyond Athens
Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was the sanctuary of Apollo's oracle and still sits in a dramatic mountain setting. Add the theatre at Epidaurus, famous for its acoustics, and the stadium at Olympia, where the ancient Games were held.
Island beaches
Greek beaches range from sandy bays to pebble coves with clear water. Try Plaka and Agios Prokopios on Naxos, the white volcanic rock of Sarakiniko on Milos, Elafonisi in Crete, or Myrtos on the Ionian coast of Kefalonia.
Long taverna meals
Greek meals are made for sharing. Order meze such as tzatziki, fava and grilled octopus, a horiatiki salad with feta, and mains like moussaka, souvlaki or the day's fish. On the islands, ask for local cheese and wine; in Crete, try dakos and snails cooked with rosemary.
Hiking the Samaria Gorge
Crete's Samaria Gorge is a long downhill hike through the White Mountains that ends at the sea in Agia Roumeli, where boats carry you along the coast. It takes a full day, so start early, carry plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.
Island hopping by ferry
Travelling between islands by ferry is part of the experience. Combine nearby islands in the same group, such as Naxos, Paros and Santorini in the Cyclades or Rhodes and Symi in the Dodecanese, rather than zigzagging across the Aegean, and keep a spare day for weather delays.
Practical tips
- In summer, visit archaeological sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon, carry water and wear a hat; the midday heat can be intense, especially in Athens.
- Book ferries ahead for July and August and on popular routes, and check the forecast, since strong winds sometimes delay or cancel sailings in the Aegean.
- Monasteries, including those at Meteora, expect modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered. Some lend wraps at the entrance, but bringing a scarf is easier.
- On large islands such as Crete, Naxos or Kefalonia, a car opens up villages and beaches that buses don't reach; take narrow mountain roads slowly.
As a couple, family or with friends
For groups, Greece works best when you choose one or two islands and rent a house or a few studios close together, instead of moving every other day. Families like the shallow sandy beaches of Naxos or Crete; friends often prefer livelier Paros. The Gata app lets you share stays and ferry ideas and agree on a plan together.
Save ideas and stays and decide as a group with the Gata app.
Frequently asked questions
Which Greek island is best for a first trip?
It depends on what you want. Naxos and Paros combine beaches, villages and good ferry links; Santorini is mostly about caldera views; Crete has enough variety for a whole holiday. For an easy first trip, pair Athens with two nearby Cycladic islands.
How many days do I need in Greece?
Plan at least a week: two days in Athens and four or five on one or two islands. With ten to fourteen days you can add Crete, the Peloponnese or Meteora. Allow time for ferries, which can take several hours.
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Greece?
The sea is usually pleasant from June to October and warmest in August and September. In May it is refreshing, though many people already swim. The south, including Crete and Rhodes, tends to stay warm longer into autumn.
Can I visit Greece without island hopping?
Yes. A mainland route through Athens, Delphi, Meteora and the Peloponnese covers ancient sites, mountains and coastline by car. If you want the sea without ferry changes, Crete or a single island such as Corfu makes an easy, relaxed base.
