Greece

01Why visit Greece?

Greece is far more than a beach destination. Cradle of Western civilisation, it offers a unique blend of ancient heritage, Mediterranean landscapes and generous gastronomy. Every island, every village holds a millennia-old story woven into a vibrant, warm contemporary culture.

Whether you are passionate about archaeology, a lover of paradise beaches or simply an epicurean seeking authentic flavours, Greece will seduce you with the diversity of its experiences. The country has over 6,000 islands and islets, of which around 200 are inhabited — each with its own character.

02The Must-Sees of Greece

A trip to Greece can take a thousand different forms depending on your desires. Here are the stages that make up a memorable itinerary, from major archaeological sites to the secret beaches of the Cyclades.

Santorini and the Cyclades

Santorini is undoubtedly the most iconic image of Greece: white houses with blue domes perched on the edge of a volcanic caldera, facing a legendary sunset. But the Cyclades archipelago is far more than this postcard. Naxos charms with its endless beaches and mountain villages, Paros with its laid-back atmosphere and Milos with its spectacular rock formations.

To avoid the summer crowds, visit in May–June or September–October. You will enjoy exceptional light, pleasant temperatures and lower prices on accommodation and ferries.

Athens and the Acropolis

The Greek capital deserves far more than a simple stopover before the islands. The Acropolis and the Parthenon have dominated the city for 2,500 years, but Athens is also a vibrant metropolis where street art rubs shoulders with ancient ruins. The neighbourhood of Pláka, with its cobbled lanes and tavernas, offers an immersion in traditional Greece, while Exárcheia and Psyrrí reveal the alternative, creative face of the city.

Crete

Greece’s largest island, Crete is a world unto itself. The Samaria Gorge (16 km of spectacular hiking), the pink sands of Elafonissi, the Balos lagoon and the ruins of the Palace of Knossos make for an extraordinarily varied trip. Cretan cuisine, recognised as one of the healthiest in the world thanks to the Cretan Mediterranean diet, is reason enough to visit the island.

The Peloponnese

Often overlooked in favour of the islands, the Peloponnese is a treasure for lovers of history and nature. Olympia (birthplace of the Olympic Games), Mycenae (the Lion Gate), Epidaurus (a theatre with perfect acoustics) and the charming town of Nafplio dot this peninsula of unmatched archaeological richness. The wild coastline of Laconia and the stone villages of the Mani offer an authentic Greece, far from mass tourism.

03How to Get Around Greece

The ferry network is the most pleasant and practical way to travel between the islands. Companies Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways run regular services, especially in high season. Book in advance for popular routes like Piraeus–Santorini or Mykonos–Naxos.

• Flights: domestic flights via Aegean Airlines / Olympic Air between Athens and the main islands (45 min to 1 h)
• Ferry: the most common option, from 2 h (fast ferry) to 8 h (classic ferry) depending on destination
• Car rental: ideal for the Peloponnese and Crete, international licence not required for EU citizens
• KTEL buses: affordable network covering the mainland and major islands
• Scooter: perfect for exploring small islands, motorcycle licence recommended

04Budget and Practical Tips for Greece

Greece remains an affordable destination compared to other Southern European countries, even though prices have risen in recent years on the most popular islands. An average budget of €80 to €120 per day per person is realistic for a comfortable trip, including accommodation, meals and activities.

05Greek Gastronomy: The Flavours of Greece

Greek cuisine is a celebration of simplicity and quality ingredients. Olive oil, feta, sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic herbs and freshly caught fish form the basis of a gastronomy inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list. Every meal in Greece is a moment of sharing — you order together, you pick from dishes placed in the centre of the table.

• Moussaka: the aubergine, minced meat and béchamel gratin, emblem of home-style cooking
• Souvlaki: marinated pork or chicken skewers, served on a plate or in pita with tzatziki
• Horiatiki: the real Greek salad — tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives and a block of feta
• Pastitsio: a pasta and minced meat gratin, cousin of moussaka
• Loukoumades: golden honey and cinnamon doughnuts, the ultimate street dessert
• Ouzo and meze: the anise-flavoured aperitif accompanied by small sharing plates — an unmissable social ritual

06Greece with Family

Greece is an ideal destination for families. Greeks adore children, and most restaurants and hotels are family-friendly. The shallow beaches of the Cyclades and Crete are perfect for little ones, while teenagers will enjoy watersports and interactive archaeological visits.

Opt for islands like Naxos or Paros for a family stay: accessible sandy beaches, quiet villages and well-developed tourist infrastructure without the frenzy of Mykonos or Santorini in high summer.

07The Secret Islands: Beyond the Cyclades

While the Cyclades monopolise attention, Greece hides equally fascinating archipelagos. The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada) offer lush vegetation and Venetian influences. The Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Patmos) combine stunning beaches with the heritage of the Knights of St John. As for the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos), they offer pine forests tumbling into emerald waters — the setting of the film Mamma Mia!

08Fancy Other Mediterranean Destinations?

If Greece appeals to you, you will probably enjoy our guides on other Mediterranean jewels: Italy and its Renaissance treasures, Malta and its megalithic temples, or France and the Côte d’Azur. For a more radical change of scenery, explore Thailand or Japan.