Greece holidays are for ancient history, island-hopping and great food. Live your best Mamma Mia! life and get ready to fall in love with gyros…
Mainland living
Greece’s age-old capital, Athens is a bit of an icon of Europe, heaving with archaeological sites and giving major main character energy. You can find beaches along its coast, interesting museums in the centre and cool up-and-coming bar scenes in the areas of Monastriaki and Exarcheia. Reminders of the old importance of this city are huge – random ruins and columns sit alongside more modern high streets and the ancient Acropolis towers above everything. You can get amazing views of this old city and catch the sunset from Nymph’s Hill. Then, as night falls, vinyl bars and rooftop gardens bring a bit of something new.
Thessaloniki’s Greece’s second largest city and its first UNESCO city of gastronomy, so foodies are in for a real treat. Full of open-air markets, the city sits in the heart of Macedonia, which is one of Greece’s old agricultural areas. So, juicy peaches, ripe olives and bright peppers are all grown not too far away. Similar to Athens, it’s also by the sea and has a student population to thank for its relaxed vibe and trending nightlife.
Aegean vibes
The Aegean Sea anchors some of the most popular Greek-island holiday spots. Rhodes is up there, thanks to its sandy beaches and ancient ruins, and picturesque Kos is easy on the eye. Meanwhile, the glamorous reputations of blue-domed Mykonos and Santorini precede them but it’s tough to rival pine-clad Skopelos, though – AKA the home of Mamma Mia!.
The mega Greek island of Crete sits to the south and combines lively spots like Malia and Hersonissos with old town vibes in Rethymnon and Blue Flag beach resorts, like Aghios Nikolaos. Hit up the must-visit Palace of Knossos for an ancient history lesson or head inland into the olive groves for stunning panoramic views at the Samaria Gorge and Psiloritis Natural Park.
Ionian beauty
The Ionian Islands live off Greece’s west coast. Corfu is a top family-friendly destination, while beach-lovers flock to the white sand and fishing villages of Kefalonia. Fresh fish fills the belly of Greek cuisine – dine at a local taverna or back yourself to catch your own. Party starters prefer Zante, but this island has a quiet side, too, thanks to peaceful countryside and secluded coves.
Fancy seeing Greece by train?
We also offer flight-free trips to Greece, in partnership with Byway. Tick off stylish Italian cities en route to Corfu Town, or set your sights on Athens and its world-famous ancient history – via Italy or the Balkans. Browse flight-free trips to Greece
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Greece FAQs
Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. If you’re from a non-Schengen country, make sure you check specific visa requirements before your trip. Your passport also needs to be valid for at least six months after you plan to return from your trip – you can check this with our passport checker.
Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons of late spring, which is April to June and early autumn, from September to October. These months are still really nice and warm – hitting the high-20s – but there will be less tourists and lower prices compared to the peak summer season. Of course, if you like it even hotter, July and August are the one for you.
Yes, Greece holidays are very family-friendly! The country offers a range of activities for all ages, from exploring ancient ruins in Athens and Rhodes to chilling on sandy island beaches, like Crete and Naxos. Many resorts cater to families with child-friendly facilities, like kids’ clubs and evening entertainment, too.
Domestic flights are great for long distances between the mainland and major islands, while ferries are the best option for island hopping. On the mainland, rental cars and public buses (KTEL) are the easiest option for exploring. Then, for smaller islands, scooters or quad bikes are popular for a fun experience, and walking is ideal for getting your bearings in historic city centres and compact island towns.
Greece holidays can be both budget-friendly and luxurious, depending on what you fancy and can afford. Even though islands like Mykonos and Santorini can be pretty pricey, there are always tips and tricks to keep your costs down – check out our post on how to do Santorini on a budget. You’ll also find more affordable options on islands like Naxos, Paros or Crete, as well as in mainland areas. Staying in local guesthouses, eating at traditional tavernas, and using public transport are all cheaper options to help you spend less.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in small shops, tavernas and rural areas but you’ll also find ATMs in most towns, and credit cards are generally accepted in major cities and tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry some euros with you, particularly in more remote areas. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
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Greece travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Greece using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health
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