From crystal-clear seas and sun-soaked beaches to ancient wonders and some of the best nightlife in the Mediterranean, Greece is awash with magnificent playgrounds that have captivated travelers for generations. Its storied history spans thousands of years and has produced the Olympic Games, a fabulous mythology, and philosophies that still make the world go round. Its vibrant culture is rich in enchanting traditions, lively festivals, colorful art and passionate music. Anyone who visits can expect adventures galore.
Most of tourists come for the simple pleasures of Greece's delicious food, gorgeous beaches and quaint villages. The ever-popular islands, in particular, are custodians of the country's traditional ways, with black-clad women still delivering vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, weather-beaten fishermen sit in the sun drinking thick coffee and playing Tavli (backgammon). The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, Athens' historic harbour, and many of the larger ones have airports with connections to Athens or major European cities.
On the mainland, the capital Athens is sprawling, polluted and overcrowded, but nevertheless enthralls visitors. It's dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon, though the remains of other Classical Greek wonders are found mainly on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Thessaloniki lies in the north and is modern and spirited with a Byzantine flavour. Visitors are sure to love this ancient and sun-filled country.
Renowned for its influence on Western civilisation, Greece is very much the heart of the Mediterranean experience, where travellers can escape to a heady blend of stunning vistas and warm, passionate people. Idyllic islands await those who seek blissful days of glorious sunshine and crisp waves, but there's far more on offer in this ever-popular destination. Visitors will also find iconic ruins, charming villages and some of the best nightlife in the region.
Gastronomes can feast on meze staples such as saganaki (fried haloumi cheese), kleftiko (lamb slow-baked on the bone), and souvlaki (shaved pork wrapped in a pita) and, of course, no visit is complete without a taste of Greek spirits. A trip to Greece promises unforgettable adventures and rich insight into an incredible heritage.
Athens is the travel hub of Greece and boasts one of the largest passenger ports in the world, providing the perfect means for visitors to island-hop to their heart's content. The famously lovely Saronic Islands are all an hour or two away from Piraeus Port by boat, and Cape Sounion is a very popular day-trip from Athens.
Its rich history, diverse architecture, and stunning natural beauty continue to enchant visitors from around the world, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a blend of historical and contemporary experiences.
Crete, the largest island in Greece, is one of the most popular travel destinations of the Mediterranean. It's an island with a thousand faces that combines everything a traveler might ask for: a rich history, several major attractions, a unique food culture, a vibrant nightlife, magnificent nature and pristine beaches.
The tiny Cycladic island of Mykonos sprung to blossom as a tourist destination in the 1960s and 1970s when it was first discovered by the global glitterati and became featured in magazines as the new hot place to be for the "it" crowd.
The entire island of Mykonos is only 15km at its widest point–a small but intimate place, where it's possible to see everything in a relatively short period of time.
The island's beauty has been waxed lyrical over the years, fully earning the epithet "kalliste" (the most beautiful).
The main island is split further into picturesque villages masterly painted in dazzling blue and white hues, outlining the holiday resort's multi-faceted personality and its extraordinary variety of landscapes.
Check out Viator for must see things to do while visiting Greece.
Here's just a few of the many top things to do in each of the locations:
- Athens - Acropolis and Ancient Agora
- Santorini - Oia Village and Red Beach
- Mykonos - Little Venice
- Crete - The Palace of Knossos
- Corfu – Achilleion Palace
Cruise Ships
One of the most popular ways to see Greece is on a Cruise. Several Cruise lines such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Princess have spectacular itineraries from 7-Day to 14-Day cruises.
Start your cruise in Athens (Piraeus), Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy or even Istanbul, Turkey. Unpack once and wake up in a different island to experience the beauty and magnificence of the Mediterranean for an unforgettable vacation.
Airlines
There are also direct flights to Greece from the US and there are many connecting options.
Greece has many popular resorts for sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach holiday. Each resort has its own character, varying from packed and lively to laid-back and secluded. Options range from single's heaven to family friendly.
Entry to Greece
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Don't forget the trip protection options to offer peace of mind by from unexpected medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Let's talk to find the best option for you and your family.
- Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world.
- More than 16 million tourists visit Greece annually, which is more than the country's whole population.
- Nearly 80 percent of Greece is mountainous.
Language
Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
Local Customs
- Most Greeks are more traditional than the British in some ways, but they're also friendly and welcoming enough to seem intrusive to reserved British tourists.
- Greeks are the heaviest smokers in Europe and will often ignore the smoking ban in public places.
- Swimwear is expected on the beach but tourists should dress properly in bars and restaurants.
Greece Tipping
- A service charge is automatically added to most restaurant bills and an additional tip is not expected, though it's always welcome.
- Rounding up the bill is sufficient for drinks at cafes;
- Taxis, Porters and Cloakroom attendants will expect a tip.
Money
- The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents.
- All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widespread;
- Mobile payment systems such as Google Pay and Apple Pay are supported.