Last updated: January 23, 2024, Author: Sophie Nadeau
Greece is a southern European country famous for its ancient ruins, beautiful islands, amazing cuisine, and countless sunny days throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway in the capital Athens or looking to island-hop around the beautiful country, here are some Greek travel tips you should know before your next trip.
Greece has 150 inhabited islands
Of course, some Greek islands are far more famous than others. Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos and Crete are some of the islands that first come to mind, but it’s worth noting that there are many more islands you can visit and stay on. In fact, it is estimated that Greece has between 166 and 277 inhabited islands.
It is also worth noting that the islands straddle two oceans. Ionian Sea and Aegean Sea. Secondly, the inhabited islands of Greece can be divided into about eight groups, the most famous of which are the Cyclades (including Santorini and Mykonos).
Greece has some amazing ruins
Ancient Greece is considered the birthplace of arts such as mathematics and philosophy, so it’s no surprise that the country has countless amazing ruins that you can visit on your own.
Popular ruins to visit in Greece include the Acropolis of Athens (marble ruins have stood in its place for over 2000 years) and Delphi (a former place of worship once dedicated to the Greek sun god Apollo) there is. , the Palace of Knossos (the largest ruin on Crete and associated with the myth of the Minotaur).
The cheapest way to travel around the Greek islands is by ferry
Although many of the larger islands have their own airports (some serve several international destinations, others simply connect Greek islands to other Greek islands), The cheapest way to travel between the islands is by ferry.
Ferry services are wide-ranging. Of course, there are also island cruises if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop option. It should also be remembered that interisland travel is much more expensive in the off-season (late autumn, winter, early spring), when the demand for travel is very low.
Greece has some of the world’s oldest vineyards
Of course, when you think of wine in Europe, you probably think of the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy, or the medieval hilltop towns surrounding the city of Bordeaux in southwestern France. But what many may not know is that Greece is home to some of the world’s oldest vineyards.
People have been growing grapes to make wine ever since they lived in Greece. In fact, there is evidence that people were growing grapes as far back as 4,500 BC.
Homer speaks about wine in both the Odyssey and the Iliad, but the oldest word attested in ancient Greek is οἶνος (oinos), meaning “wine.” Be sure to check out our Santorini wine guide for more information.
Make sure to budget your trip to Greece properly
As with food, drink, and accommodation costs (as well as a flight to actually get to Greece from wherever in the world you’re traveling to), you’ll need to budget appropriately before you visit.
It goes without saying that not all islands have the same prices (even places on mainland Greece). Some of the more expensive places to visit in Greece include Santorini and Mykonos. To be honest, if you want to visit the country on a budget, these places should be avoided.
Schedule travel time
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make when visiting Greece is not timing their trip properly. This is especially true if you want to visit multiple islands. After all, most of the inhabited islands are spread across her two oceans.
During my trip to Greece, I visited some of the islands on a cruise, and some of the islands took more than half a day to get to (so I spent the night traveling underwater). Visiting some islands from Athens’ Piraeus port can take many hours.
If in doubt, it’s better to make a thorough plan to visit several islands and locations rather than rushing to see as many places as possible. After all, traveling slowly allows you to take the time to get to know a place and explore all it has to offer.
Best time to visit Greece
The best time to visit Greece is not in the summer, especially in August when the temperatures are at their highest (especially in Athens) and prices are at their most expensive. In fact, planning a visit to this country in mid-summer (i.e. peak season) will be the first mistake Greeks make.
Rather, the best time to visit Greece, both in terms of optimal weather, accommodation availability, lack of crowds, and price, is during the European shoulder season. That means planning your trip in late spring or early fall if possible.
If you visit the island, choose wisely
As mentioned earlier, the Greek islands all have different prices, so you should take this into account before planning your trip to Greece. In addition to this, visitors should be aware that each island has its own atmosphere and pace of life, and what you’re looking for can make or break your vacation.
For example, the town of Ayia Napa on the island of Cyprus is known for its party scene and is full of bars and clubs.
Santorini is also known as a honeymoon destination, so there are plenty of romantic activities and couples visiting the island. Research the islands you plan to visit before your trip to determine whether each offers the right atmosphere for your trip.
As with many other destinations in Europe, one of the best Greece travel tips I can give you is to make sure you have plenty of suitable footwear.
Most cities, towns, and villages in Greece are full of cobblestone lanes, so they’re not the best places to go in high heels. Similarly, if you are going out for a walk or hike, you should wear comfortable trainers.
Don’t miss Greece’s small and remote islands
When choosing a destination to visit, don’t overlook secluded island options. If I had one tip for traveling to Greece, it would be to dig a little deeper into what you see or add one secret island to your trip. I promise it’s worth it.
My personal favorite hidden gem of a Greek island is Milos. This is a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea, full of charming fishing villages and where the Venus de Milo statue was (re)discovered in the late 19th century. -century. Secret Greek islands to add to your Greece bucket list include Lefkas, Ithaca, and Kythira.
Check out Athens
Whether you’re arriving or departing from Athens on an international flight, don’t make the Greek travel mistake of overlooking the Greek capital. After all, you’ll want to set aside at least a day or two in your schedule to explore the rich culture, history, and gastronomic scene that one of Europe’s oldest cities has to offer.
Greece is not as affordable as you think
Before planning your trip to Greece, be sure to check the prices for your destination. Some destinations are more affordable, while others are as expensive as Paris or London, especially when it comes to food and drink in the most popular tourist destinations. For example, cocktails in Santorini and Mykonos cost between 15 and 20 euros each.
Don’t flush the toilet paper!
One of the most important tips to know when traveling to Greece is that in many parts of Greece, especially the smaller islands, you should never flush toilet paper down the toilet. You can often find a small trash can (trash can) next to the toilet for disposing of used toilet paper, as it can clog the pipes.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, when she’s not chasing her next sunset photo or snacking on sweets, she runs solosophie.com. She divides her time between Paris and London and travels as much as possible. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube channel.
