Planning An Awesome Trip To Greece 2025: 13 Top Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Greece then you’ll want to read this article first!
After four years of travelling the country extensively, we really do know everything there is to know about getting around successfully here (well, almost everything!), and we’ve got so many top tips to share with you.
Greece has been our favourite destination so far, which is probably why we just can’t seem to leave. It’s also surprisingly big and there’s a surprising amount to see, so it’s important to plan before you travel to get all you expected and more from your trip.
This guide will take you through the first things to consider when planning a trip to Greece, through to the essential things to know before you go, and possible itineraries for your time here.
We can’t wait to hear all about your vacation of a lifetime!
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Table of Contents
- The Best Time To Visit Greece
- How Long Do You Have For Your Vacation?
- What Is A Good Budget For A Trip To Greece?
- Where To Go In Greece
- How To Get To Greece
- Possible Itineraries For Your Trip To Greece
- Organised Tours Of Greece
- Island Hopping In Greece
- Booking Tours In Greece
- Accommodation In Greece
- Things to Know Before Traveling to Greece
- Packing For Your Greece Vacation
- Insurance
#1 The Best Time To Visit Greece
Having lived in Greece for 4 years now in all seasons we would say there isn’t really a ‘best’ time to visit Greece. It all depends on your own personal circumstances. We’ll give you a low down of each season to help you choose when the right time to visit is for you.
When planning a trip to Greece this is one of the first things you’ll want to consider, as you’ll need to book time off work and make other arrangements around it. And obviously you can’t book flights, accomodation and tours until you know when you’re going!
Our advice is to get this sorted out asap!
Summer (June-September)
Summer in Greece is high season, meaning it’s the busiest and the most expensive but also when you’re most guaranteed lovely sunny weather.
We love Greek summers. The sea is warm for swimming and water sports, everywhere is open and full of life, and there is rarely a cloud in the sky.
Saying that, there are a few downsides to consider, like the fact prices are at the highest and tourist hotspots are the busiest.
Depending on your tolerance for heat you might actually find the summer months in Greece too hot. In recent years especially July and August have seen temperatures into the 40s, and this is sometimes accompanied by wildfires.
These don’t often affect tourist areas but in the summer of July 2023 Rhodes and Corfu were hit quite severely and some tourists did have to be evacuated. It’s worth bearing in mind.
Spring and Autumn (March-May, October & November)
In the shoulder season things start to wind in Greece but it’s no less beautiful. In fact, it’s arguably more beautiful.
In Spring Greece is at its greenest. This is the perfect time of year for keen hikers, as the countryside is stunning and the weather is mild but not too hot. Prices still aren’t at their peak, but things have started to open up. The problem with Spring is that the sea temperatures are still on the chilly side.
During Autumn you’ll find cooler weather, but you’ll still get mostly sunny days with some scattered storms. The sea is still warm enough to swim in but the beaches won’t be crowded. Again, prices in Autumn are reasonable and things don’t start shutting down until the end of October and into November.
The shoulder seasons are our favorite time in Greece and we would always recommend visiting during these months if you can.
Winter (December-January)
The weather over winter can really vary in Greece but it’s still a great time to visit if you’re keen to see it on a budget.
In winter prices really drop and you can snap up a bargain. Although a lot of big hotels will be closed, you can often get great deals on BnBs and guest houses.
Depending on where you visit you’ll find really different temperatures. The mainland mountains in Greece often experience snow over winter (you can even ski!), where as in the Dodecanese towards Turkey you’ll often find much milder weather.
Expect at least a few days of rain or storms, combined with pleasant sunny days. We often take a dip in the sea on Christmas day, and have had whole months of gorgeous sunshine and beaches all to ourselves. I was sunbathing on new years day this year and it was glorious!
As you can see, Greece really is an all year round destination. You just have to be prepared to make a few comprises!
#2 How Long Do You Have For Your Vacation?
Another thing to determine asap is the length of your trip to Greece.
If you only have a long weekend to spare then you’re going to want to consider easy to reach destinations, and probably a city break to get the most from your time there.
If you have the time and budget for two weeks in Greece then you could consider doing a little island hopping, or taking a mainland road trip.
In our opinion there isn’t a perfect time to spend in Greece. We haven’t got bored after 4 years! But you can also see a lot in just a few days, especially in Athens, so either way it’s well worth visiting.
Your vacation length will probably be partly dictated by your budget, so we’ll move onto that next.
#3 What Is A Good Budget For A Trip To Greece?
It’s hard to say whether Greece is a cheap or expensive holiday destination. The truth is, you can visit Greece on a shoestring or live like a king. It’s completely up to you what you want to spend. Here is a little breakdown of the two extremes so you can get an idea of what you’ll be looking at spending while you’re there.
Accomodation
This is totally dependent on when and where you visit. We have spent £600 on a week’s BnB rental, and £400 on a month’s rental! One was in high season in a popular tourist area and one over winter on a remote island.
A week’s stay in a nice hotel in Santorini could easily set you back £1000 for two, but you can also find basic accommodation, hostels, or campsites for more like £50 a night.
We used to use Air BnB to book our stays but we’ve found in recent years that the price hike is insane, and they charge a lot for hidden extras like cleaning fees. We’ve had far more luck with Booking.com and that’s where we book the majority of our accommodation.
We have also found reasonably priced places to stay in Vrbo but always ended up booking with Booking.com because it’s been slightly cheaper. If you can’t find what you’re looking for it’s worth trying them too!
Eating Out
Eating out in Greece is usually really cheap, even if you’re dining at some of the nicer, more touristy places.
If you’re on a serious budget then go straight for a gyros. These are the go-to street food in Greece (though they’re usually sold in sit down cafes) and you can pick one up for around £3. Vegetarians can opt for gyros with just potatoes – they’ll just leave out the meat and give you extra chips and salad!
Even in restaurants you can often eat out for £20 a head, including starters and a bottle of wine. Expect a main meal to set you back around £10 in a mid-range restaurant in a touristy town.
Tourist Attractions
Again, it totally depends on what you’re doing and where. We have been amazed by the number of free historic sites in Greece. It feels like every corner you turn there is some incredible castle or temple ruin that’s totally uncommercialized and free to enter.
However, if you’re in a tourist destination you will probably have to pay a small entrance fee. If you want to take a tour, or try out something a little more adventurous like a catamaran trip or helicopter ride then you can obviously expect to pay a lot more.
Getting Around
Greece doesn’t have Uber so taxis are actually kind of expensive. You’re often better off pre-booking transport, especially if you’re arriving from the airport. We use a reputable company like Viator or Get Your Guide so we know the driver will actually turn up!
Buses are also common in Greece and are usually a lot cheaper. The trouble with the buses is that they tend to cover a lot of ground, so delays are common on longer journeys. Think ‘Greek time’ and plan in for this if you have somewhere time sensitive to be!
Ferries are a great mode of transport between islands but again, prices can add up if you’re doing a lot of island hopping. They are a lot cheaper than private boats though, and often a lot faster! For a short hop expect to pay around £5, but for longer journeys between main islands you might pay more like £20-30.
✅ Ferry Scanner is our go-to site to find the cheapest ferry prices.
#4 Where To Go In Greece
The ultimate question, and one I’m afraid I can’t answer for you! Greece is absolutely huge when you consider the fact it is made up mostly of islands and each island has it’s own individual features and interesting activities and sites.
I can give you some idea of a few great places you might want to consider, all with different activities and draws.
Athens
I’m not a huge city lover but Athens is well worth visiting. You’ll probably be flying into Greece anyway, so try to save at least one day for Athens. It’s absolutely worth a little of your time!
Athens is steeped in history, has a busy vibrant feel and some great restaurants to boot. Make sure you visit the Acropolis as an absolute must. If you’re visiting over the summer months make sure you book a ticket in advance and skip the long queues.
Santorini
One of Greece’s most popular islands and it isn’t hard to see why. Santorini is indisputably beautiful, but that beauty does come with crowds and high prices. 4 days in Santorini is a perfect amount of time to get a taste of all the island has to offer.
If you have time we would recommend you combine Santorini with a trip to another of Greece’s quieter islands so you can get a taste for both, but Santorini is definitely worth visiting and you’ll have an incredible time there.
It has its own airport and there are lots of ferries that stop here, so it’s a convenient place to start and end your trip to Greece.
Paros
Paros is one of the bigger islands in Greece and is well-known by holidayers, but far from one of the most popular destinations. The island has a bit of a reputation for being upmarket, and has a more expensive feel to it with boutique shops and classy restaurants.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Paros then you might opt for something a little more on the luxurious side as they have some great options available.
Of course, you can still grab a bargain here and the beaches are stunning.
Make sure you visit Lefkes in Paros for a taste into life in the past. It’s got such a charming feel to it and it was a highlight of our time on the island.
Astypalea
People say Astypalea in Greece is the unknown Santorini, and I guess there’s a bit of truth in that. It’s a truly stunning island and perhaps our favorite in all of Greece (though that’s a really hard call to make!)
The town on the hill is breath taking, the winding alley ways are all worth exploring and it has some of the best and most secluded beaches we’ve ever been to. We planned to stay for a week and ended up here for three – that’s how awesome it is!
Leros
Leros island in the Dodecanese is a good choice because it has it’s own airport, which is less usual on the quieter Greek islands. We didn’t fall in love with the main town of Lakki, but we did think this was one of the best islands for hiking with some incredible views and some super interesting world war sites.
Rhodes
Rhodes is one of Greece’s most popular islands and if you’re planning a trip to Greece then you almost certainly will have come across it.
We didn’t have high hopes. We thought it would be a busy, crowded tourist trap and we nearly missed it out altogether. We’re so glad we didn’t.
Yes, Rhodes absolutely was busy and crowded but it was also stunning, interesting and had something for everyone. Our favourite spot was Lindos, with some beautiful beaches and a fascinating historical site overlooking the whole town.
Symi
Just a short ferry trip from Rhodes is the island of Symi, and this pretty place definitely comes in our top five Greek islands. Get up high for stunning views of the town tumbling down to the harbour.
If you’re looking for things to do in Symi you won’t be disappointed. From monasteries to beaches, this little island has a range of activities. One of the best is the hiking, so you might want to visit in the shoulder season when the weather is a little cooler.
Kephalonia
Kephalonia is the first Greek island Adam and I ever visited together so it will always hold a bit of a soft spot in my heart! It’s quite a big island so it would be easy to spend a whole week here, but 3 days in Kephalonia is enough to see the top spots if you’re short on time.
We loved little Lixouri as a bit of an off-the-beaten-track destination in Kephalonia (if you can really class anywhere there as remote!)
Monemvasia
Most people make a run for the Greek islands but the mainland has so much to offer that this seems like a real shame. Out of all the places in mainland Greece that we’ve visited, Monemvasia has to be one of our absolute favourites and it definitely tops some of the islands.
This town on a rock really stole our hearts, and we spent a lot longer than originally planned ticking off all the many things to do in Monemvasia. It isn’t too far from Athens so hire a car and make a road trip out of it!
As you can see, you’re going to feel a little overwhelmed when trying to pick the best places to visit when planning your trip to Greece. If none of the above take your fancy then we’ve put together an overview on 27 of our favourite Greek islands – one of them will be the perfect destination for you!
#5 How To Get To Greece
There are several ways to get to Greece depending on where you’re arriving from.
The easiest way is obviously by plane. Athens is a major airport and you can fly here from around the world. If you’re flying here from America then you’ll want to fly into Athens first and then either make your way to the islands by ferry or get an internal flight if the island you’re heading to has an airport.
If you’re flying from Europe then there are some islands that have direct flights to some countries in Europe. For example, Kephalonia, Rhodes, Santorini, and Corfu all have direct flights to the UK during the high season.
✅ We use SkyScanner to find the cheapest flights
Another option is to reach Greece by ferry from several places in Europe. Italy is the easiest and quickest place to depart from.
#6 Possible Itineraries For Your Trip To Greece
Depending on how long you have to spare there are a million possible itineraries for your trip to Greece. We would recommend you try to see at least one of the islands, along with Athens and perhaps somewhere on the mainland too (Monemvasia is our top pick!)
If you’re looking for some done for you itineraries then we’ve got some options for you below!
The Top Greek Island Hopping Routes
The number one thing to do in Greece is to go island hopping, and for good reason. The Greek islands are honestly the most beautiful in all of Europe and we feel so spoiled to have spent the last four years exploring them.
We’ve put together the best Greek island hopping routes for different parts of Greece so that you can make the most of your time there.
Best 10 Day Greece Itinerary: The Mainland
If you don’t fancy island hopping then the best 10 day Greece itinerary might well involve a road trip around the mainland, taking in some of the most beautiful Greek towns and historic sites.
This is something a little different from what most people do when they are planning a trip to Greece, so you’ll score points for originality. Plus the photos will have all your friends asking for your top tips on where to go!!
#7 Using Organised Tours When Planning A Trip To Greece
If you’re looking for the easiest way to see a whole lot of highlights around Greece then an organised tour is a great option. There are some really great ones in Greece and you can choose between a little island hopping or some mainland sightseeing.
Here are a few of the best out there, but a lot of tour operators will also consider doing personalised itineraries if you’re willing to spend a little more money. It’s worth contacting them if you want something special. If not, look into these great options.
4-Day Greece Highlights Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora
This 4 day mainland tour is something a little different from the usual beaches and sailboats.
For those interesting in Greek history this is the perfect tour, and an easy one to take from Athens. It covers some of the most famous spots in Greece, and in our opinion some of the most beautiful too.
You’ll visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Ancient Olympia, Delphi, and the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora. Meteora is one of the most incredible places in all of Greece, so even if you skip the tour you should try to schedule a day trip to Meteora!
The tour includes all transportation, breakfast, and dinner each day, entrance fees, and your choice of 3- or 4-star overnight accommodation. Plus having a local guide is always a huge bonus.
5 Day Private Tour: Santorini, Mykonos, Delos & Cruise To Caldera
If you’re looking to experience the most famous islands in Greece then this is the tour for you.
This 5 day private tour of Mykonos and Santorini mixes parties, beaches and history so you’ll get a little taste of it all. You get two nights on each island, which is probably perfect for Mykonos but we’d recommend you book a few more nights on Santorini either before or after the tour to get the most from your time there.
You’ll also get to visit Delos on this tour which will be a guaranteed highlight. The whole island is a historic site full of beautiful ruins and relics.
5 Day Tour: Zakynthos, Shipwreck & Turtle Cruise
This 5 day tour kind of covers it all, so it’s actually a great choice if you can’t decide between mainland or island life.
You’ll get to experience the main historic sites on the mainland – Epidaurus, Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora, as well as a trip to the island of Zakynthos.
Zakynthos is famous for shipwreck beach and for the abundance of turtles that surround the island, so it’s a great island to visit if you’re in Greece for a week or so.
10 Day Private Tour: Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Delos
Book a 10 day private tour of some of Greece’s most famous islands. If you’re keen to see the best islands in Greece then this is the right trip for you, and you know you’re guaranteed to see all the top spots.
This tour includes visits to the top historic sites on the different islands, along with beautiful beaches and trips to some of the most scneic towns. You will definitely leave feeling as though you’ve got a taste of the real Greece.
#8 Island Hopping In Greece
One of the best things to do when planning a trip to Greece is to work out a little time for island hopping. Greece has some of the best islands in the world. I’m not exaggerating! But it’s not a once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all kind of deal, because each island is so unique.
There are several distinct areas – the Ionian, the Cyclades, The Sporades, and the Dodecanese. We suggest you stick to islands in one area to make things a little easier and a little less expensive.
Head to the Ionian for balmy days with light breezes, greenery, stunning beaches, and easy sailing. Opt for the Cyclades for those famous white-washed villages and towns but factor in the Meltemi winds in the summer, which blow pretty strong for days at a time. The Dodecanese is usually the warmest part of Greece so it’s great for the shoulder season.
We can highly recommend taking a sailing trip if you have time. Boat is the number one way to see Greece, and these three day tours are the perfect introduction for anyone who has never been sailing before. You might even fall in love and decide this awesome hobby is for you!
#9 Booking Tours In Greece
We get asked a lot about whether you need to book tours in advance in Greece and the answer is always ‘it depends’.
If you’re travelling anywhere in Greece over the summer months then we highly recommend you book in advance, no matter where you’re heading. Not only do you avoid disappointment with them selling out, but you can also spend a little time checking out reviews to make sure it’s the right tour for you.
Make sure you book tours through a reputable company. We use Viator or Get Your Guide and haven’t been let down yet. Greece isn’t immune to the odd bit of dodgy behaviour so going through a company like this will ensure you get a quality, safe tour that meets your expectations.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece over the shoulder season then tours are less likely to be booked up in non-touristy places but you should still book in advance when visiting Athens or some of the famous islands like Santorini, Corfu, Mykonos, or Crete.
Here are our top recommendations if you’re looking for inspiration for memorable things to do on your trip:
- Catamaran cruises in Santorini
- The best helicopter rides in Santorini
- Photo tours in Santorini (including the famous flying dress photo shoot)
#10 Planning A Trip To Greece: Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Greece has it all. You can get by on a serious budget if you’re prepared to camp (not for the faint-hearted in the summer heat) or stay in less than beautiful hostels. Likewise, you can find some pretty special places to stay (think private pools with ocean views and rose petals on the bed).
You can also find cheaper accommodation on the quieter Greek islands where you’ll get more for your money.
We have given up on Air BnB in Greece as the prices are ludicrous, but you can check them out as an option and you might get lucky.
We now exclusively use Booking.com as we always find the best deals here, and we’ve also been impressed with prices and options on Vrbo though haven’t actually booked anything through them as Booking.com has always just beat them!
✅Check out the best deals on Booking.com
#11 Things To Know Before Planning A Trip To Greece
Greece is a pretty straightforward country to travel in but as always, there are a few things to know before you go!
- Most people in Greece speak English, but it’s always worth trying to learn a little of the language. They are very understanding though as a lot of people struggle with Greek!
- Car rental. We use Discover Car when in Greece. Greece doesn’t have Uber, so car rental is almost always the cheapest and most practical way to get around. Just read up on roundabouts before you come!
- It’s best to avoid drinking the tap water on smaller islands especially. Take a water filter bottle so you can still fill up on the go.
- Read up on the laws around flying a drone in Greece before you attempt to get those awesome secluded beach shots.
- Sailing in Greece is super popular and absolutely incredible. You can charter a boat with a skipper or if you have your sailing license then hire your own sailboat for your vacation. These are Greece’s top anchorages.
#12 Packing For Your Greece Vacation
Packing for a holiday in Greece is half the fun. All that preparation for the holiday of a lifetime just adds to the excitement, and if you’re at the packing stage then you don’t have long to wait!
There are a few essentials you should bring on your trip no matter what you have planned, and obviously some specific items you’ll want to take if you have more specialist activities planned like any watersports or hiking.
Here are a few essentials you should make sure you don’t forget, or check our complete Greece packing guide for a more extensive list. It includes a printout for those among you who love a good tick list!
- Passport. Now is the perfect time to make sure your passport is up to date!
- Visas. Depending on your citizenship, you may need a visa to holiday in Greece. You should check the Greek embassy website for more information.
- Decent backpack. We have a Peak Design backpack and the quality is insane. It’s perfect for carry-on luggage too.
- Dry bag. You’ll be thankful if you do any boat trips.
- Light clothes
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Walking shoes
- Cover-ups for visiting churches
- Filter water bottle. It’s not always advised to drink the tap water in Greece.
- Inspect repellent and sun cream
- European adapter
- Camera
- Kindle
#13 Insurance
✔ Don’t forget your travel insurance! We use Safety Wing and highly recommend it. With insurance designed for frequent travelers and digital nomads, it ticks all the right boxes. ✔
We use Safety Wing for our holiday cover. If you plan on taking several trips in the year then it often works out cheaper to get annual cover, but they also have great deals on short trips too.
The really wonderful thing about Safety Wing is that you can book it while you’re already on your trip (yes, I do always forget and leave it till the last minute!) plus you can pay monthly, so if you want to extend your trip it’s no problem.
Conclusion: Planning A Trip To Greece
So there you have it, the ultimate guide to planning a trip to Greece. Hopefully this has covered just about everything you could possibly need to know before you go on the vacation of a lifetime, but luckily we do have a lot more Greece content if you still have questions you’d like answered.
We are HUGE fans of Greece. This is probably obvious, as we’ve spent so long there. This means we know for sure it has something for everyone and is one of the best holiday destinations out there. You are absolutely going to have the best time and we can’t wait to hear all about it!
Come say hi over on our Instagram or Facebook page and let us know all the wonderful things you’re planning, and perhaps we’ll see you out there!
