[famous three bells of fira in firostefani] Discover Greece
Use the map to navigate the Greek mainland and islands, and get started with our island hopping guide!
Greece Quick Guide
- Currency: Euro ()
- Language:Greek
- Time Zone: EET (UTC+2) / EEST in summer (UTC+3)
- Emergency Number: 112
- Tipping: 510% in restaurants if service not included; small change typical for taxis or cafes
- Fun Fact #1: Greece comprises over 6,000 islands – only about 227 are inhabited
- Fun Fact #2: Greece introduced Western democracy nearly 2,500 years ago in Athens
- Fun Fact #3: Fadolike local music in Greece is rembetika, a vibrant urban folk genre
Where to Stay in Greece
From charming Athens boutique hotels to serene island villas in Santorini, Mykonos, or Milos, Greece offers diverse lodging. Stay in coastal hamlets with sea views, historic guesthouses in mountain villages, or chic urban pads, each locale blending comfort, character, and authentic hospitality.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. Cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
Where to Stay in Greece
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How to Get Around Greece
Greeces public transport efficiently connects major destinations. On the mainland, trains and intercity buses link Athens, Thessaloniki, and regional hubs. In Athens, the metro, trams, and buses serve city travel, while ferries and hydrofoils connect the islands .
However, a rental car becomes essential for exploring remote areas. On islands like Santorini, Crete, and Naxos, driving lets you access secluded beaches and villages off public transit routes. Similarly, on the Peloponnese or mountainous mainland, a car provides flexibility to discover ancient mythic sites, like Delphi, Peloponnese ruins, and coastal gems, not easily served by buses.
Must-Visit Places in Greece
- Athens: Explore the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and vibrant cafe scene
- Santorini: Iconic whitewashed cliffs, Oia sunsets, caldera views, and volcanic beaches
- Mykonos: Lively nightlife, charming alleys, and sandy coves
- Milos: Dramatic volcanic landscapes and hidden beaches like Sarakiniko
- Paros: Quaint villages, beaches, and laid-back island vibes
- Crete: Beaches, Minoan archaeology, and Mount Ida trails
- Naxos: Cedar-treed beaches, traditional mountain villages, and local cuisine
- Delphi & Ancient Sites: Mythic ruins like the Oracle and theater of Delphi
- Peloponnese (Mycenae, Olympia, Epidaurus): Legendary archaeological sites steeped in history
Dont waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Greek Food to Sample
Greek food balances fresh Mediterranean produce with time-honored traditions. Regional dishes reflect the countrys coastal, island, and mountain heritage.
Moussaka – Nationwide: Baked beef and eggplant layered with creamy bchamel sauce.
Souvlaki/ Gyros – Nationwide: Grilled skewers or wraps of pork/chicken, onions, pita, tzatziki.
Dolmades – Mainland & Islands: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, sometimes meat.
OctopusinSantorini Wine Sauce – Santorini: Tender octopus braised in local Assyrtiko wine.
Kalitsounia – Crete: Small cheese or herb-filled pastries, fried or baked.
Dakos – Crete: Cretan salad of soaked barley bread, tomato, feta, olives.
Seafood Saganaki – Ionian & Aegean Islands: Mussels/shrimp in tomato-feta pan.
Pastitsio – Nationwide: Baked pasta with bchamel and seasoned meat layer.
Loukoumades – Nationwide: Honey-soaked fried dough balls, sometimes sprinkled with cinnamon/nuts.
Kopanisti & Cheeses – Mykonos/Naxos: Spicy cheeses like kopanisti and fresh graviera or feta.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Greece
- Paxos, Antipaxos, and Blue Caves: Cruise out from Corfu on a day trip to the stunning Paxi Islands. The turquoise waters are incredible, and you get the chance to swim and explore the mystical Blue Caves. A great trip if you are short on time.
- Skopelos: Unleash your inner Abba and spent a day visiting ‘Mamma Mia Island’, explore sites from the movies, including the clifftop Chapel of St. John. Perfect for every dancing queen (or kings!).
- Meteora Monasteries: Set off from Athens on this epic day trip to the ancient Meteora Monasteries deep in the mountains. Visit the secret Hermit Caves, take in the incredible panoramic views of inland Greece, learn about its ancient history, and take several stops to indulge in local food. A long day but a great way to see a part of Greece many miss.
- Acropolis and Parthenon: These ancient sites absolutely need to be on your bucket list. Towering high in the mountains with epic views, the site is more than just history. There is also a new Acropolis museum which is well worth taking the time to visit and learn about Ancient Greece.
- Ancient Olympia: Visit the birthplace of the Olympic games, see the Temple of Hera and the Olympic flame. See the Temple of Zeus that once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus.
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