Greece holidays

Holidays to Greece are crammed with scenic highlights, from quaint hamlets decorated with whitewashed houses to pretty pine-clad coves and cliffside churches overlooking the sea. And when you’re done admiring the country’s good looks, you’ve got historical sights at every turn. Find some of the finest examples in Athens, Crete and Rhodes, or head to the islands of Santorini, Lefkas, and Corfu and wander through unchanged villages filled with cobblestone streets and traditional tavernas.

Those looking to relax on a sandy beach during the sunlight hours, before being entertained from dusk until dawn, should hit one of Greece’s purpose-built resorts. Families will have their fill of high-octane thrills at its waterparks, while kids will love learning all about the country’s famous myths and legends.

History & culture

Like a living museum, the country is littered with artefacts. Discover its athletic roots with a trip to Olympia (or Valley of the Gods). As one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, it’s home to the remains of the first Neolithic inhabitants and the Temple of Zeus. It's also where you’ll find the site of the Ancient Olympic Games Museum, where the first Olympics were held here in 776 BC. But no holiday to Greece would be complete without ticking off the iconic Acropolis in Athens!

Though, the islands can certainly hold their own when it comes to antiquity. Visit a Medieval Old Town built by the Knights of St. John in Rhodes, or admire the grandeur of a palace in the ancient city of Knossos and learn about the father of all gods with a visit to the Cave of Zeus in Crete.

Attractions for everyone

Famed for its incredible hospitality, holidays to Greece are perfect for families. From its long list of all-inclusive hotels to its child-friendly waterparks, there’s something for all generations. The Star Beach waterpark in Hersonissos is regularly voted one of the best in Europe. On top of the rides, slides, pools and chutes, you'll find plenty of watersports, whether you’re looking for a scuba diving adventure or want to get your heart racing with a bungee jump.

Those with little ones in tow will love the choice of Blue Flag beaches dotted along the never-ending coastline. Stretch out on pebble-strewn bays in the north or stroll along lengthy golden stretches in the south. But make sure you don’t forget to hunt down its most famous beaches. Head to Zante and visit the aptly named ‘Shipwreck Beach’, whose remote location and abandoned boat is instantly recognisable. Or, discover the pink sands and greeny-blue waters of Crete’s most photogenic shoreline, Elafonisi. 

Those escaping for some sun-splashed romance will love the peace and tranquillity of honeymoon favourite, Santorini. This crescent-shaped caldera, fringed by black sands and famed for its blue-domed churches, offers one of the best sundown experiences Greece has to offer.

Party islands

You won’t be stuck for things to do in Greece if you like your holidays packed with buzzing Greek nightlife. For world-class clubs, buzzing bars and beach parties, look no further than the lively hotspots of Faliraki, Kardamena and Laganas. However, Crete takes pole-position, with its choice of bustling towns including Malia and Stalis. Here, you’ll witness big-name DJs manning the decks at popular clubs like Kings Cross and The Zoo. You'll also find exciting boat parties such as Pukka Up. This fun-filled day trip will return to the shore just as the clubs start to open.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Athens | CorfuCrete | Halkidiki | KalamataKefaloniaKos | Lefkas | LesbosMykonos | Olympius Riviera | PargaRhodes | SantoriniSkiathos | Skopelos | ThassosZante 

 

Map of Greece

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11°C - 38°C

Sun-worshippers will enjoy the sweltering temperatures between June and August. For cooler conditions, book your holidays to Greece in spring or autumn.

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Approximately four hours
The main international airport in Greece is Athens International Airport (AKA Eleftherios Venizelos) and is located just outside the capital. Although visitors frequently fly to the smaller airports of Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu.

Greece is best for

History lovers: Home to some of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites, there’s no wonder Greece is a hit with history buffs. Discover tombs, temples, castles, palaces and all kinds of mythical ruins linked to famous gods. 

Sun-seekers: Greece lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, offering superb summer weather alongside some of the world’s most impressive beaches.

Foodies: Whether you visit a rustic taverna, a street stall or prefer a fancy fine dining experience, Greece’s food is full of flavour. Tuck into dishes stuffed with Mediterranean vegetables, savour meat-packed mezzes and chow down on salads doused in olive oil and topped with feta.

Fast facts for Greece

Language: Greek is the official language, but most locals will have a basic understanding of English. However, it’s always worth learning a few common phrases to get by.

Currency: The currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR).

Local time: Greece is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time. 

Fly to: Aktion National Airport to reach the mainland resorts of Lefkas and Parga, which are around 20 minutes to 1 hour away by car. You can fly to most of the islands directly; 

  • Corfu: Corfu International Airport with transfers taking around 20 minutes to 2.5 hours
  • Crete: Heraklion International Airport with transfers taking up to 2 hours and 40 minutes
  • Rhodes: Rhodes International Airport with transfer times of around 30 to 90 minutes.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Greece is around 3 - 4.5 hours.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Greece.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Getting around Greece

By hire car: Greek roads are well maintained and come with plenty of signage, with hire car venues in most of its towns and cities. Do remember that the locals drive on the right and overtake on the left!

By scooter: Scooters are a popular method of transport among locals and tourists alike, offering a quick and convenient way to see the sights.

By boat: There are plenty of boat trips on offer from Greece’s many beaches and harbours. This is a great way to explore the country’s idyllic islands, or gain access to those secret, sheltered coves for a peaceful day’s sunbathing.

Events in Greece

The Feast of the Dormition of Theotokos: This religious celebration is held on 15th August to mark the passing of the Virgin Mary. It is also an annual national holiday with festivities throughout the country, typically starting with church processions, and ending with feasting, drinking and dancing.

Saint’s Day: Each Greek island has its own religious celebration in honour of their patron. On this day, most village and town squares will be filled with food, drink and folk dancing.

Greece safety and security

Do I need a passport?

All British citizens travelling to Greece must carry a full UK passport, which will need to be valid for the duration of your stay, at the very least.

Do I need a visa?

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Greece as a tourist. If you’re unsure about whether or not you require a visa for your Greece holiday, you can always check with the Greek Embassy.

For up-to-date advice on entry requirements please visit the FCDO website.

Should I get travel health insurance?

Wherever you travel in the world, it’s wise to take out comprehensive travel health insurance to protect you financially. If you have an accident or become ill on holiday, travel insurance will help towards the cost of things like medicine, treatment and even returning to the UK, if necessary. Always check your policy to see what your cover includes.

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Greece, please visit the FCDO website.

Any other tips?

  • Be prepared to adapt to Greek time, especially when it comes to meals. While we tend to eat our dinner in the early evenings, Greeks eat much later, often around 10pm.
  • While Greece is a tolerant country, you should still cover up when visiting sites of religious interest. Catholicism is still the main religion here, and flashing too much flesh at a monastery can cause unintended offence.
  • For a true taste of the sumptuous Greek cuisine on offer, go off the beaten track and try out a taverna or two.
  • Learn a few greetings and basic phrases to impress the locals, no matter how shockingly bad your pronunciation. 
  • There are some fantastic hiking tours, particularly in Santorini, with its sprawling scenery and cobalt-capped churches.

Greece weather

Temperature: The average temperature ranges from 10°C in the winter to 28°C in the summer.

Best time to go?

The country enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters, so if it’s sun, sea and sand you’re after, the weather in Greece is perfect between June and the end of August. You can expect temperatures around 24°C, with some days hitting the mid 30s.

If you’re planning on visiting some of the country’s ancient relics, such as the Acropolis at Athens or the Parthenon, we suggest jetting off between the months of March and May, when the heat peaks at a manageable 24 - 25°C.

 

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