Did you know that Greece has over 2,000 islands? When you count the smaller islets, this number tips to over 6,000. When planning a trip to Greece, you need to pick the best spots, unless you have endless time!

Try to cram too much in and you might make your trip planning stressful. Going to Greece is meant to be fun!

We can help you refine your vacation ideas, decide where to go, and make your dream vacation a reality.

Read on before you visit Greece!

Planning a Trip to Greece: Where to Go

Athens is the ideal place to start your trip to Greece. This bustling capital will captivate you with its blend of ancient history and energetic modernity. Plan 2 or 3 days in Athens to check out the Acropolis, trendy Plaka, and the ancient monuments preserved in the city.

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second city in the north of the country. Music, art, and history abound here. Visit the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hike to the top of the White Tower, then chill out at a taverna.

Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, is another mainland gem for you to explore. Home of the Kalamata olive trees, Kalamata’s cuisine is famous all over Greece. Gaze to the horizon from the top of the Perai Acropolis, find your groove at the International Dance Festival, then enjoy some of the finest seafood in the country!

Be an Island Hopper

Greece’s scattered islands take time to travel between, and only the most popular ones have airports. Ferries are a convenient way to travel around Greece, but you may need to book an overnight cabin and some routes cease at certain times of the year.

Chartering a yacht will give you ultimate freedom when exploring the Greek islands. Go where you want and pause when you want. You will have privacy and can avoid the chaos of crowded ferry ports!

Luxurious Cyclades

The Cyclades island chain has the Greek postcard views you’ve dreamt about. Whitewashed houses with aquatic blue windows and roofs are the sights here. Explore beyond Santorini and Mykonos; Ios, Naxos, Paros, and Amorgos offer a more local feel than the busier hotspots.

Ionian Adventures

The Ionian islands, to the west of Greece, are the main rivals to the Cyclades. Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia boast natural beauty, fresh seafood, and sweeping beachfront views. Mountains, forests, and crystal blue waters set the scene for adventurous vacation ideas.

The Aegean and Crete

Kos, Symi, and Rhodes in the Aegean Sea boast family fun, buzzing nightlife, and tranquility. Rhodes is one of Europe’s most popular family getaways; Kos is a party spot, and Symi is your place of peace.

Crete bakes in Greece’s far south and has the warmest winter temperatures in the country. The island is huge, offering everything from city life to remote beaches and mountain ranges. Check out Chania city with its famous Venetian harbor.

When to Visit Greece

Spring chirps from March to late June; summer sun rises from late June to mid-September; fall cools things down from mid-September to December; winter winds chill from December to March. Vacation planning by season is wise when you visit Greece.

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons. You can find deals on accommodation easier in fall and winter, plus even the coolest months are mild compared to northern USA winters.

Summer can bring extreme heat, with 2023 being one of the hottest years on record. Pack for the sun and be sure to stay hydrated.

Cuisine, Culture, and Language

Greek cuisine is influenced by many other Mediterranean cultures, from Italy to Türkiye and the Middle East. Tuck into fresh salads, hearty moussakas, and stuffed bell peppers. On the islands, you will find all of the fresh seafood you can imagine, grilled to perfection and served in the sea breeze.

Ancient Greece is the historical home of Western democracy. Many of our scientific breakthroughs stem from the theories of Greek philosophers. Visit a few museums to learn more about how Greece developed.

Greek people speak, well, Greek. The language uses a Cyrillic alphabet, but it is logical, and you can learn the letters with a little effort. A few phrases will go a long way and your effort will be appreciated.

The Mediterranean climate lets people socialize outside for most of the year, so get ready for BBQs in the sun while you mingle with the locals!

Get Your Camera Ready

We hope our guide to planning a trip to Greece makes your vacation one to remember. It is impossible to see all of Greece in one trip, so pick your places with care-savor every sight, sound, and scent.

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