Why Fly to Greece
Greece delivers on the hype. Few countries pack this much into one destination — 2,500 years of history, over 200 inhabited islands, serious food, and a coastline that keeps outdoing itself. Athens is the obvious anchor: the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, rooftop bars with views that make you feel like you've earned something. But Athens is just the starting point. Head north to Thessaloniki for Byzantine churches, a buzzing waterfront, and a food scene that locals will tell you beats the capital. Fly or ferry south and you hit a different world entirely.
The islands are where Greece really separates itself. Santorini's caldera views and whitewashed Cycladic architecture are legitimately as good as the photos suggest — just go in May or October if you want to actually enjoy them. Mykonos delivers beaches and nightlife for those who want it. Crete is practically a country of its own: Chania's Venetian harbour, the Samaria Gorge, long stretches of beach where the water is genuinely turquoise. Greece isn't a single trip. Most people come back.
Best Time to Visit Greece
April to June and September to October are the sweet spots. Temperatures sit between 20–28°C (68–82°F), the crowds are manageable, and prices are meaningfully lower than peak season. The sea is warm enough to swim from late May through October. July and August are peak season — hot (30–35°C/86–95°F), expensive, and crowded everywhere worth visiting. Ferry queues, overbooked accommodation, and tourist-trap pricing are all at their worst. If summer is your only option, book everything months in advance and budget 20–50% more. November to March is quiet and cheap. Athens works year-round and has skiing in the mountains, but most island businesses close completely, and ferry schedules shrink dramatically. Winter suits travellers who want museums, history, and empty streets over beaches.
Getting Around Greece
Greece's geography means transport requires some planning. Domestic flights are the fastest way between Athens and the islands — Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines cover most major routes, and fares can be reasonable if booked ahead. Ferries are the classic way to island-hop and part of the experience, but factor in journey times: Athens (Piraeus port) to Santorini is 5–8 hours by fast or slow ferry. Book in advance during summer — cabins and vehicle spots sell out. Trains are limited but useful on the mainland; the Athens–Thessaloniki intercity route takes around 4 hours and is comfortable. Within cities, Athens has a clean, cheap metro that covers the main tourist areas. Taxis are widely available — use the Uber-style app Bolt to avoid fare disputes. On smaller islands, renting a scooter or ATV is the standard move for getting around independently.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU and Schengen Area citizens enter Greece freely with a national ID or passport — no visa required. UK and US citizens can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business. From late 2026, both will need to apply for ETIAS — a pre-travel authorisation costing €20, applied for online before departure. It's not a visa, but you'll need it before you fly. ETIAS is valid for multiple trips once approved. Overstaying the 90-day Schengen limit carries real consequences: fines, a ban of up to 3 years from all Schengen countries, and potential denial at future borders. If you're planning a longer stay, sort a visa through the Greek consulate before you travel.
Money & Budget
Greece uses the euro (EUR). Cards are accepted in most city restaurants, hotels, and shops, but carry cash when heading to smaller islands, rural areas, or local markets — many small vendors and taxis are still cash-only. ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist areas. Watch for dynamic currency conversion at ATMs — always choose to pay in euros and decline the ATM's offered conversion rate to avoid getting gouged. Notify your bank before travelling to prevent blocked transactions.
- Budget traveller: €50–80/day — hostels, gyros, public transport, free or low-cost sights
- Mid-range: €80–150/day — private hotel rooms, sit-down meals, ferry travel, paid attractions
- Luxury: €200+/day — boutique hotels, fine dining, private transfers, premium island resorts
Expect prices to jump 20–50% on popular islands in July and August compared to shoulder season.
Top Cities to Visit in Greece
- Athens: The Acropolis, world-class museums, a surprisingly good food and nightlife scene — give it at least three days, not just one rushed morning at the ruins.
- Thessaloniki: Greece's second city and arguably its best eating destination, with a relaxed seafront, Byzantine architecture, and a strong café culture.
- Santorini: The iconic caldera views, blue-domed churches, and volcanic beaches live up to expectations — visit outside July and August to actually enjoy them.
- Mykonos: Built for beach days and late nights; the windmills and Little Venice are genuinely pretty, but this island runs on tourism and prices everything accordingly.
- Chania, Crete: One of Greece's most liveable towns — a well-preserved Venetian harbour, excellent local food, and easy access to some of the best hiking and beaches on the island.
- Rhodes Town: A UNESCO-listed medieval old town that's one of the best-preserved in Europe, plus reliable sunshine and good beaches within easy reach.
FAQ — Flights to Greece
Which airport should I fly into for Greece?
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main hub and has the most international connections. For Crete, fly into Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ). Santorini (JTR) and Mykonos (JMK) have their own airports with seasonal direct flights from many European cities, which saves you the ferry connection from Athens.
How far in advance should I book flights to Greece?
For summer travel (June–August), book flights and accommodation at least 3–4 months ahead — popular island routes and hotels sell out fast and prices rise sharply as the date approaches. For shoulder season travel in April–June or September–October, 6–8 weeks out usually gets you decent fares without the scramble.
Is it worth flying between Greek islands or taking the ferry?
Depends on your time and budget. Ferries are cheaper and more atmospheric, and for some routes they're the only realistic option. But if you're short on time — or the crossing is a long slow one — domestic flights between islands or from Athens can be worth the extra cost. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air cover the main routes, and fares are often reasonable if you book ahead rather than leaving it to the last minute.