Preparing a trip to Greece is like opening a history book under the open sky, indulging in sun-drenched gastronomy, and choosing between a thousand destinations. Between the mainland and the 6,000 islands that line its shores, Greece is a multifaceted destination where everyone can craft a journey that suits them. In this guide, we share everything you need to know to prepare for your stay with peace of mind: when to go, how to get there, what to see, and our best addresses.
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– Greece is much more than Athens. With its 6,000 islands (200 of which are inhabited), its historic mainland, and its rich gastronomy, the country offers incredible diversity in landscapes and experiences, from Santorini to Crete, via Delphi and Meteora.
– The best time to visit is from April to October, with a special mention for May, September, and October: mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and more attractive prices than in peak summer (when temperatures can reach nearly 40Ā°C).
– Four main areas to explore depending on your desires: the Ionian Islands (architecture and gastronomy), the Cyclades (paradisiacal beaches and postcard-perfect scenery), Crete (a complete family destination), and mainland Greece (archaeological treasures).
Greece, in a nutshell
Located about 2,095 kilometers from Paris, Athens is the capital of Greece. It is filled with historical monuments and its history is fascinating. But Greece is not limited to its capital. Here is our practical guide with all the advice you need to prepare your trip to Greece.
Some key information to know before you go:
- Capital: Athens.
- Official language: Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency: Euro (ā¬).
- Time difference: +1 hour compared to France, all year round.
- Electrical outlets: Type C and F. Same as France, no adapter needed.
- Visa: None (Greece = EU). Valid ID card or passport required.
- Dialing code: +30
What are the typical dishes in Greece?
Greece has a rich gastronomy! Among the most well-known specialties are Greek salad, mezzes (similar to tapas such as tarama, tzatziki, eggplant caviar, keftedesā¦), and of course cheeses (feta, halloumi, saganaki, and other regional cheeses). There are also oven-baked dishes like moussaka, an eggplant gratin with meat.
| Dish | Description | Gluten-free? |
|---|---|---|
| Souvlaki | Grilled meat skewers, often served in pita | Yes, but without the pita. |
| Gyros | Rotisserie meat served in pita with fries | No (pita). Ask for it on a plate instead. |
| Dolmades | Vine leaves stuffed with rice | Yes |
| Horiatiki | Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, olives, olive oil | Yes |
| Spanakopita | Spinach and feta pastry | No, contains gluten. |
| Moussaka | Eggplant, meat, and bƩchamel gratin | No, bƩchamel sauce. |
| Pastitsio | Baked pasta with meat | No, contains gluten. |
| Tzatziki | Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil | Yes |
| Grilled octopus | Island specialty | Yes |
| Baklava | Pastry with nuts and honey | No, contains gluten. |
| Loukoumades | Honey and cinnamon doughnuts | No, contains gluten. |
Good to know: Greek cuisine is generally very suitable as it is based on vegetables, fish, grilled meat, legumes, and olive oil. Learn the key phrase: āĪ§ĻĻĪÆĻ Ī³Ī»ĪæĻ ĻĪĪ½Ī·ā (khorĆs gloutĆØni = gluten-free). Most restaurants in tourist areas understand it.
- Typical drink: Ouzo! It is a Greek pastis with an anise flavor. Unlike the pastis we know, it is not diluted with water and is drunk neat with ice cubes. And if you donāt drink alcohol, try Greek coffee (ellinikos kafes): very strong, served in a small cup with grounds at the bottom. Ask for it āmetriosā (medium sweet) to start.
- Must-do activity in Greece: Whether on the islands or the mainland, follow the wine route in Greece to discover its vineyards. Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world (vines have been cultivated there for over 4,000 years!), yet its production remains relatively unknown.
Where is Greece located?
If you paid attention in history class, you should know where it is. But you may not know that Greece is not limited to the mainland. For example, the island of Crete, the Ionian Islands such as Corfu, and the Cyclades islands are also part of it. In total, this represents 6,000 Greek islands! Quite an impressive number. However, only 200 of these islands are inhabited, and only about twenty are tourist destinations.
The main Greek archipelagos at a glance:
| Archipelago / Region | Sea | Iconic Islancs | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cyclades | Aegean Sea | Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos | Postcard scenery: white houses, blue domes |
| The Ionian Islands | Ionian Sea | Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada | Lush vegetation, Venetian architecture |
| The Dodecanese | Aegean Sea | Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Symi | Medieval history, Knightsā castles |
| The Sporades | Aegean Sea | Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos | Preserved nature, more confidential destination |
| Northeast Aegean Islands | Aegean Sea | Lesbos, Samos, Chios | Authentic, less touristy |
| Crete | Sea of Crete | Single island | A complete destination in itself |
How to get to Greece?
As you might expect, the easiest way to get to Greece is by plane. You can travel there from France from almost any airport, with regular flights in high season. Nantes airport serves several cities: Athens, Corfu, Chania, Araxos, Rhodes, Santorini. Several flights are available each week depending on the season, with airlines such as Aegean Airlines (which we took to fly to Crete) and Transavia. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hours for a NantesāAthens route.
You can also travel to Greece by car, provided you are highly motivated, as it involves more than 2,900 kilometers (from Paris). Ideal if you plan a road trip and want to visit other countries, but more complicated if you just want to spend a week on vacation.
Our tip: To prepare your trip to Greece at the best price, book your flights 3 to 4 months in advance for summer, and set alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner. Also consider using iGraal to get cashback. ā¬5 offered in your account when you sign up using our link (and itās free!).
When to go to Greece?
Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with dry, very hot summers and rather mild but humid winters. Temperatures become favorable from April to the end of October. July and August are particularly hot months. We experienced over 40Ā°C at the end of July during our stop in Athens. So if you want to avoid heat and crowds, opt for May, September, and October.
Average temperatures in Athens (valid for the mainland and Cyclades islands):
| Month | April | May | June | July | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max temp | 20Ā°C | 25Ā°C | 30Ā°C | 33Ā°C | 33Ā°C | 29Ā°C | 23Ā°C |
| Min temp | 11Ā°C | 16Ā°C | 20Ā°C | 23Ā°C | 23Ā°C | 19Ā°C | 15Ā°C |
| Sea | 17Ā°C | 19Ā°C | 23Ā°C | 25Ā°C | 26Ā°C | 24Ā°C | 21Ā°C |
| Crowds | Low | Moderate | High | Very high | Very high | High | Low |
| Verdict | Ideal | Perfect | Already hot | Heatwave | Heatwave | Perfect | Ideal |
What to see in Greece?
There is so much to see in Greece that you wonāt be able to visit everything in a week. If you like to see a lot during your travels, we recommend doing an itinerary in one of the following four areas. Itās a great way to get a first impression of Greece and make the most of your trip.
The Ionian Islands
They begin south of Albania and extend along the western coasts of the Peloponnese. There are around 50 of them, and among the most well-known and touristy are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, and Kythira. If you love architecture, gastronomy, and beautiful landscapes, this is where you should go. Plan 7 to 10 days to combine 2 or 3 islands.
Must-sees in the Ionian Islands:
- Corfu: The most cosmopolitan island, with a UNESCO-listed old town (Venetian influence), the beaches of Paleokastritsa, and Canal dāAmour in Sidari.
- Zakynthos: THE postcard destination with the famous Navagio Beach (shipwreck between white cliffs). A must-see but crowded in summer. Also explore the blue caves by boat.
- Kefalonia: The largest Ionian island, spectacular landscapes, Myrtos and Antisamos beaches, Melissani caves.
- Lefkada: Accessible by car via a bridge, ideal for a road trip. Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches are breathtaking.
- Paxos and Antipaxos: A more confidential and authentic option, with unreal blue waters.
The Cyclades
Located in the Aegean Sea, this archipelago includes nearly 250 islands, 24 of which are inhabited. Among the most famous are Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. The name Cyclades comes from the circular arrangement of the islands around Delos. If you enjoy hiking, nature, paradisiacal beaches, and stunning scenery, this is the place to go. Ferries connect the islands, making it easy to visit several in a week.
- Santorini: Luxury, sunsets, romantic
- Mykonos: Festive, trendy, lively beaches
- Naxos: Authentic, nature, large beaches
- Paros: Perfect balance between charm, nightlife, and beaches
- Milos: Lunar landscapes, wild beaches
- Folegandros: Preserved, calm, authentic
- Amorgos: Wild, spiritual (famous monastery)
- Ios: Nightlife, beaches
- Sifnos: Gastronomy, craftsmanship, calm
Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and the largest in the Mediterranean. There is so much to see that you could easily spend a week without getting bored for a single day! We loved it because it is a family-friendly destination where everyone can find activities they enjoy. If you want to know the must-sees in Crete, we have written an article on the subject.
Why Crete is a destination in its own right:
- It is the largest Greek island (260 km long): you can spend 15 days without seeing everything.
- Extremely varied landscapes: paradisiacal beaches (Elafonissi, Balos), mountains (Mount Ida at 2,456 m), spectacular gorges (Samaria, Imbros), traditional villages, and archaeological sites (Knossos, Phaistos).
- The cradle of Minoan civilization: remains date back over 4,000 years. A true journey through history.
- Renowned gastronomy: Cretan diet, olive oil among the best in the world, local cheeses (graviera, mizithra), raki, and mountain honey.
- A destination for everyone: families, couples, adventurers, hikers, food loversā¦ thereās something for everyone!
Mainland Greece
The archaeological site of Olympia and other Peloponnese sites, Athens, Delphi and its valley, the Gulf of Corinth, Thessaloniki, Mount Olympus, and Meteora. So many places of breathtaking beauty that are well worth a visit. During my last trip to Greece, I loved Olympia. Without a doubt, mainland Greece is full of treasures and will leave you in awe.
Must-sees in mainland Greece:
| Place | What to visit? | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | The Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, world-class museums. | 2ā3 days |
| Delphi | The ancient ācenter of the worldā according to the Greeks, spectacular mountainside site. | 1 day (excursion from Athens) |
| Meteora | Monasteries perched on vertiginous rock pillars, one of Europeās most incredible landscapes. | 2 days |
| Peloponnese | Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio (most beautiful village in Greece), Monemvasia. | 5ā7 days |
| Mount Olympus | Mythological home of the Greek gods, hiking up to the summit (2,917 m). | 2ā3 days |
| Thessaloniki | Second-largest city, cosmopolitan, rich Byzantine heritage. | 2 days |
| Nafplio | Romantic town, often voted āmost beautiful in Greeceā. | 1ā2 days |
What budget should you plan for a trip to Greece?
Finally, here are some estimates to help you prepare your trip to Greece with peace of mind.
| Category | Backpacker budget | Mid-range budget | Comfort budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation per night (2 pax) | ā¬40ā70 (hostel, studio) | ā¬80ā150 (3ā4* hotel) | ā¬200ā400 (boutique, 5*) |
| Meals (per person per day) | ā¬20ā30 (taverns, gyros) | ā¬40ā60 (restaurants) | ā¬80+ (fine dining) |
| Car rental per day | ā¬25ā40 | ā¬40ā60 | ā¬70ā100 |
| Inter-island ferry | ā¬30ā80 per crossing | ā | ā |
| Return flight from Paris | ā¬150ā250 (low season) | ā¬250ā400 | ā¬400ā700 |
Our tip: If you plan to visit several sites in Athens, get the Combined Ticket (ā¬30), which gives access to the Acropolis + 6 other sites (Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Kerameikos, Olympieion, Aristotleās Lyceum, Hadrianās Library). Very cost-effective.
Checklist for preparing your trip to Greece
Before leaving, make sure you have:
- A valid ID card or passport.
- A European Health Insurance Card (free, request on ameli.fr).
- Booked your flights and accommodations (especially in high season).
- Your driving license if renting a car.
- Downloaded a translation app (Google Translate with offline Greek pack).
- High SPF sunscreen (the Greek sun is intense, even outside summer).
- Comfortable shoes for archaeological sites (often paved and slippery).
- Cash in euros for small taverns and remote islands.
- Installed Ferryhopper and BlaBlaCar Ferry for inter-island crossings.
- If you are gluten intolerant: a translation card in Greek mentioning your allergies.
Preparing your trip to Greece is above all about accepting that you wonāt see everything. Choose one region, take the time to savor it, and let yourself be carried by the Mediterranean rhythm. Kalo taxidi!
Have you ever been to Greece?
Which place did you prefer?
