Crete and Peloponnese are best by car. Island hopping uses ferries and domestic flights.
Travel information
Before you go to Greece
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Airports & entry
Greece has 9 major international airports. Consider Athens (ATH) as your main entry point, or fly in and out from different cities to see more.
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Best trip length
Most visitors spend 9–28 days in Greece. Shorter trips work well for focused regions; longer trips let you explore more deeply.
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Regions to know
Greece has 6 distinct regions. Athens & Mainland and Cyclades are the most popular starting points for first-time visitors.
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Getting around
Crete and Peloponnese are best by car. Island hopping uses ferries and domestic flights.
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Travel guide
All about Greece
Greece speaks to your soul in a way few destinations can. It's more than pretty sunsets and white houses - it's a country that invites you to slow down, let go and reinvent yourself among clear blue water and ancient stonework.
Why visit Greece
Greece offers something for everyone, whether you're travelling solo, coming with your family or looking for romantic moments. The country combines incredible natural beauty with cultural richness in a way that feels like coming home. The Greek islands are known for their paradise-like beaches with crystal-clear water, but here's what many people don't expect: how deeply culture and lifestyle are intertwined. Families find peace on islands with shallow seas and soft sandy beaches, while solo travellers discover that travelling alone here feels like a spiritual experience. The country inspires a deep sense of contemplative ease - you feel connected to yourself and to the place in a way that feels almost magical.
What makes Greece truly special is how authentic it all feels. This isn't just tourism - this is life under the Greek sun. The combination of historical significance (where you can feel the echoes of the classical past), excellent local food and a genuinely welcoming attitude makes every moment feel worthwhile. Whether you're wandering through medieval villages, taking part in water sports that get your adrenaline going, or just sitting back with a glass of local wine, every moment counts.
Choose your island based on what you're after: busy and lively (Santorini), relaxed and family-friendly (Naxos), or properly off the beaten path (Andros)
Combine several islands by cruise or ferry - you'll see much more in a short time without having to pack and unpack
Timing is everything: visit outside peak season for a more authentic experience and better prices
When to go
The season you travel in shapes your entire experience of Greece. May to September are the popular months, when the weather is reliably warm and every island is fully accessible. July and August, though, are the absolute peak season - beaches are bursting at the seams, prices shoot up, and many authentic spots start to feel like tourist traps. If you prefer authenticity over crowds, June and September are your golden windows: the weather is still fantastic, the water is warm, but the mass influx of tourists is over.
Winter (November to March) brings quiet and lower prices, though some smaller islands become harder to reach and more facilities are closed. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal if you're after balance - good weather, pleasant temperatures, and you won't be sharing the islands with hundreds of thousands of other people. Note that certain water sports and yoga sessions only run seasonally (from June to September, for example), so plan your specific interests around these windows.
May and September offer the best balance between weather, activities and authenticity
Avoid July and August unless you have no choice - prices can be two to three times higher
You can book foodie experiences and farm visits year-round, but spring and autumn feel the most authentic
How to arrive and get around
Most international visitors fly into Athens, which has the most flight connections from the Netherlands. From Athens you have several options: ferries to the island world (the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands), domestic flights to the bigger islands, or you can board a cruise ship straight away for a more relaxed way of seeing the islands. The ferry network is well developed and reasonably priced - you can get from Athens to islands like Naxos, Santorini or Andros in just a few hours. For families with teenagers, or anyone who wants to see a lot without constantly repacking, cruises are an easy alternative.
Once you're on an island, your options depend on your style. If you want to explore independently, you can hire a car, scooter or e-bike - Naxos, for example, has excellent e-bike routes through olive groves and up to the island's highest points. Public transport is basic but it works. Local boats connect the islands to each other, which is handy if you want to combine several islands. For food experiences and deeper cultural discoveries, guided tours are often available - farm-to-table experiences, cheese-making visits and distilleries are much more enjoyable with someone who knows the context and the stories.
Book ferry tickets ahead in peak season - they fill up fast, especially to and from the popular islands
Hire a vehicle on islands with mountains or long distances (such as Naxos or Andros); on smaller islands you won't need one
Cruises are underrated - they let you see a lot with minimal logistical hassle, and some even offer dedicated food experiences
Experiences and highlights
Athens deserves at least three days: explore the classical monuments, try endless gyros, and get acquainted with the country's culture. But it's the islands where Greece truly shines. Naxos combines it all - white sandy beaches for families, the medieval town of Hora with its Venetian towers (Glezos and Della Rocca Barozzi), and a growing food scene that draws in solo travellers. Here you can windsurf with expert instructors, climb Mt Zeus (1,003 metres) step by step via e-bike routes through olive groves, and take part in cheese-making sessions where you talk to farmers about their arseniko cheese - these hands-on experiences feel far more authentic than just snapping photos.
If you're after peace and exploration without the tourist crowds, Andros is a secret kept by seasoned travellers: beaches where you might spot seahorses, waterfalls to cool off in, hiking trails and small villages where you really get a feel for the island. Sunset yoga sessions on the beach (Mikri Vigla on Naxos, available June to September) add a spiritual touch. Santorini offers a culinary challenge - do some research into local restaurants and learn what to actually eat, beyond the tourist traps. For the more adventurous: combine islands by ferry or cruise and build your own route around what appeals to you - one island for beach and water, one for culture and walking, one for food.
Spend at least 3 days in Athens before heading to the islands - it gives you context
Pick one or two islands per trip and explore them properly, rather than skimming the surface of many
Book farm tours and distillery visits in advance; these are small family businesses with limited spots, especially outside peak season
Sunset yoga feels noticeably different - if you're there between June and September and it interests you, book it early
Practical tips and preparation
Greece is fairly affordable compared with many European destinations, especially if you travel outside peak season and choose local restaurants over tourist areas. The currency is the euro; most places accept credit cards, but many small villages and farms still run on cash. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though making the effort to speak a little Greek is genuinely appreciated - a simple "kalispéra" (good evening) opens doors.
In terms of safety, Greece is very safe for tourists. The biggest risks are practical (heat, water quality, sun) rather than criminal. Drink plenty of water, avoid direct sun between 12:00 and 16:00, and always wear sunscreen - the sun here is stronger than you're used to. How you behave in small villages and around locals makes a difference: remember these are people's homes, not theme parks. Ask before taking photos, support local businesses over chains, and be careful with water in mountain villages (many rely on their own spring).
Bring cash - many islands and villages don't have ATMs, and not every business accepts cards
Staying hydrated is crucial - you'll underestimate how dry and hot it feels; drink at least 3 litres a day
Download offline Google Maps for areas with poor connectivity, especially on smaller islands
Say yes to local invitations and recommendations - locals know the restaurant or beach your guidebook won't mention
Respect the midday rest period ('siesta') - many shops close from 14:00 to 17:00, so plan around it
Generated from 8 travel guides and experiences · Sources
