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Greece holidays are for ancient history, island-hopping and great food. Live your best Mamma Mia! life and get ready to fall in love with gyros…
Mainland living
Greece’s age-old capital, Athens is a bit of an icon of Europe, heaving with archaeological sites and giving major main character energy. You can find beaches along its coast, interesting museums in the centre and cool up-and-coming bar scenes in the areas of Monastriaki and Exarcheia. Reminders of the old importance of this city are huge – random ruins and columns sit alongside more modern high streets and the ancient Acropolis towers above everything. You can get amazing views of this old city and catch the sunset from Nymph’s Hill. Then, as night falls, vinyl bars and rooftop gardens bring a bit of something new.
Thessaloniki’s Greece’s second largest city and its first UNESCO city of gastronomy, so foodies are in for a real treat. Full of open-air markets, the city sits in the heart of Macedonia, which is one of Greece’s old agricultural areas. So, juicy peaches, ripe olives and bright peppers are all grown not too far away. Similar to Athens, it’s also by the sea and has a student population to thank for its relaxed vibe and trending nightlife.
Aegean vibes
The Aegean Sea anchors some of the most popular Greek-island holiday spots. Rhodes is up there, thanks to its sandy beaches and ancient ruins, and picturesque Kos is easy on the eye. Meanwhile, the glamorous reputations of blue-domed Mykonos and Santorini precede them but it’s tough to rival pine-clad Skopelos, though – AKA the home of Mamma Mia!.
The mega Greek island of Crete sits to the south and combines lively spots like Malia and Hersonissos with old town vibes in Rethymnon and Blue Flag beach resorts, like Aghios Nikolaos. Hit up the must-visit Palace of Knossos for an ancient history lesson or head inland into the olive groves for stunning panoramic views at the Samaria Gorge and Psiloritis Natural Park.
Ionian beauty
The Ionian Islands live off Greece’s west coast. Corfu is a top family-friendly destination, while beach-lovers flock to the white sand and fishing villages of Kefalonia. Fresh fish fills the belly of Greek cuisine – dine at a local taverna or back yourself to catch your own. Party starters prefer Zante, but this island has a quiet side, too, thanks to peaceful countryside and secluded coves.
Fancy seeing Greece by train?
We also offer flight-free trips to Greece, in partnership with Byway. Tick off stylish Italian cities en route to Corfu Town, or set your sights on Athens and its world-famous ancient history – via Italy or the Balkans. Browse flight-free trips to Greece.
Best resorts in Greece
Greece’s capital is a romantic mix of old and new. Think ancient ruins, interesting museums and old architecture meets edgy street art, vintage vinyl bars and rooftops with live music. You can see shows in parts of the famous Acropolis and daytrip to the coast via the city’s metro.
Greece’s largest island’s known for its historic harbour towns, like Rethymnon, Chania and Heraklion. Balance out daytrips to Elafonisi’s pink sands and the clear waters of Chrissi Island with historic visits to places like the Palace of Knossos – the legendary home of the Minotaur.
This Ionian island’s got a popular Old Town, with Venetian, English, French and Russian influences that have seen it snapped up as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, the beaches of Glyfada, Benitses and Ermones are gorgeous, and you can party it up in Kavos.
Think fishing villages, cute coves and sparkling blue bays. Fiscardo is a pretty town in the north, Argostoli’s the capital and a buzzing harbour, then Poros is a classic pick for families. Myrtos Beach is the prime postcard shot and Melissani Cave’s underground lake is worth a visit.
The glamourous one. It’s Greece’s answer to St Tropez, with a boujie party reputation and stunning scenery. Elia’s a beautiful beach backed with restaurants and Mykonos Town – or Hora’s – famous church sets the style round here, all whitewashed buildings and chic stone.
Another big name, thanks to the Colossus of Rhodes, which stood as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, its clubbing capital’s Faliraki or Lindos is more wholesome vibes. Then, 200 metres of coastline makes for some pretty epic beaches, too.
This island itself is a wonder of the world, formed by a volcanic eruption, which also created the Caldera – a large, water-filled crater where the volcano once stood. Its views and sunsets are world famous, as are the island’s blue-domed buildings that have become the picture of Greece.
Top Greece holiday deals
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Why pick Greece holidays
THE BEST KIND OF BLUE
DAYTRIPPER’S DELIGHT
HOT ON HISTORY
ISLAND ESCAPES
Your guide to Greece
These places have you covered for all things ancient history…
- Athens – Explore the iconic Parthenon and its ancient city, the Acropolis to learn about Greek history at one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
- Thessaloniki – Greece’s second-largest city is known for its foodie culture, ancient landmarks like the White Tower and lively waterfront scene.
- Ancient Olympia – The birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Temple of Zeus, Olympia is a must-see for history buffs that are obsessed with classical Greek culture and athletics.
- Delphi – Delphi has impressive ruins and stunning mountain scenery – it was once considered the centre of the world in ancient Greek mythology.
Island life epitomises Greece holidays, so see what these hot picks are good for…
- Catch Santorini’s sunsets – Oia in Santorini is one of Greece’s go-to postcard pics and a must-see for anyone visiting this island. It’s famous for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and stunning sunsets.
- Go beach hopping in Mykonos – Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife and boujie beaches, but it also offers quieter spots like Agios Sostis, too.
- Explore Rhodes Old Town – The whole place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval town is filled with historical buildings, including the Palace of the Grand Master, and cute cobblestone streets.
- See Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos – AKA Navagio, this world-famous beach has seriously clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs – it’s one of the most photographed spots in Greece.
- Visit the Palace of Knossos in Crete – Learn about the ancient Minoan civilization at Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, and the mythological home of the Minotaur.
Greece holidays aren’t all beach – if you don’t want them to be. Check out what watersports and adventures are on offer.
- Watersports – The Cyclades Islands, like Mykonos and Paros, have fairly strong winds and waves, which are perfect for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Or, for diving and snorkelling, the Ionian Islands, such as Corfu and Kefalonia, have the clearest conditions. You’ve also got the Peloponnese peninsula on the mainland that’s great for whitewater rafting and canyoning in its dramatic gorges.
- Mountain scenes – Mount Olympus is Greece’s tallest mountain and has incredible hiking, trekking and rock-climbing opportunities. The Pindus Mountains in northern Greece offer more challenging trails for hikers, mountain biking and paragliding. But Crete’s diverse landscape is also perfect for these kinds of adventures, too.
- Extreme experiences – You can go bungee jumping in Corfu and Rhodes with stunning coastal views, while Crete, Corfu and Halkidiki run scenic zip-lining courses. Quad biking in the rugged terrains of the Peloponnese and Crete is perfect for some off-road exploring and caving in Crete’s Dikteon Cave and Zakynthos’ Blue Caves take you underground.
Come back from your trip with a little something to remind you of Greece – these places are perfect for a bit of retail therapy.
- Athens – The Monastiraki Flea Market is a real treasure trove of antiques, jewellery and souvenirs. For more high-end fashion, head to Ermou Street, which is lined with designer boutiques and department stores. Or, the charming neighborhood of Thissio offers a more local experience with shops selling handcrafted goods and traditional products.
- Thessaloniki – Aristotelous Square and Tsimiski Street are popular shopping destinations, while the Kapani Market is the more local pick, selling fresh fruit, veg and spices.
- Mykonos – Mykonos is known for its luxury lifestyle, so the shopping in Little Venice is full of upscale shops and you can head to Matoyianni Street for designer brands.
- Santorini – This island offers a more chilled shopping vibe, with cute boutiques selling local ceramics, jewellery and wine.
- Crete – Greece’s largest island boasts a mix of traditional markets and modern shopping malls. Heraklion, the capital, and Chania, a historic city, are both known for charming streets lined with souvenir shops.
Holidays to Greece can be whatever pace you prefer – chill on the beach, party it up or a bit of both.
- Mykonos – This island’s famous for its nightlife – the glamourous kind. We’re talking world-renowned beach clubs like Scorpios and Paradise Beach Club, which attract international DJs and celebs. There’s everything from day parties to chic cocktail bars in Mykonos Town, so you can still keep it a bit more chill if you fancy.
- Santorini – Gorgeous sunsets were made for happy hour drinks, so Santorini delivers on the sophisticated nightlife scene. One of the island’s towns, Fira has loads of cocktail bars, nightclubs and lounges with stunning views of the caldera. It’s not as party-heavy as Mykonos or Ios, so this place is perfect if you’re seeking a more relaxed, boujie vibe.
- Athens – Greece’s capital city has a bit of a growing underground scene with alternative clubs and bars. Neighbourhoods, like Psiri and Gazi, are packed with cool places and live music venues. If you’re after rooftop bars, head to Monastiraki – you can catch the Acropolis all lit up while you sip cocktails.
- Rhodes – This island offers everything from big party spots like Faliraki to more relaxed bar scenes in the medieval Old Town. You get a bit of everything here – clubbing, live music and cocktails.
With 15,000 kilometres of sandy coastline across both its islands and mainland, Greece doesn’t struggle for stunning beaches. We’ve handpicked a few fave stretches…
- Navagio Beach, Zakynthos – While technically an island, Zakynthos is often considered part of the Greek mainland. Navagio Beach, AKA Shipwreck Beach, is a hidden gem with an old shipwreck perched on its white sands. It’s accessible only by boat or hiking, so it’s a super unique experience.
- Kalogria Beach, Halkidiki – This long, sandy beach is surrounded by pine forests for a bit of shade and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing and exploring the nearby nature trails.
- Kolokithia Beach, Lefkada – This secluded beach is on the western coast of Lefkada and has stunning views of the Ionian Sea. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling and just taking in the natural surroundings.
- Elafonisi Beach, Crete – This unique beach stands out with pink sand instead of your classic white and gets its pastel colour from crushed seashells. The shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and there are plenty of nearby tavernas and shops.
- Paralia Choras Mikonou, Mykonos – This popular beach is in the heart of Mykonos Town, so has a lively atmosphere with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoy the island’s nightlife when you’ve finished up on the sand.
- Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos – This long, sandy beach is known for its clear waters and gentle waves. It’s a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing and kiteboarding, and there are plenty of nearby hotels and restaurants.
If you’re travelling with little ones and prefer beaches with calm water and handy facilities nearby, say less…
- Glyfada Beach, Crete – This beach is known for its calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for young children. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops nearby.
- Gerakas Beach, Zakynthos – This secluded beach is famous for its local nesting turtles, so it’s a great place to learn about nature and conservation. The beach is also relatively small and shallow, making it ideal for beginner swimmers.
- Dafni Beach, Kos – This long, sandy beach has lovely clear, turquoise waters and gentle waves. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and playing beach games.
- Pefkos Beach, Rhodes – This small, pretty beach is surrounded by pine trees, so it’s got a really peaceful feel.
Greek food is a big part of Greece holidays. It’s all about fresh produce – fruit, veg and lots of locally caught fish.
- Moussaka – This layered Greek staple’s made with aubergine, minced meat, sometimes potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Think of it like a Greek lasagne.
- Souvlaki – Grilled skewers of marinated meat (usually pork, chicken or lamb) and often served with pita bread, tzatziki and grilled vegetables. Souvlaki is a popular street food here and a great option to grab on the go if it’s served as a wrap.
- Gyros – Similar to souvlaki, a gyros involves shaved meat (usually pork or chicken) wrapped in pita bread with tzatziki, onions and tomatoes. They’re the perfect answer if you’re looking for a late-night snack or quick dinner in between bars.
- Saganaki – This is pan-fried cheese, usually feta or halloumi, that’s served with lemon and honey as a popular starter or side dish.
- Dolmades – These are vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and spices and are a yummy veggie pick. They’re often served with lemon sauce and are a popular dish for holidays and special occasions.
- Baklava – A rich dessert made with layers of filo pastry that’s filled with chopped nuts and sweetened syrup. It’s great with a coffee after your meal.
When in Greece, you’ve got to drink like a local. These drinks are all popular local picks.
- Ouzo – This aniseed-flavoured liqueur is the national drink of Greece, enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif. It can be served diluted with water, which turns it milky white, or as a straight shot.
- Beer – Popular Greek labels include Mythos and Alfa, which are both local lagers and Mamos, which is a classic pilsner.
- Retsina – A unique Greek wine that is flavoured with resin, served chilled and makes for a popular choice with seafood dishes.
- Greek coffee – A strong, thick coffee that is served in small cups and is often accompanied by a small glass of water. Greek coffee is traditionally made in a cezve (a small pot) and is served with grounds settled at the bottom.
- Greek lemonade – A refreshing drink made with fresh lemon juice, sugar and water.
The national bus company, KTEL, operates a network of buses connecting cities and towns throughout Greece. Buses are an easy and cheap way to travel, especially for shorter distances.
Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Greece, especially if you want to visit remote areas and have a flexible itinerary. A lot of the smaller islands also might not have the most developed public transport network and it’ll depend if you’re staying in a town or walking distance from a local bus stop.
Taxis are readily available in major cities and tourist destinations, and FreeNow and Uber are popular options on the mainland. Fares are typically metered, but it’s always a good idea to agree on the fare upfront. Taxis to and from Athens International Airport have a fixed rate of around €50, which includes tolls – but it’s always good to check with your driver and make sure if they only take cash or card.
Greece loves a ferry. The network connects islands in the Cyclades, Ionian, Dodecanese, as well as other groups. They range from high-speed catamarans to slower, larger vessels and you can catch them from major ports like Piraeus (Athens), Rafina and Thessaloniki. Popular routes include Athens to Santorini, Mykonos and Crete – they’re a super scenic and enjoyable way to island hop, with schedules increasing during peak tourist season.
Why we love Greece
What's on in Greece?
Plan your stay around these festivals and events. Or, if you’re already booked, see what’s on while you’re out there. Powered by OccasionGenius
Popular holiday types
Get your flights, hotel, food and drink paid for in one easy package when you pick an All Inclusive board for your holiday to Greece. Once that’s sorted, you’ll then only need to pay for any extra experiences or daytrips you want to do, plus any food or drink you get while you’re out, so you won’t need to fork out much more with all the basics covered.
Greece’s calm waters are crying out for a chill family holiday. Kids can paddle in the shallows and still spot small fish swimming around – the water’s that clear. The food is also fussy-eater friendly. Little ones will love gyros, and we’ve got plenty of hotel options that put on buffets with your home comforts, too.
If there’s anywhere you can rely on for some shoulder-season sun, it’s Greece. If spring isn’t springing or autumn’s come too soon in the UK, get yourself to Greece ASAP. Even in peak season, just keep your eyes on our deals for a last-minute winner.
Think Santorini, think Mykonos… The lifestyle over there and the epic cave-style hotels prove Greece deffo does luxury holidays right. The white and blue colour palette is super chic, boutiques line the streets and those sunset views from your private balcony are priceless.
Greece FAQs
Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. If you’re from a non-Schengen country, make sure you check specific visa requirements before your trip. Your passport also needs to be valid for at least six months after you plan to return from your trip – you can check this with our passport checker.
Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons of late spring, which is April to June and early autumn, from September to October. These months are still really nice and warm – hitting the high-20s – but there will be less tourists and lower prices compared to the peak summer season. Of course, if you like it even hotter, July and August are the one for you.
Yes, Greece holidays are very family-friendly! The country offers a range of activities for all ages, from exploring ancient ruins in Athens and Rhodes to chilling on sandy island beaches, like Crete and Naxos. Many resorts cater to families with child-friendly facilities, like kids’ clubs and evening entertainment, too.
Domestic flights are great for long distances between the mainland and major islands, while ferries are the best option for island hopping. On the mainland, rental cars and public buses (KTEL) are the easiest option for exploring. Then, for smaller islands, scooters or quad bikes are popular for a fun experience, and walking is ideal for getting your bearings in historic city centres and compact island towns.
Greece holidays can be both budget-friendly and luxurious, depending on what you fancy and can afford. Even though islands like Mykonos and Santorini can be pretty pricey, there are always tips and tricks to keep your costs down – check out our post on how to do Santorini on a budget. You’ll also find more affordable options on islands like Naxos, Paros or Crete, as well as in mainland areas. Staying in local guesthouses, eating at traditional tavernas, and using public transport are all cheaper options to help you spend less.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in small shops, tavernas and rural areas but you’ll also find ATMs in most towns, and credit cards are generally accepted in major cities and tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry some euros with you, particularly in more remote areas. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
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Greece travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Greece using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health
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