Greece Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and naturally beautiful land of Greece through this comprehensive tour guide highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, food and drink scene, and transportation options.
- Introduction to Greece
- List of Places to Visit in Greece
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Greece
- Best Things to Do in Greece: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Greece
- Food and Drink Scene of Greece
- Where to Stay in Greece: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Greece: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Greece
- Best Time to Visit Greece
- Do’s and Don’ts of Greece
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Greece: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Greece
- Where to Go Next from Greece: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Greece
Greece is one of the most historically and culturally rich countries in the world, blessed with a plethora of natural beauty, friendly locals, and delicious food. It is located in Southern Europe, at the crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Greece is home to over 2000 islands, ancient ruins, and stunning beaches, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations around the globe.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all the essential information for you to plan an amazing trip to Greece.
List of Places to Visit in Greece
Greece is famous for its white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches, ancient ruins, and stunning beaches. Here are some of the best places to visit in Greece:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Acropolis of Athens
- Delphi
- Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum
- The Palace of Knossos in Crete
- Mycenae
Natural Attractions of Greece: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Santorini Island
- Mount Olympus
- Vikos Gorge
- Samaria Gorge
- Meteora
Hiking/Biking Routes of Greece
Greece is a paradise for nature lovers offering numerous hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the best routes:
- The Vikos Gorge Trail
- The Samaria Gorge Trail
- Mount Olympus Trail
- Lousios Gorge Trail
- Naxos Trails
Best Things to Do in Greece: Activities and Tours
- Explore the Athens Food Tour
- Enjoy the sunset at Santorini
- Visit the Meteora monasteries
- Cruise to the Greek Islands
- Visit the ancient ruins
Week-Long Itinerary for Greece
Day 1: Arrival in Athens, explore the city’s ancient historical sites.
Day 2-3: Head to Naxos and experience the charming town’s local culture.
Day 4-5: Then proceed to Mykonos, soak in the nightlife and stunning beaches.
Day 6-7: Finally, visit Santorini, witness the beautiful sunset and unique geography.
Food and Drink Scene of Greece
The food and drink culture of Greece are as rich as its history and culture. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Moussaka
- Souvlaki
- Spanakopita
- Tzatziki
- Gemista
Local Beverages
- Ouzo
- Retsina
- Tsipouro
- Mastiha
- Metaxa
Where to Stay in Greece: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Greece offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Greece:
- Athens: The Plaka Hotel
- Santorini: Iconic Santorini
- Naxos: Hotel Nikolas
- Mykonos: Cavo Tagoo
- Crete: Casa Delfino Hotel and Spa
What to Buy in Greece: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Olive oil
- Jewelry
- Feta cheese
- Greek honey
- Wine
Local Culture and Customs of Greece
The Greeks are proud of their cultural heritage and often display it through music, dance, and food. Here are a few customs and traditions to keep in mind:
- Greek Orthodox traditions
- Greek Independence Day Celebrations
- Religious Festivals
Best Time to Visit Greece
The best time to visit Greece is from April to June and from September to November. The weather is mild and there are fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the attractions.
Do’s and Don’ts of Greece
Do:
- Visit the ancient archaeological sites.
- Try the Greek cuisine.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Learn some Greek phrases.
Don’t:
- Disrespect the Greek flag and symbols.
- Visit religious sites while wearing inappropriate clothing.
- Photograph locals without permission.
- Cause harm to marine life.
Safety and Health
Safety in Greece
Greece is a safe place to visit and crime rates are relatively low. However, petty theft may occur in crowded areas, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.
Health in Greece
Greece has an excellent healthcare system, and medical facilities are easily accessible. There are no mandatory vaccinations required for visitors to Greece, but it’s always good to consult your doctor before traveling.
Getting to Greece: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Greece
- Athens International Airport
- Thessaloniki Airport
- Heraklion International Airport
- Rhodes Airport
Bus Stations Near Greece
- KTEL (Intercity Buses)
- Kifissos Bus Terminal
- Athens Central Bus Station
Other Options
- Ferry
- Car Rental
How to Get Around in Greece
The best way to explore Greece is by renting a car. The country has a well-established road network and scenic drives are a must-do. The public transportation system is also a reliable option and includes buses and trains.
Where to Go Next from Greece: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Turkey: Visit the nearby Turkish cities of Istanbul and Izmir.
- Cyprus: Explore the ancient ruins of Cyprus.
- Italy: Tour the cities of Rome and Venice.
- Egypt: Visit the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza.
- Croatia: Experience the beautiful coastline of Dubrovnik.
Conclusion
Greece is a paradise that combines stunning landscapes, delicious food, rich history, and culture. With this comprehensive guide, we hope you have all the essential information to plan your perfect Greek holiday.
Greece Image Gallery
![Panoramic view of Ia, Oia, Santorini Island](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Panoramic_view_of_Oia%2C_Santorini_island_%28Thira%29%2C_Greece.jpg/100px-Panoramic_view_of_Oia%2C_Santorini_island_%28Thira%29%2C_Greece.jpg)
![Backstreets of charming Firá, Santoríni](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Santorini_wv.jpg/100px-Santorini_wv.jpg)
![Easter Mass in Santorini](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Easter_in_Santorini.jpg/100px-Easter_in_Santorini.jpg)
![With 3,000 islands, many of which are popular destinations, getting around Greece often entails boat or plane travel](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Greece_satellite-01.jpg/100px-Greece_satellite-01.jpg)
![A mosaic in the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Mosaic_rhodes_palace.jpg/100px-Mosaic_rhodes_palace.jpg)
![The beach of Elafonisi, Crete](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Crete_beach.jpg/100px-Crete_beach.jpg)
![Fasolada](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Fasolada%2C_2006.jpg/100px-Fasolada%2C_2006.jpg)
![The White Tower of Thessaloniki](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/White_Tower_of_Thessaloniki_%282007-06-15%29.jpg/100px-White_Tower_of_Thessaloniki_%282007-06-15%29.jpg)
![Greek Aryballos (a kind of vase) from the 6th century BC](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Globular_aryballos_Louvre_Ele357.jpg/100px-Globular_aryballos_Louvre_Ele357.jpg)
![Beaches and history are two of Greece's biggest draws](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Rhodos_Lindos.jpg/100px-Rhodos_Lindos.jpg)
![Avoid doing this in Greece!](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Single_Moutza.jpg/100px-Single_Moutza.jpg)