You have very surely heard stories about great gods, famous warriors, wise philosophers, and ancient civilizations. All these stories come from one of the most legendary places in the world, known as the cradle of Western civilization. Greater Greece, not only home to a mythical city, with fantastic stories, but it is also an amazing country with beautiful landscapes and beaches to spend a good day on vacation. Located in the southeast of Europe and with more than 10.7 million inhabitants, this country even today remains one of the most popular destinations to visit.
Visit the capital of the country the great Athens, the Parthenon, or the beautiful monasteries of Meteora. Keep reading and learn more about the different places to enjoy your holidays in Greece and have a nice trip!
How to get there
Millions of tourists travel to Greece every year, and here we are going to tell you the options that you have to arrive there. Because we know that traveling by plane should be comfortable, affordable and easy, here you have the list of the best airports in Greece:
The primary international airport in the country is the Athens Airport located in the capital. There are many facilities such as pharmacies, ATMs, business lounges, cafes, restaurants, and shops. This is the largest airport in Greece, and in 2019, it handled more than 25 million passengers.
The second most popular airport in Greece is the Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis, which serves the island of Crete. You can get from there to the city center by bus, taxi or you can rent a car. There are also shops and restaurants.
Finally, we want to recommend you the Thessaloniki Airport located in the second-largest city in the country: Thessaloniki. It is accessible by road; you can get to the city center in 30 minutes if you get a taxi or rent a car.
Visa Information
The citizens from most of the countries (especially Europe) only need to have a passport valid for 6 months to stay in Greece without a visa for up to 90 days. This is because Greece is part of the Schengen Agreement in Europe. However, if you are a citizen from a non-exempt country, you will need a visa. It will cost about €80 ($94.97). There are other types of visas, for example; student visas and long and short-term employment visas.
Best time to visit the country
Greece is one of those places where you can go to have fun and relax at the same time. If you want to go and enjoy a good vacation without so much heat or crowds of people, we recommend you to visit Greece during spring (April to June). During these months the temperatures vary from 19º C to 29º C. During early autumn (September and October), the temperatures vary from 28º C to 22º C. The atmosphere is warm but not stifling, and you will find that the attractions you want to visit are open but quiet.
You can also visit the country between November and February if you wish. The temperatures are colder (18º C and 13º C) but city attractions remain open and are pleasantly quiet. So, plan well which are the destinations you want to visit so that you choose the best times that suit what you want.
Safety
The overall risk in Greece is low; however, you should exercise normal precautions every time that you are traveling. Let’s see some tips to take into account while traveling around Greece. First, always carry your phone with you and keep it charged. The emergency number in the country is 112, and it is a good idea to enter your hotel numbers in your phone. You can buy a map before you go, which will be useful if your original route is blocked and you have to go by a different one. Finally, never leave your belongings unattended in restaurants, cafes, or crowded places to avoid the risk of pickpocketing.
Budget
Planning your budget will help you a lot to avoid running out of money in the middle of your trip (what an uncomfortable situation!). It will also help you to have the correct expectations about what you can afford on your trip, and so it could even motivate you to save a little more to get the trip of your dreams.
For your trip to Greece you could spend around €110 ($129) per day, including standard accommodation, meals, tickets for transportation, and entertainment. To stay in the country for a week you need €772 ($916.94) and for two weeks €1,545 ($1,804).
Let’s see the things that you can pay with €110 ($129) per day:
- Hotel or Hostel: €55 ($65.33)
- Food: €28 ($33.26)
- Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): €22 ($26.13)
- Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): €15 ($17.82)
Let’s break down some more specific food and drinks prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €30 ($0.62) – Kebab €2.4 ($2.85)
- Mid-range restaurant: €15 ($17.82) – Three-course meal.
- Soft Drink: €1.70 ($2.02) – 0.33-liter bottle.
- Beer: €4 ($1.48) – 0.5-liter draught.
Currency
The official currency in Greece is the Euro. One euro is equivalent to 1.19 USD. You cannot use dollars in Greece, so if you can exchange some dollars at home, it will be much better. If not, there are ATMs in every airport, mall, and tourist center. Be careful because Greek ATMs work only with cards that have a four-digit PIN. To pay for things in restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and cafes you will need cash, however, you can use your credit card (Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted) to pay for your hotel and in some big stores.
Interesting facts about the culture
Greek culture and history have greatly influenced the world, as we know it today. Their legacy range from their contributions in different areas such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, to studies and developments in literature, music, language, and art. The official language in the country is Greek, but many people also speak English, German, French, and Italian.
Another legacy that the Greeks left us and that remains a tradition, is the Olympic Games. The first games were at Olympia in 776 BC. The origin of the games was in honor of Zeus, considered the god of the Greek gods. There was a time when they were banned, and then they were retaken in 1896.
Greek food is known worldwide, but where it will taste best will be in Greece. During your trip be sure to try delicious dishes such as Courgette Balls, Dolmadakia, and Greek Salad, and for dessert, you can try the Amygdalota. Do not leave Greece without trying the best food in the Mediterranean.
Greeks value family and discipline; they are affectionate, talkative, generous hosts, so we are sure you will spend an exceptional time in Greece.
What to do in Greece
First things first, the attractions that you must visit mainly are the famous places related to fantastic stories and Greek mythology. These places will transport you to the times of scholars, sages, and gods. Quite an adventure!
The best famous places
- Acropolis of Athens, in Athens: The most emblematic ruins of Greece, the set of temples of 5th century B.C on a rocky hill in Athens under restoration.
- The Parthenon, in Athens: It is a temple consecrated to Athena (Goddess of Wisdom) and one of the main white marble octastyle Doric temples.
- Meteora, in Thessaly: Six Eastern Orthodox monasteries declared a World Heritage Site and built on rocky pillars.
- Acropolis Museum, in Athens: Modern museum of steel and glass, with ancient objects from the archaeological site of the Acropolis.
Now, the best for last, the great views that Greece offers of its wonderful landscapes. Great mountains, beautiful beaches, and excellent tourist spots that are very popular on their islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
The best tourist places
- Elafonisi, in Chania: One of the most beautiful islands in Greece, with its pink beaches and crystal-clear water to cool off.
- Balos Beach, in Kissamos: White sand beach with turquoise waters, famous for its blue lagoon that can be reached on foot and by boat.
- Mount Olympus, in Central Macedonia: Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece with 2919 meters of altitude. It is a Greek nature reserve and natural heritage of the European Union since 1981.
- Santorini: If you want one of the best landscapes for your photos and memories, Santorini is for you! One of the most popular islands with whitewashed cubic houses in its two mains cities, Fira and Oia, cling to the cliffs above an underground crater.
How to get around in Greece
Probably you will want to visit as many places as possible in the shortest possible time, so you have to choose carefully your means of transport. If you are staying in Athens (the capital), you can travel around on foot. If you want to travel then to one of the Islands, you can go by ferry, boat or airplane. Ferries and boats are an excellent idea because you can enjoy the views of the different beaches, but it could take a little bit longer than traveling by plane. There is one option that is very popular among tourists and is to rent a moped (similar to a motorcycle). It could cost about €20 - €30 per day.
How to stay connected in Greece
Can you imagine being on a trip without your phone? You may want to disconnect from the world for a while, but sooner or later you will have (or will need) to communicate. Either because you miss your family and friends, or because you want to find new places in this new destination. In one way or another, here we will show you how to be connected in Greece.
The best way to use your phone in a foreign country is to buy a SIM card. There are local telecommunication providers such as COSMOTE, Vodafone, and WIND. You can get one of their SIM cards at the arrival hall in the airports. The international provider that we recommend you is called SimOptions. They have plans for $24.9 per month, with enough services for your stay in Greece.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a car?
It is a better idea to rent a moped in Greece.
Which airports can I fly to?
The main airports are the Athens Airport, the Heraklion International Airport, and the Thessaloniki Airport.
What are the most popular types of hotels?
The most popular accommodation types are hotels, hostels, and backpackers.
How much does a holiday cost?
You can spend around €110 ($129), including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
What are the best things to do?
If you are traveling to Greece, you have to visit the sanctuaries and temples in Athens and the beaches.