Key Takeaways
- Greece's peak tourist season is from June to August. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall; the weather in Greece in April will reward you, while the weather in Greece in July might exhaust you.
- If you want to explore multiple islands and mainland destinations, consider a two-week itinerary. However, if you have limited time, focus on specific regions or islands to make the most of your trip.
- Island hopping is a popular way to explore multiple destinations. Research different islands based on your preferences, and rest assured that ferry connections and domestic flights make island hopping convenient.
- Greece is rich in ancient history and archaeological treasures. Don't miss iconic sites such as the Acropolis in Athens and the Palace of Knossos in Crete.
- Greece is generally a safe country for travelers. However, it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
The world got out of -let’s just say- a rough spot in history, which means it is the absolute best time to celebrate life.
And what better way to do so than exercise your right to freedom by traveling around the world and making the trip of your dreams come true?
Of course, we take for granted that you are going to visit Greece for your vacation, and for that reason, here we present to you the ultimate Greece travel guide for 2023. Enjoy!
Plan your Trip According to our Greece travel guide
Being confined in the walls of your home for that long couldn’t be but the ultimate motivation to pull the trigger and book the trip of your dreams, whether you’ve been planning for it since the dreadful outbreak of the Coronavirus or you feel like indulging in new experiences now that you can.
After the health and economic crisis the world just experienced, booking your holidays will be easier than ever before, as the tourist industry has been preparing to host you and accommodate your needs for months!
But our favorable prices and excellent service do not suffice if you’ve not decided where in Greece you’d like to go yet.
Reading about the best places to visit in Greece or our Greece trip planner can be a good starting point in trying to figure out the destination in Greece you’ll opt for -there are just so many gorgeous places, and choosing one or a couple can get overwhelming even for the locals!
When deciding your destinations, you should always keep in mind all the activities you’d like to indulge in.
Thankfully, there is an endless supply of things to do in Greece, depending on your budget, preference, and interests, so no matter what you’re looking to experience, you’ll find it in this country that never lacks sunshine!
Greece Travel Guide - When to visit Greece for your vacation
Oh yes, the age-old question: when is the right time to visit Greece? Most answers to that question would be much more simplistic than the one we’ll give you here. Hurrying to yell, "summer, of course," is the obvious thing to do.
Yes, the easy answer is not untrue: Greece is at its best during the summertime when the sun shines brighter than ever, and the sandy beaches can be thoroughly enjoyed as a refreshing solution to the intense summer heat.
However, since Greece is best known as a summer destination, you must keep in mind that if you decide to visit it during the high season months between late June and late August, you won’t be the only one; far from it.
When deciding the best time to visit your favorite destination in Greece, you have to take into account the flood of tourists that choose Greece for their exotic vacations every year.
If you don’t mind large summer crowds, busy roads, and packed beaches, then you’ve got nothing to worry about; the high-season months won’t be a problem for you. As a result, you can schedule your visit to Greece then, with no doubt in mind.
If, however, you’re looking for a much more quiet and authentic Greek experience, then maybe you should hold off booking your Greek holidays right in the middle of summer to the Cyclades or Ionian islands and consider spring or early autumn as viable options. The weather in Greece in March is beginning to warm up, and until late September to early October it remains amazing.
By visiting Greece during May, early June, and the whole of September, which might be considered the beginning of autumn but in Greece, logistically, that’s not the case, you get the best of both worlds.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience the flawless weather and striking beaches of the Aegean and Ionian sea, but at the same time, you’ll escape mass tourism, and you’ll get to see an aspect of Greece reserved only for its locals; a much more authentic and enjoyable endeavor in our opinion.
In our humble opinion, late spring is the best season in Greece as it is warm enough to enjoy it but not heatstroke-inducing. If you want to follow our advice and choose spring for your Greek vacation, don’t forget to look into the top choices for Greece in spring!
Of course, there is also the possibility of visiting Greece during winter, which may not be the most conventional choice, but it is a valid one.
Here are some reasons to love Greece in winter, however, we wouldn’t encourage you to choose winter to explore the Greek islands, as during the colder month, they’re empty, with only a handful of locals and no things to do -not to mention the biting cold and strong winds all the Greek islands are infamous for.
Mainland Greece has a number of regions that are excellent for a winter adventure. Yes, there won’t be sparkling beaches involved, but there will be striking landscapes, beautiful Greek castles, imposing mountains, our favorite ski resorts in Greece, and luscious nature that won’t let you regret your choice even for a minute! Let's continue with our Greece vacation guide that will make your Greece trip :
How Many Days Are Enough for your Greece Vacation according to our Greece Travel Guide?
Well, that’s a loaded question, as the number of days you will spend in Greece depends on a matter of various factors, such as the number of days left from your annual leave, the number of destinations you want to visit, where you want to go, and what type of holidays you want to experience.
In an ideal world, your holidays in Greece should last no less than a week and should include around 2-4 destinations.
This way, one will have enough time to explore in-depth the corners of Greece without overdoing it; no one likes to be on the go, running anxiously from one flight to the other; if you have time to relax, is it even considered a vacation?
It goes without saying that the more days you choose to spend in Greece, the merrier! Staying for a decent amount of time will let you experience what it feels like to be a local Greek and will offer you the opportunity to explore the land and discover its hidden treasures at your own pace.
You may even get to get familiar with locals who will be more than eager to give you the inside scoop on the best way to spend your time in our country.
Greece Travel Guide - Explore Mainland Greece
- Delphi
- Meteora
- Peloponnese
- Nemea
- Epidaurus
Athens is absolutely necessary, and anyone who claims otherwise either isn’t a local or has never been to Athens before!
Known for its vast history and culture, and blessed with incredible beauty, great beaches, and picturesque neighborhoods, to visit the country and not spend at least a couple of days in Athens would be the equivalent of coming to Greece and not eating souvlaki. Crushing.
We could go on and on about Athens in our Greek travel guide, but we have gathered all the information you could possibly need on our Athens travel guide. After reading it, we’re sure that all your questions about Athens will be answered, and you’ll be reaching for your laptop to book your tickets to the Greek capital.
The underdog of Greece that often -ok, let’s be real, always- gets outshined by the Greek islands is the country’s mainland, where a world of stunning regions lies waiting for you to explore them!
Although Greece is relatively small as a country, its beauties are disproportionate to its size, with thousands of must-visit destinations that offer striking landscapes, fascinating history, and impressive culture- and all that is easily accessible by car -or public transport- without the need for a ferry or in most cases even a flight; convenience is always a winner.
From east to west and from north to south, the Greek mainland will be the best decision you’ve ever made if you decide to give it a try!
If you want to explore Greece outside its capital without wanting to spend time and money on transportation, taking a day trip from Athens is exactly what you’re looking for, and thankfully incredibly easy to achieve.
Without breaking the bank or traveling for hours upon hours on end, you’ll come across beautiful cities, and you’ll get introduced to the luscious Greek nature, gaining a more complete picture of what it means to be a Greek.
If you’re looking for ideas for your short-distance endeavors, reading about the best day trips from Athens will provide the solution to your problem.
Delphi
The historically rich region of Delphi is perfect for those history buffs that also nurture a deep love for wild nature, as this destination combines both.
Delphi, the land of Apollo, hosts one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece and therefore gives its visitors a peek into the enthralling and captivating world of ancient ruins and archaeological sites.
There are hundreds of things you will learn on a Delphi day trip from Athens and a hundred more things to do during your visit -with our guide to the top things to do in Delphi revealing our top picks.
From the greenery all around to the impressive archeological site and the neatly organized museum, getting bored in Delphi is out of the question.
Meteora
Chances are that you’ve already heard of the mystifying region of Meteora and its otherworldly beauty that has been charming its visitors for years.
Adding to the extraordinary spectacle of Meteora, the close proximity it has to Athens makes it an ideal place to visit when escaping the hustle and bust of the city.
Read on: Our ultimate guide to Meteora.
Better known as a religious place where the presence of numerous Meteora monasteries perched on top of extraordinary rock formations, Meteora is not only for religious people but rather for everyone that has an eye for flawless architecture and curiosity for the miracles of nature which. Meteora has been described as magical time and time again.
Peloponnese
Probably the most visited Greek region, following, of course, all the Greek islands, is the prefecture of the Peloponnese, famous for its unmatched beauty and its diversity in regard to the landscapes and experiences it allows.
As a matter of fact, Peloponesse is one of the most popular mainland destinations, even among the locals who can’t seem to resist the charm of it, whether we’re talking about its mountainous villages or its coastal towns.
Our ultimate guide to the Peloponnese will give you an overview of the region’s excellence if you care to explore it even further, but here we’ll highlight some destinations in the Peloponnese based on personal preference and years of experience.
The first destination one comes across when leaving Athens heading to the Peloponnese is, of course, Corinth, which is located 80 km southwest of the Greek capital and is the only county bordering Attica.
It is infamous for being suitable for short excursions amongst the Athenians with its magnificent seas and the small, quaint villages such as Vrachati, Kiato, Derveni, and others, welcoming visitors weekend after weekend.
What’s more, 7km away from the modern city lies Ancient Corinth, which is dominated by the temple of Apollo, the mythical Fountain of Gloucester, the street of Lechaio, the Asklepieion, ruins of the theater and conservatory, as well as the remains of a series of fountains that adorn the city.
And if that wasn’t enough, 3km from ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, the oldest castle in the Peloponnese, is perched on a hill of 575 meters offering an incredible view to anyone that cares to visit it.
If you’re looking to visit Corinth and would be interested in more information, our comprehensive guide to Ancient Corinth will provide you with everything you need to know.
In the Peloponnese -and specifically in the regional unit of Argolis- lies one of the most romantic cities of Greece, one that has been declared as a favorite of many here at the Greeking.me headquarters, one that we can’t help but praise over and over again.
No matter how many times you've been to Nafplio, it's never enough. Not just because of the abundance of things to do, see and experience it has, but mainly because of its old-time charm and laid-back vibe that makes it unique.
Approximately an hour and a half away from Athens, Nafplio is an all-time classic favorite destination for express getaways all year round. The Venetian ‘Naples of the East,’ as it is often referred to, the first official capital of Greece, remains an aristocratic and sophisticated place.
A long walk in the picturesque streets of the Old Town of Nafplio will reveal to you gorgeous neoclassical and Venetian buildings, balconies with blossomed bougainvilleas, imposing churches, and Turkish fountains.
The stone-paved Syntagma Square is surrounded by historic buildings, such as the Venetian Fleet Warehouse, which today houses the Archaeological Museum, the Parliament Building, the former Aga Pasha Mosque, and the former Allied Teaching School, known in modern times as ‘Trianon.’
Other notable sights of Nafplio include the church of Agios Spyridon -where Ioannis Kapodistrias, a Greek statesman who served as the Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire and was one of the most distinguished politicians and diplomats of Europe, was assassinated- and the church of Agios Georgios with important icons and frescos, such as a copy of the Da Vinci Secret Dinner, among others.
Your day will be filled with walks on Vasileos Konstantinou's main pedestrian street with countless retail shops, Staikopoulou Street with its many taverns, and the seafront of Bouboulina.
Read more: Top things to do in Nafplio
Nemea
If you’re visiting Nafplio, it would be a shame to skip on the opportunity to extend your trip with a visit to Nemea, the largest wine-growing region in Greece, where the famous homonymous wines are produced, earning international attention and praise.
Nemea’s tradition in wine production is as long-standing as the city itself, and the city has been known for its wine since ancient times.
Although wine production is a big part of Nemea’s identity, it’s not all there is to it, something you’ll quickly realize once you take a look at our suggestions for the top things to do in Nemea in order to transform your trip to Greece into an unforgettable experience!
Epidaurus
Another historically rich region of Greece -we’ve got a lot of those!- is Epidaurus, most commonly known for its ancient theater, which is one of the most beautiful open theaters in the world and the most well-preserved.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece and one of the top things to do in Argolis!
Read more: The Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
Greece Travel Guide - Greece Off the Beaten Path
I know I’m going to rock your socks off, but Greece does not consist of only Athens and Mykonos.
Choosing the tried and tested destinations is by no means a wrong decision to make, however, experiencing Greece off the beaten path in an unconventional and more original way will elevate your holidays to a whole other level of perfection.
The offbeat destinations in Greece are not restricted to mainland Greece. There are a number of islands, in fact, that are to die for despite not getting the hype they deserve.
Included in the Greek UNESCO sites, Nea Moni in Chios is a corner of the island of Chios you need to make time for.
If Chios doesn’t sound appealing, you can educate yourselves on the reasons why the Small Cyclades are a little piece of paradise & discover the most authentic and unknown Greek islands.
Which Greek Islands to Visit According to our Greece Travel Guide
- Santorini
- Crete
- Corfu
- Mykonos
For someone to comprehend the magic of the Greek islands, they must experience them firsthand; it is no coincidence that even the local Greeks are deeply in love with the islands, choosing them over any other destination around the world for their summer vacations; the Greek islands are not something you get bored of no matter how many times you visit them.
Figuring out which Greek island to visit is harder than one would think and depends on a number of factors, including your budget, the type of holidays you’re after, and the number of days you are willing to spend there.
Thankfully, getting the Greek island experience doesn’t precede that you’ll have to be on the ferry for countless hours, as there are excellent islands near Athens that do more than tick the boxes of visitors who choose to visit them. You can explore the Greek Islands located very close to Athens and rest assured that they lack nothing in comparison to the other islands that lie miles away.
If, however, you have the time and mood for a more traditional Greek island experience similar to what you’re used to watching on the screen, no one can blame you for it; we’re here to give you all the information you need to make your dreams come true!
Santorini
Of course, we should start with the absolute basics. Santorini is arguably the most popular destination in Greece, both amongst the visitors and the locals, and just a look at a picture will help you understand why.
Although following the Cycladic aesthetic everyone knows and loves, Santorini is different from any other island around the world due to its unique volcano and the volcanic ash that surrounds it and dominates the landscape.
Our Santorini travel blog will help you learn more about the heritage of the island from the very beginning. The steep hills, heart-stopping sunsets, delectable cuisine, rich wine production, and relaxed walks around the island’s narrow streets are good enough reasons to make Santorini your favorite summer destination.
The undeniable romantic ambiance of the island makes up for the perfect Santorini honeymoon, but even if you’re not visiting the popular destination as a couple, don’t worry; here is what you need to know when traveling to Santorini with kids, as well as the best way to experience the Santorini nightlife if partying is ranking high on your bucket list!
What’s more, in order to navigate the island like a local, make sure to check out the best Santorini beaches as well as the best things to do in Santorini so you can be safe in the knowledge that you won’t leave any of the island’s highlights out of your itinerary.
Crete
Big, diverse, and gripping, the island of Crete is a safe choice for every visitor that is bound to find what they’re looking for no matter what that is, as Crete has it all and then some! From archeological sites to fascinating landmarks, unbelievable beaches, wild nature, delicious local dishes, and top-quality produce, you can’t have a bad time on Crete even if you try to!
Although diversity is one of its attributes, the sheer size of the island and the dissimilarity you will come across from one of its ends to the other make visiting Crete a daunting task.
The two most popular destinations are the city of Heraklion and the city of Chania, with a dozen more following and stealing people’s hearts on the regular. When visiting the former, keep in mind the best things to do in Heraklion that will help you experience it in the most original and authentic way.
Of course, we wouldn’t let you visit the beautiful Chania without providing you with some guidance. Therefore, enjoy our guide to the best things to do in Chania.
From a historical perspective, you can’t leave out a visit to Knossos Palace, one of the top sites in Crete, and the whole of Greece.
It’s understandable that no matter where you choose to go in Crete, apart from the history and culture of the island, you’ll be lusting after long sandy beaches with deep blue, refreshing waters perfect for a swim.
Although pretty hard to narrow them down, here are the top 10 beaches in Crete that will help you remain cool amidst the summer heat and get that golden tan you’ve been dreaming about for months.
Not leaving out the lovebirds of the bunch, we can’t help but include an all-encompassing guide on how to plan a perfect Crete honeymoon.
After all, the glorious island of Crete is known for being one of the top destinations for newlyweds each year, as along with being super romantic, it is full of places to see and activities to engage in, which includes exploring its extraordinary culinary delights, such as the wine and olive oil tradition in Crete.
If your honeymoon is a success, you might also want to think about visiting Crete with kids. Not only is it an extremely family-friendly island, but it is also a great introduction to Greek culture for your little ones!
Corfu
One of the cult-classic destinations of Greece, visitors from all over the world, have been waxing lyrical about is the island of Corfu. Indeed, Corfu, the Island of the Phaeacians, is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, perhaps the greenest with the densest vegetation but also with the densest road network.
Moreover, it is an island with a long and great history inextricably linked to Greek culture, with a tradition that spreads across more than 3000 years, having been inhabited since the Paleolithic times.
While Corfu suffered several occupations in its lifetime, the Italian occupation is admittedly one that left the biggest mark on the island, which, despite the fact that it sounds depressing, it has turned out to be not the worst thing in the world, as the prominent Venetian aesthetic has created a strong cosmopolitan ambiance both locals and visitors cannot get enough of! Add to the mix the adorable singsongy dialect, and you’ve got yourself a winner!
If you plan on visiting Corfu for the first time, you will benefit from reading about the best things to do in Corfu, which will make sure you won’t miss anything important during your stay on the beautiful island.
Additionally, if you’re considering Corfu as a worthwhile stop on your cruise, these Corfu shore excursion ideas pack a punch and will let you know of the quickest, most efficient way to experience the island without faffing about.
Mykonos
You saw that one coming, didn’t you? Well, no one can deny that Mykonos, the queen of the Cyclades, is one of the strongest -if not THE strongest- selling points of Greece.
It is breathtakingly beautiful, it is bougie, it is trendy, and it is everything you think of when planning the exotic vacations that will get you out of your office routine and into a world of sunshine, tan lines, salty skin, and carefree partying.
Mykonos was one of the first Greek islands that developed in the sector of tourism, with tourists flooding its grounds as early as the 1960s.
Today, the nightlife of Mykonos is considered one of the most vibrant and memorable in Europe, and despite Mykonos not being the most kid-friendly Greek destination, especially during the high season months, it is ideal for those traveling alone with a group of friends, or as a couple -something you’ll soon realize if you check out Mykonos for couples: the definitive summer guide!
Because Mykonos is usually so crowded and can get overwhelming, we’ve made sure to make your life as easy as possible and have composed a Mykonos travel guide a Mykonos food guide, as well as the top things to do in Mykonos.
It is no secret that Mykonos has some of the most remarkable beaches in not only Greece but the world in general -yes, I went there! Especially in the southern part of the island, one can find the most, and most beautiful beaches that can be accessed either by car or motorcycle via a very good road network.
While in the summer, many of Mykonos’ southern beaches are connected with one another by boats that are scheduled to transfer the tourists every few minutes. If you want to know more about where would be the best place to begin your swimming adventure, a guide to Mykonos’ beaches is all you need!
They say that where there is smoke, there is fire, and in the case of Mykonos and the excessive hype it has gained, the rumors are true-mors!
Other of the Best Greek islands
- Rhodes
- Naxos
- Paros
- Chios
- Sifnos
Apart from the big names, there are hundreds of other Greek isles and islands that are just as beautiful and much quieter. I understand you’ll want to experience what everyone talks about, however, for the introverts out there, Mykonos and Santorini may not be viable options. In that case, fear not.
Firstly, you’re not alone, and secondly, there is so much more to the Greek islands than meets the eye that you are bound to find something that suits your desires and needs no matter what.
Rhodes, for example, is the largest island in the Dodecanese and one of the places that are worth your while. It is consistently one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and it is an island of intense contrasts, flawlessly combining the medieval aesthetic, a remnant of its previous occupation, with strong traditional elements.
What’s more, it offers an impressive variety of natural beauty, from sandy beaches to rocky mountains, meeting and exceeding all expectations.
Discover the best things to do in Rhodes, and after getting convinced to follow our advice and visit this extraordinary island, check out the best Rhodes beaches that will allow you to swim like a true local! You’ll soon realize there is much more to Rhodes than its captivating history, with its coastline and culinary culture stealing the show at every turn.
Delve into our Rhodes food guide, and jot down the must-try delicacies that will help you get a real taste of the local cuisine in your Greece itinerary!
Another Greek gem is located right In the heart of the Cyclades, and it's the largest and most fertile island of the complex. Naxos, which is the island in point, is a multifaceted destination that offers a great variety of choices in regard to the activities and experiences its lucky visitors can enjoy.
Regardless of being favored as being the perfect family destination, Naxos is a playful island with vibrant nightlife. The things to do in Naxos are plenty and fascinating.
If you’ve never been there before on a previous Greek trip, you’re missing out! However, don’t fear, all you need to know is included in our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Naxos, and the best Naxos beaches.
Of course, we couldn’t leave out of the list one of the biggest Cyclades islands, Paros, which also happens to be one of the most favorite summer destinations not only for Greece’s visitors but for locals as well, as it offers all the necessary services to the modern traveler; something the top things to do in Paros will make you swiftly comprehend.
The island's capital is Parikia, on the west coast. While Naoussa, the well-known cosmopolitan fishing village, is second in size and one of the most beautiful ports in the Aegean. The allure of Paros’ charm can be attributed to its numerous scenic villages- among others.
The biggest and most popular of the bunch are Lefkes, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Marmara, Prodromos, Kostos, Dryos, Algeria, and Aliki.
The landscape is so breathtaking that the island is among the top choice for newlyweds; the things to do on a Paros honeymoon are not only romantic but extremely entertaining as well!
That can also be said about the island’s golden coast; follow a guide to Paros’ beaches and make the fondest of memories while swimming in the deep blue Aegean sea, an activity one must indulge in at least once in their lifetime!
Incredibly underrated but striking nonetheless, the island of Chios is located in the Central Aegean and is the fifth-largest island in Greece. While the island itself often gets overshadowed by the more advertised Greek islands, its local products have made a name for themselves all across the world. The main exportable goods are the famous Chian mastic, olive oil, figs, and wine.
The timeless island of Chios’ exquisite cuisine is not the end all be all of the islands, though it is a very appealing lure.
If you’re looking for travel inspiration, read about the Chios island, and learn everything you need to know about the island of Greece that combines the modern way of life with the historical tradition and the arresting natural landscape. An island with wild and unexplored beauty, Chios will pleasantly surprise those who go for the first time.
Last but definitely not least comes the underdog of the Greek islands, Sifnos. From mountain trails and sunsets behind hills to beautiful beaches and eerie rocks, in Sifnos, you’ll find everything you’re looking for, plus plenty more.
Discover Sifnos, the ultimate family-friendly Cycladic destination and book your family holidays that will help you erase 2020 from your memory -we’re all trying to!
Greece Travel Guide - Greek Culture and History
Yes, feta cheese and olive oil are a big hit, but Greece’s most exportable goods, hands down, are its culture and history. We have loads. Buckets. Plenty. So much, that trying to fit everything you need to know in a blog post feels daunting, if not impossible.
With a history that goes back thousands of years, the local traditions are so deeply rooted that they have come to feel directly integrated with the country’s identity. And we’re not only talking about our glorious ancient past, no, but Greece also has a plethora of customs and traditions that are very much still present in the locals’ day-to-day lives.
Get Insight Into Greek Mythology
Speaking of arduous yet fascinating culture, we can’t help but talk about the wondrous world of Greek mythology. The term ‘Greek mythology’ is a blanket term that covers all the myths associated with the Greek tradition, as presented in the texts of ancient Greek writing.
Greek mythology is specifically defined as the narration of mythical stories created by the ancient Greeks concerning the gods and their heroes, the nature of the world, and the ritual practices of their worship.
It consists of a rich collection of narratives that refer to the origins of the world and tell the life and adventures of a wide variety of gods, heroes, heroines, and other mythological creatures. These stories were originally formed through oral and poetic tradition before being disseminated in writing through the works of Greek literature.
The oldest known literary sources are the two epics, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, which are dedicated to the events of the Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus that followed.
The poetic works of Hesiod are also considered to be an extremely valuable source of information: the Theogony and the Works and Days, which refer to the ancient Greek conception of the creation of the world, the succession of the divine rulers, the succession of human times, the origins of human drama and sacrificial practices.
Various myths have also been preserved from Homeric hymns, parts of poems of the epic cycle, lyric poems, works of the tragedy of the 5th century BC, writings of scholars and poets of the Hellenistic period, and texts by Roman writers such as Plutarch and of Pausanias.
Greece Travel Guide - Top Greek Archaeological Sites
Imagine coming to Greece and not visiting the Acropolis. Sounds rather insane, right? Well, contrary to popular belief, the Acropolis is only one of the very many significant archaeological sites in Greece that you must make a point to visit during your stay.
It’s easy to get blind-sighted by the long, fabulous beaches and delicious cocktails, but it would be a shame to leave behind the impressive archeological finds Greece offers in abundance.
Of course, the Acropolis of Athens is still an essential stop on your Greek journey, as it is the embodiment of art, beauty, and democracy. To avoid leaving out the most important elements of Greek culture, however, here are the most important ancient Greek ruins that include not only the capital but also the Greek countryside.
Greece Travel Guide - Greek Gastronomy
We’re alright in many things, but there is a thing that we absolutely excel at, and I won’t be humble about it. Greeks know their food. In Greeking.me we consider our culinary culture just as important as our history, and just a taste of one of our traditional goods will make you agree wholeheartedly.
Modern Greek cuisine has a prominent use of olive oil, cereals, wine, meat, vegetables, and fish or seafood. Also, other important and delicious food products are olives, tomatoes, cheese, aubergines, zucchini, onions, garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice.
The main characteristics of traditional Greek sweets are nuts and honey, while various fruits are often used mainly for the so-called ‘ spoon sweets.’ Another important aspect of Greek cuisine is the appetizers which are collectively called ‘meze,’ usually served with wine, ouzo, or tsipouro in taverns and at home.
Greek cuisine is characterized as Mediterranean, while with the variety and quality of its ingredients, its wise, beneficial combinations, and the knowledge of centuries, it enjoys a privileged position in the world culture of taste.
Because the variety of Greek goods is so wide, we’ve divided our introduction to Greek cuisine into two categories, one for the drinks and beverages you can enjoy and one for the mouthwatering dishes and products you can eat. Can you tell it is important for us to get this right?
Drinks
You’ve probably heard that in Greece, coffee is not just a beverage but a whole way of life. We have associated the consumption of caffeine with long philosophical discussions among friends, and we like to take our sweet time with it. Our Guide to Greek Coffee Culture will further explain the Greek traditions in regard to coffee for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee in a traditional and local way.
Moving to the alcoholic drinks, ouzo, the Greek nectar, is among the most acclaimed ones, with its unique anise taste getting the visitor’s attention who have never encountered a similar drink before. In addition to ouzo, since ancient times, Greece has made a name for itself due to its lush wine production.
If you want to know about even more local drinks, such as the pungent tsipouro and the famous rakomelo, delve into a guide to Greek spirits and have your order ready for when you’ll need it!
Food
Now let’s get into the meat of things- literally. Counting thousands of years of existence, Greek cuisine varies from one region to another while keeping its core elements similar. The riches of Greek cuisine are not limited to souvlaki and pastitsio, not that anything would be wrong with that!
After sorting out the dos and don'ts of eating in Greece, you’ll have the opportunity to discover why Greece is a foodie’s paradise but also why Greece is the best place for vegetarians by getting familiar with the most popular Greek products.
When traveling to Greece, learning how to order like a local in a Greek tavern is key. Not only will you gain the respect of the owners and make your life significantly easier, but you will also avoid unpleasant surprises - we believe that being presented with a plate of cooked snails when you didn’t mean to order can be quite a traumatic experience. Another way to honor the customs of Greece is by tipping after your meal!
You can warm up by getting introduced to the best Greek food blogs you should follow that will reveal to you the best Greek homey recipes, which are the ones you’re most probably interested in.
Although Greek cuisine displays the same core elements across the entirety of Greece, there are no doubt plenty of variations between each region of the country. An introduction to Cretan cuisine will make you understand why it is admittedly one of the most favored across the whole of the country and famous even outside of it!
Although Crete has the lead in taste, it doesn’t have a monopoly. Branch out of the trite and explore the top traditional dishes of Corfu; your tummy will thank you for it!
When thinking about Greek food, sweets are not the first thing to mind. Understandably, our savory dishes are our strength. However, we must not forget about those of you with a sweet tooth. An introduction to Greek pastries and cakes will inform you about everything you need to know if you decide to indulge in a sweet treat, as it will make known the most popular and decadent Greek delicacies.
Greece Travel Guide - Traveling to Greece with Kids
It is a very common misconception that dictates that Greece is a great summer destination only for people looking to participate in wild partying.
Believe us when we say that this couldn’t be furthest from the truth. Yes, our nightlife is impressive, and we know how to throw a good party, however, most destinations in Greece -no, scratch that- all destinations in Greece can be perfect for a family vacation, especially if you take into account the time of year when you plan on visiting it.
Our 'Family Travel Guide to Greece' blog post will reveal the best spots of Greece you can enjoy carelessly with your kids and the way to make the most out of every destination.
Despite those, however, you should keep in mind that even Mykonos, the island of Greece that is the most infamous due to its partying way, can be transformed into the ideal destination for a family vacation.
Do you need further proof? Then read about Mykonos for families: know before you go, and get everything sorted beforehand.
There have always been hundreds of activities in Greece that can keep your little ones entertained, however, in recent years, the books of Percy Jackson seem to have captivated our younger visitors, who are excited and eager to see for themselves the places where all of the adventures narrated in the books came to life.
If your kids are Percy Jackson fans, make sure to keep in mind the 7 places in Greece to live a Percy Jackson adventure. We know how you crave those few hours of peace, and we’re here to deliver!
Local Tips for Your Visit to Greece
If you expected us not to include as much inside info as humanly possible, along with our best tips and tricks for thoroughly enjoying our country, then I have to guess you don’t know us that well.
Our primary goal here in Greeking me is to make people love Greece as much as we do, and in an effort to provide the best possible experience, it absolutely vital to share all the shortcuts to a good time we know - and thankfully, we know plenty!
One of the most important decisions you need to make when visiting Greece is in regard to where you’ll choose to divide your time.
A guide to island-hopping in Greece, as well as some trip-planning tips for your honeymoon in Greece -including where to catch the sunset in Greece- will help you figure out the best place to visit, having taken into account the type of holiday you crave.
If you choose the Greek capital, a destination that often gets neglected but is one of our top choices, another important point is getting your transportation right. It is perfectly safe to take a taxi in Greece, but it may not be the smartest choice depending on where you want to go.
Of course, if you are planning a self-drive trip in Greece, then you need to get an IDP from the International Driver's Association.
Last but not least, as we’re sure that your time in our country will be nothing short of memorable, here is our advice on the top Greek souvenirs to bring back home; we can’t let overpriced junk taint your perfect Greek holidays now, can we?
Final Thoughts
That was our Greece travel guide. Yes, the last couple of years were less-than-glorious, but it is up to us to make the best out of 2023 and make all our traveling dreams come true.
Healthy, happy, and ready for a new adventure, it is time for you to discover the unparalleled beauty of Greece through our Greece vacation packages and our Greece itineraries and enjoy it in an original way, just like a local! Now you know: postponing your trip is NEVER a good idea!
