Travel guide
Weather & Climate
If you’re looking to make the most of the summer sun, book your break between June and August, when the temperatures peak in the high thirties and even stray into the low forties. However, if you’re looking to get some sightseeing done or prefer more comfortable conditions, aim for spring or autumn, when the mercury hovers around 25-28°C. In the winter, the north of Greece is far colder than the south and snow is not uncommon. The south tends to remain consistently mild, although there is a greater chance of rainfall.
Greece is best for…
History lovers: Littered with tombs and temples, castles and palaces and ragged ruins associated with gods, heroes and monsters, Greek holidays are ideal for anyone with even the faintest interest in the country’s past.
Sun-seekers: Greece lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, offering superb summer weather and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Foodies: From rustic tavernas, serving classic Greek cuisine, to fine-dining restaurants serving delicately-flavoured dishes, Greece is the perfect spot for gastronomes, whatever your budget might be.
Fast facts:
Language: The language spoken in Greece is Greek. While the locals have a basic command of English, it might be worth packing a phrasebook or downloading an app, and try out a few basics.
Currency: You’ll need to change-up your pounds and pence into Euros before zipping off on your holidays to Greece.
Local time: Greece is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Aktion National Airport for the mainland resorts of Lefkas and Parga, 20 mins to 1 hour away. Greek islands have their own airports: Corfu International Airport for Corfu, with transfers of between 20 minutes and 2.5 hours, Heraklion International Airport for Crete, with transfers taking up to 2 hours and 40 minutes, and Rhodes International Airport for Rhodes with transfer times of 30–90 minutes.
Flight time from UK: The flight time to Greece is 3–4.5 hours.
Tourist Information: You must now pay an Overnight Stay Tourism Tax Fee of up to 4€ per room per night, which is payable at your accommodation.
Visa / Health:
Before you travel, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Greece.
Events
Traditional celebration: The 15th August celebrates the Feast of the Dormition of Theotokos, which marks the passing of the Virgin Mary. Celebrated across the entire country and a national holiday, you can expect at least a day of feasting, drinking and dancing, late into the night.
Saint’s day: Each Greek island has its own religious celebration made in honour of its patron saint: folk-dancing and more drinking and eating are guaranteed!
Getting around
By hire car: You’ll find car-hire venues in most of the larger towns and cities. Greek roads are well maintained and come with plenty of signage. Do remember that the Greeks drive on the right and overtake on the left!
By scooter: Scooters are a popular method of transport among locals and tourists alike, offering a quick and convenient way to see the sights.
By boat: There are plenty of boat trips on offer from Greece’s many beaches and harbours. Explore idyllic islands or gain access to those secret, sheltered coves for a peaceful day’s sunbathing.
Safety and Security:
For up to date advice on travelling to Greece, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/safety-and-security
Book your holidays to Greece and you’ll be introduced to a fascinating country, where ancient history and bustling markets rub shoulders with sun-splashed beaches and sleek shopping malls. Both exotic and familiar, it’s perfect for a family break and eternally-popular with couples. The beaches and ruins aside, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Greece, allowing you to make your break just what you want it to be.
Places to go
Almost a living museum, the country is littered with artefacts from one of the oldest and greatest civilisations in the world and many of the best places to visit in Greece are thousands of years old. You’ll find some of the most spectacular attractions in Olympia. Known as the ‘Valley of the Gods’, it’s home to the remains of the first Neolithic inhabitants and the first temples used to worship Zeus and his fellow deities. It’s also the site of the Ancient Olympic Games Museum. The first Olympics were held here in 776 BC. However, if you’d prefer to immerse yourself in myth and legend, head to Crete and explore the Cave of Zeus. One of the most popular Greece things to do, the Cave of Zeus is believed to be the birthplace of the King of the Gods and where he hid from his father, Cronos, who (allegedly) had a thing about eating small children. Attractions Whether you’re travelling with your family or escaping for some sun-splashed romance with your other half, you’ll find an astonishing selection of attractions to visit. From child-friendly waterparks to the unrivalled beauty of some of the Greek islands, you’re sure to find attractions in Greece that tick all the right boxes. If Greece’s glorious beaches aren’t enough for your kids, then check out some of the fantastic waterparks. One of the most family-friendly attractions in Greece, the Star Beach waterpark, in Hersonissos, has been regularly voted as one of the best in Europe. On top of the rides, slides, pools and chutes, you’ll find the opportunity for watersports, scuba-diving and even bungee-jumping. If you’re looking to enjoy some peace and tranquillity with your partner, Santorini is the place to go. A crescent-shaped caldera, fringed by black sands with a stunning village, it’s famous for its spectacular sunsets. For a taste of the island’s history, pay a visit to the intriguing Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
Things to do in Greece
Santorini Nightlife Greece: Bars & Clubs
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Party the night away
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Malia Happy Train Greece
The Happy Train offers a more relaxing way to see the sights of Malia and the surrounding area. For a reasonable price, you can hop on board and …
Kalamata Olives Greece
Come and taste Kalamata’s world-renowned olives. The Messinia region’s beautiful weather creates the ideal climate for growing fruit and …
Santorini Boat Trips Greece
With its crescent-shaped bay and electric-blue seas, it no wonder that boat trips in Santorini are a must-do for any visitor!
All aboard the railway museum at Kalamata
When you’ve solved all the mysteries that you’ll find in Stoupa, it may be time to take your junior detectives all aboard a different …
Check out the Venetian Fortress
Rethymnon has a proud Venetian heritage, a lot of which can be found at the Venetian Fortress. This ancient structure proudly sits on top of a hill.
Diros Caves Greece
Ancient mystery surrounds Stoupa, so make sure you visit the famous Diros Caves. Journey 45 kilometres from Stoupa
Crete Mountains Greece
Escaping to the Crete Mountains could be the ultimate break away from the hustle and bustle of central Stalis. Explore by taking an easy and …
Skiathos Boat Trips Greece
Get excited about a memorable adventure cruising across the Aegean Sea when you book a Skiathos boat trip. Whether you want to go on a morning …
Greece travel money
The currency in Greece is the Euro.
You’ve got a range of options for changing money either before you leave or in your resort. Cash is preferred by many businesses, but make sure you have a range of denominations. Cards are accepted in larger resorts, but the fees charged by banks make things hard on the independent businesses, so cash is always welcome.
It’s handy to take a credit card for emergencies, but do a bit of research before you go so you know what charges you might incur. Make a note of the card providers’ number too, so you know who to contact if your card is lost or stolen, and it’s always worth letting them know you’re going away so they don’t see transactions abroad as suspicious.