Greece tours & vacations

Southern lowland and island regions have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Further inland, the climate is more continental with hot summers and cold winters. Higher altitude places like the White Mountains in Crete also see moderate to heavy snowfall. Because of Greece's varied climate, the best time to visit depends on the activities you’re interested in and your tolerance for crowds.

Like other Mediterranean countries, summer (June to August) is Greece’s peak tourism season. With clear skies and toasty temperatures of 30°C to 38°C, it’s a great time to sail around the Cyclades and enjoy balmy evenings feasting on fish and Greek salad. Summer is busy, so if you’re not keen on crowds, a shoulder month like April or May may be better.

Temperatures fall and crowds thin by mid-September, but it can still be hot. The weather usually remains balmy well into October, making it a great time to enjoy the perks of summer sans the tourists. By late October, ferry services and flights scale back and some hotels, shops and restaurants on the islands close for the winter. Over on the mainland, the cooler atmosphere makes exploring famous sites like the Acropolis more pleasant.

Learn more about the weather in Greece

Learn more about the best time to visit Greece

Greece’s culture is influenced by its ancient past. The hallmarks of Western medicine, philosophy, drama and government can all be attributed to the mighty ancient Greek civilization – which is a strong source of national pride. Many monuments – like the Acropolis and Delphi – still stand after centuries. Traditional music and dance are also upheld and contemporary cuisine is rooted in the country’s ancient past.

Greece has been both the conqueror and the conquered. It fought against Ottoman rule during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 before being recognized as an autonomous region in 1828. The two World Wars also had a profound effect; Greece had many battles during the Axis occupation in the early '40s before being liberated in 1944 and joining the United Nations (as a founding member) in 1945 and NATO in 1952. There was a mass wave of widespread migration during this time, with many Greeks moving to the USA and Australia.

The spirit of the Greek people endures as it has for eons. Greeks place a high amount of value on ‘kefi’, which loosely translates to joy or passion. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest – meals are leisurely and social gatherings with drinking, dancing and lively discussion are frequent.

With more than 90% of the population being Greek Orthodox, religion is central to everyday life and Christmas and Easter are important dates on the calendar that call for lively celebrations. In fact, the Greeks have been partying since the dawn of Western civilization. Take Epicurus – he dedicated his life to seeking out pleasure, creating a philosophy now known as Epicureanism.

Learn more about festivals in Greece

Located in Southern Europe, Greece shares land borders with Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia and is surrounded by the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean seas. With a mainland peninsula and an archipelago of more than 6000 islands and islets, Greece has everything from mountains, canyons and caves to gorges, lagoons and coastal wetlands home to diverse wildlife.

Its rugged landscape makes it a popular hiking destination – particularly for hikers wanting to tackle Samaria Gorge in Crete (one of Europe's longest gorges) and Mount Olympus (2918 m) on the mainland, which is famed for being the dwelling place of the 12 ancient gods in Greek mythology.

Greece’s islands are mostly uninhabited and form archipelagos like the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Ionian Islands. Some islands, like Santorini and Nisyros, are shaped by volcanic activity, adding to the dramatic scenery.

Despite the rugged terrain, Greece has much arable land with many farms producing olives, wine grapes and a wide range of other produce, making it one of the most visited destinations for foodie travellers.

Greek cuisine is simple and fresh. With abundant produce, it’s centred around vegetables, beans, nuts and grains; grilled meats and fish; parsley, garlic, dill and mint; and punchy cheeses like feta, kefalotyri and halloumi.

Meeting friends to enjoy mezes (appetizers) is a national pastime. Mezes take many forms, from cold dips to salads and hot dishes. The idea is to order a few and share, making it a great way to sample a bit of everything on the menu.

Dishes and drinks to try in Greece

1. Spanakopita

Greek’s famous cheese and spinach pie encased in flaky filo pastry is perfect for breakfast, lunch or any time of day, really! It goes great with creamy tzatziki or a crunchy Greek salad.

2. Moussaka

Moussaka is like the Greek version of lasagna. A rich tomato-y meat sauce is layered with eggplant (instead of pasta sheets) and topped with a generous slathering of bechamel sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest.

3. Dolmades

Dolmades are delicious rolls of herby, lemony rice and minced meat wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves. It's a long-standing favourite that hails from Ottoman cuisine.

4. Greek salad

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, red onion and feta are tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and oregano. You might’ve had Greek salad before, but there’s no comparison to eating it on Greek soil.

5. Coffee

Locals savour Greek coffee at kafeneios (coffeehouses). Made from finely ground Arabica beans, it's boiled in a special pot and is served with foam on top and the grounds at the bottom of the cup. It’s usually served with a little biscuit or sweet.

6. Raki

Raki is a potent spirit from Crete. It’s made from distilled grape skins and has a real kick, hence why it’s sipped slowly. Locals say it helps heal a broken heart, and whether it’s true or not, it certainly creates a warm feeling in your chest! If the original version is too strong, rose or honey-flavoured raki is sweeter and milder on the palate.

7. Ouzo

Greece’s national drink is an anise-flavored aperitif. It’s made from leftover grapes from winemaking. It's usually served neat in skinny glasses with a bucket of ice and water on the side. 

Learn more about what to eat in Greece

Learn more about what to drink in Greece

1. Hike in Syros

Cruise around the Greek Islands and stretch your legs with a hike on the island of Syros. Discover the golden beaches and sparkling blue water of one of Greece's most underrated islands. And, after all that exploring, treat yourself to grilled fish plucked straight from the surrounding seas earlier that day. 

2. Swim in the Ionian Sea

Cross off another thing on your Greek bucket list by swimming and snorkelling in the Ionian Sea. Share the water with sea turtles and catch a glimpse of playful dolphins as you effortlessly glide over colourful coral. While there are perfect locations to snorkel all over Greece, the best places include Corfu, Paxos and Lefkada. 

3. Discover Santorini

Greek islands don't get more picturesque than Santorini. From the epic sunsets that bathe the whitewashed buildings in an orange glow to the clifftop villages littered with ancient churches, cafes, and neo-classical architecture, this island is picturesque with a capital P. 

4. Explore Mykonos

There are two sides to Greece’s most famous island. Dance the nights away in cocktail bars and clubs or lay out on beaches that look like the Gods themselves have created them

5. Uncover Greek history in Athens

Athens can sometimes be overlooked in favour of the islands, but this ancient city is well worth a visit – especially if you're a history buff. Make your way to the Acropolis which looms over the city to wander this impressive marble citadel home to the renowned Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and also a monument to democracy. 

6. Marvel at Meteora

While there are thousands of impressive rock formations around the world, few can compete with Meteora. Reaching heights of up to 600 metres, the only thing more impressive than these karst pinnacles are the Byzantine monasteries built on top of them. Home to monks for hundreds of years, the UNESCO-listed monasteries and their serenity will store you even if you’re not religious. 

7. Visit the ruins of Delphi

Nicknamed the ‘navel of the world’, the UNESCO-listed Delphi was said to be the most sacred site in the world by the ancient Greeks. of Apollo and Athena among the mountaintop ruins of Delphi. Explore the grounds for views of the surrounding mountains and learn about the ancient rituals and traditions of those who lived here as early as 4000 BC. 

8. Taste your way through Thessaloniki

This lively port city is regarded as Greece's cultural capital with storied Ottoman and Roman sites (including the White Tower, Arch of Galerius and Church of Saint Nicholas the Orphan). The melting pot of cultures here also contributes to its incredible gastronomy scene with Eastern spices, French, Balkan and Mediterranean flavours. 

9. Experience traditions in Crete

Between Europe's oldest city, Heraklion, the rugged shores, forests, gorges and sleepy fishing villages, a visit to Crete gives you a little taste of everything Greece has to offer. Spend time in the White Mountains feasting on traditional fare, learn how to bake age-old pastries and zip along the crystal-clear coast. 

10. Sail around Greece

You know those moments when you wonder, is this even real? It happens a lot on a sailing trip around the Cyclades. Embark on a seafaring adventure along the Aegean Sea, stopping off to swim off the side of the boat or drop anchor at popular and off-beat islands. Walk along the volcanic rim of Santorini, feast on fish at seaside tavernas and learn about rural life in country villages.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Greece with most hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants accepting credit card payments. That said, it’s still worth having some euros on hand for everyday things like coffee or pastries or to tip service staff. 

ATMs can be easily found in cities and towns across Greece, including on the Greek Islands.