Have an epic adventure as you explore Greece, the land of ancient myths and amazing legends, home of the original Olympic stadium, the ancient site of Delphi and the awesome Acropolis, which sits in splendour looking down on the charismatic city of Athens. Greece is also famous for its idyllic islands, where you can chill out on Crete, party on Mykonos or see spectacular sunsets on Santorini. With sunshine, sandy beaches, ancient sights, sensational sailing and delicious food, Greece is a country bursting with character, culture and charm and a must-do for any European traveller!
And just like that, Santorini sweeps you off your feet. Let enchanting sunset views work their magic, painting a picture in perfect harmony with Santoriniâs iconic sapphire domes and pale terraces, clinging to the cliffside. Greeceâs most famous island is even more appetising than how youâre imagining it to be.
Nobody throws a party like Mykonos. Beach clubs, pool parties and world-class DJs keep the island dancing until sunrise. Stretch out on golden sands by day, swimming in crystal-clear seas or sipping cocktails by the shore. When the sun goes down, Mykonos is just getting started. Every night here is a story in the making.
Golden citadels crown the rugged hills of Athens, framing a capital that hums with electric energy from day to night. Founded in 508 BCE, this is one of the most ancient cities in the world. But its glory days never left. Whether youâre drawn most to the Acropolis or lesser-known gems, Athens strikes a chord in every traveller.
Paradise calls in Corfu. Closer to Albania than to Athens, this iconic Greek island has its own signature style. Forested hills, emerald hiking trails that curve along the cliff edges, and stunning beaches bleached by the sun make it the ultimate escape. This is the kind of place where day and night bring a different adventure.
Donât let first impressions fool you. By day, Ios leans into the sleepy island life, where lazy mornings by the beach, prosecco picnics and a bit of watersports are all thatâs on the agenda. But this is a small island with big energy. So when the evening arrives, Ios goes wild with epic nights out. Are you ready for it?
Spice up your Greece adventures by visiting Meteora. This unique setting will leave any traveller feeling wonderstruck, as giant rocks tower over tumbling hillscapes. Sitting atop are ancient monasteries, suspended between Earth and sky. A place of pilgrimage for centuries, Meteoraâs history is just as remarkable as its scenery.
Greek cuisine is some of the freshest and most delicious in Europe, with simple yet tasty dishes, such as the famous Greek salad (usually combining tomatoes, cucumber, onions, olives and feta cheese). Grilled or skewered meat, usually chicken or lamb, known as souvlaki, is also a popular choice of dish. Delicious dips such as the yoghurt-based tzatziki or aubergine dips are plentiful, as are fresh fish and seafood often caught fresh from the waters around the Greek Islands. Everything is doused with a generous helping of olive oil and if you want to wash down your dinner you can knock back some Greek wine or even try some mind-blowing Ouzo, the local spirit!
Greece is known for its idyllic summer climate, and plenty of sun, sea and sand are on offer in the summer months from May to September. July and August can get very hot, especially in Athens and on the Greek islands, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C and above in the height of summer, often getting very cold in the winter. The area around the Peloponnese has warm, dry summers and milder winters.
Crete sustains the warm weather the longest of all the Greek islands, between April and November. The weather in the rest of the country turns colder and wetter between October and February. In July and August, Athens and the Aegean islands experience a strong northerly wind known as the ‘Meltemi’.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full âBritish citizenâ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK governmentâs understanding of Greeceâs current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Greece set and enforce entry rules. If youâre not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Greek Embassy in the UK.
Greece follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:
The requirements for working in Greece are different. If you are a touring creative, see details about the Uniform (Schengen) visa.
If youâre travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
You may also need to:
For a longer stay, you must apply to the Greek authorities for a national visa.
If youâre in Greece with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Read about entry processes if you live in Greece.
The European Unionâs (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.Â
This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.Â
On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.Â
You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.Â
Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EUâs official Travel Europe website.
Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccines, see TravelHealthProâs Greece guide.
There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Greece. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
Declare cash or travellers cheques at your point of entry into Greece if you are carrying a value of 10,000 euros or more. You will be asked to complete the relevant declaration forms provided to you by the Customs Authorities. You should request a certified copy of the declaration to keep with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. You can read further detail on the website of the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue.
Greece has a strict policy regarding public indecency, and inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated. Some fancy dress costumes may be seen to breach decency laws. Do not become involved in drugs as Greece has a strict anti-drug policy. Smoking in indoor public places is prohibited and may incur a substantial fine.
UK visitors travelling to Greece should make sure they have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which entitles them to some free health treatment in Greece. This is not a substitute for travel insurance and you should make sure you have appropriate travel insurance in place before you travel.
Avoid public demonstrations. There has been some unrest due to the economic crisis that has affected Greece recently.
Be alert for petty crime and pickpocketing incidents and take all precautions to keep your belongings safe during your visit.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
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