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Greece Travel Guide

Home to ancient wonders and stunning landscapes, the charming Mediterranean country of Greece entices travellers with its rich history. Explore the iconic ruins of Athens, including the majestic Parthenon perched atop the Acropolis. Indulge in the vibrant island life of Santorini, with its picturesque white-washed buildings and breathtaking sunsets. Greece's diverse regions offer a range of experiences, from the pristine beaches of Crete to the historic sites of Delphi and Olympia. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxation by the turquoise waters, Greece offers a travel experience like no other.

One of the best parts of travelling in Greece is the chance to savour its delectable cuisine. From the famous Greek salad to mouthwatering souvlaki and fresh seafood, the flavours of Greece will tantalize your taste buds. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of traditional tavernas and local markets, where you can sample regional specialities and sip on ouzo or local wines. Greece's warm hospitality, ancient treasures, and natural beauty create an unforgettable journey that will leave you with cherished memories of this enchanting Mediterranean destination.

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Key Facts

Time Zone

GMT+2

Money

Euro (EUR)

Dialing Code

+30

  • Sunshine, sea and beautiful beaches!
  • See amazing ancient historical sights such as the iconic Acropolis in Athens
  • Relax on the gorgeous Greek Islands
  • The ultimate mix of ancient and modern Europe
  • The ultimate mix of ancient and modern Europe
  • Take a boat cruise around the beautiful Greek coast
  • Europe is crammed full of unforgettable sights all on your doorstep! 

The sprawling cosmopolitan centre of Athens, Greece’s lively capital city, is an intriguing blend of ancient and modern, combining astonishing Ancient Greek sites such as the iconic Acropolis and the Parthenon with a heady mix of cafes, clubs and tavernas serving tasty Greek treats. 

  • Be awed by the incredible archaeological wonders of Ancient Greece in Athens, as you visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon, perched high above the city – completely unmissable! 
  • Party in Athens’ modern metropolis!
  • Take a boat trip on the idyllic Ionian Sea as you cruise around the Greek coast
  • Visit the unusual 14th-century monasteries at the mystical site of Meteora, where you can climb to the monasteries up steps hewn from the towering rocks.
  • Head for the gorgeous Greek island of Mykonos and relax in the resorts, laze on paradise beaches and then party into the night.
  • Discover the Greece of ancient myth as you visit the historic site of the Oracle at Delphi.
  • Visit other stunning Greek Islands, such as the pilgrimage island of Patmos famous for its Easter celebrations, or sun yourself on surreal Santorini with its volcanic landscape and spectacular sunsets, or cool off on the idyllic island of Crete
  • Head to the home of the Olympics at the ancient Greek site of Olympia.
  • Get cultural in the city of Thessaloniki and hang out with the hip crowd, see amazing art and explore the beautiful, Byzantine streets.
  • Explore the home of the Gods as you marvel at the magic of Mount Olympus.
  • Try exciting adventure activities such as diving, rock climbing or kitesurfing!

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’.

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip. 

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

The language of Greece is Modern Greek. The Greek language is one of the oldest languages, and Classical Greek was the language of many key historical and religious texts. Thousands of contemporary English words have their origin in Ancient Greece. 

Greece uses the two-pinned European plug, so UK appliances will need a universal adaptor.

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. 

Health

UK visitors travelling to Greece should make sure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) 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.

Safety

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. 

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