Greece is suitable for various travel formats: from beach holidays on the islands to vibrant excursions in cities and short weekends in the off-season. People come here for the sea, ancient monuments, Mediterranean cuisine, white houses of the Cyclades, and quieter resorts for family vacations. The country is convenient in that within one trip, you can often combine beaches, walks in old neighborhoods, sea excursions, and gastronomy.

Vacationing in Greece largely depends on the region. Crete and Rhodes are often chosen for longer beach vacations, Corfu for its green landscapes and milder character, Santorini for a romantic trip, while Athens and Thessaloniki cater to those interested in urban formats with museums, archaeology, and shopping. If hotel infrastructure is essential, it's worth looking at larger islands and Halkidiki; if you want more walks and photo locations, the Cyclades and historical cities will suit you.

Planning tours to Greece is convenient for both summer and the velvet season. In high season, the demand for popular resorts, family hotels, and direct flights usually increases, so early booking often offers better choices. For those who prefer less heat, quieter beaches, and more time for excursions, considering May, June, September, and early October is advisable.

5 Reasons to Visit Greece

1. Beach holidays here vary greatly: sandy family beaches of Halkidiki, windy bays of Rhodes, volcanic landscapes of Santorini, green coasts of Corfu, and long beaches of Crete. This allows you to select a resort not abstractly but specifically for the format of your trip.

2. In Greece, it's easy to combine sea and excursions. Even during a beach vacation, you can see the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of Knossos in Crete, the medieval city of Rhodes, or the monasteries of Meteora.

3. The country caters to different budgets and trip durations. There are islands for a romantic short trip, mainland regions for a quieter vacation, apartments for independent travelers, and large resort hotels for families.

4. Greek cuisine is not just taverns by the sea but also understandable food for a wide range of tourists. Moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, Greek salad, fresh seafood, feta, olives, honey, and local wine fit well into both family vacations and gastronomic trips.

5. The season in Greece is long, and regions differ in climate. In the southern islands, the swimming season usually lasts longer, while spring and autumn are often suitable for those who want less heat, more walks, and more comfortable bookings.

When is the Best Time to Visit Greece

The beach season in Greece usually starts in late spring and lasts until autumn, but the exact feelings depend on the island and the wind. In May, the air often warms up to about +23…+27 °C, and the sea to +19…+21 °C, making this period convenient for excursions, walks, and quieter vacations. In June, the water becomes warmer, resorts operate more actively, and families with children find it easier to plan a full beach holiday.

July and August are the high season when demand peaks in popular islands and well-known hotels. Air temperatures often hover around +30…+35 °C, and in the south and cities, it can be even hotter; the sea usually warms up to +24…+27 °C. This is the best time for those specifically heading for the sea, but for excursions in Athens, Crete, or Rhodes, the daytime heat can be exhausting, so sightseeing is better planned for the morning or evening.

September and early October are considered one of the most convenient periods for traveling to Greece. The sea remains warm after summer, air temperatures are usually milder, and many resorts have fewer people than in August. For couples, peaceful travel, gastronomy, car rentals, and trips between cities, this is often the most successful season.

From November to March, the beach format is no longer primary, but it makes sense to travel for urban recreation, museums, shopping, and winter landscapes of the mainland. In Athens and Thessaloniki, winter is usually milder than in many Central European countries, but the weather can be windy and rainy. For mountainous areas and the north of the country, this period is more suitable for those who want to see a different Greece — without summer heat and beach crowds.

The Best Hotels in Greece

In Crete, tourists often consider Creta Maris Resort in Hersonissos and Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa in the Analipsi area. The first option is usually attractive to those looking for a resort format on a large island with opportunities to combine beach and trips around Crete. The second is more often chosen by couples and tourists for whom a quieter vacation format is important.

On Rhodes, attention often turns to Mitsis Grand Hotel in Rhodes City and Rodos Palladium Leisure & Wellness in the Faliraki area. These hotels are convenient for those who want to combine the sea with walks in the old town, trips to Lindos, or relaxation on the island's eastern coast. Rhodes is well-suited for tourists who enjoy active days without long transfers between locations.

For Athens and short city trips, Hotel Grande Bretagne or Electra Metropolis Athens is often chosen if central location and convenient access to historical areas are essential. In Santorini, popular options include Canaves Oia Hotel and Katikies Santorini, which are usually considered for romantic trips and special occasions. If a more practical format is required, in Greece, it's worth looking not only at well-known hotels but also at specific regions: Halkidiki offers convenient family resort complexes, Athens has city hotels near the metro, and on the islands, there are small boutique hotels and apartments for independent itineraries.

The Best Resorts and Cities in Greece

Crete is one of the most convenient options for a first trip to Greece. The island is large, making it easier to combine beaches, trips with rented cars, archaeological sites, and various accommodation formats. For excursions, people often choose Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos, for beaches — the regions of Chania, Rethymno, and Elounda, and for photogenic natural locations — Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi Beach.

Rhodes is suitable for those who want a more compact island with a strong historical core. Rhodes City is known for its medieval old town and the Palace of the Grand Masters, while Lindos features an acropolis and a beautiful bay. For beach vacations, Faliraki, Kolymbia, and the eastern coast are often considered, and for more active water sports, the western part of the island, where it can be windier.

Corfu is distinguished from many Greek islands by its greener landscapes and milder visual character. The city of Kerkyra is interesting for its Venetian heritage, fortresses, and narrow streets, while popular beach destinations include Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Dassia, and Gouvia. The island is often chosen by families and those for whom not only beaches but also walks, olive groves, and a quieter rhythm are important.

Santorini is more suitable for couples, short romantic trips, and combining the sea with views. The most famous locations are Oia and Fira, while among the beaches, tourists usually consider Perissa, Kamari, and the red beach near Akrotiri. For long vacations with children, the island is chosen less often than Crete or Rhodes, but for a few days of sunsets, wineries, and walks, it is one of the most popular destinations.

Athens and Thessaloniki should be considered not as beach resorts but as cities for excursions, gastronomy, and combined travel. In Athens, the main landmarks are the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, Plaka, and Mount Lycabettus, while in Thessaloniki, there are the White Tower, waterfront, Rotunda, and Byzantine monuments. If a mainland beach holiday is essential, Halkidiki is worth looking into: Cassandra is convenient for more active resorts, while Sithonia is suitable for calmer bays and car trips.

Nature in Greece

Nature in Greece significantly influences the choice of vacation format. If long sandy beaches and a more predictable family vacation are needed, it’s better to look at larger islands or Halkidiki. If bays, cliffs, sea excursions, and photo locations are important, the Cyclades, the western coast, or certain parts of the Ionian Islands are more suitable.

Besides the sea, Greece has many mountain and natural locations that should be considered even in summer tours. Meteora attracts not only for its monasteries but also for its unusual landscape, the Samaria Gorge in Crete is interesting for hiking enthusiasts, and Mount Olympus is associated not only with mythology but also with active tourism. These places are best visited not during peak daytime heat.

For sea excursions and beach trips, people often choose Navagio Bay in Zakynthos, Porto Katsiki in Lefkada, Balos Lagoon in Crete, and the beaches of Milos. It’s important to note that some of the most famous natural locations look best in the morning or outside of peak hours. In high season, this affects both logistics and excursion bookings.

Shopping in Greece

For shopping in Athens, tourists most often go to Ermou Street, the Kolonaki area, and shopping centers like The Mall Athens or Golden Hall. Ermou is convenient for mass-market, footwear, accessories, and quick shopping between excursions, while Kolonaki is more frequently chosen for a quieter urban shopping experience. If local products are of interest, it’s worth paying attention to the Varvakeios Agora market.

In Thessaloniki, popular spots include Tsimiski Street, the area around Aristotelous Square, and Mediterranean Cosmos. This is a convenient option for those combining city travel with shopping for clothing, cosmetics, and Greek goods. On the islands, shopping is usually less extensive, but it’s easier to find local ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and products from small producers.

Seasonal sale periods in Greece usually attract more buyers, especially in large cities, but it’s advisable to check specific dates before traveling. Tourists purchasing branded items may sometimes find it useful to inquire about tax refund possibilities according to applicable rules. For everyday shopping and gastronomy, it often makes more sense to opt for non-touristy shops in the center, as well as supermarkets, local delicatessens, and markets.

What Souvenirs to Buy in Greece

The most practical gastronomic souvenirs from Greece are olive oil, olives, honey, oregano, mountain herbs, vacuum-packed feta, and sweets like loukoum or halva. Such purchases are convenient to make not only in souvenir shops but also in grocery stores or specialized shops where the product's origin is clearer. Among beverages, it’s common to bring back ouzo, tsipouro, mastic, or Greek wine from Santorini, Crete, or the Peloponnese.

In cosmetics, tourists often choose products based on olive oil, handmade soap, and care products with natural components. This is a convenient gift option that doesn’t take up much space in luggage. Just make sure to check the composition and packaging if it’s planned to be transported in hand luggage.

For home and memories of the trip, people often buy ceramics, small icons, linen or cotton textiles, jewelry in ancient styles, and products from local artisans. On the islands and in the old quarters of cities, one can find more unique items than in standard tourist spots. If quality is important, it’s better to buy fewer items but from workshops or specialized stores.

Holidays in Greece

The most important period for the internal life of the country is Orthodox Easter, which is celebrated very actively in Greece. During this time, services, processions, and family gatherings take place in cities and on islands, and in popular accommodations, demand may noticeably increase. For tourists, this is an interesting cultural experience, but reservations should be made in advance.

In Athens, the Athens Epidaurus Festival attracts significant attention in summer, related to theater, music, and performances in well-known venues, including the ancient theater of Epidaurus. This is a great reason to add a cultural day or two to a beach trip. In Thessaloniki, the international film festival is often highlighted in autumn, making the city livelier and affecting hotel occupancy in the center.

On the islands, local religious and gastronomic festivals take place throughout the year, but it’s better for tourists to focus on large and established events. In August, when many Greeks travel within the country, popular resorts and ferry routes are often busier. If the trip coincides with public holidays, transport and accommodation should be booked without delay.

New Year in Greece

A New Year trip to Greece is more suitable for an urban format than for a beach holiday. In December and early January, tourists usually choose Athens, Thessaloniki, or short routes through the mainland, where they can combine walks, museums, Christmas lights, and restaurants. The weather during this time is generally cool, occasionally rainy, and many seasonal hotels and establishments on the islands may operate on a limited basis.

For the New Year period, it's important to book hotels in city centers and tickets for convenient flights in advance. The festive atmosphere is more noticeable in large cities, where markets operate, squares are decorated, and concerts are held. If you want a winter Greece without an emphasis on the sea, mountainous regions and traditional villages on the mainland can also be considered.

Healthcare in Greece

Medical assistance in Greece is generally available in cities and tourist areas, but travelers should definitely have insurance. On the islands and in small resort areas, facilities may be more modest than in Athens or Thessaloniki, so a policy covering basic risks is practically essential. Before departure, it is also advisable to check insurance conditions regarding active leisure if hikes, diving, or vehicle rentals are planned.

In summer, the main everyday risks are not associated with exoticism but with heat, sun, and dehydration. At beach resorts, it’s important to have sunscreen, a hat, a basic first aid kit, and to be attentive to water intake, especially during excursions. If there are personal medications, it’s better to take them with a supply and in their original packaging.

Customs Rules in Greece

General customs rules of the European Union apply for entering Greece, but specific conditions regarding currency, medications, alcohol, tobacco, technology, and purchases may vary. Personal belongings for travel usually do not raise questions if they correspond to private use. If a tourist carries prescription medications, expensive purchases, or specific equipment, it’s better to check the rules before departure.

Particular attention should be paid to the transportation of products, liquids, alcohol, and goods in large quantities. The same applies to souvenirs of natural origin and items that may fall under specific restrictions. Before traveling to Greece, it is best to verify current requirements from the airline, airport, and official customs services.

Visa Regime for Ukrainians

Greece is part of the Schengen zone, so Ukrainian citizens can usually travel without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days with a biometric passport. At the same time, it’s essential to check the current entry rules before the trip, as they may change, and clarify the requirements for confirming the purpose of travel, accommodation bookings, return tickets, and financial means.

If a longer stay, study, work, or another non-tourist format of travel is planned, the conditions will be different. It’s also worth separately verifying the rules for children, traveling with one parent, and transit routes. Before booking a tour or an independent trip, it’s better to double-check the information with official sources.

Tours to Greece

Tours to Greece can be conveniently selected for specific vacation scenarios rather than just destinations. For families with children, Crete, Rhodes, and Halkidiki are often more suitable, where it’s easier to find resorts with comfortable sea access and more predictable infrastructure. For a romantic trip, Santorini is usually considered, for a greener island — Corfu, and for a combined vacation with excursions — Athens plus an island or a mainland resort.

When booking, it’s important to consider not only the season but also logistics. If a long beach holiday is required, it’s better to choose destinations where there are enough interesting locations near the hotel or convenient car rental. If the main goal is the sea and tranquility, it’s not always necessary to stay in the busiest city on the island; if walks, taverns, and evening activities are needed, central resort areas may be more convenient.

At Farvater Travel, you can find tours to Greece for various formats: beach, family, romantic, excursion, with early booking or for closer dates if flexible options are important. Before choosing, it’s helpful to determine what is a priority for your trip: sandy beaches, island format, historical cities, a specific region, or hotel type. This approach helps to choose a vacation in Greece more precisely and without unnecessary compromises.