Greece travel guide - The perennial favorite of beach holidays

Holiday destinations in Greece

Greece is located at the southern tip of the Balkans and on the thousands of islands that surround it. Three of the country's largest cities, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras, are situated on the Greek mainland in the Balkans.

Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, is located in the province of Macedonia. It’s a laid-back yet vibrant hub in northern Greece, blending art and history with the buzz of a university town. Thessaloniki has direct flight connections from many central European airports. South of Thessaloniki lies the Chalkidiki Peninsula, famous for its fine sandy beaches.

The holiday season in Athens stretches throughout the year, and its most famous sights are well-known, at least by name. Athens is typically seen as a city destination, but the Attica Riviera right in front of it offers fantastic beaches. Athens has the most frequent flight connections to the Greek islands.

Plaka - Athens - Greece — Plaka - Athens

The Ionian Sea Islands

The islands in the Ionian Sea, west of the Greek mainland, are also popular holiday destinations. Kefalonia enchants travelers with its breathtaking nature and relaxed atmosphere. The island offers crystal-clear, turquoise waters like those at Myrtos Beach, and green mountain landscapes that provide unforgettable views. Ancient ruins, cave lakes such as Melissani, and idyllic small villages make Kefalonia the perfect destination for those seeking peace and adventure.

Lefkas, like the other Ionian islands, is famous for its stunning beaches, such as Porto Katsiki and Egremni, which are considered some of the most beautiful in Greece. Although Lefkas is connected to the mainland by a bridge, it retains its laid-back island atmosphere.

Corfu is the northernmost of these islands. Corfu is close to Albania, and the Albanian destination of Saranda is a popular day trip from Corfu. Corfu is the second-largest island in Greece and offers many beautiful turquoise bays to enjoy a beach holiday. The best selection of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife can be found in the island's capital, Corfu Town, especially in the old town. Many believe that the best beaches in Greece are in Zakynthos, in the Ionian Sea. The beautiful island offers many natural areas that can be explored both on land and at sea. Hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and package holidays are concentrated in the southeastern and southern parts of the island. For peace and quiet, you can cycle or hike in the northern part of the island.

Paleokastritsa - Corfu Greece — Paleokastritsa - Corfu

Crete - An all-time favorite for package holidays

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and a week-long holiday is not enough to explore everything, as the island is 250 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide. The island capital, Heraklion, is the fourth-largest city in Greece and offers the best shopping on the island. Nearby are the historically significant ruins of the Palace of Knossos, dating back to around 1500 BC. Popular beach destinations on Crete include Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos. Santorini, located north of Crete, is famous for its sunsets. Santorini is a volcanic island that dramatically drops into the sea – it is perhaps the most picturesque of all Greek islands. The island's small, romantic villages are popular with couples and honeymooners. The island capital, Firá, is livelier with more parties. Santorini's lava sand beaches are not everyone's favorite.

Orthodox Cathedral - Chania - Crete - Greece — Orthodox Cathedral at Athinagora Square in Chania. *Photo: daliu - stock.adobe.com*

The Aegean Islands

Off the coast of Turkey are Samos, Kos, and Rhodes, which are popular holiday destinations for families. The largest of the islands is Rhodes, known as the sunniest island in Greece. Rhodes is a versatile destination, offering not only beautiful beaches but also historical attractions, such as the medieval old town of Rhodes or the Acropolis of Lindos. Rhodes also offers plenty of activities for families, from a water park to the Valley of the Butterflies.

Kos has also been a favorite among package holidaymakers for decades. The fine sandy beaches, turquoise sea, and diverse nature are the highlights of Kos. The south of the island, especially Kardamena, is popular with young people, and the nightlife is lively.

Lindos - Rhodes - Greece — Lindos - Rhodes

Weather

Athens and Thessaloniki in Continental Greece are suitable destinations all year round, although it does rain often during the wintertime. The best time to visit the Greek city destinations is between March and early May, as the hotel prices are still low and temperatures suitable for long walks. Seawater is still cool, however.

In May, temperatures rise above 20 °C. The end of May and June are well suited for a beach holiday all across Greece, although the busiest high season has not yet started. The period between July and August is the busiest time of the year in Greek islands, and that shows in the prices as well. Since the temperatures rise well above 30 °C, you might want to avoid Athens during that period. The beach season continues until mid-October or early November. Towards the end of November, the rain picks up and temperatures drop beyond a suitable beach weather.

Price Level in Greece

According to a study conducted by Eurostat in 2023, the prices for accommodation and restaurants in Greece are below the European average. There are significant differences in hotel prices between tourist seasons, so you can save money by traveling outside the high season, from June to August.

There are also considerable price differences between the various islands – the most expensive Greek islands are Mykonos and Santorini, while Lefkada and Crete are among the cheapest.

Safety

According to International SOS, the largest medical & travel security services provider in the world, the risks involved in traveling in Greece are low. Nonetheless, you should abide by general safety measures and pay attention to your valuables in the busy streets of the largest cities.

Earthquakes may occur in Greece, and if it does while you’re there, stay inside. During the hottest days in summer, there are wildfires in Greece. In case of wildfires, follow the instructions issued by the authorities.