Greece is a sun-drenched blend of ancient history, crystal-clear seas, and whitewashed villages that look like they’ve fallen straight out of a postcard. From the myth-filled ruins of Athens to the chic cliffside sunsets in Santorini, Greece offers a little bit of magic for everyone. Whether you’re into archaeology, island-hopping, or just feasting on feta and olives by the beach – this is your place.
Only around 4 hours from the UK, Greece is well within reach for a week-long escape or even a spontaneous island getaway. While it can be busy (and pricey) in peak summer, there are always budget-friendly gems to uncover, especially if you explore beyond the tourist hotspots.
Greece is perfect for solo travellers, couples, groups of friends, and families alike. Whether you’re soaking in volcanic hot springs, wandering ancient temples, or dancing barefoot in the sand to bouzouki music – Greece will have you booking your return trip before you’ve even left.
Just a heads up – some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). I only ever recommend things I’ve genuinely tried and loved!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
Athens – The beating heart of ancient Greece, filled with ruins, rooftop bars, and a buzzing food scene.
Santorini – Famous for its blue domes, volcanic beaches, and Instagram-worthy sunsets.
Mykonos – The party island with designer boutiques and beach clubs by day, all-out dancing by night.
Crete – A large and diverse island with beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological treasures.
Thessaloniki – Greece’s second city, with a youthful vibe, Byzantine churches, and a killer waterfront promenade.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June) – Warm weather, wildflowers, fewer crowds – perfect for exploring and hiking.
Summer (July–August) – Peak beach season and party vibes, but expect heat and crowds.
Autumn (September–October) – Still warm, quieter, and ideal for island-hopping.
Winter (November–March) – Quiet and cooler, better for cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Credit/debit cards widely accepted, but keep some cash handy for smaller towns and ferries.
Eat at local tavernas, travel between islands by ferry, and stay in guesthouses or Airbnbs.
Island prices (especially Santorini & Mykonos) are higher – book in advance or travel in shoulder season for better deals.
🧳Good For:
- Island-hoppers and beach lovers
- History buffs and mythology fans
- Foodies and wine lovers
- Romantics (hello, sunset dinners)
- Adventure seekers (think hikes, snorkelling, boat trips)
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
- Moussaka – Layers of aubergine, meat, and creamy béchamel.
- Souvlaki – Grilled meat skewers, often served in pita with tzatziki.
- Greek Salad – Tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, feta – always better in Greece.
- Gyros – Greece’s answer to the kebab, wrapped and delicious.
- Loukoumades – Greek doughnuts, often drizzled with honey and nuts.
✈️ How to Get There
- Major Airports: Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG), Heraklion (HER), Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK)
- Direct flights from most UK cities, especially during summer.
- Ferries and domestic flights connect the mainland and islands easily.
🚍 Getting Around:
- Mainland: Buses are reliable and affordable between towns and cities.
- Islands: Ferries (e.g. Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets) are the classic way to hop around.
- Local transport: Taxis, buses, and scooter or quad rentals are common.
- Driving: Hiring a car is a great option for exploring Crete or the Peloponnese.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
- Language: Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated, especially in restaurants.
- Etiquette: Greeks are warm and hospitable. A smile goes a long way, and always greet with a friendly “Yasou!”
My Greek Highlights
Greece, to me, makes me think of warm Mediterranean sun, great culture, and good vibes all round. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind – with crystal-clear waters, delicious food at every turn, and a rich history that seeps into every little corner.
I’ve had the chance to visit both Halkidiki and Crete, and they absolutely delivered on those “pinch me” holiday moments.
Halkidiki is pure beach bliss – think turquoise waters, soft sand, and that laid-back Greek energy that just melts your stress away. The beaches here are next level, and the food? I’m still dreaming about the seafood and salty feta salads. Evenings were spent in traditional tavernas with plate-smashing fun (yes, actual smashing) and live music – it’s everything you’d hope a Greek night out would be.
Crete, on the other hand, offered a perfect mix of old-world charm and easy adventure. I based myself in Chania, which has a beautiful old town full of pastel buildings, boutique shops, and cobbled streets that are made for wandering. I’d highly recommend the local walking tour to really get to know the history and let’s be honest, it helps justify all the gyros.
Hiring a car here is a game-changer – it gives you the freedom to explore those hidden beaches and tiny villages. One of my favourite day trips was to Chrissi Island, a little slice of paradise just off the coast. Golden sand, clear water, no stress – it’s what Greek dreams are made of. There’s also Elafonisi Beach, famous for its pink coral sand and crystal-clear waters.
Next time, I’d love to go back and do a proper island-hopping adventure – there’s just something magical about waking up in a new seaside town every few days, sipping wine and eating olives like a local. Greece really knows how to spoil you.
You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in Greece below – from Acropolis tours to boat cruises in the Aegean.
👉 Find things to do and secure your spot with trusted local providers.
💡 As a GetYourGuide affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you book through my links. This will be at no extra cost to you. These bookings help support my blog and continue to grow my travel business.
Ready to Plan?
if you’re dreaming of exploring Greece’s beauty or need help planning your itinerary, I’d love to help! Request a Quote and let’s start planning your perfect getaway.
