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Your travel guide to Greece – more than 25 islands, travel ideas and travel providers
Greece is the cradle of Western civilisation, democracy and philosophy – but it is also one of the Mediterranean’s most beloved travel destinations, with over 6,000 islands (227 of them inhabited), crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages and a food culture recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible heritage. From Santorini’s romantic sunsets to Athens’ magnificent Acropolis, from Crete’s Minoan palaces to Mykonos’ lively nightlife – Greece has something for every traveller.
More than 25 million tourists visit Greece every year, including a host of happy Danes in search of sun, beaches, history and the Greek “philoxenia” (hospitality). With over 300 days of sunshine a year in many regions, a simple and healthy cuisine built on olive oil, fish and vegetables, and good-value holiday options, Greece is the perfect destination for couples, families and adventurers alike. It certainly calls for a travel guide to Greece:
📄 Trip facts for travelling to Greece
- Location: South-eastern Europe — the mainland, the Peloponnese peninsula and over 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of them inhabited
- Capital: Athens
- Language: Greek — English is widely spoken, including on the smaller islands
- Currency: euro (EUR)
- Best season: May-June and September-October bring the same warm seas as midsummer, at lower prices. July-August is high season
- Recommended length of stay: 3-5 nights per island — fewer islands, more nights
- Price level: moderate, and noticeably lower than Spain and Italy. Dinner at a taverna €10-15
- ✈️ Departing from: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) — direct flights to Athens year-round, and in season to Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Corfu and Zakynthos
💡 Traveltalk tip
The ferry is not just transport, it is a decision. Island-hopping sounds easy and eats up days: a crossing typically takes half a day once you factor in the port, waiting time and check-in at the other end, so three islands in a week ends up being mostly harbours. Stay three to five nights per island. Routes such as Paros-Naxos-Ios or Milos-Sifnos-Serifos work well because the distances between them are short — and in high season the fast ferries should be booked in advance, as they sell out.
Insider tip: the famous islands are famous for a reason, but the three that most often surprise are Milos with its volcanic beaches, Folegandros, which remains unspoilt and dramatic, and Pelion on the mainland, where mountain villages overlook the sea and almost no Danes ever go.
🤝 Travel partner — the spot is available. This is where we recommend travel partners: Who can provide the trip or simply accommodation/transport? Do you arrange trips to Greece? The spot could be yours — write to us at hello@leisuretalk.net.
Contents
- Why travel to Greece?
- The Greek islands
- Athens and the mainland
- History and ancient ruins
- Beaches and coastal life
- Greek food and wine
- Practical information
Why travel to Greece?
Greece combines the best of several worlds: a Mediterranean climate with a guarantee of sunshine, one of the world’s most important historical legacies, outstanding food, friendly people and prices that remain very reasonable compared with the rest of southern Europe.
The cradle of European civilisation
Greece laid the foundations of Western civilisation. Democracy, philosophy, mathematics, theatre, the Olympic Games — all invented or perfected by the Greeks. The name “Europe” is itself Greek and comes from the Phoenician princess Europa, who according to myth was abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull.
Visiting Greece means walking through living history. The Acropolis in Athens, the Oracle of Delphi, the stadium of Olympia, the Palace of Knossos on Crete — these sites are not merely ruins, they are the foundations of our modern world.
Climate and weather
Greece enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate:
- Summer (June-September): Hot and dry, 28-35 degrees, perfect for beach holidays
- Spring (March-May): Mild, 18-25 degrees, ideal for sightseeing and walking
- Autumn (September-November): Still warm, 20-28 degrees, the sea is at its warmest
- Winter (December–February): Cool in Athens (10–15 degrees), but mild on the southern islands
Most Greek islands enjoy over 300 sunny days a year, which makes Greece one of Europe’s most sun-reliable destinations.
Economy and prices
Some years after the economic crisis, Greece has re-established itself as a stable tourist destination. Prices remain attractive: a dinner at a local taverna costs 10–15 euros, and you can find charming hotels from 50–100 euros a night. Greece offers remarkable value for money.
The Greek islands: from Santorini to Crete
The Greek islands are the heart of Greek tourism. With over 6,000 islands spread across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, there is an island for every taste.
The Cyclades – iconic white villages
Santorini – the most romantic island
Santorini is perhaps the most photographed island in the world, with its white houses, blue domes and spectacular sunsets over the caldera. The island was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, which left the crescent-shaped caldera we see today.
What to experience on Santorini?
- Oia: The most photogenic town in Greece – come for sunset
- Fira: The main town with shopping, restaurants and a cable car ride
- Caldera boat trip: Sail into the volcanic crater and visit the hot springs
- Wine tasting: Santorini has some of the world’s oldest vineyards – the Assyrtiko grape is exceptional
- Beaches: Red (Red Beach), black (Kamari, Perissa) and white (White Beach) volcanic beaches
- Akrotiri: A Minoan town buried by a volcanic eruption – the “Atlantis”?
Santorini is ideal for honeymooners and couples, but it is also popular with travellers of all kinds. Expect prices at the higher end – Santorini is not a budget destination.
Mykonos – glamour and partying
Mykonos is Greece’s most glamorous island – known for luxury hotels, designer boutiques, world-famous DJs and spectacular nightlife. But Mykonos is also extraordinarily beautiful, with its white cube houses, winding lanes and iconic windmills.
Mykonos highlights:
- Mykonos Town (Chora): A maze of white lanes, perfect for wandering
- Little Venice: Houses built right over the sea – a romantic sunset
- The Five Windmills: Mykonos’ symbol
- Paradise Beach & Super Paradise: Party beaches with beach clubs and DJs
- Delos: UNESCO World Heritage Site – Apollo’s sacred island, a boat trip away
- Psarou Beach: A jet-set beach with luxurious beach clubs
Mykonos attracts LGBT+ travellers (the island is extremely liberal and welcoming) as well as the jet set from around the world. Expect high prices, especially in high season.
Ios – the party island
Ios is the most festive island in the Cyclades, with a younger crowd, but also fantastic beaches and authentic Greek charm in Chora. Homer is reputedly buried here.
Other Cycladic islands
- Paros: Relaxed, authentic, beautiful beaches – a perfect stopover
- Naxos: The largest and greenest of the Cyclades – family-friendly
- Milos: Geological wonders and secluded bays
- Folegandros: Quiet, authentic, dramatic cliffs
Crete – Greece’s largest island
Crete is Greece’s largest and most varied island – you can ski in the White Mountains in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon. Crete has it all: Minoan palaces, Venetian towns, beautiful beaches, mountains, gorges and a proud, independent culture.
Crete’s highlights
- Palace of Knossos: The capital of the Minoans (Europe’s first civilisation) – 3,500 years old
- Chania: A Venetian harbour town – perhaps Crete’s most beautiful town
- Rethymno: A medieval town with a Venetian fortress
- Heraklion: The capital, with an outstanding archaeological museum
- Samaria Gorge: A 16 km hike through Europe’s longest gorge
- Elafonissi: Pink sand beach – one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean
- Balos Lagoon: Caribbean-like waters in Greece
Crete has the longest summer in Europe and is perfect for families, couples and adventurers. The island is so large that you can easily spend two to three weeks here.
The Dodecanese – the sun closest to Turkey
Rhodes – a medieval gem
Rhodes combines stunning beaches with one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean (UNESCO World Heritage). The old town of Rhodes City is surrounded by impressive fortification walls built by the Knights Hospitaller.
Must-see on Rhodes:
- Rhodes Old Town: A medieval town with cobbled streets and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
- Lindos: A beautiful white village with an acropolis on a clifftop
- Prasonisi Beach: A windsurfing paradise
- Valley of the Butterflies: Thousands of butterflies (June to September)
Kos – the island of Hippocrates
Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates (the father of medicine) and a laid-back, green island with excellent cycle paths, long sandy beaches and good taverna food.
The Ionian Islands – Greece’s green side
Corfu – Venetian elegance
Corfu (Kerkyra) is lusher than the arid Cyclades and Dodecanese islands thanks to more rainfall. The island has Venetian, French and British heritage, giving it a unique cultural blend.
Zakynthos – Navagio Beach
Zakynthos is home to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) – one of the world’s most photographed beaches, with a stranded shipwreck on white sand surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Other notable islands
- Samos: A green island close to Turkey, known for its sweet Muscat wine
- Lesbos: Greece’s third-largest island, home to ouzo production and the history of Sappho
- Thassos: The northernmost island, green and mountainous
Athens and mainland Greece
Athens – the world’s oldest capital
Athens is 3,400 years old and has been continuously inhabited ever since. The city is the birthplace of democracy and home to some of the world’s most important historical monuments. Modern Athens is a vibrant metropolis of 3.7 million people, with excellent museums, fantastic food and a surprisingly lively nightlife scene.
Athens’ top attractions
- Acropolis: Greece’s most iconic monument, with the Parthenon temple (432 BC)
- Acropolis Museum: A world-class museum of Parthenon sculptures
- Ancient Agora: Athens’ marketplace and political centre in antiquity
- Plaka: A charming old quarter with tavernas and shops
- Syntagma Square: The parliament and the changing of the guard in front of the Unknown Soldier
- National Archaeological Museum: The finest collection of ancient Greek antiquities in the world
- Lycabettus Hill: Panoramic views over Athens
- Monastiraki Flea Market: Shopping and street life
Mainland gems
Delphi – Apollo’s oracle
Delphi was the spiritual centre of the ancient world, where the Pythia (the priestess) delivered Apollo’s prophecies. Its setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus is spectacular. UNESCO World Heritage.
Meteora – monasteries in the clouds
Meteora is one of Greece’s most extraordinary sights: Byzantine monasteries built on top of massive sandstone formations rising 400 metres above the plain. Six monasteries are still active and can be visited. UNESCO World Heritage.
Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games
Olympia was the home of the ancient Olympic Games (from 776 BC to AD 393). You can visit the original stadium, the Temple of Zeus and the archaeological museum.
Other mainland destinations
- Epidaurus: An ancient theatre with perfect acoustics (14,000 seats, still in use)
- Mycenae: Bronze Age civilisation, Lion Gate
- Nafplio: A lovely harbour town, Greece’s first capital
- Pelion: A mountainous peninsula with charming villages
- Thessaloniki: Greece’s second city, cosmopolitan and cultured
Greek History and Ancient Marvels
Greece has the richest concentration of historic monuments of any country in the world, per square kilometre. Travelling through Greece means walking through 5,000 years of history.
Minoan Civilisation (c. 2700-1450 BC)
Europe’s first advanced civilisation flourished on Crete. The Palace of Knossos, with its famous frescoes and the myth of the Minotaur, represents this period.
Mycenaean Period (c. 1600-1100 BC)
The Mycenaeans on the mainland built fortresses such as Mycenae and Tiryns. The Trojan War and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey date from this era.
Classical Period (480-323 BC)
Greece’s golden age: democracy, philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), theatre (Sophocles, Euripides), architecture (the Parthenon). Athens was the cultural leader, Sparta the military power.
Hellenistic Period (323-31 BC)
Alexander the Great spread Greek culture to Egypt, Persia and India. Greek became the lingua franca of the known world.
Roman and Byzantine Period
Greece became part of the Roman Empire (146 BC) and later the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD). Christianity became the dominant religion.
Ottoman Rule (1453-1821)
Four hundred years under Turkish rule shaped modern Greek identity and the struggle for freedom.
Modern Greece (1821-)
Greece won independence in 1821, restored democracy, and has been an EU member since 1981.
Greek Beaches: From Pink to Black Sand
With 13,676 kilometres of coastline, Greece has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Caribbean-like lagoons to volcanic black sand shores, the variety is enormous.
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Greece
Navagio Beach (Zakynthos)
The wreck is the cargo ship Panagiotis, which ran aground in 1980. The cove is enclosed by 200-metre-high cliffs and can only be reached by boat — typically from Porto Vromi (around 30 min) or Agios Nikolaos (around an hour). The viewing platform on the cliff is a completely separate drive, so if you want to see the beach both from below and from above, set aside a full day.
What you should know: there is no shade, water or facilities on the beach, and the cove has been closed at times following rockfalls. Take the earliest boat — from around midday the boats get crowded.
Elafonissi (Crete)
The pink hue comes from crushed shell fragments mixed into the sand, and the water is so shallow and warm that you can wade a long way out. This makes Elafonissi Crete’s most child-friendly beach.
What you should know: the beach lies about 75 km south-west of Chania along winding mountain roads — allow an hour and a half’s drive each way. The area is a protected nature reserve, so the sand must not be taken home. Between 11am and 4pm in high season it is crowded; arrive early or late.
Balos Lagoon (Crete)
A shallow lagoon at the north-western tip of Crete, with views of the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa. The colours are closer to the Caribbean than the Mediterranean.
What you should know: there are two ways to get there. The boat trip from Kissamos (around an hour) is the easy option and often includes a stop at the fortress. The alternative is 8 km of gravel road followed by a 20-minute walk down — and the same way back up in the afternoon heat, which is the part people underestimate. The wind picks up in the afternoon.
Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia)
The white limestone cove with its almost unreal blue water is Kefalonia’s landmark, and the view from the road above is the picture most people know.
What you should know: the way down is a steep hairpin road — manageable in an ordinary car, but not comfortable for nervous drivers. The beach is pebbles, not sand, and the seabed drops away sharply a few metres from the edge. Wonderful for confident adult swimmers, less suitable for small children.
Red Beach (Santorini)
Rust-red volcanic cliffs drop straight into the water at Akrotiri on Santorini’s southern tip — the landscape is more dramatic than any other beach on the island.
What you should know: from the car park it is a ten-minute walk over loose rock, and there have been rockfalls, so access is discouraged at times. The seabed is coarse stones and there is no shade. The most relaxed way to arrive is by boat from Akrotiri, which also takes you past White Beach.
Paradise & Super Paradise (Mykonos)
Mykonos’ two party bays lie side by side. Paradise runs a beach club and DJs from late afternoon, while Super Paradise is calmer by day and wilder in the evening — historically the island’s most LGBT+-friendly beach and still one of Greece’s most open places.
What you should know: the bus from Mykonos Town takes around 20 minutes, and there is a water taxi from Platis Gialos. Two sunbeds with a parasol typically cost 40–80 EUR in high season in the best rows — if you just want to swim, there is free beach at both ends.
Mylopotas (Ios)
A sandy bay of almost two kilometres stretching below Chora, and the beach that turned Ios into a backpacker classic. Watersports, bars and a young crowd in the middle.
What you need to know: the bus from Chora runs every 20 minutes in season, and the journey takes just a few minutes. The northern end is noticeably calmer than the middle — if you want a family beach rather than the party scene, it’s just a five-minute walk to the left.
Types of beach in Greece
- Sandy beaches: Naxos, Rhodes, Kos, Zakynthos
- Volcanic beaches: Santorini (black, red), Milos
- Pebble beaches: Many beaches on Rhodes and Kos
- Lagoon: Balos, Voidokilia
- Naturist: Paradise (Mykonos), Elia (Mykonos), Banana Beach (Skiathos)
Greek food and wine: the healthiest cuisine in the Mediterranean
Greek Mediterranean cooking is a UNESCO World Heritage tradition and is regarded as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, thanks to olive oil, fresh fish, vegetables and modest amounts of meat.
Greek dishes you have to try
Classics
- Moussaka: Baked layers of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel sauce
- Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers — Greece’s number one fast food
- Gyros: Rotisserie-cooked meat in pitta bread
- Tzatziki: Yoghurt with cucumber, garlic and olive oil
- Greek salad (horiatiki): Tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, feta — no lettuce!
- Dolmades: Stuffed vine leaves
- Spanakopita: Spinach pie made with filo pastry
- Saganaki: Fried cheese — “Opa!”
Fish and seafood
- Octopus (oktapodi): Grilled or marinated octopus
- Garides: Prawns prepared in various ways
- Kalamari: Fried squid
- Fagri: Sea bream — often grilled
Desserts
- Baklava: Filo pastry with nuts and honey
- Loukoumades: Fried honey balls
- Galaktoboureko: Custard dessert wrapped in filo
- Yoghurt with honey and walnuts: Simple and delicious
Greek wine
Greece has a winemaking tradition stretching back 4,000 years and produces remarkable wines from distinctive grape varieties:
White wines
- Assyrtiko (Santorini): Mineral and spicy, able to withstand the island’s heat
- Moschofilero: Aromatic, rosé-style white from the Peloponnese
- Robola (Kefalonia): Fresh and citrusy
- Malagousia: A modern Greek grape success story
Red wines
- Xinomavro: “Greece’s Nebbiolo” — powerful and capable of ageing
- Agiorgitiko: Soft and fruity from Nemea
- Mavrodaphne: Sweet fortified wine
Specialities
- Retsina: White wine flavoured with pine resin (an acquired taste!)
- Ouzo: Aniseed spirit — the national drink
- Mastiha: Liqueur made from mastic tree resin on Chios
- Metaxa: Greek brandy-style spirit
Taverna culture
Eating at a Greek taverna is an experience in itself. Order lots of small dishes (mezze) to share, drink local wine or ouzo, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. “Siga siga” (slowly, slowly) is the Greek way of life.
Practical information about Greece
When should you travel?
Best time overall: May–June and September–October — perfect weather, fewer tourists, lower prices.
Peak season (July–August): Hot (30–38 degrees), expensive and crowded — but sunshine and warm sea are guaranteed.
Spring (March-May): Blossoming landscapes, perfect for hiking and culture, but cooler water.
Winter (November-February): Athens and the cities are mild, while islands may be closed. Skiing in the mountains!
Language
Greek is the official language, with its own alphabet. English is spoken in most tourist areas. Learn a few basic phrases:
- Kalimera: Good morning
- Efharisto: Thank you
- Parakalo: Please / You’re welcome
- Yamas: Cheers!
- Signomi: Excuse me
Currency and prices
Greece uses the euro. Prices are generally lower than in Northern Europe:
- Budget meal: 8-12 euros
- Mid-range dinner: 15-25 euros
- Budget hotel: 40-60 euros/night
- Mid-range hotel: 80-150 euros/night
- Coffee: 2-4 euros
Culture and traditions
- Siesta: Many shops close 14-17 – use the time to hit the beach!
- Dinner time: Greeks eat late – 21-22 is normal
- Sundays: Family day, many shops closed
- Church etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting monasteries
- Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis
Safety
Greece is very safe for tourists. Ordinary common sense applies. Watch out for pickpockets in Athens and tourist areas.
All Our Greece Articles A-Z
Explore our extensive collection of travel guides and articles about Greece:
🏝️ Greek Islands
- Greek Islands – Complete Overview from Crete to Santorini
- Santorini – The Most Romantic Island in Greece
- Ios – The Party Island with Fantastic Beaches
- Crete with TUI – Greece’s Largest Island
- Mykonos – Glamour, Parties and White Villages
- Rhodes – Medieval Gem with Beaches
- Kos – The Island of Hippocrates
- Corfu – Venetian Elegance
- Zakynthos – Navagio Beach and Blue Caves
- Paros – The Authentic Pearl
- Naxos – Family-Friendly and Green
- Milos – A Geological Wonder
🏛️ Athens and the Mainland
- Athens – The World’s Oldest Capital and the Acropolis (coming soon)
- Delphi – Apollo’s Oracle (coming soon)
- Meteora – Monasteries in the Clouds (coming soon)
- Olympia – Birthplace of the Olympic Games (coming soon)
- Peloponnese – Antiquity and Nature (coming soon)
- Thessaloniki – Greece’s Second City (coming soon)
📚 Guides and Inspiration
- Greece as a Travel Destination – Complete Guide
- Holiday Home Investment in Greece
- Greek Food Guide – From Moussaka to Baklava
- Greek Wines – From Assyrtiko to Xinomavro (coming soon)
- Best Beaches in Greece – Top 20 (coming soon)
- Island Hopping Guide – Plan Your Route (coming soon)
- Budget Greece – Cheap Travel Tips (coming soon)
🏨 Travel agencies for Greece
- Find your travel agency for Greece
- TUI
- Spies
- Apollo Rejser
Planning a trip to Greece? Start with our guide to the Greek islands, read about romantic Santorini or lively Ios. Whether you are looking for history in Athens, beaches on Crete or wine on Santorini – we have the guide that suits your trip.
Related destinations
- Italy – the other pearl of the Mediterranean
- Spain – sun, beaches and culture
- France – Provence and the Riviera
- Croatia – the Adriatic Sea
FAQ – Travelling to Greece’s major sights
1. When is the best time to travel to Greece?
May–June and September–October are ideal for sunny holidays, swimming and sightseeing. July–August is peak season, with intense heat and more tourists.
2. Which Greek islands are best for first-time visitors?
Santorini for romance, Naxos and Paros for beaches and food, Crete for variety, Kos and Rhodes for families.
3. Is Greece expensive?
Generally cheaper than Spain and Italy. A dinner typically costs €10–15, and hotels are available at every price level.
4. How do you get around between the islands?
The ferry network is very efficient, especially in the Cyclades. There are also domestic flights between the larger islands.
5. Can you drink the water in Greece?
In Athens and the larger cities, often yes. On many islands bottled water is recommended.
6. Is Greece a safe destination?
Yes, Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. Use ordinary common sense in the big cities.
7. Which islands are best for families with children?
Crete, Naxos, Paros, Kos and Zakynthos offer shallow beaches and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
8. How much time should you set aside for island hopping?
At least 7–10 days. Many people choose 3 nights per island.
Map of Greece
Travel inspiration for Greece
Our other sites – Travel around the world, wine shop from the winegrower to you and “everything about wine”, about world sports such as tennis, golf, football.
Practical travel information for Greece
🛂 Visas and entry
- Visa: no visa for Danish citizens — Greece is an EU country in the Schengen area. Enter on a valid passport or national ID card.
- No border control within Schengen when arriving from Denmark.
💰 Currency and money
- Currency: euro (EUR).
- Cards vs. cash: cards are accepted in towns and hotels; carry cash for tavernas, taxis and the smaller islands.
- Tipping: round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants.
🚗 Transport, time and practical matters
- Flight time from Denmark: approx. 3–3.5 hours (direct flights to the mainland and several islands in summer).
- Getting around: ferries link the islands; domestic flights serve the more remote islands.
- Time zone: +1 hour compared with Denmark.
- Language: Greek; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Electricity: plug types C/F — as in Denmark.
- Tap water: drinkable on the mainland and in Athens; on many islands bottled water is recommended.