Greece
Athens · EUR · Greek
Hub airports: ATH, SKG, HER, JTR, JMK · Suggested stay: 10–14 days
Greece is two trips in one — mainland archaeology and 200+ inhabited islands. Athens deserves 2–3 days, then island-hop. The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos) are the postcard; the Ionian (Corfu, Kefalonia) is greener; the Dodecanese (Rhodes) is closer to Turkey.
Sunset from Oia, Santorini — yes, it's worth the cliché.
Where to go
Best time to visit
Mid-May to mid-June and mid-September–October. July–August is hot (95°F), packed, and expensive — Santorini hotels run $600+/night and the caldera path is shoulder-to-shoulder. Many island restaurants and ferries shut down November through March.
Score combines weather, crowds, and price (1–5). See the full matrix across all countries.
US-citizen tips
Bring more cash than other EU countries — many island tavernas and small ferries don't take cards. ATMs at airports and city centers; avoid Euronet machines (worst rates). Tipping: round up at tavernas; 5–10% at upscale restaurants. Buy ferry tickets via Ferryhopper (best UI for the chaos).
Local etiquette
Greek hospitality (filoxenia) is real — you'll often get free tsipouro or fruit at the end of a meal. Eating before 21:00 is for tourists. Modesty matters in monasteries (covered shoulders, knees, no shorts).
Getting around
Ferries are the lifeblood — Blue Star (slow, cheap, big), SeaJets (fast, pricier). High-season delays are common. Rent ATVs/cars on islands but be aware insurance often won't cover gravel road damage.
Daily budget (USD)
Common pitfalls
- ⚠Donkey rides in Santorini — please don't (animal welfare).
- ⚠Ferries can cancel for wind ('meltemi'); never plan tight connections to your flight home.
- ⚠August is genuinely too hot for Acropolis daytime; go at 08:00 sharp.
🆘 Emergency reference
Works from any phone (locked, no SIM), free, multilingual operators, dispatches police/fire/medical.
US Consulate General in Thessaloniki for northern Greece.
Lost passport, arrested, hospitalized, victim of a crime → contact embassy first, then home insurer. After hours: the main line routes you to a duty officer.
🗣️ Essential phrases
Greek