Key Takeaways

• One of the most useful Greece travel tips is to plan your itinerary in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you can visit the places you’re interested in and secure accommodations.
• The peak tourist season is from June to August, when temperatures are high, while spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
• While credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns or when visiting local markets.
• It’s always wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings.

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There is no denying the magnificence of Greece. The warm climate, exotic islands, endless beaches, and sprightly spirit cannot be compared. This is why Greece is a popular choice for travelers. Regardless of its popularity, there are things to know before you book your trip.

From sinkhole warnings to plenty of sunshine, get the inside scoop on traveling to Greece here by reading below our Greece travel tips: 15 things to know before traveling to Greece.  

Tip no.1 for traveling to Greece: Pack your sunscreen!

Everyone lusts after a golden summer tan. In order to achieve it, however, it takes some finessing. Surviving the blazing summer sun of Greece is easier said than done. You may think that exposing yourself as much as humanly possible to the sun will help you achieve the dream of being a bronze goddess/god, but this is not exactly right. 

In order to save yourselves from 3rd-degree burns, you have to make your no.1 priority to lather yourself with plenty of sunscreen. We highly recommend you start off with an SPF of 50 and work your way down to an SPF30 or SPF20 as the days go by and you’ve got some color on you.

If you skip sunscreen or use low SPF sunscreen, all you’re going to achieve is a raging burn -that is unless you visit Greece in February. You will turn the color of lobster red and have skin peeling off of you for days. With tanning, as with anything, you need to be patient and trust the process!  

Be Sure To Plan Ahead

There is a Greek saying that goes ‘a good man cooks before he gets hungry’. In other words, planning ahead is the key to a successful trip. And since we’re experts on planning, here is what we suggest you do:

Before rushing to a single destination, write down two – three or more destinations that you think fit your travel goal and start studying. With all the Greek islands and cities and villages, you’ll have a rather hard time deciding where you want to go.

For better or worse, your final decision will be judged by finding accommodation. Do a quick internet search and find accommodations or trust your trips on the hand of experts and check out our recommendations here.

It is important in the organization of your trip to find the accommodation that suits your budget but also to pay attention to the area where it is located. You want to explore the place, but not exhaust yourself going from one place to another.

Do the same with the tickets. Check all the companies to get an idea of ​​the prices, the itineraries, and the duration of the trip. Do research on the sights, beaches, museums and parks you want to visit, but also the most special beauties of each place, as well as the activities and excursions that you can do there.

What’s most, list the restaurants and cafes based on the reviews, so that you can decide when you see them up close, what is best for you. 

Greece Has Amazing Ancient Ruins

Counting thousands of years of history, it is no wonder that Greece boasts some of the most fascinating ancient ruins in the world. The country’s fascinating archaeological sites will help you gain insight into the local culture. They will also make your itinerary a lot more interesting.

No matter where you decide to go, whether it is a Greek island or a region of the Greek mainland, chances are you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at thousand-year-old exhibits that will leave you in awe.

The Acropolis rock with the famous Parthenon in Athens, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, the archaeological site of Delphi, the archaeological site of Olympia in the Peloponnese, the archaeological site of Akrotiri in Santorini, the ancient royal city of Aiges in Macedonia, the island of Delos in the Cyclades, and the Knossos Palace in Crete are only some of the most fascinating Greek ruins.

Don’t leave the country without visiting at least a couple; you will be introduced to a world of ancient magic.  

No One Does Hospitality Like the Greeks

Since antiquity, the Greeks have the reputation of being one of the most hospitable populations in the world. The Greeks love the country’s visitors and try their hardest for them to feel welcomed. Their main goal is to make everyone fall in love with Greece the way they have.

For that reason, no matter what you need, all you have to do is ask a local for it. Whether it’s directions, recommendations, or useful tips and tricks, all you have to do is stop a passer-by and ask them anything you want. 

Not only will you receive the information you need, but also a great smile and probably an invitation for coffee or a drink. Greek people are loud -sometimes obnoxious- but most of all they are incredibly friendly. If you’re lucky you may make friends with the locals in a traditional tavern.

There, you will get to hear amazing stories accompanied by indigenous wine, ouzo, and small bites. It may sound like a dream scenario, in Greece; however, it is very much possible. 

The Greek Beaches are Gorgeous

And anybody who claims otherwise is flat-out lying. Endless sandy shores, turquoise water so clear you can see both your reflection and the bottom of the sea. The Greek beaches make Greece the paradise destination it is.

Despite popular belief, the Greek islands are not the only ones that boast incredible beaches. You can find wonderful waters enclosed by striking landscapes even on the mainland.

Some of the best beaches in Greece include Falasarna, Balos, and Elafonisi in Crete, Myrtos in Kefalonia, Mylopotas in Ios, Sarakiniko in Milos, Porto Katsiki in Lefkada, Plaka in Naxos, Navagio or ‘Shipwreck’ in Zakynthos, and Voidokilia in Messinia.

Whether you want serenity or day-long parties on the beach, in Greece, you’re bound to find it. Most of the aforementioned beaches are organized, offering you the opportunity to enjoy the service of the beach bars while sunbathing on your luxurious sun lounge.

But even those that are not organized will offer you seclusion and a relaxing ambiance you’ve never experienced before. 

Enjoy the Greek Cuisine and Wine!

Greece has gained worldwide recognition for its delicious and nutritious cuisine. Greek cuisine has a variety of dishes that satisfy foodies from around the world. For example, the well-known ‘souvlaki’ finds fans in all lengths and breadths of the earth. Homey recipes such as ‘pastitsio’ and ‘moussaka,’ ‘yemista’ and ‘papoutsakia,’ ‘dolmades,’ and ‘gigantes’ are some of the basic dishes that reveal the riches of Greek cuisine.

At the same time, fresh ingredients offer an endless journey of flavors. Fresh fish, seafood, seasonal fruits, and vegetables all offer rich flavors that evoke memories and create memories for a lifetime. These are complete experiences for all the senses and not just for taste. That is why so many travelers long to try Greek cuisine and always return to it.

Moreover, Greece is known across the world for its rich wine production since antiquity. With the island of Santorini and the region of Nemea in the Peloponnese having the leading role, there are incredible Greek wine varieties that will satisfy even the most demanding of wine lovers.

If you want to try as many local varieties as possible, accompanied by local delicacies that will tease your senses, a food tour or a wine-tasting tour in Greece is exactly what you’re looking for!

These tours will take you around the best eateries and bars in the country, which only the locals know about. Hidden from the curious eyes of the tourists, you will get to experience the authentic face of Greece away from the tourist traps. 

What to Pack for Greece?

Packing for your trip requires having decided the best time to visit Greece. The weather in Greece is one of its best characteristics, especially if we’re talking about the weather in Greece in March and the following months of spring, summer, and early fall. Regardless, summertime in Greece can prove to be too much for those who are not used to a warmer climate.

You can learn more about the heat of the summer months by reading about the weather in Greece in July.

In the dead of summer, the temperature can climb up to 40℃. As a result, packing with you your lightest clothes is the best idea. Additionally, try bringing breathable fabrics, such as cotton, as they will minimize sweating.

As much as you want to get half the wardrobe, because it is “necessary”, be content with the basics even if you’re preparing for the weather in Greece in May that is not as extreme as the summer months. Make a list of sets for each day, and at the end choose your most important and favorite. Don’t forget to bring as many swimsuits as you own, a couple of beach towels, and as much sunscreen as you can. Of course, even if you forget anything you can buy it in Greece. Regardless, coming prepared is always a good idea.