Greece
Ancient history and island light

About Greece

Overview

Greece is the cradle of Western civilization, where ancient wonders meet dazzling islands and turquoise seas. The Acropolis crowns Athens, while Santorini's caldera views, Meteora's cliff-top monasteries, and the ruins of Delphi and Olympia span millennia of history and myth. Whitewashed villages, sun-soaked beaches, and celebrated cuisine draw travelers year after year. Warm hospitality and a relaxed island pace complete the appeal.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Greece, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Acropolis of AthensThe ancient citadel crowned by the Parthenon, the enduring symbol of classical Greek civilization.
  • 2
    Oia, SantoriniA cliff-top village of whitewashed houses and blue domes famed for its spectacular caldera sunsets.
  • 3
    MeteoraDramatic Orthodox monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars in central Greece.
  • 4
    DelphiThe revered ancient sanctuary of Apollo, once considered the center of the world, set on Mount Parnassus.
  • 5
    Knossos, CreteThe largest Bronze Age Minoan palace complex, linked to the myth of the Minotaur's labyrinth.
  • 6
    Medieval City of RhodesA remarkably preserved walled medieval town built by the Knights of St. John on Rhodes island.
  • 7
    MykonosA cosmopolitan Cycladic island known for windmills, whitewashed lanes, beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
  • 8
    Ancient OlympiaThe archaeological site and birthplace of the Olympic Games, with temples and the original stadium.
Best time to travel

Late spring and early autumn balance warm weather with fewer crowds

The best times to visit Greece are late spring, in May and June, and early autumn, in September and October, when the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable, and crowds are thinner than midsummer. July and August are hot and very busy, especially on the popular islands. Winter is mild in Athens and the south but quiet on the islands, with many services reduced. Shoulder seasons offer the best balance of climate and value.

May–JuneWarm, sunny days, swimmable seas, and lighter crowds before peak season.
September–OctoberWarm early autumn with pleasant seas and fewer visitors.
July–AugustHot, busy peak season, ideal for beaches but crowded and pricier.
November–AprilCooler, quieter off-season; mild in Athens but limited island services.
Good to know

Greece at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelLate spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October)
CapitalAthens
LanguageGreek
CurrencyEuro (EUR); Greece has used the euro since 2001
Entry / visaUS citizens and many others can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules, with a passport valid at least three months beyond the planned stay
Getting aroundFerries and domestic flights connect the islands; Athens has a metro, and car hire suits the mainland and larger islands.
What to book

Best tours in Greece

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Classic & Cultural

Classic Greek Islands

The most-loved Greek route, Athens' ancient heart, Mykonos' beaches and Delos, and Santorini's caldera sunsets.

Classic & Cultural

Athens & Cyclades in Depth

A deeper Cycladic journey adding Naxos or Paros for a taste of island life beyond the headline names.

Classic & Cultural

Greece: History & Islands

Mainland antiquity and island bliss, Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora, then Mykonos, Santorini and Crete.

See all Greece programs
Why Greece

The specials

Island Hopping

Ferries link the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and beyond, letting travelers sample distinct islands from cosmopolitan Mykonos to dramatic Santorini.

Ancient Wonders

The Acropolis, Delphi, and Olympia bring classical mythology and history vividly to life across the mainland.

Santorini Sunsets

The caldera views from Oia's cliff-top village rank among the most romantic sights in the Mediterranean.

Questions about Greece?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Travel facts verified from Lonely Planet, best time to visit Greece, US Embassy in Greece, travel and entry information, European Commission, Greece and the euro. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.