- Visa-free entry for EU citizens and most Western passport holders under the Schengen Agreement — 90 days in 180
- Significantly cheaper than Italy, France, or Spain — especially outside Santorini and Mykonos, which are priced at Western European resort rates
- Ferry network connects Athens (Piraeus) to over 100 islands — buy tickets on ferryscanner.com or directly at the port
- July–August is peak season: hot (35–40°C), crowded, expensive; May–June and September–October offer the best balance
Greece delivers the full Mediterranean package — ancient ruins, whitewashed island villages, clear blue water, and a food culture built on olive oil, fresh seafood, and slow meals under a vine canopy. Athens is more than a transit stop to the islands: the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, and the neighbourhood of Monastiraki reward two or three days on their own. The islands are the real draw for most visitors: the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos), the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos), the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos), and the largely untouristed Northern Aegean each have a distinct character.
Cost of Living
Greece is one of Western Europe's most affordable destinations. A taverna meal for two — salad, grilled fish, wine, bread — costs €30–55 in most islands and less on the mainland. The exceptions are Santorini and Mykonos, where the same dinner runs €70–130. Mid-range hotels outside the premium islands: €80–160/night. Athens boutique hotels in Monastiraki or Koukaki: €90–180/night. Budget travellers using hostels and eating at local tavernas can manage €50–70/day. Santorini and Mykonos require a budget 2–3× higher than the rest of Greece.
Housing
Athens has excellent budget-to-mid options in Monastiraki, Psiri, and Koukaki from €70–160/night. Santorini's caldera-view hotels (Oia, Fira) are among Greece's most expensive: €250–800/night in peak season. Paros and Naxos offer far better value — studios and guesthouses from €60–140/night with comparable beauty. Rhodes Old Town has atmospheric medieval hotels from €70–150/night. Corfu's Paleokastritsa area has family villas and apartments from €100–200/night. Camping is legal and popular on many islands; organised campsites cost €10–20/person/night.
Visa & Entry
EU/EEA citizens enter Greece freely. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most Western nationals enter visa-free for 90 days under the Schengen Agreement. From mid-2025, non-EU visitors must complete ETIAS pre-authorisation (€7, online) before travel. Indian, South African, and most African and Asian passport holders require a Schengen visa from the Greek consulate — allow 15–20 working days.
Expat Life
Athens has a growing expat community, particularly among remote workers drawn by the Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2021, valid for 12 months, requires €3,500/month income). The Koukaki, Exarcheia, and Pangrati neighbourhoods are popular with international long-stayers. Greek bureaucracy for residency is notoriously slow — build significant buffer time into any administrative process. The islands have established British and German expat communities, particularly on Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete.
Greece suits couples seeking the classic Mediterranean island escape, history and archaeology enthusiasts for whom Athens and Delphi are essential, food and wine travellers exploring regional Greek cuisine, and island-hoppers who want variety across multiple islands in one trip. It also works well for families who want safe, calm seas and child-friendly beaches.
Santorini and Mykonos are genuinely overcrowded in July–August — cruise ship day-trippers pack the caldera villages and popular beaches. If these are on your list, go in May, early June, or October. Greek summer heat (38–42°C inland) is intense — hydration and shade planning matter. Rental car and scooter accidents are the most common travel injury; Greek mountain roads require caution.
Practical Tips
- Book ferries in advance for July–August — popular routes (Piraeus–Santorini, Piraeus–Mykonos) sell out weeks ahead. Use ferryscanner.com to compare operators (Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways). High-speed catamarans are 2× faster and 2× the price.
- The Athens metro runs directly from the airport to Syntagma Square in 40 minutes for €9. Buy a 5-journey card if you'll use the metro during your stay — much cheaper than taxis in the city centre.
- Visit the Acropolis at opening time (8am) or within the last 90 minutes before closing — the midday heat and tour group congestion make the middle of the day unpleasant. Pre-book tickets online at etickets.tap.gr to skip the queue.
- The combination ticket (€30) covering the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, and several other Athens archaeological sites is excellent value if you spend 2+ days in Athens.
- On Greek islands, hire a scooter or ATV for exploring — they're available everywhere for €15–25/day and are the standard way to reach remote beaches and villages. Bring your licence. Roads can be rough; go slowly on unsealed tracks.
- Eat where locals eat: look for the word 'ταβέρνα' (taverna) with handwritten menus and locals inside. Avoid restaurants directly on the main tourist waterfront — the mark-up is significant. Ouzo and tsipouro are served with free mezedes at traditional kafeneions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
EU citizens need no visa. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian nationals can visit visa-free for 90 days under the Schengen Agreement. From mid-2025, non-EU visitors must complete ETIAS pre-authorisation (€7) online before travel. Indian and most African/Asian passport holders require a Schengen visa from the Greek consulate.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
May–June and September–October offer the best combination: warm enough to swim (22–28°C sea temperature), manageable crowds, and lower prices than peak season. July–August is hot, crowded, and expensive — particularly on the Cyclades. For Athens sightseeing, March–May and October–November are ideal. The islands are largely closed November–March.
How do I get between the Greek islands?
Ferries from Piraeus (Athens) are the main connection. High-speed ferries reach Mykonos in 3h30 and Santorini in 5h; slower overnight ferries take 7–9h but are cheaper and include cabins. Between islands within the same group, smaller inter-island ferries run daily in summer. Domestic flights (Aegean Airlines, Sky Express) connect Athens to major islands in 45 minutes from €40–80 booked in advance.
Is Greece safe for tourists?
Greece is very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft in Athens (particularly on the Metro line 1 and in Monastiraki) is the main concern — keep bags in front in crowded areas. The islands are extremely safe. Emergency number: 112.
Official Resources
Updated 2026-04-12