Greece Travel Planning Guide

What is the local currency in Greece?

The local currency in Greece is the EURO. Credit cards are used in Greece and on the Islands so you won’t have any problems paying with Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. However, cash is still king in Greece and many places might require cash payments. ATMs are widely available and I suggest withdrawing money rather than using exchange desks. 

Language spoken

The local language spoken in Greece is Greek.

However, English is widely spoken and you won’t have to worry about people not understanding you even at the small local shop. 

Even though Greek has its own written characters, most signs will be also in Latin form. 

Do I need a visa for Greece?

Greece is a part of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement; therefore, EU citizens don’t need a visa to visit, and U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

If you are traveling from other parts of the world, you must get in touch with a local embassy or consulate, or check the requirements on iVisa. 

Best time to travel to Greece

Summer is the most popular season for visiting Greece. 

However, since temperatures skyrocket in July and August, and along with them the prices rise as well. Even though we visited on many occasions during summer, I would strongly recommend planning a vacation for May-June or September-October.

Is Greece safe to travel to?

The short answer is yes.

Despite its challenges, Greece remains a relatively safe country for tourists. In fact, according to the Global Peace Index, Greece ranks as the 50th safest country in the world. However, as with any destination, there are some precautions that travelers should keep in mind.

When traveling to Athens, make sure to check the best areas to stay in, or better yet, where not to choose to stay. We learned this the hard way when we ended up staying close to Omonia Square. Also, always keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying large sums of money with you. Especially in crowded tourist areas, there are plenty of pickpocketers and thieves (cars have been broken into while they were parked at supermarkets).

In recent years, Greece has also been prone to floods and wildfires, so it’s important for travelers to stay informed about potential risks during their visit. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service regularly updates its website with information about weather and natural disasters, so be sure to check it before your trip.

How to get to Greece

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will either have a direct flight to the island of your choice or land in Athens. 

From Athens, there are plenty of ferry boats linking Greece’s capital to many of the islands, but also internal flights. 

Greek Islands with airport: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Astypalaia, Chios, Karpathos, Kasos, Kefallonia, Kithira, Kos, Lemnos, Leros, Mytilene, Samos,  Skiathos, Skyros, Syros, Zante, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kastelorizo.

If you choose to travel to the mainland and the Peloponnese, landing in Athens or Thessaloniki would be the best choice.

Use Skyscanner.com to check for the best flight connections. 

How to get around Greece

Depending on the destination you choose to visit, it would almost always make sense to rent a car. 

Read the complete guide for driving in Greece here!

Discover Cars is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. 

Also, traveling by ferry is common, especially when you plan for a longer itinerary that might include visiting the mainland and islands. You can use FerryHopper to check timetables, prices, and routes.

Moreover, avoid being scammed by taxis by booking your transfer online, ahead of time. I recommend booking through GetYourGuide – they have a wide selection of tours and a great cancellation policy. They also provide transfers. 

Driving in Greece

Renting a car in Greece is easy and recommended when you want to make the best out of your vacation. However, drive vigilantly, because drivers in Greece tend to drive aggressively. Moreover, the roads are winding, narrow, and sometimes not extremely well-marked.

Tipping in Greece

Is tipping expected in Greece?

Overall, tipping in Greece is not expected but always appreciated when service exceeds expectations. When it comes to tipping in Greece, a gratuity of between 5% and 10% is a good guide.

How much do you tip hotel staff?

For hotel staff, leaving a small tip for housekeeping or bellhops is appreciated but not expected.

Should I tip in All inclusive Greece?

In all-inclusive resorts in Greece, tipping is not expected as most services are included in the package. However, if you receive exceptional service from a specific staff member, it is always appreciated to leave a small tip as a token of your appreciation.

How many days in Greece?

That depends a lot on what you plan to do and where you want to go. We spent anywhere from one week to one month in Greece without getting bored.

If you want to see all the major tourist attractions and explore multiple islands, a minimum of 10-14 days would be recommended.

However, if you are looking for a more relaxed vacation with fewer destinations, you can easily spend a week or even just a few days in one location and still experience Greece’s beauty. A city break in Athens or Thessaloniki is always a good idea.

Ultimately, the amount of time you spend in Greece will depend on your budget, schedule, and desired itinerary, but no matter how long you stay, there will always be something new to discover.

Travel Insurance

While traveling to Greece is generally safe, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance for added protection.

From flight cancellations to lost luggage and unexpected medical emergencies, travel insurance can provide coverage for various unforeseen events that may occur during your trip.

Our go-to insurance is EKTA. Everyone between the ages of 1 and 100 can buy it online on the website. You will receive your insurance policy by email within 2-3 minutes. There is a multilingual technical support chat 24/7. Book your package here!

Moreover, they offer luggage insurance as well, and you can also book it online here.

Greece SIM Card

A SIM card can be a great investment when traveling to Greece as it allows you to stay connected with your loved ones and access important information while on the go.

With a local SIM card, you can avoid expensive international roaming charges and have access to affordable data plans for easy navigation and communication.

Plus, having a working phone number can come in handy in case of emergencies.

What to pack for Greece

Because you will most likely visit during spring, summer, or fall when the weather is nice and sunny, here are a few things you should not leave at home when you travel to Greece.

Sunglasses, bathing suit, sunscreen, and a beach towel

A sun hat – not only for the beach but many tourist attractions in Greece are under the sun

Comfortable shoes for walking up stairs and on slippery surfaces and cobblestone streets

Light and comfortable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and swimwear are essential for your trip.

How much does an average trip to Greece cost?

That depends a lot on various factors such as where you choose to stay, what places you choose to visit, and what types of restaurants you choose to go to.

As a guideline, on our one month in Peloponnese in September 2023, we spent around 1700 EUR on everything else except accommodation. This includes having coffee/drinks outside every day, eating at the restaurant every now and then (we traveled with a 10-month-old baby), grocery shopping, gas, and tourist attractions.

On the other hand, our shorter vacations in Crete or Santorini were more expensive because we stayed in a hotel and ate mostly out. In both destinations, we spent between 50-80 euros for a meal for 2.

Best Greek islands

Greece is known for its stunning islands, each with its own unique charm and beauty. With over 6,000 islands to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit during your trip.

Some popular and highly recommended Greek islands include Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Zakynthos. These islands offer a combination of breathtaking views, delicious cuisine, rich history, and vibrant nightlife.

It’s best to research and plan ahead to determine which islands align with your interests and travel style.

Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path and choose lesser-known islands especially if you want to skip the crowds:

• Ios or Milos in the Cyclades are as charming as Santorini or Mykonos
• Skopelos Island is also known as the Mamma Mia Island because that’s where the movie was filmed
• Naxos is the place to go to for incredible sandy beaches
• Kefalonia is perfect if you are traveling with the family

Internet connection in Greece

Internet connection is ok, but not great in Greece. However, it depends a lot on where you are traveling from and what you plan to do with it.

There are areas without coverage, but mainly in less popular areas or roads.

Do I need a travel adapter for Greece?

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will or won’t need a travel adapter for Greece as the country uses Type C and Type F power outlets.

How to book flights to Greece

The best way to search for flights to Greece is by using an online aggregator such as Skyscanner.com. You can search for a certain period, or you can choose anytime if you just want to find the best price. Also, you can save your trip and set up alerts for when the prices drop or rise.

Can I drink the tap water in Greece?

Generally, you can drink tap water in Greece. However, in certain areas, it might taste like chlorine or salt.

That means you can safely have ice in Greece and brush your teeth with tap water in Greece.