With 230 islands, 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mountains, beaches, and nightlife, a trip to Greece is one that will be remembered for a lifetime.
If you are planning a trip to Greece, there’s a lot to consider, even before you leave! A Greece trip planner can help you sort out the logistics of your trip, including how you’ll get to and from Greece and travel through the country. You’ll also want to think about other things, like where you want to go and what you want to do while you’re there. Greece is a small country, but the opportunities for travel & exploration are endless.
Everything to Know About Planning a Trip to Greece in 2023
Does Greece Require a Passport?
You may need a passport or visa to enter Greece, depending on where you are traveling from. A visa is optional for people visiting Greece from countries in the European Union, as all 26 countries in the EU have signed the Schengen Agreement. Travelers from the US and those from Australia and Singapore also do not need a visa to enter Greece unless they are planning to stay over 90 days. If you are unsure about visa requirements for your country of departure, check the government website of Greece to find out.
Travelers from other countries, including the US, generally need a visa to enter Greece. If your passport is not up to date, or if you don’t have one, a VIP travel concierge can help you obtain a passport in time for your planned travel to Greece.
Best Time of Year to Visit Greece
Greece is a great destination year-round! However, there are certain times of the year that you may want to avoid if you’re looking for a quieter experience without as many tourists to contend with. The peak tourist season for Greece is the summer months of July and August. May and June in late spring and early summer are prime times for visiting Greece, as a Europe VIP travel concierge agency can tell you. September is also a great time to visit Greece for fantastic weather and fewer crowds. Keep in mind that some holidays and special events throughout the year may bring more tourists to Greece for shorter periods, such as the Orthodox Easter. Unlike Easter in the US, the Orthodox Easter celebration runs for a full week. It is the most important holiday of the year in Greece – equivalent to Christmas or New Year’s in the US – and there are many festivities and celebrations to partake in during this time.
Where to Visit When Traveling Greece
Once you’ve decided that you want to take a trip to Greece, you’ll want to think about where you want to go in the country. Sometimes that is the most challenging part of all! With hundreds of islands to visit and many beautiful beaches, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your time. Mainland Greece has much to offer, but the surrounding islands are a great destination as well. Before you settle on a place to check out in Greece, it helps to figure out how much time you have for your vacation. Once you have a timeframe in mind, deciding if you want to stick to the mainland or visit the outlying islands is easier.
Some of the top places to explore in Greece include:
- Athens
- Mykonos
- Santorini
- Crete
- Naxos
- Paros
Athens is the capital of Greece, and it, therefore, has many of the country’s most famed attractions. Here you will find renowned sites and destinations, including the Parthenon, Agora Greek Ruins, and Plaska, along with many beautiful preserved Greek temples.
Mykonos is a beautiful island destination in Greece that is famed for its town center with bars, shops, and restaurants. This island also has incredible beaches and spectacular sunsets. If you’re planning to visit Greece in the summer, Mykonos is a top place to check out for its great nightlife. Along with its large dance clubs, Mykonos also has stunning ruins, including a famous row of 16th-century windmills.
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, and it is known for its pristine white sand beaches, excellent cuisine, and hospitality. Santorini is an island formed from volcanoes, which adds to its stunning scenery. There are many great resorts and tourist amenities here, as a Europe VIP travel concierge can point out.
Crete is another spectacular place in Greece to check out. Crete is home to world-renowned beaches with white sand and gently rolling waves. It also has a historical element with Greek ruins and ancient temples. Crete is a destination for those who want a taste of Greek nightlife, and it also has top-notch bars and restaurants.
Naxos is another fine destination in Greece. Naxos has marvelous beaches along with numerous quaint small towns. History is alive and well here too, where you’ll find even more Greek ruins to check out, along with historic castles. Naxos is known for its waterside villages, which are some of the most charming and spectacular in the entire country. Along with shoreline villages, this island also showcases stunning Venetian mansions and a famous site called Kastro, a castle overlooking the ocean constructed in the 13th century. History aficionados will also appreciate the archaeological museum on the island.
The Greek island of Paros is another place you won’t want to miss. There are lovely beaches here to explore, too, along with quaint Greek towns. Of all the Greek islands, Paros is best known for its traditional villages, which makes it a great spot to visit if you want to interact with the locals and get a taste of authentic Greek life while you are in town.
Need help planning your trip to Greece? We’re a VIP Travel Concierge service that can help navigate planning every step of the way, so you can arrive refreshed & ready to explore. The Global Key would love to plan your next vacation or build out the perfect travel itinerary. Contact The Global Key at info@theglobalkey.com.
