Greece is best known for its ancient history, vibrant culture, pristine waters and sun-drenched islands, but with so many picture-perfect destinations and attractions to explore on both the mainland and throughout its 6,000 islands, it’s hard to know where to start.  

To make the task of deciding what to include on your Greece itinerary a little easier, here are a few favourites that are well worth considering. 

• Become acquainted with Athens – Often heralded as the cradle of Western civilization, few places hold as much historical and cultural significance as Athens. Famed for its contributions to philosophy, democracy and the arts, Athens is the ideal launching point for your Greek escape. Take in iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, ancient theatres and Panathenaic Stadium. It’s also worth visiting Monastiraki where you’ll find numerous ancient attractions set alongside a sprawling flea market, Plaka to enjoy a meal at a family-run taverna set among the narrow cobblestone streets, and Syntagma Square where you can witness the changing of the guard outside the Hellenic parliament. 

• Soak in the sights and sounds of Glyfada – Greece is known for its beautiful beaches, but many tourists don’t realise how easy it is to get a taste of Greece’s  waterside lifestyle without having to travel to an island. Only a short drive south of Athens, Glyfada is a vibrant beach-side suburb that’s bursting with trendy shopping boutiques, restaurants and beach bars that are waiting for you to explore!  

• Head out island hopping – With so many islands to explore, it’s near impossible to just pick one—so why not head out on an island hopping adventure! While you can fly to most of Greece’s larger islands, Greece also boasts an extensive ferry network which will connect you to many of the Aegean islands. Start your journey from Piraeus (Greece’s major ferry hub) and plan your journey based on what you’re most attracted to. The Cyclades are great if you want that quintessentially Greek island vibe of beautiful beaches set beside traditional white and blue stucco architecture, while the Dodecanese are fantastic if you’re more interested in visiting medieval castles, Byzantine churches and ancient archaeological sites. 

• Take in the breath-taking views from Santorini – Possibly the most well-known of the Greek islands, Santorini features on many traveller’s destination bucket lists—and for good reason. Renowned for its iconic blue-domed churches,  white-washed buildings which gradually cascading down the front of seaside cliffs, and breath-taking sunsets over the caldera, Santorini always serves up an unforgettable and enchanting experience for visitors.  

• Join the party in Mykonos or Ios – Many of Greece’s islands are known for their lively parties and vibrant nightlife and it can be a major drawcard among travellers (particularly younger travellers) from across the globe. While it may not be for everyone, if you do want to join the party, Mykonos or Ios have each built a reputation as home to some of the best beach clubs, seaside bars and nightclubs that pulse with music and revelry until the early morning hours. 

• Explore Thessaloniki – While Athens tends to get all the good press, it isn’t the only major city worth visiting in mainland Greece. With its archaeological sites, Byzantine monuments and Ottoman influences, Thessaloniki offers a unique blend of the past and present. Complemented by a lively atmosphere, waterfront promenades and dynamic culinary scene, it’s a compelling destination for travellers seeking historical exploration with some modern Greek charm. 

Climate 

Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.  

Temperatures often soar from June to August, with coastal areas typically reaching highs of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. These months are ideal for enjoying the country’s numerous beaches and islands, with island populations typically surging in line with peak tourism season. 

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer slightly milder weather which makes them great times to visit if you want to explore Greece’s many historical sites and natural landscapes. Winter, from December to February, brings cooler temperatures with occasional rainfall, especially in northern regions.  

Culture and language 

Greek is the official and most widely spoken language in Greece.  

Many Greek students study English as a second language, making it a widely spoken and understood language, particularly among the younger population and throughout the hospitality industry. While you shouldn’t experience too much difficultly communicating in English in most hotels and restaurants, it can be helpful to learn a few basic phrases or have a translation app handy if needed. 

Greek culture is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient traditions, historical influences and a vibrant contemporary spirit. Rooted in a rich history that birthed democracy, philosophy and classical arts, Greece embraces its past with pride. The influence of Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian civilisations has added layers to its cultural identity, which is evident through its architecture, cuisine and traditions.  

The warmth of Greek hospitality, expressed in the concept of “philoxenia” or love for strangers, is a hallmark of the culture and tourists are typically welcomed with open arms. Music, dance and festivals celebrate the diversity of regional identities, while the Mediterranean lifestyle is reflected in leisurely meals, lively gatherings and a profound connection to the sea.  

Getting around 

Major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki feature efficient public transport networks including buses and metro services which will connect you to key attractions and landmarks. Alternatively, taxis and ride sharing services are also readily available and relatively affordable, especially for short distances. A hire car can be a good option if you want to explore more of mainland Greece. 

To access the islands, flying or travelling by ferry will be your two main options. The islands are best explored on foot, however, you may also opt to use taxis or go on a boat tour to access some of the more remote attractions and beaches. You may even choose to hire a car, scooter or ATV—just make sure it comes with adequate vehicle insurance in case you have an accident.  

Accommodation 

You’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options throughout Greece including hotels, villas, serviced apartments, bed and breakfasts, private holiday home rentals, backpacker hostels, guest houses and beach resorts. 

Accommodation can be expensive in some locations during peak tourism season, so it’s worthwhile doing your research to find the most suitable option/s. 

Entry requirements 

Greece forms part of the Schengen Area, a group of European countries which allows Australians to travel freely for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. 

It’s always a good idea to visit the Australian government’s Smartraveller website and the website for your closest Greek embassy before your trip for the latest information and updates about travelling to Greece. 

All set for your trip to Greece?  

Make sure you’ve ticked these items off your checklist before you head off: 

• Check your passport is valid with at least 6 months of validity left from the date you plan to depart Greece 

• Ensure you meet the visitor entry requirements for Greece 

• Speak to your doctor to find out if you require any travel vaccinations 

• Arrange a travel currency card or another method of payment to cover expenses while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to take some Euro (EUR) with you as some places may prefer cash payments 

• Notify your financial institution of your plans to travel 

• Contact your phone provider to ensure your phone plan will cover you while you’re away or purchase a pre-paid international sim card 

• Arrange accommodation for each location you plan to stay in 

• Consider booking any tours or activities you want to do in advance. This is can be particularly helpful if you want to skip long lines when visiting major attractions such as the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum during peak tourist season 

• Provide details of your travel plans to a family member or close friend not travelling with you so you can be contacted in case of an emergency 

• Save the details of how to access emergency consular assistance in case you need it 

• Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard.