Greece Travel Guide: What You Need to Know

Welcome to our Greece Travel Guide! “It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” This Henry Miller quote perfectly sums up my thoughts on Greece. It’s really the ultimate hidden gem of sorts — ancient sites, laid back, café culture, food and drink for days, and scenery to die for are just some of what Greece has to offer. Keep scrolling to learn more about Greece!

Quick Info on Greece

Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency of Greece.

Electrical Plug: Greece uses types C and F electrical plugs, which has two round posts. If you’re traveling from the US or Canada, you’ll need a plug adaptor. The voltage is 230V, so make sure any appliances are dual voltage.

Greece Visa: As a part of the Schengen area, Americans can enter Greece for 90 without having to apply for a visa ahead of time.

Religion: Greece has a fascinating religious history. In fact, the apostle Paul preached the gospel in many locations in Greece, most famously, in Corinth and Thessaloniki. Today, the majority of the country is Greek Orthodox.

Languages: Greek people speak the Greek language.

Opening Hours: Most shops open around 9 am, closing for a few hours between 2-5:30. Shops then reopen until around 9pm. Most stores are closed on Sundays. Stores in more populous and tourist areas may remain open all day.

When is the best time to go to Greece?

Greece’s climate is generally mild, Spring (March-May) and early fall (September – October) are the best times to go to Greece.

While early June is still nice, avoid going to Greece in the summer if you can. July-August is incredibly hot and crowded. However, visiting Greece in the heat is still enjoyable, especially if you want to swim at its many beaches. Take advantage of the mid-day break to get out of the heat before spending the evening outdoors.

What are the best things to do in Greece?

While most tourists know about Athens and Santorini, there are many wonderful things to discover in Greece! Coastal lovers, bask in the beauty of the Mediterranean or Aegean Sea. But that’s not all Greece has in store — there’s a lot to see on mainland Greece, as well. Click on any image below to learn more.

Where can I find tours in Greece?

To explore all that Greece has to offer, start by searching for tours on Viator. They have a range of offerings from Catamaran sailing, to skip-the-line-tickets to day trips from Athens. See some of the top tours in Greece, below.

Is Greece safe?

Greece is relatively safe for travelers. Of course, always remain alert, especially at night. Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

You may want to purchase travel insurance with World Nomads prior to your trip in case of an emergency or trip interruption. Find our more about travel insurance.

Blog Posts on Greece

Get started planning your trip by checking out our Greece blog posts, below.

Greece Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Do they speak English in Greece?

Although Greek is the official language in Greece, many people speak English, especially in the tourist areas.

What is the best travel guide for Greece?

When it comes to travel guides, we like DK Eyewitness guides. They are informative and include very useful visuals and maps so you know exactly what you’re looking at or where you are. We recommend their Athens and the Mainland Travel Guide, which we used on our last trip.

What is the best month to travel to Greece?

It’s best to travel to Greece in the spring or fall to avoid crowds and heat. The spring has the advantage of hosting many celebrations and festivals.

Are there any travel warnings for Greece?

To find out if there are any travel advisories or warnings for Greece, check the U.S. Department of State’s website. You can even look at their dedicated Greece information page.

How do you travel between islands in Greece?

To travel between the Greek islands, there is ferry service available. Some of the larger islands also have airports if you’d like to fly in from Athens before starting your island hopping tour.

Is Greece good for solo travel?

In our opinion, Greece is great for solo travel. It’s a very popular destination for tourism and is considered safe. Plus, it’s easy to get around and lots of people speak English.

What is the best way to travel around Greece?

Greece is easy to get around by train, ferry, or bus. Renting a car is also easy to do in Greece.

What cruise lines travel to Greece?

Many cruise lines visit Greece, with up to eight lines visiting Santorini at the same time during the high season! A few choices for visiting Greece on a cruise are Azamara, Celestyal, Start Clippers, Windstar, Princess, and Holland America (among others). We had a fabulous time on Celestyal!