Greece holidays

Why Greece holidays never go out of fashion

Few countries offer as much variety for a summer holiday as Greece. You can spend a week on a quiet island with nothing but tavernas and coves, explore the ruins of ancient Athens, or hop between islands by ferry, each with its own landscape and character.

Greece holidays are also easy to plan from the UK, with direct flights to Athens and to many of the islands during the summer season. In this guide, we look at the main regions, the best places to visit in Greece and how to choose the island that suits you.

Athens and the mainland

Athens is the natural starting point for many trips. The Acropolis and the Parthenon tower above the city, and the old neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki below are full of tavernas, rooftop bars and markets. Two or three days is enough for the highlights before heading to the islands.

The mainland has plenty more to offer: the ancient site of Delphi, the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, the Peloponnese with its beaches and historic towns, and Thessaloniki in the north, known for its food scene.

The best Greek islands for a holiday

The Greek islands are grouped into several chains, and choosing the right one makes a big difference to your trip.

• The Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos, with whitewashed villages and dry, rocky landscapes.

• Crete: the largest island, with mountains, gorges, Minoan history and long sandy beaches.

• The Ionian Islands: Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos on the west coast, greener and lusher.

• The Dodecanese: Rhodes and Kos, close to Turkey, with medieval old towns.

• The Sporades: Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos, known for pine forests and clear water.

If it is your first time, Crete, Corfu or Rhodes are easy choices with plenty of flights and things to do. For island hopping, the Cyclades are well connected by ferry.

Skopelos: the Mamma Mia island

One of our favourites is Skopelos in the Sporades, one of the greenest islands in Greece. Pine forests run down to small coves, and the harbour town is one of the prettiest in the Aegean. There is no airport on the island, so you fly to Skiathos and take a short ferry ride.

Skopelos became famous as the main location for the first Mamma Mia film. Read our guide to where Mamma Mia was filmed to find the chapel, beaches and villages from the film.

Greek food you should try

Food is a big part of any Greek holiday. Order a selection of meze to share: tzatziki, fava, grilled octopus, fried courgettes and a classic Greek salad with feta and olive oil. Souvlaki and gyros make a quick, cheap lunch.

Each island has its own specialities. On Skopelos, for example, look out for the local cheese pie, while Crete is known for its olive oil, raki and mountain herbs. Eat where the locals eat, and do not expect dinner much before nine in the evening.

Getting around Greece

Ferries are the lifeblood of the islands. Large conventional ferries and faster catamarans connect Piraeus and other mainland ports with most islands, and there are domestic flights to the larger ones. Timetables are reduced outside summer, so check routes before planning an island-hopping trip.

On the islands themselves, hiring a car, scooter or quad bike is the easiest way to reach remote beaches. Greece is just one of many sun destinations on our overview of the best places to visit in Europe.

When is the best time to visit Greece?

The best time to visit Greece is from May to June and from September to October. The sea is warm enough for swimming, the temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing, and the islands are less crowded than in midsummer.

July and August are hot and busy, with the strong meltemi wind blowing through the Aegean islands. October is often still warm in the south and on Crete. In winter, many island hotels and restaurants close, but Athens works well for a city break all year round.

Frequently asked questions about Greece holidays

Where should you go in Greece for the first time?

For a first trip to Greece, combine a few days in Athens with one or two islands. Crete is a great all-rounder with beaches, history and food, Santorini and Naxos show off the Cyclades, and Corfu or Rhodes are easy to reach with many direct flights from the UK.

Is Greece hot in October?

Yes, Greece is usually still warm in October, especially in the south and on islands such as Crete and Rhodes. The sea keeps much of its summer warmth, and daytime temperatures are pleasant for swimming and sightseeing. Expect cooler evenings and the occasional rainy day later in the month.

What currency does Greece use?

Greece uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but it is a good idea to carry some cash for small tavernas, kiosks, local buses and remote beaches, where card machines are not always available.

Do you need a visa to visit Greece from the UK?

British citizens can currently visit Greece for short holidays without a visa, but the Schengen area is introducing new digital entry systems. Check the latest official travel advice before you go and make sure your passport meets the validity requirements for travel to the EU.